John 'Reebs' Ribot

The architect of Super League’s attempted take-over of the game in 1995, the former Queensland winger/forward first represented his state in 1977 before coming to Newtown as part of the club's rebuilding program. Playing under his full name, John Ribot de Bresac, he met with only limited success and returned to Brisbane in 1979 after suffering a groin injury. Ribot was thrown a lifeline by Wests and was shifted to the wing by coach Roy Masters. Ribot used his pace and strength to great effect on the flank, representing NSW before making his Test debut against France in 1981. The following year, he signed with Manly and made his State of Origin debut for the Maroons before playing in two Tests against NZ. After the Sea Eagles' grand final loss to P’matta, Ribot was selected on the 'Invincibles' Kangaroo Tour, playing in two Tests, against Papua New Guinea and France. He returned to Brisbane to play for Redcliffe after Manly's 1983 grand final loss but his rep career did not miss a beat. Ribot played in all three Tests against NZ in 1985 and his try in the Second Test in Auckland saved Australia from certain defeat. After his retirement, Ribot became QRL Development Manager and the first Chief Executive of the Brisbane Broncos. While Ribot's talents as an administrator were reflected in the club's success during the 1990s, he was continually at loggerheads with the NSWRL. The turning point was the decision by the NSWRL to sack him from its Premiership Policy Committee in 1993. Ribot found News Ltd a willing participant in forming an elite, rival competition with the Bronco Chief Executive leaving Brisbane to head up the organisation known as Super League. After partially realising his ‘vision’ in getting the competition up and running in 1997, he secured the franchise to form a club in Melbourne. While the Storm won the 1999 grand final in only its second season in existence, Ribot’s single-minded battle for acceptance in an AFL-dominated city eventually saw him resign the post in 2003.