Vale Adrian Astorquia

Adrian John “Storky” Astorquia – One of rugby league’s finest

28 October 1943 – 17 January 2017

Adrian passed away peacefully early morning on 17 January 2017 at the Pacific Lodge Nursing Home, Dee Why after fighting a courageous battle against bowel cancer. He grew up in Innisfail, Queensland and was the youngest of four children and his family (of Spanish decent) are held in high regard by everyone in Innisfail. At an early age his love of playing rugby league took over and he developed his playing skills as a talented, rugged and ferocious second row forward

During his later playing days in Innisfail, he was a member of a victorious premiership-winning Innisfail Foley Shield Team. The Foley Shield competition is noted for the many talented players it has produced like Gene Miles, Greg Dowling, Billy Slater, Kerry Boustead and Lionel Williamson; all of whom went on to represent Australia.

Adrian’s remarkable playing ability was quickly noticed by the strong NSW Club of Manly Warringah Rugby League in the late 1960s and he soon transferred to the Club, where he commenced a stellar playing career for a number of years. He became the Club’s 189th First Grade player in 1968, played in many Reserve and Third Grade games for the Club and was a member of the 1969 and 1973 Reserve Grade Premiership-winning teams.

He would often recall his playing days against the likes of Reg Gasnier, John Raper and Kevin Ryan plus he always remembered fondly his Manly Warringah teammates including Norm Pounder, Ed Whiley, John Bucknell and Max Krilich.

At the funeral service held on January 20 at Northern Suburbs Crematorium, his son Anthony spoke about his Dad and told many funny stories, commenting that whilst Adrian was suffering badly in the last 12 months, he got a huge lift when Norm Pounder took him along to the Manly Warringah ex-players reunion, attending a game at Brookvale Oval. Here, he was able to take the traditional ex-Club players walk around Brookvale Oval. He remained a staunch supporter of the NRL Sea Eagles and Queensland in the State of Origin.

Adrian was dearly loved and will be missed forever by his daughter Simone, son Anthony, their families and three grandchildren Aaron, Blake and Breanna, along with his many friends and ex-teammates who respected him and showed it by their presence at the his service in a packed North Chapel.

May God bless him.