Rugby League Player #26

SEASON 8

Issue 26

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the GUTS 4 6 8 46 92 102

Team Page Gil’s Offload Editor’s Warm Up Blood Bin InstaWatch

the GLORY

t h e S T O R I Es

14 Industry Insider 38 Behind the Ball, Ahead of

22 Dismissal and Desire 30 A Series to Savour 48 At Home with David

the game

70 Suburban Snapshot 76 Stats of Origin

the cover

Headon

56 Mal Maninga, Master of Men

64 Code Breaker 84 Super League War:

Origin Plays

SEASON 7

Issue 25

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The Battle for Control

94 Ten in the Bin

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56

This is the infamous shot of the King, MG, Benny Elias and referee David Manson, during Game Two of the 1991 Origin series. If that doesn’t make you want to jump off the couch and belt the nearest Queenslander, nothing will.

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the team EDITORIAL Publisher: Michael Gilbert Editor: Michael Di Lonardo Editorial Assistant: Lachlan MacPherson Senior Journalist: Matthew Lucas Editorial Assistant: Jack Hislop Contributors: Bonnie Baker, Will Evans, Nick Campton, Jack Hislop, Patrick Fahy, James De Jesus, Georgie Gleeson, Lyle Beaton, Nathan Farebrother, Luke Morris

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| Gil’s Offload

GIL’S OFFLOAD

B

ring back the biff... To State of Origin, at least. Club level can stick with the pushing and pulling but please for the fans sake, bring back the good old square up.

Game 3 this year was a dead rubber, not even a full house. Tempers flared but no fists flew, even after Andrew Fifita’s moment of madness.

When you think back to the great Origin moments, the biffs have been a major part of its history. 1993 saw Chief and Bella battle it out in a classic while Tommy Raudonikis’ ‘Cattledog’ call of 1997 had more than two blokes going at it, everyone was involved.

Likewise, David Barnhill v Billy Moore just two years earlier. What a time to be alive. Of course, Raudonikis would have to thank Mark ‘Spud’ Carroll for following out his orders while a youthful Joey Johns would credit Jamie Goddard for giving him numerous stitches on his upper left lip.

Sadly, that doesn’t happen anymore. Neither does the shoulder charge. If Origin is such a big beast why do we chain it up? Rugby league is the game of gladiators and Origin is the Colosseum. Open the gates. Cattledog!

When you think back to the great Origin moments, the biffs have been a major part of its history

6

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RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 7

| EDITOR’S WARMUP

EDITOR’S WARM UP Growing up I always admired the likes of Andrew Johns, Brad Fitler and Laurie Daley. As a young halfback myself, I would mimic their plays that I witnessed from my lounge room, running around in the backyard pretending that the resounding voice of Ray Warren was commenting on every step I made as I punted the ball from end to end. Today every kid would be doing the same; the only difference is their inspiration derives from names such as Johnathan Thurston, Anthony Milford, and Kieran Foran.

T

he game has always remained centralized around the halves. They are the King to rugby league’s chess board, the essential component of winning.

With Thurston aged 33 and Cronk following closely behind at 32, the game’s two greatest halfbacks are nearing the end of their careers. But just as they took over the honours from Johns and Lockyer, there are many talented young guns nipping at the heels of rugby league’s most prestigious men.

Broncos five-eighth Anthony Milford has been the entertainment package of the first half of the season and is on track to overtake Andrew Johns as being my favourite all-time player, and not just because he’s been racking up the points in my fantasy team. At only 21 years of age, Milford is in serious contention for the NRL’s most illustrious individual award, the Dally M Medal, after a string of red-hot form that has cemented the Broncos in finals contention. Canberra were aware they had something special in their grasp, offering the youngster a prodigious $1 million a season.

8

Although losing the battle for Milford’s signature was seen as a failure, it was actually a blessing in disguise for The Green Machine. In came Tigers substitute Blake Austin who previously only managed 35 first grade appearances in four seasons. Austin electrified in his debut season for the Raiders, finishing as their leading try scorer (14) and deservingly received the Dally M five-eighth of the year award. The NSW Blues prospect has been a revelation for the Raiders with his dynamic running game, innate attacking flair and confidence to back himself which has been a key part of the Raider’s potent attack.

Players like Milford and Austin have restored my faith in rugby league’s ability to produce quality halves that posses both creative and mature traits. In the years to come keep an eye out for names such as Ashley Taylor, Brock Lamb, Kodi Nikorima and Te Maire Martin. One day we may look at these men the same way we view the likes of Thurston and Cronk, as legends of the game who have brought a new level of class and excitement that truly inspire and captivate us.

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| die for tonga

DIE FOR TONGA Written By Matthew Lucas

T

hey’re big, they’re strong, they’re quick and they’re humble. They are known as Mate Ma’a Tonga and they are one of the biggest contributors to international rugby league.

Just like it’s people, Tonga’s rugby league roots had it’s own humble beginnings. The seed was planted all the way back in 1986 with the staging of the Pacific Cup. This tournament, hosted by the Cook Islands, saw Tonga top their group, beating both Western Samoa and Tokelau. However, this success was short lived after they were knocked out in straight sets going down 27-18 to the New Zealand Maori, and 46-4 to long time rivals Western Samoa in a tournament rematch.

If the seed was planted in 86, then the tree was sprouting in 1995 when Tonga featured in their first Rugby League World Cup. While they failed to win a match, they did win a number of hearts with a draw against Papua New Guinea and an agonising one point loss to the Kiwis. It was inspiring efforts such as this that created the platform for Tonga to launch into three consecutive world cup campaigns in 2000, 2008 and most recently, 2013.

While watching Tonga take on the rugby league world has always been awe-inspiring, it’s their clashes with Samoa

10

that captivate us all. This match has now become a regular fixture during the NRL’s rep round. Mate Ma’a v Toa Samoa.

The Pacific’s very own State of Origin. More often than not it’s this game which becomes the focal point of the round.

Fire and passion reign supreme, the physical battle is enthralling and the tries, simply breathtaking. Meanwhile, in the the Trans-Tasman Test, people are still trying to figure out if Blake Ferguson is worthy of a Blues’ jersey well into Monday morning.

Of course, the NRL wouldn’t be the same without the depth of talent that Tonga contributes to the rugby league fraternity. Jennings, Vatuvei, Mason and Jim Dymock all have parental ties to the island nation. It’s their efforts on the field that have made them some of the game’s most celebrated players.

Konrad Hurrell continues to provide us all with a laugh while nobody will forget big Fui Fui Moi Moi. His Grand Final try now a part of rugby league folklore. Warriors’ backs David Fusitu’a and Solomone Kata have massive futures ahead of them in the red jersey provided the Kiwis don’t snap them up anytime soon. The flair, the strength, the skill. Tonga have it all and the NRL wouldn’t be the same without it.

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RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 11

| the decider

The

Decider...

Last year’s decider ended with a fortuitous 52-6 score line. Clinical, efficient, unstoppable. The way every Queensland fan would describe Game III 2015.

On the other side of the border however, words that come to mind include abysmal, outrageous and unfathomable. As I sat in a trashy pub in Portugal in the early hours of the morning watching a dodgy stream of the decider, the tumultuous roar of drunken Queenslander’s on no sleep put a painful dent on my European holiday. I ordered my first round of drinks and before I could even turn my head Dane Gagai had crossed over for Queensland’s first try. And then, the ambush began. The passion and energy the Maroons played with could not be matched by a team that lacked pride, hunger and the will to fight to make it back to back series wins, a feat that hasn’t been achieved by the Blues since 2004-5.

Growing up nothing hyped me up more than watching Gus Gould’s pre-game spiel which truly encapsulated the meaning of State of Origin, although it seems in recent years he has lost his touch with his audience…and hair colour.

NSW’s most successful coach argued the game is driven by passion, but I believe this passion derives from the powerful term: hate. Players calm the storm when they face the media claiming that there is no hate between the playing groups and it’s all played in good nature. Don’t let them fool you.

When those 34 men run out of the sheds there is no empathy for their rivals and there is an innate need to inflict as much pain and suffering as possible. The countless amounts of classic brawls are one piece of evidence identifying the animosity between the combatants. With the ‘no punch’ rule instilled in the modern game, fighting has become a distant memory and their hostility for one another is now manifest in barbarous defence that has contributed to low scores over recent years.

NSW ended their Origin drought in a one try contest in 2014 when Trent Hodkinson slipped through in the 70th minute in Game II. These low scoring games are not due to inept attack, it is hard-hitting and desperate defence that deters the attacking team from crossing over the white line. The first and most valuable tip that any junior rugby league coach will imbue in their youngsters is ‘Defence wins games’. It’s a recognised concept that is so applicable across any sporting code.

Defence won Queensland the 2016 title. In all three games they leaked a meagre 38 points at an average of 12 points per game. NSW weren’t far off the mark themselves, conceding an extra 10 points across the series in comparison to their counterparts. A massive improvement considering they let 52 points slip through their grasp in Game 3 2015. Defence is the most basic skill in rugby league and the most imperative winning ingredient at any level. If your opposition can’t score, how can you expect to lose?

12

| industry insider

FIRE UP I have many players that I’m sentimental about, but my absolute favourite is definitely Larry Corowa. Back in the 70’s, certainly as a kid I just thought he was incredible

Y

ou don’t usually associate an independent, not for profit radio station, with the working brief, music, culture and arts to be associated with the brutal ballet that is Rugby League. But that’s exactly what FBi radio offers through a weekly Rugby League program titled “Fire Up”, hosted by Stephen Ferris and Kris Gayle. The program is a delightful mix of informative rugby league knowledge, a fresh take on the issues facing our game, a lack of political correctness, an enormous variety of in studio guests, all laced with comedy.

“Fire Up” went to air for the first time in 2008, with hosts Stephen Ferris and Brett Oaten. Current Co-Host Kris Gayle told Rugby League Player, “Stephen and Brett hosted it for 8 years, before Brett left and after some handwringing Stephen decided to continue. The two people who put up their hands to take over were myself and the actor Brendan Cowell, Brendan got busy making movies and working in the UK, so I became the regular co-host in 2014.”

“Fire Up” goes to air on Friday mornings from 9am, you can find them at 94.5 on your FM dial. which regularly features an in studio guest. “Originally the brief for guests was to look for people in the music industry, who like rugby league.

However, now we’ve ended up with three types of guests, high profile rugby league players and administrators. The

14

second group are those who aren’t directly in the rugby league world, people like HG Nelson and Billy Birmingham, and the third group are people associated with the grassroots of rugby league,” Gayle said.

The guys at “Fire Up” sure have had a great variety of rugby league themed guests over the past eight years. An vibrant and exciting mix of ex-players, Matty Johns, Pat Richards and Jason Stevens. Key administrators like longterm NRL CEO David Gallop, and former Souths owner Peter Holmes a Court have also featured.

Gayle is a longtime supporter of the Wests Tigers, and before the merger in 1999, he followed Balmain avidly as a young kid. “I have many players that I’m sentimental about, but my absolute favourite is definitely Larry Corowa. Back in the 70’s, certainly as a kid I just thought he was incredible, as were guys like Blocker, Sirro, Junior Pearce and Backdoor Benny. Out of the modern era, because premierships are so hard to win, I definitely don’t think we’d have won a premiership without Benji Marshall.”

The guys on “Fire Up” aren’t shy of sharing their unobstructed opinions, so make sure if you can’t hear them live every Friday morning throughout Rugby League season, then make sure you add them to your Podcast List on iTunes.

RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 15

| profile

CHRIS MCQUEEN RLP: You grew up in Kingaroy and signed with the Titans for 2016 and 2017. Must feel good to be back up north.

CHRIS: Yeah, definitely. It’s good to be back in Queensland – obviously a very proud Queenslander. So to get the opportunity to come back up here and be closer to friends and family and play in front of a Queensland crowd every week – definitely happy to be back.

What other sports did you play when you were younger?

Did athletics, played, obviously rugby league, played soccer, played indoor soccer, had a crack at AFL once and played a bit of union. Pretty much everything except for swimming – was never any good at that.

What sort of stuff was on your bedroom walls as a kid?

The only thing I can definitely remember having was a poster of Silverchair. I remember having two Silverchair posters up on my wall.

You’ve won an Origin series, lost an Origin series, won the NRL Premiership and now you’re on the Gold Coast with a team that is at pretty short odds for the spoon.

Bit of a rollercoaster career you’ve had thus far.

I think anyone who plays in the NRL long enough has that rollercoaster. There was a lot of talk about us getting the wooden spoon and I’ve been saying it for a while, I think we’ve surprised a few people and gone a bit better than they thought.

And what do you envision for the future? You cut your teeth on the wing at Souths. You going to keep everyone 16

guessing and have a crack in the halves?

I’d put my hand up. I’ve played everywhere in the backline, have played pretty much everywhere in the forward line, so halves and hooker are the only things I haven’t had a go at, so hopefully I’ve still got a few more years in front of me and will get the opportunity to do that too.

What would you say have been the defining events in your life?

Obviously, the biggest one is signing my first NRL contract. I was just living in Brisbane, playing Queensland Cup for Wynnum and working a full-time job. It’s fair to say that I wasn’t too sure where that was leading too, but obviously got the opportunity to go down to Sydney and sign an NRL contract, so that was definitely a defining moment.

It’s no secret that you’re a bit of a gamer. This is going to show your age, but what was your first video game?

Oooh, um, I remember as a real young kid, watching my Dad and my brothers playing the original Mario on the first Nintendo that we had, so that’s probably going back pretty far. Then, after that, we got the Sega and it was probably the first gaming system that I owned, outright – you know, I didn’t have to share with my brothers.

I’ve got one go-to joke – why don’t they let blind people sky dive? Because it scare’s the shit out of the dog.

Have you got any up your sleeve?

What did one snowman say to the other? Can you smell carrots?

| profile

TRENT HODKINSON RLP: Over the pre-season you had to undergo minor wrist surgery which ended your campaign at the Dogs.

How have you pulled up?

TRENT: Yeah, it’s been great. I’ve had a lot of time over the pre-season to get it right and I’ve made the most of that period to make sure its 100% and it’s feeling great at the moment.

Unfortunately you were unable to play a part in the All Stars game. What significance does this match have for the players?

It’s a great concept for the Indigenous community and the community in general for both sides. I know talking to some of the players it’s a great week, they get to spend time with a lot of people and fans and put a positive vibe within the community. To miss out on that it was disappointing but the club comes first and after coming back from wrist surgery I wanted to make sure it was ready to go for round one.

You’ve made the switch from serious final contenders to last year’s wooden spooners. Where do you see this season heading for the Knights?

Look it’s gonna be tough, we have a young squad but I 18

know it will take a little bit of time and I’m sure we will get there and it will be a positive finish to the season. It will take some work, it’s a challenge I knew coming to the club that I’m looking forward to and we will continue to work hard with this squad to turn the team around.

In the past you’ve played alongside the likes of Kieran Foran, Mitchell Pearce and Josh Reynolds. Where do you rate Jarrod Mullen as a halfback/five-eight?

Mullo is a very talented player, he’s got a great kicking and passing game and he has that little bit of speed. Although it’s only new we are still working on the combination but I’m sure that after the more games we play together it’s going to work.

Throughout your NRL career Des Hasler was your only coach. What differences are there between Des and Nathan Brown?

There are a lot of similarities but a few different things at the same time. Des is quite an intense coach which is good for the boys whereas Browny is a mixture of both, he’s intense when he needs to be and thorough. Browny has a few different structures and systems which he had a lot of success over in the UK with. I’m really liking it under Browny at the moment and looking forward to spending the season under him.

| profile

JASON NIGHTINGALE RLP: You were born in Australia, then moved to New Zealand then back to Australia, how was life as a youngster?

JASON: It was really good, I moved from Australia to New Zealand when I was a baby. I spent five years in Papamoa, which is a beach side town. I have a lot of memories from there. The second time I lived in New Zealand was in Waikato when I was 10 and 11 and the rest of the time I lived in Sydney around the St George area. I definitely have two homes, but I’ve spent the majority of time in Sydney.

You initially started playing rugby union in New Zealand, when was it that you converted to the good side?

I initially started playing union in New Zealand because there was no league played in the town, but I played league here in Sydney when I was about eight or nine before I moved back again. So I played two years of league then back to union, then league when I moved back to Sydney.

You’ve been a Dragon your whole career, how proud are you of being a one club man?

I’m very proud, this is where I’ve spent most of my time and my childhood growing up in the St George district. I was a St George junior throughout my days so it was awesome to come up through the ranks in a club that you grew up surrounded by and it’s very exciting that I managed to stick around and play first grade for as long as I have for the one club, which I guess is getting rarer and rarer these days.

You guys made the top eight last year, what would be called a successful season in 2016?

Improvement is the first thing that means top eight minimum. You always need to get better, it doesn’t always happen but we’ve put ourselves in a position with a strong pre-season and new players in our squad. Anything short of improvement will be a failure.

The Dragons have been on the rise ever since Paul 20

McGregor was instilled as head coach. How would you describe Mary’s style?

He’s very professional, he puts a lot of time into his job and his hard work pays off and you see that instilled in the people who work around him. I think having such a professional coach who offers every recourse he can and gives you all the tools you need, it puts a lot of responsibility back on us and also with that he does let you know what he needs from you and he’s very direct so you always know what he’s expecting and that does really help our jobs as players.

You’ve played a lot of international football and seen the Kiwis go from strength to strength, is the current New Zealand side the best you’ve played with?

It’s hard to say, the current group is the best I’ve played with. I don’t think you can say the Kiwis are a side of seventeen or twenty guys, the forty people that are involved in New Zealand Rugby League including the younger blokes who are part of the extended squad, that group of people from 1 to 40 is as strong as I’ve seen and that depth that we’ve created means we aren’t as reliant on certain positions.

You’ve created an Elite Athlete Business School, tell us a bit about that?

I got together with two career coaches and we came up with the idea that perhaps players needed to get ready for transition and life after football. We got some knowledge on what they’re interested in and I found that a lot of people that you ask are interested in small business, so we created a course for elite athletes around small business. Our course is based a lot around practical learning as well as brand building, marketing and the things we don’t get exposed to as footy players as we live in a pretty sheltered world.

From a young age we make decent money and don’t have a lot of outside world experience so we try and introduce things through a mentoring program.

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22

Dismissal & desire Written by Lachlan Macpherson

It is pretty shattering when you come to the end of your schooling and no NRL club wants to pursue you – it sort of crumbles you

here’s almost nothing Johnathan Thurston hasn’t achieved in the game. The Indigenous Halfback of the Century has lifted two Provan-Summons trophies, claimed nine State of Origin series’, had four Dally M Medals settled around his neck and grabbed just about every other Player of the Year award there is.

Born in April 1983, Thurston’s earliest memory is of him playing footy in the backyard of his family’s Brisbane home. His father Grahame, a true working class Australian with an unwavering work ethic and his mother Debbie, combined with Thurston’s deep and loyal passion for rugby league, proved to be the influences that sparked one of the most spirited and celebrated careers in the game.

Cutting his teeth at local team Souths Sunnybank, he was quickly recognised as having a unique ability.

Then, after initially being turned down because of his poor academic performance, he was granted a scholarship to attend St. Mary’s College in Toowoomba.

“They were the best schooling years of my life – Year 11 and 12 at St. Mary’s. It was tough to start with, living away from home, but it was a massive opportunity for me to go on and learn a lot more – not only about my footballing but about myself.”

Thurston began to draw in fruitless attention from NRL scouts; however, this was to no avail when he

received a series of knock backs from several clubs.

‘Too small’, ‘too slow’ and ‘a liability in defence’ - his time at St. Mary’s was over and he had nowhere to go.

“It is pretty shattering when you come to the end of your schooling and no NRL club wants to pursue you – it sort of crumbles you.”

But with resilience comes reward, and after slogging it out in Toowoomba for nearly two years, he finally got the opportunity that he had been waiting for. Whilst playing for a Queensland U19s side, Thurston caught the eye of Ricky Stuart, the Bulldogs Jersey Flegg coach at the time. A couple weeks later, he packed his bags and made the move to Belmore.

“My Dad couldn’t believe it! He was a Bulldogs fan, so he loved it. They gave me the chance to understand what it took to play full time rugby league and what was expected of you – on and off the field.”

However, the retrospective appreciation that Thurston has for his time at the Bulldogs is a far cry from where he was at just two months into his training trial at the club.

“I remember being in Ricky’s office; crying, pleading with him to let me go home. He said he’d let me go for the weekend if I promised to come back. A week later, he gave me a run off the bench for the Jersey Flegg team, so that all happened very quickly.”

RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 23

| dismissal and desire

Thurston played 29 NRL games for the CanterburyBankstown Bulldogs

Following the 2015 season, he had played 239 games for the Cowboys

Quickly he says and quickly it was. A year later, in Round 13 of the 2002 season, Thurston made his First Grade debut against Penrith. This begun a tumultuous three-year tenure with the Sydney club – one that came to a close at the end of the 2004 season.

“Braith [Anasta] was playing for Australia at the time and Shifty [Brent Sherwin] had just signed a five-year deal, so I was in and out of the team – off the bench, playing Reserve Grade. I wanted to play First Grade footy, week in week out, and whilst it was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make, I knew my time on the field was limited at the Dogs. I had to make the decision based on furthering my football career.”

As with almost every story that Thurston is involved in, there was one more twist in the tale. In the Bulldogs Preliminary Final win over Penrith, outgoing captain Steve Price suffered medial ligament damage in his left knee. Thurston was to fill his spot for the Grand Final.

“I nearly fell out of my chair when Folkesy [Steve Folkes] told me he was going to play me on the bench in the Grand Final. However, if Pricey wasn’t injured, there was no chance that I was going to be a part of that match.”

As history tells it, the Bulldogs went on to win the game, 16-13 and in an act that showed the immense connection that Thurston had to the Bulldogs and the strong bond between him and his captain, he gave his premiership ring to Price.

The passion that he felt for both club and captain rolled straight into the 2005 season, and having been in the Queensland Academy of Sport with Matty Bowen, Josh Hannay, Matt Sing and Paul Bowman, Thurston’s transition was smooth and successful. Within this, it was the simple but intricate symbiosis that existed between him and Bowen

that led the Cowboys to their first Grand Final and was the driving force behind Thurston receiving his first Dally M Medal.

“It was massive. I went from being a fringe player and nobody knowing who I was to having a breakout year. The on-field stuff was easy – it came naturally to me. It was the off-field stuff that comes with it that was hard.”

However, with all the accolades come the sobering moments. The times that bring us back down to earth when we thought that we would stay on top of it forever. This moment, for Thurston, came in 2008 when his uncle, Richard Saunders, was beaten to death at a park in Woodridge, just south of Brisbane. When speaking with Stan Grant on Awaken earlier this year, Thurston stated that the tragedy had a strong and far-reaching impact within his family and throughout the community.

“It was tough. I’m not going to sit here and lie. It was very tough, not only for myself but for our family,” Thurston told Grant. “To see how heartbroken Mum was, the rest of the family as well – I wouldn’t wish those sort of circumstances on my worst enemy.”

The footage of the funeral is devastating. Thurston sits in the front row, tears pouring down his face, as family members read touching tributes for his late uncle. The unbreakable bond that he shares with his family and with his culture is evident. Speaking of his immediate family – wife, Samantha and two daughters, Frankie and Charlie – you can hear the passion in his voice, the love in his heart.

“Family has always and will always come first. In reality, footy isn’t much when you have two beautiful daughters who put the biggest smile on your face when you see them.”

It is this profound and unconditional love that has made

24

Thurston holds the record for most consecutive matches in State of Origin with 33 games

He has played 32 Tests for Australia

I went from being a fringe player and nobody knowing who I was to having a breakout year. The on-field stuff was easy – it came naturally to me. It was the off-field stuff that comes with it that was hard

Thurston such a great player. The connection that he shares with his family extends to the connection he shares with his culture and to the game. With this being said, however, his connection to culture has not always been as strong as it currently is.

“When the All Stars was first introduced back in 2010, Dr. Chris Saad did a program with us where he said ‘if you know about your family history and your culture, stand at this end of the line and if you don’t know much, stand at this end of the line’. I didn’t know much about my family history or our culture, so I was at the other end of the spectrum.”

Off the back of this realisation, Thurston’s Mum arranged

to take their family out to Mitchell for a weekend to explore the traditional lands of the Gunggari peoples. Flying down the highway in a 20-seater bus, surrounded by his uncles and cousins, this experience changed Thurston’s perception of his culture and highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong connection to land and to the people that reside on it.

“We did a little bit of traditional dancing that the Gunggari tribe are known for. We checked out the spots where they used to go fishing and they took us to their old swimming holes. It had obviously changed a fair bit since they were kids, but it was still great to get out there and have that connection to the land and with my family.”

RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 25

| dismissal and desire

26

Thurston kneels, dejected, after losing the 2005 Grand Final 30-16 to the Wests Tigers

He looks back at the times kicking the footy around in the front and backyard, pretending to be Laurie Daley, Mal Meninga, Ken Nagas, and is aware that kids today are doing the exact same thing. You can just see it – young boys and girls all over the nation, reliving the pulsating closing moments of the 2015 Grand Final, with the voice of Ray Warren bringing it all to life.

It had been almost 10 years to the day since the Cowboys last ventured to Sydney on the first Sunday of October.

Then, departing in despair as Benji Marshall ran riot to lead the Wests Tigers to their first title. In 2015, a much different story unfolded.

“It had real a State of Origin feel to it. There’s such great respect between the two clubs, especially between the two playing groups. It was pretty much just mates vs. mates, playing some footy. It was a great Grand Final to be a part of and it’s very humbling to know that people are calling it one of the greatest ever.”

Thurston’s impact, as always and as expected, was huge – playing a major part in the three key moments of the game.

The first, with the Cowboys four points behind and with 13 seconds on the clock, Thurston received the ball from Jake Granville. The events that followed could have been predicted by no one and called by nobody better than Rabs.

“Tackle five, this is the last – it’s bounced away to Thurston. Comes off Blair, got rid of Blair. Pushes away from McCullough, Thurston gets the ball to Morgan, Morgan crosses the 20. Comes away to O’Neill. Get’s the ball to Feldt and Feldt, Feldt has scored in the corner!”

Throughout the entire 2015 season, the Cowboys made a habit of leaving it late, but this was the best of the bunch, creating one final, epic nail biter. An 80th minute try, with a kick to come and you wouldn’t trust anyone more than

It taught me discipline, taught me about teamwork, taught me about how to cope with losing

Thurston to pull through. So many times, in clutch encounters at club, state and national level, he comes up with the goods.

With 82,758 people in the stands and millions watching from pubs and lounge rooms across the country, he stepped up for the most important conversion attempt of his career.

He adjusts his headgear, rocks back, steps to the left, lunges forward once, twice, three times, plants his foot next to the ball on the fourth and strikes it. The ball flies low and hard, hooks ever so slightly to the left with the tailwind not quite strong enough to bring it across. It hits the upright!

Thurston, with his arm already in the air, slams his fist to the ground in an outburst of anger rarely seen from the calm and composed skipper.

Within minutes, though, the Cowboys were presented with RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 27

| dismissal and desire

Premiership ring on his finger and Frankie in his arm, Thurston is a happy man following the 2015 Grand Final

an opportunity to bounce back from Thurston’s miss and take out their first NRL title. Off Kyle Feldt’s kick off to begin extra time, Ben Hunt did the unthinkable. He knocked the ball on within his own ten – prompting everyone, whether a die-hard Cowboys fan or a loyal Bronx nation lad, to put their hands to their mouths in shock. Thurston, however, knew there was no time for empathy and all the time in the world to line up the game-winning field goal.

“Yeah, look – I was shattered for him. He had an outstanding game. Him and Milf. But when he dropped the ball I knew we had an opportunity to wrap the game up from there. And you know, it took us three or four plays to get it right, but that just shows the self belief and patience in the team – knowing that we could get the job done like we had so many times in those situations throughout the year.”

Thurston was right. The Cowboys had a chance to give their fans, who had stood by them through a pretty rough introduction to the NRL, the premiership that they had longed for. And again, who better to re-tell it than the voice of rugby league.

“Twelve metres out, in front. Thurston to choose from with Coote. He hits it, he’s got it! He’s got the field goal, he’s got the premiership! He’s gone from a captain to a legend and probably rugby league immortality,” screams Warren with the baritone voice that has enhanced the nation’s connection to the game for more than thirty years.

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The Cowboys had claimed their first ever Provan-Summons trophy, Thurston had claimed his first Clive Churchill medal and the celebration that he shared with his wife and kids after he kicked the winning field goal showed just how much it meant to him and to his family.

“They rode the waves as well, so the win was as much theirs as it was mine. To have them there and to have that embrace at the end is a moment that I’ll never forget.”

In discussing the impact that rugby league has had on his life, Thurston attributes some of his main qualities and values to the game’s influence.

In his thirteen seasons at the top, Thurston has won almost everything on offer. With a more decorated rap sheet than anyone before him, the laughing Cowboy has acted as a face and a voice for Indigenous peoples from every corner of this dry and diverse nation. And as he comes towards the end of the illustrious career that has provided so much entertainment and meaning for so many people, he has one thing in mind, his family.

“In terms of highlights, you’ve got your rep stuff, your debut for your club, state and country and winning the World Cup as well. There’s a lot, but number one is definitely the birth of my two daughters. Ah, Charlie’s just woken up actually. Claps for Daddy. Yeah, family comes first and they’re just such a joy to have around. They’re everything for me now.”

Thurston converts a Maroons try in Game One of the 2016 Origin Series, which they won 6-4.

CHAMPIONS CHOOSE MADISON Visit: www.madisonsport.com.au

Madison Sport are Proud Sponsors of Johnathan Thurston, 4 Time Dally M Medalist and the 2015 Clive Churchill Winner

RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 29

30

A Series to

Savour Written by Matthew Lucas

RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 31

| a series to savour

| Above: Jarryd Hayne and his Blues teammates celebrate their nail-biting victory in Game One, 2014 | Below: Michael Jennings is sent to the sin bin, for being the third man in a melee, Game One 2012.

C

ast your mind back to 2006 and it’s hard to believe that it’s been ten years since Brett Hodgson threw ‘that pass’ along the ground for Darren Lockyer to scoop up and score under the sticks. It was the moment that brought upon a dynasty never seen before in Origin history as the Maroons went on to claim the next eight series in a row. They did of course suffer at the hands of the Blues in 2014 when Trent Hodkinson provided the hiccup in Queensland’s dream run, but hit back the following year with a resounding 52-6 win in the final game of the series.

It’s been a great decade of Origin football. Who could forget Hayne’s try on the stroke of halftime, Game One, 2007. Or the moment he jumped into the thousands of Blatchty’s Blues fans, arms outstretched, embracing the end of NSW’s draught. A beautiful moment more dramatic than an American soap opera. Had it been a motion picture, he’d be an Oscar nominee. Greg Inglis would have a spot on the Fast and the Furious and Jennings would play Superman for that punch he laid on Brent Tate two years earlier. The ‘biffs’ have always quenched the audience’s appetite and nothing was more enthralling than watching the likes of Gallen and Myles go toe-to-toe, Game One, 2013.

On the other side of the ledger, the Steve Price v Brett White biffo of 2009 showed fans the ugly side of Origin. The bookends went blow for blow but ultimately, it was Price who was felled and medi-cabbed off the field in a neck brace. Then of course there’s been the farewells that always seem to go to script such as Lockyer’s in 2011 and Civoniceva’s the following year. That is of course, if you’re a Queensland supporter.

32

| Above: Brett Finch roars with delight after kicking the winning field goal in golden point, Game One 2006

State of Origin football has always been about the best of the best.

The past ten years have shown that. In 2006, Queensland had the likes of Lockyer as well as the mainstays such as Smith, Thurston and Inglis.

New South Wales had Buderus, Menzies, Gasnier and a youthful Paul Gallen who would make his Origin debut in Game Three. Coming into the series, Queensland were under pressure to perform having lost the past three series straight. New South Wales were a team rich in experience at both representative and club level. They were on a roll.

Queensland on the other hand felt they had to make changes if they were going to win. Out with the old and in with the new. The likes of Ben Ross, Brad Thorn and Matt Sing never donned the Maroons’ jersey again. Instead, names such as Inglis, Lillyman and Thaiday got their shot.

These are the names league fans have come to love or hate.

Household names you might say. But what about the lesser known players who have pulled on their state’s jersey? The 2006 series was sprinkled with a number of unsung heroes whose names get thrown around from time to time. Perhaps in the kitchen or the garage.

Remember Brett Finch? He’s frequently on our screens during Channel Nine’s broadcast of the NRL of course, but before that, he played out one of the greatest games in Origin history. With less than twenty four hours out from Game One, then halfback Craig Gower broke down.

Matt Orford was the next likely replacement having been in irresistible form for the Sea Eagles. Unfortunately, he was injured.

Andrew Johns and Trent Barrett turned down an SOS call from the

late great, Graham Murray and through the process of elimination Finch got the call. He didn’t disappoint. Not only did he open the scoring, he kicked the winning field goal to put the Blues one-nil up in the series.

Something which is best outlined by the man himself. ‘’I had a great game and the feeling when the field goal went over was just pure ecstasy, to have eighty thousand New South Wales fans screaming, cheering for something you do. It’s definitely something that people can never take away and I’ve got forever”. It was an extraordinary feat and another side plot to what was an unbelievable series.

I had a great game and the feeling when the field goal went over was just pure

ecstasy Brett Finch

RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 33

| a series to savour

Finch’s preparation leading into the game wasn’t ideal, but that was what made his night even more surreal. “By the time I got to the hotel it was about 11 o’clock that Tuesday night, I hardly saw any of the team because obviously they were all asleep. The next day the game was on. We went to Parramatta Stadium and just walked through some plays just so I had an idea of the names and whatever, but that was all pretty easy you knew the type of plays it was just different names I had to adjust to. Braith was my halves partner at the Roosters so I was quite comfortable with him and Bedsey was hooker and I’d known Danny since I was a young fella from Newcastle. I knew a lot of the guys in the team anyway fairly well so I was pretty comfortable. You know, not like I had to really meet anyone new.”

His inspirational effort wasn’t the only one that got noticed. In fact, it was a barnstorming Willie Mason that pipped him in Man of the Match honours. You’d think he would be a bit sour, but that was never the case. “I’ve got no problem, Mase had a great game he scored a great try. He really got us early momentum both defensively and with the footy. Mase was nice and aggressive early, on the back of Luke O’Donnell, Andrew Ryan, it was a real good forward pack.

They went forward which created space and time for us halves off the back of it. It allowed me to have a good game.’’

Game Two began in usual fashion. Queensland needed a win to keep the series alive while New South Wales were gunning for four straight, a feat that had never been achieved… yet. The pressure was on the men in maroon and to top things off they lost the up and coming Greg Inglis for the remainder of the series. Out of the nation’s capital at twenty eight years of age came Adam Mogg.

“I was always hopeful but clearly I was never a better player than Greg Inglis. Lucky for me Greggy tore his hamstring and I thanked him for that not long ago.” Despite being one of the oldest Origin debutants at the time, Mogg went on to score twice as Queensland

took out Game Two 30-6 in front of a packed Suncorp Stadium.

“We had a really good ten days preparation. Very focused and very intense,’’ said Mogg. ‘’By the time it got to game day I was just really ready to play, I wasn’t nervous at all, I was about to live my dream out as a kid at a full house at Suncorp Stadium in a very important match, the series was on the line. To have that opportunity there was no way I was going to let anyone down particularly anyone at the ground, all the supporters, and the rest of Queensland watching. It was just one of those opportunities in your life you’ve just got to take it, so I was definitely ready to go come kick off time.”

I was always hopeful but clearly I was never a better player than Greg Inglis.

Lucky for me Greggy tore his hamstring and I thanked him for that not long ago

| Above: Adam Mogg scored twice on his debut for Queensland, Game Two 2006

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Adam Mogg

| Above: Brett Hodgson and Darren Lockyer would both be involved in ‘that pass’ that began Queensland’s run of unprecedented dominance.

As has been the story of the decade, the Blues halves pairing wore the blame. “The media beat it up a bit and you could see we were the scapegoats, you know, we didn’t play well but the whole team didn’t play well, I know I didn’t let all the points in and neither did Braith. The team got dominated, we got beat in the forwards which doesn’t allow the halves to do much. You can either get beaten by 18 nil or you can try and force your hand and try and come back and try things and it could turn out to be 36 nil. I made a few errors and didn’t play well at all but as it’s been throughout my career I’ve been the scapegoat, that wasn’t easy,’’ said Finch.

‘’We got replaced but as you know at that time it was a lot different because with NSW, we were going for four cups in a row and over that next period you’ve seen the chopping and changing of the halves and still to this day how pathetic it is that it’s always the halves fault.

I’m not saying you know that everyone plays a part, everyone’s got responsibility and halves have more responsibility than most but every time we lose it seems to be the halves fault. Me and Braith were the first of a lot of the halves that got dropped after the loss . You can look as us, we didn’t play well Game Two we didn’t play well at all, but we played really well in Game One.”

Over that next period you’ve seen the chopping and changing of the halves and still to this day how pathetic it is that it’s always the halves fault Brett Finch

RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 35

| a series to savour

| Above: Paul Gallen, Luke Bailey, Brett Hodgson and Matt King rue a series lost in the most dramatic and heartbreaking fashion.

Fast forward to Game Three in Melbourne and Mogg’s childhood dream continued when he out leaped Eric Grothe Jr to open up the scoring. The injury hit Maroons also welcomed back Rhys Wesser, Josh Hannay and Clinton Schifcofske who would get his own fairytale story by piloting over the winning conversion.

As for the Blues, the halves pairing of Anasta and Finch became Gasnier and Gower with the backline earning a reshuffle. Future captain Paul Gallen found himself debuting from the bench. Game Three had everything rugby league fans wanted and more. Unheralded players making it on the big stage, controversy, despair and a triumphant Queensland side. Had it not been for Lockyer’s match winner near the stroke of fulltime off the back of ‘that pass,’ Maroons’ fans

would be quick to remind their counterparts south of the border of the Hodgson knock on that lead directly to an Eric Grothe try.

It didn’t matter. Twenty five minutes later the rugby league gods shone down on Queensland as Hodgson looped ‘that pass’ for Locky to weave his magic and end New South Wales’ three year grasp on the shield. Brett Finch was there, just not on the field. “Everyone who was a part of that series went down for that game which was good to be a part of that but unfortunately Locky scores the try on the bell and yeah… we’ve only won one series since.” Whether that continues in the future, we will have to wait and see. But one thing’s for sure, if we ever see a series similar to 2006, then we’re all in for a treat.

Unfortunately Locky scores the try on the bell and yeah… We’ve only won one series since Brett Finch

36

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BEHIND THE

BALL

AHEAD OF THE

GAME Written by Wilson Smith

E

very now and then, something comes along so great that it is not enough to simply call it what it is, rather it must be called by its name. This is the case with the Steeden balls. They are not just balls; they are so heavily ingrained in our great game that they have become something more. Over 50 years of innovation and evolution have gone into creating them, changing their materials and shape to make the perfect ball. They are not just balls; they are Steedens.

Essential not just for every die-hard fan’s collection, but also necessary for every trip to the beach and every family BBQ. You’ll go out of your way to save it (climbing dodgy trees) and bruise your foot kicking it around for hours with no shoes on. The Steeden really is the heart and soul of rugby league.

But despite being such a big part of our game, how much do we really know about the great Steeden balls? What do we know about the many years of research behind the best balls in the business?

Steeden began in 1958 when twins Eric and Ray Steeden opened the Old Factory in Manly (Brisbane) and started crafting these balls of legend. The synthetic Steeden’s of today have undergone years of innovation and transformation to become the best, but back in the day the twins created these legends from leather, hard-stitching them to perfection.

As word of these Steeden’s travelled, so too did the balls themselves. The company moved to NSW in the 1960s and quickly spread throughout Australia. However, it wasn’t until 1974 that Steeden would go down in folklore and become the staple good it is today after becoming the official ball of the Australian Rugby League.

Each Steeden has its own unique story and these are just some of the balls that are worthy of recognition.

38

RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 39

| BEHIND THE BALL, AHEAD OF THE GAME

1982 Invincibles One of the balls used by the undefeated Australian touring team of Great Britain, France and PNG.

40

1985

Winfield Cup Grand Final This Grand Final ball was played in the one-point victory for the Bulldogs over the Dragons 7-6. Until 2015, this was the last Grand Final to be decided by a solitary point.

RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 41

| BEHIND THE BALL, AHEAD OF THE GAME

1962 Great Britain Ever wondered what a 1960s Rugby League ball looked-like? Here’s one.

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1992

NSWRL signed by Tina Turner One of the quirkier ones, this Steeden was the only one to ever be signed

by Tina Turner. Turner was instrumental in the promotion of Rugby League through advertisements during the 1990s.

RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 43

| behind the ball, ahead of the game

2008 Team of the Century Ball This Steeden marked the centenary of Rugby League when the NRL named its Team of the Century. It bears the signatures of some of the best players to every grace the game, including all eight immortals.

44

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CONCRETE SPECIALIST IN STENCIL & EXPOSED AGGREGATE, STAMPED PATTERNS & COLOURS, SLABS, FOUNDATIONS, RETAINING WALLS & DRIVEWAYS, DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL

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PHONE/FAX: 07 3208 7106 BSA LICENCE: 61458 ADDRESS: 21 MODILLION ST, TRINDER PARK, QLD 4114

| BLOOD BIN, ORIGIN CLASSICS

BLOOD BIN They say you’ve got to spill blood for each other, well I did that literally. But for my mum (Barbara) to jump over the fence at the end and get through 48 security guards and be on the paddock with 10 seconds to go was just remarkable Ben Elias

B

enny Elias will always be a Balmain Tiger through and through. After all, he pulled on the jersey 234 times. He was also one of game’s toughest competitors who never shied from a physical confrontation which perhaps explains why he was regarded as one of the premier hookers of the mid-1980s. Benny was also a proud New South Welshman having represented the Blues 22 times from 1985-94. In fact, it was during this time that Elias, with the help of his mother, etched his name into Origin folklore.

Rewind the tape back to Game One 1992 and you’ll see a man who had poured his heart and soul into another Blues win.

Somewhere amongst the big hits, the pushes, the shoves and 46

the ensuing brawls you will see a bloodied but not beaten, Benny Elias. It was a phenomenal game from the inspirational number nine who in the second half not only collected an 18 stitch cut from a stray boot courtesy of Mal Meninga, but also donned the captain’s band after Laurie Daley was knocked out in-goal attempting a tackle. Of course, nothing fixes cuts better than elastoplast and Benny was back out on the pitch in no time.

Having wrapped up the match 14-6 and claret still visible from his face, Elias turned to face the cameras only to see his worried yet ecstatic mother making her way through the stands and security and onto the Sydney Football Stadium and not only congratulate, but to clean up her son.

FIRE FEELING THAT THE NRL IS LETTING YOU DOWN? TOO MUCH TALK OF STRATEGIC PLANS, PATHWAYS AND INTEGRITY UNITS? DO YOU STRUGGLE TO RELATE TO A GAME MADE UP OF NIGGLE, BEEP TESTS AND VANILLA PLAYER INTERVIEWS? WELL, HELP IS AT HAND.

LISTEN TO FIRE UP!

Widely regarded as the Who Weekly of rugby league, co-hosts, Stephen Ferris and Kris Gale, dive in head first to dissect the lunatics, atrocities and human monuments that make up the greatest game of all. And that’s just the refs.

FIRE UP! Fall in love with league all over again.

Fire Up! broadcasts weekly all season at 9.00am Fridays on FBi Radio (94.5FM on the Sydney radio dial).

All episodes are podcast for free on iTunes: FBi’s Fire Up!

Facebook: Fire Up! | Twitter: @FireUpOnFBi | Instagram: fireuponfbi RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 47

48

AT HOME with

David Headon Written by Lachlan MacPherson

As the old cliché goes – in order to properly

appreciate the present and to carve out a good future, we must fully acknowledge the past. The Canberra Raiders, with cultural historian David Headon at the helm, are ensuring that the rugby league community has the ability to do this with their exploration and documentation of the club’s complete history.

As we sit in the lounge room of his beautiful Melba home, Headon recounts, meticulously, the details of his life and the grand aspects of his club’s history. As expressive as he is informative, he tells us of his life in modest detail and of the Raiders colourful history in incredible fashion.

Born in 1950, he spent the first six years of his life living across the way from a Union Carbide’s factory in Rhodes. Keen to avoid any brain damage from the toxic fumes spewing out of the place, his family relocated to Newport, settling in a community that Headon describes as being like a village Hamlet.

In a time where every local kid who played rugby league received a free pass to attend Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles games, he and his friends jumped on a bus every weekend and headed to Brookvale Oval. Smiles on their faces, splinters in their hands and nails in their arses, they sat atop corrugated iron sheds and watched the likes of Roy Bull, Rex Mossop and George Hugo chuck the pigskin around the famous fortress.

On the field, Headon pulled on the black

and white stripes of North Narabeen. His time at the junior club, where he was partnered in the halves by future Manly and Australian five-eighth Alan Thompson, coincided with the decade-long dynasty of the St. George Dragons (1956-66). Sporting the colours of Western Suburbs and sharing soil with ManlyWarringah, it was only appropriate that the one team that his side could never get the better of was Harbord United, draped in the Red V of the Saints.

The pain of being defeated by their Northern Beaches neighbours was compounded in 1959 when Headon watched Manly get brushed aside 20-0 by St. George in the Grand Final at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He was present again, four years later, in the 1963 Grand Final that gave rise to the famous Winfield Cup statue.

“It was pissing with rain and I was just a kid so couldn’t see all that well,” says Headon, and nor could the players, as the Red V, led

by Norm Provan, toppled Arthur Summons’ Western Suburbs 8-3 in absolutely awful conditions at the SCG.

RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 49

| at home with david headon

| Top Left: A young Headon, fresh-faced and wide-eyed. | Bottom Right: Headon possesses one of the greatest minds and greatest home libraries in our nation. | Top Right: The golden year of the golden years – 1989

After finishing school, Headon was granted a Teacher’s College Scholarship to do a Bachelor of Arts at Sydney University.

Starting his degree in the thick of the Vietnam War, he and his mates, who had developed a very strong political consciousness during their time at Australia’s first and most prestigious university, were heavily involved.

“The first year I went to university was 1969 and that was the year that the anti-war movements really took strides. Sydney University was the hub of radical protest and I was put in the slammer in the very first demonstration,” says Headon, as casual as ever.

Upon completion of his undergraduate degree, he headed west to teach literature in a town famous for its apples, Batlow. A part of the good, hard Group 13 country rugby league competition, the small town near Tumut saw the end of Headon’s footy days – the highlight coming in his first of three years with the Batlow Tigers. In a league where head-highs were the norm, his side made it to the Grand Final. Coming up against Tumbarumba, in a game that, according to Headon, they absolutely should have won, they were struck with a disaster of matrimonial proportions.

“The guy who was our kicker, well he was getting married and his wife insisted on having the wedding the night before the 50

When I went to Seiffert, walking into that rather unsophisticated ground in 1985, the whole vibe of the place was like Brooky in the 1950s. It was just like coming home

| Above: Passionate and demonstrative, Headon recalls the first time he had his work published in The Canberra Times.

Grand Final. We were up three tries to one but still managed to lose it. He missed every kick at goal and that cost us the game.”

After two more years in Batlow and two more not-sosuccessful years with the Tigers, Headon plugged away for six years in Canada, where he completed his Doctorate in Australian Literature. Following that, he, along with his young family, relocated to Darwin, after a friend of a friend hooked him up with a job at the Darwin Institute of Technology (now Charles Darwin University).

It was during this time, in 1982, that the Canberra Raiders joined the NSWRL competition. Current CEO Don Furner was installed as head coach and ex-Tiger David ‘Nana’ Grant was named captain of the First Grade side.

Right from the outset, the club’s connection to the community was palpable. Holding a competition to decide on the jersey design, local resident Patricia Taylor was announced as the winning entrant. Representing both the ACT colours (blue and gold) and the colours of the first rugby league team in the area, Hall (green and white), Ms Taylor came up with the goods and her design was duly adopted.

Meanwhile, back in the Northern Territory, Headon and his young family spent another couple years in Darwin before landing in the nation’s capital halfway through 1985. This is

where his connection to the Sea Eagles ended and his love affair with the Raiders began.

“When I came to Canberra, the separation from Manly was kind of complete. One, because of Arthurson trying to buy comps, as well as actually being separated. I think I speak for many people in that it was a kind of new start. You’re not changing your loyalties to a club that’s been around for decades.”

Although he didn’t ascribe to the values that were being pushed by his old club, he did have fond memories of his childhood and the time that he spent at Brookvale Oval.

Memories that were pulled right up when he set foot on Canberra’s old home ground for the first time.

“When I went to Seiffert, walking into that rather unsophisticated ground in 1985, the whole vibe of the place was like Brooky in the 1950s. It was just like coming home.”

The year following Headon’s arrival, the signing of Mal Meninga, Gary Belcher, John ‘Chicka’ Ferguson, Gary Coyne and Steve Jackson saw increased support for the club, stretching well beyond the borders of Queanbeyan. Though the club didn’t experience immediate glory with their new signings, there was a definite belief that something big was coming.

In 1987, sentiment turned to success when the Green RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 51

| at home with david headon

| Above: Ricky Stuart is now the Raiders’ coach, but in 1998 he was in his last season after an enormously successful decade playing for the club. | Opposite Page: Walters, Stuart, Meninga, Daley, Osbourne and Mullins celebrate the Raiders’ most recent premiership success, in 1994.

52

Machine reached the Grand Final for the first time since the club’s inception. Headon, the now stitched on Raiders fan, recognised the importance of this milestone, both for the club and for the city.

“The big thing for me was the impact on the community – it was massive! You know, people are always talking about Canberra having no soul. It kind of galvanised the community, which was a fantastic thing and I thought, I’ve got to write something on this.”

Having focused on literature throughout his entire tertiary education and for the early parts of his career, this was a nice little change up and one that he initially thought hadn’t bared any fruits.

“I called the Canberra Times – and I had never done anything for them, or indeed in journalism – and said that I take an interest in sport and wouldn’t mind writing something on this. And they said to write it, send it in and if it runs it runs.”

Headon sent his piece in on the Friday, with the knowledge that if it was going to be run it would be in print the next day.

On Saturday morning, the day before the Grand Final, he picked up the broadsheet paper, looked at the sports pages and his article was nowhere to be seen. He thought, “I’ve sucked here”, but that was not to be.

“As is my way of taking the newspaper to the toilet, I took

the interest section to the loo, sat there, looked at the first big page and there was my story. They had put Raider horns around the whole thing. I had the whole broadsheet page and that really kind of excited me,” says Headon in the most modest but magnificent way.

Headon’s journalistic career continued all the way through the Raiders golden era (1987-94), finishing up with a book called League of a Nation, which he co-wrote with Lex Marinos and published through ABC Books in 1996. His decade of journalistic work, where he perfectly captured the success and spirit of the Canberra Raiders and their fan base, was what led to him being appointed the club’s in-house historian late last year.

Fronting the media in December, Canberra Raiders Group CEO Simon Hawkins said that “having Headon on board will allow the Raiders to gain a comprehensive array of documentation and material to ensure the history of our great club will always be recognised”.

Speaking of the potential chapters of the yet-to-be-named book, Headon recalls some of the legendary characters to have played for, coached, administered and supported the club.

“I absolutely have not made any definite decisions, but to give you some idea of what I’ll be going after, we’ll just roll with a few,” says Headon, careful not to give too much away or to make any promises. “For sure, I will talk about the kinds RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 53

| at home with david headon

| Above: In amongst Papers on Parliament, Makers of Miracles and a vast history of Canberran culture, two books that Headon co-wrote, League of a Nation and The Best Ever Australian Sports Writing sit on his book shelf.

of supporters that have been with the Raiders since 1982 – in a sense, the true believers. I’d also love a chapter, in terms of supporters, for some of the publicly higher profile supporters, such as Ros Kelly, Bob Hawke and Fred Daley.”

Headon’s knowledge of the club extends far beyond the fences of Seiffort Oval and Canberra Stadium. He speaks highly of the golden era of Raiders football, arguing the case of the 1989 Grand Final as the best ever – a game that famous writer and keen Manly-Warringah fan Thomas Keneally referred to as a “movie script that came to life”.

“The greatest Grand Final of the modern era – 1989, will have its own story. The North Queensland success last year was an absolute gift for me, because I think it’ll add a little bit of further interest, and bring it right up to the present, but I think I’ll be

realised that a political career was not for him,” says Headon, chuckling furiously.

The Queensland connection, where the signing of Meninga sparked a production line of Maroon talent feeding into the club, the Super League impact and the relative unknowns who were distinctive characters throughout the club’s history will all play important roles in the completion of the club’s history – one that Headon is committed to wholeheartedly.

“I’m always looking for those points that give people a broader idea about whom you are writing. Rugby league has noble roots, and a number of quality contemporary narratives that I plan to highlight.”

Looking at it from the outside in, Headon is a turncoat, a traitor. Born in the Western Suburbs and a fiercely loyal

I’m always looking for those points that give people a broader idea about whom you are writing. Rugby league has noble roots, and a number of quality contemporary narratives that I plan to highlight

coming out in favour of 1989.”

One chapter that he says will hold a huge amount of importance to him, given his background in politics, is on players as politicians. With Paul Osborne, Glenn Lazarus and Mal Meninga all having a crack at the governing game, there is a fair bit to be talked about, with Meninga’s 28 second career being a definite highlight.

“He had been coached to go into politics and was announcing his candidacy in the 666 Studios of ABC. Anyway, the interview started and it was clear that he was not focusing at all. Then, there was a pause and with the now-famous line, Meninga said ‘I’m buggered’, because he had finally, and fortunately, 54

supporter of Manly-Warringah from an early age, he is a firstclass Canberra convert. His knowledge of the Raiders history, the social and cultural impact of their golden era and the overall impact of the game is second to none.

Now, in a time where rugby league administration is in constant, corporate, dry economic discussion about how to revitalise and revolutionise the game, Headon is in search of creating his own story on the quality of the game and the quality of the individuals that have played it. Hoping to promote respect for the past, passion for the present and excitement for the future, Headon and the Canberra Raiders are leading the charge in bringing pride back to the paddock.

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56

MAL MENINGA MASTER OF MEN Written by Lyle Beaton

Rugby league coaches, like players, come in many different varieties. Quiet, reflective, analytical types like Wayne Bennett. Master tacticians and thinkers like the legendary Jack Gibson/Ron Massey collaboration. Genius motivators like the quick-witted and intellectual Roy Masters.

RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 57

| master of men

here are many in the wider rugby league community who would feel Malcolm Meninga does not fit comfortably into any of these categories. And they would largely be correct in that assessment. Yet none of the above named coaches, all regarded as towering monuments to the game, are able to lay claim to Meninga’s quite phenomenal State of Origin coaching record (Masters did not coach at Origin level at all) of eight straight winning titles between 2006 – 2013 with Queensland – and nine of ten series between 2006 – 2015.

As 1980s chocolate salesman Dr Julius Sumner Miller once asked “Why is this so?”

The answer, it seems to this writer, is found in one simple word: respect. Few players in the 121 year history of rugby league have been afforded the widespread affection and awe as one Malcolm Norman Meninga. Respect for the man and his accomplishments in rugby league is effectively universal.

A snapshot of his record speaks for itself:

● ● ● ● ● ●

Four Kangaroo Tours, the most ever.

Twice captain of Kangaroo Tours, the most ever.

Queensland Team of the Century.

Australian Team of the Century.

Most Tests, points and goals for Australia (at the time of retirement).

5 time Grand Final winner in Brisbane and Sydney competitions (played 11 Grand Finals in total).

The fact Meninga has always been a winner is emphasised superbly by his club record in achieving semi-finals in any given year. In a long first-grade career (in both Brisbane and Sydney competitions) of sixteen years (1979 – 1994), Meninga’s teams played in no less than fourteen semi-final series – a staggering 87.5% success rate in reaching finals.

Moreover, Meninga was not merely a valuable addition to successful teams – he was the type of individual teams were literally built around. This occurred time and again – whether at (Brisbane) Souths, St Helens, Canberra, Queensland or Australia. The Meninga presence is certainly a key to this – a giant of a man, he radiates self belief while maintaining a dignified, quiet and serene aura. That quiet aura was, however, capable of exploding into full action on the playing field at any time.

Meninga’s imperious national record as a player, together with a particularly memorable stint as a player at English glamour club St Helens during 1984-85 (when the club were Lancashire Cup winners over hated rival Wigan and winner of the Premiership trophy), also meant that he had a very strong reputation in English rugby league. English first impressions of Meninga were startling ones as he proved 58

one of the stand-out players on the 1982 Invincibles tour to the UK and France with his menacing running, devastating fend and immaculate (at the time) front-on goal kicking. A more subtle role on the 1986 tour was followed by his high profile captaincy of the Kangaroos to Europe in 1990 and 1994. Following memorable roles in defeating exceptionally strong English challenges to Australian supremacy in both 1990 and 1994, Meninga’s reputation as a peerless winner in England was confirmed.

This rightly engendered tremendous respect for Meninga within world rugby league but also the wider community – his 1990 BBC Overseas Sporting Personality of the Year Award an indication of the breadth of respect for the man

Meninga’s teams played in no less than fourteen semifinal series – a staggering

87.5%

success rate in reaching finals.

across the sporting world (other Australians to receive the same award include Herb Elliott, Ron Clarke, Rod Laver, Greg Norman and Shane Warne).

Overlaid with an acknowledgement of his considerable accomplishments was widespread awe of his determination and courage to return from four successive broken arm injuries in the 1987-88 seasons. The tenacity to continue to return to the fray in such an arduous sport despite such obvious obstacles could only be admired by mere mortals looking on from the sidelines. This was especially so among his fellow players, who knew how difficult the game was to win at, even without such massive barriers being imposed on any individual.

RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 59

| master of men

| Above: Meninga and Glenn Lazarus chair their victorious coach, Tim Sheens off after the 1989 Grand Final

A fact perhaps underplayed in explaining his coaching success is that Meninga himself played under some of the great coaches in rugby league history: Wayne Bennett, Arthur Beetson, Bob Fulton, Tim Sheens and Don Furner to name a few. This of course allowed Meninga to pick and choose elements from the broad repertoires of these coaching mentors to develop his own personal coaching style. All of these figures, to whom one should add former Australian second rower Bob McCarthy, another formative influence of Meninga’s at (Brisbane) Souths, were renowned for their own success in the game and this excellence has continued to influence Meninga throughout his career.

So it was with this background as a supreme winner that Mal Meninga turned his hand to coaching. Some would see his relative “failures” at Canberra in the club coaching ranks (1997 – 2001) as evidence that Meninga is not a football coach. There are, however, reasons for this less than ideal start to NRL coaching. Firstly, Meninga was very much identified as a key mover in the Super League War, which placed him under a great deal of pressure personally during much of this period. Secondly, Canberra as a team was certainly on the wane following Meninga’s own retirement after the success of the 1989, 1990 and 1994 premiership seasons.

Thirdly, the period itself was one of sustained volatility in

60

Australian rugby league, given the upheavals wrought by the rugby league civil war. Fourthly, Meninga himself would largely acknowledge that he was too close to the players he himself had played with during his time at Canberra and that this negatively impacted his coaching with the same side.

It was in the Origin arena – where limited preparation ensured issues like the respect in which the coach was held became even more important – that Meninga shined as a coach. Surrounding himself with highly competent technicians such as Michael Hagan and Neil Henry, Meninga developed a coaching style reliant heavily on man-management; quiet, calm, effective leadership and more than anything else, the universal respect he was afforded within the game. When married to an individual who was especially goal oriented (think of a Jack Nicklaus in rugby league terms), Meninga’s record of eight straight Origin series wins as coach – at a time when three straight wins was historically significant – begins to make more sense.

Certainly Queensland was blessed with some all-time great players in Johnathan Thurston, Billy Slater, Cameron Smith and Greg Inglis to name the most talented contributors to Queensland’s record run of victories. But the continued run of success was also largely due to a man who has known no other way but winning throughout his football life.

Besides his coaching philosophies, Mal provides a really good environment for people to express themselves and play their best football. The one thing he always does well is he makes us respect the past Cooper Cronk

RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 61

| master of men

It is doubtful that such great players would have much to gain from listening to the insights of those who had not achieved in the same arena – Meninga was one man who could stand in the same room, look those players in the eyes and tell them something about winning at Origin level that they might not already know. He had been there from the very start – kicking seven goals from seven attempts in the first Origin match played, naturally at Lang Park, in 1980. The players knew this and they knew his record. He had, together with Wally Lewis, been the biggest factor in Queensland dominating Origin football between 1980 – 1984 inclusive. After that, it was merely about executing the skills they already had as players.

There was no reason for particular tactical or conditioning innovations. Motivation was largely self evident. Over time, the run of success itself became somewhat self perpetuating as Queensland’s inherent belief and New South Wales’ growing disbelief combined to ensure that close matches often went Queensland’s way at the wire.

All coaches need great players to create great dynasties. St George during their 1956-66 run of premierships was fortunate to be blessed with magnificent players such as Johnny Raper, Reg Gasnier and Graeme Langlands. Parramatta in the early to mid 1980s maintained a backline as good as any which has graced the game at club level with Peter Sterling, Brett Kenny, Mick Cronin and Eric Grothe running rampant. Ken Kearney and Jack Gibson certainly utilised this rare quality in their respective teams’ favour. To therefore suggest that Meninga’s contribution to easily the most dominant dynasty in Origin football history is limited because he had a magnificent set of players at his disposal is to misunderstand both the man’s personal history and the respect he continues to harbour within rugby league.

It is that very respect which has ensured that his legacy as a coach at State of Origin level will remain unsurpassed for the forseeable future. It is also a salutary lesson that rugby league coaches are not all the same. Indeed, there is much to be celebrated in the fact that they are not.

By the same token, and he wouldn’t mind me saying it, you need fantastic players but you also need them to believe. You can get the best players in the game together and it doesn’t mean they’ll play well Trevor Gillmeister

62

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CODE BREAKER Written By Michael Di Lonardo

Just 6.5% of all High School American football players progress into a College football team. From there, a mere 1.5% of College players find themselves on the roster of one of the 32 NFL teams each year. That percentage probably equates to the number of Americans that have even heard about the game of rugby league.

Never playing a single minute of American Football and with only some extensive video gaming experience under his belt, the Hayne Plane’s landing in the States was met with mixed emotions as many believed he lacked the knowledge and talent to compete on the world’s biggest stage. Yet it only took him four pre-season appearances to convince the San Francisco 49er’s that he was the ideal choice to be on their 2015/16 roster. The unorthodox style of play which features the back to basics legs tackle, the big ‘’don’t argue’’ fend and a shoulder charge that puts Kane Evans to shame; has left American journalists gobsmacked and transformed Hayne into an international sensation. Although Hayne’s NFL dream has come to a close, it’s an achievement that is another fine example of the rugby league kid ascending from suburbia to the world stage.

In recent years, a number of significant players have opted to test the waters and try their hand in Super Rugby, AFL, English Premiership, Top 14 and now even the NFL. Rugby league has a production line which is regularly spitting out all-round athletes that can make it on the other side of the street. Illustrious names such as Sonny-Bill Williams, Israel Folau and Jarryd Hayne are just some of the few that have boasted success in multiple codes. It makes us wonder, do we have some of the best athletes in the world?

Our players have such a diverse skill set that is so quickly transferrable in any physical game: the agility, the speed, the strength, the aggression; and most importantly... the toughness. Just a week after receiving four blood transfusions within 48 hours for a bleeding lung, Jake Friend made 40 tackles in 62 minutes in the Roosters semi-final win in 2014. In the same year, Brett Morris bravely played the State of Origin opener with a broken shoulder and pulled off a memorable match saving tackle on Darius Boyd.

They may be crazy, but their drive and hunger for success is what makes them such formidable athletes.

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RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 65

| code breaker

By the nature of the game, rugby league players have to do it all. As a fullback, Hayne was required to pass, catch, kick, run, tackle and jump in a physical and exhausting 80 minutes at a 13-man structured defensive line under enormous fatigue.

Compare this to the NFL, where he’s only required to make a few catches with defenders blocking him as he returns the ball, and to top it all off is rewarded with a quenching cup of Gatorade at the end of his depleting one minute stint. In league, there are no penalty goals being lined up every five minutes and no stoppages when the offence bursts through for a 10 yard gain, they’re on their feet for the most part of the game… unless the video referee is enjoying a warm cup of tea.

The demands of rugby league are far more strenuous, making the transition to another code much smoother by lifting a lot of weight off their shoulders. Since the departure of Hayne, Williams and Folau; their corresponding clubs have not been able to win a premiership which is a testimony to their brilliance, although Parramatta still struggle to be crowned champions with any superstar in their side.

Israel Folau is now the face of Australian rugby union, winning two John Eales medals in consecutive years, taking out a premiership with the Waratahs and reaching a Rugby World Cup Final. He has racked up 38 Test caps for the Wallabies and was the backbone for their backline in the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Success is a familiarity to Sonny Bill Williams, who has either been in a Grand Final or won a competition with every single team he has featured in. From runners up in the French Top 14 with Toulon, to a premiership victory with the Bulldogs, Chiefs and Roosters, and then two World Cup titles with the All Blacks; Williams has done it all in a stellar career that has seen more movement than a rodeo bull. It’s an outstanding statistic that not many can brag about. Not

Their international success is nothing less than phenomenal and has lead to them being recognized as some of the best athletes in the world

many can also say that they’ve been selected in an NFL team in their rookie year. Jarryd Hayne defied the odds and quickly silenced his critics after a fairytale pre-season that had rugby league fans glowing with joy. His meteoric rise has been the greatest talking point in Australian sport since the Socceroos World Cup qualification when John Aloisi famously nailed a penalty in front of 82,698 people at Telstra Stadium in 2005.

2001

2002

2003

After playing 123 games for the Sharks, Mat Rogers signed for the NSW Waratahs where he became an instant success. He represented his country at the highest level for both codes and racked up 45 Tests for the Wallabies.

Brad Thorn has been a resounding success in both codes and in his decorated career has won a Rugby World Cup, three NRL Premierships, a Super 14 Title, played Origin for Queensland on 14 different occasions and even lined up for the Kangaroos.

Despite a career of ups and downs, Wendell Sailor is still seen as one of the best. After eight years with the Broncos, Dell joined the Queensland Reds and notched up 37 caps for the Wallabies, including the 2003 World Cup final.

66

| Above: Hayne attracting three defenders as he makes a linebreak in a trial match against the Denver Broncos.

Imagine the game if it still featured these three icons. The NRL are scratching their heads wondering why crowd figures are at a twelve year low and television ratings are down 15 percent on pay television. With the loss of these players came a sorely missed marketing opportunity that has put a significant dent in the game’s value. These magical and revolutionary devices come at unbelievable prices and are marketing gold.

Hayne’s famous number ‘38’ jersey was at one point the most

Highest Paid Australian Athletes

popular selling shirt on the NFL’s online store and ‘Money’ Bill Williams’ association with the Sydney Roosters resulted in an a 40% increase in Roosters memberships and a 54% jump in crowds in 2013.

We simply don’t have the financial muscle to retain our players as we compete with overseas poachers with piggy banks bigger than Ben Hur. Their remarkable level of talent merits a pay cheque over six figures and lucrative deals offering more than double are enticing. With a new television deal that has injected a $3.5 million increase towards each club’s salary cap, rugby league now has four million dollar men (Daly CherryEvans, Kieran Foran, Cameron Smith, Jonathon Thurston) in its ranks. The Cherry sits at the top earning a whopping $1.3 million a season on a lavish 10 year contract, a major step up considering the highest paid player in 2010, Darren Lockyer, was raking in a respectable $660,000 at the Broncos. The future looks promising; however, not a single rugby league player was amongst the top 50 highest paid athletes in the country last year.

Australia’s most notable athletes reside from cricket, football, golf, basketball and motor racing; all sports with a substantial following on all four corners of the globe. Our players have the desire to be recognized on the international stage and unfortunately rugby league cannot offer that in a sport that is split between only three nations. Internationals are an afterthought, an inconvenience, just another event that extends the season, to fit around the regular season and Origin footy. State of Origin is the pinnacle of our game and the international tests heavily struggle to attract half as much attention. Ultimately, being the best means being acknowledged on a global scale.

Highest Paid Rugby League Players

Andrew Bogut

$16.2m

Daly Cherry-Evans

$1.3m

Adam Scott

$15.5m

Kieran Foran

$1.2m

Jason Day

$10.65m

Cameron Smith

$1m

Marcos Ambrose

$5.68m

Johnathan Thurston

$1m

Tim Cahill

$5.5m

Robbie Farah

$900k

2008

2009

2015

After eight fruitful years with the Dragons, Mark Gasnier had a stint in French Rugby with Stade Francais before returning to the NRL two years later. Boasting 174 games with the Dragons, 12 with NSW and 15 with Australia, it is obvious which code Gasnier had more success in.

Karmichael Hunt is the first of only two code-hoppers to feature in all three winter sports. Hunt’s career has moved from French Rugby to the AFL and back to the Super Rugby, but he has struggled to hit close to any form he displayed in his earlier years.

Although his campaign was unsuccessful, Sam Burgess managed to squeeze himself into the 2015 England World Cup side within his first year transition. His selection came under heavy criticism but it doesn’t belittle the exceptional achievement of representing your nation in two codes.

RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 67

| code breaker

| Above: The Hayne Plane in full flight

Over the years, teams have developed a ‘Melbourne Storm’ playing style that has become predictable and mundane. We constantly see the same block plays into the same block plays and the team that executes it the best wins. Nobody plays particularly different to the other and this boring cookie-cutter football encourages players to experience something different. But it was bloody good to see both Grand Final teams stemming away and bringing some enthusiasm and creativity back on the paddock.

The Cowboys and Broncos arguably produced the best Grand Final in history and one of the most memorable for Queensland, but it was an even better spectacle for rugby league. 82,000 fans gave a standing ovation in honour of both teams and every viewer at home were screaming and jumping in their living rooms as the final seconds drew to a close. Rugby league was taken to an awe-inspiring place, a fixture mixed with both exciting attack and brutal defence that was truly a fine example of the beauty of our beloved game.

Despite its flaws, rugby league will always be the greatest game of all. For the millions of fans that follow the code, our game is indeed the highest display of skill, athleticism and toughness in sport. A game for all body types, all races and all backgrounds that prides itself on its grassroots. We may not have the most money, the largest crowds or the highest membership numbers, but we have a magical sport that produces some of the most freakish, talented and inspiring athletes in the world.

No matter how dismaying it is to see players walk out the door, they will always have a special place in our hearts. These three gentlemen have given us memories that we will treasure forever, who could ever forget Israel Folau’s superman-like efforts to brilliantly plant down the ball whilst he was vertical in the 2008 Origin decider, Sonny Bill’s notorious shoulder charging in his early career at the Bulldogs or Jarryd Hayne single handily ending an era of Queensland dominance in one of the greatest individual performances of all time.

68

The reality is that in the next half a dozen years you can count your chickens and expect to see our superstars back home. The history books tell us that they always return: Mat Rogers, Lote Tuqiri, Wendell Sailor, Brad Thorne, Mark Gasnier, Timana Tahu and Sam Burgess have all had decorated careers in the 15 man game, but their love and passion derives from something more than kicking penalty goals and they returned to be welcomed by open arms by their loyal supporters. After all, this incredible sport is where they truly belong.

Emotion was keeping me in Rugby League. I didn’t feel as if it was challenging me, to the point where I’ll now be challenged. It didn’t feel like it was pulling me and testing me the way that I now endeavour to be challenged and tested Jarryd Hayne

Petersham RSL Club 7 Regent Street Petersham 2049 www.petershamrsl.com.au (02) 9560 8355

RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 69

suburban

snapshot Written by Jack Hislop | Photos by Joel Seeto

70

RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 71

| SUBURBAN SNAPSHOT

Rugby League is one of the most barbaric and colossal sports in the world. The game is meant to be played in colosseum like venues. There is none better than the dilapidated venue that is Brookvale Oval.

‘The Fortress’ has been the home of the Sea Eagles since their inaugural year in 1947. The initial block of land was donated by the owner, Jane Try, to Warringah Council and was officially opened in 1910 as Brookvale Park. The ground was transformed into a showground within the first decade and was used by the defence force for training purposes throughout World War 2.

When the Sea Eagles entered the competition in 1947, they initially tried to acquire Manly Oval as their home ground, as it was seen as the premier venue for sport in the area at the time. However Manly Council, who owned the oval were against the move, reporting that the use of the oval would be given exclusively to Manly Rugby Union who had already been playing at the ground since 1906.

Sportlight, the leading sporting newspaper of the time criticised the perceived local government bias against the 13-a-side game which was not uncommon at the time as the Manly area was seen as a rugby union heartland, “Who are you then Mr Mayor of the Manly Council to give exclusive rights to one particular football code and not the others?”

Although there was certainly support from certain journalists at the time, the new Manly- Warringah Rugby League Football Club were not able to change the council’s mind, rather acquiring the use of Brookvale Park, owned by Warringah Council as their home ground for the 1947 season.

Although rough around the edges, Brookvale Oval was seen as an adequate venue to host first grade fixtures. Its inaugural game on Saturday the 12th of April, where Western Suburbs defeated Manly in a close encounter 15-13, despite the Sea Eagles scoring 3 tries to 1.

The local community took to the Sea Eagles from the outset, averaging a crowd of 3,400 at Brookvale throughout their first season, which was seen as respectable at the time.

In these early years, the Sea Eagles played their matches 72

| Top Left: The crowd watch on during the Manly v Parramatta clash in Round 24, 2015. | Top: Jamie Lyon pounces on a loose ball infront of the Ken Arthurton Stand during the 2015 season. | Bottom Left: Brookvale Oval 1947. The ground was first used as a military training ground and a racecourse.

at Brookvale with a trotting track still positioned around the playing surface. Over time, the horse events that transpired had to be moved to a different venue as their hooves did too much damage to the football ground turf.

The growth in popularity of the Rugby League competition led to the re-forming of the oval into a rectangular field in 1970-71, with major earthworks undertaken to form spectator ‘hills’ on the eastern and southern sides of the ground.

These same hills still exist to this day and are the most iconic part of the oval. Manly fans cherish nothing more than being able to stand on the hill and cheer their team to victory on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

The construction of simple but large concrete grandstands on the western and southern boundaries of the field came in the 1970’s, and finally the Ken Arthurson stand that linked the two in the early 1990’s.

RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 73

| suburban snapshot

The current capacity of the ground is around the 22,000 mark although the record ground attendance was recorded as 27,655 when the Sea Eagles played Parramatta in 1986 in one of rugby league fiercest rivalries.

Whilst many clubs have shifted away from their suburban homes to bigger, more corporate friendly venues, the Sea Eagles have always cherished their home turf and see it as part of their identity.

Champion fullback Brett Stewart, in his 14th season with the Sea Eagles expressed how much enjoyment the Manly players get from being able to play out of such a unique venue.

“It’s special to play at Brookvale Oval because the fans are so close and so passionate. Everyone who puts on the maroon and white loves playing there.”

With the NRL’s new stadium strategy for Sydney which incorporates all Sydney teams playing out of three big venues looking to get the go ahead by 2018, the suburban ground may be seen as a thing of the past. Seeing boutique grounds being cast aside is heart wrenching for anyone who has witnessed the type of atmosphere that grounds like Brookvale can create.

The Fortress’ History Manly Vs Western Suburbs

Manly Vs St George

Manly Vs Brisbane

Manly’s first premiership game was against Wests at Brookvale Oval on Saturday April 12, 1947. Despite scoring three tries to one, the Magpies beat Manly 15-13.

Manly’s biggest ever victory as they beat the St George Dragons 61-0.

Broncos led 26-4 after 50 minutes and the Eagles scored 4 tries to level the game at 26 all with Brendon Reeves kicking multiple sideline conversions to keep Manly in the game.

Manly Vs Penrith

Manly Vs Melbourne

Manly Vs Melbourne

The Sea Eagles trailed the Panthers 26-6 after 53 minutes, then came back to win 36-26 in a second half thrashing.

A Late 79th minute 40 metre field goal from captain Matt Orford which propelled Manly to the top of the table and started a rivalry against the Storm that would last to the present day.

The famous ‘Battle of Brookvale’ where a number of melees broke out between the fierce rivals. Manly defeated Melbourne 18 points to 4.

1947

2005

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1994

2007

1999

2011

RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 75

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THE STATS

OF ORIGIN WORDS: Nathan Farebrother

State of Origin. A clash of Rugby League’s finest – where the resilient do battle, but only the toughest survive. Each year the best in the business go toe-to-toe in a riveting encounter that only leaves fans thirsty for more. Its only downfall is that it isn’t played during each round of the season; what a site that would be.

Some of Rugby League’s greatest moments in history have derived from the three game series, such as Shaun Timmins field goal in Game One 2004 to kick off the Blues campaign or Queensland’s eight year era of dominance. It’s moments like these that fans never forget and it’s moments like these that the spectacle will forever continue to produce.

I think Victorians hate New South Wales as much as Queenslanders Johnathan Thurston (QLD)

RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 77

| the stats of origin

Series wins 21 (57%) QLD Wins 2 (5%) Drawn 14 (38%) 78

NSW Wins

18% 182

The percentage of Queenslanders to play for the state having been born outside of it.

The total number of players to represent Queensland at State of Origin level.

257

The total number of players to represent New South Wales at State of Origin level.

8

%

The percentage of New South Welshman to play for the state having been born outside of it.

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88 of the 1618 points scored by New South Wales in State of Origin history were scored by those born elsewhere.

15

The total number of games captained by New South Wales hooker Danny Buderus, the most by an New South Wales captain.

287

287 of the 1762 points scored

by Queensland in State of Origin history were scored by those born elsewhere.

30

The total number of games Queensland great Wally Lewis captained from 1981 to 1991, the most by any Queensland captain.

→ RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 79

| the stats of origin

Bottom Right | You may recognise Phil ‘Gus’ Gould as a commentator, or even the General Manager of the Penrith Panthers. What you may not know is that he was also a player and a coach. With 6 series wins from 8 attempts (6 W, 1 D, 1 L) at a match win-rate of 58%, ‘Gus’ is the most successful New South Wales State of Origin coach in history.

8

Rugby League immortal Wally Lewis didn’t just captain Queensland to the most games, he also came away with the most Man of the Match awards in State of Origin history.

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21

The most number of State of Origin matches officiated in history by the legendary referee, Bill Harrigan.

Most Appearances (QLD)

Top Pointscorers in State of Origin history

Darren Lockyer

36 (1998-2007, 2009-2011)

Cameron Smith

36 (2003-2015)

Allan Langer

34 (1987-1994, 1996, 1998, 2001-2002)

Petero Civoniceva

33 (2001-2012)

Johnathan Thurston

33 (2005-2015)

200 161 129 94

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Most Appearances (NSW) Brad Fittler

31 (1990-1996, 1998-2001, 2004)

Andrew Ettingshausen

27 (1987-1994, 1996, 1998)

Andrew Johns

23 (1995-2000, 2002-2003, 2005)

Laurie Daley

23 (1989-1994, 1996, 1998-1999)

Rod Wishart

22 (1990-1998)

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%

The match win-rate record held by one of the greatest coaches of all-time, Mal Meninga. Over a 10-year period, Meninga took Queensland to 9 series wins with only 1 loss, a record that doesn’t look set to be broken any time soon.

Johnathon Michael Mal Thurston Meninga O’Connor

(QLD)

(QLD)

(NSW)

Andrew Johns

(NSW)

Ryan Girdler

(NSW)

;-)

NSW has not fielded a QLD born player since 1995, whilst QLD has fielded a player born in NSW in every series since 1991.

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| Kari

True Champions Written By Matthew Lewis

O

ne of the most keenly anticipated, appetizers for the NRL season is the Indigenous All Stars game. The official starter course for the rugby league season. In the lead up to the Indigenous Round we hear about programs and initiatives for Indigenous communities with players like Sam Thaiday, Greg Inglis and Joel Thompson getting amongst the public to promote Indigenous affairs and wellbeing. Both are great concepts that utilise the game of rugby league in generating awareness of the issues that Indigenous Australians face on a regular basis. These programs wouldn’t be possible without the superstars and the fans, but it also wouldn’t be possible without the likes of organisations like KARI. KARI Aboriginal Resources Incorporated is a non-for profit organisation that aims to ‘build strength in Aboriginal families, communities, and services.’ It does this through various initiatives ranging from school scholarships, education camps, art programs and even surfing with a specific focus on youth. Their founder and CEO Paul Ralph is the backbone to everything they

do and is very proud of the achievements that his organisation has made since 1999.

“We’re the best foster care service in Australia, I’ve been told that, I’m proud of that. ”He’s not alone. In order to get this far he’s needed partners and what better partner than rugby league. The New South Wales Rugby League is one of his trump cards having granted Kari exclusive jersey and sponsorship naming rights for not only this year’s City Origin side, but in 2017 as well, all free of cost. He also works closely with Parramatta and South Sydney, who for the first time in Round 10 contested the “Kari Cup,” coinciding with the Indigenous Round. Proceeds from the match were designated to the Steve Ella Scholarship Program, which helps identify local aboriginal children, making their path easier to obtaining their school scholarship certificate.

Paul Ralph also receives assistance from former NRL players in the shape of Beau Champion and Brent Kite. For Beau, it’s his proud Aboriginal heritage that drew him to making a difference. Whilst Champion’s work with Kari began two years ago

| Top left: The five young Panthers selected for the City Origin Team, show off their new major sponsors | Bottom left: KARI Ambassador Brent Kite on the charge for Manly in the 2011 NRL Grand Final. | Opposite page: Beau Champion, representing a resurgent South Sydney team in 2010.

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during his time at Souths, it was only last year that he became more involved courtesy of a career ending ACL injury. “I hurt my knee in round 2 while I was with the Parramatta Eels, but that allowed me to give a lot of free time away from football.

It was really a blessing in disguise, while I went and did that stuff, it takes your mind off the injury and everything that’s going on because you really see what issues are that people face day to day.”

Beau’s role at KARI is simple and inspiring, he’ s a mentor to kids coming through secondary school. A brother. Brent Kite also fills a mentor like role at KARI. The 313 game veteran was first introduced to KARI’s CEO Paul Ralph during last year’s Indigenous Round and took the opportunity to start what would become his own journey. However, It was the plight of Aboriginal foster care that struck a chord in his heart. “He was the sponsor for our indigenous jersey and we just had a bit of a general chat about closing the gap. He’s heavily involved in foster care and my wife was fostered, she has indigenous heritage so I just really liked what he had to say, what he’s doing in that space and in his field and I just told him that I’d come do a bit of volunteering or help out where I could. When

I retired I hooked up with KARI on more of an ambassador role and the education mentoring, which is something I’m enjoying. ”KARI currently offers 100 scholarships to kids in the Western Sydney region, with the ultimate goal of placing them on the right course in life. “Steer them in the right direction to make sure that they get an equal opportunity to achieve their dreams in life, whatever that be, whether they want to be a doctor, building construction, or a trade or even be a nurse or anything like that we just try and put them on the right path and guide them, guide them and mentor them through that process,” says Champion.

Whilst Indigenous people make up only 3% of the nation’s population, they make up 12% of the game’s player base. In representative football this number is bigger. Origin is 22% while the national side is 35% Indigenous. Their contributions to rugby league cannot be ignored. The work behind the scenes cannot be ignored either. It’s one thing to turn up and play rugby league but it’ s another to be a physical point of call to those who need our help. It’s for that reason that organisations like KARI, ambassadors such as Kite and Champion are the true champions of our game.

RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 83

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Super League War The Battle for Control Written by Jack Hislop

On April Fools’ Day in 1995, war broke out between two media giants that brought the game of rugby league to its knees. The wounds of the Super League War may have healed, but some of its scars will last forever.

When pay television was being introduced into the Australian marketplace in the early 1990’s, Rupert Murdoch’s News Limited and Kerry Packer’s Optus were the two heavyweights looking to monopolise the new market.

Both of the heavy hitters went toe-to-toe with each other for premium content for its subscribers, with sport, and essentially rugby league its biggest prize.

The game of rugby league was in the best shape it had ever been under the guidance of Ken Arthurson and John Quayle. Record crowds, sponsors that couldn’t get enough of the game and an on field product that was perfect for television.

Murdoch and Packer would for the next three years chew the game up and spit it back out in a position that would take years to rebuild.

Through this period; the most tumultuous in the history of the game in Australia, strong friendships would be broken, with some never to be mended and clubs would be left shattered and fragile, others not being able to survive.

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| super league war

PAY TELEVISION AND THE SUPER LEAGUE With News Limited wanting the best content for their new pay television franchise Foxtel, Rugby League was seen as their holy grail. The highest rating sport on television was always going to be highly sought after, and when News realised that Kerry Packer had sewn up the rights until the turn of the new millennium, plans to forge their own breakaway ‘Super League’ started.

Former General Manager of the Australian Rugby League, John Quayle had suspicions that News Limited wanted to start their own competition before the news broke.

On 12th August 1994 the structure of an alternate rugby league competition was outlined in an internal News Limited document. It featured a national completion including 12 teams who would be privately funded, with four being owned

by News. As well as an internationally televised World Club Series event that would be contested from clubs within the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia.

As the likelihood of accruing the Pay Television rights through a ‘friendly’ relationship between News Limited and the ARL were quickly dismissed by Packer and Arthurson, News commenced an unsympathetic takeover with the intent of pressuring the ARL into a joint partnership. The key point being that a new competition would result in new pay television rights being up for negotiation.

We knew about 12 months before that if News couldn’t get the rights to the rugby league then they would start their own competition.

Although we didn’t realise the enormity of what it would do not only to the game, but the considerable amount of money that it was going to cost Greg Alexander darts towards the try line in the infamous Super League ‘tri series’.

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The Brisbane Broncos with the Super League World Club Challenge Trophy after they beat the Hunter Valley Mariners 36-12 at Ericsson Stadium

SCRAMBLE FOR SIGNATURES When the ARL refused to merge with News to manufacture a joint competition, Super League went out and tried to sign coaches, players and clubs to their own, new competition.

The ARL offered ‘loyalty contracts’ for players to remain with the status quo.

People flip flopped, loyalty was thrown out the window, and despite the propaganda from both sides of the divide, there was little ethical high ground to be found.

Respected journalist and author of the book titled ‘Super League: The Inside Story’, Mike Colman saw the tug of war between the two media empires first hand. Colman suggests that fans became disenchanted with the situation, not happy with the way players, officials and coaches were handling the scenario.

“Most people became disillusioned with the game because of the perceived greed of the players and the media barons who were fighting over it. Throughout 1995 and 1996 people just got sick of hearing about Super League. By 1997 they were well and truly over it,” he said.

Entire clubs, individual administrators, coaches, and players were out to get the best deal they could. 7 clubs signed to Super League on 20 April 1995: Auckland Warriors, Brisbane Broncos, Canberra Raiders, Canterbury Bulldogs, Cronulla Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys and Western Reds, whilst Penrith signed on the 3rd of May. With the addition of two new franchises in the Adelaide Rams and the Hunter Mariners that would be set up, run and owned by News Limited, Super League would be able start its 10 team competition for the 1996 season.

RUGBY LEAGUE GETS TAKEN TO THE COURTS The ARL launched legal action on the 25th of September 1995 in the Federal Court to halt the inauguration of the Super League competition for the 1996 season.

After months of deliberation, Justice James Burchett found that the ARL owned rights to all club colours, logos, names and jerseys and dismissed the proposition for a break away competition, stating that News Limited had acted with RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 87

| super league war

“dishonesty” and “duplicity”.

With Super League unable to get the go ahead to start their own competition, the clubs that had aligned themselves with Super League were still invited to play in the ARL 20 team competition in 1996, although all of them forfeited their round one encounters in protest.

Months later, after a lengthy appeal, Super League successfully overturned the decision of Justice Burchett and got the green light to start their new competition for the 1997 season.

Quayle admits that the final verdict was tough to take for the ARL, “We went through an extremely costly court case and we knew what we did was right. On appeal the three judges made it quite clear from the start that the evidence that the league won on the first time would not considered on appeal, this was the most shattering thing.”

The Split The 1997 season that was split into two competitions turned out to be a complete disaster. The desire for money and greed was hard to fathom for league fans who had always followed the game because it had held the values of history, passion

and loyalty in high regard.

Colman confirms the shambolic state of the game at this time, “Fans took to the split competition pretty poorly, crowds were way down and the standard of the teams outside the top four in both competitions was ordinary.”

Seeing the game being ripped into two pieces was hard to cop for league fans, and they were simply just turned off rugby league. Disenchanted supporters stopped turning up to games, whilst refusing to tune in on the television, either through Foxtel or Optus.

As Colman declares, neither the Super League, or ARL competitions were popular, although there was one moment in the 1997 season that made the ARL competition stand out over their rival, “The best thing the ARL had going for it was their Grand Final, with Newcastle beating Manly in the last minute through a spectacular Darren Albert try.

“In comparison, the Broncos-Cronulla Super League GF was something of a non-event. There was a big crowd at ANZ Stadium but it was a fait accompli that Brisbane would win.

It was like the competition had been set up just for them and the end result was what was expected. If not for Newcastle winning the ARL comp I don’t think too many people would even remember the season.”

February 6, 1995

February 23, 1996

March 22, 1996

News Ltd executive David Smith addresses a meeting of ARL clubs about the Super League concept. The meeting is later addressed by Kerry Packer, who threatens to sue for breach of contract.

Federal Court trial begins before Justice James Burchett, lasts 51 days. Justice Burchett delivers a comprehensive victory for the ARL, described by lawyer Mark O’Brien as a 100-nil win.

Seven games in the opening round of the ARL competition result in forfeits after Super League players refuse to play.

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| super league war

Peace at Last It was clear to both sides of the war that two competitions could not be sustained, and that rugby league needed to be brought back as one. Both sides had lost hundreds of millions of dollars, whilst the fans had completely turned their back on the code.

The ARL and News Limited came to an agreement that a new merged competition would be formed for 1998 called the National Rugby League, with both sides owning a 50% share of the game.

With too many teams from both competitions to merge into the one, an agreement was made to cut the competition from 22 teams to 14 teams by the year 2000.

Five teams were closed down for good; Adelaide Rams, Hunter Mariners, Perth Reds, Gold Coast Chargers and the South Queensland Crushers. Whilst many other traditional clubs were forced into mergers, losing their identities, some who had been competing at the highest level since the first season in 1908 Colman reiterates how tough it was for supporters to see their clubs lose their identity and history, “Personally, as a North Sydney supporter, I say the loss of foundation clubs hurt the game a lot. It is a strange feeling to have the club you supported all your life suddenly just cease to exist. You don’t just pick someone else to cheer for. To look at it another

way though, the game couldn’t have supported that many Sydney clubs. Even now there are plenty of clubs doing it tough, so I guess in sheer business terms something had to give, but from an emotional point of view it was tough on the fans who lost out.”

The Cost Super League effectively took 8 years to run its course, with a remarkable 1 billion dollars being spent over that period.

It was not only monetary loss that effected the game though. The formative years of the combined NRL competition were slow in relation to crowd numbers, television viewing and popularity. However, it only took a few years for the game to get back to somewhere close to where it was pre Super League, as Colman confirms, “The game is incredibly resilient, it has strong bones and the main thing was that the fans wanted it to get back together.”

Super League was another hurdle that the game has faced in over 100 years of its existence. What was taken from the war is that rugby league is a game forged by the working class, and it is these intrinsic traditions that has made the game so special and will continue to throughout the future.

As Quayle claims, “Rugby league has been through depression, world wars and a Super League war and it continues to be the number 1 television product in Australia.”

The game realised that it could not have two competitions competing against each other, but then again News Limited were never going to ever stop their competition until they got the rights to league for Foxtel John Quayle

October 4, 1996

March 1, 1997

June 27, 1997

Full bench of the Federal Court clears the way for Super League to begin by overturning all 37 of Justice Burchett’s orders.

The inaugural Super League competition kicked off. Brisbane Broncos were triumphant over the Auckland Warriors in a low scoring 14-2 encounter.

Reports that the ARL is prepared to enter into a partnership with News Limited to control a unified competition under one governing body.

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Sept 20, 1997

Sept 28, 1997

Dec 19, 1997

Brisbane beat Cronulla 26-8 in the inaugural Super League Grand Final. It marked the first ever night Grand Final and the first final to be played outside of Sydney.

The fairytale came true for thousands of Novocastrians when the Knights won their first ever premiership, staging a memorable comeback from 8-16 to shatter Manly’s hopes.

The board of directors from every ARL club gather at the SCG to consider a proposed peace deal after five months of secret negotiations.

RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 91

| instawatch

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RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 93

TEN In The Bin Written by Michael Di Lonardo

The NRL seem happy to change rules on a weekly basis, but there is a blatant rule requiring amendment that is staring them right in the face.

The traditional sin bin is a long lost memory in the modern game, with referees unwilling to dish out punishment for the guilty. Referees only blew their whistle on 13 occasions last season to send players off for a 10-minute breather. Compare that figure to the NRL’s inaugural season in 1998 where 61 players were sent from the field - the sin bin has become a dying concept that is rarely utilized. How has such a crucial injunction come to face its near extinction?

OFF! OFF! OFF! OFF! The crowd vehemently pleads their case, chanting and cursing as the offender sombrely dawdles to face his verdict. Then, hisses echo through the air as the referee rejects the banks offer with a big “no deal,” opting to divert the incident to the already overloaded judiciary. The intense pressure that is placed on the men in pink each week has resulted in them being reluctant to send a perpetrator to the bin because reducing a team to 12 players for a lengthy 10 minutes can have significant implications on a match.

A sin bin can turn a game on its head within seconds, although it seems that the punishment can sometimes outweigh the penalty. Many NRL experts and ex-players have suggested the five-minute sin bin as a way of lessening the impact of the punishment. For example, America’s National Hockey League has a two-minute and a five-minute sin bin depending on the severity of the offence, but once the opposition scores, the offender is immediately able to return to the field.

Modern day referees are lacking confidence to make important decisions because they are too worried about the consequences, yet if we provide them with an instrument that has fair reasoning and is used consistently, then we may perhaps see the revitalisation of an essential regulation for the game’s future.

Other than a good old-fashioned brawl, there’s nothing more satisfying then witnessing a player being marched off the field by the referee for a quick spell. Here at RLP, we have been reminiscing about some of the most superlative sin bins of all time, ones that have given fans a reason to rise off their seats.

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5.

The Four Jokers Not one, not two, nor three…but four! Yes, four players at the onetime were given the ten fingers and left their respective teams with 11 men after an all-in-brawl broke out in the 2013 Origin Series. The game erupted in the 54th minute when both sides ignored the newly introduced ‘’no-punch rule’’ and ripped into each other for another Origin classic. Trent Merrin took offence to Brent Tate’s shove on NSW captain Paul Gallen and landed several right hands on Tate’s left cheek. Players swarmed in from every direction for a piece of the action but it didn’t do them any favours. The event triggered the first test on the new crackdown on fighting and ended with Justin Hodges, Brent Tate, Greg Bird and Trent Merrin all in the sin bin.

RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 95

| ten in the bin

4.

Cayless’ Case of Mistaken Identity After awarding 17 penalties, referee Ben Cummins warned both captains that he was prepared to resort to the sin bin if either side continued with their indiscretions. Minutes later, Parramatta Captain Nathan Cayless allegedly stripped the ball off Rabbitohs five-eight John Sutton and was sent to the sidelines. However, replays clearly displayed that Daniel Mortimer was in fact guilty of the strip and that Cummins had got the wrong bloke. Funnily enough, in partnership with their 2010 sleeve sponsor OPSM, all NRL referees had their eyes tested to highlight the importance of eye health and eye care. Should have gone to Specsavers.

3.

You’re Off Your Head

As blood drooled from his mouth, Braith Anasta was told that he had conceded a penalty for an apparent grapple tackle, leaving him laughing in a state of confusion as he claimed the referee was ‘’off his head’’ after receiving a jab from Rabbitohs prop David Fa’alogo. Fa’alogo was unarguably delegated to the bin whilst Anasta later required four stitches to a split bottom lip. In a series of unfortunate events, Anasta was also sin-binned with less than two minutes remaining for his involvement in an incident with Souths halfback Jeremy Smith, after a high tackle from Anasta sparked a brawl.

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| ten in the bin

2.

The Night it Rained xxxx at Lang Park

Queenslanders don’t waste beer for no reason, except when their skipper gets sent to the sin bin.

When referee Mick Stone showed Wally Lewis the sideline at Lang Park in the second game of the 1988 Origin series, enraged fans hurled beer cans on to the field as a protest, forcing players to huddle in the middle to escape the barrage. Lewis stood in disbelief as he was marched for dissent after Queensland hooker Greg Conescu and NSW prop Phil Daley kicked off an all-in-brawl. The officials appeared rattled as the crowd chanted ‘‘send off Stone’’ and hundreds of XXXX missiles landed metres from their feet.

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1.

The Battle of Brookvale

Always one of the most anticipated fixtures on the NRL calendar, Melbourne vs. Manly is perhaps the biggest modern day rivalry in the competition. Players claim the contest is based on mutual respect rather than downright hate, but don’t let that fool you. Along with two Grand Final clashes between the clubs in 2007 and 2008, the infamous Battle of Brookvale resembled the pure hatred both teams have for one another. On this heated winter’s night, Adam Blair and Glenn Stewart were given 10 minutes each for their role in the melee. Just when we thought the action was all over, they jogged off the field and immediately squared off for round two which even got bench players and match officials involved. Their sin bin was overturned for a send-off offence and neither player took a further part in the match. This epic brawl received so much hype that it now has its own Wikipedia page, but not even that can describe the chaos and drama that was brought to the stage that night.

RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER | 99

| community corner

COMMUNITY CORNER CORNER COMMUNITY

Written Michael Di Lonardo “Our players are the most scrutinised segment ofbythe Australian population and mate, with the pressures of your work — it doesn’t matter if you’re a bricklayer or a lawyer — at the end of your week you’ve got to have a release. If not, it’s Groundhog Day. Something’s got to give”

Ronnie Palmer he Cougar was exactly launchiing his own charity and Ennis acting We get the messages like sleep, hydration, eating breakfast, right when he told us this as an integral member of Save Our Sons and “I their THINKdaily WHILST getting enough exercise in routine and limiting havingalso an ongoing contribution to Camp while we threw back a beer Quality, the competition for the somewhat with him on his balcony in YOU’VE it GOT their screen time. By using EVER the players really gets the message forgotten honour was fierce.

Drummoyne. Something does have THAT to give, but for the worst and most acrossTHAT in a MINDSET fun interactive way Ennis, who has been involved in community

YOUNRL WANT TO MAKE A publicised part, it is our players’ control. work for the better part of a decade, has Ambassador Dan Hunt What we often and unfortunately a unique outlook on the incredible impact DIFFERENCE I THINK that rugby league players can have on local don’t hear about are the great things THAT’S THE KEY” communities. that players engage in on a daily basis “I think whilst ever you’ve got that mindset — and when we say daily, we mean Michael Ennis that you want to make a difference I think it. The 2015 Ken Stephens Medal was “The messages we are getting across with health and All 16 NRL clubs and NRL ambassadors travelled more than key.is Each individual will find hotly40,000kms contended; with Luke Douglas, wellbeing, especially with that’s young the people very important. to deliver important wellbeing messages to over The fact thatranging we can use rugby league as theindriving force schools across Australia and Zealand part of Joel1000 Thompson, Tim Mannah and New sheet of as community contribution different interests different areas, so as behind it, a to lot make of kids resonate that because know the NRL’s Michael Ennisannual beingCommunity named asCarnival. the from asking his wedding guests long with as you’re kicking you goals and enjoying how much kids love rugby league.’’

Now in its 16th year, players and ambassadors spent more four finalists for the prestigious award charitable donations instead of providing it and helping where you can, that’s great,” The program demonstrates that the game can impart than 2000 hours working with local communities to educate to being a instrumental the Titansthat students that school recognises the efforts an NRL ofgifts, said Ennis. positiveinmessages and young people will children on the of importance proper hydration, with Down Syndrome player who has achieved Whether be providing assistance with Every year it provides theit game with a great adequate sleepnot andonly developing a sensepartnership of strong sense of the observe. opportunity to educate andcoaching encourageakids whilst also acting belonging.

Association of Queensland. local junior footy team or on the field, but also contributed to a recruitment driver forrunning Junior Rugby League.

With more than off a quarter of Australian Combine children classified this with as Thompson’s focus a charity, it all matters. As we have community projects it.

The NRL pre-season is filled with headlines relating to players as overweight or obese, the Community Carnival aims to on teaching on reasons, the said, timedoand this Douglas, thestudents eventualwith winner of the forstudents all the wrong but rarely we time see a again, focus on thegreat game enlighten the necessary knowledge and Australian skills importance of educationpositive and living a healthy has ahave unique ability to catalyse award, haslong been a strong in influence the players on the community.

Thechange and to live and healthypresence lives.

Primary schoolers at Turramurra school were abuzz as Community is a runs primethrough exampleevery of thearm game lifestyle, Mannah playingNRL a pivotal role as Carnival an this of the game, the Gold Coast community since Public he retired George Illawarra Dragons Hunt addressed forward and taking the initiative benefit ambassador in multipleputting causesitsasfoot well as from grassroots all thetoway to the top. joined the St Titans in 2011.

With his rapprop Dan the assembly to deliver valuable social advice.

102 100

children across the country.

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It’s no secret that Queensland’s success has been built on their impeccable spine. The likes of Smith, Thurston, Cronk and Slater get more mentions than a Trump presidential campaign.

Rewind to Origin III 2015 and you will see why. In the 55th minute Smith palms the ball off to Thurston who is blocked by Matt Scott. Thurston goes deep to his halves partner in Cronk who passes it on to a rampaging Thaiday. Instead of taking the tackle, Thaiday will pass it out the back to a slick Slater wrapping around the back, thereby eliminating two would be tacklers. The Queensland favourite then cuts out Hodges to find Chambers on the wing. Both Morris and Hopoate commit to the tackle of Hodges and Chambers steps back on the inside to add to the already healthy score line. Series won.

A lot of New South Wales’ Origin highlights reels in recent memory have featured Jarryd Hayne, so it was no surprise to see him help mastermind a set play move that bamboozled Queensland’s defence. The occasion is Game I 2014, the 100th game of State of Origin.

In the 19th minute, Paul Gallen shows off his halfback skills and passes the ball to a sweeping Josh Reynolds. Reynolds mimics his captains finesse as Beau Scott scoots through the line and gives it to Hayne to weave his magic, running onto a forty five degree angle that allows the NSW fullback to fend off an advancing Thurston with a trademark ‘stiff arm’, whilst Inglis and Boyd make the decision to come in. Josh Morris links up with brother Brett, who adds the finishing touch to open NSW’s account for the evening and set the mood for a drought breaking series.

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