---
title: 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees
description: Proudly presenting the 2023 GQ Hall of Fame Inductees. Lou Merlano, Peter Farrar, Peter Fernley, Ray Nightingale and Rob Brown.
image: https://americanfootballqld.org.au/hubfs/Pete%20Fernley%202.png
---

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 Gridiron Queensland

# 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees

- [Ghosts](https://americanfootballqld.org.au/news/tag/ghosts)
- |
- November 9, 2023

Gridiron Queensland presents the Class of 2023 Gridiron Queensland Hall of Fame Inductees. 

##### **![Lou merlano](https://americanfootballqld.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Lou%20merlano.png?width=160&height=296&name=Lou%20merlano.png)Lou Merlano**

- Coached Warriors from 1988 to 1991- Sunbowl Champions 1990
- Coached Brisbane Bulldogs 1992 – Sunbowl Champion
- Qld State Head Coach 89/90/91
- Overall coaching record 54 wins / 6 losses / 1 tie
- League Administrator for much of the late 80s and early 90s
- Founding delegate of the National Gridiron League
- State and National Sponsorship Director – secured sponsorships from companies including the NFL, Power Brewing, Continental Airlines, Coca Cola, Motorama Toyota, Sheraton Hotel
- Introduced College Player Draft
- Organised coaching and referee clinics with US-based coaches and referees e.g. Chico State coaching staff and NCAA referee Jim Farmer
- Program Director for QGFL Weekly Gridiron sports segment on Bris31 TV
- Initiated junior Gridiron program in Queensland

##### **![Peter Farrar](https://americanfootballqld.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Peter%20Farrar.jpg?width=162&height=387&name=Peter%20Farrar.jpg)Peter Farrar**

- Played with foundation team Pine Grove Steelers from 88-93
- Was player, Junior Head Coach and Senior Head Coach with West Moreton Marauders from 94-97
- From 2000 – 2018 was involved with Logan City and during this time acted in multiple roles including President, Vive-President, Asst Coach, Junior Head Coach, Senior Head Coach, Women’s Head Coach
- Also whilst at Logan City, was instrumental in the development and implementation of the Women’s Gridiron League of Queensland
- Created and implemented full-contact youth program
- Assisted club to be the first in Qld to secure a dedicated clubhouse and field
- Queensland Team Head Coach 97-99 and 2008; Asst Coach 2005; Manager 2001
- Queensland Junior Team Head Coach 2011; Asst Coach 2004
- Australian Team Manager 2001
- Gridiron Queensland President for 10 years (not sure of years)
- Gridiron Australia Board Member for 6 years
- Co-Author of a number of GA Policies including National Championships, Drug Policy, Equipment Policy, National Standards

 

##### **![Pete Fernley 3](https://americanfootballqld.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Pete%20Fernley%203.png?width=167&height=257&name=Pete%20Fernley%203.png)**Peter Fernley

- Co-founder of one of the original four teams – Centurions GFC
- President Centurions – 1985 to 1996
- Player and Head Coach Centurions – ‘85 to ‘96
- Coached Centurions to Sunbowl Championship win in 1988
- Became member of Qld Gridiron Officiating Association in 1991
- QGFL President ‘92 to ‘94
- Queensland Director of Coaching ‘93 to ‘96
- Queensland Team Head Coach ’93 to ‘96
- Represented Queensland as a linebacker on multiple occasions throughout the ‘80s and early ‘90s

**![Ray Nightingale](https://americanfootballqld.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Ray%20Nightingale.jpg?width=168&height=282&name=Ray%20Nightingale.jpg)**

##### Ray Nightingale

- Player, coach and administrator of Bayside Razorbacks for 13 years – ’86 to ‘98
- Member of Queensland Team (Lineman) - ’86 to ‘96
- QGFL President ’88 – ‘92
- National League President (93?)
- Instrumental in the formation of the National League, Queensland Junior League and North Qld League
- Coached Bayside Ravens Colts team 2017 – ‘20

 

 

##### ![Rob Brown](https://americanfootballqld.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Rob%20Brown.png?width=153&height=301&name=Rob%20Brown.png)

##### **Rob Brown**

- Co-Founder and Head Coach of one of the four original teams – the Brisbane Bulldogs
- Coached the Bulldogs to the first three Sunbowl wins in ’85, ’86 and ’87
- QGFL President ’86 – ‘87
- Queensland selector and Assistant Coach 1987
- Head Coach Sandgate Steelers – ’90 –‘92
- Head Coach Premier League Sundevils – ’95-‘97
- Won Premier Bowl 1995
- Premier League Coach of the Year 1995

 

 

 

Special thanks to Hall of Fame Chair Michael Yung and the HoF committee for putting together this list.  

 

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