Former Canberra Raiders chairman John McIntyre will today be inducted into the ACT Sport Hall of Fame. McIntyre was with the Raiders for more than 30 years as chairman, chief executive and on the finance committee, before stepping down in 2013.
McIntyre will be joining father Les on the list of Canberra’s sporting elite, becoming the first father-son duo ever inducted. Les was the inaugural chairman and a life member of the Canberra Raiders, being one of the key figures behind the Raiders entry into the NSW Rugby League competition in 1982.
"It's pretty humbling [to be in the Hall of Fame], my first reaction was to wonder with Les in there if there was any other father-sons in the Hall of Fame," McIntyre said.
McIntyre has been involved in many of the Raiders greatest achievements including the clubs three premierships in 1989, 1990 and 1994. McIntyre says there's one highlight that stands above all – the Raiders' 1989 grand final win.
"Everyone has been saying this year's grand final was the best. But the '89 grand final is still the stand out, it wasn't won or lost by a tragic mistake as what happened with the Broncos," McIntyre said.
"It was decided by high-quality football and it will maintain that mantle until a similar event comes along."
McIntyre is particularly excited by the future awaiting the Raiders, especially after the recent re-signings of key players including Jack Wighton and Josh Papalii.
"The Raiders have a really good feel about it now, Ricky is getting the passion back into the place," McIntyre said.
"Wighton and Papalii re-signing is huge. The main reason it's been difficult to attract players is because of names. Back in my day we got a guy like Mal Meninga, he was the player everyone wanted to play alongside. That's very hard to find at the moment. Perhaps Jack Wighton could develop into one of those.”
"Then there's Josh Papalii and Blake Austin, so many promising young fellas in there that there's a great feel about it.”
McIntyre also helped to establish the Queanbeyan Gift handicap race among his many other sporting contributions.
Since his retirement McIntyre has remained with the Raiders in an official role as club patron. John and Les McIntyre have built a legacy at the Raiders that will always be remembered.
McIntyre will be inducted as an associate member into the hall of fame, alongside nine other athletes and officials.
Are you a 2016 Raiders Member? Sign up today at www.weareraiders.com.au
