IN MEMORY OF DR. KERRY LARKIN (1936 – 2021)

Brisbane-born on 22 June 1936, Dr Kerry Larkin was the son of former international referee F A Larkin who controlled the Australian v New Zealand match in Brisbane in 1932, Kerry was educated at the Church of England Grammar School at South Brisbane where he was the School Captain in 1953. He was the Captain of the First XV and was selected in the Combined GPS Schools First XV in 1953. He entered University to study medicine that meant due to the years required to complete the course, he had a long career for his Club.

Standing at 5′ 11″ and weighing 14 st 12 lb. He first played in First Grade at UQ in 1954, playing mainly in the front row, but he was known for his versatility. He was awarded a Half Blue in 1954 for Rugby, he earned Full Blue status in 1955 the same year he was first selected for the Queensland side. A powerful and intelligent player, he was rated as a fine leader of his forwards. He played in the Queensland side from 1955 to 1960 in a variety of positions including hooker, lock and breakaway. On the advice of famous Test hooker Eddie Bonis he switched permanently to hooker for four of his six years in the Queensland side. He gained his two Test caps in 1958 against the New Zealand Maoris playing as a prop forward. He debuted with club mate Peter James at the Sydney Cricket Ground on 28 June 1958 in the Second Test against the New Zealand Maoris. As a prop forward, he was noted for his fine set of cauliflower ears.

After his playing days he spent some time in Papua New Guinea as a Doctor but now resides in Rockhampton. A well-known member of the local Rockhampton community, through his involvement with the Rockhampton Show Society and Beef 2000. Dr Larkin served as Deputy Chancellor of the Central Queensland University when full university status was achieved and has had over 14 years of involvement with CQU. The athletics oval was named after Dr Kerry Larkin in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the University and to the community of Rockhampton. Dr. Larkin passed away last week at the age of 84.