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

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

• 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

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

• 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

• 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.