City statue a ‘Cracker’ idea
EACH SATURDAY The Chronicle team talks about the big issues in sport locally, nationally and internationally.
Glen, Jason and Sean share some of their views in the hope it will generate some discussion among The Chronicle’s readership.
Tell us what you think about today’s topic by emailing jason.gibbs@thechronicle.com .au or send an SMS to 0437 875 203.
Today The Chronicle sport team is talking about statuesque honours.
North Melbourne great and famed premiership coach Malcolm Blight, who has his own statue outside the Adelaide Oval, erupted over the NAB-commissioned statue of AFLW player Tayla Harris her famous kick now immortalised in bronze.
Blight said the decision to give the Carlton player her own statue was “ludicrous” and “mystifying” in a sensational rant.
We’re steering clear of that and instead focusing on who from Toowoomba should get a statue.
JASON GIBBS: Mine is a bold vision which may get artistic purists off-side so please forgive me.
Once I got this idea in my head, I found myself torn between John McDonald and Nikki Hudson.
The man known as “Cracker” played a key role in shaping modern-day rugby league and is befitting of multiple awards.
Hudson – like Cracker – also played a massive role in shaping the future of her sport.
The first female hockey player to play 300 games for Australia, she changed how the game was played and inspired the next generation of players (and is still an inspiration to many young Toowoomba players).
So here’s my idea – a football fired off the deck by Cracker being struck mid-air by Hudson – in Queens Park.
In all seriousness though, it would have to be one or the other for me – but then again it’s an almost impossible task – just think of the countless sporting stars and officials we have produced.
SEAN TEUMA: Having not been in Toowoomba as long, I might have a bit of recency bias with my response, however it’s hard to look past John McDonald.
You only have to look at his contributions to rugby league over the years, and his present involvement in helping the TRL wherever possible that make him a good fit in my eyes.
Toowoomba Mountaineers director John Gouldson would be another good option.
The man has done a stack of work to help the program out, and although it wasn’t a great year in 2019, the franchise is making good strides.
With the Darling Downs Bush Bash League starting tomorrow, if Brian May gets in the runs as expected, you could make a good case for him to be etched in statue form.
He has scored more runs than Toowoomba’s population has had baked dinners, and doesn’t look like stopping any time soon.
Finally, throw Steve Tregea’s great Bergerac into the frame for consideration, as well.
I was having a so-so day on the punt during 2018 Weetwood
Handicap day, however Bergerac made it a great day when he stormed home in the Get Out Stakes to finish the day.
They put him up at a generous $2.90 too, so for that he can receive the ultimate honour on the lawn at Clifford Park.
GLEN McCULLOUGH: For my money it has to be a sporting identity.
Their names and deeds live on forever through generations whereas the memories of politicians, academics, and event the noblest of volunteers seem to fade with time.
John “Cracker” McDonald is absolutely the right person to be honoured with a Toowoomba statue as the other boys have already outlined.
His sporting achievements speak for themselves.
But his contribution to this city over numerous decades reaches far beyond sport.
I can’t think of too many people during my time who have filled the unofficial role of Toowoomba ambassador and citizen better than John McDonald.
I can’t finish my two bobs’ worth without throwing in the name of Bernborough.
How about we put his statue next to Cracker’s.
The Toowoomba Terror is amongst Australia’s greatest race horses of all time yet there is practically nothing in this town to link us with the thoroughbred legend.