The Dolphins are set to celebrate a milestone in their rich history by wearing a special 2025 heritage jersey when they face the Wests Tigers at Kayo Stadium in their first home game of the season on Saturday, 22 March. The jersey pays tribute to the club’s first-ever Brisbane Rugby League (BRL) premiership win in 1965, a victory that not only cemented Redcliffe’s status in Queensland rugby league but also played a role in shaping the future of the sport.
The historic Grand Final occurred on 11 September 1965, when the Dolphins defeated Fortitude Valley Diehards 15-2 in front of more than 25,000 fans at Lang Park. The win was a defining moment for Redcliffe, marking its emergence as a force in the BRL. The team’s success that season was powered by Arthur Beetson and Kevin Yow Yeh, two young players who would leave a lasting impact on the game.
A Victory That Shaped the Dolphins’ Future
Redcliffe’s 1965 premiership was more than just a breakthrough title—it began a legacy that continues to influence the club today. The team, led by John Treeby at five-eighth, controlled the match with discipline and resilience. Yow Yeh scored two tries, securing his status as the game’s standout performer. His efforts were recognised in the Telegraph newspaper the next day, which declared him “The Hero.”
Meanwhile, Beetson played a crucial role in the forwards, showing the strength and skill that would later make him one of rugby league’s greatest figures. While still an emerging player at the time, Beetson’s performance in the Grand Final hinted at the legendary career that lay ahead. He would later become the first Indigenous Australian to captain a national team in any sport, making history beyond just the club level.
A Turning Point for Redcliffe
The impact of the 1965 victory extended well beyond the field. The success of that season attracted the attention of New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) clubs, with Balmain securing the signatures of both Beetson and Yow Yeh the following year. The transfer fee from the two players allowed Redcliffe to build its first clubhouse, a pivotal step in the club’s long-term development.
Both Beetson and Yow Yeh had immediate success at Balmain, helping the club finish second on the ladder in 1966 and reach the Grand Final, though they fell short against St George. Beetson went on to become a Balmain premiership winner in 1969, while Yow Yeh continued his career before returning to Queensland.
Honouring the Past with a Special Jersey
As the Dolphins take the field against the Wests Tigers, they will be wearing a red heritage jersey with two white chevrons, a nod to the iconic design from 1965. The match holds a symbolic connection—the Tigers are the modern-day club that evolved from Balmain, the very team that recruited Beetson and Yow Yeh after their premiership win.
This tribute is a way for the Dolphins community to reconnect with the club’s roots, celebrating the players and moments that helped shape Redcliffe into the team it is today.
With generations of fans now supporting the NRL Dolphins, the 2025 heritage round serves as a reminder of how far the club has come—from a local Queensland side to a national competitor.
Published 19-March-2025