About Newtown Lions

The history of Newtown Lions Rugby League Football Club in Toowoomba

Newtown Lions Rugby League Football Club (R.L.F.C) is a passionate, non-profit sporting organisation with a rich history in Toowoomba Rugby League (TRL).

Newtown Lions R.L.F.C was established in 1915, with a small hiatus between the years 2011-2018 and have recently returned to Toowoomba’s local competition in 2019. In 2020, the Newtown Lions have expanded their club to include A Grade and Reserve Grade Men’s sides as well as fielding an Open Women’s team in the first year of the TRL’s Women competition.

The Newtown Lions R.L.F.C. has an extremely successful history in producing quality players who have progressed to a professional level. It is evident that over the course of Newtown’s involvement in the TRL, there have been 21 players who have progressed to play in interstate matches and a further 11 have represented Australia (Toowoomba Rugby League, 2019).

There are an impressive number of former Newtown players who played professionally in the National Rugby League competition. Among these professional players is Steve Price, the most capped State of Origin forward of his time and “Dally M Captain of the Year” three times (Steve Price, Rugby League Project).

Newtown Lions R.L.F.C. have successful won six A grade premierships over the course of Towooomba Rugby League’s history. Although the number of premierships won are not extremely high, it is evident that Newtown had a strong developmental system to produce quality players.

Newtown Lions Club Committee

The 2020 Newtown Lions Club Committee from right to left: Mick Tighe (Vice-President), Megan Dolley (Treasurer), Lisa McKellar (Secretary), Tracy Dann (Registrar) and Paul Dolley (President).

Paul Dolley, Newtown Lions President

Paul is a local business owner who has played footy all his life and as a Newtown Junior. He has a great drive to get the club up and running for its many great supporters. Paul loves camping with his family and being challenged, especially in cross-fit and sports. He is looking forward to utilising the grounds that the committee has worked hard to build.

Mick Tighe, Newtown Lions Vice-President

Mick has been part of the Newtown Lions for many years, first starting out as a junior, then moving into the senior teams, playing over 150 games in the A-grade competition. Mick is a local business owner and is proud to live and work in the Toowoomba Region. He’s excited to see the Newtown Lions come back to life and to watch the club continue to grow. 

Megan Dolley, Newtown Lions Treasurer

Megan is a part-time school teacher and assists in the running of their family business. She is looking forward to working with the committee to create a social family friendly club. Megan loves travelling, beach camping, summer and relaxing with family. She is excited about the introduction of the womens team and keeping the club vibrant with an array of merchandise.

Lisa McKellar, Newtown Lions Secretary 

Lisa works full time as a College Registrar. With many years watching her husband play for the Newtown Lions Seniors, it is a very exciting time for her to be able to help rebuild the club with Newtown’s very enthusiastic committee. Lisa loves having family time, going on holidays, horse racing and watching her two daughters compete in competition swimming. She is excited to watch the Newtown Lions in the 2020 season.

Tracy Dann, Newtown Lions Registrar

Tracy is a Retail Manager at a local Pharmacy. She is enjoying welcoming new players to the club as well as welcoming back past players. Tracy enjoys going to the races and supporting the North Qld Cowboys. She’s also looking forward to working with the coaches and teams and creating some great friendships with all the players.

newtownlions