tiger tales! - Men of League

Transcription

Issue 52 – August 2013
AUSSIE EXILES ABROAD
TIGER TALES!
REMEMBER CHARLIE FRITH
A special Generation Next
THE GLADIATORS 50 YEARS ON
MY GREATEST 17:
BEN HORNBY AND KERRY BOUSTEAD
LEAGUE’S FIGHT AGAINST BLACK DOG
HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY
1
MEN OF LEAGUE
gala dinner
THURSDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2013
celebrating the
venue:
star events centre
the star
80 pyrmont st
pyrmont
time:
7pm for 7:30pm
tickets:
$300 per ticket
$3000 table of 10
dress: rsvp:
black tie
book online
molf.iwannaticket.com.au
or phone 02 8765 2232
1963 grand final
2
MEN OF LEAGUE AUGUST 2013
IN THIS EDITION
Health Focus – Depression.
Sons of Tiger legends
Queenslander! Face to Face with
Billy Moore.
12 Gaz: Our new board member
13 My Greatest Team: Ben Hornby
15 Ray’s Wrap
16-17 The Gladiators’ special bond
18-19 Pride of League’s revival
22-23 One Game Wonders
26-27 Exiles Abroad
28 The Rugby League Museum
30 Where are they Now: Charlie Frith
31 My Greatest Team: Kerry Boustead
34-35 Ross Livermore tribute
45 Face to Face with Bryan Niebling
48 Ivan Jones
49 Clontarf Foundation
52-54 The Pioneering Maori
FROM THE
4-6
8-9
10
PLUS THE REGULARS: Lending A
Helping Hand: NRL, CRL and QRL
welfare; Women in League, Events
Calendar; Committee News; Obituaries.
PRESIDENT
W
elcome to your newlook Men of League
magazine. As part of
our organisation’s growth and
the change in our membership
structure, we feel it is important
that we continue to deliver the
best product possible for our
members.
As such, your magazine has
undergone a bit of a renovation.
We’ve still got all the interesting
features, important news and
events from the Foundation, but
with a clean and modern design
that will make it a much more
enjoyable read.
This redesign is another step in
what has been a very positive
year so far for the Men of League
Foundation and we can rightly
be very proud of all we have
achieved.
EDITOR: Neil Cadigan
([email protected])
DESIGN: Brilliant Logic
CONTRIBUTORS: Ian Heads, Steve
Ricketts, Norm Tasker, Ray Chesterton,
Barry Ross, David Middleton, Andrew
Ferguson, Geoff Prenter, Greg Shannon,
Ray Warren.
PHOTOS: The Foundation thanks News
Ltd for supply of photographs
ADVERTISING: Brilliant Logic
Phone: (02) 4324 6962
www.brilliantlogic.com.au
www.menofleague.com
In recent months we have
updated our website and our
members’ bulletin, and launched
a new TV commercial, voiced by
Oscar winner and South Sydney
Rabbitohs co-owner Russell
Crowe, for whose time and
generosity we are very thankful.
Internally, we were disappointed
to lose Brian James from the
Foundation board, who resigned
after seven years. Brian’s hard
work and dedication to the Men of
League will be sorely missed but
I’m sure he’ll still be involved with
the game and I look forward to
catching up with him soon.
As a result, we now have a
new face on the board – former
Australia and St George Illawarra
star Mark Gasnier will bring some
fresh ideas to our board and
ensure the support we provide
to the rugby league community
will remain relevant to the next
generation.
In early July we also held
the inaugural Men of League
Weekend, during which more than
300 pairs of commemorative socks
were bought by teams and clubs
across the country, raising more
than $12,000 for members of the
rugby league community who have
suffered spinal cord injuries.
On top of this, several clubs
undertook their own fund-raising
activities, raising a further $4000
for the Foundation. At this point
I must give special mentions to
Concord-Burwood United and
Holy Cross Rhinos, who raised
$1500 and $1000 respectively.
This fantastic result could not
have been achieved without
all your hard work. Indeed the
response we received from teams
and clubs of all sizes from all
corners of the country illustrates
how much the Foundation is built
upon the strength and spirit of the
people who love the game.
As such, I would like to extend my
personal thanks to you all for your
inspiring effort and contributions to
the Foundation’s work. We could
not support the rugby league
community without the support
of the rugby league community.
However, the Men of League
Foundation still has much work
to do and I look forward to our
continued partnership to improve
the lives of the men, women and
children of rugby league.
Ron Coote, AM
3
PROMOTING GOOD HEALTH
When being ‘tough’
is a man’s undoing
I
Footballers, and the toughest ones too, are more prone to depression
than most. Here we look at the issue through the eyes of those who
have been victims. By NEIL CADIGAN
t is a compelling statistic creating a gripping story.
Three or four players in every rugby league team
of 17, present or past, most likely suffer from some
form of depression.
That’s the national average. Consider the gladiatorial
aspect of their sport and the added pressure of scrutiny
and weekly intensity, and footballers are regarded as
being in a higher risk category.
Add the “after the cheering has gone” element that
confronts once feted and pampered former NRL players
and we have an environment where 5000 men who
are reading this story would have been touched by the
illness that has fortunately been largely destigmatised
through the revelations of men like Andrew Johns, a bipolar disorder sufferer, and others.
And that is the one ingredient that is the key to this
important issue; taking that step of talking to overcome
the prime impediment to salvation – keeping it to
yourself, particularly because you might think of yourself
as being weak in a footy world of ‘toughness’ and
bravado. Perhaps the key step of all is recognising and
admitting you may be suffering depression and need the
help, the communication, to deal with it.
Depression is an illness. Let’s not hide its full description
– a mental illness – that does not discriminate. It
can affect the big, the powerful, the famous and the
presumably successful as much as anyone else.
How do you detect depression? Everyone feels down
at times but if a dark mood continues for more than two
weeks or you have problems functioning for prolonged
periods, you may be a sufferer. In most cases, people
‘bounce back’; however those with clinical depression
lack the ability to pick themselves up from feeling down.
Symptoms of depression include: Feeling bad about
yourself; changes in sleep patterns; changes in appetite
or weight; feeling overwhelmed by pessimism, anger,
guilt, irritability and anxiety; varying emotions throughout
4
Preston Campbell in his Penrith days when he undertook to beat
his depression. Photo courtesy DAILY TELEGRAPH.
the day for example, feeling worse in the morning and
better as the day progresses; not able to enjoy life; not
so interested in sex; decreased tolerance for minor
aches and pains; poor concentration and memory; low
motivation to do things that used to matter to you or
feeling exhausted.
Preston Campbell, who retired in 2011, now spends
much of his life in Indigenous welfare, mentoring youth,
but also presenting himself as an example of how
depression can hit but be conquered. He says he can
tell the signs in those who – like he did – present a
façade to hide the onset of ‘the black dog’. And he sees
it in rugby league.
He was just 15 months through the perceived peak of
his career, winning the Dally M Medal in 2001, when he
tried to take his life one lonely day. He says if it wasn’t
for the care and insight of the man he says saved his
life, coach John Lang who later led him to a premiership,
he may not be here to tell of his story of a happy ending.
“I look back now at what I went through and think it
was stupid, it was silly, but it was serious,” Campbell
reflects of his downward spiral which was prompted
by something as simple as a change of coach playing
position at Cronulla. Something so simple which saw
him doubt his capability of surviving in the NRL and
which unlocked deep memories of continually being told
he was too small to be worthy of a career he had always
dreamt of.
“It took just over a year to go from top of the world to
a deep dark cold pit I couldn’t get out of, and it can
happen just like that. I blamed others rather than myself
and I kept it to myself and didn’t understand I was
neglecting my family and friends; I kept myself in a
bubble and didn’t talk about my feelings.
After a failed attempt at conciliation during a preChristmas trip to the north coast, Campbell surrendered
to his demons and drove his car into a tree trying to
take his life. He was taken by helicopter to hospital with
a broken leg and chest injuries. The fortunate ending
is that he and Lee were months later reunited and
live happily on the Gold Coast and Preston learned to
confront life’s issues – but only after the unexpected
intervention of Lang.
He was at home alone one morning, still in his pyjamas,
when there was a knock on the door and it was Lang
who said “let’s go for a drive”. With no explanation about
where they were headed, he ended up at the surgery
of a clinical psychologist in Parramatta. Within minutes
Campbell was in tears telling a stranger of his ordeal
and had embarked on the road to recovery.
“It was because I was afraid, and I was embarrassed.
With footballers these days they have to have the tough
exterior – look tough, act tough, be tough – but a tough
person doesn’t get through this; a strong person does
and there is a difference.”
“The psychologist made me feel like I could get control
of how I was feeling,” Campbell says. “I was fortunate
that I was able to overcome it without medication and
when I felt strong enough it became a big part of my
healing; being able to talk to other people about it. I
don’t have any trouble talking about it because it makes
me feel happy and reminds me of where I was and that
I never want to go there again and let myself be that
person again.”
He’d left to be reunited with his former Sharks coach
Lang at Penrith but he admits the damage had already
been done to his relationships and his wife Lee left,
taking their two children (they now have three) with her,
relocating to Ballina to be closer to her family. It rocked
him, and the fear of not being able to provide for his
family – a driving motivation in his NRL career – became
his new seemingly insurmountable dilemma.
He is concerned for the young players, one of many
alarmed at two Holden Cup players this year taking
their lives, and he is conscious of cultural and family
pressures that can often be at play. The NRL’s welfare
and education manager Paul Heptonstall and his team
are addressing the growing problem of depression, with
the assistance of clinical psychiatrists from the Black
Dog Institute, launch a State of Mind campaign.
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5
Former international Scott Hill represents the category
that may be more prevalent among Men of League
members; those beset by depression post-career. And
considering the more recent aspect of players coming
out of the generation of full-time professionalism and
having to contend with the Great Financial Crisis, it is an
issue that is more common than meets the eye.
Hill confesses that he often can identify other footballers
who suffer depression and will try to encourage them to
get expert help. “It’s far more obvious to me now and it
is more common than people realise,” he says.
“For the first time life became
enjoyable. I wish I knew what
was wrong with me much
earlier and sought treatment."
Hill, who wants to follow the path of becoming a player
manager, advisor and mentor, is one of many examples
of those who have conquered the condition – he is no
longer on medication - and is well placed to use his
experience to assist others.
“It’s always been hard for men to speak about it but
believe me once you take the first step it’s much easier
to recover. Now I feel I’m in the space that I can get
through anything now,” said Hill.
“Once you have an understanding you may not
have to be on medication for the rest of your
life and you can learn to deal with this, it can
be very beneficial. For example I think it is
important to continually train; I run every day
which helps clear my head a lot.
“In most cases it’s a chemical
imbalance that you can mask when
the body is producing endorphins
from training and competing when
you’re playing. But when that ends
and other factors set in, whether
it being financial or suddenly not
being in the football environment,
it can affect you.”
PHOTO: Scott Hill
Wayne Wigham was a tall stylish
winger-centre who played 170
first grade games with Balmain,
Norths and Wests from 1976-85
and was once the competition’s
top try-scorer but then, and
since, he has battled depression.
Now he speaks to groups
on behalf of the Black Dog
Institute, more recently in the
mining sector where
depression has become
6
prevalent in circumstances similar to rugby league
– supposedly tough men in a male dominated
environment, often away from family for long periods
and under enormous pressure to maximise income
while it is available.
Wigham, only well after his league career had ended,
was diagnosed with melancholia, a form of depression
that is caused by chemical imbalance and can only be
treated by drugs. He recognises now that he suffered
from depression throughout his playing years; “I always
felt sad as if a black cloud was hanging over me”.
“This continued long into my retirement but thought I
was just being weak and a whinger ,” he says. “I could
not concentrate and left many jobs because I could
not function properly. The fact that I was hiding how
I felt caused me to become reclusive which cost me
relationships and some friendships as people think you
don’t care anymore.
“I did not even realise until I bumped into John Brady
[former journalist and now director of public affairs at the
NRL] and he said he heard I had become a recluse. My
personality had changed and I did not realise it.
“I then got told by a friend I probably had depression. I
sought help at the Black Dog Institute where I was finally
diagnosed and treated.
“For the first time life became enjoyable. I wish I knew
what was wrong with me much earlier and sought
treatment. My message is if you feel down all the time
or are only feeling okay when drinking or taking
drugs, get help immediately. It can be treated and
life can be okay.”
If you consider you may suffer from, or know
someone who suffers from depression, it can be
conquered but only by seeking expert help.
The Black Dog and Beyond Blue contact
details are below but Men of League
has posted valuable reference
material on the website (www.
menofleague.com) that you can
privately sift through in your
own time. Learn what to look
for (the Black Dog website has
a self-assessment test), how
depression works and how to
get help.
Should you need to talk to
someone urgently about your
mental health, contact Lifeline
on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call
Back Service on 1300 659 467.
NEXT ISSUE: Prostate cancer.
www.beyondblue.org.au
www.blackdoginstitute.org.au
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7
Sons of Tigers
earn their stripes
The Balmain Tigers legends of the 1980s have produced the most diverse
Generation Next of siblings sport has seen. The latest graduate is Wests
Tigers halfback Curtis Sironen. By RAY CHESTERTON
T
he sons of Balmain Hall of Fame inclusions
Garry Jack, Steve Roach, Wayne Pearce and
Paul Sironen once rejoiced in the accumulated
glory bestowed on their famous fathers for their rugby
league deeds in club and Test matches in the 1980s.
Now, in the most startling group role reversal the game
has ever known, it’s the turn of the fathers to bask in
the reflected radiance of their sons seizing their own
moment in the sporting limelight.
Pearce’s son Mitchell, the Roosters and NSW halfback,
and Sironen’s enormously talented boy Curtis are on the
conventional sporting path of rugby league.
‘Sirro’ junior is the latest in the Tiger-line to make the
big time, the Wests Tigers No. 7 of 2013 at age 19 (he
turned 20 on July 31) is expected to be the first grade
five-eighth next season, post Benji Marshall.
Jack’s son Kieren is co-captain of the Sydney Swans in
the AFL premiership and his younger brother Brandon,
19, made his first grade debut this season against
Adelaide.
Roach’s son Aidan is an Olympic water polo player and
his other two sons Daniel and Liam had lively careers in
rugby union and rugby league.
And maintaining bloodlines that would make horse stud
owners envious, Mitchell Moses, the nephew of Benny
Elias, Balmain’s energetic Kangaroo hooker in the same
bruising packs as Roach, Sironen and Pearce, is freely
tipped as a first grader next season.
Throw in Mitchell Pearce being a champion 800 metres
athlete before focusing on football and no wonder noted
rugby league historian David Middleton says it is the
most diverse range of sports ever played by the sons of
former rugby league players and has no comparison in
the game’s annals.
The great St George sides that won 11 successive
premierships and fielded Test players in almost every
position in their club side for a decade produced some
second generation players of note but not as many or of
such diversity as the Tigers quartet. It’s the same with
the all-conquering Souths sides of the late 1960s and
early 1970s which overflowed with internationals.
8
“It must be something in the Balmain water,’’ says
Roach senior. “I used to think it was the beer at Balmain
Leagues Club but it can’t be that. Junior (teetotaler
Wayne Pearce) has never had one in his life.”
Some players can talk about being mates since they
were born. Mitchell Pearce and Liam Roach can turn the
clock back even further.
Their pregnant mothers sat near each other watching
their husbands play in Balmain games. Adding to
the affection between families, Wayne Pearce’s wife
Terri and Steve Roach’s wife Cathy were each other’s
bridesmaids.
“The boys are all good friends,’’ says Cathy Roach.
“They have really known each other all their lives.’’
Proof of the longevity of the relationships lies in
the once-modern but now creaking home videos
of children’s parties with a smiling Mitchell Pearce
celebrating little Kieren Jack’s birthday.
To maintain the momentum the Sironen and Roach
families still live in the same street as each other in an
inner north-western suburb of Sydney - opening up
avenues of street cricket and football matches.
“Blocker came about eight years ago,” says Sironen
senior. “I tell people the house prices dropped
immediately.”
Cathy Roach says it all helped mould strong and
lasting relationships. “There were barbeque's and gettogethers,” she says. “The boys all grew up together and
were always close.”
With Daniel and Liam Roach now focusing on exciting
new pursuits after stints in union and league, Aidan’s
success in the pool as a water polo player has pulled his
father into unchartered waters.
Aidan’s selection in the Australian water polo team at
last year’s Olympic Games had Blocker, Cathy and her
80-year-old mother flying to London to support Aidan
and see him play water polo proudly wearing Australia’s
colours. With his team showing promise and finishing
in sixth place.
Like father like son, Curtis (the only one of the ‘next generation’ to wear the
black and gold) and Paul Sironen.
Although Blocker stresses his pride in all of his boys,
he confesses that the heart-stirring emotionalism and
ageless symbolism of the Olympics was overwhelming especially when your son is involved.
“I had tears in my eyes,’’ Blocker says.
Making up for a lifetime of ruses and practical jokes by
his father, Aiden conspired with his mother about his
Olympic selection. Knowing the squad for the Olympics
had to be cut by two people to 13, Blocker took the
phone from a sombre Cath when she said Aiden was on
the line.
Expecting the worst, he’d already run consolation lines
through his mind like: “Don’t worry son, there’s always
next time.’
“They were geeing me up,’’ Blocker says. “They knew
he was already in the team. “I couldn’t talk. Imagine …
my son an Olympian.”
The Roach clan back in Blocker’s playing days.
Social engineers wrestle endlessly with finding a
formula that will guarantee human sporting success.
They accept that the genetics of having a father, and
sometimes a mother as well, who were champions, plus
living in a household environment attuned to success
combined with having ready access to someone who
understands the demands and expectations of high
performance sport, is an advantage.
But that doesn’t explain the success of all those sporting
champions from backgrounds where sport was a minor
part of the family life. The science continues.
Maybe Garry Jack got closest when he once said: “It just
comes down to how driven they are.”
Wayne Pearce remembers his coaching days with the
Tigers and Mitchell running with the first graders - and
beating them. “He was always a very good athlete,”
says Pearce.
Garry Jack chairs sons Brandon (left) and Kieren on his last day as a Tiger.
Curtis Sironen was just five years old when he led his
dad on to Leichhardt Oval for his final match in 1998.
Mitchell Pearce was born the year before his dad retired
in 1990 and his memories are restricted to watching
videos of his Test and club performances.
“I watched a lot of him on video. He was a terrific
player,” he says of his father who is now an NRL
commissioner. “He’s been a tremendous asset to me
with advice about my game. He’s a calming influence
for me.”
Of all the boys Mitchell and Liam have formed the
strongest bond. When Ricky Stuart was coaching
the NSW side it was decided that each player could
bring anyone they liked on an all expenses paid trip to
Brisbane for the game.
Mitchell bought Liam. “We’re pretty tight,” he says. “But
we’re all mates.”
9
AFTER THE SIREN
Men of League talk to familiar footy
names about now … and then.
BILLY MOORE
Former North Sydney, Queensland
and Australian forward, BILLY MOORE
is back in the spotlight thanks to the
new series of XXXX advertisements
featuring his famous ‘Queenslander’ call
to bless every beer at the brewery.
Interview by STEVE RICKETTS.
What was it like making that XXXX advertisement?
The whole ad only goes for about 15 seconds, but it
took about 12 hours to make. I think I screamed out
‘Queenslander’ 800 times and I was thinking this could
be terrible or it could be great. As it worked out the
feedback was fantastic. I think the key was keeping
the concept simple, with a good blend of the tongue-incheek and a reverence for people in Queensland who
regard the call as part of State of Origin folklore.
In the lead-up to the making of the ad I had three
sessions with a personal trainer, courtesy of my
business partner who couldn’t avail himself of the
opportunity. The trainer flogged me to death and my
back was giving me hell on the day they made the ad.
There were 14 people on set and I didn’t want to let
anyone down, so I took pain killers and got on with it. If
you remember the part where I am chasing the forklift
- I had to do that 20 times. One more would have
finished me.
You are ‘Mr Queenslander’ because the television
cameras captured you in the tunnel at the Sydney
Football Stadium screaming the call at the top of
your lungs as you filed out for Origin 1 in 1995.
What is the background to that? We had nine rookies
that year because of the Super League war, and the
young blokes’ eyes were liked saucers as 42,000 Blues
supporters bayed for blood. The ‘Queenslander’ call
went up and we maintained it for the walk down the
tunnel, or so I thought. Anyhow, everyone shut up, but
me. A few days later some mates told me they had seen
me on television doing the call, and that’s the first I
knew of it. I had a look at it and I must admit I was pretty
pumped.
You were given a special crowd motivational role
before Origin II at Suncorp Stadium this year. What
was that like? Amazing. But it nearly didn’t happen.
They played the XXXX ad four or five times on the big
screen, and there was a pre-recorded overlay of me
10
Billy Moore revs up the Suncorp Stadium crowd before Origin II
… ‘Queenslander!!!’
running down the tunnel doing the Queenslander call.
They actually held me in the tunnel at Suncorp for four
or five minutes before running. I went to water and
couldn’t remember what I was supposed to say, and it
was only a few lines. I made an excuse that I had to go
to the toilet, and I went out the back and did 100 push
ups to get my concentration going. I told myself to enjoy
the moment, because it would never happen again and
it turned out one of the great experiences of my life. I felt
like Bruce Springsteen out there, that I could have got
the crowd to go along with anything I asked them.
What do you do to keep fit? I actually got fit for the
New York Marathon this year, at the urging of my wife
Kerri who was determined to compete. Long distance
running saw me drop from 104kg to 92kg. We went over
there, but Hurricane Sandy put an end to our dream.
Still, New York is not a bad city to be stuck in. We hope
to run it in 2014.
What keeps you busy today, and did you have
any problems adjusting to life after football? This
year I bought a half share in a Mooloolaba restaurant,
Augello’s. It won the title ‘World’s Best Pizza’ in 2010
and 2012, and I’ve changed by name to Billy de Mauro.
Just kidding. It was a massive adjustment for me at
the age of 28 to start a new life after essentially going
down with the ship when Norths folded. I had a uni
degree and thought I had prepared myself well, but
it’s a rude awakening and it hits hard. It took me five
years to realise that the key to success is hard work.
I was a bit of a boofhead there for a while, but then I
remembered the Billy Moore who went from Wallangarra
to representing Australia and the solid principles that got
him there.
3
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11
Turn on the Gaz
When the Men of League Foundation were looking to inject some new blood,
they didn’t have too far to go – MARK GASNIER was sat right next to Ben Ikin
A
By David Hall
s the Men of League Foundation continues to
grow, it’s crucial the organisation strengthens
its links with the next generation. We all know
how quickly the game is changing, so maintaining our
relevance with those who are starting out or thinking
about life after the final siren is increasingly important.
As such, the decision for Mark Gasnier to take Brian
James’s place on the Foundation board, following Ben
Ikin taking over from Bob Hagan in March, illustrates our
aim to evolve as a charitable organisation.
After retiring from the game in 2011, Gasnier has
remained in the public eye, thanks to his work alongside
Ikin on Fox Sports, and the Foundation’s youngest
board member believes he can have a positive impact.
“I knew about the Men of League and thought it was a
great initiative,” Gasnier said. “Ben had spoken to me
about it, then I got the call from Ron Coote seeing if I’d
like to have more of a hands-on role. I was genuinely
excited when I got the call.
“I’ve had the chance to meet some of the legends of
the game but Ron still has that aura. It’s exciting to be
working with him but it’s more important for me to be
doing something for the cause.
PHOTO: New age Men of League: Ben Ikin (left) and Mark Gasnier
“It’s a great initiative and we’re only just starting
to scratch the surface. The Foundation has loads
of potential to help a lot of people.
“I have my first board meeting on 22 July and
my role will be to give a more present players’
view as to what life’s like when you first
retire. I think the board were looking
to bridge that gap as some of them
have been retired for a long time,
and Ben Ikin and myself cover that
last 20 years.”
Ikin, as another a recent addition
to the board, echoes Gasnier’s
pride at being reached out to by
president Ron Coote and believes
the Foundation is moving in the
right direction.
“I’d been on the Queensland
Committee for 12 months when
I received a phone call from Ron
to join the national board, and when
Ron asks you to do something, you
almost immediately say yes,” Ikin said.
12
“I’ve gotten to know Mark through our work on Fox Sports
and I knew he was a great guy but I’ve been impressed
by what a smart guy he is and how much he’s willing to
give back to rugby league.
“He obviously had a fantastic career but also went
through some tough times so he knows about the issues
today’s players have to deal with.”
Gasnier’s laugh when we suggest he could now
consider himself an older statesman of the game says
he might not see himself that way yet – but his ambitions
to make a difference illustrate what he will bring to the
Men of League board.
“I still speak to a lot of people in the game and they have
a lot of different views on what works and what doesn’t,
so important you put your own thoughts forward and
others’ as well.
“There’ll be a lot of brainstorming and healthy debate to
hopefully improve life post-football for a lot of people.”
MY GREATEST TEAM
B
BEN HORNBY
en Hornby, one of the smartest and most
respected players of the new millennium, has
come up with a glowing endorsement of the
state of the game today with an international flavour in
his greatest team of opponents from his 13 seasons in
the NRL.
He has chosen Kiwi sporting all-rounder Sonny Bill
Williams and English tough man Adrian Morley in his 17,
which included seven current NRL players in Williams,
Jamie Lyon, Greg Inglis, Billy Slater, Cameron Smith,
Johnathan Thurston and a second hooker on his bench
in Danny Buderus.
player to their teammates in any game they played,
whether it was club, State of Origin or a Test match.”
Hornby, who captained St George Illawarra to their only
grand final victory in 2010, went straight into coaching
at the Dragons this season with their under-18 SG Ball
side and assisting with their Holden Cup outfit, as well
as working on recruitment and promotions.
And he has chosen Darren Lockyer at fullback to
make way for Brad Fittler at five-eighth, and preferred
Lockyer as captain ahead of Fittler and another fellow
premiership-winning skipper Andrew Johns.
“I played with too many great players during my career
to narrow my selection down to just 17. Because of
this, my team includes just men I have played against,”
said Hornby when Men Of League assigned him the
challenge of providing his insight into the best of the
game’s contemporary players.
“I have chosen Darren Lockyer as captain because he
was always in control in big game situations. He was
never flushed and always had a cool head. Darren
usually made the right decision in high pressure
situations. Some things he did, like a good kick, often
went unnoticed.
“Of course, Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler were also
cool players and so my choice as captain was quite
difficult to make.
“I have included players that continually gave me
dramas in the matches I ran out against them. Jamie
Lyon was always dangerous and he is still one of the
best centres in the game today.
“I didn’t play a lot of matches against Israel Folau but
when I did, he always impressed me. Everyone knows
how high he can jump, while his size and speed always
cause problems to all his opponents.
“My bench is strong and each one of them would not
look out of place in my starting 13.
“As you get older you have different views on your
opponents. Your experience enables you to see just
what positives some players bring to their respective
teams. Each one of my 17 always was an inspirational
Darren Lockyer, fullback and captain.
Photo courtesy: The Courier Mail (Adam Head).
THE HORNBY FILE
NRL: 273 appearances 2000-12 St George
Illawarra (club record)
Origin: 3 games for NSW
Tests: 1 (2006)
BEN HORNBY’S GREATEST TEAM
Fullback: Darren Lockyer (capt)
Wingers: Wendell Sailor, Israel Folau
Centres: Jamie Lyon, Greg Inglis
Five eighth: Brad Fittler
Halfback: Andrew Johns
Lock: Sonny Bill Williams
Second rowers: Nathan Hindmarsh, Gorden Tallis
Props: Adrian Morley, Shane Webcke
Hooker: Cameron Smith
Interchange: Petero Civoniceva, Danny Buderus,
Johnathan Thurston, Billy Slater
13
MEN OF LEAGUE
cox plate
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day
SATURDAY 26 OCTOBER
Get along and
enjoy the action
venue:
grand pavilion
rosehill gardens
14
time:
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tickets:
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$1850 table of 10
rsvp:
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or 02 8765 2232
RAY’S WRAP
The voice of the game
and league’s greatest TV
broadcaster Ray Warren
A
nother State of Origin series is done and dusted
and has there been one more memorable?
A great Queensland squad has triumphed for
eight years and it’s appropriate to recognise how great
a feat that is.
I get disappointed when people who follow the Blues
can’t see they are watching perhaps the best squad
that has ever played the game at Origin level, and there
have been some very good ones.
I get disappointed when people are not prepared
to accept that the foe knocking the Blues down just
happens to be a champion. And that is what the NSW
players must realise to appreciate how good their efforts
have been; that they went down to a once-in-a-lifetime
organisation by a field goal in 2012 and a penalty goal
in 2013 without their captain. This is what the fans must
realise as well to find some comfort in defeat.
Wally and the boys – Alfie, Geno, Mal and co. – were
great in the ’80s but this team might be even better.
If you are prepared to believe that – no change that
– if you are prepared to listen to that, imagine how
wonderful it is to know that even though you lost, you
lost to the ‘Ali’ of rugby league.
That doesn’t mean you have to praise the ground they
walk on but why not recognise and enjoy the fact you
have been privileged to have seen the best of the best
over eight years?
It is rugby league greatness; it is an Australian sporting
achievement of gigantic proportion. So although your
team lost Blues supporters, cop it sweet because you are
watching greatness and few in their lives get that chance.
A familiar sight, but a symbol of greatness – Cameron Smith
holds aloft the Origin shield. Photo courtesy DAILY TELEGRAPH.
With Wally and Alfie we had two genuine superstars;
Wally was the best, but this current Queensland side
offered us five who could be called by the same: Smith,
Cronk, Thurston, Inglis and Slater.
At other times we would be able to come up with three
or four genuine greats in the one side … but five? Their
back-up wasn’t bad either. Take the backs for instance:
Hodges, Tate, Boyd. Then add the forwards that have
been there over the eight years and they might not make
superstardom but by golly they were good. Don’t forget
Steve Price and Petero were part of this dynasty too,
when you are recalling who played in that period.
Mitchell Pearce should not be bagging himself and
suggesting this is the end because his side was beaten.
So by now you will have realised I am full of recognition
for Queensland. That doesn’t mean I haven’t recognised
the herculean effort of NSW, it simply means we need to
take a deep breath and ask the question: Was it all that
bad and who did you run second to?
Mitchell, if ever you read this column, it really is meant
for people like you. Read it, understand it and in some
way be proud that you were a part of the team that
finished second to greatness. You will note I didn’t say
you were part of losing to greatness; no one loses to
greatness, you were lucky to be there in the first place
just to witness it and to come close to conquering it.
Where does this effort rank in the great achievements
of Australian sport? That’s tough. Heather Mckay, Dawn
Fraser, Perkins , Hackett, Thorpe, Laver, Newcombe,
Rafter, Cuthbert, Elliot, Landy, Bradman, St George, the
America’s Cup, Black Caviar – they all had something
going for them that Queensland didn’t. They all had
Australia barracking for them and loving what they did.
The 2013 decider was my 75th Origin call and I am
fortunate to have seen and called the greats. These past
eight years have been among my fondest memories.
With Queensland versus New South Wales there will
always be those who aren’t and are unable to recognise
the greatness they have witnessed. And that is sad.
15
An image immortalised,
a friendship developed
By NORMAN TASKER
They stand as everlasting symbols of the camaraderie of rugby league, their
respectful embrace after the 1963 grand final the enduring image that adorns
the premiership’s trophy. Half a century on we look at the bond between
Arthur Summons and Norm Provan, now the subject of a book.
N
orm Provan and Arthur Summons achieved
enough in their rugby league careers to ensure
their place in the history of the game. In terms
of the games and premierships he won, Provan remains
perhaps the most successful player of all time, and the
most successful coach. Summons was in charge of one
of the greatest teams ever to wear Australian colours.
Neither of them would have been forgotten, even if a
famous photograph had never been taken.
But the image changed everything. The Gladiators,
arms draped around each other as they left the SCG on
August 24, 1963, remain rugby league’s starkest image
– a constant through 50 years of tumultuous change.
It still typifies better than anything else the ethos, the
camaraderie and the respect at the heart of the game.
Summons has lived in Wagga Wagga since he went
there in 1964, the year after the greatest of all Kangaroo
tours, to play with the Magpies, but more importantly
to take a 30-year job as manager of the Wagga Wagga
Leagues club. His house adjoins the golf course. He has
a golf buggy in the driveway and still hits a mean ball,
albeit a little more often, he concedes, than he once did.
Both of them retain a busy involvement in rugby league,
thanks to John O’Gready’s photo of them, caked in mud
after St George’s eighth win in their 11-premiership run.
They are invited to presentations and appearances,
they do the Dally Ms every year, and this year there is a
special call on them, given it is the 50th anniversary of
the photo.
Provan and Summons marvel even today at the way
that photograph and the trophies it spawned has kept
their deeds top of mind, generation after generation.
It has left them almost as well known today as they
were at their peak, and they led their clubs in three
successive grand finals. Not many players command a
book about their life and times half a century on but the
Gladiators have, and working on it with them was one of
life’s rare experiences.
“It changed both our lives, no doubt about that,”
Summons concedes. “We didn’t really know each other
all that well when we were playing, but the photo and
everything that has followed it pitched us together.
Norm and Arthur still command an aura. Provan is in his
82nd year but remains fit and strong, and works on his
property at Mooloolah, in the hills above Queensland’s
Sunshine Coast, with a zeal that belies his years. There
is a cement drive leading to the house that must cover
half a mile, which Provan and a couple of mates dug out
and concreted themselves.
The writing of the book brought the matter to a head.
Summons wrote of the Wests version of events, where
the referee was said to have backed Saints, and a range
of decisions on the day were viewed in that context.
“How long did that take to build?” I ventured, marvelling
at the extensive nature of the work, “a couple of weeks?”
Norm looked at me as if I was some sort of city wimp.
“A couple of weeks?” he chortled. “We did it in a day.”
It was the way he played his football, and has lived his
life – a tireless worker, a man who guards his fitness
resolutely. He was still running miles around the hills
of Mooloolah into his mid-70s.
16
“We have become firm friends. Curiously, as we left the
field on that fateful day I was actually bitching about the
refereeing. I reckon we were robbed, and it has inspired
long-running banter between us.”
When he saw Summons’s view in black and white, Norm
insisted on making the point that the only questions
ever raised about the refereeing had come from Wests.
Debate is debate; it seems, no matter how good-natured.
Each remains a keen follower of the game. They
recognise the improvements, especially in the quality of
the athletes, but have regrets too, principally in the way
that so much of the contest has been eradicated. They
each have chilling tales of the battle that was the scrum,
and the levels of spontaneity the game embraced when
the play-the-ball was also the contest it was meant to be.
The men, the trophy … the legend. Photo courtesy DAILY TELEGRAPH
They don’t shrink from the mayhem the game entailed
either, despite the legendary talents their era boasted in
Gasnier, Langlands, Raper, Thornett, Kearney and the
inimitable Billy Smith. Provan played in a NSW game
against England that had to be abandoned, such was the
violence. He sums up the cultural shift succinctly:
“Referees allowed a lot of leeway and it was
considered part of every game that some sorting out
would go on. One of the big differences was that it was
all done in the moment,
“Nobody will ever convince me that the game today is as
hard as it was then,” he writes.
“We didn’t have incessant replays to analyse it all and
none of the close camera stuff that makes that sort of
behaviour impossible today. It was on, then it was over,
and we all just got on with it.”
“There was a general acceptance that it was a hard
game and that seemed to excuse a lot of violent stuff
that went on. A lot of players thought they would be
considered a bit of a sook if they weren’t in there
clobbering somebody.
Tough men, hard men; good men, legends. True to the
that famous image and the trophy it inspired, Arthur
Summons and Norm Provan have been true Men of
League – then and now – and their legacy endures as
a testament to the game.
17
With South Sydney, the most feted
foundation club, bringing some
much needed good heart to an NRL
season littered with dramas, IAN
HEADS puts into perspective the
rebirth of ‘The Pride of the League’
who last won a premiership in 1971.
The current Souths superstar – perhaps the most devastating ball-runner in the NRL, Greg Inglis.
Photo courtesy DAILY TELEGRAPH.
18
Rabbitoh revival has
the game pumping
T
he building anticipation that a famous South
Sydney year has blown in and, quite possibly,
a great Rabbitohs era, is akin to the posse
arriving for the game’s new boss David Smith.
Amid a troubled beginning for Smith he can take solace
from an ancient dictum of the game: “When South
Sydney are going well ... rugby league is going well!”
I learned it as a greenhorn rugby league reporter decades
ago, courtesy of George Crawford, a crusty old scribe of
encyclopedic knowledge and deep affection for the game
who was a senior workmate at the Daily Telegraph.
As the 1960s unfolded with Souths stirring to life, George
would trot the adage out, adding a striking image of how
in those times when Souths were truly `on the move’,
fans would swarm across Moore Park “like a great army”
on match days. At such moments, George reckoned, a
Souths’ rising would sweep the game to dizzy heights.
This season, as Souths have displayed commanding form,
there is a sense those times are returning. The Rabbitohs,
under coach Michael Maguire, are on the move, leaving
most of their rivals behind in the race to the semis.
It certainly recalled 1965, when a giant bedecked in
cardinal and myrtle was stirring, ready to tackle the
seemingly-unbeatable Dragon (St. George). The
Rabbitohs faltered in season ’66 in the afterglow of a
brilliant grand final challenge to Saints in ’65. But by
’67 all was in place, with a cloudburst of talent from the
treasure trove of Souths’ Juniors – Coote, McCarthy,
Stevens, Simms, Piggins, Sait, Branighan brothers –
supplemented by the likes of Sattler, Cleary, Walters,
O’Neill, Morgan, Moses, Pittard and James. Souths won
the grand final that year (12-10 over Canterbury) and
went on to take the premiership three times in the next
four years.
These were golden years, resonating with words written
long before by distinguished league journalist Claude
Corbett. In the 1920s he observed: “There is a glamour
about South Sydney football that has always held the
public.” Corbett knighted them, `The Pride of the League’.
And so they were in a period of dominance that brought
seven premierships in eight years, ’23-32.
Throw in the beginning years (premiers ’08-09) – and
there have been four great Rabbitoh eras to punctuate
and illuminate rugby league’s progress. Souths were
the most successful team of league’s foundation years
(winning ’08-09), dominant through the ’20s, rising from
a low ebb in the ’40s to win five premierships in six years
in the ’50s, then reclaiming their mantle from ’67-71.
There followed the Long Drought, albeit with a minor
premiership (’89), as rugby league grew and left the
Rabbitohs and other old Sydney clubs struggling to keep
pace. Even through that time the fans kept hope that one
day they’d be back on top. That was not shared by the
game’s powers-that-be, however, and the `Pride of the
League’ were killed off in the mad folly of Super League.
Friday, October 15, 1999, lives in infamy as the blackest
day in the club’s history. But the spirit that got Souths
through to win in more competitions than any other club
in premiership history – epitomised in the sturdy frame of
George `Never Say Die’ Piggins – rose in blunt defiance
of the ruling – and the club lived to fight another day.
Those memories add starch to this first major Rabbitoh
Rising of the 21st century. It seems fair to read last year’s
challenge, followed by this season’s form, as a parallel
event to the dawning of the earlier Great Eras.
On the punch line only springtime can provide, the jury
remains out. But the team of 2013 looks worthy and
ready to take its place on a wonderful honour board.
All dominant Souths sides had their stars: ’08-09 (Howard
Hallett, Arthur Hennessy, Billy Cann); ’20s (George
Treweek, Cec Blinkhorn, Eddie Wearing, Harold Horder,
Eddie Root); ’50s (Clive Churchill, Jack Rayner, Les
Cowie, Greg Hawick, Bernie Purcell, Ian Moir); and the
wonderful talent from the ’60s-’70s mentioned previously.
So too does the class of 2013 (Greg Inglis, Isaac Luke,
Sam and the Family Burgess, Adam Reynolds, Roy
Asotasi, John Sutton and Nathan Merritt).
But I suspect each of these teams of different eras have
lived far closer to another old league dictum: “A champion
team will always beat a team of champions.”
On the paddock the game has changed profoundly, yet
still demands of those who play it. Like so many before,
the Rabbitohs of 2013 wear cardinal and myrtle and
retain Redfern as their base. In so many other ways
they are the soul brothers of those who preceded them
… a team with a “certain glamour”.
Postscript – A Grand Final day hope: If it happens on
October 6 that Souths make it, how right this would seem:
George and Nolene Piggins, unbending fighters against
the Great Injustice, take their places in the grandstand
amidst the red-and-green throng. Afterwards, win or lose,
the pair meet with Russell Crowe who has done so much
towards the building of the `new’ Rabbitohs. Such people,
after all have been both preservers of the past and
shapers of the future for a great rugby league club.
19
LENDING A HELPING HAND
Sharlon (2nd from right) joins his best mate
Nathan Phillips to meet Blues players Trent
Merrin and James Tamou.
SHARLON TAKI
Sharlon Taki has beaten some tough
opponents while playing for Wests
Magpies in the NSW Cup and Jim
Beam Cup but unfortunately could not
conquer liver cancer which took his
life last month at the age of just 25.
However before he died Men of
League were able to co-ordinate
a wonderful State of Origin
experience for Sharlon and his
family after being contacted by
Ian Jagger. The father of a threeyear-old daughter, who was the
leading try-scorer in the Jim
Beam Cup in 2008, was given prime
seats for Origin I and
visited the Blues dressing room after
the victory, thanks to the NSW team
management.
Sharlon was accompanied by
his best mate Nathan Phillips
and members of his family at his
first Origin match and enjoyed a
memorable evening those closest to
him. The Foundation sends heartfelt
condolences to the family.
MICK PENNEY
Mick Penney was visited at
his Waterloo home by Sydney
metropolitan welfare officers Warren
Thompson and Alan Webb. Penney,
who played with Zetland in the
South Sydney area and also in the
Harold Matthews Cup and Jersey
Flegg Cup teams for Souths, suffers
from emphysema and has had a hip
operation.
Being a true Souths man, Mick
was given a Rabbitohs cap, drink
bottle, and a 2013 team photo of his
beloved South Sydney, courtesy of
Souths Cares’ Shannon Donato.
20
Fred Jackson and Warwick Bulmer.
WARWICK BULMER
Warwick Bulmer has long dedicated
himself to rugby league as a player
and official and typifies one of those
tireless volunteers every club needs.
Wok recently underwent a right
knee replacement operation at The
Mater Hospital, Crows Nest after
having his left knee replaced a while
earlier. While recuperating at his
Beacon Hill home he was visited by
Northern Sydney Men of League
committee Fred Jackson and Ken
Vessey and very much appreciated
their company and gesture on
behalf of the foundation.
Born in Maxwell, NSW, ‘Wok’ moved
to Taree in his teens, where he
played first grade as a 17-year-old
for Taree Old Bar but relocated to
Sydney to work for the Australian
Taxation Office for 37 years.
He played for Tax Office from
1959-1965 in the very competitive
lunchtime public service
competition played in the Domain
against the likes of John Raper,
Bob Landers and Bob McCarthy
just to name a few.
When he crossed the bridge from
Clovelly, where he played league,
to then Manly Warringah district in
1968 he began a long relationship
with the local footy scene through
coaching/managing teams for the
Beacon club, where he is a life
member, before becoming manager
of Manly Warringah SG Ball and
Jersey Flegg teams.
Since 2007 Warwick has been the
manager of the Sea Eagles Toyota
Cup (now Holden Cup) teams and
is also a life member of Manly
Warringah District JRL Association
and the Manly Warringah Sea
Eagles.
Through his long term involvement
over many years he has become a
grandfather figure to many young
players as they have progressed
through the junior ranks to the
senior grades and has led the Sea
Eagles in their victory song with
great gusto for many years.
Wife Mavis helps Brian Sommerville
model his new pride and joy, the signed
Rabbitohs jersey.
BRIAN SOMMERVILLE
Men of League representatives
recently visited staunch Rabbitohs
supporter and former junior
representative Brian Sommerville at
The Mayo Private Hospital Taree.
Brian has been a frequent
visitor to hospital since 2001. He
unfortunately lost his left leg in 2005
after knee replacement surgery. The
Men of League organised a visit by
John King at this time which Brian
greatly appreciated.
Brian endeavoured to make the best
of life and was adjusting to the long
process of prosthetic limb fittings
and learning to walk. Brian’s right
knee had previously been replaced
and it was later replaced by a thigh
to ankle artificial joint.
Complications, operations and long
hospital stays has been a way of
life for Brian over the past 12 years.
After a stint in Lake Macquarie
Private Hospital complications
occurred he spent 85 days in the
hospital with his doctor fighting
alongside Brian to do everything
they could to save this leg, including
skin graft surgery.
Brian’s wife Mavis has been by his
side through his long ordeal and
she recently organised a surprise
for Brian with Keith McGraw from
Souths Juniors sending him a
signed Souths jersey.
KEVIN McCANN
Kevin McCann, 56, from Yass was
in Hurstville Private Hospital with
Sydney metropolitan committee
welfare officer Warren Thompson
for prostate procedures with Kevin¹s
unfortunately being more serious.
He is a Dragons fan and knows
his football well, having played
as a winger for Yass. Kevin is a
community volunteer working as
a commentator on Yass FM 100.3
Radio. Following Kevin¹s release
from hospital he was presented with
a Men of League polo shirt and cap
and the Riverina committee will follow
up with Kevin on his return home.
(from left) Greg Pinson, Bob Sargent,
Brian Finnigan
BOB SARGENT
Bob Sargent received a surprise
visit for his 81th birthday from
welfare officers Brian Finnigan and
Ken Vessey and Men of League
member Greg Pinson who heard
that Bob was not in good health.
Sargent, originally from
Coonabarabran, made his Sydney
first grade debut in 1953 at Pratten
Park, scoring two tries in a Magpies
team that included Frank Stanmore,
Col Ratcliffe, and Arthur Collinson
against a Newtown team containing
Gordon Clifford, Dicky Poole, Col
Geelan and Frank Farrington. He
went onto play another three first
grade games and plenty in reserve
grade before going to Young but
regularly attends Wests reunions.
Bob later became involved in
coaching for several South Sydney
junior clubs including Redfern
United Club where he coached
Arthur Branighan, Moore Park
Juniors Club where he coached Bob
McCarthy South Sydney Monarchs.
He also refereed many junior rugby
league representative matches
and A grade matches in the South
Sydney Junior rugby league.
GREG WOODWARD &
KEVIN RUDDLE
Greg Woodward, 64, and Kevin
Ruddle, 70, were visited at
Southhaven Nursing Home, by
Sydney Metro welfare officers
Warren Thompson and Alan Webb.
Greg played his junior football days
with Concord United and Enfield
Federals in the West Juniors. He still
follows Wests Tigers today. Kevin
attended school with Alan McKean,
the former Roosters and Australian
World Cup goal kicking fullback,
and played his junior football days
with Sydenham United (Newtown
Juniors) and Kogarah Rex Hotel in
the old Sunday Pub competition.
Today, he is a passionate St George
Illawarra Dragons supporter.
21
They made it…
but just once
It is something so many male league fans would like to be able to boast –
“I played first grade”. For a surprising many, that happened … but only once.
We profile some of the more interesting cases. By DAVID MIDDLETON
S
ince premiership rugby league kicked off in
Australia 105 years ago, more than 9100 men
have worn the colours of their club at first grade
level. It is an exclusive group and for the majority it is the
realisation of a dream simply to make it to the top grade.
The number who advance to representative football,
or have the opportunity to play in a grand final is
comparatively minimal. The average first grade career is
just 40 games. Incredibly, more than 1000 players – well
over 10 per cent of all first-grade players – appeared in
a single game.
Among this list there are countless stories of interest;
of players who have achieved greatness in other fields
or those who have been hit with misfortune and those
who have gained fame from their briefest of moments
in the sun.
Here are some who can say “I played first grade” but
would have other aspects of their lives that are worthy
talking points.
SIR PETER DELAMOTHE
His is not a name that resonates in rugby league circles
but his contribution to public life in the north Queensland
centres of Bowen, Hughenden and Collinsville was
immense.
He was a surgeon and a politician, rising to the post
of Minister for Justice and Attorney General in the
Queensland Parliament in the 1960s. He was a longserving mayor of Bowen, prominent in the rebuilding
of the town after a major cyclone in 1958.
He had played league at school in Hughenden and
Charters Towers and joined the fledgling University
team after arriving in Sydney in the 1920s as a medical
student at Sydney University. He played mostly third
grade for the students but when the first grade team
toured New Zealand in the middle of the 1922 season
it was a case of all hands on deck.
Delamothe played on the wing in a spare parts
University team slaughtered 45-2 by St George, who
ironically, later took out that year’s wooden spoon. It was
the beginning and end of Delamothe’s top grade rugby
league career.
22
KARL FILIGA
Karl Filiga was rated one of the hottest schoolboy stars
in the game less than a decade ago. Known throughout
his schoolboy days at Westfields Sports High School
as Karl McNichol, the youngster chose, for personal
reasons, to change his name to Karl Filiga after signing
a lucrative NRL contract with Cronulla in 2007.
Rated as the best up-and-coming centre in the game
by Sharks coach Ricky Stuart, he played nine Toyota
Cup games in 2008 and midway through the same
season, he appeared in first grade for the first time,
coming off the bench for a 12-minute stint against
Penrith at CUA Stadium. But injuries and loss of form
cost the 188cm and 105kg youngster any further
opportunities in the NRL.
He was released from the Sharks on compassionate
grounds in 2009. Filiga subsequently appeared for
Wentworthville in the Bundy Red and NSW Cups and is
currently playing for the Mudgee Dragons in Group 10.
TIM WILBY
A colourful, globe-trotting Englishman, Tim Wilby was
forced to overturn a 10-year suspension before gaining
clearance to play for the Canberra Raiders in 1987.
Earlier in the decade, Wilby had broken the international
transfer ban to play with Mackay club Carlton under the
pseudonym Tim Smith.
The Queensland Rugby League fined Carlton $500 and
banned Wilby from playing in Australia for 10 years but
when he returned in 1987 the QRL relented and allowed
him to play for the Raiders.
The 28-year-old, whose career included stints with
Leeds, Hull, Tonneins (France), Le Pontet (France),
Wigan, Warrington and Sheffield, made a single top
grade appearance in Australia as a replacement for the
Raiders late in the 1987 season.
He later was involved in luring former English tennis
star David Lloyd to buy the Hull club in England in 1997.
Perceived as being a man of wealth through stock
market success and the owner of three Mercedes at the
time, it was revealed Wilby had in fact been working as
a manager of a London council estate. He was briefly
Hull CEO.
REG CLOUGH
CHRIS SKELTON
Gibson’s selection of unknown 20-year-old Reg Clough
to replace centre John Brass in the preliminary final of
1975 was considered a major gamble but Gibson was
confident in the youngster’s ability. He’d spotted Clough
playing for Bondi Royals in Easts’ juniors and even
though he had played just two under-23s games plus a
10-minute spell in reserve grade, he believed he would
handle the occasion.
The Bulldogs were already safely in the top five but the
Tigers were fighting for their season. The understudy
could have been rattled early when a Balmain player
decked him as he tried to defuse a bomb and the Tigers
scored inside two minutes. But showing remarkable
poise, Skelton responded with two tries, including the
match-winner to complete a fairytale first grade debut.
Including lower grade players in training drills was a
non-negotiable part of Jack Gibson’s coaching theory.
Gibson contended that the best preparation for aspiring
players was to train alongside the stars and when the
time came that they were called upon to cover for an
injured player, they would be ready.
Clough didn’t let him down. After 34 minutes Easts led
Manly 17-2 and were on the way to achieving back-toback grand final appearances. But disaster struck when
the youngster was forced from the field with a serious
ankle injury. It was to be his only taste of the big time.
Fame was especially fleeting for Canterbury fullback
Chris Skelton. On one golden afternoon in August,
1975, the Lakemba junior went from unheralded reserve
grader to first grade star when he stood in for Garry
Dowling, ruled out of the final round match against
Balmain through injury.
The result forced an unprecedented series of midweek
play-offs to determine the make-up of the top five
between Balmain, Parramatta and Wests (the Eels
won through then beat fourth-placed Canterbury) but
for Skelton, the story ended there. He never received
another chance in the top grade.
Karl Filiga in his one 12-minute stint for Cronulla. Photo courtesy DAILY TELEGRAPH
23
ALAN WALKER
Walker was one of Australian sport’s great all-rounders
but one who rarely rates a mention when such
individuals are discussed. A left-arm fast bowler who
played cricket in the era of Ray Lindwall, Keith Miller and
Bill Johnston, Walker represented Australia on the tour
of South Africa in 1949-50 but was unable to force his
way into the Test side.
Two years earlier, as a pacey centre with a clever
swerve, Walker toured Britain and France with the
Wallabies and led the try-scoring on tour, with 19. He
played five Tests for the Wallabies before turning to
rugby league with Manly midway through the 1952
season.
He made little impression with the Sea Eagles and
appeared only once in the top grade – in the final
round of the regular season. He later joined Leigh in
England but quit after nine games to play county cricket
with Nottingham.
ARTHUR BLAKE
The playing contribution of Western Suburbs winger
Arthur Blake was at best, modest. He did, however,
share in history by playing in the Magpies’ first team on
Easter Monday, 1908. Blake, who joined the new code
after playing rugby for Ashfield Borough, lined up against
Balmain at Birchgrove Oval but had little opportunity to
shine in a team thrashed 24-0.
He was never given another chance. His career may
have started and finished before the opening day of club
rugby league in Australia had come to a close – but at
least he left a legacy. His son Allan took up the game
and played in the front row in Wests’ premiershipwinning team of 1934.
Kent Lambert (photo courtesy DAILY TELEGRAPH)
KENT LAMBERT
The signing of All Blacks prop Kent Lambert (above) was
big news at the Panthers when he made the decision
to switch codes in 1978. A veteran of 11 Tests, Lambert
was a powerfully-built shearer, rated by Tim Sheens as
“powerful as any player I have ever seen or played with”.
The only problem was Lambert had little or no
knowledge of the requirements of a prop forward in
league and Penrith coach Don Parish was not prepared
to spend the time teaching him.
Lambert was thrown in at the deep end in the opening
match of the 1978 premiership. He suffered a torn
cruciate ligament playing against Balmain at Leichhardt
Oval and never played again, returning to New Zealand
where he became a publican utilising his league income.
GREG SMITH
Greg Smith may be unique in the annals of premiership
rugby league as the only player to gain notoriety as a
first grader through stealth.
A 26-year-old from Louisiana, Smith had convinced
Newcastle Knights coach Warren Ryan that he had
played as a wide receiver in the NFL for the Philadelphia
Eagles before representing the American team at the
1997 rugby league World Sevens.
Early in the 1999 season, Ryan handed Smith his
chance in the top grade where he played opposite
Canterbury’s Kiwi Test winger Daryl Halligan.
Smith was shown up badly in defence and mishandled
several times as the Knights surrendered a 26-10 lead
and were eventually beaten 28-26.
Greg Smith (photo courtesy DAILY TELEGRAPH)
24
Journalists covering the match believed Smith’s lack
of basic football skills warranted an investigation of
his background and when contacted by the Daily
Telegraph’s Barry Toohey, Eagles officials and local
reporters denied any knowledge of him. Smith’s game
was up.
MEN OF LEAGUE
annual lunch
THURSDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2013
with special guests john grant, dave smith, wayne bennett & bart campbell
venue:
rna convention centre
royal national showground
brisbane
time:
12 for 12:30pm
tickets:
$175 per ticket
$1750 table of 10
Legends Table:
$2500 for table
of ten including a
Rugby League
legend
rsvp:
by 18 september to
tegan jennings
on (07) 4528 2925 or
[email protected]
dress:
super raffle:
You could win a 2013
Hyundai i20, $100 per
ticket - only sold at the
luncheon! You have to be
there to win it!
business attire
25
Ron Pomering (right) photographed for the Yorkshire Post with fellow visiting Australian Andy Hall in 1975.
‘Internationals’ unite
half a world away
THE annual selection of an international team of ex-pat Aussies and Kiwis
in the UK has been rekindled in Britain under the banner of ‘The Exiles’ who
take on the England Test squad. It brings back memories of the often brutal
encounters that involved legendary names like Bevan, Bath and Paskins and
the career highlight for those like Men of League member Ron Pomering.
By NEIL CADIGAN
W
hen Brett Hodgson led The Exiles onto
Halliwell Stadium in June to face the English
side that will hold the nation’s hopes in this
year’s World Cup, he took with him nearly six decades
of proud history for Australians who had decided to play
their trade half a world away.
England won the match 30-10, which was disappointing
after the previous three tough tussles since the ‘Other
Nationalities’ origin concept was reborn in 2011 after
an absence of 36 years. This time the field was in its
glorious summer best condition compared to the winter
bogs of yesteryear but the history was the same – the
best of the overseas men taking on the best of the
British, or in the halcyon days the best of England,
France or Wales, Yorkshire and Lancashire.
In the 1950s when several Australians were lured by
big money to abandon the Australian competitions for
England, Other Nationalities selection was a sought26
after prize and large crowds turned up to watch in awe
a conglomeration of Aussies, Welsh, South Africans
and Kiwis combine. The freakish Bondi-born flyer Brian
Bevan played for the ex-pats 15 times, alongside Harry
Bath, Lionel Cooper, Tony Paskins, Arthur Clues, Rex
Mossop, Rupert Mudge and former Wallabies Trevor
Allen and Bob McMaster in matches between England,
France and Other Nationalities in a series branded the
European Rugby League Championships.
The brutal tussles between the French forward Edouard
Ponsinet and Clues were absolutely legendary. One, in
1951, is called the ‘Battle of The Boulevard’ and was
played at Hull. Early in the game Ponsinet pole-axed
Clues who spent the remainder of the night in hospital
with bad concussion; Lionel Cooper on the other hand
staggered away from another high Ponsinet tackle
before the Frenchman was eventually sent off for his
thuggish and offensive behaviour in the 17-14 Other
Nationalities victory.
The Yorkshire Post reported: “Something will have to
be done to prevent this developing into an interminable
sour serial … when the first concern of a man with the
ball is to guard against the probability of a brutal assault
you cannot expect much good football.”
to be listed among overseas players to have played in
those matches with some legendary Australian names.
We were big outsiders against Yorkshire but almost beat
them, and they had some top players of
that time.”
In the return match Clues succeeded in a get-square
and Ponsinet was stretchered off after a sickening high
tackle in France’s 16-3 win.
Pomering’s series was the last until Other Nationalities
was reborn under the banner of the Exiles in 2011 when
English coach Steve McNamara requested cut-throat
competition for his Test squad to prepare it for upcoming
battles against the Kangaroos.
Other Nationalities played England and attracted 17,000
at Central Park, Wigan in the debut of brilliant Aussie
back Trevor Allan who had defected from rugby union
where he was the Wallaby captain in a world record
£5000 transfer deal to Leigh.
An anecdote of how brilliant Bevan was came in this
match. Allan put Bevan into space in his own half and
started to move forward in sport when an arm on his
shoulder stopped him. It was Clues who said: “`Stay
where you are mate,’ Clues said. `He’ll be back in a
minute.”
From 1955 to 1974 the match lost its appeal as fewer
ex-pats played in the British competition and only two
games were played (in 1964 and 1965).
For the ‘74-75 seasons only, Other Nationalities and
Wales sides were added to the English’s version
of State of Origin – the War Of The Roses clashes
between Yorkshire and Lancashire. It was during this
period that Sydney real estate valuer Ron Pomering, an
Eastern Suburbs Sydney junior who had progressed to
play reserve grade behind Jack Gibson’s magnificent
premiership-winning sides of 1974-75, had a threemonth off-season stint with Bramley.
Danny Buderus may have captained NSW 15 times
and played 24 Tests for Australia but he depicts the
time he captained the Exiles – his last representative
appearance – as a career highlight. A late try to his Kiwiborn former Knights team-mate George Carmont saw
The Exiles win 16-12.
“It was just a great week and to see the pride in some of
the guys was just wonderful,” said Buderus whose teammates included Brett Hodgson, Pat Richards, Matt King,
Mark O’Meley and Craig Fitzgibbon. “I’ll never forget
when we had the presentation of the jerseys the night
before the match. Chase Stanley [playing for Castleford]
got up and said he was a man of few words and didn’t
know what to say to describe his pride – then went into a
passionate version of the haka.
“The game was an opportunity for a lot of players a long
way from home to bond and be given a reward for our
form in England, and it was very special for us.”
He probably would have played first grade at any other
Sydney club at the time but had Ron Coote, Arthur
Beetson, Kevin Stevens, Barry Reilly and Greg Bandiera
ahead of him in Gibson’s all-star line-up.
The no-name ex-pats almost caused a massive upset
against a Yorkshire side that boasted internationals
Steve Nash, Steve Norton, David Topliss, Jim Thompson,
Alan Smith and Jeff Grayshon, drawing 16-all.
Other Nationalities included a young halfback from
Wagga in Steve Martin, who was three years later to find
fame in a Manly premiership winning side and Kangaroo
tour selection, as well as a prop from Oberon, Bruce
Gibbs, who would be recruited by Roy Masters’ Western
Suburbs.
For Pomering, who played 14 games from Bramley for
the princely sum of £200 per game before a treacherous
winter saw the grounds frozen for weeks, regards those
international matches as the highlight of his career.
“It was international competition and the highlight of my
career and is a memory I’ll always have,” says Pomering
who recently met Paskins and spoke about those
historic encounters in Britain. “It gave me an opportunity
Danny Buderus proudly displays his 2011 Exiles jersey.
27
Treasure of memories
I
t is almost a year since The Rugby League Museum
opened in Sydney and several thousands of visitors
from all corners of the globe have viewed the
exhibition, experiencing first-hand the wonderful material
on display.
Since its unveiling on August 29 in 2013, 117 years to
the day since the breakaway in northern England which
saw the birth of our game, visitors have ranged from
youngsters who will be the next generation of players
and fans, up to those who have had a lifetime love affair
with the game. Yet there is something for everyone
within the wonderful array of riches.
The museum, manager by historian Terry Williams and
former Panthers’ Kiwi international Frank Puletua, is laid
out in nine modules which pay tribute to various aspects
of the game: its birth, the changing nature of the game
and its players, media coverage, bush footy, Origin, Test
matches, the Hall of Fame, Snapshots which showcases
over 60 iconic photographs depicting milestone
moments from throughout the game’s history, and the
connection between people and the game at all levels.
Apart from iconic items such as the jerseys and trophies
there are four large touch screens which contain a vast
range of content and add to the visitor’s experience.
Fans can watch a variety of television commercials
and coaching films, as well as footage of great players
and moments, view an assortment of advertisements
and articles from throughout the ages and listen to
an interview with Dally Messenger, excerpts featuring
callers such as Frank Hyde or their favourite club’s
theme song.
In fact there is so much content in the Rugby League
Museum that hard core fans should reserve three or four
hours for their trip. The various milestones throughout
the rugby league calendar are acknowledged, so that
28
there have thus far been temporary displays showcasing
items associated with Anzac Day, Women in League and
State of Origin, with others planned for the remainder of
the season.
In its first year the museum has also established several
public and education programs to augment the display
of items from the game’s rich archives. The Heroes and
Legends program marries a current or recent first grader
with a former great and opens a dialogue between the
two which compares different eras. Thus far we have
had the likes of Ron Coote and Matt King, John Raper
and Dean Young, Cliff Watson and Andrew Fifita, etc
share their own reminiscences and perspectives.
To assist with the museum’s everyday operations
a volunteers program through the Men of League
Foundation has been established, with which we
formulated a partnership.
The relationship between the Rugby League Museum
and the Men of League has, within its first year, already
proved of mutual benefit. It provides opportunities for
members of the foundation who have the desire, time
and capacity to offer their knowledge of the game to
further the museum’s schedule of programs and visits.
Volunteers undertake a range of duties including
assisting with tours where they can guide visitors
through the various modules within the exhibition and
share their own stories. If you’d like to find out more
about being a volunteer at the RL Museum you can ring
the museum on (02) 9359-8500 or email
[email protected].
The museum is located at Rugby League Central,
Driver Ave, Moore Park, (just outside Allianz Stadium)
and is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm. Entry
is free.
29
WHERE ARE THEY NOW
CHARLIE FRITH
In the late ’70s, the South
Sydney enforcer was the
biggest hitter of them all
By GREG SHANNON
W
hen rugby league fans get together, footy
chat invariably turns to “who was the best
tackler” and “who made the biggest hits”.
While many of the game’s legends from different eras
naturally get thrown up, there’s one name that often
comes from left field – a raw Queensland country kid
who played just 49 games for South Sydney.
Charlie Frith donned the red and green from 1979-81,
long enough to make an impression of legendary coach
Jack Gibson (the Rabbitohs mentor in ’79) who regarded
Frith as one of the toughest players and perhaps
hardest hitter he ever coached.
The powerhouse Queenslander, who terrorised the
opposition with big-hearted defence, only played the
game in Sydney and Brisbane until he was 24. But the
raw-boned country kid from the rich footballer-producing
town of Roma never took a backward step.
He first left home to Brisbane and linked up with
the Brisbane Valleys club. Playing alongside future
internationals like Wally Lewis, and being coached by
international halfback Ross Strudwick, provided a good
education for him before joining Souths in ’79.
While playing at Redfern one of his tackles was used
as a promo for Channel Seven’s Big League show and
commentator Rex Mossop once described him as a
“human projectile”.
Gibson’s right-hand man during much of his coaching
career, Ron Massey, claimed Frith, nicknamed “Hitman”,
was the biggest hitter the game has seen. He told the
Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield, who listed Frith in the
top 10 hitters of all time, how Frith was recommended
to Souths by Brisbane’s coaching legend Bob Bax as
a player “who could tackle telegraph poles”.
“Bob explained how his team played against Frith and
his three best players were back in the sheds by halftime after being wounded by him.” Massey was told Frith
was dropped the next week for making no tackles in the
second half … no one would run the ball at him!
30
Charlie Frith in his Rabbitoh days.
Photo courtesy DAILY TELEGRAPH
In 1982 big Charlie was back in Roma where he played
a few games for his old Wallumbillah club before
embarking on a highly successful career in the cattle
industry where he still works.
These days Charlie owns a couple of cattle properties in
Queensland and one in the Northern Territory, and also
co-owns a unique cattle buying and selling business
known as Australian Beef Stock Market (BSM). What
makes BSM unique is it uses a computer database
and electronic identification to track individual cattle
condition. The cattle are reared on a range of properties
across four states on either broad acre or irrigated
improved pasture. Cattle on these properties are
showcased online when ready for sale.
The days of droving cattle to major cattle sale yards
have not completely gone, but the digital age has
made the process of buying and selling cattle more
streamlined and efficient with less cattle movement
and stress to the animal.
Charlie’s company is at the forefront of embracing this
impressive technology.
He still calls Roma home and still supports South
Sydney, but also admits to having a soft spot for the
North Queensland Cowboys given his son John, who
is also part of the family cattle business now, played for
them in 2007 and 2008 under coach Graham Murray,
a teammate of Charlie’s from his Souths days.
MY GREATEST TEAM
F
KERRY BOUSTEAD
ormer Test winger, Kerry Boustead reckons it
took him only 10 minutes to name his greatest
team, chosen from the men he has played with
and against.
Coming up with a side that incorporates current or more
contemporary players was another matter.
Boustead, who toured Britain and France with the 1978
and 1982 Kangaroo teams, named a star-studded outfit
from his era and found places for Steve Mortimer, Brett
Kenny and Wally Lewis in the backline.
On the 1982 tour, coach Frank Stanton controversially
opted for Peter Sterling and Kenny as his top halves
combination, even though Mortimer and Lewis had been
the Test pair at home that year against New Zealand.
The only player out of left field in Boustead’s team is
utility back Phil Blake, who had more clubs than Les
Boyd had send-offs.
However few would dispute that Blake was one of the
most dynamic and naturally gifted players of the 1980s
and 90s.
And the only contemporary players Boustead views
as gate-crashers of his ‘All Stars’ line-up are Cameron
Smith, Andrew Johns, Billy Slater and Darren Lockyer.
“Naturally Greg Inglis came into contention, but to me
he is very similar to Mal Meninga, and I can’t go past
Mal,” Boustead said. “The young Mal Meninga could run
like the wind, and people forget that when he came out
of under-18s he was a skinny, tall bloke compared with
the Test player of later years.
“He took big strides, a little bit like ‘GI’, and as a
winger you had to go like hell to support him if he got
into the clear.
“Inglis today is a bit like Eric Grothe in the way he makes
life miserable for the last line of defence. But despite
the claims of GI and Billy Slater, Graham Eadie remains
my favourite fullback. He was awesome and it was an
honour to play alongside him at Manly.”
Kerry couldn’t imagine the team running out without him,
so he nominated himself as one of the wingers, with due
reason. He was a brilliant winger of his era.
These days ‘Bowie’ lives in Brisbane and is involved in a
real estate business with his wife Lee – Ray White Real
Estate at Forest Lake.
Phil Blake, the only non-Test player in Bowie’s 17, but a
wonderfully talented player. Photo courtesy DAILY TELEGRAPH.
THE BOWIE FILE
ARL: 178 appearances 1979-90
(80 Eastern Suburbs, 65 Manly, 33 North Sydney).
Interstate: 9 games for QLD, 6 for NSW (1978-84).
Tests: 25 (1978-82)
Dally M winger of the year 1983.
KERRY BOUSTEAD’S GREATEST TEAM
Fullback: Graham Eadie.
Wingers: Eric Grothe, Kerry Boustead.
Centres: Brett Kenny, Mal Meninga.
Five eighth: Wally Lewis.
Halfback: Steve Mortimer.
Lock: Ray Price.
Second rowers: Rod Reddy, Bob Lindner.
Props: Arthur Beetson (c), Greg Dowling.
Hooker: John Lang.
Interchange: Les Boyd, Steve Rogers,
Gene Miles, Phil Blake.
31
2013
MEN OF LEAGUE EVENTS CALENDAR
AUGUST
16 Aug
Sydney Metro
Luncheon
Steve Waugh Room, SCG
19 Aug
Queensland
Corporate Golf Day
Brisbane Golf Club
21 Aug
Brisbane
Kick Off Club
Broncos Leagues Club
23 Aug
Illawarra
Kick Off Club
Wollongong City Diggers
23 Aug
Southern Division
Golf Day
Gatton Jubilee Golf Club
06 Sep
Canberra Monaro
Kick Off Club
Hog’s Breath Café, Philip
13 Sep
Bundaberg
Kick Off Club Salter Oval
19 Sep
NSW
Gala Dinner
The Star
20 Sep
Central Coast
Golf Day
Shelley Beach Golf Club
22 Sep
North West NSW
Bowls Day
South Tamworth Bowling Club
26 Sep
Far North Queensland
Prime Ministers 13 - Dinner
TBA
26 Sep
Queensland
QLD Annual Lunch
RNA Convention Centre
27 Sep
Illawarra
Finals Luncheon
Wests Illawarra
29 Sep
Newcastle Hunter
Bowls Day
Nelson Bay Bowling Club
SEPTEMBER
32
OCTOBER
10 Oct
Sunshine Coast
Kick Off Club
Mooloolaba Surf Club
11 Oct
Canberra Monaro
Golf Day
Goulburn Golf Club
13 Oct
Tweed District
Bowls Day
Coolangatta Bowls Club
16 Oct
Brisbane
Kick Off Club
18 Oct
Central Highlands
Golf Day/Sportsman’s Dinner
TBA
19 Oct
Central Highlands
Battle of the Mines
TBA
19 Oct
Central West
Ian Walsh Bowls Day
Forbes Bowling Club
19 Oct
North West
Golf Day
Moree Golf Club
19 Oct
Riverina
Race Day & Rep Reunion
Murrumbidgee Turf Club
26 Oct
Newcastle Hunter
Trot Night
Newcastle Paceway
26 Oct
NSW
Race Day
Rosehill Racecourse
01 Nov
Western Region
Golf Day
Dubbo
03 Nov
Far South Coast
Bowls Day
Club Sapphire Merimbula
15 Nov
Bundaberg
Golf Day
North Bundaberg Golf Club
22 Nov
Sunshine Coast
Golf Day
Horton Park
23 Nov
Mid West
Golf Day and Dinner
Lithgow Workers Club
23 Nov
Canberra Monaro
Lunch and Bowls Day
Forrest Bowling Club
29 Nov
Bundaberg
Kick Off Club Salter Oval
03 Dec
Illawarra
Kick Off Club
Steelers Club
06 Dec
North Coast
Coffs Harbour Race Luncheon
Coffs Harbour
06 Dec
Newcastle Hunter
Golf Day
Cypress Lakes
07 Dec
Sydney Metro
Arthur Beetson Memorial Xmas Lunch
Bondi Icebergs
07 Dec
Tweed District
Christmas Party
Border Park Tweed Heads
12 Dec
Sunshine Coast
Christmas Luncheon Mooloolaba Surf Club
18 Dec
Brisbane
Kick Off Club
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
33
OLD-STYLE MAROON
MAN OF HIS WORD
He bled maroon blood and devoted 31 years to rugby league as a
dedicated, determined hands-on managing director of the QRL. We pay
tribute to ROSS LIVERMORE. BY STEVE RICKETTS
R
oss Livermore lamented the loss of some
of the conviviality traditionally associated with
rugby league as the game moved towards full
professionalism in the mid-1990s.
There was, however, a bar for entertaining guests,
particularly league journalists, who liked nothing more
than debating the hot topics of the day with McAuliffe
and Livermore.
The Queensland Rugby League managing director
began his tenure at Lang Park in February, 1981,
back when Senator Ron McAuliffe was still the code’s
charismatic chairman.
It became known as “The Gunsynd Bar’” a reference
to the grey-haired McAuliffe’s nickname.
Administration of the game then was a far cry from
today’s corporate world. Office facilities were basic at
best in those days, with just two telephone lines and a
small but willing work force running the show.
34
On one occasion in the 1980s a prominent journalist
became so ‘merry’ he couldn’t find his glasses, even
though they were on his head all the time.
“I suggested to him the next day he had better apologise
to Ron McAuliffe for some of things he had said, and he
duly phoned up and did so,” Livermore recalled some
years later.
“He hadn’t said anything out of turn really but he
couldn’t remember. It was great the way people got
together in those days, but things changed as jobs
became more demanding.”
This is just one example of the cheeky sense of humour
that was as much a part of Livermore’s make-up as his
incredible work ethic.
On Sunday, January 9, 2011, the day before floodwaters
engulfed Suncorp Stadium (formerly Lang Park),
Livermore worked tirelessly, with little help, to ensure
equipment, records and memorabilia were out of harm’s
way at the QRL’s offices at the ground.
A ball boy at league matches at the Brisbane Cricket
Ground in the 1950s, Livermore played on Lang Park
when he was a pupil at Ithaca Creek Primary School.
He later attended Toowoomba Grammar where he played
union, which he continued playing after leaving school.
At one stage he trained with Fortitude Valley Diehards
with the intention of switching to league, but he also was
in the CMF (Army Reserve) and commitments there
often clashed with Valley’s training.
That’s why he was so upset when the game was split
by the Super League war in 1995 and lifelong
friendships were left in ruins as players and
administrators took sides.
The QRL stayed loyal to the ARL, but the ’95 State
of Origin series shaped as a farce with most of
Queensland’s top players at Super League aligned
clubs such as the Brisbane Broncos.
The QRL scraped together a squad that went on to win
the series 3-0 against a star-studded New South Wales
side coached by Phil Gould.
Livermore always had faith in the Maroons to rise to the
occasion under rookie coach Paul Vautin but a cleansweep was beyond his wildest dreams.
While that series proved a triumph, there was
heartbreak around the corner with the demise of the
South Queensland Crushers in 1997, just three years
after the club’s debut season.
Livermore and legendary Queensland Origin manager
Dick “Tosser” Turner were instrumental in the formation
of the Crushers, a club that gave Brisbane people
an alternative to the Broncos but fell victim to fan
disenchantment during the Super League schism.
One night a club match drew an
unexpectedly large crowd at Lang Park
and Livermore found himself in the bar’s
cold room opening beer cartons to help
meet the demand from thirsty patrons.
After his retirement in 2011,
Livermore filled a consultancy
role with the Brisbane Bombers,
one of the bid teams for a new
NRL licence. His son Nicholas is
a Bombers’ director.
Livermore also maintained his
role on the QRL history committee,
which has among its goals the
establishment of a rugby league
museum in Brisbane.
Livermore’s father Alan played two union Tests for the
Wallabies in the 1940s before he was lured to league
by McAuliffe.
He loved fishing, but retirement didn’t sit well with
him and he suffered from ill-health before his sudden
passing, on April 13, after a period in hospital.
It was also McAuliffe who persuaded Ross Livermore
to give up his job in the state public service and from
February, 1981 until his retirement in 2011 he gave his
heart and soul to rugby league.
A memorial service in his honour was held at Suncorp
Stadium on April 19 with more than 500 people paying
their respects.
One night a club match at Lang Park drew an
unexpectedly large crowd and Livermore found himself
in the bar’s cold room opening beer cartons to help meet
the demand from thirsty patrons.
There was period in 1983 when McAuliffe was chairman
of the Australian Rugby League and Livermore the
secretary after Sydney-based ARL supremo Kevin
Humphreys stood down.
Livermore was a man of principle, and a handshake
was good enough for him when it came to settling deals.
Among them were former star players Wally Lewis,
Darren Lockyer, Allan Langer, Steve, Kevin and Kerrod
Walters, David Wright, Len Dittmar and the man he
referred to as “super coach”, Wayne Bennett.
Australia’s Kangaroos wore black arm bands in
Livermore’s honour in the Test against New Zealand in
Canberra, and teams from all over the state observed a
minute’s silence before club games following his passing.
Livermore is survived by his wife Meralda, daughter,
Helen; son Nicholas and grandchildren, Amelie
and Aubrey.
35
LENDING A HELPING HAND
Vance Rennie, Ron Atkins and Pat McGuire
visit Queensland league legend Kel O’Shea
KEL O’SHEA
Queensland league legend Kel
O’Shea had good company from
Men of League colleagues when he
celebrated his 80th birthday in July
at Redland Bay Nursing Home in
Brisbane.
O’Shea, from Ayr in north
Queensland, went onto such
prominence with Wests in Sydney
that he was chosen in the 100
greatest players as part of rugby
league’s centenary celebrations and
the Magpies team of the century.
36
Kel was visited by president of the
Brisbane committee and Wests Old
Boys Ron Atkins who has known
Kel since they were teenagers,
who took Brisbane committee
secretary and former Wests player
Vance Rennie with him, along with
former South Sydney and Brisbane
Brothers player Pat MacGuire, a
Brisbane committee welfare officer.
SEL BELSHAM
O’Shea played 15 Tests for Australia
(plus 10 games for Queensland
and eight for NSW) and three
times (1958, ‘61 and ‘63) was in a
Magpies side which lost a grand
final to the all-conquering St George
side that won a world record 11
straight titles.
Sel proudly wore the New Zealand
strip in 10 Tests between 1953 and
1957 and also represented NZ in
the 1957 Rugby League World Cup
and also gained selection in the
Rest of the World against Australia.
He partnered Dragons’ giant
Norm Provan in the second
row for Australia in an imposing
combination.
As a Queensland legend it’s great to
see Kel doing so well.
Former New Zealand International
Sel Belsham may have been in
poor health recently but he could
not have been more delighted to
receive a visit from Gold Coast
Men of League members Greg
Sylvester, Tommy Bishop and
Graeme Farrar.
He was also a first class cricketer
for Auckland, regarded as a
certainty to tour South Africa
for the Black Caps before being
struck down with hepatitis. His late
brother, Vic represented the Kiwis
against Australia in 1948 after
which he became one of the code’s
top referees.
Left to Right – Ken Vessey, Justin Smith
and Fred Jackson
JUSTIN SMITH
Seventeen-year-old Justin Smith
has shown a level of courage and
determination beyond his age as
he has fought for three years to
overcome serious leg problems to
fulfil his dream to play rugby league
again.
Justin started playing as a sixyear-old with the Pennant Hills
Cherrybrook Stags where his father
Tony coached for many years. He
was developing as a promising
second-rower or centre and gained
selection in the North Sydney
development squads since he
was 13 and was twice selected in
the NSW Combined Independent
Schools under-15s in the Australian
championships.
For some time he had been
experiencing high levels of
discomfort and pain in both legs
(tightness in calves and tingling or
numbness in both feet) and while
in Perth at the 2011 Australian
Schoolboys Championships the
team trainer (also a qualified
physiotherapist) diagnosed the
problems as potentially Chronic
Compartment Syndrome. Tests
revealed the presence of not
only CCS but also Politeal Artery
Entrapment Syndrome in both legs,
which was restricting the flow of
blood.
Justin has had eight operations
and for the past nine months
has been receiving exercise
programme advice from a leading
NRL physiotherapist who referred
him to a leading podiatrist who
recommended moulded orthotics.
When Northern Sydney welfare
officers Fred Jackson and Ken
Vessey met Justin and a proud
Tony in early June, Justin was no
longer experiencing leg pain, had
played a few games of Oztag with
confidence, was completing light
running exercises plus doing gym
work. His goal is to return to footy
in 2014 and to gain selection in the
Bears’ SG Ball team.
Thanks to the Sydney Roosters,
the Foundation was able to
present Justin with a signed 2013
Roosters jersey, the team he
follows passionately.
BARRY O’BRIEN
Barry O’Brien was diagnosed
with Multiple Systems Atrophy
three years ago and is confined
to a wheelchair. The foundation
supplied Barry with a homecare
patient lifter hoist to assist his
wife with getting him in and out of
bed so Barry can still go on social
outings in the community.
To read ‘Helping Hand’ welfare
visits to Bruce and Anne Koth,
Kevin O’Toole, Len Diett, Les
Haggett, Kevin Hain, Mano
Thompson, Peter Brien, Robert
Gordon, Tony Howard, Warwick
Warlters, Altona Roosters and
Kevin Ruddle go to
www.menofleague.com.
Char Grill
& Terrace Bar
PRIME STEAKS & SEAFOOD
Winner 2012 - Best Pub / Bistro
I Love Food Awards
Finalist 2012 - Best Restaurant
QHA Awards for Excellence
Your hosts the
Farquhar Family
38 Caxton Street, Petrie Terrace,
QLD 4000, Australia
P.S Have fun!
www.caxton.com.au I For all your function
enquiries please phone (07) 3369 5544
37
REMEMBERING T
Men of League Foundation wishes to recognise the recent passing of
the following people who left a positive legacy within the rugby league
community. For more tributes or expanded versions of those printed here,
go to www.menofleague.com
GRAHAM MURRAY
A huge gathering attended the service for ‘Muzza’ in
Brisbane after he passed away in late July, aged 58,
after sudden heart issues in previous months. An active
Men of League member, Murray was one of the NRL’s
most popular figures, having played 88 first grade
games for Parramatta and Souths before embarking on
a long and successful coaching career.
Murray’s Leeds team holds the record winning score
in a Challenge Cup final in England, the 52-16 victory
against London in 1999 during his two seasons in the
UK before he returned to Australia to take the Sydney
Roosters to their first grand final in 20 years.
Previously Murray had coached Penrith to a reserve
grade title in 1987, mentored Illawarra to their first finals
series and only trophy – the pre-season Cup - in 1992.
Later he coached the North Queensland Cowboys to
their first finals appearance in 2004 and to their only
grand final appearance the following season.
After heading the high performance unit at the
Newcastle Knights in December he returned to
Wynnum-Manly, where he had a stint as CEO, to coach
their Queensland Cup side. He leaves many, many
friends in rugby league.
GREG FATNOWNA
Greg, who grew up in and was still living in the Mackay
area, lost his battle with aggressive lung cancer in late
July. Greg was well known in local rugby league circles,
and was a humble man who gave so much but expected
nothing back.
Greg was involved in many teams and clubs from
Gladstone to Moranbah and enjoyed nothing more than
seeing kids he coached as juniors go on and play A
grade football. During his coaching days, Greg would
regularly go out of his way to ensure kids were able to
get to and from training and games such was
his commitment.
38
NEVILLE BARRY
Nev passed away on May 29 2013 aged 79 years. A
former Brother’s Rugby League player in First Grade
and Reserve Grade. He was a fine half-back brilliant
in attack and solid in defence Neville was educated at
Marist Brothers Ashgrove; a school that has produced
many fine footballers. He also played for Wests Rugby
1st. Grade soon after leaving school. He was a very
good cricketer and a qualified life saver with the North
Burleigh Life Saving Club. A noted raconteur, Nev was
well known and appreciated by the people of Ashgrove
as evidenced by a packed St. Finbarr’s Catholic Church
of over 500 people from all different walks of life. Nev
was pre deceased by his wife Fae and son Michael. Our
sympathies are with his daughters Louise and Shannon
and son Daniel and Grandchildren.
STEPHEN VALAMIS
Stephen had been suffering from motor neurone disease
and Men of League assisted him by providing a mini-bus
with wheelchair access. Stephen is survived by his wife
Peta, and five children.
WALLY WEBSTER (OAM)
Wally Webster gave more than 50 years’ service to
rugby league and in particular, the Wentworthville
club where he is extensively known as a Magpies
stalwart in rugby league, cricket and the leagues
club’s development.
Wally was one of the original 46 foundation life
members of the leagues club and honorary club
secretary from 1958-62 before becoming the first fulltime secretary, a position he held for more than 25
years. He was awarded the Australian Sports Medal
(ASM) and the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for
service to the Wentworthville community through a
range of sporting organisation.
As a footballer he played A-grade for Wentworthville
(winning a premiership), plus President’s Cup and some
lower grade games with the Eels.
THOSE NOW GONE
HENRY AMESBURY
IAN JOHNSTON
A good all-round sportsman, Amesbury played for
Lismore High School with Souths legend Jack Rayner
before becoming a classy hooker with Ballina and
Newcastle club Belmont. After retiring he established
the Wests club at Lismore then moved to PNG where
he played a significant role in the formation of a junior
competition in Port Moresby. He was 89.
Johnston later spent many years coaching the Eels
lower grades, and had two seasons in charge of their
top side in the late 1960s, before spending 11 years on
the board of directors from 1986.
RON ‘SAO’ LEONARD
STEW MCCALISTER
Known as “Bugandi Jack” for his work in establishing a
boarding school in the Bugandi region of Papua New
Guinea, Henry is credited with introducing rugby league
to schools in PNG.
Leonard was visited by Men of League when it was heard
he was suffering from prostate cancer and he revelled in
reminiscing of football days gone by.
Ron was one of those people that could light up a room
with his infectious laughter and leave a lasting impression
on those he met. He was a long-time official with the
Baradine and Bendemeer clubs and Group 4 treasurer for
many years.
ALYN CAMPBELL
Alyn played with the Wagga Magpies and was part
of their 1955, 1956 and 1957 premiership sides. He
represented Riverina between 1957 and 1959, playing
against the touring English, New Zealand and French
teams alongside legendary names like Greg Hawick,
Ross Kite, Allan Staunton and Billy Wilson.
He was a president and first grade team manager of the
Turvey Park club in Wagga Wagga. He died on a fishing
trip doing something he loved.
Ian Johnston was the Parramatta Eels’ first international
when selected for Australia in 1949, as a centre. He next
played for his country on the 1956-57 Kangaroo tour
when he was with the Western Suburbs Magpies.
He was recognised for his long time service when he
was elected to the Parramatta Hall of Fame in 2009.
Stew McAlister was the brother of Far North Queensland
committee secretary John McAlister. Stewie played
with the Ivanhoes Club in the Cairns competition before
moving on to play in some of the great Wests Panthers
sides of the 1970s in the Brisbane league.
MAL CHENEY
The former lanky Parramatta forward passed away aged
63 after showing much courage and determination for
years as he battled a serious brain tumour.
His rugby league career began at Tarcutta in Group 13
in 1966 and later represented Turvey Park, Broken Hill
where he played with the Geebungs in their premiership
win, before joining the Eels for two seasons in 1974 and
was part of the reserve grade premiership side under
Terry Fearnley in 1975. He later won premierships as
captain-coach of Batemans Bay.
Mal covered rugby league in the local media, for
newspapers and with Radio 2EC.
GERARD FITZPATRICK
JACK STANFORD
Gerard was passionate about the history of his beloved
Valley Diehards and contributed a significant amount of
time and effort in researching this history. He was also
on the organising committee for the annual Valleys past
players reunions.
A pre-match minute’s silence was afforded him before
the Manilla-Kootingal clash in honour of his contribution
as a player and later supporter of the club.
Gerard, a true Valley (Brisbane) Diehard, passed away
unexpectedly aged 62. He was a Valleys player from
1971-79, competing in five Brisbane A-grade grand
finals and representing Brisbane and Queensland.
Jack was a life member of the Manilla club where he
played his first senior football in the 1950s before being
transferred in the police force to Sydney and joining the
Parramatta Eels.
39
Winners are grinners: the 2013 Women’s World Cup winners – AUSTRALIA!
Jillaroos dedicate
Cup win to ‘MuzZA’
T
he Australian Women’s Rugby League team
‘The Jillaroos’ returned home victorious after
breaking New Zealand’s stranglehold of the
World Cup with a 22-12 victory over the Kiwis in the final
at Headingly in Leeds in mid-July.
It was Australia’s first women’s World Cup trophy
victory, coming from their first-ever win against the
Kiwis, who held the crown with three World Cup victories
over 13 years.
After the scores were locked at eight-all at half-time, the
Jillaroos went ahead early in the second half and then
withstood a punishing period of play from New Zealand
as they tried to get back into the game. Tries were
scored by Jenni-Sue Hoepper, Tarah Westera, Heather
Ballinger and Samantha Hammond.
The NRL’s support of the team was enormous and for
the first time the Jillaroos went to UK fully funded.
Murray, an active Men of League member over many
years, had coached the girls in the lead-up to the
World Cup but had to give away his duties to Dyer
after suffering a heart attack early in the year. Sadly he
passed away two weeks after the girls’ victory but he
would have been very proud of their performance.
The Jillaroos beat England 14- 6, France 77-0 and then
lost to the Kiwis 14-6 in their round matches.
The leading try scorer was Hammond with eight,
which saw her called ‘Sammy Slater’ by Australian
Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens, who watched the final.
Ali Brigginshaw scored 12 goals.
Australia dominated Rugby League’s Festival of the
World Cups in the UK, winning four individual world cups
with the Armed Forces, Student and Police teams also
bringing home the gold.
“This was a true team effort by all 23 players,” Jillaroos
coach Paul Dyer said. “We never gave up against a
bigger and stronger team and in the end, wore them
down with brilliant defence.
“What a great day for Australian rugby league,” said ARL
Commission CEO,” Dave Smith. “I had the pleasure of
spending a short amount of time with the teams in the
UK last week and the amount of work they have had to
put in to achieve their success is incredible.
“We dedicate this win to Graham Murray, our former
coach who was struck down with illness just prior to the
World Cup campaign.”
“To the Jillaroos, who have won the World Cup for
the first time, I think the whole nation is proud of your
achievement,” Smith added.
40
Fitting tribute
to Gibson
Harley meets
Blues heroes
W
H
By MARTIN COOK
hat a wonderful day” is the way Johnny
“
Peard so succinctly and appropriately
put it. And not one of the 120 bowlers or
170 lunch guests at the Men of League Fred Gibson
Memorial Bowls Day at Club Dubbo would disagree.
arley Smith, a brave 13-year-old from Dubbo
in western NSW, had the experience of a
lifetime at State of Origin III, thanks to the
Men of League Foundation and the players and
management of the NSW team.
There was an overriding sense that Fred’s struggle
with the dreaded motor neurone disease wasn’t in
vain as an unseasonably warm winter’s day and tiptop Club Dubbo greens greeted the bowlers.
Harley and his father Shane took away with them two
special mementoes too: Greg Bird’s name plate from
his locker signed by the Blues star and a scarf signed
by a legend from his beloved Tigers, Ben Elias.
Following a few ends of social bowls was a first class
Club Dubbo lunch accompanied by anecdotes from
one of Australian boxing’s toughest - Dave “Charkey
Ramon” Ballard.
Harley and Shane, who suffer from Huntington’s
Disease, were afforded exclusive access to the Blues
dressing room after watching the series decider from
prime seats.
There were Frank Sinatra covers from the dulcet
tones of former NSW five-eighth Leo Toohey, Master
of Ceremonies Jim Hall gave his take of “The History
of rugby league” and the hilarious Peard, who keeps
getting better and better.
After Bird took down his name plate and signed it for
Harley, Elias, not wanting Shane to miss out, took off
the Origin scarf – maroon on one side and blue on the
other - and presented it to the avid Tigers fan, with the
words (on the blue side) “Shane, do not turn this over.
Go the Blues, Benny Elias.”
Fred Gibson, the Brewarrina, Mendooran and Dubbo
Macquarie hooker, was also an astute stockman
and a religious person. Fred was smiling down
from heaven over the bowls day. He would have
been proud of his wife Rosie, his four children and
grandchildren and proud of his football mates who all
came together to raise money for the wheelchair van,
so that others wouldn’t be isolated like he was.
Brewarrina had no wheelchair taxis. The only time
Fred left home in the twelve months before receiving
a wheelchair mini-van was in an ambulance to
medical appointments. He died only three weeks
after receiving the van but as his son Fred junior
put it: “He was so proud of that van. Just receiving it
and knowing that the Men of League cared so much
meant so much to him.”
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative
genetic disorder that affects muscle coordination and
leads to cognitive decline and psychiatric problems.
Harley’s grandfather had the condition and his father
Shane contracted it not long after Harley was born.
The disease develops earlier in life in each
successive generation. Harley was only 11 when
he started experiencing symptoms of Juvenile
Huntington’s Disease.
Harley and Shane high in the stands with Harley’s step-father
Steve and mother Katherine.
The $12,000 raised at the bowls day will ensure the
van stays with Men of League so that it can be used
to ensure the next member who is wheelchair bound
won’t be left so isolated like Fred was. This generosity
started with the board and management of Club
Dubbo - they generously donated the costs of the
breakfast, bowls and lunch, so that supporters of the
day knew that 100 per cent of their contributions were
going to the cause.
All this added to an overwhelming sense of pride in the
rugby league community, that there is a fantastic support
network called the Men of League Foundation. As Peard
so profoundly put it: “Not since the discovery of insulin,
has a single medical discovery so potently contributed
to wellbeing of humanity than what is offered by mutual
support groups, such as Men of League.”
41
ISC clubs unite to
tackle depression
By Michael Hillier
D
espite its combative nature on the field rugby
league provides a close-knit community where
people band together in times of need.
Earlier this year, the Intrust Super Cup was rocked by
the tragic and untimely death of 20-year-old Alex Elisala,
a well-liked young man who was playing great football
and always wore a smile on his face.
However, that smile hid an internal pain he may have
thought was a burden he had to bear by himself.
Elisala’s passing spurred Ipswich Jets chairman Steven
Johnson into action and along with Redcliffe Dolphins
captain Petero Civoniceva, fellow front row forward Isaak
Ah Mau, they sought to find a way to raise awareness of
depression amongst rugby league players.
After setting up a meeting with QRL general manager
of major competitions Jamie O’Connor, the wheels were
set in motion for the league to highlight the need for
action on an issue that was devastatingly brought to
the fore.
As a result, round 15 saw the inaugural ‘Turn to Me’
round in the Intrust Super Cup, with all clubs wearing
blue socks to promote the work done by beyondblue,
which works to increase awareness and understanding
of depression and anxiety in Australia.
League players are often seen as the epitome of
toughness, but sometimes the most courageous thing
a person can do is ask for help.
42
Mau and Civoniceva filmed a TV commercial that
highlights the importance of speaking to someone in
your time of need and to prompt players to ask how their
teammates are going.
Civoniceva said he hoped the ad would influence some
young players to open up.
“It is important that, as a game and as a competition,
we do something to bring awareness to this issue,”
Civoniceva said.
“For Isaak and I, being in the commercial was about
ensuring guys understand they can turn to someone to
help them, be it family, friends or their coach or one of
the hotlines.
“Within our code, we look for toughness in a physical
sense on the field, but real toughness is being able to
get out of your comfort zone and to turn to someone and
talk to them.
“It can seem like a huge thing at the time, but if you get
some help and talk things through, you may find it’s
actually something small you can deal with.”
As well as promoting the cause, each club has
been given the tools to enhance their player welfare
programs, which fits with the broader focus within the
game to promote strategies for better mental health.
If you or someone you know needs help, visit
www.beyondblue.org.au
Raising Your Game
The inaugural Men of League Weekend was a huge success, as the rugby
league community got behind the Pull Your Socks Up campaign
E
arly July in the rugby
league calendar is usually
dominated by State of
Origin but this year the Men of
League Foundation started a new
day to remember for those who love
the game.
The inaugural Men of League
Weekend, held over July 6-7, saw
countless clubs and teams across
the country proudly show their
support for the Foundation’s work,
raising money and awareness
through a variety of initiatives.
To kick things off, the Foundation
launched a new TV commercial,
voiced by Oscar-winning actor
and South Sydney Rabbitohs
co-owner Russell Crowe. (If you
still haven’t seen it, check it out on
www.menofleague.com). With the
ad being shown throughout the
weekend across Fox Sports’ NRL
coverage, it was a fantastic way to
kick-start the campaign.
To make sure we got the message
out there, a number of NRL clubs
also got involved, with the Cronulla
Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys
and Gold Coast Titans players
all wearing the gold and blue
commemorative socks for their
round 17 games.
Local clubs were also encouraged
to buy the socks and wear them
in their teams’ games over the
weekend, with an online
competition that asked them
to take creative photos of their
players wearing their socks in a
unique location for the chance to
win a private coaching clinic with
Kangaroos head coach Tim Sheens,
as well as a signed NRL All Stars
jersey and two tickets to State of
Origin Game III in Sydney.
In a fantastic response, more than
300 pairs were sold, raising more
than $10,000 for members of the
The winning competition entry from the Glenmore Park Brumbies Under 8-1s.
rugby league community who have
suffered spinal cord injuries.
The competition also received
some brilliant entries, with eventual
winners Glenmore Park Brumbies
under 8-1s from western Sydney
sending in an evocative photo of the
boys in the Sydney Cricket Ground
change rooms (see above).
Inspired by the spirit of the Men of
League Foundation and the chance
to meet Tim Sheens, mum and
photo organiser Gillian Ewer went
to great lengths to come up with an
idea that really captured the aim of
the competition.
“We learnt lots and lots and had
lots of fun too. We would love to tell
Tim all about it when he comes to
coach us.”
On top of all this, several local
rugby league clubs undertook their
own fund-raising activities, raising
another $4000 for the Foundation.
Two clubs in particular – Sydney
teams Concord-Burwood United
and Holy Cross Rhinos – put in a
fantastic effort, raising $1500 and
$1000 respectively.
“We all decided that we should
think of a place that represents the
same values that Men of League
represent. We wanted the photo
to represent, ‘Heritage’, ‘Footy’
and ‘Being there for your mates,’”
Gillian said.
It was a weekend to remember for
Men of League and an inspiring
start to a campaign we hope will
become an integral part of the
rugby league calendar. And it’s all
down to the efforts of the people
who love and participate in rugby
league, at all levels of the game,
whose continued hard work and
commitment to help those in need
shows the true spirit of the game.
“It was agreed that the SCG would
be ideal – so in the school holidays
one of the mums organised the
whole team to have a trip into Moore
Park and we were shown around
both the SCG and Allianz Stadium.
The Men of League Weekend will
return next year, bigger and better
– so start planning now about how
your club and local team can get
involved and support the rugby
league community.
43
The victorious Illawarra squad, NSW Country champions 2013.
Country Rugby League
I
Illawarra run away with Country crown BY TERRY LIBEROPOULOS
llawarra put a stop to the Newcastle Rebels’ recent
domination to emerge victorious in the Country
Championships, coming from six points down at
half-time to run out convincing 38-22 winners in the final
in Dubbo.
Illawarra had won the title four years running from 2007
but Newcastle were victorious in 2011-12 and looked
like making it a hat-trick when they led 22-16 at halftime, only for the south coast side to take control.
The first points came after 11 minutes when former
Knights player Riley Brown split the defence after a
scrum win and raced 30 metres to score.
Three minutes later, it was 10-0 to the Rebels when
Matt Shipway delivered a great cut out pass for Stephen
Gordon to race clear. He sent Smith down the sideline
and backed up to take the pass and score. He added
the conversion and the Rebels were in full control.
Illawarra hit back with three tries in six minutes to lead
16-10. The first came in the 17th minute when Matt
Clarke charged down a Brown kick and ran 35m to score.
Three minutes later, prop-forward Greg Reh charged
over from a tap move, on the back of a penalty.
Then a great offload from Illawarra centre Lulia Lulia put
Brad Scott over for the try after Smith had lost the ball
close to his own try line.
Newcastle levelled the scores in the 28th minute after
hooker Terrence Seu Seu scooted away from dummyhalf to put Royal over adjacent to the posts.
Noilea dived over in the corner for Illawarra but was
denied the try after putting his foot into touch in the
process of scoring.
44
In the final minute of play, Rebels halfback Jade Porter
put a bomb up and winger Chris Pyne was able to
fly high, take the ball and score. Gordon added the
conversion and Newcastle led 22-16.
Illawarra got off to a perfect start in the second half when
Ty McCarthy put winger Wayne Bremner over wide out.
But Duggan couldn’t add the extras and Newcastle held
on to a two-point lead.
But that didn’t last long with Duggan producing a
wonderful 40-20 kick. From the ensuing scrum win,
Blake Phillips took an inside pass from Daniel Burke to
score. Duggan kicked the goal and Illawarra were back
in front at 26-22.
Illawarra went further ahead in the 56th minute when
Duggan slipped through the defence to score under the
posts, then kicked the conversion for a 10-point lead.
With dark clouds converging over Apex Oval,
Newcastle needed to score but handling mistakes cost
them crucial points.
Illawarra made sure of the win when winger Jason
Raper beat two defenders and sent Lulia over to score
in the 73rd minute.
The game just finished in time for the heavens to open
and deliver a huge downpour.
“The boys got stuck in after the half-time,” Duggan said.
“Our win was on the back of a good performance from
our forwards. It made my job so much easier.”
Newcastle coach Paul Skovgaard addressed his
players at half-time about doing the simple things right.
“Illawarra came out firing in the second half and they put
a lot of pressure on us,” Skovgaard said.
AFTER THE SIREN
Men of League talk to familiar footy
names about now … and then.
BRYAN NIEBLING
For the record
POSITION: Second row
TESTS: 13 (1984-87)
ORIGIN: 9 games for QLD (1983-87)
Interview by STEVE RICKETTS.
You made your representative debut as a youngster
for Wide Bay against Great Britain at Maryborough
in 1979. What was it like playing against a team of
old hard heads? Pretty daunting. They had some of
the legends of the game like Roger Millward, Jim Mills,
Doug Laughton, George Nicholls and Steve Nash. But
we gave a good account of ourselves, although the
Poms won 27-7. I was playing for Murgon at the time
after knocking back an offer from Souths in Brisbane.
I just wanted one season at home with my mates.
You ended up at Valleys when you moved to
Brisbane and you played under controversial
captain-coach, Ross Strudwick. What was that like?
Really good. I was just a kid and Struddy’s unique style
of coaching suited me. Some players needed a pat on
the back and some needed to be yelled out. Struddy
could press the right buttons and he was probably ahead
of his time. We played it hard and having our coach on
the field with us was an advantage I thought, because
we all had an input. But I know it wouldn’t work now.
Your next club was Redcliffe and their pack had a
fearsome reputation given it included internationals
like you, Wally Fullerton Smith and Dave Brown. Did
you blokes try to live up to that reputation?
Not really. You had to play hard because Redcliffe
had plenty of depth and there was always someone in
reserve grade ready to take your place. The toughness
of the Dolphins pack was more a media thing, but we all
took great pride in our performance. There was a weekly
competition to see who make the biggest hit, but you
had to play smart. Big hits were not going to win finals.
In 1986 you won the Rothmans Medal as Brisbane’s
best and fairest player. Was that one of your
greatest honours? Some people rolled their eyes at
the fact a fiery forward would get an award judged by
referees, but I always prided myself on playing clean.
I also had a lot of respect for referees of the day such as
Eddie Ward who controlled Test matches and interstate
clashes. The medal still looks good and every now and
then I get it out of the cupboard to show the kids.
Bryan Niebling in action for Valleys. Photo courtesy COURIER MAIL.
You were one of the Broncos’ first signings. Was
their interest from Sydney clubs? Yes. Penrith, Manly
and Easts had approached me as early as ‘86, but
I was a country boy, and although Brisbane was a big
place compared with Murgon, it was nothing compared
with Sydney. The Broncos gave me a chance to stay in
Brisbane and that was great.
You finished your playing career at Hull Kingston
Rovers in England. What was that like? I enjoyed
the winter over there playing on the soft, damp fields.
Sometimes I wore garbage bags under the jersey to
keep me warm, but I didn’t mind the cold. Playing over
there gave me a new lease of life. Back here I would
cart the ball up 30 times and tackle for 80 minutes. But
over there I was allowed to pass more and even do the
occasional chip kick, and it worked well for the team.
I believe you watched Origin I this year on the Greek
Island of Santorini? Yes, my wife Cath and I were on
holidays and we found a sports bar showing the game.
We met all these young guys from New South Wales
who gave me a hard time when they found out who I
was. But it was all good fun, and of course Queensland
got the last laugh after losing that game.
What has life after football brought for you? It has
given me a chance to spend more time with the family,
and that’s the most important thing. I was also able to
concentrate on my floor covering business and I still go
out now doing jobs. I watch the NRL and Queensland
Cup on television, but I don’t get to many games. If I
go to the football it’s usually to watch Brothers in the
Brisbane second division. It’s old style football and
very enjoyable. Our daughter Sophie’s boyfriend, Jay
Russell, plays for Brothers. His dad, Noel played for
Brothers back in the ‘70s. Sophie and her brother Josh
have moved out now, so Cath and I are empty nesters.
45
NRL WELFARE & EDUCATION
OUR PLAYERS ARE BETTER PEOPLE FOR HAVING BEEN PART OF THE LEAGUE.
This is the vision of NRL/RLPA Welfare and Education. From our
Holden Cup “No Work or No Study = No Play” philosophy, to our
NRL career and social responsibility programs through to transition
services for retiring players, we aim to help players be successful
on and off the field. Here are just some of their success stories.
DAVID BHANA
Holden Cup Player, NZ Warriors
Fast facts
Junior Club: Northcote Tigers
NYC Career: 37 games
Family: One sister & two brothers
From playing under-6s at Northcote Tigers 14 years
ago, who would have thought New Zealand-born David
Bhana would be captaining the under-20s Holden Cup
team of 2013 and signing an NRL contract for 2014?
On and off the field David is an inspiration to many young
people demonstrating that it is possible to study and play
The Holden Cup philosophy, No work or No Study = No
Play is great because the reality is not everybody will
make it to the NRL, but isn't detrimental either.
“While we are here at the Warriors and they are helping us
to study, it’s silly not to take advantage of it,” David said.
In his final year of a Bachelor of Science at Auckland
University, David says he can see all the hard yards are
paying off and hopefully this will bear fruit at the end of
the year when he will graduate before his NRL career
has even started. This is an amazing achievement, one
that doesn’t come without lots of hard work.
David has followed in his father’s and uncles’ footsteps
on both sides of the family, having all played league.
And now David’s two brothers look set to do the same
as their big brother aspires to a career like his hero
Nathan Hindmarsh.
“Being captain of the under-20s is a huge honour and
responsibility that John Ackland [coach of the Warriors’
Holden Cup team] has given me, and to walk in the line
of those who have come before me in the likes of Ben
Henry, Elijah Taylor and John Palavi means these are
big shoes to fill, ones which I guarantee to follow in.”
With all the hard work on and off the field that David
has put in, he is one future role model for the NRL and
definitely someone to look out for.
NRL WELFARE AND
EDUCATION PROGRAM
The NRL Welfare and
Education team and 44
Welfare and Education
staff across 16 clubs now
deliver their programs
to all elite players, from
U15s through to NRL and
retiring players. We invite
you to download our full
brochure to find out more:
www.nrl.com/leaguewise
"The vision of our program
is that when players leave
our great game they are
better men for having been
part of rugby league"
46
COLIN BEST
DALLAS JOHNSON
Fast facts
Fast facts
Former player, retired in 2012
NRL player, North QLD Cowboys
Junior Club: Engadine Dragons
NRL Career: 261 games –
Cronulla, Raiders, Souths &
Dragons; 63 games – Hull FC
Family: Married with three children
Business: Owns Best Kids ELC at
Alfords Point with wife Emma
What was your highlight of your football career?
I would have to say definitely the semi-final series.
I was lucky enough to be involved with four teams that
made four finals series but never made it to a grand
final. I know how hard it was to get to the semi-finals,
so definitely any of the semi-finals series I played in was
my highlight of my career.
What have you been doing since retiring in 2012?
Since retiring last year I have been helping my wife
run our childcare business, Best Kids ELC with the
accounts, admin and maintenance side of things. I have
also taken on a role with the NRL as an apprentice
mentor, which is affiliated with the Sharks.
Had you always planned to own your own business
and why did you decide to buy a childcare centre?
In my early days I studied to be an apprentice but left as
it wasn’t for me. I completed a sports admin and small
business course, which is when I got the idea that I would
like to own my own business – just not knowing what.
When I played at the Dragons I met a guy who owned
a few childcare centres and he gave me the idea. After
having my own children and with my wife studying, it
gave us confidence to go into the industry. It took us 12
months to find the right location. We are now in our fourth
year and hope to one day invest in another centre.
What is your role as NRL apprentice mentor and
what do you think are the benefits of this program?
My role is to help any young apprentice or trainee at
the Sharks or within the rugby league community in the
Sutherland shire with their apprenticeships. We want
to improve the completion rate by providing them with
as many resources as we can to make it possible to
successfully finish their course. I currently have nine
apprentice mentees that I look after.
What advice do you have for players about
preparing for life after footy?
Don’t leave it to the last minute; you need to start
planning early. What the NRL is doing is fantastic by
assisting the players with their education expenses as
well as making sure that all players are doing things off
the field to help them for life after football.
Junior Club: Herberton Magpies
NRL Career: 221 games - Storm,
Cowboys & 28 games with the
Catalan Dragons
Rep Career: Australia: 1 Test
(2007), 12 Origin games for
Queensland (2006-09)
Family: Married with two daughters
Business: insightcash.com.au
At what age did you start playing football?
I started playing when I was about five or six years old.
When I was growing up the Origin games were always
a big thing.
What studies have you undertaken while playing?
I am a plumber by trade but haven’t been a plumber for
12 years as I have been concentrating on my football.
I recently completed a small business course.
Do you have a business currently?
My business is called Insight Cash; it’s a bit of a leftfield one because I am an ATM deployer. I provide ATM
machines to all different venues likes clubs and pubs
and have had the business since the middle of last year.
Do you believe that having the balance of playing
and studying is a great balance?
Most definitely, you need something outside of football.
You need to keep a life balance as football tends to
consume a lot of your time, so having that balance
– a family, a job or studying – is important.
Do you have plans for when you retire?
I would like to concentrate on building my business up.
I would also like to look for an opportunity with a club;
staying involved in football somehow would be good.
EMPLOYERS WANTED
Can you support one of our under 20s players by
providing employment?
“No Work, No Study, No Play” – players need to
be studying or working 25 hours per week to be
eligible to play in the under 20s.
If you can help or would like further information
please contact your local NRL club or Tony
McFadyen, U20s Cup Program Manager on
(02) 9359 8712 or [email protected]
47
Jones’ courage
still on show
By BARRY ROSS
I
van Jones showed plenty of courage during his
playing days and it is a trait he hasn’t lost. The
Rabbitohs halfback of the 1960s, who never took
a backward step against bigger opponents, has been
undergoing chemotherapy once a week, as well as
radiation five times a week. He doesn't complain and
remains the always personable and positive person.
Three competitive halfbacks at a Men of League function:
(from left) Terry Hughes, Ivan Jones and Steve Mortimer.
Ivan still lives deep in South Sydney territory with his
wife, Diane, having celebrated his 70th birthday at
Erskineville Bowling Club last November with many of
his Souths teammates and friends.
A 68kg halfback, who played first grade at 16 at Dalby
before joining Souths from the Brisbane competition,
Jones had incredible strength for a small man and would
often drive forwards backwards in a tackle.
After growing up in Dalby, he joined Brisbane Souths for
three seasons in 1961 and in 1964 was a paid player
with the Rockhampton Brothers club.
He joined the Rabbitohs in 1965 and quickly established
himself, playing in the 1965 grand final when the young
Souths team extended St George, holding them to a
12-8 scoreline.
This match at the Sydney Cricket Ground will long
be remembered, as fans grabbed any vantage point
they could, such as on grandstand roofs. The crowd of
78,056 was a ground record, but there were many more
who were not counted.
Jones played in the Rabbitohs’ 1967 victory over
Canterbury and would have been there in 1968 but was
injured in the semi-finals, giving Bob Grant, who went on
to become an international, his chance.
He returned to play in the reserve grade grand final
winning team, along with Bob McCarthy who had also
been injured.
One of Jones’ most memorable performances was
against the mighty St George in the 1967 major semifinal. Although he received plenty of attention from the
Dragons’ powerful forwards such as Dick Huddart, Elton
Rasmussen and Ian Walsh, Ivan played strongly in the
13-8 win.
48
"It was no place for the faint hearted around the playthe-ball area," Jones remembered, "But with Billy Smith,
my opposite number, it was just as physical at scrum
time.”
Two weeks later in the grand final at the SCG he faced
even bigger forwards; dual international Kevin Ryan was
captain and one of the Canterbury-Bankstown props,
while his partner was giant Englishman Merv Hicks.
Souths won the match 12-10.
Ivan played 70 first grade games and 27 reserve grade
matches with Souths before having one final season
with Wests.
Current Australian selector McCarthy said of Jones:
“Like Steve Morris, Ivan had electrifying speed and
made many long individual breaks.
“He was also very strong for his size and I will never
forget three of the many tackles he made, all against
much bigger men and he lifted the three of them and
drove them backwards.
The first was on Kevin Ryan, the second on Arthur
Beetson and these were both at the SCG, while the third
was at Redfern Oval on North Sydney's Lloyd Weier.”
During his working life, Jones managed several hotels,
including the Lord Raglan in Alexandria, which is still
popular with South Sydney supporters and players.
He and Diane have three daughters and one grandson.
CLONTARF KO DAY
By BARRY ROSS
The Clontarf Academy teams from Bourke and Oxley with some of the day’s dignitaries.
T
HE Men of League are committed to the
Clontarf Foundation in their efforts to improve
the education, discipline, self-esteem, life skills
and employment prospects of young Aboriginal men.
Since opening its first academy for 25 boys in 2000, the
foundation has grown to cater for around 2800 boys in
54 schools across NSW, Northern Territory, Western
Australia and Victoria. The most recent academy was
established at the Brewarrina Central School last year.
The foundation uses the passion that Indigenous boys
have for rugby league, and in some places Aussie
Rules, to attract them into schools and keep them there.
The chairman of the Clontarf Foundation is Ross Kelly
AM, who is a successful businessman. Ross is the
chairman of Wood and Grieve Engineers and chairman
of Imdex Limited and is a former commissioner with the
Western Australian Football Commission and Fremantle
Dockers chairman.
Although Australian Rules is his sport, Kelly clearly
understands that for the Clontarf Foundation to succeed
in NSW, rugby league has to be the vehicle that it uses
to engage the students in education.
The Clontarf Foundation held a successful junior
league carnival in Sydney in June which featured
academy students from Armidale, Bourke, Brewarrina,
Coonamble, Inverell, Moree and Oxley. The boys were
elated when ARL Team of the Century member and
Immortal, Graeme Langlands, arrived to watch some of
the action.
“It was a pleasure to meet so many happy young men,”
Langlands said. "And I was also impressed with their
on-field ability."
NRL welfare and education manager Dean Widders
watched several matches and spoke to the boys.
South Sydney legend Bob McCarthy also spent several
hours at the carnival, along with Men of League national
vice-president Jim Hall and ARL officials Ricky Walford
and Geoff Carr, plus world famous boxing trainer and
Men of League member John Lewis, also attended.
NRL chief executive David Smith found time in his busy
schedule to enjoy some of the matches and make a
presentation.
State Member for Canterbury and chairperson of the
Australian Rugby League's Indigenous Council, Linda
Burney, a hard working, activist for all Aboriginal causes,
also watched the action.
The Clontarf Foundation welcomed the Men of League
support and the boys have quickly become supporters
of our organisation. Currently they are working hard in a
fund raising drive, with the aim of presenting some funds
to the Men of League.
The newest and smallest academy, Brewarrina, won the
final after a tight and entertaining clash with Armidale.
The Clontarf Foundation is grateful for the Men of
League involvement, while they were also thankful for
the volunteers from AMP, Caltex and Goldman Sachs,
who helped make the carnival a success.
49
MEN OF LEAGUE MEMBERSHIP FORM
Date:
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If these details are not completed in full, the processing of your application may be delayed
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50
MEN OF LEAGUE FOUNDATION
GOLD & CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP
LET’S KEEP THIS GOING
• made over 5000 welfare contacts with people in hospital or other forms of care in order to check up on those in need.
To keep this going we invite you to become
a gold/corporate member of the foundation.
The cost of this membership is $150 per
year. By becoming a gold/corporate member
you are making a significant contribution
in ensuring the good work of the Men of
League continues. Apart from the personal
satisfaction you receive in making this
contribution there are also other benefits.
• awarded 10 Scholarships, which have positively impacted recipients’ lives
THESE INCLUDE:
FORMED IN 2002 THE FOUNDATION HAS:
• spent more than $2,500,000 caring for the rugby league community
• provided more than $500,000 in medical equipment
• donated memorabilia to other charities or co-
sponsored events to the value of more than $600,000
• organised over 600 fundraising events
• reconnected thousands of people to the game of rugby league
• built one of the largest organisations of its type in the world.
• Recognition of your membership annually in the Men of League Magazine and our website
• A Gold or Corporate Membership Plaque
• A Gold or Corporate Membership Badge
• Annual subscription to the Men of League Magazine
• Information on Men of League events
Part or all of your
contribution
is tax deductible
HELPING
MEN, WOMEN
AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY
51
ASHER’S PIONEERS AT
WAR WITH OFFICIALS
BY ANDREW FERGUSON
Albert Baskerville’s Kiwi side had just passed through in
1908 on their way home from their historic tour of Britain
when a Maori side hit our shores in what remains probably
the most drama-filled visit from across the Tasman, led by
another Albert – Albert ‘Opai’ Asher.
A
lbert ‘Opai’ Asher was a supremely gifted
athlete whose ability on the field was only
surpassed by his dedication to promoting
rugby league so that it could be more widely enjoyed
by future generations.
The visiting Maori were going to thrill the crowds, not
just with their on-field performances and the return of
Asher, but also with their music, art and dances. The
tourists were confident the tour would be a success,
on the field and financially.
Asher’s ability as a player was so great he was
reported to have made his first-grade rugby union
debut for Tauranga aged just 13 years old. At 17, Asher
relocated to Auckland and made his debut for Auckland
in 1898, possibly the most experienced 18-year-old
athlete at the time.
Sydney man Robert McKethney Jack allegedly had
been in correspondence with Asher regarding the
organisation of the tour as early as October 1907,
seeking five percent of the Maori gate takings from
each match as payment.
In 1903, he was selected on the All Blacks team that
toured Australia, scoring 17 tries in nine appearances,
including the first try in the first Test in Sydney, which
New Zealand won 22-3.
Asher’s career was unfortunately called to a halt in
1904 after he fell from a ladder while working as a
firefighter, and suffered a knee injury that kept him
on the sidelines until 1907. The injury also denied
him a place on the 1905-06 All-Blacks tour of England
as well as the ‘07-08 All Golds tour of England and
Australia. But it wasn’t enough to keep him from
returning to the field, despite doctors' fears that he
would never play again.
But in 1908 Asher became best known for the
controversy laden Maori tour of Australia. The Maori set
sail for Sydney aboard the Moana on May 25, 1908, with
a squad of 26 players as well as four Maori chiefs. They
were accompanied by team secretary Tom O’Farrell, a
prominent Sydney referee at the time, with Albert Asher
the leader of the touring party.
52
Asher explained, however, that no agreement had been
agreed and decided to take up the organisation of the
tour with New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL).
The Maori arrived in Sydney on May 29, and were
taken to St. James’ Hall by NSWRL president Henry
Hoyle and secretary James Giltinan for their official
welcoming ceremony. But given they had little
experience of playing rugby league, the NSWRL
appointed George Boss, another Sydney referee,
to teach them the new game.
The Maori tour started off in high spirits, with great
sportsmanship, athleticism and crowds. But the
increasing fanfare would go on to be of great concern
for the tourists. The first game on June 8 against
NSW at the Agricultural Ground drew an estimated
crowd of 30,000.
The masses flocked so quickly that Hoyle authorised
the opening of another gate into the stadium but failed
to notify the Maori team management, leaving them
unaware of the extra takings on the day.
Hoyle stated that a gentlemen with whom he had the
utmost confidence in was looking after the takings but
the Maori never saw any of the extra money. They later
went to inspect the new counter to ascertain how much
they were entitled to, only to find it had been removed.
Maori. It was not to be the last of the hostilities as the
relationship between the two parties grew fraught.
The Maori made it clear that they felt they had been
cheated, angering Hoyle and Giltinan.
Newcastle was the fourth opponent. Prior to the match,
Asher told the NSWRL he had chosen Aubrey Welch
as referee, only for Giltinan to overturn the decision,
informing Asher he must choose a referee from a panel
he had chosen, which did not include Welch.
That first massive crowd also attracted another
individual intent on making money out of the tourists.
The takings were so large, Robert Jack attempted to
claim monies the Maori believed he wasn’t entitled to.
Asher refused to back down. Welch travelled to
Newcastle with the Maori team and with no time to
organise a replacement, Giltinan agreed to let him
officiate but forced the Maori to pay his fee.
After the second game drew a crowd of 20,000, the
Maori believed they could continue attracting large
crowds if they could improve their on-field performances.
As the Maori travelled north of the border, Robert Jack
took the Maori team management to the Equity Court for
the monies he felt he was owed from gate receipts.
The Maori made it clear that they felt
they had been cheated, angering
Hoyle and Giltinan.
This coincided with Asher’s announcement that Boss
had been appointed as the team’s business manager,
while still acting as coach. Boss accepted the position
and immediately resigned as a member of the NSWRL
Referees Association.
During the third game, against Sydney Metropolis,
it was reported that Giltinan left the grandstand to
argue with the referee about alleged foul play by the
On the day the Maori played Toowoomba,
Jack won an injunction against 18 Maori
players, preventing them from receiving
any money from the NSWRL.
The NSWRL assumed this meant the
tourists were not to receive any monies
from them for the entire tour until the case
had been settled, and contacted the Queensland Rugby
Association (QRA) to inform them of the decision.
As a result, Asher left 10 players and the three
entertainers in Sydney to save money. When Giltinan
learned there was no Maori pre-match performance for
first game against Queensland, he sent the remaining
13 Maori in Sydney up to Brisbane and forwarded the
bill the Maori team management.
53
The second game against Queensland drew the ire of
locals when they learnt that the referee was none other
than George Boss, the newly appointed Maori business
manager. The tourists won 13-5.
By the start of the third game, the Maori were angry
with the QRA for denying them their share of the gate
receipts and the off-field dramas started to show onfield. Prior to half-time, Asher, frustrated with the referee,
ordered his team off the park. They were eventually
convinced to return and but lost the game 6-5 as
Queensland scored a try in the dying minutes.
The Maori put forward a proposal to play a 15-a-side
game; however Hoyle, Giltinan and the Rugby Union
opposed the idea, threating life suspensions to any
players who took part in the fixtures against the New
Zealand Native Team.
In a shambolic match between the Natives and
Metropolis, the Sydney team contained a number of
Maori players loaned to them by the tourists; one player
wasn’t even wearing shoes. Even the programs had
different players named for Metropolis than those who
took the field. The Maori were resounding winners.
As the Maoris returned to Sydney they beat a Newcastle
team before putting in a splendid display against
Australia (which was essentially NSW with the additions
of William Hardcastle and Ernest Anlezark) but went
down 20-10.
Shortly after this game that Giltinan set sail with the
first Kangaroos tour of England and Horrie Miller was
appointed NSWRL secretary. Miller immediately paid the
fares home for the Maori team, much to the delight of
the visitors.
The Maori played Metropolis again and, trailing 13-0 at
half-time, put in possibly their best performance of the
tour in the second half, scoring 34 unanswered points.
The Maori returned to Australia in 1909 and Asher
returned to the courts to put an end to the legal wrangle
with Robert Jack.
These last two performances saw the NSWRL hastily
organise a second match against Australia before the
final game against NSW.
Prior to their fourth game against Australia, Jack claimed
he was still owed £213 and issued a court order against
Asher until the monies were paid.
On the morning of the second game against Australia,
Asher sought legal advice that confirmed the NSWRL
had broken its agreement with the Maori team, and
informed the NSWRL they would not play because the
League was withholding money due to players against
whom there was no legal injunction.
The local constabulary arrested Asher. When the
NSWRL heard of the ordeal they immediately settled the
Maori debt with Jack so Asher could be released in time
to get to the game.
George Boss told to the media: “The Maoris decided
unanimously to abandon the tour under the auspices
of the League and an expression of interest led to the
motion that a new team be formed to be styled the New
Zealand Native Team, which will include several of the
New Zealand natives residing in Sydney.
"It is thought that one or two matches could be
arranged here and in New Zealand. At the present
time it cannot be said whom we will play but we don’t
anticipate any trouble in securing a ground or a team
to play against us.”
Upon their return home after the 1908 tour, the Maori
team wrote a letter to Horrie Miller, then acting secretary
of the NSWRL:
“We wish to convey to you our thanks and appreciation
for your kindness to our chiefs and boys during their
recent visit to Australia. We are specifically pleased at
your assisting them home before the completion of their
time, and bringing them away from possible trouble.
"They speak highly of the treatment received from you
and your league; in fact, from the people of Australia.
We are sorry to learn from our chiefs and boys that
some of their party did not observe our good counsels.”
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54
COMMITTEE NEWS
League, Peter Betros. Sponsors – Bracken Ridge
Tavern, Michael White, Broncos Leagues Club, Geoff
Keuhner and Dave Mason; Broncos football club,
Andrew Gee; Mono Pumps, Peter Rashleigh; Redcliffe
Leagues Club, Bob Jones; Hoppy’s Handwash Café,
Chris Johns; Struddys Sports, Ross Strudwick, Trawler
Fresh Seafoods, Clinton Pearce, Coca Cola Amatil,
Paul Stephenson; Infruit Rocklea, Anthony Walker;
Crystal Media Group, Gavin Allen; Sportingbet, Wally
Fullerton Smith
Our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of
our recently departed members Neville Barry, Stewart
McCallister, Gerry Fitzpatrick, and Norma Coyle, mother
of our Brisbane committee treasurer Cliff Coyle.
Valleys Old Boys … good supporters of the Brisbane golf day.
BRISBANE
WESTERN SYDNEY
At our April lunch we had the pleasure of having Jharal
Yow Yeh as our guest speaker. And what a determined
young man he is after receiving that shocking leg injury.
One week after the luncheon he was on the field playing
for Norths in the Queensland Cup.
This is the first report from the newly formed Western
Sydney committee. Thanks to the enthusiastic work
of inaugural secretary Garry O'Donnell, this vital area
of Sydney is now being catered for by the Men of
League Foundation.
When asked who his heroes were he had no hesitation
in saying it was his grandfather who happened to be
sitting with president Ron Atkins and his guests. We
hope to be able to get Jharal back later in the year when
he has a little more time in his schedule.
We have introduced more than 50 new members
and local clubs are well represented with Guildford,
Cabramatta, Greystanes and Wentworthville on board
either by committee representatives or new members.
By Vance Rennie
By Les Clark
Our golf day was a great success with a full
complement of players hitting off at Keperra Country
Golf Club. The course was in perfect condition as was
the weather for a great day of golf. The winners on the
day were the Hutchinson Builders team of Tom Wilson,
Shaun Munday, Shawn Godwin and Callum Waddell.
Runners up were Ken Jackson, Dean Pringle, Gavin
Maguire, and Sam Barnes.
Derek Nolan was the lucky winner of the new golf bag
kindly donated by Mono Pumps. Also in his team were
Steve Calder, Ron Atkins and Ian Gatenby.
I would sincerely like to thank all our sponsors for
their kind donations and support for making this a
very enjoyable and successful day: major sponsor
– Hutchinson Builders, Scott Hutchinson; hole
sponsors – Sci Fleet Toyota, Steve Duncan; Ray
White Keperra, Michael Price; ERM, Terry Maloney;
Dare Concreting, Peter Cameron; Queensland Rugby
We have hit the ground running with our first function
a sportsmen’s luncheon held at the Coolibah
Hotel Merrylands on 2 August. The Coolibah Hotel
management and its patrons have been very generous
with their support during our start-up period.
Jim Hall and Chris Bannerman were also active in their
desire to see a committee start in western Sydney.
In helping us to get started we were asked by Men
of League to assist by way of a working partnership
in conducting the Cox Plate Race Day at Rosehill in
October, and we have grabbed this exciting challenge
with both hands.
We have also received encouragement from a couple
members of other committees i.e. Steve Winbank
(Northern Sydney) who accepted the role of inaugural
president and Bruce ‘Bruiser’ Clark who has been
instrumental in organising our sponsors and prizes
for our first events.
55
SUNSHINE COAST
By Tony Durkin
A capacity of 200 members and guests packed
Mooloolaba Surf Club for the fifth annual State of Origin
luncheon and heard why Mark Geyer refused to hit
Wally Lewis in their famous Origin stoush of 1991.
One of the guests, David Manson, was the referee when
Geyer and Lewis locked horns and the firebrand NSW
forward clenched his fist, but never threw a punch.
“Mark was in awe of Wally. He said later he could not
bring himself to hit his hero,” Manson explained.
Manson was informative and entertaining as he
highlighted that particular incident and several others
from a colourful refereeing career.
Other guests were former Maroons hard man Wally
Fullerton-Smith and ex-Queensland Test cricketer and
funny man Greg Ritchie, both of whom had the audience
in stitches. Through auctions and raffles, generous
corporate guests and benefactors helped the Sunshine
Coast committee raise more than $15,000.
Ten days later the Kick Off Club, with News Limited
journalist Robert Craddock as guest speaker, attracted
100 guests. XXXX were unstinting in their backing of
both functions held at Mooloolaba Surf Club, which
generously supports Men of League.
The major function hosted by the Sunshine Coast
committee is the annual golf day at Horton Park Golf
Club (Maroochydore) on November 22. Hole sponsorship
packages are available for $1,500, groups of four for
$580, with individuals $150. Each player receives golf
in a motorised cart, lunch, drinks on course and the
presentation dinner, as well as a Men of League pack.
For more information, please contact Deanne Hagan –
[email protected] – or
Justin Hagan – [email protected] or
ph: 0421 039 300.
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By Luke Graham
The Gladstone committee had its most successful
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With tens of thousands of people in attendance over the
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the local community and enjoy a spot of fishing with
some lucky fans. Shane Webcke spent his time at junior
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Saturday night’s auction hosted by SEA FM’s Banskie
and Brad saw some prized collectables go under the
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Ivanhoes hosted Kangaroos the next day but couldn’t
finish the weekend off on a high note, going down to
their long-time rivals.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
By James Sullivan
The inaugural Western Australia Men of League golf day
was an outstanding event at the picturesque Hartfield
Country Club, where 60 or more players enjoyed
themselves and all that joined us for the evening.
Congratulations to Shane ‘Bugsy’ Barrett and his
Chelsea Flooring team who won the day.
Our WARL Heritage/Men of League round on the
weekend of July 13 was a great success, starting
with a Kick Off Club function at the South Perth Lions
clubrooms on the Friday, followed by a superb round
highlighted by the Fremantle Roosters v South Perth
Lions clash.
Members of the Roosters' 1997 premiership team
assembled for a reunion and the Fremantle Roosters
wearing special commemorative jerseys which were
auctioned at the evening’s festivities (proceeds from
a couple of jerseys went to Men of League). A big thank
you to the Fremantle Roosters RLFC.
To finish off the weekend we saw an initiative by
the Western Australia Men of League that we hope
spreads across the country which saw each WARL
junior player donate a gold coin to the Men of League,
not only creating an awareness of the Men of League
here in the west but nationally.
More Kick Off Club events will be announced shortly,
just keep an eye on the calendar.
Men of League socks were on show when the Masters
over-35s took on the FIGS (Former Ivanhoes Greats) in
the main curtain-raiser.
The Far North Queensland committee looks forward
to the visit once again of the Prime Minister’s XIII on
September 26 as they pass through Cairns on their way
to PNG. A special guest at the function will be Footy
Show legend “Mahatma Cote” (Greg Ritchie).
Members night 2013 – (from left) Ron Payer, Alan ‘Skeeter’ Sharp,
Ray Bennett, Eric Rowlands, Bruce Fitzpatrick and Garry Morris.
CENTRAL COAST
By Dennis Tomsett
A members' night was held at the Central Coast Leagues
Club on the May 24 with 130 members enjoying the
chance to catch up with mates and meet other members.
There were many stories told of past days of rugby
league with many tries scored, bone-crushing tackles
made and, of course, the involvement of the referees.
Unfortunately, our president Don Parish was unable
to attend as he is recovering after a recent hip
replacement. Bruce Fitzpatrick stood in and welcomed
the members, emphasising the need to keep the Men of
League Foundation going and explained the concept of
corporate and gold membership now available.
35s Masters - FIGS (Former Ivanhoes Greats) play Ray White
Cairns Beaches & Smithfield FNQ Cyclones Blue team.
FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND
By Kev Maher (OAM)
The Ivanhoes Club celebrated its 90th year with a gala
dinner at the Pullman Reef Casino on June 8 with an
attendance of over 200 and many wonderful stories of
days gone by were told.
Interviews were conducted with 1963 premiership-winning
captain-coach John Eaton, Bruce Slade (synonymous
with Ivanhoes) and John Skardon Jnr who played with
Gold Coast and the Cowboys. Laurie Henley (another
famous name) acknowledged Women in League and the
part they have played in the club’s history.
Guest speakers were former representative players
Michael Buettner, David Fairleigh and Jamie Goddard,
who entertained the members by sharing some
experiences from their playing days and answering
questions from the members. Their contribution to is
greatly appreciated.
On behalf of our committee I thank the management
and staff of the leagues club for providing an excellent
venue, food and friendly service.
A golf day at Shelley Beach is to be held on September
20 from 7.30am to 4.30pm, the competition will be an
Ambrose with teams of four. The response to last year's
event was excellent, so get in quick and nominate your
team early by contacting the golf club direct or any of
our committee members.
57
ILLAWARRA
CANBERRA-MONARO
Our end of the year finals luncheon is held on Friday
September 27 at Wests Illawarra Leagues Club. A great
line up of rugby league entertainers have been booked
for the show.
The Queanbeyan Blues Club has a very rich history
of rugby league in the Canberra Region. On the
weekend of June 8-9, they celebrated 85 years with a
reunion in Queanbeyan organised by Raiders chairman
John McIntyre.
By Peter Fitzgerald
Also mark in your diary, Kick Off Club events
• Friday August 23 at Diggers City Wollongong Club
• Tuesday December 3 at Steelers Club
(Christmas event)
• Friday February 28, 2014,
Windang Hotel All events 4-7pm
Illawarra representative division side defeated
Newcastle 38-22 in the CRL championship tier one final
at Dubbo on 30 June. Newcastle had won the previous
two championships but now Illawarra are back on top
thanks to a determined and committed input from all the
players and coach Gavin Clinch.
Group Seven broke a 100-year drought by claiming
their first NSWCRL crown on the same Saturday, taking
on Group Two in the tier two final. The South Coast
boys came from behind twice to prevail 30-22. Fittingly
Group Sevens breakthrough victory coincided with the
competition’s centenary season.
The Illawarra Steelers acknowledged the achievements
of their NSWRL junior representative side at the annual
presentation at the Steelers Club on June 11. Jackson
Hastings received the Rick Posetti Memorial Trophy
as SG Ball Cup’s player of the year; Blaine Rozs took
the coaches’ award. The Stanlee Trophy for the Harold
Matthews. Cup player of the year went to Blake Lawrie
and the coaches’ award to Isitolo Collier. Dragons
premiership player Dean Young and Daniel Lacey
coached the Steelers SG Ball Cup team while Adam
Bezzina and Michael Stone had charge of the Harold
Matthews Cup.
If you are a local member please ensure your details are
up to date: email Barry Harle on [email protected].
58
By Noel Bissett
The Blues were first established as Masons Blues in
1928 and throughout their proud history have produced
many rugby league internationals.
Johnny ‘Feathers’ Hawke became the first Blues
Kangaroo in 1948 and was followed by Ian Thompson,
Glenn Lazarus, Ricky Stuart, David Furner, Brent Kite
and Terry Campese, plus rugby union internationals
David Campese and Saia and Anthony Faingaa. Also
former international Don Furner, OAM, coached the
Blues to many premiership wins in the late 1960s and
70s and was the Raiders' inaugural coach in 1982.
Our Goulburn colleagues are organising their annual
golf day on October 11, to be held at the Goulburn Golf
Club. This will be the fourth year for this event, which
has always been well attended.
The function held after the game has become a great
gathering and certainly produces a lot of stories from the
past where many tries are scored, tackles missed and
passes that went astray.
Plans are also in progress in organising our fund raising
bowls day which will be held on 16 November at the
Canberra Bowling Club Forrest.
This is the fifth year this successful function has been
held and we are hoping to have some VIPs and a guest
speaker in attendance as in the past we have had Jim
Hall, Leo Toohey, John Peard and Ron Costello.
The Canberra/Monaro committee welcomes any visitors
and members of all committees who can see their way
clear to attend the above functions.
NORTH COAST
NORTHERN RIVERS
Our committee is celebrating its fourth year and all our
members can be proud of their involvement. We thank
Jim Hall for his advice in getting it started. Memberships
have grown, welfare visits are appreciated along with
fundraising events.
Former ARL general manager Bob Abbott, AM, has been
honoured by the Northern Rivers committee. Bob has
been instrumental in the establishment of Men of League
on the Northern Rivers, and the trophy for the Northern
Rivers’ annual golf day will now be known as
the Bob Abbott Shield.
By Peter Barrett
By Barry Cheadle
Our successful TAB race day luncheon at Coffs Harbour
is a credit to all our members and attracts over 450
guests each year. It is on December 6 this year and will
double as a Christmas party.
Neil Pringle will host with guest Roy Masters, so get in now.
Men of League supported the Jake Kedslie memorial
night (grandson of Tom Raudonikis who passed away
this year) at Sawtell Golf Club. Special mention goes
to host Neil Pringle, Gold Coast Titans coach John
Cartwright and former Origin and premiership-winning
player Martin Lang, who gave up their valuable time.
Our next events are the beginning of our Kick Off Club
at Coffs Harbour Hotel and a bowls and golf day.
The annual event is held at Ballina in October and is
popular, with capacity fields taking to the course each year.
In other news, the committee is monitoring the progress
of former Australia player George Smith, of Grafton, who
recently had a back operation. George captained NSW
Country in 1962 and was chosen for NSW, and then was
called into the Australian team for the second Test against
Great Britain.
When George’s back problem became evident several
years ago, Men of League presented
him with a walking aid to help improve his mobility.
NORTH WEST
By Kevin Robinson
BUNDABERG
By Terry Dodd
At our last Kick Off Club, we handed out proceeds from
our sportsmen’s night to members whose homes were
inundated with floodwater earlier this year. Ten recipients
received assistance, which we hope helped in some way.
Our next meeting at Salter Oval is set for July 26 at
5.30pm and we would like to see more members come
along. Contact a committee person to nominate your
team. The event is a three-person Ambrose with plenty
of food and drinks. Our committee is joining with the
Bundaberg Rugby League to host the Men of League
Heritage Day on August 11, where all A grade clubs will
wear Men of League socks, so come and enjoy the day.
6815_MOL_AD_75x210.indd 1
West Tamworth Rugby League Football Club will be
celebrating its centenary, and all players officials and
supporters past and present are welcomed on the
weekend of October 18-20. There is a meet and greet on
Friday night, dinner Saturday night and farewell barbeque
on Sunday morning. Also a re-enactment of the first game
played by the club will be played on Saturday afternoon.
Any monies raised will be donated to the Men of League.
We congratulate Wests on this achievement and wish
them every success for their celebrations.
The North West committee will be holding a bowls day
in Tamworth in September, either the 21 or 22 (yet to
be confirmed). There will also be a golf day on the 19
October in Narrabri.
19/12/12 3:46 PM
59
MELBOURNE
SOUTHERN SYDNEY
We had a packed house at the Limerick Arms Hotel in
South Melbourne for the function to coincide with State
of Origin 1, with the entire Melbourne Storm player and
officials group among the 150 people in attendance.
Vice-president Roy Masters acted as MC.
After a slow start to the year, we managed to get moving
with a very successful lunch at JD’s on Friday, 10 May,
where we entertained a crowd of over fifty.
By Peter Foreman
Once again the night was well attended, and we thank
the management and staff of the Limerick Arms for
allowing us to partner with them with these events.
Thanks to the strong relationship that has been built
with the Melbourne Storm since our inception we were
invited to conduct fundraising activities as part of the
game day program.
The day also coincided with the Storm “Old Boys”
reunion that starts on the Friday and goes through until
Sunday night.
So for our committee members and Storm legends
Robbie Kearns and Danny Williams it was a long
weekend of reminiscing with their former teammates,
as well as our activities on the Sunday.
The Melbourne Storm were fantastic in coordinating
on-ground interviews for local media with our president
Peter Foreman.
We wanted to raise greater awareness about our
support for the Altona Roosters and to raise some
much-needed funds ($10,000) following a fire that sadly
burned down their club house and which unfortunately
resulted in the club losing all of their essential equipment
including jerseys and training gear.
Roy Masters was the guest speaker at the Melbourne
Storm's corporate luncheon. This event provided much
needed exposure for the Men of League Foundation
and will result in an increase in our membership base.
In what was a fantastic result, we raised in excess of
$4000 on the day.
By Terry Hughes
Our thanks to John Quinlan and the management of
JD’S for making the venue available at short notice and
the excellent service provided.
The 1973 grand final tribute lunch at the SUS Club
was held on Friday July 26. As the magazine went to
press the majority of the past Sharks players were set
to attend along with Fred Jones, Peter Peters, Max
Brown and possibly Graham Eadie from Manly. MC for
the afternoon was Tim Gilbert (details will be in the next
magazine and on the website).
Further negotiations are taking place for another
luncheon at Oatley RSL, most likely in August as it was
last year.
NEWCASTLE HUNTER
By Ross Gigg
The Newcastle Hunter committee had a strong hand in
the annual golf and dinner weekend at Nelson Bay on
the May 25-26.
John Peard did another excellent job keeping the crowd
entertained on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon
and special guest Les Johns relived some great
memories for the crowd on Saturday night.
Over 150 golfers enjoyed a good day out on the Sunday.
A big thank you to Dave Crossley, Jim Hall, Peter
Arnold, Chris Kelly, Greg Hennessy, Charlie Haggett,
Max Pride and all the team at Nelson Bay Golf course
and all other volunteers who helped organise and run
the event. Our next big event is the Bowls day at Nelson
Bay on the September 29.
www.sydneymarkets.com.au
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7/11/12 9:48 AM
Ron West. We thank Mitsubishi, North Queensland
Cowboys and the Cowboys Old Boys for their support
and especially appreciate the hospitality provided by
Brothers Leagues Club staff headed by Debbie Keelan
who always looks after us so well.
Graeme White Interviewing jockey Glyn Schofield at the Wagga Gold
Cup brekkie fundraiser
RIVERINA
By Ian Lloyd
The Riverina committee has been very busy over the
past few months. Amongst a host of action members
manned the gate at a fundraiser at McDonalds’ Park
Wagga for Jayden Kelly’s (Lake Cargelligo/Wagga
Kangaroos) son who is suffering from leukaemia.
We also donated memorabilia for a Lake Cargelligo
injured players fundraiser.
Our June 21 Kick Off Club was held for the first time at
the Townsville RSL, which have been so very supportive
of Men of League over the years through our race days
and event auctions.
We had two guest speakers, brothers Aaron and
Dean Payne, who talked about life after playing the
game, especially their roles with the North Queensland
Cowboys. Aaron also trains a few race horses, which
keeps him busy in his spare time.
We wish him the same success as Sydney trainer, John
O’Shea, who played rugby league for North Queensland
in his junior days.
Many thanks go to RSL marketing manager Paul
Bailey and Lions Glen Cummins for their support of an
enjoyable evening.
In May the Riverina committee conducted our annual
Wagga Gold Cup breakfast, which was a huge success
with $6000 raised. Local trainer Bede Murray and leading
jockeys Glyn Schofield and Peter Robl were the guest
speakers and kept the audience of around 150 enthralled.
The committee also conducted its regular ‘coathanger
night’ at Wagga’s Ashmont Hotel, which gave members a
chance to catch up with old teammates and opponents.
A bowls day was held at Tumut where the Men of
League donated $500 to a fundraiser for ex-Tumut
footballer Gary Dowell.
Gary and Peter Flanagan flank Queensland legend Shane Webcke.
In October this year (Caulfield Cup day) we will
be conducting a Men of League race day at the
Murrumbidgee Turf Club. As part of the festivities there
will be a reunion of all past Riverina representative
players. If you played for Riverina and are interested in
attending details can be obtained from Gary Burns on
0427 314 621 or Don Tuckwell 02 69214862.
TOWNSVILLE
By Barry Buchanan
Heritage Week was celebrated in Townsville with a
lunch held at Brothers Leagues Club on April 9. State
president Steve Calder brought special guests Wally
Fullerton-Smith and Adam MacDougall with radio and
TV personality Peter Psaltis, who hosted the event. The
occasion was used to honour members of the Townsville
District team that played the touring St George Dragons
in 1964.
Special guests were two of the team members, Graham
Charles and Lyle Humphreys, as well as the referee
SOUTHERN DIVISION
By Andrew O’Brien
Our committee had its annual meeting and changed its
name to Southern Division (Toowoomba) as our area
covers Lockyer Valley, Warwick, Dalby and St George.
We recently held a fund raiser at Shane Webcke’s
Leyburn Hotel which was well attended. John Peard,
Shane and Jason Smith were the guest speakers. John
‘Pogo’ Morgan and Alex Tennant stole the night.
Heritage round in Toowoomba was a great opportunity
to spread the message. Pittsworth held a Blues Brothers
function in aid of Men of League. Our annual fund
raising dinner is to be held with our volunteer of the year
to be announced.
The award is named the Johnstone Star award after
Brett Johnstone, the initial recipient of care from our
division. Brett’s business, Full Noise Boilys, has kindly
sponsored the trophy.
Don’t forget our annual golf day at Gatton on August 23
featuring Barry Muir and Michael Hancock.
61
Pirates back to
‘The Graveyard’
BY BARRY ROSS
T
he Old Bar Beach Pirates club, the club that
produced one of the NRL’s most exciting
young players in Sydney Roosters lock Boyd
Cordner, are eying a possible premiership in the Group
3 competition despite experiencing a horrendous 16
months since a fire started in a bin saw their clubhouse
destroyed.
Playing jerseys and training gear all went in the fire and
without a canteen, dressing room and toilet facilities, the
Pirates had to move from Old Bar Reserve to another
ground, which was substandard, for their home games.
It was seven months before work began on rebuilding the
clubhouse and a new and larger building was completed
in June, financed by the local council’s insurance, while
Tooheys provided new bar facilities. The first match at
‘The Graveyard’ since September 2012 saw the Pirates
win 40-10 against Wingham Tigers.
“It was great to play on our own ground,” said
committeeman and former North Sydney junior Steve
Collings. "During our time away, we had no canteen, so
we had very little money going into our bank account.
But things are good now and we will finish the season
with a lot of home games, allowing us to improve our
financial status.
“There are many people and organisations who have
helped us get through our bad situation. Tooheys and
the local council have been great, while the NRL have
LATEST NSW Blues recruit Boyd Cordner gives the ‘Pirate salute’.
also done a lot for us, giving us two pie ovens and an ice
machine. The Ironwood company generously gave us
$15,000 worth of recycled timber and that looks terrific in
our bar area."
“Our major sponsor, Club Old Bar, have been right
behind us and we are lucky to have their support.”
A hard working landscaper, Collings works hard for the
club and it was one of his many initiatives that resulted
in NRL CEO, David Smith, accepting an invitation to
attend a Group 3 semi-final last year.
The Pirates, located 16km east of Taree, were formed
in 1991 when they were accepted to play in the mid
North Coast Hastings League. NSW State of Origin
rookie Cordner often gives the Pirate symbol when he
celebrates a try, depicting his allegiance with his roots.
Building a better future
C
raig Campbell was brutally assaulted in October
2012 and after being air lifted to Royal North
Shore in a critical condition, was hospitalised for
four months. He still has to visit the Hunter Brain Injury
Clinic Newcastle every week and has been unable to
drive or work since, meaning it will be some time before
he can return to his former employment as a carpenter.
His wife also ceased her employment to care for Craig.
Craig played with Erina and under-17s, under-19 and
reserve grade with Terrigal where his late father Brian
was president and a life member.
When Central Coast committee members Les Pearce
and Dennis Tomsett visited Craig and his wife Jo Craig
indicated that he would like to do a small work project
62
to assist him with his rehabilitation. The project was to
build a floor to provide an external covered area where
he could undertake his daily physio exercise program
(he later added a roof).
With the help of mates and Jo, and Campbells
Building Materials of Woy Woy who supplied timber
at a significant reduction in price, Craig completed the
project which was an outstanding achievement that
boosted his confidence.
Also, to further assist with his rehabilitation Les
organised for Craig to meet Bill Ide from the Men’s
Shed at Umina. Craig attends at least once a week
and thoroughly enjoys being able to use the tools of his
trade again.
Men of League,
we’re on your side.
The Men of League assists rugby league families who have
fallen on hard times. Just like the Men of League, Simplicity is
an active member of the communities it serves. Both believe
in providing help and support to Australian families in need.
Speak to a Simplicity Funeral Director about the options for
a prepaid funeral, because we all know you can’t predict the
final score.
1300 556 222
simplicityfunerals.com.au
Proud Member of InvoCare
63

tiger tales! - Men of League

Transcription

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