By Geoff Rodgers, President of Brothers Rugby Club
The passing of Brothers Rugby stalwart, David “Mario” Logan, in the recent Moreton Bay boating mishap was a devastating tragedy – our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the three gentlemen who did not survive.
Brothers has produced plenty of legends in its 119-year history, but Dave was one of the best – on the field through his incredible playing career, but most importantly off the field as a human being. Embodying all the virtues of Aussie mateship, he was unconditionally honest, kind-hearted, fun and of the highest integrity. And, he was the ultimate “Brothers man” – always helping out, a great player, successful coach, Hobbits Bar volunteer, touch committee member and always there to offer some constructive advice to current players.
Dave grew up in a large family at Banyo, attending St Pius Primary School before entering St Columban’s College at Albion Heights in Grade 6 in 1965. It was at Columban’s – and the rough and tumble of Banyo Park – that he developed his sporting abilities, playing both 1st XV rugby and 1st XI cricket in 1970 and 1971.
Fellow Brothers stalwart and St Columban’s compatriot, Greg Burke, mused: “Dave thrived at school. His sporting ability was very evident; however, it was his unique character, sense of humour and entertaining nature that also came to the fore. Leading the way as a genuine ‘prankster’, the Three Stooges was compulsory viewing, and his parodies and slapstick antics made the schoolyard a very active, hilarious and potentially ‘risky’ environment.”
After school, Dave ventured down to Crosby Park as most Columban’s old boys did. He played at the club from 1972-82 – interrupted by a two-year stint at Rockhampton Brothers in the mid-70s. It was at Brothers that he was exposed to coaching greats – Des Connor, “Tich” Reid and Ron Price, and fellow teammate luminaries Dick Cocks, Tony Shaw, Paul McLean, Chris Handy, Tony Darcy, Brendan Moon and many others in what was arguably the most “golden” of Brothers’ many golden eras.
Long-time friend and fellow Brothers great, Paul McLean, recounted: “In total, Dave played 156 games for the club including 121 first grade games. He was a central part of five first-grade premiership teams (’74, ’75, ’78, ’80, ’82), played nine games for Queensland from 1974-76, and represented Queensland Under 19 and Under 18 and Queensland Country. He also coached at Brothers including being involved in the premiership winning Reserve Grade teams of 2008 and 2009.”
He is survived by his partner Jenny, children Anna and Alex, and grandchildren Islay and Theodore.
Yes, Dave was one of Brothers greats and it has been our absolute privilege to have had him in our lives. He was a great mate and will never be forgotten. May he Rest in Peace.
Photo captions:
- David Logan (left) and John Conley chairing off Brothers Premiership-winning captain Dick Cocks at the 1978 Grand Final victory
- Brothers 1980 A Grade team
