Sport
4 February, 2025
Tributes flow for Foley Shield champion Ronnie Slater
The father of Billy Slater won the Foley Shield with both Mount Isa and Innisfail in the 1970s.
North Queensland is mourning one of its rugby league greats following the passing of Ronnie Slater.
Known by many as the father of Melbourne Storm and Queensland Origin legend Billy Slater, Ronnie was a champion in his own right.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the man affectionately known as “Mop” or “Mophead” was considered to be one of the best lock forwards in the bush.
Ronnie was an Innisfail rugby league legend, but also spent several years playing in Mount Isa and on the Sunshine Coast.
He made the move west to work in Mount Isa and played for Town Rugby League Club, and even coached Townies for at least one season.
Townies legend Bob Jakeman remembered “Mophead” as a star of the competition.
“He was an excellent player,” Jakeman recalled.
“He played a couple of seasons at least and definitely played for Mount Isa in the Foley Shield.”
Long-time Mount Isa sports broadcaster John Moran said that Ronnie was part of the 1979 Foley Shield team that went on to win the final 26-6 against Townsville.
“He played second row that year with John Grew, who was the captain,” Moran said.
“Before that, he’d played for Innisfail in the Foley Shield and helped them win it in 1975.”
Moran remembered the larrikin lock for his outstanding movement on the field.
“He was a top player. He even trialled in Sydney. I can’t remember what club, but he did go to Sydney to try.
“Ronnie was mainly a forward, and a very good tackler.
“He had a great swerve, too. He wasn’t exceptionally fast, but he had a great swerve and he was very elusive. When you saw his son Billy play, you could see the same swerve and athletic ability.”
While in Mount Isa, Ronnie met his future wife Judy Simonsen, who was also a top athlete and was the son of champion Mount Isa referee Noel Simonsen.
Ronald James Slater died suddenly on Wednesday, January 29 in Cairns Hospital at the age of 72.
He was a dearly loved father and father-in-law of Sheena and Ryan (dec.) and Billy and Nicole, and an adored Poppy to Tyla, Jake, Connie, Hazel, Eleanor (dec.), Florence and Belle.
He was a mate to many, especially in the Innisfail region.
All family and friends are respectfully invited to attend Ronnie’s funeral service at Black’s Funerals Chapel, 18 Scullen Avenue, Innisfail, on Monday, February 10, commencing at 1pm. Following the service, the cortege will proceed to Innisfail Cemetery.