Michael Booth enjoyed success in Brisbane rugby league, but it was a move halfway across the world to Batley that gave him some of the fondest memories of his career.

MICHAEL BOOTH was a household name in the Brisbane rugby league competition during its prime, playing pivotal roles at the four clubs he represented during his career.

But a chance to leave Brisbane and pack his bags to bolster the squad at Batley RLFC was too good an opportunity to turn down, becoming one of the club’s most astute signings.

While Batley did not have the same prestige as other British rugby league teams at the time, Booth saw an opportunity and came remarkably close to leading them into the top division.

“I was born in Gin Gin, a small sugar cane town about four hours’ drive from Brisbane.

“My father was a cane farmer and the town relies heavily on the export of sugar cane to keep the town alive.

“Growing up, I was a late bloomer to rugby league, joining my first club when I was 12.

“We did not have a junior team because the population in Gin Gin was only around 1,000 people at the time, so getting the numbers to fill a team on a regular basis was hard.

“Then we had Australian rower Johnny Biggs join our local school, who was the catalyst for getting junior rugby league up and running in the area.

“I played all my junior footy in Gin Gin, working my way up to the men’s A Grade side, which was just old-school tough rugby league.”

Booth might still be living in Gin Gin had it not been for Brisbane Easts president Ted Verrenkamp, who had come to watch another player in the local Grand Final in the hope of bringing him to Brisbane.

But a standout man-of-the-match performance by Booth was enough for Verrenkamp to offer the fullback a contract, joining the club for the 1980 season.

“I always wanted to play in Brisbane because it was the competition I grew up watching on TV.

“I enjoyed success at Easts, winning the 1983 BRL Grand Final against Redcliffe at Lang Park.”

However, Queensland selector Des Morris enticed Booth to switch clubs, persuading the highly-rated full-back to sign with the Wynnum Manly Seagulls for the 1984 season.

But injuries crippled his tenure at the club.

“After a strong pre-season, I broke my ankle while playing with Wynnum alongside stars like Gene Miles, Wally Lewis and Greg Dowling.

“The injury was severe, sidelining me for over 14 months.

“I was all set to go to Halifax that year with my teammates Keith Neller and Bob Arnold from Easts, but I never got the chance to head over.

“Fortunately for me, the club I supported as a kid, Valleys Diehards, came calling and signed me for the 1985 and 1986 seasons when I returned from injury.

“I was eventually made captain of the Diehards and spent two great years at a club I worshipped as a kid.

“However, circumstances changed and I received a solid offer from the Norths Devils, where I played some good football.”

Booth recalls signing his Devils contract on a beer coaster, which he still keeps with his memorabilia.

“At that time, Bob Bax managed the Devils and I met him at the pub to discuss my contract.

“He wrote what they were offering on the coaster and passed it to me and said to think it over and let him know.

“The offer was good and I signed it, but I made sure to keep that coaster, which I still have with my other mementos.”

Booth left the Brisbane heat for Batley in West Yorkshire, joining the club in 1990 and staying for five seasons.

“Batley – where do I start?

“What a fantastic time I had over there.

“I had the opportunity to go to Batley thanks to an Australian named Allan Douglas, who arranged for players to travel between Australia and Batley.

“He said that the club did not pay much but they paid on time and were looking for experienced players to help bolster their ranks.

“I figured there was nothing to lose – I could try it out, and if it did not suit me, I could simply leave.”

Booth was joined by fellow Australians Glen Tomlinson, Andy Hindricks and Mick Cameron, who came from New South Wales country rugby league.

“Andy was still young but showed promise, Mick excelled at tackling and Thommo took our game to a whole new level.

“It is hardly surprising that the club named a grandstand after him – he was too good for Third Division level, yet he stayed loyal to the club for years.

“I remember rocking up to my first training session wearing thongs (flip-flops) and shorts in freezing-cold Batley – I must have stuck out like a sore thumb.

“At the time, David Ward was our coach and I became his assistant.

“Wardy was simply ahead of his time.

“Trevor Heylings and Stephen Ball made me feel welcome too and ensured I had everything I needed.

“Then there were the Batley supporters.

“They were fantastic and among the game’s most loyal supporters. Their love for the club was clear, even after heavy defeats.”

Batley missed promotion for the 1995 season after losing to Keighley Cougars, which Booth still regrets.

“We should never have lost that final in 1994 against Keighley, but we made silly errors late in the game and had big Jeff Grayshon sent off, which put us behind the eight ball.

“Although we never went on to play in the First Division, my five seasons at the club transformed us from easy beats into one of the most entertaining teams to watch.

“I was pretty busted up in the end and decided to head home to coach in the Queensland Cup.

“Even though I became well-known in Brisbane, the great memories I have of Batley will always be special to me and close to my heart.

“If I had my time again, I would do it again at the drop of a hat.”

First published in Rugby League World magazine, Issue 521 (June 2026)