Baxter / Mortlock Cup

The Baxter / Mortlock Cup will be up for grabs in Round 10 when Norths head to Chatswood Oval. The cup is played for between Northern Suburbs and Gordon 1st Grade teams and currently held by Gordon, reclaiming the cup in their Round 16 win in 2019.

Named in the honor of two former Wallabies from each club.

Alastair Baxter, Wallaby 785

Al Baxter endured a baptism of fire when he ultimately earned selection to the national team. Baxter, an athletic and agile tight head prop was first drafted into the Wallaby squad in August 2003 for the 2nd Test against New Zealand at Eden Park. A little over three months later he wore the No.3 jersey in the Rugby World Cup final against England.

Born in Canberra but educated at Sydney’s Shore school, Baxter did not represent at schools or aged levels. He joined the Northern Suburbs club, debuted for NSW in 1999 and a year later played his first Super Rugby game against the Bulls.

His tenure within the national team came during difficult times for the Australian scrum, particularly in 2005 and again in 2007 at the hands of giant Englishman Andy Sheridan. While that was the case ARU CEO John O’Neill said that Baxter’s longevity in the most demanding of positions was a testament not only to his ability but his character, persistence and ambition. Baxter appeared in two Rugby World Cups during his 69 Test, seven-year international career, one which saw him finish as Australia’s most capped front row forward of all-time.