MAITLAND PICKERS RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB
Maitland Pickers represents a proud heritage. The Current Pickers continue this legacy with a commitment to ensure Maitland remains one of the most well known and sucessful Rugby League towns in Country Rugby League. The Pumpkin Picker emblem remains at the forefront of a club representing one of the largest junior nursery’s in Australia.
History
The Maitland Pumpkin Pickers were formed from a merger of Maitland United and Morpeth-East Maitland in the 1942 season after Maitland City struggled to field teams. During the 1940s, Newcastle Rugby League experienced a drastic change when the league was reduced from 10 to 8 teams after Morpeth-East Maitland made a departure at the start of the 1942 season and Eastern Suburbs folding before the semi-finals. It was decided the defunct Morpeth-East Maitland, would merge to form the Maitland Pumpkin Pickers.[1] In 1933, Maitland won their maiden premiership.
History of working class men
An Era of dominance prevailed when Maitland played in seven consecutive Grand Finals from 1954-1960. Winning a hat trick of titles from 1956-1958 and were runner up in three. Cessnock defeated Maitland in 1954 and 1955 when floods ravaged the town. Internationals Frank Stanmore and Ian Johnson Captain Coached the 54, 55 teams respectively before Manly prop Fred Brown took over in 1956. Brown created history by guiding the Pickers to their First hat trick of titles before losing 13-12 to Northern Suburbs and 33-5 to Cessnock in the next 2 deciders.
Success
Team work
Best facilities
Club Coach
Matt Lantry
