League Queensland MAY 2017

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COMPLIMENTARY

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

BILLY’S BACK NORTH V SOUTH RIVALRY WORLD CUP DOWN UNDER MACCA’S VIEW GOLDEN POINT – NO WAY!

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Everyone’s team deserves to be seen.

Your team live, every round.

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CONTENT Page 4 Page 6 Page 8 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 18 Page 20 Page 23 Page 25 Page 28 Page 30 Page 32 Page 35 Page 36 Page 38 Page 40 Page 42 Page 44 Page 49 Page 50

Origin – ‘On Dangerous Ground’ Golden Point – No Way! NRL - Around About Macca’s View Broncos and Firebirds Good Friends - Ruthless Opponents Rugby League Calendar Tonga and Samoa Intrust Super Cup Women in League Maroon Festival Mackay Origin Luncheon Brisbane Out and About Legends in Whitsundays Mighty Mackay Souths More than the Foley Shield Mighty Herb Steinohrt 47th Battalion Carnival Sherriff Country Vale Eric Webster Scotty Prince

From the editor Welcome to Edition Two of ‘League Queensland’ for 2017 and as per script it’s been an eventful start to the season. The claytons Queensland team, the Melbourne Storm has kept the flag flying high for our Queensland followers and the return of the world’s best fullback, Billy Slater is just the tonic the Queensland selectors need following injuries to Greg Inglis and Matt Scott. The doubters and I was one of them assumed that two years out of the game would be too steep a hill to climb for the 34 year old Slater but his game against the Broncos in round three was inspirational. Welcome back Billy and I hope you are wearing an Australian jersey in the World Cup. Ten Years and a reported $10Million has lifted the bar that much higher in player payments. There have been plenty of ten year players over the years but big Jason Taumololo is the first to sign one contract for the period. I’ve always liked Taumololo and respected his decision to play for New Zealand when it would have been so easy to take the easy way out and play for the dollars and Queensland.

The likeable Kiwi will certainly earn his dollars this season with Matt Scott and a couple of other Cowboys sitting on the sideline. The absence of Taumalolo in the Cowboys loss to Manly in round three was crucial. He’s the best forward in the world and still only learning the game.

The Queensland Rugby League’s ‘Maroon Festival’ is a winner and I can see this being one of the iconic events on the Australian events calendar in years to come. I can see it stretching into a week of rugby league, carnivals, entertainment and other glamour packed events. “Painting the town Red” is close to ‘Maroon’ buts that what will happen. If I was the NRL/QRL I’d play there double-header at the end of the week to keep the people in town longer, talk to the BRC about some major horse racing and the place will be packed. ‘ State of Origin is around the corner and although Queensland are favourites we don’t need more injuries to our ageing stars. The health of Smith, Cronk, Thurston, Slater, Gillett and big Sam Thaiday is paramount to ensure more NSW pain. Keep your fingers crossed and ‘Come on Queensland’.

Kind regards,

Publisher: League Queensland is wholly owned by Tony and Carmel Price. ABN: 15 808 728 009.

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Editor: Tony Price E: tony@leaguequeensland.com.au P: 0427 451 913 A: 34 Faust Street, Proserpine, Qld. 4800 Subeditor: Simon Price Information and Advertising: Carmel Price P: 0439 675 325 E: admin@leaguequeensland.com.au Graphic Art: Kartia Designs www.kartiadesigns.com.au Printed by: First Proof Press Unit 21, 12 Lawrence Drive Nerang, Qld, 4211 Digital version at leaguequeensland.com.au On the cover: Andrew McCullough Image: NRL Photos Disclaimer:

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The views expressed within League Queensland are not necessarily the views of the publisher, but those of individual writers.

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QUEENSLAND is looking at an Origin series with several of their senior citizens not available or in doubt. The magnificent Greg Inglis is definitely not playing and also Matt Scott following his injury playing against the Broncos, and while there are two months before the Blues run onto Suncorp Stadium the punters from south of the border must’ve looked on with glee as Inglis hobbled off in round one followed

by Scott in round two. The jaw injury to Melbourne’s Cameron Munster in round three must have been another body blow for the maroons. Queensland has depth in certain positions, weak in others and League Queensland runs the ruler over the contenders.

Fullback (2016 Darius Boyd) is a position that Billy Slater called his own from 2004 – 2015. Slater is back and the next month will decide if he’s ready for Origin. Darius Boyd in the current Dally M Fullback of the Year and current Australian fullback.

Boyd to partner Justin O’Neill in the centres is another option but isn’t it great to see that Slater, Smith, Cronk and Thurston spine.

Wing (2016 Dane Gagai, Corey Oates). Gagai scored four tries in three games while Oates went over the white line in Game Two. The fact that Valentine Holmes, who was unavailable for the 2016 Origin Series, was selected to play in the Four Nations would indicate that he is considered one of the two best wingers available for Australia so injury permitting it would be fair to say that Holmes and Gagai would be the wingers.

Centre (2016 Greg Inglis, Justin O’Neill).

The first body blow to Queensland’s chances of retaining the 2017 crown came in round one when Greg Inglis limped off ANZ Stadium. The 105kg superstar actually scored a try on one leg but will be sitting in the stands for the Origin series. Justin O’Neill toured 4

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England with the Australian team and will be one centre but the other spot gives players like Will Chambers, Michael Morgan, Dale Copley, Cameron Munster and Dane Gagai a chance to impress. How do the Queensland selectors balance the books? Michael Morgan will be in the squad so do you put him in the run-on side in the centres? Our suggestion is Melbourne Storm centre Will Chambers who had a great game in the NRL Grand Final or Darius Boyd if Slater comes into the team.

Five-Eighth (2016 Johnathan Thurston) will be the first player selected with his Cowboys team mate Michael Morgan as a back-up followed by the Broncos Anthony Milford.

Halfback (2016 Cooper Cronk) will be the second player selected with the Broncos Ben Hunt and the Bulldogs Moses Mbye on standby. Hunt has started to run with the ball again while Moses Mbye is a stand-out for the Bulldogs in a season of struggle.

Lock (2016 Corey Parker). The ever reliable Parker has retired so the number 13 jersey is up for grabs. The Broncos’ Josh McGuire has made an early pitch with his move from prop to lock while others in the mix would be Aidan Guerra, Ethan Lowe, Coen Hess, Josh Papalii and wait for it, Michael Morgan.

It would be inconceivable in the pre-1980s for a player to move from lock to prop like McGuire but contesting a scrum is a thing of the past so the position is only a number in modern rugby league. The cover defending lock like Ron Coote or John Raper is not needed in the 21st Century game so all that is required in versatility and Morgan has that in spades. However, we feel that the selectors will go for size and Josh Papalii could wear the number 13 jersey in Origin One. 2nd Row (2016 Matt Gillett, Sam Thaiday). Barring injuries nothing will change here with Thaiday playing like a 20-yearold instead of the ageing 32-year-old that he is while Gillett

is the first back rower selected for Australia. The Cowboys Gavin Cooper and 33-year-old Jacob Lillyman will come into contention while Hess, Papalii and Guerra are also in the mix.

Prop (2016 Matt Scott, Nate Myles, Josh McGuire). Scott is out so Kevin Walters will ask his ageing war-horse Nate Myles to run on for another go at Origin and while McGuire might think he’s a lock forward the Queensland selectors might have other ideas. The demise of Scott has left a huge hole in our front row ranks and with the Blues capable of putting players of the size of Tyson Frizell, James Tamou, Aaron Woods, Andrew Fifita, Shannon Boyd and Ryan James on the park we need size and aggression. League Queensland feels that it’s time to see if the Roosters’ Dylan Napa is Origin material so if we were selectors Napa and Myles would get the nod.

Hooker (2016 Cameron Smith). No question about who will lead Queensland onto Suncorp Stadium in Game One of the 2017 Origin Series. It will be the world’s best hooker Cameron Smith. We are blessed in this position with the second best hooker in Australia in Jake Friend closely followed by Andrew McCullough and Jake Granville but Smith will need to be at his inspirational best to steer this ship into harbour.

In conclusion, Queensland will have the benefit of playing two games at home and with a giant Blues pack that could contain as many as eight Internationals they should start the series as favourites.

Queensland has the edge in the spine but a lot will depend on how players like Dylan Napa handle their Origin baptism.

DIVE INTO SUMMER

SUMMERBRIGHTLAGER.COM.AU

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NO WAY

GOLDEN POINT IS GOOD FOR THE GAME!

THE North Queensland Cowboys v Brisbane Broncos clash at Suncorp Stadium was an amazing game of rugby league and the 47,703 spectators were glued to their seats throughout but I question the idea of a result through ‘Golden Point’. If you analyse the game and only saw the last ten minutes you would think you had been robbed as it was simply two teams fighting for field position to kick a field goal. Neither team had any intention of scoring a try and like the 2015 Grand Final when Ben Hunt fumbled, the game was decided on a poor decision by Anthony Milford to kick into the Cowboys in-goal and give them seven tackles from the restart.

Eighty minutes of great rugby league deserved better than that and I feel it should be ‘Golden Try’ or if a field goal or penalty is kicked in the extra time and no try is scored it should go to the winner on points. Premiership points are precious and I can see coaching staff selecting a player who cannot tackle or pass a ball but is a field goal expert and simply bring him into play in the last few minutes of normal time if the score is locked up leading into full time. That is being disrespectful but winners are grinners and if one point is the decider and you have a player who cannot tackle but can kick 40 metre field goals, bring him on.

I wear with pride the fact that I follow South Sydney and not many players can say they changed the game but their great fullback from the 1960’s Eric Simms was not only a game changer, he was a rule changer. Simms was a good player but not a great player. He played in an era when champion attacking fullbacks like Graham Langlands, Les Johns, Ray Laird, Ken Thornett and Alan McKean were on the field but Simms was a match winner because he could kick field-goals.

When the 1968 World Cup was played in Australia, Eric Simms was selected as fullback and in the Australia v Great Britain game played at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the New Zealand referee caned the pommies 18-1 in the penalty count and Simms calmly kicked eight goals from nine attempts.

The following season in a club game against Penrith Eric Simms kicked five field-goals in eleven minutes. Think 6

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about that! Simms kicking a field goal, Penrith kicking off, South Sydney running the ball up to give Simms field position, Simms kicking and everybody running back into position – five times in eleven minutes. In the 1970 Grand Final Eric Simms kicked four field goals for eight of Souths 23 points, while Bobby Fulton kicked two for Manly in their total of 12 points.

Yes, Eric Simms. He played 206 games for South Sydney in which time he kicked a remarkable 86 field-goals among the 1,841 points he scored for the Rabbits and along the way he changed the game of rugby league. Basically because of Simms field-goal kicking ability, the power-brokers of the day decreased the value of a field-goal from two to one point and increased the value of a try from three to four. Good on you, Eric Simms.

Bring on ‘Golden Point’ and there is no Eric Simms out there who can kick field-goals from 50 metres but it must enter the minds of the super-coaches that it’s a tool they should have in their bag. The power of rugby league to the audience is the sublime attacking skills of a Thurston, Milford, Cronk and Ashley Taylor, not the fumbling and bumbling as they trip over one another to get into field-goal position.

Yes, I don’t mind a draw after 80 hard minutes of rugby league and I also don’t mind the ten minutes of extra time being decided by a golden try or the most points scored in extra time but a field-goal, no way! Only an opinion but Australia is still a democracy. What do you think? Send your opinions to tony@leaguequeensland.com.au – TONY PRICE

OFFICIAL SPIRIT OF THE NRL

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NRL -

AROUND ABOUT

THE Brisbane Broncos opening round 26/18 victory over 2016 premiers, the Cronulla Sharks was a great hit-out for a club that will improve in 2017. The Cronulla forwards never took a backward step yet the Broncos matched them punch for punch in a game that went down to the wire. Although the Broncos led from start to finish the game was never out of the Sharks’ reach even when the boys from Brisbane led 20/6 midway through the second half.

It’s a good Broncos back-line when David Mead cannot make the field. Mead was one of the better players in the All Stars clash in Newcastle yet Jordan Kahu, Corey Oates, James Roberts and Tautau Moga all starred at different points in the game. Kahu, the New Zealand international, had a great game on the flank, kicking four from four, scoring a try and saving a try with great defence. James Roberts had a great first half and scored a try with blistering pace and great anticipation. Oates played like a backrower which was needed at the back end of the second-half when the Broncos forwards were wilting while Moga was strong and will keep David Mead in the Intrust Cup for a while.

Milford scored the try that broke the hearts of the Sharks’ fans and he was probably the only player on the paddock that could have scored the try from nothing. Darius Boyd was inspirational.

The Storm were clinical, they were good. The game was played in Melbourne, Billy Slater was back and pumped, ready to go yet the Broncos only went down by two points in the last minute of the game. Ben Hunt’s try was as good as Milford’s against the Sharks in Round One. The young Broncos forwards are really standing to attention this season with Herman Ese’Ese, Jai Arrow and Tevita Pangai Junior all playing well. The seasoned forwards like Thaiday, Glenn, Blair, Gillett and Andrew McCullough have finally got some younger players coming through to take pressure off them.

Korbin Sims, who came into the team late in the pre-season is taking some time to adjust but adds some ‘Respect’ to the team.

THE STORM CONTINUE TO DELIVER (As Expected) - The NRL Telstra Premiership has long been an unpredictable beast and a nightmare at times for serious footy tipsters and punters, however there isn’t anything surprising about the Storm’s start to the 2017 season. The Storm are four from four with three notable victories away from home against the Bulldogs, Warriors and Tigers, plus an incredible come from behind win against the Broncos at AAMI Park, featuring the return of Billy Slater.

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Origin Legend’s Ben Ikin and Petro in front of the ‘Eight in a Row’ window at Brisbane’s iconic Caxton Hotel Image: Courtesy Caxton Hotel

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In a game that could have gone either way, Storm winger Josh Addo-Carr ran in a try in the 77th minute gathering in a stray pass from replacement five-eighth Ryley Jacks, which had bounced off two Broncos defenders. Australian captain, Cameron Smith, once again demonstrated his class and toughness under pressure, as he slotted the winning goal from the sideline in the dying minutes.

In Slater’s return from a long injury lay-off, the Origin great looked sharp and made a significant impact following his injection into the game in the 22nd minute. But whilst Slater was a much welcomed addition to the Melbourne backline, classy five-eighth Cameron Munster will sit out the next four to six weeks with a broken jaw, following a nasty head clash with Corey Oates.

SHARKS SHOW EARLY SEASON PROMISE - Many

experts have given the defending champions little hope of achieving back to back premierships, with former Parramatta international Nathan Hindmarsh declaring the Sharks will miss the Top 8 altogether. But despite the loss of Michael Ennis and Ben Barber, who played a key role in their 2016 success, the early signs for Cronulla are looking much brighter than many have predicted although the local derby against the Dragons was not what they needed.

Sharks strong win away from home against Canberra has got followers of the game taking notice. The tough Cronulla pack controlled the game, with Wade Graham putting in a dominant performance, running in three tries. NSW fiveeighth James Moloney also looked in top form, targeting Canberra’s poor right side defence to great effect. In round four the Sharks defeated the Eels 20-6 in what could be called a dominant yet scrappy game with Paul Gallen about the best on the ground.

DOGS DOING IT TOUGH – Canterbury-Bankstown finally

opened their season account with a good, hard fought win against the Warriors in Dunedin, but fell to pieces with a 36-0 flogging by Manly in round four. In League Queensland’s pre-season NRL Outlook, we gave the Bulldogs little chance of making the Top 8, largely due to a lack of strike power in attack.

Coach Shane Flannagan would have no doubt been disappointed with his side’s failure to pick up the two points in their season opener against a strong Broncos outfit at home yet, despite the final result, the Sharks forward pack looked in good shape via solid performances from Wade Graham, Paul Gallen and the powerful Andrew Fifita. The LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU

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A closer look at their performances so far however reveals that not all is lost at Belmore for 2017, despite our grim prediction and their one win from four start to the year.

It should be noted that the Bulldogs faced off against premiership favourites, the Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters in their first two games of the season and went down narrowly on both occasions.

As to be expected, the likes of David Klemer, Josh Jackson and inspirational skipper James Graham, have led well with

their usual toughness and strong work rate, and whilst the back-line showed glimpses of great play in their first two games, they finally hit their straps in their 24 to 12 win in the rain.

Former Bulldogs half-back and premiership winning coach, Michael Hagan, had some interesting insights for Foxsports recently in the lead up to the Warriors game, where he revealed that many of the key Bulldogs forwards were down on their average metres per hit-up compared to their 2016 season averages. Hagan believes if the Bulldogs can get back to the basics of hitting the advantage line direct and hard, they can provide a far better attacking platform for the likes of Moses Mbye, Josh Reynolds and the Morris twins. Watch this space in the coming two weeks as they face off against Brisbane and Newcastle.

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Everyone’s team deserves to be seen.

Your team live, every round.

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MACCA’S VIEW

Do quick back-ups have an impact on NRL teams?

I get that question a lot – sometimes from fans who are looking for some help doing their footy tips for the weekend. Maybe they’re weighing up a team coming off a five-day back-up versus one that’s had eight days between games.

Should they be tipping the team that’s had a longer break?

There’s no simple rule for that but there are factors that come into play. The 48 hours after a game are the most important for getting your body back in shape.

It starts with that horrible six-minute ice bath in the change rooms. It’s a long six minutes – not so bad on a hot March night but never-ending when it’s Canberra in June. It feels more like six hours.

The medical experts tell us that ice baths are very important. Please tell me if you come across medical research that proves otherwise.

The next morning is important to swim, stretch and then eat whatever you like for the rest of the day. That’s my blowout day – pizza, burgers or whatever I feel like.

I usually lose 4-5 kilograms in a game so I have to put it back on.

And the third morning is when the soreness is most telling – you can feel it as soon as you get out of bed.

On the next day, you get back into the routine of team training sessions, weights and video sessions before the next game rolls around.

Now, I know that some people will say that the Broncos are the last team to talk about quick back-ups because we play most often on Thursday or Friday nights. That’s the NRL schedule and there’s nothing we can do about it. But we’ve done plenty of short turnarounds over the years to know what it feels like.

Generally, the quick turnarounds can impact more at the end of the season than the start. You feel more energetic at the start of the season so the quick breaks aren’t as taxing as during those August or September turnarounds.

Winning form is also a factor – the winning feeling masks the pain in the legs that feel extra heavy if you’ve dropped a few games in a row.

When they say winning fixes everything, it certainly helps fatigue.

There are times when the quick back-up can be a blessing.

If you’ve played badly as a team for no apparent reason, sometimes you just want to get back out there and set things straight.

We’ve had games before when we’ve ridden five days of frustration into a strong performance on the field.

In the end, you have to prepare your body to get through the full NRL season. Quick breaks can have an impact but they’re not as bad if you look after your body with the right recovery, a good diet and detailed preparation.

I also like a few pre-game rituals. When we’re at home, game day for me is the same most times. I wake up for a swim and then breakfast. My Mum and Dad – Wendy and Graeme – drive from Dalby for each home game. We catch up for lunch on every game day.

Mum and Dad will leave Dalby at 8am and return home after the game, not usually getting back in until about 1am.

I’m usually still awake then. If I’m asleep by 2am after a game, that’s a good result for me.

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Youngest forward to play 200 NRL games, the Broncos Andrew McCullough NRL Images

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A few hours later and it’s swimming time – part of that routine to make sure we’re ready to go again whether we’re playing in five or eight days’ time.

– ANDREW MCCULLOUGH

Champions in their sport – The Broncos’ Justin Hodges and Firebirds’ Romelda Aiken NRL Images

Broncos and Queensland Firebirds enter historic partnership THE Lorna Jane Queensland Firebirds are pleased to announce they will join forces with the NRMA Insurance Broncos to support their esteemed community programs over the next three years.

The partnership will see Firebirds players join past and present Broncos stars in visiting schools, community groups, hospitals and regional areas to mentor and motivate young people.

Firebirds midcourter Jemma Mi Mi kicked off the partnership last week when she joined Scott Prince at Beenleigh State High School as part of the Beyond the Broncos program, which aims to improve school attendance and Year 12 attainment rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Netball Queensland CEO Catherine Clark said she was excited to partner with one of Australia’s most powerful sporting brands to deliver positive community impacts across the state. “The Broncos are as renowned for the difference they make in the lives of Queenslanders as they are for their success on field, which is a passion we share at the Firebirds,” Clark said. “To have our girls join their revered playing group in delivering important messages about education, health

and wellbeing will be a game changer in the lives of countless young people across our communities.

“Netball is a sport owned and celebrated by women and we are excited by the impact and inspiration the Firebirds’ presence at these programs will have for female participants.”

The Broncos deal with the Firebirds comes in the wake of a raft of football clubs partnering with netball, including the Melbourne Storm’s investment in Sunshine Coast Lightning and Collingwood Magpies emergence in the new Suncorp Super Netball league.

“We hope our new rivalry with the Lightning will one day grow to match the Broncos’ rivalry with the Storm,” Clark said.

“It will be great to have a few familiar faces from Red Hill flying the Firebirds flag leading into round one of Super Netball on 18 February.” Brisbane Broncos CEO Paul White said the Firebirds partnership would add further weight to the important work the club was doing in communities across the state. “We have been talking to the Firebirds for a while about this because of the recent growth and development of our community programs,” White said.

“The Firebirds are such a natural fit to partner the Brisbane Broncos. We will now get to join with a wonderful Queensland brand and some amazing female athletes in a partnership that will add great value to our combined community efforts.”

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Justin O’Neill running hard into the Broncos defence.

Photo: Courier Mail

G O O D

F R I E N D S

RUTHLESS OPPONENTS GAMES PLAYED (47) BRONCOS 30, COWBOYS 15, DRAW 2 THERE is no rivalry in the NRL club competition to match the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys. The last three seasons has clearly shown that although people will flock to any rugby league game, they fight for tickets to the biggest show in town – The Broncos vs The Cowboys.

The Broncos entered the competition in 1988 with a team full of internationals and the Cowboys followed in 1995 with a team full of local juniors. More than 100 seasons of heated rivalry would ensure that these games attracted crowds and it should be pointed out that the four biggest home crowds for the Cowboys are all against the Broncos while two of the top four Broncos home crowds since playing at Suncorp Stadium are against the Cowboys.

It’s clear that in North Queensland the desire to defeat ‘big brother’ has always been there but the early encounters were anything but fruitful for the northern team. The first game played in Townsville on the 8th April 1995 attracted a very healthy 24,855 people with the Broncos winning 20/12 against a team led by Laurie Spina. In the early days there was a few close encounters like the 20-20 draw in 1997 at Lang Park and the ‘Great Escape’ in 1999 when the Cowboys biggest ever crowd of 30,302 people watched the Broncos score two tries in the last five minutes to escape.

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Apart from these two draws it was all Broncos for almost ten seasons with the Cowboys first win being 10/0 on the 18th September 2004 in an Elimination Final in Townsville. The Broncos has finished higher up the ladder but had gifted the final location to the boys from the North. In the early days there were a few floggings with 42-16, 58-4, 50-8, 42-6 and 52-8 among the scores. Things changed dramatically on the 6th July 2004 when the Cowboys signed a skinny kid from Canterbury for the 2005 season. His name was Johnathan Thurston.

BT or ‘Before Thurston’ the scoreboard read 19 games, Broncos 16, Cowboys 1 and two draws. AT or ‘After Thurston’ the scoreboard would read 47 games, Broncos 30, Cowboys 15 and two draws. In the ‘AT’ period there have been 28 games played for 14 wins apiece.

That’s a statistic.

Amazingly when the Cowboys made the 2005 Grand Final the Broncos won both encounters that season and in 2006 when the Broncos won the premiership the Cowboys won both encounters. By the end of the 2011 season the scorecard had changed to 24-5 in favour of the big town boys but the Cowboys were now considered a serious contender for the NRL crown. The club had a roster that included Thurston, Matt Bowen, Gavin Cooper, Dallas Johnson, Brent Tate,

Tevita Pangai Junior, a handful for the Cowboys NRL Images

Michael Morgan, Matt Scott, Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Kane Linnett and a young Jason Taumalolo.

moments in the sun with the North Queensland Cowboys having a slight edge in the last three seasons.

Between 2012 and the end of 2014 the two teams clashed eight times including two semi-finals with the score four wins a piece. The Cowboys won the games that mattered with a 33-16 win in a semi-final in Townsville in 2012 and a 32-20 win in a 2014 semi-final but the rivalry was just coming to the boil. By the end of the 2014 season the score had grown to Broncos 28, Cowboys 9 and two draws out of 39 games.

That will change and change again as two of the power-houses of rugby league find new talent to replace their champions.

In 2015 the Cowboys signed a former player in Paul Green as coach while the Broncos welcomed back Wayne Bennett to the stable. The rivalry reached a new level although the round three 44-22 victory to the Broncos in Brisbane was no indication of things to come.

The return game in Townsville saw the up-and-coming Michael Morgan score three tries as the Cowboys won 31-20 and the season end saw the Broncos and Cowboys both on 38 points with the Broncos slipping into 2nd position behind the Roosters on percentages. The rivalry was just warming up.

Since the start of the 2015 NRL Final series the Broncos and Cowboys have clashed six times.

Four of those games have gone into extra-time with the Cowboys winning three of the four extra-time encounters including the 2015 NRL Grand Final. The Cowboys have grown from country-cousins to a real premiership powerhouse and have won four of the six games. The real statistic is that in almost 520 minutes of rugby league over two seasons the score differential is four points with the Cowboys edging out the Broncos 115-111.

This rivalry will continue as long as the game is played in Queensland. Through the years both teams have had their

Players like the once-in-a-lifetime Johnathan Thurston and the Townsville born Sam Thaiday will probably be gone from the game in the next two seasons but the new crop like Anthony Milford, Michael Morgan, Coen Hess and Corey Oates will make sure the pot continues to boil till the end.

COWBOYS HOME CROWDS BRONCOS HOME CROWDS 1. Broncos (1999) 30,302

1. Manly (2011) 50,859

2. Broncos (1998) 30,250

2. Cowboys (2008) 50,612

3. Broncos (1997) 30,122

3. Storm (2008) 50,466

4. Broncos (2000) 27,643

4. Cowboys (2007) 50,416

GOOD FRIENDS, RUTHLESS OPPONENTS 2015 Qualifying Final – Broncos won 16-12 2015 Grand Final – Cowboys won 17-16 (ET) 2016 Round 4 – Broncos won 21-20 (ET) 2016 Round 11 – Cowboys won 19-18 2016 Semi Final – Cowboys won 26-20 (ET) 2017 Round 2 – Cowboys won 21-20 (ET) LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU

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team including the legendary Harold Horder was defeated by Cairns, Townsville and Innisfail. The Brisbane side included two international players in Lou Sellars and Horder plus another five Queensland players.

AS long as the game has been played in Queensland there has been a North vs South divide which commenced in 1915 when North Queensland, or Townsville to be precise, toured South Queensland defeating Brisbane 14/11 and a Combined South Queensland team 12/11 before getting nine members of their touring squad selected in the Queensland side. The half-back in this Queensland team was the famous Duncan Thompson while the lock-forward was Townsville’s Duncan McIvor. To prove that the apples don’t fall far from the tree his grandson Michael Morgan is a current international.

The North has always been a great exporter of rugby league talent with Cyril Aynsley being one of the first to leave the area and find greener pastures in southern Queensland.

The classy winger, who played for Charters Towers in 1921 against Toowoomba, won the prestigious £100 Townsville Gift foot race before signing with Brisbane Wests for the 1922 season. Aynsley would go onto represent Queensland and Australia and such were his talents that in 2008 he was selected in the Queensland Team of the Century. Aynsley played for Australia in 1924 against England but he was not the first International to come from the North. That honour goes to Harry ‘Mucka’ Fewin who ran onto the Brisbane Exhibition Grounds in an Australian jersey on the 26th June 1920. Harry had toured Central Queensland in a Townsville team in 1918 before moving south to play for Brisbane club, Carltons.

Back in the day many southern teams toured North Queensland and in 1925 a touring Brisbane representative

The boys from the bush were often disregarded when selection time came around and on several occasions the Queensland selectors never invited North Queensland to participate in trials.

Through the 1920’s and 1930’s several North Queensland based players wore the maroon of Queensland including Reg King, Charlie Christensen, Jack Purcell, Billy Paten and Harold Burns. This was the period when the Bulimba Cup was the biggest game in town and the Queensland selectors basically never looked north of the Brisbane River. There is strong evidence to suggest that Charlie Christensen could have gone on the 1929/1930 Kangaroo tour if North Queensland had played South Queensland in Brisbane in 1929. Townsville defeated South Queensland twice in Townsville in 1929 but no Queensland selector saw the game.

The 1931 season saw South Queensland again tour the North and on the 16th August North Queensland defeated the South 15/11 in Townsville.

Putting this game into perspective, the South Queensland team contained eight internationals plus another two Queensland players.

The South Queensland side could have been stronger as they rested their Australian captain, Herb Steinohrt who had been injured playing against Central Queensland. The North Queensland hooker that day was Mick Glasheen who when he toured with the 1933/1934 Kangaroos would become North Queensland’s first home selected International.

In 1933 the Queensland Rugby League had invitation only trials with Mick Glasheen and Bill Sugars the only North Queensland players invited. The selectors also decided to play the ‘Rest of Queensland’ against Toowoomba as the main Queensland trial and after Toowoomba had defeated

NORTH QUEENSLAND RUGBY LEAGUE TEAM 1931 – BACK (L-R): Harold Mitchell, A McMillan, Dan Foley, B Williams (Coach), Wacky Lang, T Harries SITTING: Mick Glasheen, Harold Treacey, J Glover, Harold Burns (C), Bill Sugars, J Parnell, Charlie Claxton FRONT: Charlie Christensen, Bill Pendreigh

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NORTH V SOUTH the Rest 22/7 the entire Clydesdales team was announced as the Queensland side with a few reserves including Glasheen to make up the numbers.

The Foley Shield commenced in 1948 and like the introduction of the Bulimba Cup in 1925 it improved the standard of rugby league in the North.

In 1934 North Queensland toured New South Wales and defeated Balmain 25/9 and Newcastle 20/12 before heading back to Queensland. Although the northern team held Brisbane to a narrow 15/10 score-line the selectors once again had an invitation only trial with Glasheen and Harold Roberts to play in a Kangaroos v Rest trial. Both were selected in the Queensland team which was dominated by Brisbane, Ipswich and Toowoomba players.

Townsville’s Frosty Benton had toured with the 1948 Kangaroos and although he never played a test he did sell the great things about the North to his fellow Kangaroos and within a year Jack Horrigan (Ayr), Duncan Hall (Home Hill), Ned Andrews, Len Pegg, Ron McLellan (Ayr) and Jack Munn (Herbert River) had moved north for the winter. The Norths export business had also started with Pat McMahon and Bobby Bax leaving Mount Isa for the south while the great Kel O’Shea went from Ayr after playing for Australia in 1954.

By 1935 the quality of rugby league player in South Queensland was astonishing with a touring team to the North led by Kangaroo super-star Vic Hey containing 11 Australian players and eight Queensland players in the squad of 19. This was shown on the football field as they defeated North Queensland 50/2 with six players scoring three tries apiece. Earlier in the season only three North Queensland players were invited to play in the Queensland trials.

The 1936 season saw no North vs South game as the touring England team took pride of place. In 1937 the North toured the South and played badly, losing all games and in 1938 there was no North Queensland team selected for the first time for many seasons. In 1939 a South Queensland team that included five Australian and twelve Queensland representatives played North Queensland in Townsville and were lucky to escape with an 18/14 victory after the northern team had led 4/3 at half time.

Although a combined North Queensland/Central Queensland team played South Queensland in 1940 the outbreak of war stopped any major rugby league until the 1946 season and in 1946 and 1947 the invitation system was used again.

Several North Queensland players were at the top of their game but were overlooked for these trials including Norm McHardie who many rate one of the better players to come from North Queensland.

The Foley Shield did to North Queensland what the Bulimba Cup did to Toowoomba – it created a better platform for players to go onto representative honours without leaving home and in the early 1960’s North Queensland dominated the Queensland Rugby League. The 1959 and 1960 Queensland teams were the last successful Maroon teams before the introduction of Origin and included in their ranks were Trevor McDonald, Des Hendry, Paul Pyers, Brian Jones, Don Meehan, Jim Paterson, John Eaton, Bobby Cook, Jim Kelly, Elton Rasmussen, Ron Tait, Alan Gil and Noel Kelly. All would play for Queensland from the North while McDonald, Jim Paterson, Elton Rasmussen, Alan Gil and Noel Kelly would play for Australia.

North Queensland won the State Championships in 1963, 1964, 1965 and 1971 with Brisbane winning in 1969, 1970 and 1972 but by the mid 1970’s the pendulum had swung in favour of the big city as many of the North’s finest were heading south for the winter. Players like Lionel Williamson, Warren Orr, Kerry Boustead, George Ambrum, Colin Scott, Gene Miles, Marshall Colwell, Eddie Muller, Peter Luppi and John McLeod left for greener pastures but the North was still competitive. In 1976 a North Queensland team defeated a Queensland team containing eight Internationals 14-8 in Townsville.

The Broncos came into being in 1988 with the North Queensland Cowboys following in 1995 and now the North v South Rivalry has reached a new level.

Now both teams are rated as genuine premiership contenders every time they run onto the paddock but it all started more than 100 years ago when the first northern team went south on the MV ‘Bingera’ to show the game was alive in the north.

NORTH QUEENSLAND RUGBY LEAGUE TEAM – 1976 QUEENSLAND COUNTRY CHAMPIONS – Back (L-R): D Wonson, Mark Payne, Rick Bradford, R West, Ralph Michaels, Peter Luppi, Will Cordwell, Wayne Bulloch, Frank Daisy, Kevin Gardiner, A Burgess (Masseur), Henry Holloway (Coach), Jim Caldwell (President NQRL) Front: J Brinstead (Manager), Noah Savuro, N Mulley, Dennis Quagliotto, Paul Fletcher, Lou Cardiss, Ian Thinee, Peter Kelly, Dan Jackson (Manager) Absent: John Kynaston (Captain), Lester Young, R Stacey

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2017 queensland rugby league APRIL - JUNE Round Five (31st Mar-2 Apr) 31st - Cowboys v Souths (1300) 1st - Sunshine Coast Falcons v Wynnum Manly Seagulls (SCS) 1st - Norths v CQ Capras (BP) 1st - Northern Pride v Burleigh Bears (BPC) 1st - Townsville Blackhawks v Easts Tigers (JMO) 1st - Mackay Cutters v PNG Hunters (BBPS) 2nd - Redcliffe v Jets (DO) 2nd - Tweed Heads Seagulls v Souths Logan (PSC) Round Six (6-9 Apr) XXXX Rivalry Round

Round 10 (13-14 May) 13th - D ouble Header at Scorp with Storm v Titans and Broncos v Manly 13th - T ownsville Blackhawks v Souths Logan Magpies (JMO) 13th - Northern Pride v Tweed Heads Seagulls (BPC) 13th - CQ Capras v Ipswich Jets (BPR) 13th - Redcliffe Dolphins v Mackay Cutters (DO) 14th - Burleigh Bears v Sunshine Coast Falcons (PP) 14th - Easts Tigers v Norths Devils (SSLP) BYE - PNG Hunters & Wynnum Manly Round 11 (19-21 May)

6th - Broncos v Roosters (Scorp) 8th - Titans v Raiders (Cbus) 8th - Cowboys v Tigers (1300) 8th - Ipswich v Easts Tigers (NIP) 8th - Sunshine Coast Falcons v PNG Hunters (SCS) 8th - Northern Pride v Townsville Blackhawks BPC) 8th - CQ Capras v Cutters (BPR) 9th - Souths Logan v Norths Devils (DP) 9th - Burleigh Bears v Tweed Heads Seagulls (PP) 9th - Wynnum Manly Seagulls v Redcliffe Dolphins (KO)

19th - Broncos v Tigers (Scorp) 20th - Titans v Manly (Cbus) 20th - S unshine Coast Falcons v Mackay Cutters (SCS) 20th - Ipswich Jets v PNG Hunters (NIR) 21st - Souths Logan v Northern Pride (DP) 21st - Burleigh Bears v Wynnum Manly Seagulls (PP) 21st - Townsville Blackhawks v CQ Capras (JMO) 21st - Redcliffe Dolphins v Norths Devils (DO) 21st - Tweed Heads v Easts Tigers (PSC)

Round Seven (14-17 Apr) Easter

Round 12 (27-28 May)

14th - Broncos v Titans (Scorp) 15th - Townsville Blackhawks v Burleigh Bears (JMO) 15th - Northern Pride v Ipswich Jets (BPC) 16th - Easts Tigers v Wynnum Manly Seagulls (SSLP) 16th - Souths Logan Magpies v Mackay Cutters (D) 16th - PNG Hunters v Redcliffe Dolphins (NFS) 16th - Sunshine Coast Falcons v CQ Capras (SCS) 16th - Norths Devils v Tweed Heads Seagulls (BP)

27th - Ipswich Jets v Wynnum Manly Seagulls (NIR) 27th - CQ Capras v Northern Pride (BPR) 27th - Mackay Cutters v Burleigh Bears (BBPS) 28th - Tweed Heads v Redcliffe Dolphins (PS) 28th - Norths Devils v Sunshine Coast Falcons (BP) 28th - Easts Tigers v Souths Logan Magpies (SSLP) 31st May – First Origin Game in Brisbane

Round Eight (22-23 Apr) Anzac Round

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14th June Origin Fan Day in Mackay Round 15 (16-18 June) 17th - T ownsville Blackhawks v Sunshine Coast Falcons (JMO) 18th - Wynnum Manly v Norths Devils (KO) 18th - PNG Hunters v Tweed Heads Seagulls (NFS) BYE - PNG, Burleigh, Capras, Tigers, Jets, Cutters, Pride, Dolphins & Magpies.

Round 16 (23-25 June) 24th - Cowboys v Panthers (1300) 24th - Northern Pride v PNG Hunters (BPC) 24th - CQ Capras v Easts Tigers (BPR) 24th - W ynnum Manly Seagulls v Sunshine Coast Falcons (KO) 25th - Burleigh Bears v Ipswich Jets (PP) 25th - Souths Logan v Redcliffe Dolphins (DP) 25th - Tweed Heads v Townsville Blackhawks (PSC) 25th - Norths Devils v Mackay Cutters (BP)

30th - Broncos v Storm (Scorp) 30th - Titans v Dragons (Cbus) 1st - Ipswich Jets v Tweed Heads Seagulls (NIP) 1st - East Tigers v Sunshine Coast Falcons (SSLP) 2nd - Northern Pride v Mackay Cutters (BOC) 2nd - Burleigh Bears v Redcliffe Dolphins (PP) 2nd - Wynnum Manly v Souths Logan Magpies (KO) 2nd - PNG Hunters v CQ Capras (NFS) 2nd - Townsville Blackhawks v Norths Devils (JMO)

Round Nine (29-30 Apr)

5th May – Australia v New Zealand (Canberra)

9th - Broncos v Rabbitohs (Scorp) 9th - Mackay Cutters v Blackhawks (BBPS) 10th - Titans v Warriors (Cbus) 10th - Ipswich Jets v Norths Devils (NIR) 10th - Burleigh Bears v CQ Capras (PP) 10th - Wynnum v Tweed Heads Seagulls (KO) 11th - S unshine Coast Falcons v Northern Pride (SCS) 11th - Redcliffe Dolphins v Easts Tigers (DO) 11th - PNG Hunters v Souths Logan Magpies (NFS)

Round 17 (29 June – 2 July)

22nd - Cowboys v Knights (1300) 22nd - Mackay Cutters v Easts Tigers (BBPS) 22nd - Wynnum Manly Seagulls v CQ Capras (KO) 23nd - Burleigh Bears v PNG Hunters (PP) 23rd - Norths Devils v Northern Pride (BP) 23rd - Souths Logan Magpies v Ipswich Jets (DP) 23rd - T ownsville Blackhawks v Tweed Heads Seagulls (JMO) 23rd - R edcliffe Dolphins v Sunshine Coast Falcons (DO)

27th - Broncos v Panthers (Scorp) 28th - Titans v Knights (Cbus) 28th - Cowboys v Eels (1300) 29th - 47th Battalion Two Day Carnival (Yeppoon) 29th - Easts Tigers v CQ Capras (SSLP) 29th - PNG Hunters v Northern Pride (NFS) 29th - W ynnum Manly Seagulls v Townsville Blackhawks (KO) 29th - Ipswich Jets v Burleigh Bears (NIP) 30th - R edcliffe Dolphins v Souths Logan Magpies (DO) 30th - T weed Heads Seagulls v Sunshine Coast Falcons (PS) 30th - Mackay Cutters v Norths Devils (BBPS)

Round 14 (8-12 June)

Round 13 (3-4 June) 3rd - Cowboys v Titans (1300) 3rd - Sunshine Coast Falcons v Ipswich Jets (SCS) 3rd - Northern Pride v Easts Tigers (BPC) 3rd - Mackay Cutters v Wynnum (BBPS) 4th - CQ Capras v Tweed Heads Seagulls (BPR) 4th - Souths Logan v Burleigh Bears (DP) 4th - Norths Devils v PNG Hunters (BP) 4th - T ownsville Blackhawks v Redcliffe Dolphins (JMO)

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RECENT TONGAN INTERNATIONALS Jason Taumalolo Michael Jennings Andrew Fefita David Fusitua Mosese Pangai Vai Toutai Michael Oldfield Feleti Mateo Samisoni Langi Peni Terepo Sione Katoa Felise Kaufusi Siosaia Vave Mickey Paea Daniel Tupou William Hopoate Asipeli Fine Konrad Hurrell Agnatius Paasi Pat Politoni Jorge Taufua Martin Taupau Manu Ma’u Sitaleki Akauola Silva Havii Sio Siua Taukeiaho Sika Manu Joe Ofanhengaue Nafe Seluini David Fafita Patrick Kaufusi Sosaia Feki Solomone Kata Sika Manu Tony Williams

RECENT SAMOAN INTERNATIONALS Daniel Vidot Tim Lafai Antonio Winterstein Kirisome Auva’a Ricky Leutele Matthew Wright Fa’amanu Brown Pita Godinet Sam Kasiano Kaysa Pritchard Junior Paulo Leeson Ah Mau Frank Pritchard Sauaso Sue Erin Clark John Asiata Raymond Faitlaa-Mariner Sam Tagataese Mason Lino Anthony Milford Josh McGuire Tautau Moga David Nofoaluma Isaac Liu Mose Masoe Joey Leilua Jeff Lima Dunamis Lui Daniel Vidot Iosia Soliola Joseph Paulo Frank Winterstein Young Tonumaipea Pat Mata’Utia Peter Mata’Utia Suaia Matagi John Falou Samisoni Langi Kalifa Faifai Loa

2017 RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP TONGA AND SAMOA

S MAL L , P ROU D, PAROCH IAL TWO of the most popular teams playing in the Rugby League World Cup will be Samoa and Tonga. When we say they are small, we refer to the fact that Samoa, with a population of 192,342 people living on Islands totalling less than 3,000 square kilometres, is a monster compared to tiny Tonga with a population of around 103,000 people living on the 36 inhabited islands. There are another 100 uninhabited islands in the Tongan group. There are also an estimated 40,000 Samoan and 10,000 Tongan people living in Australia.

Putting that into perspective Australia, with a population of 24,384,900 people living in a massive 7,692,024 square kilometres, has one rugby league team playing against these proud people. While Samoa will play Tonga in Hamilton 20

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(New Zealand) on the 4th November the mighty men from these Pacific Island countries will play group games around Australia. Scotland who played so well in the 2016 Four Nations tournament will play Tonga in Cairns on the 29th October and Samoa in Cairns on the 11th November.

While some people in Australia think that ‘Origin’ is the pinnacle of rugby league, the rugby league mad Tongans, Samoan’s, Fijians and Papuans absolutely love the International contest. The May 2016 test between Samoa and Tonga attracted more than 15,000 supporters to Parramatta Stadium. The same test on the Gold Coast in 2015 attracted more than 12,000 fans so we feel it will be standing room only when these teams play in Cairns and Townsville.

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2017 RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP The new illegibility rules now suit Tonga and Samoa so in the case of Tonga, super-stars of the game like Jason Taumalolo and Michael Jennings could pull on a Tongan jersey if they desired and champions like Anthony Milford and Josh McGuire could be playing for Samoa. Both teams are in the same pool alongside Scotland and New Zealand.

One of the key factors in deciding World Cup squads is who makes the 23 or 24 player cut for Australia and New Zealand.

There is probably 50 players in this country capable of wearing the Green and Gold and among those players there would be a team with connections to another rugby league playing nation. It will be interesting to see who runs onto Barlow Park in Cairns wearing a Tongan jersey on the 29th October or Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland the day before when Samoa clash with New Zealand. One thing we won’t have to worry about is the intensity as these proud Pacific nations go head to head.

SAMOA WORLD CUP October 28th v New Zealand (Auckland) November 4th v Tonga (Hamilton) November 11th v Scotland (Cairns)

TONGA WORLD CUP October 29th v Scotland (Cairns) November 4th v Samoa (Hamilton) November 10th v New Zealand (Hamilton)

Two of these teams will advance to the Quarter Finals with New Zealand favoured to be one. Scotland did give New Zealand and England a scare in the recent Four Nations and League Queensland feels that this pool will be the most hotly contested of the tournament.

The Samoa v New Zealand clash in Auckland to open the Cup for both teams will be standing room only as there are more than 350,000 Pacific Islanders living in the country of whom around 170,000 are Samoans and 64,000 are Tongans. They will eagerly await this encounter.

New Zealand Warriors players Bunty Afoa, James Gavet, Sam Lisone, Ken Maumalo and Erin Clark will probably all run out for Samoa so the atmosphere will be electric. Bring in a few fringe Australian Samoans like Milford, Maguire, Tony Williams, Sam Tagataese, Fa’amanu Brown, Ricky Leutele and Sam Kasiano and you have a game on your hands.

On the 4th November Samoa play Tonga in Hamilton (NZ) and once again the stands will be packed as these proud nations fight for a place in the Quarter Finals. Only one team can win and although Samoa would probably go into the game as favourites it only needs a few players like Michael Jennings, Konrad Hurrell, Manu Ma’u, David Fusitu’a and Solomone Kata to pull on a Tongan jersey to make a huge difference.

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INTRUST SUPER CUP – OUT AND ABOUT INTRUST SUPER CUP (Round 4 – 26th March) Team Played Blackhawks 4 Norths Devils 4 Redcliffe 4 Wynnum Manly 4 PNG Hunters 4 Sunshine Coast 4 Easts Tigers 4 Souths Logan 4 CQ Capras 4 Mackay Cutters 4 Northern Pride 4 Ipswich Jets 4 Tweed Heads 4 Burleigh Bears 4

Won 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 0 0

Norths Devils have shown their premiership credentials with a decisive 32-18 defeat of the PNG Hunters in New Guinea.

The Devils had started the season in fine style with a narrow 18-16 loss to the Blackhawks at Bishop Park followed by an impressive 26-14 defeat of premiers Burleigh at Pizzey Park. While the Bears are struggling the Devils are looking impressive. Their Player of the Year Billy Brittain once again is leading from the front while their newcomers in Javern White, Delouise Hoeter and Dane Chang are all playing well. In round three the Devils put on an impressive display defeating the Ipswich Jets 32-10 at North Ipswich Oval, but their best win for several seasons was their great 32-18 defeat of the PNG Hunters. The Devils led 28-6 at half time.

Lost 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 4 4

Draw 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Points 6 6 6 6 6 5 5 4 4 4 2 2 0 0

Todd Murphy was the star kicking eight goals from as many attempts.

Home ground advantage meant little in the first round of the Intrust Super Cup with only the high flying Redcliffe Dolphins winning at home. Their 26-8 victory over 2016 premiers and Grand Final opponents, the Burleigh Bears was decisive and is probably an indication of where these two teams are in 2017. The Dolphins’ three major buys for 2017, in PNG’s Thompson Teteh, Matthew Lodge and Nick Slyney, have all shone early while the Bears really miss the combination of Jamal Fogarty and Cameron Cullen in the halves.

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The Dolphins proved they will be strong on the road by backing up in round two with an emphatic 41-20 defeat of the CQ Capras in Rockhampton and once again their PNG star Thompson Teteh shone. The hard running centre scored two tries, made 15 tackles and ran for 209 metres. The best for the Capras was their winger Ken Tofilau who was great in attack. It was the Capras’ second home loss in two games, having gone down 22-16 to PNG the previous week but they recovered in round three with a narrow win over the hapless Burleigh Bears. Chanel Seiga (2) and Ken Tofilau scored for the Capras while Troy Leo went in for a double for the Bears.

Round 4 was a battle of the heavyweights at Dolphin Oval when the previously unbeaten Blackhawks ran onto the field. The Dolphins led 12-0 before taking the points 18-6.

Joshua Beehag scored a try and kicked three goals for the home team.

Souths’ 17- 4 loss to Wynnum at Davies Park in round one was a case of one team being prepared and the other confused.

Most of the Broncos-aligned Souths players had not trained with the Magpies and were always going to struggle against a much improved Wynnum. The organisational ability of former Cowboys playmaker Travis Burns is a revelation for the Seagulls and much of their attack stems from him. In round two Burns was clearly the leader of the side with his accurate passing and kicking game as he had the Pride on the back foot for the entire first half.

The ‘Battle of the Birds’ on Stradbroke Island in the third round was played in driving rain which did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the players and supporters. Several legends including Steve Renouf were in the crowd and the entertainment was terrific. The battling Seagulls from Tweed Heads came out firing in the opening half and led 18-0 before the mainland birds recovered. The final scoreline of 24-18 was a true indication of the game which saw Wynnum pick up their third win from three outings while Tweed Heads at the bottom of the table showed they are better than that.

Ipswich had a big 34-6 win over the Tweed Heads Seagulls but went down to the Blackhawks 39-26 at North Ipswich Oval in round two. 14 of the Blackhawks 39 points came from former Jets’ star Carlin Anderson. The Jets had more possession that the Blackhawks but struggled to score tries against a tight Blackhawks’ defence. Pittsworth’s Mitchell Carpenter only played for 37 minutes and made an impressive with 19 tackles for the Jets which was only bettered by the 24 tackles of Nathaniel Beale over 80 minutes. Either the Devils are good or the Jets are struggling if the 32-10 result at North Ipswich Oval is any indication so we can see a long season for the Walker boys if they cannot turn that around.

The PNG selectors will have their eye on Justin Olam who is Melbourne Storm registered and playing for the Sunshine Coast. The classy centre had a blinder against Souths Logan, making 18 runs for 217 metres in a losing team. The Storm must have a great side if he’s playing in the Intrust Cup. Kevin Locke is going okay for the Falcons while Jake Turpin made 40 tackles in 53 minutes against the Magpies. The Falcons’ round three 22-10 defeat of the Pride in Cairns was sterling stuff and a clear indication that the Falcons fast finish to the 2016 season was no fluke. The good news for the Falcons is the great form of Ryley Jacks in Storm colours and with 24

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the serious injury to Cameron Munster he’ll be wearing purple for a while. The return of Billy Slater and Munster when he recovers could see Jacks back with the Falcons at the business end of the season. The Falcons continued this great form in round 4 with a huge 34-4 defeat of the Jets in Ipswich with their half-back Guy Hamilton scoring two tries and kicking five goals.

The Hunters have strung together good wins against the Capras in Rockhampton, the Tigers in PNG and Souths Logan at Davies Park before going down 32-18 to Norths in PNG. Their classy half-back and captain Ase Boas has had a great opening to the season with two tries and two goals against the Capras, five goals against the Tigers in Port Moresby, three goals against the Magpies. His try and three goals in round 4 takes him to 40 points from four games. The Capras were desperately unlucky with Kev Tufilau scoring three tries and Justin Tavea one but the lack of a kicker cost them dearly as the difference between the two teams were the three goals kicked by Boas. The Capras actually outscored the Hunters 12-10 in the second half but the 12-4 halftime lead was too big a start.

The Tigers got their season back on track with an impressive 18-10 victory over premiership favourites the Redcliffe Dolphins in round three after a big loss to the Hunters in PNG. The Redcliffe game was a slog-fest with the score locked up at 6-6 after 40 minutes and 12-10 until the 79th minute when Conor Carey scored a converted try. The draw against the Sunshine Coast could come back to haunt both teams late in the season. The Tigers fullback Gerard McCallum scored three tries while the reliable Billy Walters kicked seven from seven in their round four thrashing of the Northern Pride at Suzuki Stadium.

WOMEN IN LEAGUE

THIS season saw the introduction of a new and exciting development program across the QRL Central Division which will specifically target emerging female players.

Players were given the chance to nominate for a series of four development camps in key locations across the Division, with the Sunshine Coast, Emerald, Gladstone and Toowoomba hosting events through March and early April.

The program caters both for emerging players who may have been part of junior representative programs in the past and those who are new to the game at senior level. The female game is the fastest growing participation space in rugby league and Central Division Manager Glenn Ottaway indicated the emerging program covered a significant gap in the player development pathway.

“We have had several years now where Under 16 girls have participated in the State Junior Carnival,” he said.

“Previously, their next opportunity to be part of the representative pathway was in open age company. This program has been designed in part with that gap in mind.”

female players that have developed from the Division in to Queensland Women’s Team and national level players.

“Our open age female program has evolved over the last four to five years and this is shown in recent results at the state carnival. We have a few higher level representative players still in our program, but we also need to keep nurturing the talent underneath this program.”

Early indications are that the elite female players from the Division will support the program Jillaroos flyer Chelsea Baker confirmed to be in Gladstone. The first of the sessions were held on the Sunshine Coast (Nambour) followed by a special event in Emerald on 25th March. The Highlands Hit-Out was a female specific annual event hosted by the Central Highlands Rugby League.

“It is a great showcase for the female game and will be a good early indicator for staff of the depth of female talent in the Division,” Ottaway said. “Newly appointed Queensland Women’s coach, Adrian Vowles was a special guest for the event.”

For more information on the development session nearest to you, contact QRL Operations Manager Jodie Teys on j.teys@qrl.com.au.

Central Division has shown rapid growth in female participation and this has been reflected in the number of LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU

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TWO Origin Games in Brisbane, the Rugby League TWO TWOOrigin Origin Games Games ininBrisbane, Brisbane, the theRugby RugbyLeague League World Cup being played in Cairns, and TWO Origin Games in Brisbane, theTownsville Rugby League World World Cup Cup being being played played in in Cairns, Cairns, Townsville Townsville and and Brisbane; there is no better time to book a Taxi!

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We are the industry that has been around since We We are arethe theindustry industry thathas hasbeen beenaround aroundsince since well before gamethat commenced Queensland We are thethe industry that has beenin around since well well before before the the game game commenced commenced in in Queensland Queensland back in 1908,the and havecommenced supported and followed the well before game inand Queensland back backin in1908, 1908, and and have havesupported supported and followed followedthe the game through thick and thin. back in 1908, andthrough have supported and followed the game game through thick thickand and thin. thin. game through thick and thin.

Our cabbies have played the game, loved Our Our cabbies cabbies haveplayed played the thegame, game, loved loved the games andhave talked the game to millions Our cabbies have played the game, lovedof the the games games and and talked talked the the game game to to millions millions of Queenslanders over the past 109 seasons.of the games and talked the game to millions of Queenslanders Queenslanders over overthe thepast past109 109 seasons. seasons.

Queenslanders over the past 109 seasons.

This year we see the Cowboys, Broncos and Titans This Thisyear yearwe wesee seethe theCowboys, Cowboys, Broncos Broncos and and Titans Titans playing well and our taxis are standThis yearexceptionally we see the Cowboys, Broncos and Titans playing playing exceptionally exceptionally well well and and our our taxis taxis are are standstanding there to support and deliver you are safely, playing exceptionally well and our taxis standing ingthere thereto to support support and and deliver deliver you you safely, safely, to and from the game. ing there to support and deliver you safely, toto and andfrom from the the game. game. to and from the game.

The Festival of Origin in Brisbane this year will be a The TheFestival Festival ofofOrigin Origin ininBrisbane Brisbane this thisyear year will will bebea a great spectacle and when Origin starts on the 31st The Festival of Origin in Brisbane this year will be a great greatspectacle spectacle and and when whenOrigin Origin starts starts onon the the31st 31st May you’ll see our cabbies wearing their maroon great spectacle and when Origin starts onmaroon the 31st May May you’ll you’llsee seeour ourcabbies cabbies wearing wearing their their maroon gear with pride.

May you’ll see our cabbies wearing their maroon gear gearwith withpride. pride. gear with pride.

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In smaller regions of Queensland, please refer to the TCQ website: InInsmaller smallerregions regionsofofQueensland, Queensland,please pleaserefer refertotothe theTCQ TCQwebsite: website: In smaller regions of Queensland, please refer to the TCQ website: www.tcq.org.au www.tcq.org.au www.tcq.org.au www.tcq.org.au

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MAROON FESTIVAL

SIMPLY

Maroon Festival Ambassador Petero Civoniceva, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, QRL Chairman Bruce Hatcher and The Star Entertainment Group Managing Director Queensland Geoff Hogg.

CELEBRATE the best of Queensland and share in the excitement of the 2017 Holden State of Origin Series at the inaugural MAROON FESTIVAL – a free community event that will bring hundreds of thousands of people to Brisbane.

The Queensland Rugby League, in partnership with The Star Entertainment Group, is pleased to announce MAROON FESTIVAL, an all-new, free community event that will run from Sunday 28th May until Wednesday 31st May.

THE BEST

Maroon Festival will have something for everyone, kicking off on Sunday 28th May with the Maroon Team in attendance for the Maroon River Parade & Fan Day and culminating with a huge live broadcast of Game 1 at the Holden State of Origin Series Live Site at South Bank. In between, Maroon Festival will celebrate our history, our community and our lifestyle with four action packed days of free festivities for the whole family.

The inaugural Maroon Festival Program includes:

In the lead-up to the 2017 Holden State of Origin Series, Brisbane will swell with Queensland pride as proud and passionate fans of all ages gather at South Bank to celebrate not just Rugby League, but the very best of Queensland.

Maroon River Parade & Fan Day where people can celebrate their team and watch their heroes in person as the 2017 XXXX Queensland Maroons sail down the Brisbane River and dock at South Bank on Sunday 28th May.

Over the last 36 years, State of Origin has become an intergenerational lightning rod for Queensland spirit, a time when people from all backgrounds across the state come together and unite as one, not just as Rugby League and Maroons team supporters, but immensely proud and passionate Queenslanders.

A Holden State of Origin Series Live Site, where the 2017 State of Origin Game I will be broadcast on the big screen for FREE. Queenslanders will be able to watch and celebrate the game with thousands of other excited fans in a familyfriendly setting.

QRL Chairman Bruce Hatcher says the inaugural Maroon Festival will generate an amazing atmosphere across the city as the XXXX Queensland Maroons prepare for the crucial opening match of the series at Suncorp Stadium.

“The concept of harnessing and amplifying this passion and pride with an inclusive, community festival has been taking shape for some time,” says Mr Hatcher. “The Festival will extend the State of Origin Series experience for fans beyond the game, attracting more visitors to Queensland and creating economic opportunities for Brisbane and the greater South East. The QRL is excited to bring this event to life with the support of our principal and presenting partner, The Star Entertainment Group and our major partners, The Queensland Government and the NRL.” Mr Hatcher believes there is enormous potential to expand the event in future years. “Our vision for the FESTIVAL revolves around an extended schedule of events and activity across a full week,” he says. “The ultimate aim is to make the Maroon Festival a must visit event on our calendar and provide a reason for Queenslanders and tourists alike to get involved on an annual basis.”

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A Queenslander Stage & Forecourt, where Festival-goers can relax and enjoy the footy-themed entertainment happening on the stage, including game shows, match replays, fun interactions for the kids and live panels featuring Former Origin Greats.

A Legends Walk where fans can hunt down and collect Former Origin Greats through an exciting, new augmented reality treasure hunt experience or have their photo taken in the Maroon Festival Locker room, with a life-sized replica of the one at Suncorp Stadium.

On top of this, there will also be a Health and Wellness Green, where aspiring Queensland foodies big and small can enjoy nutritious food, fun workshops and special performances for kids, along with a Fit and Fun Zone where mini-maroon fans can learn some great sports-based skills and get moving.

With the backdrop of the Brisbane River, there will be a Waterfront Garden Bar, serving an all-Queensland menu of iconic family favourites made with local produce from across the state. Some of Brisbane’s best local food vendors will also be making an appearance at the Tastes of QLD Food Stalls, serving special signature dishes that celebrate Queensland produce and ingredients.

View the full Maroon Festival program now at www.maroonfestival.com.au See you there and LET’S GO QUEENSLAND!

LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU

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MACKAY ORIGIN LUNCHEON IF you live within a five-hour drive of Mackay on or around the 14th June you should be in the City Heart to see the World’s Greatest Rugby League team parade through the street. Yes, that’s right, the mighty Queensland Maroons will be in Mackay for the day. The street parade which is expected to take just over an hour will be a gala event and if it’s anything like the 2015 (Proserpine) and 2016 (Gladstone) parade it will be standing room only in the city heart.

although they are not near the 21 seasons of Blues dominance from 1961 until 1981 they have won ten of the last 11 series and a healthy 20 series victories compared to the Blues’ 13 since 1982.

The Parade will commence at 10.30am so get there early dressed in maroon or your favourite team colour. The 2015 Fan Day in Proserpine doubled the town’s population for a few hours so Mackay will be huge. From around 1.30PM onwards the players will be at BB Print Stadium for a clinic which is once again an opportunity to catch up with the Maroon legends and get an autograph or photo shot. Take along the hat and sunscreen as it will be a big day in Mackay.

For those lucky enough to go to the Origin Fan Luncheon it will be a gala event not to be missed. This is an opportunity to get up close to some of the greatest players to ever wear a Queensland jersey so book your ticket now. League Queensland will bring out a special Mackay edition of the magazine in June with a feature titled ‘Mackay Pride’ which will relate the mighty 45 Mackay players who have worn Queensland jerseys from Billy Paten in 1927 up to and including Dane Gagai in 2016. Make sure you get your copy, it will be a collector’s item.

The Mackay Origin Luncheon commences at 12.00 noon so once again book early and be there early. It’s not every day you lunch with Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith, Kevin Walters, Michael Morgan and the stars of our game.

Tickets for the Mackay Origin Luncheon can be purchased over the counter at the MECC (Alfred Street, Mackay), dial and charge at 49619777 or by going to the web at www.themecc.com.au. All funds raised will support Mackay District Rugby League. Ticket price including food and beverages is $130.00 which is great value.

Interstate Rugby League was first played in 1908 and apart from a strong showing in the 1920’s and early 1930’s Queensland had been the losing team in most encounters.

Between 1908 and 1960 the score sheet had the maroons winning only 45 out of 147 games played but after 1960 it got much worse with many of Queensland’s better players wearing a sky-blue jersey. From 1961 until 1979 (19 seasons) Queensland never won an interstate series and only won 6 out of a possible 64 games. Interstate Rugby League was at the cross-roads with nobody in NSW bothering to go to a game at the Sydney Cricket Grounds so the series was relegated to suburban grounds.

Things changed in 1980 when ‘Origin’ was born and suffice to say that the current crop of Maroons led by Cameron Smith have given Queensland Rugby League respectability and 30

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WHAT DO THESE HAVE IN COMMON WITH SUGAR CANE?

They’re all part of Mackay region’s Proud HISTORY!

MACKAY REGION’S

May 2017 We celebrate our footy legends.

Help us celebrate our sugar cane heritage.

This May, tackle Mackay Region's Sweet Secrets Trail!

Discover a range of delicious desserts from our region.

It’s the rush before the sugar crush… and these secrets won’t last!

> mackay.qld.gov.au/sweetsecrets LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU

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SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND DIVISION THE BRL Competition in 2017 has been scaled down to seven teams with the loss of Carina, Albany Creek Gaters and the Normanby Hounds. Clubs still involved are Wynnum Manly, Logan Brothers, Valleys Diehards, Ipswich Jets, Easts Tigers, West Brisbane Panthers and 2016 premiers, the Redcliffe Dolphins. The 21-round competition which kicked off on the 11th March will run until the 20th August with a four-week final series concluding with the Grand Final on the weekend of the 16th/17th September. The QRL representative carnival will be on the 3rd/4th June where players from this competition could earn a Queensland Rangers jersey.

The Competition this season will be the ‘In Safe Hands Cup’ sponsored by In Safe Hands who are the leading provider of Child Protection Services in Australia. The opening round saw Wynnum, scoring eight tries, defeat Logan Brothers 44-10 and the magnificent Valleys Diehards come from behind to defeat the reigning premiers Redcliffe 3028. The other game of the round saw West Brisbane Panthers defeat Easts Tigers 21-14.

In round two West Brisbane Panthers defeated the Jets 42-4, Wynnum defeated Valleys Diehards 24-12 and Redcliffe defeated Easts Tigers 36-6.

BRISBANE 2ND DIVISION FACT FILE 2017 84 teams 2,100 + players 800 volunteers New teams in 2017 include the Murri Taipans, Redcliffe and Flagstone Club, Slacks Creek, Rochdale Tigers and Brisbane Natives.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 15th April – No fixtures over Easter 5th - 7th May – Representative Games 27th May – Ted Beaumont Trophy 3rd June – Ted Beaumont Trophy 19th August – First Semi Finals 2nd September – Last Grand Finals 9th September – Cross River Challenge 22nd September – Presentation Night 32

BRISBANE 2ND DIVISION

A TOTAL OF 84 COMPETITIVE TEAMS AND GROWING MAKE THE BRISBANE 2ND DIVISION COMPETITION THE BIGGEST IN QUEENSLAND. The 2nd Division had their season launch at the XXXX Brewery on Wednesday 8th March and it was standing room only as Chairman Keith Beaumont reminisced about the early season launches at the same iconic location. Beaumont thanked XXXX Lion Nathan and Alpha Sport for their 26 continuous years as a major sponsor. Other sponsors mentioned were S.O. Signs and Struddy’s Sports.

South East Queensland Director Brad Tallon officially opened the evening and then invited Catherine Jones, the only woman on the Brisbane 2nd Division Committee to say how much the role of ‘Women in League’ had changed.

Brisbane will this year host the South-East Queensland Chairman’s Challenge Carnival between Brisbane, Ipswich and the Gold Coast over the weekend of 5th – 7th May at Brandon Park, Acacia Ridge. This carnival is a selection trial for the South East Queensland team. The Brisbane coaches are Wayne Thomas (Under 19) and Cameron Joyce (A Grade).

This year the 2nd Division will see the return of age competition for Under 19s consisting of 14 teams. Other nominations in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades have provided the division with 70 more to battle out in competitions on the North and South sides of Brisbane. Going by team numbers it shows that the Brisbane Second Division is the major amateur rugby league competition for senior men in Queensland. Noting that the players are unpaid, they play the game for mateship, for keeping fit and healthy and competing in a sport they enjoy.

New clubs in the competition for 2017 are the Murri Taipans and Redcliffe and the Flagstone club. Returning after being absent from our comp in previous years are Slacks Creek, Rochedale Tigers and Brisbane Natives players.

At the conclusion of our Grand Finals matches, winning teams from the North and South for all grades will meet the following weekend in the ‘Cross River Challenge’ to battle it out for bragging rights to see which side of the Story Bridge is better at rugby league.

LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU

– Information and photos supplied by Catherine Jones Executive Committee Member Brisbane Second Division Rugby League

BRISBANE 2ND DIVISION SEASON LAUNCH

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME If you have retired from the big stuff, over 35, simply want to keep fit and love rugby league, this is the competition for you.

The SEQMRLA is a competition for men over the age of 35 who still wish to play rugby league that provides a safe and non-competitive outlook who may have moved on from participation in Opens football and is also for those who may have never otherwise played the game before. They strive to make it a pleasurable atmosphere and play under safe play codes so that all players and their families enjoy the game.

SEQMRLA has a long history – it marks its 26th year in 2017 – that started back in 1992 under the incentive of QRL Mick Cullen who advertised a game of over 30’s football to be played at Capalaba, changing to Over 35’s in 1996. To Capalaba and Rochedale boys the game came across as a bit of fun and it seemed that it could be an interesting exercise.

The initial season only lasted five weeks, which was more than enough for some, but already the other guys had started to develop an ego that exceeded their ability and were ready to back up for more. 1992 season saw four teams ‘compete’ – Capalaba (known as Waterloo Bay), Rochedale, Carina, Browns Plains with Slacks Creek playing in the Round Robin.

To find out more about SEQMRLA, See our website – www.seqmrla2012.weebly.com and our Facebook page – http://facebook.com/SEQMRLA or call:-

1 – Keith Beaumont, Cherie Holman, Sam King 2 – Christine McGinn, Catherine Jones 3 – Andrew Luck, Colin Callaghan 4 – Scott Munro, David Jones

President John Kitas – 0404 470 206 Secretary Patrick Osborne – 0403 570 192 Registrar Trish Kitas – 0418 985 625 Photos and information supplied by Life Member/President John Kitas and Life Member/Registrar Trish Kitas

Everyone’s team.

Brand new channel.

Live from 27 February

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Foxtel Play requires internet, data & a compatible device. Foxtel and some services not available to all homes.Foxtel marks are used under licence by Foxtel Management Pty Ltd.

1994 rep games featured a NSW vs QLD clash at Lang Park prior to the Legends of League match. Early season of 1995 saw the Townsville Masters competition and at the start of the 1997 season an invitation from the Whitsunday’s Masters Game organisers for QMRL teams to compete in their rugby league division. Rochedale combined with Capalaba to form a combined Brisbane side. Having beaten every other side in the tournament the Brisbane team then had to face up to the Cairns’ side organised by Mick McLean. This side was littered with former Australian and Queensland reps such as Trevor Gillmeister, Gavin Allen, Mark Hohn, Laurie Spina, McLean, Eddie Muller and Dave Trewhella amongst others. And whilst the Brisbane boys put up a gallant effort, they were no match for the speed and skills of the opposition and ended up with the Silver medal for the tournament.

At their peak in 2006 they had 17 teams playing. In 2017 they hope to have 13 or 14 again. SEQMRLA is the only ‘Old Guys’ competition that is played weekly in Queensland. It is played under modified rules with 13-a-side, with 25 minute halves, playing 12 fixtures, two round robin days including an end of season 9’s Competition. Also included in their calendar is an International Masters Day where players can represent their chosen Nation like Australia, New Zealand, Indigenous, Samoa or Barbarian.

Unlike other Masters comps the players don’t wear coloured shorts, but do cater for older players with rules that keep all players safe. As the competition is non-competitive, they don’t have a point’s ladder or play any kind of Finals. Instead all teams vote for the Best Team and that Team wins the Main Trophy.

Apart from the NRL Masters played on the Gold Coast for the last 11 years, they believe that their competition is the only one

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WHITSUNDAY REGION TO HOST LEGENDS OF LEAGUE CLASH

It will be a blast from the past in Bowen on 20th May when Denison Park plays host to an International Legends of League match between Australia Allstars and the Whitsunday Allstars.

The Whitsunday Regional Council approved $10,000 financial support to attract the International Legends of League to the Whitsunday Region. Mayor Andrew Willcox said the Legends of League have held over 35 of these matches in Queensland, NSW and PNG and they have proven wonderful community events. “A group of six to eight, including former high profile indigenous players, will travel around the Whitsunday region visiting hospitals and giving school assembly speeches with a focus on promoting the Stop Bullying Now message,” Mayor Willcox said. “The players will also attend various community venues to educate children on health, exercise and resilience.”

As well as playing an Allstars match in Bowen, the Legends of League will also host a series of coaching clinics at schools in Collinsville, Bowen, Airlie Beach and Proserpine and host a Legends Bowls Day and Cocktail Function in Airlie Beach at Mantra Club Croc on 19th May. Tickets are strictly limited so to attend call 49402300.

Legends of League organiser Troy Byers said former Test and State of Origin legends including Robbie O’Davis, Scott Prince, Kevin Campion, Colin Scott, Stu Kelly, Bryan Neibling, Noel Goldthorpe, Scott Hill, John Hopoate, Craig Teevan, PJ Marsh and Petero Civoniceva were in the mix to lace up the boots for the Australian side.

“The Girudala Whitsunday Allstars team will also feature local stars including Mick McLean and Adrian Brunker who have made their mark in Origin colours along with “local identities” that have played a key role in the development of rugby league in the Whitsunday region,” he said. “There will also be a series of five lead in games played before the Allstars match in Bowen with selected school teams, a men’s game between Stingers and Mackay, and a women’s league game between Stingers and Palm Island, all invited to play on the day. We are going to have Whitsunday Brahmans play Moranbah. This event will also be celebrating Bowen Juniors 50 years.”

WHITSUNDAY CIVIL AUSTRALIA ALL STARS V GIRUDALA WHITSUNDAY ALL STARS PROGRAM 11.00am Gates Open although there is junior rugby league from 8.00am 11.00am Townsville v Burdekin 12.50pm Under 16 Bowen v Townsville 2.15pm Womens Stingers v Mackay 3.15pm Mens Stingers v Mackay

4.30pm Whitsunday Brahmans A Grade v Moranbah Miners 6.15pm Under 10 game 6.30pm Whitsunday Regional Council presents Triple Play Whitsunday Legends game between Whitsunday Civil Australia All Stars v Girudala Whitsunday All Stars LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU

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MIGHTY SOUTHS THE PRIDE OF MACKAY

SINCE the end of the Second World War there has been 72 seasons of rugby league played in the Mackay area and mighty Southern Suburbs, who only entered the competition in 1946, have won an astonishing 22 A Grade premierships. Putting that into perspective the next best is Magpies (16) followed by Brothers/Bucas (12), Sarina (6), Moranbah (5), Norths/Carltons (5) and Wests/Marian also on five. The Whitsunday Brahmans have one premiership in the top grade.

But there is more to the Southern Suburbs story as they didn’t win their first A Grade premiership until the 1957 season when the mighty Don Meehan arrived to coach the team so in fact they have won 22 of the last 59 titles. The success of the Sharks has been built on a strong culture of team football which is clearly evident when you point out that they have also won 21 reserve grade titles including six in a row from 1947 – 1952 and eight in a row from 1965 – 1972.

Souths played in their first A Grade season in 1947 and although the top team never achieved, they did win the Junior Final to commence a run of six premierships in succession.

Their first ever premiership team in any grade was the 1946 Minor-Junior team.

Souths first great run of premierships started in 1957 when one of Queensland’s greatest players, Don Meehan arrived to win three successive A Grade premierships and Mackay’s first ever Foley Shield in 1959. The second run was in 1965 when the Stu Doonan-led Souths won both A Grade and Reserve Grade. Stu led them to the A Grade crown in 1966 and the reserve grade picked up another title on their way to eight in succession from 1965 until 1972.

This club build-up in the late 1960’s would see the greatest run in Souths’ history when the mighty Sharks would go on

to contest every A Grade Grand Final from 1972 until 1979 winning six in succession from 1972 – 1977 and another title in 1979. This golden era produced some of the Sharks’ finest players.

From 1980 until 1994 the mighty club struggled on the field but in 1994 Souths won their 13th A Grade crown to start another period of dominance that continues to this day. In a much bigger competition that now included Moranbah and Proserpine the mighty Southern Suburbs juggernaut has won A Grade titles in 1994, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014. The reserve grade were not forgotten, picking up the crown in 1996, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2012.

There have been many champion players who have worn the Blue and Gold of Souths but only one player has appeared in seven winning Grand Final teams and that is Darryl Townsend.

The tall classy lock was a fixture in Mackay and Souths teams for a decade.

Following close behind with six Grand Final victories are Queensland half-back John Kynaston and Rob Taylor. There are four Souths players who have appeared in five winning Grand Finals. They are Adam Walker, Gary Anderson, Ross Turi and Tommy Ryan while the seven players who have appeared in four winning Grand Finals include Barry Boss, Bryson Hansen, Hayden Lloyd, Jock Ogilvie, Laurie Irvin, Mick Russell and the amazing Ray Gagai.

SOUTHERN SUBURBS FOOTBALL CLUB – SENIOR PREMIERS, 1958 (Winners of: The Leonard Trophy, The Storey Trophy, The Griffin Cup, The Glasson Shield, The C Henwood Shield) BACK ROW (L-R): A Smith, L Tinson, R Foran (Secretary), K Bourne, R Ebner (Rubber), G D Hayr, R Smith FRONT ROW STANDING: T Noble (Patron), J Breadsell, B Cridland, W Smith, B Ford, T Mills, J Benham (President) FRONT ROW SITTING: J Daly, P Connor, D Meeham (Captain/Coach), J Potts (Vice-Captain)

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It is clearly obvious to describe the Souths Club as a Champion Team as results have been built on the back of strong juniors and great teams rather than individual players although Don Meehan (1959), Noel Croft (1970) and John Kynaston (1971/1972) have represented Queensland from the club. Jim Wilson and Alf Songoro have played for PNG. In recent years several Souths juniors have gone onto the NRL including Brett Seymour, Dane Gagai and Kalyn Ponga.

REUNION UPDATE – 28th to 30th July 2017 I f you are a former Souths Mackay player or supporter, book a ticket and head back to Mackay for the opportuni ty to meet old friends, past players and supporters.

The reunion will commence with a ‘Meet and Greet’ barbecue at Souths Suburban Bowls Club on Friday the 28th July at 6.00pm and concludes with three great games of rugby league between traditional rivals, Souths and Magpies at Shark Park on the Sunday.

FRIDAY 28 JULY 6:00pm – Meet and Greet at Souths Suburban Bowls Club

SUNDAY 30 JULY Souths vs Magpies at Shark Park 2:00pm – A Grade kick-off

SATURDAY 29 JULY 11:00am – Luncheon at Souths Leagues Club

CONTACT: South’s Leagues 07 495722166

SUNDAY 30 JULY 8.00am – Breakfast at Abbot Park

www.cfmeuqld.asn.au LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU

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The Rod Reddy led Townsville Foley Shield team – 1987 champions.

Photo: Contributed

MORE THAN THE FOLEY SHIELD THIS season after an absence of five years the Foley Shield will once again be contested through the state-wide Intrust Super Cup with the North Queensland teams of the Northern Pride (Cairns) playing the Townsville Blackhawks and Mackay Cutters in a home and away format. Each of the three senior teams will play each other twice and the junior teams once; the most wins out of those home and away games will be calculated and a winner will be announced.

Although the Foley Shield has been around since 1948 the inter-city rivalry between the three biggest cities in the North started 30 season earlier in 1918.

Townsville had been playing rugby league since 1914 and in 1915 a Townsville team defeated Brisbane and supplied nine players to the Queensland team. While South Queensland rivals Brisbane, Toowoomba and Ipswich had an arduous road journey of several hours to overcome, travel in North Queensland was far more difficult with the mail boat that sailed from Brisbane to Thursday Island the main source of travel until the early 1920’s.

Despite this handicap inter-town rugby league thrived in the North and between 1918 and 1948 when the Foley Shield was introduced the premier towns in North Queensland were Townsville (11), Cairns (8), Mackay (3), Innisfail (2) and Babinda. In 1938 after 100 minutes of hard, rugged rugby league Cairns and Townsville were declared joint-winners and a similar thing happened between Townsville and Herbert River in 1982.

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2017 FOLEY SHIELD March 4th

Mackay Cutters v Northern Pride (Mackay)

March 18th Townsville Blackhawks v Mackay Cutters (Townsville) April 8th Northern Pride v Townsville Blackhawks (Cairns) June 9th Mackay Cutters v Townsville Blackhawks (Mackay) July 2nd

Northern Pride v Mackay Cutters (Cairns)

July 15th Townsville Blackhawks v Northern Pride (Townsville)

In 1948 the Carlton Shield was renamed the Foley Shield in honour of Arch Foley who, apart from being a great player in the early days of the game in the North, was a wonderful administrator. Since 1948 the Foley Shield has been played for on 61 occasions with the winners being Cairns (15), Townsville (12), Mount Isa (9), Mackay (7), Innisfail (7), Herbert River (4), Babinda (2), Ayr (2) while Tully, Eacham and Whitsunday with one shield apiece also have their name on the trophy.

Such was the quality of the competition at its peak that some of Australia’s best competed. Dave Parkinson was the Australian fullback in all three tests against England in 1946 yet he played for Babinda in 1947. Legends who competed in the Foley Shield included Gene Miles, Greg Dowling, Kerry Boustead, Colin Scott, Jimmy Paterson, Kel O’Shea, Martin Bella, Ned Andrews, Dale Shearer, Angelo Crema, Brian Fitzsimmons, Duncan Hall, Noel Kelly, Alan Gil and Elton Rasmussen. All these players went on to wear Australian jerseys after competing in what was described as the third best rugby league competition in Australia.

The Foley Shield in back with the high quality Intrust Super Cup competition giving Cairns, Townsville and Mackay the opportunity to compete for the shield. The Northern Pride took honours in the opening Intrust Super Cup game against Mackay although the Cutters took the Foley Shield points on the day with wins in the Mal Meninga Cup (U18) and the Under 20 grade.

The A Grade game went to the Pride 24-4 after the Pride had led 4-0 at the interval.

The Cowboys registered Gideon Gela-Mosby scored two tries including one against the run of play and although the scoreline indicated a one-sided contest the game was anything but.

Jared Allen, Justin Castellaro and Ben Spina scored tries with Ahwang kicking two goals while Nathan Saumalu scored for the Cutters.

In Round Two the Cutters lock Nick Brown led from the front as the Mackay team defeated Tweed Heads Seagulls 38-6 at BBP Stadium. The big hearted lock topped the tackle count with 45, topped the runs with 16 and featured in all aspects of the game. In a strong all-round display Nicholas Hynes, Yambia Bowie and Aaron Booth all went well. In Round Four the Cutters produced their best form for the season with an upset 22-18 defeat of Wynnum at Kougari Oval. Braden Uele scored two tries while Nicholas Hynes kicked three goals.

The Pride played Wynnum at Kougari Oval in round two and although they lost 19-18 to the Seagulls there was no better player on the field than Ben Spina. The Pride and Italian representative lock played the house down, topping the tackle count with 53 and took the ball up 13 times for 129 metres.

Wynnum came out of the blocks on fire and with former Cowboy Travis Burns leading them around the park they held a 12-0 lead at the interval. The Pride came back in the second half and the score was tied up 18-18 when Burns kicked his field-goal to break the deadlock. Both teams scored three tries with Javid Bowen, Jared Allen and Connor Jones scoring for the northern team while Khan Awang kicked three goals.

Spina was absent in round three when the Falcons defeated the Pride 22-10 at Barlow Park. This defeat at home has dented Greg Dowling’s finals aspirations and put the Pride on the back foot after three rounds. The Pride trailed 10-4 at half-time with Luke George scoring in the 10th minute. The score was 22-4 when Col Wilkie scored a converted try just before full-time. In round four the Pride lost their way with a devastating 42-12 loss to the Tigers at Suzuki Stadium which has left the normally reliable Cairns team struggling in 11th position.

The Blackhawks have started their 2017 campaign with two wins on the road, firstly with a narrow 18-16 victory over Norths at Bishop Park and a very convincing 39-26 victory over their 2015 nemesis, the Ipswich Jets at North Ipswich Oval. Johnathan Reuben, Michael Parker-Walshe and Kierran Moseley played well for the Blackhawks against Ipswich while the Jets are regretting letting Carlin Anderson out of their grasp. The talented fullback scored 14 points in a first class display but this was only chicken-feed compared to what he had in store for the Cutters in round three in Townsville.

Playing for Foley Shield points Anderson scored two tries and kicked ten goals in the Blackhawks 60-12 defeat of the Mackay team. Blake Leary and Jonathan Reuben also scored doubles for the Blackhawks while Corey Jensen, Andrew Niemueller, Kierran Moseley and Samsen O’Neill also scored. In round four the Blackhawks went down 18-6 to a Benji Marshall inspired Redcliffe at Dolphin Oval but still led the competition on percentages.

Ben Spina, the Prides Best against Mackay and Wynnum and missed against the Blackhawks.

Photo: SMP Images

2017 FOLEY SHIELD POINTS (20th March) TEAM

U18

U20

Senior

Total

Blackhawks

0

2

2

4

Cutters

4

2

0

4

Pride

0

0

2

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MIGHTY HERB STEINOHRT THE GREATEST CLYDESDALE

One Club player (Toowoomba Valleys) from 1922 – 1938 (11 premierships)

Played nine tests for Australia and toured England with the 1928/29 Kangaroos C aptained Australia in all three tests of the 1932 series.

Off the field Steinohrt was an Australian and Queensland coach and selector.

Steinohrt was born in Pittsworth in 1897 but the family moved to Warra in 1907. His father died when Herb was 15 and he and his brothers ran their sheep and cattle run, ‘Loch Arbor’ until he moved to Toowoomba. As a boy he had played rugby union and Australian rules but when Warra switched to rugby league in 1916 the big raw-boned Steinohrt went along with his mates. Since he was a child Herb Steinohrt had chopped wood and during the First World War the family had a four-year contract to cut railway sleepers. This constant hard work created a 188cm, 90kg man of iron.

IT would be hard to argue that Herb Steinohrt was not the greatest player to represent Toowoomba. Based on pure statistics, the tall powerful forward only made the Queensland Team of the Century on the interchange bench but Herb was better than that. I make my conclusion comparing apples with apples and although several Toowoomba players might have played more tests for Australia, none of them dominated the rugby league scene like Steinohrt. In a career that started at the end of the First World War playing for the Warra club near Dalby and finished when he played for Toowoomba against the 1936 Englishmen, Herb Steinohrt made a magnificent contribution to the game of rugby league. His imposing statistics include: Played more games for Queensland (51) than any other player.

In 1921 the big raw-boned Steinohrt was approached by Valleys in Toowoomba so he moved to the big-smoke in 1922 and joined one of the most powerful rugby league clubs in Queensland. The star player at Valleys was Edwin ‘Nigger’ Brown, the outstanding Australian centre who had toured England with the 1921/1922 Kangaroos. His club mates were some of the finest players to ever wear a Queensland jersey including Vic Armbruster, Harry Leibke, Dan Dempsey, Brown, Cecil Broadfoot and the Thompson brothers; Duncan and Colin. Early in Steinohrt’s career he played on the wing or in the centres but it soon became obvious that he was a forward of some quality and by 1923 when Duncan Thompson returned from Sydney Herb Steinohrt was an integral player in the Clydesdales’ forward pack.

Between 1924 and the end of 1925 the mighty Toowoomba Clydesdales never lost a game including victories over Great Britain (23-20), New Zealand, New South Wales (16-0), South Sydney (Sydney premiers), Ipswich, Victoria and Brisbane.

Although Steinohrt had missed the 1924 inter-state series he was named at season end in a Queensland team to tour regional Queensland. The 17-man squad containing 11 Australian players and six Queensland players never lost a game. By the time Herb Steinohrt made his debut for Queensland against NSW the wheel had turned in favour of the northern team. They had won their first ever game on the 22nd September 1922 in Sydney with ‘Nigger’ Brown, Tom Gorman and Bill Spencer from Toowoomba among the try scorers.

Toowoomba won the inaugural Bulimba Cup in 1925 with Steinohrt at the top of his game and on the 30th May that

Played more Bulimba Cup games (59) than any other year the big forward made his inter-state debut on the player.

Sydney Cricket Ground with Queensland winning 23-15. The Queensland team won the series 4/1 despite resting the

Only one player(Des McGovern with 27) scored more majority of their better players for the last game in Brisbane.

Bulimba Cup tries (24)

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One of the greatest disappointments in Queensland Rugby League history was the cancellation of a Kangaroo tour in 1926/1927. This would have been the fourth Kangaroo tour and it’s fair to say with Queensland winning the last three games of the 1926 inter-state series including a whopping 38-0 and 37-19 in the last two, the Kangaroos would have been dominated by Queenslanders including the mighty Herb Steinohrt who played in all five games of the 1926 inter-state series.

Life goes on and the 1927 season saw a resurgent NSW win three of four inter-state games with Herb playing in all encounters. Bring on 1928 and England arrived in Australia.

Two inter-state games were played before the first test with Queensland winning the first encounter 25/9 in Sydney but lost the second 16/7 also in Sydney. England had struggled in the early games on tour drawing with South West NSW and losing two out of three games against a NSW combination. One week before the first test Queensland defeated England 21-7 at the Brisbane Exhibition Grounds with a team that included Toowoomba players Steinohrt, Mick Madsen and the Laws brothers.

The New South Wales press complained about preferential treatment for Queensland when the first test team was announced but on the 23rd June 1928 Herb Steinohrt and Fred Laws made their test debut on the Brisbane Exhibition Ground in front of 39,300 people. Other Queenslanders in the team were Jimmy Craig, Dan Dempsey (Ipswich), Cecil Aynsley, Arthur Edwards, Vic Armbruster and Tommy Gorman (Brisbane) who captained the team. England won the 1st Test 15-12 and three weeks later wrapped up the series winning the second test 8-0 in Sydney but Australia with Gorman, Craig, Armbruster, Dempsey and Steinohrt in the team won the 3rd Test 21-14.

Queensland won the 1928 Interstate series but NSW got their revenge in 1929 winning the series 5/0. Herb Steinohrt was one of a record 11 Queenslanders selected in the 1929/1930 Kangaroos to tour England alongside his Toowoomba team mates Fred Laws, Jack Upton and Mick Madsen. The Kangaroos played a total of 35 games including four tests as the 2nd Test was a controversial 0-0 draw. Steinohrt played in 21 games including three tests. He was injured and could not play in the first test.

Queenslanders but England, with one of the finest backlines that had ever toured our country, ran out 8-6 winners.

Between the first and second test England defeated Queensland 15-10 but surprisingly went down to Brisbane 18-15. The Second Test played on the Brisbane Cricket Ground on the 18th June 1932 was called ‘The Battle of Brisbane’ and to coin a phrase was Herb Steinohrt’s finest hour. Australia led 10-0 at the interval and at one stage were forced to pack a three man scrum because of injuries to Hec Gee, Dan Dempsey and Ernie Norman. Australia won the test 15-6 to square the series but took a bruised and battered team to Sydney.

There were eight Queenslanders in the team for the deciding test in Sydney on the 16th July and the Herb Steinohrt-led Australians looked to have the game in the bag when they led 11-3 early in the second half but a three-try haul to Stan Smith swung the game in England’s favour and they retained the Ashes with a narrow 18-13 victory.

On the domestic front the game continued and in 1932 Steinohrt captained Queensland to a series win over New South Wales, won the Bulimba Cup with Toowoomba and the Toowoomba Club premiership with Valleys. From 1922 to 1937 Steinohrt played 135 club games for Valleys, winning premierships in 1922, 1924, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1929, 1931, 1932, 1934 and 1937. He was club captain (1927-37) and coach (1928-55).

In 1933 Herb Steinohrt who was favoured to captain the 1933/1934 Kangaroos to England retired from International Rugby League after contracting double pneumonia and pleurisy while serving as a volunteer firefighter. He did play for Queensland in the first game of the 1933 series and as late as 1936 played for Toowoomba against England.

After retiring as a player he was a Queensland coach-selector from 1939-49 and Australian selector in 1946. Also a fine cricketer, Steinohrt was a right-hand opening bowler; he established the Valleys Cricket Club in 1926 and represented Queensland Country against England in 1928. He also had a single-figure handicap at golf and was a competent tennis player. The Valleys’ oval at Toowoomba was named in his honour and in 2008 ‘Mighty Herb Steinohrt’ was named in the Queensland Rugby League Team of the Century.

1930 saw New Zealand tour Australia and although they never played any tests they did play Queensland on two occasions with the home team winning both. On the inter-state front NSW won the first game 16-11 in Sydney but Queensland, with Herb Steinohrt scoring two tries, won the second 25/11. The Blues won the third inter-state game 15/12 to retain the series. In 1931 Herb Steinohrt was Queensland captain and the maroons won the five game series 3-2 to take back the crown.

In 1932 England toured Australia. Two interstate games were played before the test series with Queensland led by Steinohrt winning the first game 23-15 in Sydney while the second game played on the 14th May was a draw. The first test was played in Sydney on the 6th June and an amazing 70,204 people packed into the Sydney Cricket Ground to see Herb Steinohrt lead Australia onto the field.

The Australian team contained seven LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU

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THE 47TH BATTALION TROPHY BARMAYREE SPORTS COMPLEX, YEPPOON / 29TH – 30TH APRIL THEY are coming from all over the Central Division for the 47th Battalion Carnival which will be held in Yeppoon for the first time. This year there will be eight men’s teams and six women’s team in what should be a great weekend of rugby league. The woman’s competition has grown and in what is a huge boost for women’s sport in the Central Queensland region, Gladstone and Rockhampton will field stand-alone women’s teams for the first time.

Raidettes and Rockhampton Rustlers will join Central Highlands, Bundaberg, Toowoomba and Sunshine Coast in the two-day event where the top two placed teams play-off in the decider on the Sunday while the eight men’s teams will battle it out for a trophy that dates back to 1971.

Last year’s winners in both men’s and women’s division were the Sunshine Coast and both are expected to threaten again this season. In the Men’s Division the rankings from 2016 are Sunshine Coast (1) followed by South West Country, Toowoomba, Bundaberg, Central Highlands, Rockhampton, Gladstone and North Wide Bay. We can expect big things from Rockhampton and the Central Highlands as they are playing in their own backyard. South West Country were the surprise packets out at Roma last season while Bundaberg never lost a game yet missed out of the final through the points system. Toowoomba had the most players selected in the Central Division side for the State Championships and should go into this year’s event as favourites.

The Grand Finalists in the women’s section last year were the Sunshine Coast and Central Highlands and both will be strong this time around with Queensland and Australian players in each team while Gladstone will also threaten the more fancied sides. Following the trials a Central Crows team will be selected to play in the State Championships later in the season.

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Central Division Representative Players after 2016 competition Photo: Redfern Sports Photography

The Crows are the current Queensland Champions in the men’s division while the women lost to South East Queensland in the final played on the Gold Coast.

This year’s format sees the women’s competition divided into two pools with the Sunshine Coast, South West and

Rockhampton in Pool A while Central Highlands, Bundaberg and Gladstone will be in Pool B. In the men’s draw the two finalists from 2016 don’t meet in the opening rounds with the Toowoomba v Rockhampton game just before the lunch break on the Saturday sure to test two big teams.

DAY 1 – SATURDAY Time Field One Field Two 10am

Central Highlands v Bundaberg (W)

Sunshine Coast v North Wide Bay (M)

11am

Bundaberg v Central Highlands (M)

Rockhampton v South West (W)

12noon

Toowoomba v Rockhampton (M)

South West Country v Gladstone (M)

1pm

Lunch - Opening Ceremony

2pm

Bundaberg v Gladstone (W)

3pm

Sunshine Coast v South West (W)

4pm

Game Six (M)

Game Five (M)

5pm

Game Eight (M)

Game Seven (M)

6pm

Rockhampton v Sunshine Coast (W)

DAY 2 – SUNDAY 10am

Game Nine (M)

11am

Pool A 2nd v Pool B 2nd

12noon

Game 11 – Plate Final (M)

1pm

Pool A 1st v Pool B 1st (W)

2pm

Game 12 – Trophy Final (M)

Pool A 3rd v Pool B 3rd (W)

3pm Presentations/Announcement of Teams

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SHERRIFF COUNTRY this season under new coach Tye Ingebrigtsen who won a premiership with Hervey Bay in 2016. Ivanhoes defeated Atherton 28-18, Mossman Port Douglas defeated Kangaroos 34-20 while Tully recovered from their first round loss to scrape home 24-16 against Edmonton.

COEN HESS, Kalyn Ponga and Gideon Gela-Mosby are classic examples of a boy from the bush going okay in the ‘big league’. Hess from Black Stars in Mount Isa had a blinder against the Gold Coast Titans with two tries and 80 minutes on the paddock. The big forward could be ‘Origin Bound’ with several of the favoured players injured or out of form.

Kalyn Ponga has only played a handful of NRL games but his game against the Titans was pure class.

It’s clearly obvious why the Newcastle Knights were prepared to fork out a cool $3Million sight unseen. GelaMosby has been around for a couple of seasons although he only made his NRL debut this year.

Raised on Darnley Island in the Torres Strait he scored 39 tries in the NYC 2015 season. Clearly three stars of the future and all from Sherriff Country.

Rugby League season is upon us with the game being played around the state. In the far north the Cairns and District Competition has seen some interesting results with the local derby involving Innisfail and Tully being a onesided event. The Leprechauns defeated the Tully Tigers 44-0 to show they are ready for season 2017. Other round one results saw Cairns Brothers draw with their Grand Final nemesis Ivanhoes 16-16 while Mareeba defeated Atherton 30-6, Yarrabah defeated Mossman Port Douglas 28-12 and Kangaroos got home over Suburbs 34-24.

The round two results threw confusion into the CDRL tipsters as the Innisfail Leprechauns and Cairns Brothers went down. Yarrabah defeated Brothers 30-22 to sit on top of the table alongside Mareeba who took the prized scalp of Innisfail. Mareeba will be a premiership threat 44

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In round three Yarrabah remained the only team without a draw or loss as they defeated Mareeba 44-22.

Coleridge Dabah, Sam Bann and Jayden Kynuna all scored doubles for Yarrabah. Other results were Tully defeating Kangaroos 30-18, Innisfail Leprechauns defeated Mossman Port Douglas 40-6, Suburbs got their season back on track with a strong 26-0 defeat of Edmonton and Cairns Brothers defeated Atherton 38-14.

The Northern Division are holding Women’s Development Clinics all around the remote areas and then bringing a squad to Townsville to play Cairns, Townsville and Mackay in Northern Marlins selection trials on the 19th May. This should give the Marlins an edge going into the Divisional Championships in June.

It’s great to see the Palm Island Juniors back in the Townsville competition for the first time for many seasons.

The Northern Division Manager Scott Nosworthy has been working on this for a long time and thanks to local company Sealink, it has borne fruit and the boys are really enjoying the experience. The TDRL competition got underway in the 3rd week of March with Chris Bell scoring on the bell to give Herbert River a narrow 20-16 victory over 2016 grand-final opponents Centrals. Lions defeated Norths 56-10, Brothers won 36-16 over Charters Towers while the Burdekin took the honours over University 34-10.

The Bowen 10’s organised by Bowen’s former Origin star Michael McLean were held on the 11th March with the Whitsunday Brahmans, three teams from the Burdekin and four local teams taking part. Two of the Burdekin teams played in the final with the ‘Young Bucks’ defeating the ‘Old Boys’ 10-4. The very enjoyable day was a success with around $3,000.00 raised for the Bowen High School Leukemia Foundation Shave for Cure.

The Whitsunday Brahmans and Townsville Centrals fought out a terrific 22-22 draw in the Annual Sam Faust Memorial game played at the Les Stagg Oval in Proserpine. The game alternates between Townsville and Proserpine as these are the clubs where Sam played. Centrals led for most of the game, however the Brahmans came back with a vengeance in the final quarter of the match. David Kay managed to find himself some space in the final moments of the game

and kicked the ball towards Byron Taylor who heroically managed to put the try down over the corner, saving the Brahmans from defeat to the applause of a vocal home crowd. Byron Taylor was a key player of the side, scoring three tries throughout the game, who along-side David Kay and Tim Bennett were the players to watch.

The Western Suburbs Mackay Tigers have won this year’s Shorty Moffatt Cup defeating the Shorty 9’ers 28-4 in the decider. In the first year of the new format, six teams from across the Central Highlands joined Mackay in Dysart, putting their off-season training and preparation to the test in exciting and fast-paced nine-a-side matches.

It was a tough day for all teams having to battle four seasons in one day with the scorching heat through the day followed by a downpour in the late afternoon and evening but the weather didn’t hinder the footy.

Games were played across the day with every team playing six regular pool games in the hope of qualifying for the finals series and a chance to play for the cup.

It was a thrilling end to the pool matches with the last two games deciding the make-up of the finals series and was the pinnacle of the day with the crowd on the edge of their seats for both matches.

The Dysart Bulls needed to defeat the Wests Tigers to still be in with a chance of making the finals and despite trailing by two tries with only six minutes left, the home side levelled the game by full time and stayed alive with a win due to being the first try scorer. This set the last pool game up as a do-or-die clash for the Emerald Cowboys against the Clermont Bears. Despite losing a number of players through to the day to injury, the Cowboys showed true courage without any interchange players to fight to the death with the Bears but it wasn’t enough, losing 8-4. The Wests Tigers (1) were in control from start to finish in the semi-final against the Dysart Bulls (4), winning 24-8. In the second semi-final, it was a much closer affair with the Shorty 9’ers (2) edging out a strong Clermont Bears (3) side 18-16 in a tit-for-tat contest.

Despite the torrential rain, the crowd were in numbers anticipating a close grand final, but Wests Mackay had other ideas. From the kick-off, the Tigers looked determined to lift the trophy and after 40 seconds, fullback Cedric Georgetown crossed the try line for his first of three tries in the final. From that moment on, the game was all but over as Mackay bagged four tries in the first half followed by another two in the second half to win 24-4.

Speaking after the carnival, Central Highlands Rugby League President Frank Lambley thanked all involved on the day. “It was a great pre-season hit out for all the teams and it was played in good spirits in all types of weather,” Lambley said.

“Thanks to all of the players for putting on a good display of footy, the teams’ support staff, the referees and touch judges, volunteers and spectators.”

– CAMERON STALLARD QRL Central Highlands The Rockhampton competition got underway on the weekend of the 18th/19th March with newcomers to A Grade, the Woorabinda Warriors going down 38-30 to Gladstone Brothers at Baralaba. The Warriors will bring an entertaining brand of rugby league to the competition and will be one to watch through the season. The big upset in round one was the defeat of 2016 premiers Norths by Yeppoon while Rockhampton Brothers defeated a depleted Fitzroy-Gracemere 58-10. Other results in round one were Emu Park defeating Tannum Sands 42-10 and Biloela defeating Valleys 46-22.

On the Sunshine Coast the Kawana Dolphins started the season with a 22-16 win over Caloundra Sharks while the Caboolture Snakes got their season off to a fine start with a 30-16 victory over the Nambour Crushers. The reigning premiers, Maroochydore/Coolum defeated Noosa 24-18.

TOOWOOMBA RUGBY LEAGUE ALL STARS V SOUTH WEST EMUS ALL STARS THE inaugural All Stars game on Saturday night was spectacular both on the field and off the field. Toowoomba and South West region can be very proud of their indigenous community when their culture was on display at Clive Berghofer stadium. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander South West Emus took on The Toowoomba Rugby League All Stars.

A huge crowd greeted the entertainment when under 16’s, under 18’s, Men’s and Ladies teams fought courageously in each of the four games. The All Star match was the highlight and the prelude dances where something to watch when the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers warmed the crowd for when the South West Emus players LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU

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SHERRIFF COUNTRY sideline to race down the field to find another young gun in Wally Pegler to get the Emus within two points after trailing by 18 at one stage. It was the try of the match and it pleased the crowd. The roar from them was something to experience.

The game reached its peak and the quality of the match was unquestioned. All Stars’ Gale again lifted his side and sent Webber in to stretch the lead. Souths’ Dan Holmes put the lead out to 12 points with a good try. Emus’ courageous captain Corey Blades scored three minutes from fulltime to give the visitors a sniff but the clock beat them with the All Stars winning a closely fought contest 28-20.

Blades, Pegler, Davis and Marc McGrady all played well for the Emus whilst Gale, Man of the Match Ricky Davies, Jeff Webber and Daniel York were the best for the All Stars. Both coaches, Eugene Sneddon (All Stars) and Tom Clevin (Emus) praised their respective teams and expressed their honour in being involved in this historic match.

All Stars 28 (Ricky Davies, Billy Jackwitz, Daniel York, Jeff Weber, Dan Holmes tries Jordan Gale 4 goals) defeated South West Emus 20 (Wayne Weribone, Charlie Adams, Corey Blades, Wally Pegler tries Wally Pegler 2 goals) – ANDREW O’BRIEN TRL Media Manager The Toowoomba competition is underway with the grand final replay between the Pittsworth Danes and the Warwick Cowboys going 24-10 to the reigning premiers. The Danes have lost a few players but still look strong in 2017. The big victory over the opening round was the 56-0 win by the Brett Seymour coached Valleys over hapless Goondiwindi while Wattles defeated Suburbs 30-4, Highfields defeated Brothers 34-12 and Gatton defeated Oakey 70-24. Dalby performed their own warrior dance to motivate everyone in the stadium.

The All Star team scored the first points when Ricky Davies and Billy Jackwitz crossed the line. Wattles import halfback Jordan Gale dominated the first two quarters guiding his side with pinpoint accuracy. Premiership winning side Pittsworth influenced the next try when Jack Dempsey kicked for fullback Jeff Webber to hand off to Daniel York who scored out wide. The 18-nil lead did not reflect the game at this stage. While the Emus took a while to get into the game, they did not lack enthusiasm and they registered their first points when Highfields hooker Wayne Weribone scrambled over to make the score 18-4 at half time.

The third quarter was the best of the match. It was a high quality fast and brutal contest and the Emus settled down and played their best football led by captain Corey Blades.

A turning point in the quarter was when the All Stars had room out wide when Steve Franciscus found space and they looked all but assured of going over before dynamic winger Charlie Adams popped an intercept out of the sky to run 60 metres to get the Emus back in the game 18-10.

The last quarter continued in the same way as the previous quarter with the Emus continuing their momentum. With 15 minutes left in the match young St George player Jaiden Davis backed up Blades and found a gap inches from the 46

LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU

has signed North Queensland representative back-rower Grant Cooke who will add determination and aggression to their side. Cooke is a light-weight lock forward with Intrust Super Cup experience who really plays above his weight.

In round two Dalby defeated Gatton 32-8, Valleys defeated Brothers 40-28, Pittsworth defeated Wattles 30-22 and Warwick defeated Souths 34-22. Toowoomba, Pittsworth and Highfields lead the competition after two rounds.

The Ipswich Rugby League saw premiership contenders Brothers defeat Fassifern 36-8, Swifts defeat Norths 25-16 while Eastern Cobras defeated West End 20-12 in round one. In round two Norths ran in 11 tries in their 52-10 defeat of Cobras with Steve West scoring one try and kicking eight goals. Fassifern defeated 2016 premiers Goodna 34-14 after the game had been 14-14 late in the second half. Shaye Lund scored two tries in Brothers 20-16 defeat of Swifts.

Bundaberg Rugby League supporters are in for what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons for many years in the Sugar City. This season sees eight teams in A Grade, eight in Reserve Grade, six in the Under 18s and seven in the Women’s competition battling it out for the silverware, placing the district in position for a bumper year of the ‘greatest game of all’.

Defending A Grade premiers Hervey Bay will still be competitive and very difficult for teams to defeat, especially on their home turf at Stafford Park. Grand finalists Waves Tigers have retained the nucleus of their side from last season along with the addition of well-respected forward Rhys Neil, a former Isis and Easts player, who will certainly improve their competitiveness with his tireless workload.

Western Suburbs will again be aiming to be at the finish line come September and although they have lost many of their players from last season, the mighty Panthers will still be very strong with their remaining playing roster along with a couple of new faces.

reins of a young and enthusiastic team of players who always strive to win when they pull the ‘Butcher Stripes’ jumper on.

Wallaroos could be the surprise packet of the competition having regained the services of Brad and Will Jung who return after a season with the Hervey Bay Seagulls. With the young talent in the team, the Roos will also be in the firing line at season’s end and will be no pushover for any club.

The Isis Devils, who finished towards the bottom last season, have been active and recruited well with good numbers turning up for pre-season sessions. One of the new recruits is Jake Thompson who returns after a season with Sunshine Coast. One of the best young players in Bundaberg, Jayden Alberts has also put pen to paper with the Devils after previously playing his entire rugby league career with Past Brothers.

Eastern Suburbs have a new coach with former Past Brothers coach Matthew Templeman joining Easts after leading the Brethren in the previous two seasons. Templeman will bring a new coaching perspective to the Magpies with the experience he has gained from the various representative levels he has played. The Magpies have a huge challenge to assert themselves as a leading contender for premiership honours. Despite being written off many times in previous years, they have defied the critics and delivered.

Debutants to the A Grade competition this season, Maryborough Brothers will no doubt endeavour to be competitive having won an epic BRL Reserve Grade grand final last season. Following this win, they will certainly will not be taken for granted by any team. All is shaping up well for what should be a bumper season in Bundaberg with the season commencing on Saturday, April 1.

- David Pearce (QRL Wide Bay)

Past Brothers have a new coach with Brent Kuskey at the LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU

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PRINCE’S REVEALING WAKE UP CALL FORMER Broncos’ star Scott Prince has told more than 200 students how an All Stars’ camp made him realise that he didn’t understand his Indigenous culture as much as he would have liked.

“Don’t be shame at all if you don’t know much about your culture, there is so much to learn and you can start at any age,” Prince told the students.

The proud Kalkadoon man visited seven schools in five days this week delivering Beyond the Broncos’ cultural workshops alongside retired Bronco Jharal Yow Yeh and dual international female Indigenous All Stars’ player Bo de la Cruz.

The Broncos’ community team travelled from Beenleigh through to Tullawong in March encouraging students in the program to value their heritage and ask more questions.

“Through improving the student’s identity and self-esteem we know we can improve school attendance which is our primary objective,” said Bo de la Cruz.

“We keep the content interactive and share some of our personal experiences as Indigenous people.”

Next term’s Beyond the Broncos’ workshops will centre around health and wellbeing.

“During the All Stars’ camp, we were asked to rate our cultural understanding and I certainly wasn’t the only player at that level of the game who admitted to not really knowing that much,” Prince recalled.

Prince was inspired and started researching his mob and their history.

“It’s been a big learning curve but a rewarding one that’s just made me even more proud of the colour of my skin and what I’ve achieved.

“This is exactly what the Beyond the Broncos’ cultural workshop is designed to do for the students which is why I’m happy to share my story,” he said.

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VALE ERIC WEBSTER and 1946 Australian players Eric Bowe and John Grice could not make the team.

Under the superb guidance of Len Pegg and with a champion team including Eric Webster, Booka Primrose, Charlie Ogilvie, Ron Davis, Ike Sturgeon and Charlie Ruddell Marian went through the season undefeated including a 26/17 victory over Sarina in the Grand Final.

BACK in 2015 I wrote a ‘History of the Mackay Rugby League’ and while researching for this 308 page book I met Eric Webster. I phoned him and asked if I could come out and go through his old programs, photos and more importantly his memories and he said if I could find the way to Gargett I was welcome. I went south to Calen and drove through the cane fields around Cameron’s Pocket and got lost but after phoning Eric I finally arrived at his home.

Eric was a gentleman and over a cup of tea he bought out his treasure trove of memories. Many of the photos he allowed me to copy had never seen the light of day for more than sixty years. I spoke to Eric about growing up in the Pioneer Valley and playing his first game of rugby league for Gargett in 1947. By 1948 Eric was the captain of the Gargett/Pinnacle Rugby League team that played in the Pioneer Valley competition. His deeds on the rugby league fields around the Pioneer Valley were such that in 1949 after winning the local premiership along with his brother Reg and the Wesche boys he was invited to play for Marian.

Eric Webster was a class act and in his first season in the Mackay competition he made the Foley Shield side playing alongside Noel O’Neill, Eric Bowe, Harold Heidke and Hume Ronald. In a sign of the times Mackay actually forfeited games that season against Ayr and Townsville because of a train shortage. Marian lost the 1949 premiership final 8/4 to Magpies but in 1950 they signed Australian centre Len Pegg as captain/coach. Such was the quality of rugby league in the north at the time that a Mackay team defeated Brisbane 19/8

In 1952 Eric Webster and his good mate Pat Wesche went south to Toowoomba which was a mecca for rugby league players at the time. He made his Bulimba Cup debut on the 19th April in a Toowoomba team that contained players of the quality of Des McGovern, Ken McCaffery, Bobby Banks, Gordon Teys, Jack Rooney and Duncan Hall. This star-studded Toowoomba team won the Bulimba Cup and along the way Webster was selected to play for Queensland against New Zealand alongside former Mackay team mate Blondi Greenwood.

He returned to Mackay in 1953 as player/coach of Carltons and although he played for North Queensland against the American All Stars he had an injury interrupted season.

In 1954 Eric Webster was selected for North Queensland and Queensland Country.

During the 1955 season he was once again selected in the North Queensland team and on the 14th May that year played with former Mackay player Graham Laird in the Queensland Trials. Eric Webster was selected in the Queensland team as five-eighth alongside Cyril Connell as half-back and on the 21st May he played well until injured in Queensland’s narrow 17/15 defeat. The injury to Webster gave Graham Laird his opportunity and it is a historical fact that Graham Laird went onto play two tests for Australia as five-eighth against the visiting Frenchmen.

On the Foley Shield front Webster played for Mackay from 1949 until 1955 and when the country leagues were readmitted into the Mackay competition in 1957 he played for Finch Hatton until he retired in the late 1950s.

MARIAN RUGBY LEAGUE TEAM – UNDEFEATED SENIOR PREMIERS 1950 (Winners of the Birse Shield, O’Brien Shield and Plumb Cup) BACK (L-R): G Francis, C Ruddell, K Ruddell, R Cocks, R Ruddell, R Mooney, H Shew, Ron Davis MIDDLE: Alec Dent (Delegate), Reg Webster, B King, J Petersen, Charlie Ogilvie, Ike Sturgeon, Eric Webster, T Mitchell (Patron) SITTING: J Sturgeon Jnr, T Whelan (President), Len Pegg (Captain/Coach), Booka Primrose (Vice-Captain), E Emery (Secretary Manager), R Dearness, J Sturgeon (Masseur) FLOOR: V Harvison, P Wesche

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