Three generations of Canberra Raiders stalwarts were on hand today to accept a Centenary plaque commemorating the Queanbeyan Leagues Club’s proud historical link to “the Green Machine”.

As a major supporter of rugby league in the district since its doors first opened in 1961, the Queanbeyan Leagues Club is considered the ‘birthplace’ of the Raiders, who entered the NSW competition in 1982.

Presented as part of the Australian Rugby League’s nation-wide program to honour sites of historical significance to rugby league, the Leagues Club’s Centenary plaque is one of five to be unveiled at Canberra/Queanbeyan venues.

“Rugby League history in Queanbeyan goes back to the 1920’s and it’s been a big part of the region ever since,” Raiders Chairman John McIntyre said today.

“In the early days while the Raiders were still beginning to find their feet on-field it was the Queanbeyan Leagues Club who helped them financially as well, and they still do today.

“It’s great to see some recognition for a lot of hard work by a lot of people over a long period of time… through the Centenary plaque.”

Raiders legend and current assistant coach David Furner said the Leagues Club plaque represented the acknowledgement of a tremendous association with grass roots rugby league in the region.

“I look back at my Queanbeyan Blues days - being a junior and obviously being born and bred in Queanbeyan – [and] the Queanbeyan Leagues Club has been a massive part of the community and the Raiders,” Furner said today.

“Through guys such as Les McIntyre, John McIntyre, my father Don Furner and many others, there’s been a great association between the club and the Raiders.”

Current Raiders player and former Queanbeyan junior Terry Campese, who joined McIntyre, David Furner, Raiders Chief Executive Don Furner and Raiders Group Chairman Simon Hawkins at today’s unveiling ceremony, said the Leagues Club had always been a central part of the rugby league landscape in the Canberra region.

“The Queanbeyan Leagues Club has been a part of the town since I was born and I know that a lot of my family has been coming here for most of their lives, so it’s great for it to be recognised [in this way],” Campese said today.

The Canberra/Queanbeyan region will be recognised again further in the year, with Centenary plaques also due to be unveiled at Canberra Stadium, Seiffert Oval, Crookwell and Northbourne Oval.

The Centenary plaques program continues on Saturday in the NSW country towns of Muswellbrook and Singleton, while unveiling ceremonies in Nowra, Sydney and Brisbane are set to take place later this month.