Official Rick Bourke

[Yahoo News]

FORMER Sharks fullback Rick Bourke died today after losing his battle with cancer.

Source: http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,20136967-23210,00.html?from=rss

Sharks legend Bourke dies
15-Aug-2006

FORMER Sharks fullback Rick Bourke died today after losing his battle with cancer. Bourke, 51, who was best remembered for scoring the Sharks' lone try in the 1973 grand final, died at the John Flynn Hospital on the Gold Coast at 3am today.

Bourke scored 38 first grade tries in a 10-year stint at the Sharks before finishing his career with a season at South Sydney. "Rick was an outstanding clubman at the Sharks," CEO Greg Pierce said.

NRL CEO David Gallop also passed on his condolences and expressed the feelings of many in the rugby league community.

The Sharks will distribute funeral details when they are finalised.

 

[Yahoo News]

Former Shark loses fight against cancer

FORMER Cronulla fullback Rick Bourke, who scored the Sharks' only try in the 1973 grand final, yesterday lost his battle with cancer. -

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/news/league/former-shark-loses-fight-against-cancer/2006/08/15/1155407811608.html

Former Shark loses fight against cancer
August 16, 2006
Brad Walter

FORMER Cronulla fullback Rick Bourke, who scored the Sharks' only try in the 1973 grand final, yesterday lost his battle with cancer.

Bourke, who was 51, had undergone three operations to remove a tumour from his brain, but each time it returned.

"Those who have known him in more recent times have nothing but admiration for the way he has battled his illness with courage and dignity," Sharks CEO Greg Pierce said.

NRL chief executive David Gallop said: "As a player, Rick's attacking style inspired fans and young playing hopefuls alike. His courage during his recent battles with ill health was equally inspiring." Funeral details are yet to be announced.

 

[Google News]

OzTag Team Dedicates Win To Rick Bourke

Tag team aims to repeat success
Mitchell Craig
11th November 2010

The FNC men’s Over-50s Oztag team includes (from left) Neil Cameron, Ray Wakefield and Serge Brecard.

THE Far North Coast Over-50s men’s Oztag team is determined to defend its Australian championship at Coffs Harbour from tomorrow.

In was an emotional victory for the team in their thrilling 3-2 win over Cronulla in the final last year.

They dedicated the title to 1970s Cronulla Sharks rugby league flyer Rick Bourke, who had plenty to do with the success of the team.

Bourke died of cancer in 2006.

“Rick was a good friend to us all,” team captain Neil Cameron said.

“He helped get Oztag up and running in Mullumbimby and helped coach our side.

“We have never forgotten the effort he put in.

“Rick watched us play from the sidelines when he was very ill back in 2006; it was very inspirational, he was a great man.”

Cameron will line up for the team’s first game tomorrow night with regulars Serge Brecard and former Balmain Tigers player Ray Wakefield.

The trio was selected as part of the Australian Over-50s Oztag team that travelled to Auckland in March for a five-Test series against New Zealand.

The FNC team this week includes plenty of former rugby league players with new additions Craig Whitby and Kevin Mulcahy.

“Oztag is similar to rugby league,” Cameron said.

“It’s more creative than touch footy because it involves a bit of kicking and creating team set plays.”

FNC Oztag will be taking a record number of five teams down to the three-day tournament.

For the first time a men’s Over-30s side has been entered and Cameron thinks it will help lift his Over-50s team.

“I think the younger blokes in the 30s team will be the ones to watch this year,” he said.

“I expect them to raise the bar and set a standard.”

The Australian Oztag championships regularly feature former league greats, such as former Canberra Raiders great and current Queensland Origin coach, Mal Meninga.

Former NRL referee Bill Harrigan is also a regular – he is the tournament director at the championships.

The action kicks off for all five FNC teams tomorrow night at the BCU International Stadium in Coffs Harbour.

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=.../11/tag-team-aims-to-repeat-on-field-success/