Men of League Foundation Issue#74 2019

FOUNDATION

ISSUE #74 2019

MEN OF

CARING FOR THE MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN OF THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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FROM THE

IN THIS

OUR COVER

Men of League Foundation Honorary President Ron Coote (centre) with volunteers of the year Ken Vessey (NSW) on the left and Jason Fiddes (Victoria) at the recent annual gala dinner.

PROFESSOR THE HONOURABLE STEPHEN MARTIN

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

5 Gala dinner 10 Scott Dureau 12 John Harris 15 Qld annual lunch 16 Bob Dimond 18 Luke Goodwin 21 WA events 24 Crazy Socks round 26 Jye Howle 27 RLPA link 28 Qld women’s lunch 30 Toowoomba half of fame 34 Norths lunch 35 Sunshine Coast lunch 36 Jessica Macartney 39 Dean Widders 40 NRL clubs sign up 41 Hugh O’Doherty 42 Charlie Berghauser 42 Billingham family 38 Bill Cooper 39 Noel White 50 Molly Croft 58 Confraternity Shield 59 Qld golf day

THE REGULARS

22 Events calendar 32 Around the Grounds 44 Helping Hand 46 NRL Wellbeing 51 Committee news 60 Tributes

THE MAGAZINE

As the latest Foundation magazine goes to print we are finalising details of our gala dinner. This event, coupled with the annual Queensland lunch to be held in September, continue to be major opportunities to raise funds to support our rugby league family members in times of need.

Whilst the Foundation continues to explore opportunities for commercial sponsorship, it must be recognised that it is events such as these, and significantly events run by our tireless volunteer committees, that currently sustain our ability to meet our core objectives.

Funding from the ARLC through the NRL is critical in helping to offset operational costs. Without this continuing support, our task would be much harder. Hopefully a longer-term commitment, currently the subject of negotiation, will ensure our financial viability for the foreseeable future.

Membership of course continues to be a critical component of the Foundation’s success. Whilst our model has allowed us to have a better understanding of our members and their needs, we could always do with more members.

So my call to you all is to go forth and multiply! Even if every existing member signed one other person the difference to our ability to assist those in need will be improved immeasurably.

I again acknowledge and thank all of our volunteers who give selflessly of their time. You are the lifeblood of the Foundation.

As I review our wellbeing allocation over the past 18 months, I am in awe of the

dedication and commitment of our committees, volunteers and Foundation staff CARING FOR THE who make the lives of so many that much better. To you all, on behalf of the board, a heartfelt thanks.

MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN As we get to the business end of the footy season may your team be as successful DEADLINE FOR NEXT EDITION: 26 OCTOBER, 2019 as you are making the Foundation.

OF THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY Editor: Neil Cadigan (magazine@menofleague.com) Design: Daily Press Ph: (02) 9007 7500 | www.dailypress.com.au

MEN OF LEAGUE FOUNDATION DIRECTORY NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman: Professor The Honourable Stephen Martin Deputy Chair: Helen Wood Grant Patron: The Hon. John Fahey Honorary President: Ron Coote Directors: Brad Howell Alan Sullivan QC Geoff Thoroughgood OAM Ian Gatenby

STAFF

Chief Executive Officer Stephen Lowndes stephen.lowndes@menoflegue.com National Manager Membership and Marketing Todd O’Kelly todd.o’kelly@menofleague.com National Manager Wellbeing Jessica Macartney jessica.macartney@menofleague.com National Manager Administration Kellie-Ann Furner kellie-ann.furner@menofleague.com Financial Controller Kevin Moore kevin.moore@menofleague.com Marketing and Membership Executive Joe Bokeyar joe.bokeyar@menofleague.com

Membership and Database Executive James Rayment james.rayment@menofleague.com NSW State Manager Bruce Walker bruce.walker@menofleague.com QLD State Manager Andrew Blucher andrew.blucher@menofleague.com QLD Wellbeing Manager Mark Bunting mark.bunting@menofleague.com QLD Administration Belinda Perry belinda.perry@menofleague.com QLD Events Manager Jodie Watson jodie.watson@menofleague.com

YOUR MEN OF LEAGUE FOUNDATION NEW SOUTH WALES Canberra Monaro

President: Noel Bissett 0407 597 533 Secretary: Steven Troth 0407 182 410

Central Coast

President: Eddy Johnson Secretary: Trevor Andrews 0412 694 857

Central West

President: John Lasker 02 6852 2477 Secretary: Norm Cook 0458 658 827

Far South Coast

President: Colin Clarke 0412 764 740 Secretary: Sheldon Wykes 0408 649 611

Illawarra

President: Peter Fitzgerald 0412 263 733 Secretary: Bob McKellar 0408 393 040

Macarthur/Sth Highlands

President: Ron McEntee 0448 118 789 Secretary: Stephen Hazelton 0450 010 770

Mid North Coast

President: Brian Atherton 0427 523 818 Secretary: Kevin Rayment 0427 533 644

Mid West

President: Royce George 0408 635 011

Newcastle Hunter

President: Garry Leo 0400 421 767 Secretary: Peter Corcoran 0413 453 473

North Coast

President: Peter Barrett 0414 227 068 Secretary: Wendy Barrett 0419 894 432

North West

President: Don Pascoe 0477 132 456 Secretary: John Campbell 0408 421 065

Northern Rivers

Riverina

President: Kel Tilden 0457 319 700 Acting Secretary: Ian Lloyd 0457 850 384

South Coast

President: Chris Burke 0400 269 774 Secretary: Carol Weller 0408 478 043

Southern Monaro

President: John Bedingfield Secretary: Tom Herbert 0419 215 103

Southern Sydney

President: Terry Hughes 0447 488 052 Secretary: Bruce Thompson 0419 475 465

Sydney Metro

President: Henry Morris OAM 0418 115 706 Secretary: Seamus O'Connell 0411 126 060

Tuggerah Lakes

President: Neville Glover 0403 011448 Secretary: Matt Smith 0407 924 188

Tweed District

President: Greg Hodge 0407 275 718 Secretary: Tom Cassin 0407 457 661

Upper Hunter

President: Paul Medd 0409 482 297 Secretary: Erica Edwards 0429 485 121

Western Region

President: Martin Cook 0414393703 Secretary: Ross Tighe 0428 289 324

Western Sydney

President: Steve Winbank 0412 280 162 Secretary: Garry O'Donnell 0418 699 257

QLD & AFFILIATED STATES Brisbane

President: Ian Gatenby Secretary: Vance Rennie 07 3350 6436

President: Phil Chesham 0402 305 498 Secretary: Tony Cicchinelli 02 6621 3096

Bundaberg District

Northern Sydney

Central Highlands

Secretary: Greg Pershouse 0414 484 911

President: Trevor Bailey 0414 843 600 Secretary: Jim Phelan 0419 414 759

President: Mick Roach 0439 079 686 Secretary: RJ Stewart 0407 766 841

Penrith

Far North Queensland

President: Alex McKenzie 0414 330 651 Secretary: Adam Przybyla 0407 847 312

President: John McAllister 0409 722 455 Secretary: Chey Bird 0409 251 187

Port Stephens

Fraser Coast

President: Chris Kelly 0418 652 857 Secretary: Peter Arnold 0404 872 018

President: Kev Embrey 0427 250 545 Secretary: Jeffrey Bacchi 0419 729 857

Gold Coast

President: Lloyds Evans 0439 979250

Goondiwindi

President: Ernie Silcock 0429 724 699 Secretary: Peter Sullivan 0427 653 679

Gympie

President: Ross Groundwater 0408 825 466 Secretary: Greg Pountney 0432 397 974

Ipswich

President: Pat O’Doherty 0400 797 541 Secretary: Anthony Breeze 0417 927 449

Mackay

President: Garry Craig 0409 766 334 Secretary: Alf Abdullah 0417 752 694

Moreton

President: Peter Affleck 0414 445 630 Secretary: Terry Webb 0400 715 715

Rockhampton

President: Dominique McGregor 0411 446 939 Secretary: Stan Smith 0403 409 569

Roma

President: Owen Lingard 0400 496 507 Secretary: Jason Coonan 0427 645 871

Sunshine Coast

President: Don Oxenham 0409 849 161 Secretary: Barry Marsden 0402 654 231

Toowoomba Region

President: Tony Coonan 0407 124 302 Secretary: Georgie McDermid

Townsville

President: Mark Williams 0409 894 427 Secretary: Terry Feeney 0488 000 899

Victoria

President: Peter Foreman 0439 533 171 Secretary: Greg Warren 0412 368 078

Northern Territory

Wellbeing Officer: Kelly MacRae 0417 895 086

Western Australia

President: James Sullivan 0414 733 083 Secretary: Justin Reid 0403 012 252

QLD STATE COMMITTEE

Chairman: Ian Gatenby Committee: Pete Psaltis, Tony Woodgate, Darryl Foster, Wally Fullerton Smith, Ashley Tulley, Greg Veivers, Dan Whitmore, Peter McWhirter, Anthony Monaghan, Darryl Van de Velde, Shane Boyes, David Shillington & Fiona Rudkin

Kayla, Harry, Sam Thaiday and Katrina.

MIXING WITH The Queensland Rugby League, in conjunction with one of its sponsors P&O cruises, invited 10 lucky people from Men of League Foundation to partake in a day on the Sydney Harbour as part of a QRL membership experience.

We took some of our wellbeing recipients who the Foundation has developed close relationships with to enjoy a “money can’t buy” experience, mixing with some of Queensland’s State of Origin heroes while on the beautiful waters of Sydney Harbour.

The Berg family of Katrina and children, Harry Bowes and his partner Kayla, plus Laura and Malachi Shakespeare travelled to Sydney courtesy of the QRL. It was a hectic day that included an early morning flight from Brisbane and a late afternoon return, but all our guests agreed it was definitely worth the effort.

They were collected in Sydney and taken aboard a P&O cruise ship for a Maroons luncheon with former players Corey Parker, Sam Thaiday, Wendell Sailor and current Maroons tryscoring machine Dane Gagai.

Dane Gagai and Malachi

Laura, who has been fighting breast cancer, was featured in our previous magazine. She has received great support from the Foundation and the Redcliffe Dolphins, Malachi’s club. Laura played for Easts Tigers in the Brisbane women’s competition for several years.

“This was a great opportunity for our group to escape the day-to-day troubles and enjoy a day with great food and entertainment, meeting new people and getting some great pictures with the Maroons legends,” said Queensland wellbeing manager Mark Bunting.

“Each of our group came back with huge smiles on their faces, full tummies from all the food and drink and a wonderful lot of new friends and great memories from the day.”

The Foundation would like to thank Louise and Hayley from the QRL for extending the invitation to the Men of League Foundation and for the great opportunity and hospitality offered by P&O cruises.

Meg Ward from the Jillaroos was also on board. Each member of the tour was given a Maroons P&O shirt to wear on the cruise.

The Foundation has been assisting Katrina, who is involved with the Greenbank Raiders club, since she lost her husband suddenly last year. Harry’s journey has long been publicised by the Foundation and he was a special guest at our Queensland annual lunch last September.

He was diagnosed with leukaemia at age 17 but, at 19, is now in remission although he is unable to play rugby league again.

Sam and Laura.

Men of League Foundation | 5

GALA Andrew Voss starts proceedings

KATE CORNISH “We’ve got your back.” At the Men of League Foundation annual gala dinner, those four simple words, spoken by the 2019 Greg Brentnall Victorian Volunteer of the Year Award recipient Jason Fiddes, hung in the air as he graciously accepted his honour for the tireless work he has done for the Foundation, and the rugby league community, since 2011.

Those four simple words perfectly sum up the heart and soul of Men of League Foundation and just what the organisation’s pioneers Ron Coote, Jim Hall and Max Brown were hoping to one day achieve when the Foundation was established in 2002.

Every cent raised on the night from live auctions, silent auctions, raffles and donations goes directly to the Foundation so it can continue to help the rugby league community.

Comperes for the night Andrew Voss and Lara Pitt.

The dinner, held at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth on July 27, was a wonderful evening that included glittering guests and patrons digging deep into their pockets after they arrived to be treated to champagne and enjoying opportunities to rub shoulders with rugby league royalty.

Auction items included a signed jersey from the winning 2019 NSW Blues State of Origin team, a Wests Tigers game day experience for four, a fully catered lunch with Fox Sports celebrities ‘Fletch, Hindy and Finchy’, a Matty Johns Show experience, a round of golf with NSW and Australian fullback James Tedesco and lunch with Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire and Rabbitohs legend Bob McCarthy. There was even the chance to have lunch with former Prime Minister and self-confessed Dragons tragic John Howard.

6 | Men of League Foundation

Wests Tigers halfback Luke Brooks and his partner.

Men of League Foundation patron Ron Coote and NSW volunteer of the year Ken Vessey.

Andrew Voss chews the fat with Phil Gould.

Many familiar names in league were there including Phil Gould, Brett Kimmorley, Pat Richards, former ARLC chairman John Grant, TV media personalities Allana Ferguson and Emma Lawrence and Men of League foundation ambassadors Luke Brooks and Dean Widders.

The evening was flawlessly hosted by Andrew Voss and Lara Pitt who mingled with the crowd and engaged with their fans.

Guests were taken for a walk down memory lane, when ‘Vossy’ took to the stage with Gould to reprise their ‘Boots ‘n All’ partnership, showing that they are still one of the great footy combinations.

The generosity of the rugby league family is not lost on the Men of League Foundation and this event has been a vitally important fundraiser since 2002.

In 2018, Men of League surpassed $1 million dollars in financial grants, which is not only an astounding figure but a true testament to the hard work the organisation thrives on.

The atmosphere in the room was electric.

Assistance provided to those in need in 2019 has surpassed $500,000.

Prolific Wellbeing Officer Ken Vessey was honoured with the 2019 Ron Coote NSW Volunteer of the Year Award. Vessey was humble in his acceptance. Like so many of the volunteers, Ken’s many hours of offering assistance has touched many lives, be it with a chat over a cup of coffee, a hospital visit or even a phone call to ‘check in’ with someone who needs help or just company.

National wellbeing manager Jessica Macartney showed guests just why Men of League Foundation is so vital by introducing rugby league grassroots family members Taegan and Oliver Bellingham (featured on page 9) to the audience to tell of their story.

Jessica went on to talk about other recipients of grants and how their lives had been positively affected by the work of the Foundation, the volunteers and also the clubs and players who are happy to be involved and make a difference in the lives of people who need it. The stories were raw, honest and important for all in the room to hear.

As the night unfolded, the room was buzzing with rich rugby league history. Everywhere you looked there was a famous face of a player who had been instrumental to the game in one way or another. At tables all over the room there were memories shared between mates of games now long over, but never forgotten.

Ron Coote with Victorian volunteer of the year Jason Fiddes and NSW volunteer of the year Ken Vessey.

I sat between former Australian Test forward, now Men of League Foundation NSW state manager, Bruce Walker and to my right sat former Penrith Panthers halfback Mick Kelly.

We shared a laugh and a chat, and I was grateful to have the opportunity to not only meet them but to hear their stories.

Kelly told me of the respect he had for Walker, how tough he had been to play against, but that he had always been a fair player.

It is these stories and these people that we must never lose.

It is among the rugby league family that these memories are shared, and it is how we keep the history of the sport alive.

The State of Origin Shield proved a big hit on the night

At its very core, Men of League Foundation is about keeping the rugby league family together. Making sure that past players, families and friends of the game always have a safe place to go, a shoulder to lean on, and the assurance that help will be there should they ever need it.

The annual gala dinner raised another significant amount of money which will be vital in the organisation’s future, much of which will be distributed to so many in need.

Former Test halfback Brett Kimmorley with Taegan and Oliver Bellingham.

However, it was vividly clear that the value of such a night and the camaraderie it embellished is something that can’t be valued by just the dollars raised.

Men of League Foundation | 7

Back row (from left): Dr. Paula Robinson, Taegan Bellingham, Jason Fiddes, Melissa Fiddes, Professor the Hon. Stephen Martin. Front row: Oliver Bellingham, Peter Foreman, Andrew Voss and Lara Pitt.

Men of League Foundation partners, the Sydney Roosters supporting the gala dinner.

Our deputy chair’s table. Back row (from left): James Smith, Ian Gatenby, Dean Widders, Vanessa Russo. Front row: Professor Megan Davis, John Grant, Helen Wood Grant, Ron Coote, Robyn Coote.

8 | Men of League Foundation

WITH HELEN WOOD GRANT

HOW DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED WITH THE MEN OF LEAGUE FOUNDATION? I had known of the organisation’s work since its inception and began attending functions in 2011. It doesn’t take long to realise the immense impact of the Foundation and the ever-increasing need that it addresses in the rugby league family.

It’s a really unique Foundation worldwide with its clear focus on one sporting code and on the most necessitous within it.

Ron Coote, co-founder and our chairman for the first 15 years, was a hugely impressive advocate for the Foundation and truly inspirational. I saw the legion of volunteers really rolling their sleeves up and saw the huge pipeline of need ahead, so it was a pretty easy decision to join the cause.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A BOARD MEMBER OF THE MEN OF LEAGUE FOUNDATION? I worked in an advisory role to Ron initially and three years ago I was invited onto the national board, becoming Deputy Chair this year.

WHAT HAVE BEEN THE BIGGEST CHANGES THAT THE BOARD HAS MADE TO PROGRESS THE FOUNDATION? We felt we needed to offer professionalism, stability, speedy response times and the highest standards of good governance to our major supporters, our members and committees and most of all to our recipients. We also wanted to make it ever clearer to the rugby league family and wider community that our charter 17 years on now from inception is to care for the men, women and children of this great sport – we are family-centric not gender-specific and focus on the neediest among us. Our work is a massive privilege as we are able to offer life-changing help to a lot of brave people.

WHAT DOES THE MEN OF LEAGUE FOUNDATION’S SUPPORT OF WOMEN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY MEAN TO YOU? Of course it means so much that the Foundation, like all dynamic and contemporaneous organisations, acknowledges the place of women - in the game and indeed in our homes, business lives and communities. It is central to community health and mutual respect. We find that if a woman in a family is unwell and unable to play her part, the entire family suffers and there are poor outcomes for children. So if you help the mother, you help the entire family.

WHAT ROLE DO YOU SEE WOMEN PLAYING IN CONTINUING THE GROWTH OF THE FOUNDATION? Without question we are seeking to increasingly attract women as board members, Foundation members and as committee members. The emergence of women as elite players, match officials, board members, executives and volunteers is a reflection of a wider view that it is pretty foolish to ignore the contribution of 50 percent of the population.

We’re all stronger for working together and our door is wide open to female participation.

WHY WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE MORE WOMEN TO BECOME INVOLVED WITH THE MEN OF LEAGUE FOUNDATION? Because women are already huge contributors to rugby league and this is a way to further exert their influence and to create confidence that by being involved with the Foundation they are doing important work to support the physical, emotional and social needs of their rugby league family. Women are givers and giving is central to driving social change. So often we feel frustrated and powerless in the face of injustice and the personal crises of others but it’s not always clear how we can help. By women simply becoming financial members, they are actively helping. By becoming committee members they then add community outreach and wellbeing activities to that support. There is so much to do and there’s a role for us all.

Men of League Foundation | 9

A FIGHTER WORTH

SCOTT DUREUX

Scott and his wife Libby.

FORMER KNIGHTS AND CATALANS PLAYER SCOTT DUREAU HAS INSPIRED MANY WITH HIS FIGHT AGAINST CANCER AND THE LEAGUE COMMUNITY, AND THIS FOUNDATION, HAVE LEAPT BEHIND HIM AND HIS FAMILY AS HE CONTINUES TO SERVE THE GAME HE LOVES. NEIL CADIGAN Scott Dureau proved long ago he is a fighter. Now he’s proving he’s someone worth fighting for. And a wide representation of the rugby league community has certainly endorsed that.

It was evident when more than 500 people turned up for a fundraising night, jointly organised by Men of League Foundation and Newcastle Knights, that raised $148,000 to help with his medical bills and ongoing costs. It’s also evident in the messages he has received from teammates, opponents and fans in England, France and across Australia as he faces a life-threatening health issue.

You have to have a lot of fight in you when, after once been touted as Andrew Johns’ long-time successor in the 10 | Men of League Foundation

Newcastle number seven jersey, you’re told there is no room for you at the club three years later … only to head to France and be chosen as Super League’s halfback of the year in the next two seasons.

His rugby league career, and a new life at Perpignan as a Catalans Dragon, alongside school sweetheart and wife Libby, was panning out quite well when – just months later - Dureau was suffering headaches and some blurred vision during preseason training.

He was worried, of course, but put it down to the pressures of tough physical training, or that he needed spectacles, yet decided to undergo a CT scan while back home for Christmas.

A brain tumour was discovered and two hours later he was on the operating table.

Scott Dureau (centre) with former Catalans teammates from Australia, Ian Henderson and Steve Menzies.

His health recovered well enough to finish his career in 2015 with a fifth and final season at Catalans (after a brief stint with the Sydney Roosters) and a record of 42 NRL and 97 Super League appearances plus an Albert Goldthorpe Medal, which is British publication Rugby Leaguer and League Express’s version of our Dally M Medal (voted 3-2-1 each match) for his outstanding 2012 feats.

Scott was loving being back home in Newcastle and coaching the Knights’ under-20s and working in their elite development program when, eight days before Christmas last year, he was hit with the stunning news that made it “the worst day of my life”.

A scan taken during routine annual check-up with esteemed Sydney surgeon Dr Charlie Teo had detected the tumour had returned. A full body scan soon after found tumours had developed in his liver and he was told he would have 18 months to two years to live.

Typically, Scott Dureau won’t admit defeat. And the overwhelming backing he has received from so many people has made him even more determined to defy the prognosis and see his two beautiful daughters Imogen (three) and Everly (one) grow up.

“When you get bad news, I don’t think people realise how much it lifts you and makes you stronger (when you receive so much support),” Scott said.

“You never know whether you deserve it or not but there is a different emotion that takes over your body and helps you want to fight.

“It has been unbelievable the support and backing I have had from the whole rugby league community, especially in Newcastle from the Knights and people in general.

“It has blown me away, the amount of people who were thinking of us and sending well-wishes. I still have messages on my phone that I haven’t been able to get back to, it has been so constant.

“Players cop a bad rap by the community a lot of the time but in times like this they’re the best. I think there is no other

game like rugby league in that sense.

“It is hard to put into words how much it means but I’ll never forget the people who have been there for me for these tough times.”

Dureau, 32, is still coaching the Knights’ Jersey Flegg side who are in the top four, assisting Nathan Brown with the NRL team and working in the club’s pathways department. Players talk of him being an inspiration in the way he shakes off his concerns and addresses his job with such passion, enjoyment and gratitude.

In earlier interviews, he spoke of possible further surgery to abate the growth in the liver. However, that has been shelved and, after two months of fortnightly invasive chemotherapy, he has been on a targeted therapy with daily tablets which attacks only the cancerous cells. He had an assessment in late July which was positive about the drug’s effectiveness.

The Foundation has been a regular supporter of Scott and Libby, with Newcastle and Hunter wellbeing officer Vince Murphy a regular visitor and caller. The benefit night was an emotional and productive event, with many former Knights teammates present along with club legends like Matthew Johns and Manly legend Steve Menzies who was a Catalans teammate of Dureau.

“All the lead-up to the night and the response since it and the night itself which was fantastic … I can never thank them [the Foundation] enough,” Scott said.

“It’s hard to describe the emotions I went through. It is very humbling, to have so many people say nice things about you and the sheer number of people who turned up to support us.

“I don’t generally like being the centre of attention too often so it was full-on and I saw quite a few people I hadn’t seen for 10 or 15 years or longer which made it more special; it was a sort of reunion for me.

“It was really an incredible night and one I’ll never forget.

“To repay people, I’m going to fight all the way through this and I am strong enough to do that.”

Men of League Foundation | 11

James Walsh and John Harris.

‘RINGO’,’BOMBER’ AND KATE CORNISH SPENT A DAY IN THE LIFE OF ONE OF OUR WELLBEING OFFICERS JOHN HARRIS – AN EVENT REPLICATED MANY TIMES OVER, MANY DAYS OF THE WEEK. Men of League Foundation Wellbeing Officer John Harris is a humble man and while his initial relationship with rugby league was that he only played as a junior, his involvement these days is much greater and worth more than he could ever imagine or want to take credit for.

I was lucky enough to spend the day with John in July that included two wellbeing visits. The first was to see James Walsh and the second was to visit Roy Ferguson and his wife Kaye.

From the instant I met John and he welcomed me into his home, I realised that I was meeting someone very special.

He has a calmness about him, one that instantly puts you at ease. As the day unfolded, I saw that the way in which John interacted with people was the reason he was perfect for this important volunteer role.

John became involved with Men of League Foundation through his good friend, former Australian representative and twotime premiership winner with the Roosters, John ‘Bomber’ Peard ,who does a mountain of wellbeing work for the Foundation. Peard suggested that his mate would be a good fit as a wellbeing officer.

At the end of John’s street in Cronulla there is a beautiful little sun-drenched café, overlooking the ocean, which set the 12 | Men of League Foundation

scene as a perfect back drop for where I would get to meet James Walsh.

James is not a man you easily forget once and I could tell instantly that he and John had a lovely connection. They spoke about their children and their faces lit up as they told stories and shared photos of their grandchildren. Both repeated many times over our coffee and James’ herbal tea that family is the most important thing in life.

James knew of the Men of League Foundation before it came into his life. He had friends who were involved in the Foundation but says he would not have thought to ask for help, which seems a common issue. People either do not think they are worthy, or would not qualify for help or are often too proud to ask for it.

It was John Harris who contacted James to offer the assistance of Men of League Foundation after James had been diagnosed with stage four melanoma and was in a lot of pain.

After two trips to Mexico (funded through donations via his own crowdfunding page) for alternative treatments for his cancer, he met up with John.

“When I got back, John swung into action, he has been incredible,” James said. “He has never left a stone unturned.

When I came back [from Mexico], I got some support for daily living. I got vouchers for Woolworths and I was able to buy some groceries or get petrol. I got $3000 dollars’ worth.”

James has been unable to work consistently for 10 years and all his savings had been used up, so the assistance from Men of League Foundation has been “a huge help and really made a difference”.

James underwent surgery to remove a tumour in his pelvis in March and has recovered well. After the major operation, John asked if there was anything James needed. James asked if it would be possible to get help with his rent.

“John went off and did his magic and he came back and said Men of League Foundation could help with three months’ rent,” James reported. “That helped me so much, it took all the pressure off and I could focus on getting well. It was paid up front, it was amazing and so helpful.”

The great news is that post his operation in March, James is cancer free.

His is a wonderful story of human courage and will to survive; when you consider that in 2009, when James was first diagnosed with stage-three melanoma and was given only a 50 per cent chance of survival, the fact that we were able to enjoy a coffee and tea, overlooking one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and talk about his grandchildren, it is quite incredible.

We made our way over to pick up John’s mate ‘Peardy’ to join us on our visit to see former Western Suburbs and St George centre Roy Ferguson and his wife Kaye.

Peard and Ferguson have been friends for most of their lives and showed a wonderful connection and banter which was a joy for me to experience.

Peard is a foundation member of Men of League Foundation and having been involved from its inception is something he is very proud of. He says it is important to keep in touch and visit the players that he used to play with and against.

Harris loves to have him involved on the wellbeing visits and says “we are a great team”.

After watching them together that day, I am not inclined to argue that point. They have different personalities and that is why they work so well together. They are the yin to each other's yang. One is quieter and more reserved and the other a loveable larrikin, able to lighten the mood in an instant.

Peard knows firsthand the generosity and assistance Men of League Foundation and the rugby league family can offer. They rallied around him back in 2002 after he suffered a stroke, with Men of League Foundation organising a fundraising night that enabled him to buy a scooter and regain his independence.

As I chatted with Kaye, I came to find that she is a remarkable woman who carries herself with pride, dignity and love. While I am sure there are times when the gravity of her situation hits hard, she doesn’t complain or feel sorry for herself. Her strength, compassion and resilience were utterly inspiring.

In late 2013, Roy had a stroke and started to suffer short term memory issues. Kaye has cared for him every day, until earlier this year when the decision was made by doctors for Roy to be placed in care.

As we all sat down and had a tea and scones (that John had brought with him), old football stories were being told and, although Roy did not speak, he certainly enjoyed the odd wry smile when he heard something that took his fancy.

There was enough history in Roy’s room to write a book about; Kaye has accessorised his walls with fabulous photos and posters that bring to life just how good Roy was in his playing days. There are family memories on the walls, too, that show the life of a loving husband and father.

We finished up with Roy and Kaye and headed back to John Peard’s house where he invited me in to look at the lifetime of memorabilia he has collected and also featured heavily in.

There is no doubt that he was an exciting player and the rugby league history books tell his story. A talented ball-playing half and goalkicker, his career took in 174 first grade games, eight Tests during the 1975 and 1977 World Series tournaments and four games for NSW. He coached Parramatta and Penrith in first grade and the Blues during for the 1988 State of Origin series. In the early 1990s gathered a reputation for his astute sideline commentary with the ABC, easily recognisable by his love of the game and jovial nature.

At the end of the day out, back at the house of John Harris, I asked him what the hardest thing about being a wellbeing officer for the Foundation as I had only been on two visits and was feeling emotionally spent.

As a very matter of fact, John replied” “There are no downsides.”

He acknowledges that while some people he is in contact with are going through an incredibly difficult period of their lives, he says he can still find joy in simply being with people and seeing the instant positive effect he could have in a tough situation.

The volunteers of any organisation are its lifeblood and it seems Men of League Foundation is no different. They are the ones on the ground, giving up their time, giving so much, but asking nothing in return.

Our visit to see the Fergusons took us to the residence where Roy is now in full time care, due to dementia.

Roy ‘Ringo’ Ferguson, recognised as one of the toughest players in his era, was the first to play 100 first grade games for two clubs – 101 for Western Suburbs Magpies from 19641971 and 100 for St George from 1972-76.

The scale of what Kaye is dealing with really shook me and I realised the enormity of what people like John, as wellbeing officers, may come across.

John (right) with Roy Ferguson and John Peard.

Men of League Foundation | 13

OFFICIAL PARTNERS

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MEN OF LEAGUE FOUNDATION

QUEENSLAND ANNUAL LUNCH

It has become a ‘MUST ATTEND’ for Brisbane business people who love their sport and it’s looking like this year’s

The 15th Queensland annual lunch on 6 September will be compered by former Queensland Test batsman and corporate funnyman Greg ‘Fat Cat’ Ritchie.

is set to live up to tradition and be a spectacularly entertaining event.

Truly an event not to be missed, with well known interviewers James Bracey & Ian Hanson taking on a panel of the greatest names in Rugby League history.

MEN OF LEAGUE FOUNDATION QUEENSLAND ANNUAL LUNCH

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Friday Sepember 6 11.30am – 4pm

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There will be plenty of sports star who were involved in great moments with our theme of, ‘great sporting moments’.

THEME

Great Sporting Moments

MC

Greg Ritchie

EVENT GUEST SPEAKERS SEGMENT 1 – MC BY IAN HANSON

SEGMENT 2 – MC BY JAMES BRACEY

Peter Tighe (Winx co-owner) • Tim Notting • Jodie Henry Celebrating Australia’s Great Sporting Moments

Mal Meninga • Allan Langer • Mark Coyne • Re-living the “that’s not a try, that’s a miracle” try scored by Mark Coyne in the 1994 Origin series.

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Scenes from last year’s lunch that attracted 900 people.

QLD LUNCH CELEBRATES WINX, IT HAS BECOME A ‘MUST ATTEND’ FOR BRISBANE BUSINESS PEOPLE WHO LOVE THEIR SPORT AND IT’S LOOKING LIKE THIS YEAR’S MEN OF LEAGUE FOUNDATION QUEENSLAND ANNUAL LUNCH IS SET TO LIVE UP TO TRADITION AND BE A SPECTACULARLY ENTERTAINING EVENT. The 15th Queensland annual lunch on 6 September will be compered by former Queensland Test batsman and corporate funnyman Greg ‘Fat Cat’ Ritchie, who stole the show with his brief but hilarious speaking stint last year.

The 800-plus who attend the Royal International Convention Centre (RNA) event will enjoy the theme of the day which is ‘great sporting moments’.

And there will be plenty of sports stars who were involved in great moments to share their memories.

Veteran sporting scribe and long-time Australian Olympic swimmers’ media confidante Ian Hanson will interview an incredible panel of guests in part-owner of the champion mare Winx, Peter Tighe, two-time premiership winning Brisbane Lions player Tim Notting and his wife Jodie Henry, who happens to be a triple gold medal winning freestyle swimmer at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

It will be a treat for those attending to get some insight into the incredible story of Winx, who retired earlier this year as a seven-year-old who captured the nation’s heart like no other horse since Phar Lap, bowing out with her 33rd straight victory – 25 of them Group I wins – and taking her prizemoney to over $26 million.

Notting will touch on the joy of winning the Lions’ first two premierships in 2001-02 but how missing the 2003 victory because of injury then losing to Port Adelaide in the decider of 2004 hit hard.

In 2004 Henry became the first Australian woman to win the blueriband 100 metres freestyle Olympic gold medal since Dawn Fraser in 1964 and backed it up with gold in the freestyle and medley relays, earning her the Australian swimmer of the year award. However, she was eyeing her second Olympics as a 24-year-old in 2008 when she bowed out with a pelvic injury and announced her retirement.

Channel 9’s James Bracey will take over from Hanson and interview an illustrious panel of Queensland State of Origin heroes Mal Meninga, Allan Langer and Mark Coyne who will take the audience’s minds back to 1994 and the classic match-winning try at the Sydney Football Stadium that 9’s “voice of rugby league” Ray Warren described aptly with: “That’s not a try; that’s a miracle.”

Meninga was Maroons captain that night when interchange player Coyne was at the end of a spectacular 70-metre, eight-pass movement in the 79th minute that ended with him scoring in the right corner with Meninga (last pass) and Langer (second last) heavily involved.

It gave the Maroons, in Meninga’s last season as Canberra, Queensland and Australian captain, a 16-12 victory. Yet while that victory was a highlight, the fact the Blues came back and won the last two Origin clashes robbed ‘Big Mal’ of the triple crown as skipper, with his Raiders winning the grand final and then his Australian team retaining the Ashes

trophy in England in what was the last ‘traditional’ Kangaroo tour.

The three Queensland heroes will go through those moments and more on an afternoon that also offers some incredible auction and raffle prizes – including a boardroom lunch with Meninga who will follow in the path of Craig Bellamy and Phil Gould who mesmerised guests at the special luncheon experience in the past two years.

Another ‘money can’t buy’ experience will be on offer – an Australian Kangaroos fan package which includes attending the Test against New Zealand in Wollongong, riding on the team bus to and from the hotel to the stadium, sitting on the team’s sideline bench or in the coach’s box and entering the dressing rooms post-match.

The major raffle prize is exceptional too – five nights on the seaside in the beautiful Maldives.

For details on how to book view the page opposite or visit www.menofleague.com

Men of League Foundation | 15

Dimond (middle back row) in the 1948-49 Kangaroo team photo.

A DIAMOND BOB DIMOND, BABY AND ONLY SURVIVOR OF THE 1948-49 KANGAROOS AND ONE OF THE ONLY BROTHERS IN HISTORY TO PLAY FOR AUSTRALIA WHILE TEENAGERS, RECALLS THAT HISTORIC POST-WAR TOUR AND LIFE SINCE. STEVE RICKETTS

and Peter remain the only two brothers to represent Australia as teenagers.

Bob Dimond was very much his own man, even though he was the ‘baby’ of the 1948-49 Kangaroo touring team in Britain and France.

Bob was one of seven children - four girls and three boys born to parents who emigrated from Ireland. His dad had been a farmer but could not afford to go on the land in Australia so he took on all sorts of jobs to feed his family.

At 18, Bob already had firm views on how he would live his life and despite the temptations of an overseas tour at such a tender age, he remained disciplined and focused on the job at hand.

Now 89, and living in retirement with his wife, Elsie at Mermaid Waters on the Gold Coast, Dimond is the sole survivor from the 28-man playing squad, which left these shores in August 1948.

A decorated fire fighter, his life has been full of achievement and adventure, with the Kangaroo tour one of the great highlights.

The older brother of another Kangaroo tourist Australian, Peter Dimond (1963-64), Bob was a product of the Dapto club in the Illawarra region, making his first grade debut at 16. Bob 16 | Men of League Foundation

After representing Country against City at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Bob was selected for New South Wales and played three matches against Queensland, before being chosen for the Kangaroo tour.

The Kangaroos sailed from Sydney to Marseilles in France, on the Maloja, playing a game against South Australia on the way, with Bob scoring five tries in a 96-5 win.

From Marseilles, the squad split into two groups for flights to England, in aircraft still bearing bullet holes from World War II. Four days after arriving in England, Australia had to play a Huddersfield side rated one of the finest club outfits in history, with Huddersfield winning 22-3 in front of a crowd of 26,000.

The Kangaroos would go on to lose all three Tests against Great Britain, while winning both Tests against France, as well as an international against Wales, at Swansea. There were 31 other club and provincial matches, with the tourists winning 21.

Bob played 15 matches and was desperately unlucky not to play a Test.

He turned 19 in London and celebrated his birthday with noted Sydney journalist Phil Tresidder.

“Phil was a nice bloke, and took me to a place he knew,” Bob recalled. “After games, the players would all go to the pub but I never drank or smoked in my life. My roommate was Johnny Hawke. We all got on OK, and I made some great friends, in particular, Noel Mulligan (Newtown).”

Dimond and Hawke were two of four NSW Country lads on tour, with Alf Gibbs and Kevin Schubert. There were 16 players from Sydney clubs, and eight from Queensland.

Future Immortal Clive Churchill was making the first of his three Kangaroo tours as a player, after making his Test debut against New Zealand earlier in the year.

Times were tough in post-war Britain and the Australians took provisions with them, such as tinned butter, but ended up giving the bulk of it to their hosts.

For most of the English leg of the trip, they stayed in the Stony Lea Hotel at Ilkley, about 30 km from Leeds.

The hotel was run by a dour Scots woman, ‘Ma’ Griffin, who took the Australians’ ration books with the promise she would look after them. They hardly ate meat for the duration, suspecting Ma Griffin had looked after the locals. But the Australians weren’t ones to complain, given the devastation they had seen, from the German bombing in London, Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool.

In his autobiography In Defence, Australian halfback Wally O’Connell told the story of a night out in Leeds, enjoyed by Bob Dimond and an unnamed teammate.

“AFTER GAMES, THE PLAYERS WOULD ALL GO TO THE PUB BUT I NEVER DRANK OR SMOKED IN MY LIFE”

The pair missed the team bus back to Ilkley, so Bob said he would catch a cab while his mate said he would take his chances hitch hiking.

It was midnight and Bob told his mate he was no chance of getting a ride.

Bob’s cab had travelled only a short distance, when the driver screeched to a halt, to avoid a young man standing in the middle of the road, waving his hands. It was the other Aussie.

O’Connell takes up the story: “Bob’s mate stuck his head through the window and asked if Bob could give him a lift, since he was going his way. Bob copped it sweet but brought the matter up at our weekly meeting. The fare came to 25 shillings and the meeting voted that Bob’s teammate should pay half. The teammate reluctantly agreed but asked Bob if he could pay him off at sixpence a week, since he was saving up to get married.”

Bob rated defence the strongest part of his game and often received rave reviews in the media for his tackling. But he was no slouch in attack, grabbing nine tries in his 15 games in Britain and France, including two against a Pyrenees Selection in Toulouse.

On his return to Australia, the elder Dimond resumed his career with Dapto, representing Country again, then joined Wests in Sydney, where he had two seasons. South Sydney also had tried to sign him.

A motor bike accident left Bob with two broken legs, and although he made a comeback with St George in 1955, he was never the same player.

A baker’s assistant when he left with the Kangaroos, Bob joined the Fire Service in Sydney and was awarded a Royal Humane Society Medal, after he risked his life to try to save three Australian Gas Light Company workmen and a passerby in 1982.

Bob and his wife of 67 years, Elsie, have two daughters Robyn, who lives in Melbourne and Jenny, who lives with them at Mermaid Waters. Jenny was a professional tennis player, who played Evonne Goolagong at Wimbledon.

Bob and Peter Dimond have had a park named after them at Dapto. Peter lives at Kiama, as does his son Craig, who played first grade for Cronulla and Illawarra. Their other brother, Gordon, who lives at Woonona (Wollongong), played football but was better known as an artist.

Bob and Elsie Dimond at their Gold Coast home.

Men of League Foundation | 17

THE TALE OF

Eels players Nathan Brown and Tim Mannah join Luke on a wellbeing visit to Ashton Marsh in hospital.

LUKE GOODWIN, ONE OF THE FOOTBALLING SONS OF ‘LORD’ TED GOODWIN, HAS REACTED TO A FAMILY TRAGEDY BY CARVING A NEW FOCUS IN HIS LIFE TO HELP OTHERS. NEIL CADIGAN A double tragedy has provided a profound change in the direction of his life for Luke Goodwin, a member of one of rugby league’s best-known families.

Luke is one of four footballing sons of personality player of the 1970s, ‘Lord’ Ted Goodwin, who played four Tests and won a premiership with St George in 1977. Luke made his first-grade debut as a 19-year-old at Penrith in 1992 then went on to play for the Bulldogs, Perth Reds and Wests Magpies. He was followed by Bronx (Raiders, Sharks and Dragons) and South Sydney grand final winning centre Bryson (177 NRL games) who is in his second season with Warrington in England and will return to the Rabbitohs next season.

But it was the fate of the oldest Goodwin son, Leon, that has thrown Luke Goodwin in to the path of helping others on behalf of Men of League Foundation and in the space of elite athlete mental health.

18 | Men of League Foundation

Leon, once on the books at the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs, took his own life at his home at Eugowra in western NSW in March 2017 after failing to come to grips with a relationship breakup. It left the family devastated and, for Luke, was a dramatic prompt to look at his life.

And it led to a chance meeting with Monique Robinson who experienced a similar tragedy, the loss of her brother Chad Robinson – the two-time Roosters grand finalist - just four months earlier.

After starting as a relationship of a sister of a lost loved one consoling a brother of another, they are now soulmates dedicated to making a difference in the area of mental health and transition of elite athletes or anyone struggling with identity, isolation or depression.

When I spoke to Luke he was undergoing a course to achieve his Certificate IV in Elite Athlete Wellbeing, conducted in association with the National Rugby League, after having completed a mental health first aid course through Men of League Foundation.

And he confesses his life has taken on new meaning.

“A lot of people have their own story, their own journey, and the prompt for my change of direction was losing Leon,” he says.

“I made a lot of personal changes in the way I looked at life and where my life was at.

“I wish I was educated better to help Leon when he was going through a bad time.

“The biggest thing I have learned through this is that I know the way I dealt with Leon when he was going through his

“A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THEIR OWN STORY, THEIR OWN JOURNEY, AND THE PROMPT FOR MY CHANGE OF DIRECTION WAS LOSING LEON.” issues is that I did the best I could but I wasn’t educated and I didn’t really understand what he was going through mentally.

“I now realise how I spoke to him and the things I said were not right and I have to live with that. It was coming from the right place but wasn’t necessarily the right thing.

“carrying on his legacy in championing the long term mental wellbeing of athletes”.

They feel the problems Robinson could not adequately confront are mirrored in different degrees by many others.

“We saw the things he implemented in his life that set him on the downward spiral – he struggled mentally after retirement, having anxiety and depression, he also struggled with the ups and downs with work life,” Luke said.

“Physically he was impacted as he had a knee replacement at 35, he used alcohol, pain medication and sometimes recreational drugs to cope with the pain.

“Chad also believed that concussion played a major role in his demise, it was something he heavily researched. He and Monique used to talk about CTE.”

A Maori sketching of the Goodwin footballing clan.

Yet, a big part of Luke Goodwin’s new-found desire to help others in the sporting community, also revolves around his work for the Foundation.

Central to that was accompanying his 66-year-old father and his footy mates on the Tackling The Drought tour last year to places like Parkes, Forbes and Cowra where ‘Lord Ted’ had become a legend post his 146-game ARL career.

“I’d been a member since day one, along with Dad, but I’d never been involved,” Luke said.

“Then the Tackling the Drought tour happened last year and I went out to west with Dad and thought ‘how good is this’.

“I was listening to him and (former Dragons teammates) Steve Edge, Bruce Starkey and (Eels legend) Neville Glover and what they used to get up to and I sat there thinking ‘wow’ and just saw my dad was so happy talking to old footy mates.

“I decided to join the western Sydney committee and become active. I do a visit probably every two weeks, and sometimes we just go and chat but it makes others feel so good – and I get so much out of it too.

“I still can’t believe it happened.”

“I enjoy speaking about the Foundation, which I did in Perth during Origin when we had a Western Reds reunion, and at a recent Wests Tigers vs Sydney Roosters game.

Weeks after Leon’s death, Luke heard from Monique. They chatted on the phone and she was a great comfort to him. Five months later, he asked if they could meet face to face so he could thank her personally.

“That’s the power of rugby league. We might come from different backgrounds, be sponsors’ guests at an NRL game or a former player who feels lonely or down, and what we have in common is rugby league.

Gradually, a relationship developed and Luke has joined her in running the Chad Robinson Legacy Foundation aimed at

“It is a brotherhood, a special bond.”

Goodwin hit the scene as a gifted, fast and exuberant utility Men of League Foundation | 19

back and played for Country Origin in his second season in first grade, after switching from Penrith to Canterbury in 1993. However, his career did not reach the heights many had predicted for him.

And he had to contend with his own challenges.

He was a passenger in the fatal car accident that claimed the life of Ben Alexander in 1992. A tee-totaller, he says he planned to drive that night but accepted Alexander was fine to take the wheel after watching him drinking orange juice as they left (he’d earlier been drinking beer).

Goodwin went from club to club in ensuing years and admitted after he retired (he had two seasons in England) he struggled with losing identity, camaraderie and the routine football at professional level provides, yet leapt into a business life in sales.

But he now has more clarity.

“I was at my lowest for five months and I had a lot of questions after Leon took his life,” he said.

“Monique sent me a message saying we have a mutual friend if you ever need anyone to talk to, just call me as she’d only gone through it a few months earlier.

“In the end we bonded over our brothers. But I learned we can also help others by being there for them – but learning how to do that more effectively.

“We all have our own journey in life; I’ve had some hurdles but I am no better off or worse off than another person. It just made me the person I am today.

“At the end of the day we all have our ‘why’ for doing something.”

Luke and Monique … joining forces to help others.

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OVER 100 STORES AND 140 RESELLERS NATIONWIDE

BOOST FOR Perth was abuzz when rugby league’s biggest showpiece – State of Origin - came to the city for the first time in June.

Thousands flew west for the second game of the Holden Origin series while many locals turned up to set a new attendance record for any sport at Optus Stadium (59,721).

Little known to many in the eastern states is that the city has a rich rugby league history, with a viable club competition that dates back to 1948, Great Britain and France often starting their Australian tours there from 1950-90 and representation in the ARL/NRL competitions and Super League from 1995-97 as the Perth Reds.

Plus several players who came through the Perth juniors have made it to the NRL like Waqa Blake, Corey Paterson, Daniel Holdsworth, Matt Petersen, Curtis Rona and the Goodwin brothers Luke, Bronx and Bronson.

The Western Australia Men of League Foundation committee played a key role in the Origin build-up and hosted a couple of great events while also being heavily involved at the official Perth State of Origin luncheon hosted by the NRL. The official Origin luncheon, held at Perth Convention Centre on the Friday leading up to the match, was a great opportunity for the Foundation to raise its profile in Western Australia. In a room full of 500 people, the Foundation was introduced by MC James Bracey (Channel 9) as the official charity partner of the lunch, we had our membership TVC played on the big screens and some key messages about what we do were conveyed to the audience.

All proceeds raised from a raffle went to the Foundation, generating more than $12,500 thanks to the generosity of the NRL and guests.

On Friday night, the WA committee hosted the first of their two events with a Kick-Off Club at the Gloucester Park trots.

There was a great turnout which coincided with the Western

The Kick-Off Club at Gloucester Park was a huge success with a great turnout on the night, with many former Perth Reds players attending.

Reds’ 25-year reunion, attracting many former players who enjoyed the chance to catch up and also learn about what Men of League Foundation achieves.

The most popular part of the evening was undoubtedly when it came time to recognise the Foundation’s WA Volunteer of the Year. The award went to the deserving James ‘Sully’ Sullivan, the hard-working painter who is genuinely ‘Mr Rugby League’ in Perth with his passion he exudes on local radio, through the Perth league and as president of the WA committee.

A second Kick-Off Club was held at the Bridge Bar on Sunday afternoon preceding the Origin match. The opportunity to raise awareness about the Foundation was a success, with a raffle also conducted to help raise additional funds.

Overall, it was a very successful weekend in Perth for the Foundation. Awareness was spread, funds were raised and we will look to continue to strengthen our footprint in WA through the great work of our committee there.

“The feedback has been tremendous since the Origin match and it’s certainly left a good taste in the mouth of a lot of people,” said Sullivan.

“They reckon 15,000 came to town from the east coast but that left nearly 45,000 locals who turned up to the game and plenty of them are still talking about rugby league. A lot of them commented that the AFL have nothing like The Men of League Foundation.

“As far as the Foundation is concerned, the events were fantastic for us. We raised a good bit of money and raised the awareness with a lot of people asking about what we do and we apparently got a lot of pledges for new membership. Only time will tell if they are converted.”

Anyone who would like to get involved with the Foundation in Western Australia please contact with via email to admin@menofleague.com

James ‘Sully’ Sullivan was awarded the WA volunteer of the year award for 2019.

Men of League Foundation | 21

MEN OF LEAGUE FOUNDATION

AUGUST 2019 21

Kick Off Club

Norths Devils Leagues Club, Nundah

30

Lunch

St George Leagues Club

SEPTEMBER 2019 06

QLD Annual Lunch

Royal International Convention Centre, RNA Brisbane

06

Luncheon

The Beach Club Collaroy

20

Bowls Day

Nelsons Bay Bowls Club

20

Bowls Day

Shelly Beach Golf Club

28

Golf Day

Bombala Golf Club

28

Kick Off Club

Wyong Hotel

29

Bowls Day

Taree Bowls Club

22 | Men of League Foundation

CARING FOR THE MEN, WOMEN AND2019 CHILDREN OCTOBER OF THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

01

Bowls Day

Narrabri Bowls Club

07

Bowls Day

Forbes Bowls Club

10

Kick Off Club

Mooloolaba Surf Club

14

Golf Day

Ballina Golf Club

15

Race Day

Newcastle Broadmeadow Race Course

18

Golf Day

Dubbo Golf Course

25

Bowls Day

North Toowoomba Bowls Club

25

Four Person Ambrose Golf

Twin Waters Golf Course

NOVEMBER 2019 09

Golf Day 6th Annual

Goondiwindi Golf Course

22

Sportsmen’s Dinner

Brothers Sports Club

24

Maryborough Golf Day

Maryborough Golf Club

DECEMBER 2019 06

Christmas Lunch

Maroochy RSL

Men of League Foundation | 23

C R A Z Y S U P P O RT SOCKS ROUND From Eden to Ettalong, Willoughby to Warilla, Milperra to Maitland, Orana Hills to Orange, Revesby to Rockhampton and Southport to South Perth … it sure was a fun, crazy weekend.

Of course, we are referring to Men of League Foundation’s Crazy Sock Round held on the weekend of 27-28 July.

Rugby league teams from all over the country left their regular club socks in the draws at home and donned Men of League Foundation crazy socks to show their support of the Foundation.

The ‘buy in’ from under six to open age throughout many parts of the country was overwhelming with our entire stock of socks sold out.

Beacon Hill Bears

24 | Men of League Foundation

Funds raised went directly to helping those men, women and children from the rugby league family who have fallen on hard times.

The gesture of the rugby league community that extends from grassroots to the NRL shows that we are part of the biggest and best family in Australian sport.

A very big thank you goes to all those who participated. Next year’s round will be bigger again!

Here is a selection of photos submitted by some of the many junior clubs who took part and the NRL players who supported us.

Hills Bulls pre-game huddle

Parramatta’s Kane Evans

Submitted by Eden Tigers

Sutherland Loftus United Pirates Under 13’s

Jordan from Hills Bulls under 15s league tag

Willoughby Roos

Brisbane Broncos captain Darius Boyd

South Perth under-11s

Men of League Foundation | 25

N E V E R TA S T E D BETTER JOE BOKEYAR Young Jye Howle could not believe who was shouting out to him as he sat outside Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick waiting for a lift from Men of League Foundation to an undisclosed lunch venue.

It was former NSW Blues five-eighth Josh Reynolds, from his favourite team Wests Tigers, who greeted him from metres away with: “Is there a young man called Jye here?”

“He wasn’t sure who was going to pick him up but when he saw Josh’s face, his eyes lit up, it was an awesome feeling because he was so shocked,” said Ryan Matterson who then accompanied his Tigers teammate to a special lunch with Jye, his mother and two brothers as part of the joint FoundationWests Tigers initiative called ‘Acts of Kindness’.

The Bowraville junior player had had to undergone six operations after being airlifted to Sydney, having had his foot crushed by a tractor in an accident at his Macksville home, then headed to a noodle bar for a lunch of his favourite food, dumplings, with his NRL heroes.

When rugby league community members from regional areas travel to major cities for hospital treatment, the Men of League Foundation often assists by providing transport to and from the airport or medical appointments.

Foundation volunteers also visit people during their hospital stays to provide a friendly face, lift spirits and to break up what can be a lonely stay in hospital.

26 | Men of League Foundation

On this particular day, behind the wheel of the Men of League Foundation car were Matterson and Reynolds. When the group arrived at the restaurant, their table was decorated in Tigers coloured balloons and they talked all things footy and how to stay positive during recovery.

During the lunch, Matterson shared a special video message from Jye’s favourite player Luke Brooks, who is also a Men of League Foundation ambassador.

Jye’s eyes lit up as he watched Brooks’ heartfelt message. The experience will stay with him for the rest of his life.

“There are that many people out there who are going through tough times, and the good thing about Men of League is that anyone who has played the game or been associated with the game, whether it is a mother or father or child or brother, they are happy to help them,” Reynold said.

“I honestly feel privileged to have met Jye and his family. They have been having a hard time lately and we just tried to take him to his favourite place and have a nice lunch and try to take their minds off the tough time they were going through.

“As footy players we are lucky enough to come along to lunch and make people smile and the Men of League Foundation are helping us do that.”

Foundation friends, the Rydges Hotel in Sydney Central, generously donated a two-night stay with breakfast and parking to Jye and his family which they will be able to utilise when they are in Sydney for Jye’s next check-up.

Ready for a very special lunch, and act of kindness (from left) Rydges Hotels and Resorts’ area director Jenny Tennick, Men of League Foundation national partnerships manager Debbie Rowley, Jye, Josh Reynolds, Jye’s brother Logan, Ryan Matterson and Jye’s other brother Brody.

FOUNDATION LINKS The Rugby League Players’ Association (RLPA) and the Men of League Foundation will officially partner up for the first time – joining forces to raise awareness and promote the assistance that is available to the rugby league community.

“The current transition program offers support for players up to five years post-career but it’s important that players are aware that they are not alone after that period, but that support is available through the Men of League Foundation.

The RLPA the Foundation will collaborate on a range of projects, with the partnership based on the principles of information sharing, reciprocity of benefits and acknowledging the important role each party has in the industry.

“We look forward to strengthening the relationship between the RLPA and the Men of League Foundation through this new partnership and promoting their outstanding work within the community.”

The partnership will also look to eliminate the gap between the support available for retiring players through the transition program and members of the Foundation.

The RLPA attended a visit with the Foundation to see Manly Sea Eagles legend Terry Randall in early July. Current Sea Eagles Morgan Boyle and Brad Parker also joined the visit.

From this year, each retiring NRL player will automatically become a bronze Men of League Foundation member under the partnership.

“The RLPA is such a great platform to get the message out to current and recently retired players as to just what the Men of League Foundation does to support the broader rugby league community, including those retired elite players, men, women, and children who may need some support at some point in their lives,” Mr Lowndes stated.

RLPA Chief Executive Ian Prendergast said he looked forward to collaborating further with the Men of League Foundation.

“The Men of League Foundation plays such an integral role within the rugby league community, so it’s with great excitement that we announce this new partnership,” Mr Prendergast said.

“One of the key outcomes that we are looking to achieve is to raise awareness within our current membership of the incredible contribution that the Men of League Foundation provides to not only past players but the entire rugby league community.

“It’s important that we bridge the gap between players leaving the game through to those who have a genuine connection with opportunities to help and support others.

“Men of League Foundation are also there for past players who fall on hard times beyond their transition out of the NRL.

Joining forces … Men of League Foundation CEO Stephen Lowndes and RLPA CEO Ian Prendergast.

“It is a natural extension of the support network that the RLPA already provides to current and transitioning players and their families.

“There are some very practical and effective things the two organisations can do to build awareness within the rugby league community, and to create effective pathways to support those men, women and children of the rugby league family who are facing hardship and need assistance.

“Having elite players transitioning to retirement come on board as bronze members, knowing what the Foundation is about, will really help us to connect with those in need.”

The RLPA and Men of League Foundation will begin developing further initiatives that will grow the partnership between the two organisations and will promote the assistance available to the rugby league community.

Combining resources … (from left) Stephen Lowndes, Bruce Walker, Jessica Macartney (all Men of League Foundation), Brad Parker, Trevor Bailey (North Sydney committee president), Ian Prendergast (RLPA), Morgan Boyle and Terry Randall.

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WOMEN CELEBRATE

IN AN ERA WHERE THE GAME IS EVOLVING WITH WOMEN’S RUGBY LEAGUE ENJOYING A VASTLY INCREASED PROFILE IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, THE MEN OF LEAGUE FOUNDATION HELPED CELEBRATE WOMEN IN THE GAME BY HOSTING OUR FIRST EVER WOMEN’S LUNCH IN BRISBANE. JODIE WATSON Opened by the Foundation’s deputy chair Helen Wood Grant, the lunch delivered messages of where the game has come from and what the future holds for women’s rugby league, which will stage its second NRLW competition between NRLfunded teams in August after successful State of Origin and international games during the representative round this season.

The event was compered by Rachel Thaiday, wife of larrikin former Broncos, Queensland and Australian Test forward Sam, and featured a panel that included Australian and Maroons star, Chelsea Baker, and Kate Jones, Queensland’s Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development and Queensland Rugby League patron.

They relayed their passion for the game, the Foundation and the potential for the women to take the sport to another level.

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Although the lunch was primarily about celebrating the women’s game, it also was about raising awareness and funds for Men of League Foundation.

Twenty-four-year-old West Panthers player Grace Huggins fought back tears while sharing her story. Huggins grew up with a single mother and dreamed of representing Australia in Taekwondo at the 2016 Olympic Games. However, she suffered a career ending pelvic and lower back fracture.

As a schoolgirl, she participated in everything on offer from swimming to football while on scholarship at Mt St Michael College in Ashgrove (Brisbane) but realised after completing school that rugby league was her calling.

With the game moving ahead in leaps and bounds, Huggins had a new goal - to play State of Origin for Queensland. She joined West Panthers in 2017, taking the role of a winger and was a natural. Soon after she learned life can change at any moment and the flick passes will keep coming, and she could catch them and continue running, or fumble them.

Grace’s mother, who has suffered severely from the anxiety order agoraphobia since Grace was young, was diagnosed with a brain tumour. The family suffered emotionally and financially but Grace knew she had to be strong for her mum, so she would take days off work to drive her to appointments as attending public places is difficult for people with agoraphobia.

Rugby league became Grace’s outlet, a much-needed therapy to some degree, she said, and she was preparing well for the 2019 season, fitter and more confident than she had ever been.

She couldn’t wait for the season to begin when she broke a foot and tore three ligaments in a training drill.

What she thought would be a minor setback for a long-term goal of representing the Maroons within two years developed into something much worse when doctors showed concern about her slow healing at a six-week check-up.

Further tests confirmed that the 24-year-old Huggins had arthritis which would prevent her from running again.

A strong determined woman, and daughter of a single mother who had her own serious health issues, Grace became a shell of her former self. With her own medical bills pilling up, she reached out to the Men of League Foundation.

“SHE SAYS THE

CONNECTION CHANGED HER LIFE, PROVIDING HER WITH RELIEF AND THE INSPIRATION TO KEEP GOING.” There wasn’t a dry eye in the room after Huggins shared her story at the luncheon. Asked how she could show such strength after being confronted with so many setbacks, Grace said it was the Foundation that gave her hope to keep striving and enjoying the game of rugby league as she discovered she

Grace Huggins (left) and Rachael Thaiday.

Ladies Day … (from left) Grace Huggins, Jackie Lewis, Amy-Leigh Fitzpatrick-Cope, Ann Fitzpatrick and Lisa Strudwick.

wasn’t alone, that there is a ‘family’ from the rugby league community ready and able to help. All she had to do was ask.

We thank Grace Huggins for sharing her story and the work the Men of League Foundation does with the men, women and children of the rugby league community.

The Foundation also appreciates the partnership with Phlip Inspired (cupcake supplier) and Fancy Schmancy Balloons Co. (table decorations) for their support of our inaugural women’s lunch.

Keep a look out for our next women’s event or consider getting a group together and join us celebrating Australian great sporting moments at the Queensland annual lunch on 6 September.

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THE GREATEST OF THE GALLOPING OUR STRONG TOOWOOMBA COMMITTEE HAS PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN LAUNCHING A VERY IMPRESSIVE HALL OF FAME AND TEAM OF THE CENTURY IN ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S MOST PROLIFIC TALENT-PRODUCING REGIONS.

Artist Cindy Macdonald’s impression of the team of the century. BACK ROW (from left): Doyle, Banks, Steinorht, Price, McGovern, McMahon. MIDDLE: Dempsey, Madsen, Armbuster, Rasmussen, Hancock, Thurston, Gorman. FRONT: Webcke, Hall, Bennett, Drake, Thompson, Gleeson, McDonald.

BARRY ROSS From the early days of Australian Rugby League, Queensland’s Darling Downs have produced many great players and champion teams. In 1924-25 Toowoomba was probably the best team in the country, including all the Sydney clubs.

In that time the region’s rep team was unbeaten in 12 games, scoring 323 points to 136. In 1924, the Galloping Clydesdales beat the touring Englishmen 23-20, defeated a strong NSW team 16-0 and outclassed Brisbane 30-7. The next season, they defeated New Zealand 16-14 and the premiership-winning South Sydney team that included three Test players and seven NSW representatives, by 12-5.

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The progressive Toowoomba Men of League committee has just established a local hall of fame to celebrate this centenary of the local league that was formed in 1919. There are 57 players from Toowoomba to have represented Australia. This list spans 87 years, from Edwin Brown in 1921 to Carl Webb (debuted in 2008).

There have also been 180 Toowoomba district players who have represented Queensland, making selection in the hall of fame a prestigious honour indeed.

After many hours of hard work and research, committee president Tony Coonan and chairman of the Toowoomba Rugby League Brian Gilroy announced their initial inductees, as well as the team of the century from 1919, at a gala centenary dinner on 22 June.

The criteria for inclusion in the hall of fame was that candidates needed to have lived in the Toowoomba league area and have played in the local competition for at least two years. The Toowoomba Men of League Committee plan to have annual inductions in the coming years.

The team of the century shows just how many iconic figures the region has developed. Seven players – Duncan Thompson, Mick Madsen, Duncan Hall, Tom Gorman, Herb Steinohrt, Dan Dempsey and Shane Webcke - are listed in the NRL’s hall of fame as part of the game’s top 100 all-time players declared in 2008, and five (Thompson, Madsen, Hall, Gorman and Steinohrt) were chosen in Queensland’s team of the century.

TEAM OF THE

1. FRANK DRAKE

THE 2019 INDUCTEES ARE:

2. DES MCGOVERN

1920s: HERB STEINOHRT (MBE). Born in Pittsworth on 21 October 1899. A big and strong forward, he played nine Tests, captaining Australia in three, and played 51 games for Queensland. He died on 27 December 1985, aged 86.

3. TOM GORMAN

1930s: PETER ‘Mick’ MADSEN. Born on 16 September 1901 in the town of Tannymorel, near Warwick. A clever and tough forward, he played nine Tests, one as captain and 48 games for Queensland. He was the first Australian player to fly to a Test match when he was a late call up in 1936 for the third Test against England in Sydney. He died on 2 February 1979, aged 78.

1940s: PAT McMAHON. Born in Mt Isa on 21 June 1927. A try-scoring winger, he played at Mt Isa and Babinda before coming to Toowoomba to be coached by Duncan Thompson. He played nine Tests and 15 games for Queensland. He died on 25 November 2013, aged 86.

4. JOHN MCDONALD 5. MICHAEL HANCOCK 6. BOB BANKS 7. JOHNATHAN THURSTON 8. HERB STEINOHRT 9. DAN DEMPSEY

1950s: DES McGOVERN. Born in Toowoomba on 13 February 1928, made three overseas tours with Australian teams, to England in 1952 and 1956, and to New Zealand in 1953. He played seven Tests and 17 games for Queensland. The voice of Darling Downs sports radio for 36 years, he died on 8 February 2013, aged 84.

10. PETER ‘MICK’ MADSEN

1960s: JOHN GLEESON. Born in Chinchilla on 28 December 1938. A talented fiveeighth who toured England and France with the 1963 and 1967 Kangaroos and to New Zealand. Played 10 Tests and 25 games for Queensland.

12. DUNCAN HALL

11. STEVE PRICE

13. ELTON RASMUSSEN

1970s: GREG PLATZ. Born in Toowoomba on 29 September 1950. Played one Test against New Zealand in 1978 as a second-rower and 10 games for Queensland.

1980s: ROHAN HANCOCK. Born in Toowoomba on 18 June 1955. A hard-working forward, he toured New Zealand with the 1980 Australian team and to England and France with the 1982 Kangaroos. He played 3 Tests and 11 games for Queensland.

14. IAN DOYLE

1990s: SHANE WEBCKE. Born in Leyburn on 28 September 1974. Regarded as one of Australia’s best props, he played in the 2000 World Cup and toured England with the 2003 Kangaroos and the 2004 Tri Nations team. He played 25 Tests and 24 games for Queensland.

16. SHANE WEBCKE

2000s: STEVE PRICE (MNZM). Born in Dalby on 12 March 1974, he played 16 Tests and 28 games for Queensland. The talented prop made the 2005 Tri Nations tour to England and played in the 2008 World Cup.

18. PAT MCMAHON

2010s: JONATHAN THURSTON (AM). Born in Brisbane on 25 April 1983. A dominant ball-playing halfback and three times Dally M Medal winner, he played 38 Tests and 37 State of Origin games for Queensland.

COACHES:

Two other categories were struck as part of the hall of fame.

15. VIC ARMBRUSTER

17. JOHN GLEESON

DUNCAN THOMPSON AND WAYNE BENNETT

THE GROUND BREAKERS: Bob Meibusch, who was the father of Toowoomba Rugby League; Sam Parker who was the first Toowoomba player to represent Queensland; Edwin Brown who was the first Toowoomba player to represent Australia; Kevin ‘Dick’ Rose who is the first Indigenous player to captain the Clydesdales and Melissa ‘Millie’ Edwards, the first Toowoomba female player to represent Queensland and Australia.

ICONS: An elite group was announced as those who had achievements above and beyond the Toowoomba Rugby League and who were highly recognised at the national level: Duncan Thompson, Tom Gorman, Duncan Hall and John McDonald.

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AROUND TH MALACHI TOSSED INTO ORIGIN EXPERIENCE

WILL SMITH MAKES YOUNG EELS FANS SMILE

The Men of League Foundation had the honour of supplying the person to conduct the coin toss at the opening State of Origin game in Brisbane. Malachi Toka, from the Redcliffe Dolphins, whose mother Laura is living with breast cancer, was chosen to attend on behalf of the Foundation. Malachi has been a great supporter and help to his mum and little sister Leilani while Laura has been recuperating.

Parramatta Eels player Will Smith surprised some young fans at the Men of League Foundation tent at Bankwest Stadium before a recent match.

YOUNG BLUES BECOME HEADS OF THE HOUSE The NSW under-20s State of Origin team accompanied Men of League Foundation staff to Ronald McDonald House (Westmead) to visit families. Pictured are the Blues players plus some family members and former NSW fullback Mark Hughes (seated far right).

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HE GOSFORD RACE DAY A BIG SUCCESS Central Coast’s committee’s major annual fundraising event, a charity race day held at The Entertainment Grounds Gosford on 18 July, was a great success with over 300 people attending. Many thanks go to the race sponsors The Grange Hotel Wyoming, Glason Group, The Entrance Leagues Club, Central Coast Leagues Club, Ettalong Diggers Club, Domain Property, Brisbane Water Glass and Eagles Plumbing. Once again Reg Delaney gave his time to MC the event which he ensured the smooth operation of proceedings during the day. The support of the race club and staff is very much appreciated. Thanks to Jai Arrow for his support in donating memorabilia items, Domain Property for an auction item and Crown Plaza Terrigal for the raffle prize. Overall, the support of local Business and the community made the day a success.

‘CROCK’ REVVED UP BY LLEWELLYN TEAM Former Queensland and Kangaroos hard-man Michael Crocker may have proven he picked the right sport when he selected rugby league ahead of golf but his presence was a bonus for the Queensland annual golf day at Indooroopilly in May. ‘Crock’ is pictured here (second from Men of League Foundation sponsor Llewllyns, including Fleet Business Development Manager Chris Hunter (far right).

IN SUPPORT OF SCOTT DUREAU The fund-raiser to assist Scott Dureau, held in association with the Newcastle Knights, was one of the most successful events the Foundation has undertaken.

Here is a selection of photos which shows the success of the night.

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Jack David Robison enjoyedleague the day.names like Raudonikis, O’Connor, Johns, Masters, Richardson, Walters, Ribot and Ikin.

ThisHastie, photo shows some ofand the Brent localsDalby and familiar

ORIGIN ROYALTY AT The Brisbane committee conducted its third annual State of Origin wrap-up lunch at the Norths Leagues and Services Club at Kallangur on Friday 12 July.

The audience also saw a video describing the Foundation and some of the great work done to help members of the rugby league community.

Once again this event was held with the generosity from the board, management and staff at Norths who have been great supporters of our Foundation for many years.

The special guests participated in a panel interview, conducted by MC Evan Bancroft. This was an informative and well-humoured discussion between some very passionate personalities from both states.

Held in a sports lunch format, this event was scheduled two days after the deciding State of Origin match in Sydney and was attended by 300 people.

Guest speakers included former stars from both states with Queensland represented by current coach and former star Kevin Walters and former player Ben Ikin. NSW were represented by former player Chris Johns and ex-St George and Wests Magpies coach Roy Masters. Former dual internationals Michael O’Connor and Geoff Richardson were also present, as well as former internationals John Ribot and Tom Raudonikis, Blues skipper for Origin’s first night in 1980, who all made great contributions to the afternoon.

The audience heard first-hand accounts from Walters on key moments and some of the personal player performances throughout the series. Ikin also shared his perspective on some key highlights and of a number of missed opportunities for Queensland.

Chris Johns informed the group about the intense pressures involved with State of Origin and some great insight into some advice provided to him during his playing days from coach Phil Gould. Masters shared his reflections about the series, including the importance of NSW winning the final game with so much weight of expectation.

The event opened with a glowing tribute from Richardson to former Australian and Queensland halfback Barry Muir.

‘Richo’ took the audience through Barry’s successful playing and coaching career and provided great personal insight into one of the legends of our game.

The group reminisced on many great stories from previous Origin series, and great NRL/ARL sides and characters from the past. The MC opened up questions from the floor and the guests were also treated to some spontaneous insight from O’Connor on some highlights for his playing career.

This was followed by a touching interview with Mick Cummings, a former player with Wests-Mitchelton and Wests seniors at Brisbane, whose coaches included Muir. Cummings gave a heartfelt account of how the Men of League Foundation supported him during his time of need and provided the audience with some personal insight into the Foundation’s wellbeing activities.

Participants were also fortunate to participate in some great auctions and raffles, which raised some very important funds which allow the Foundation to continue the great work.

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A special thanks to John Ribot and the board and management from Norths, who provided a quality venue, quality catering and a fantastic afternoon. The Men of League Foundation also wishes to acknowledge the all-important sponsors and donors who make these events possible.

MIRACLE ORIGIN TRY

Trevor Hohns, Willie Carne and Ian Dauth exchange yarns.

TONY DURKIN More than 260 guests attended the 11th annual Sunshine Coast State of Origin luncheon, held at Maroochy RSL, with discussion around Queensland’s 1994 ‘miracle’ match winning try at the Sydney Football Stadium and insights into the current Ashes cricket series provided by head of selectors Trevor Hohn.

Willie Carne, man of the match in the Origin I game of ’94 won in the dying seconds by a spectacular team try finished off by interchange player Mark Coyne, gave an insider’s impression of the memorable Origin play that included 11 pairs that handled in an 80-metre movement which swept from one side of the field to the other.

The Noosa-based real estate agent in that last-minute victory, Carne had scored five minutes earlier to get the Maroons back into the contest.

Complementing Carne as a speaker was Australian Cricket’s chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns, four days prior to him leaving for the World Cup finals and the Ashes series in England. Queensland wellbeing manager Mark Bunting also addressed the audience.

The luncheon was another outstanding success, with a record financial result emanating chiefly from the generous and ongoing support of major sponsors Maroochy RSL, Lion XXXX, Vintage House Wine and Spirits and Ord Minnett. And the support from the guests for the auctions and raffles was outstanding.

Jack Hastie, David Robison and Brent Dalby enjoyed the day.

Top price paid at the auction, once again conducted by Steve Turner of Platinum Properties Maroochydore, was $5000 for a giant mosaic of Darren Lockyer. The 2.5m x 1.4m mosaic mural of the former Queensland captain hoisting the State of Origin shield was donated by Roy and Dawn Wells of Natural Tile at Maroochydore.

After a healthy bidding contest, the item was knocked down to Brett Grambower, a Caloundra concreter. The owner of Grambower Concrete, Brett now has the large mural taking pride of place in his industrial shed, suitably adorning the bar area.

Other intriguing anecdotes from the auction results included: James Brownsworth bought a Kingfisher Bay Resort getaway and whale watching cruise as a ‘thank-you’ gift for a key staff member Sunshine Coast committee patron Harry Reed was the successful bidder for a Broncos-Panthers corporate box/ accommodation package and passed it on to his brother Alan, a former Panthers player Troy Derwin, father of a player in the Maroochy Swans under12s rugby union team, purchased a Broncos junior skills coaching session so his players can be coached to tackle, and run straight.

The next major function hosted by the Sunshine Coast committee will be a golf day at Twin Waters on Friday, 25 October while the annual Christmas luncheon will be held on 6 December, again at Maroochy RSL.

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A PASSION FOR KATE CORNISH

Greater numbers of women are engaged, and they are holding the game and the men involved accountable; wanting to breed a new version of the game that we can all be proud of.

“I would often arrive at ballet after footy training with mud up my legs, or sometimes at footy training with a ballet bun. I have always been a bit of a contradiction.�

While we still have a long way to go in regard to having females in positions of power and influence (think Marina Go, former chair of the Wests Tigers), women are taking up spaces within the sport that in the past would have been historically reserved for men.

Jessica Macartney is many things; passionate, driven and genuine. She is also one of the women involved in rugby league who are absolutely integral to its existence, its preservation and its future.

A few months ago, I came across Men of League Foundation on social media. Jess had shared a heart-warming story that the Foundation had recently been a part of, re-tweeting the piece with warmth and compassion and it caught my attention. I wanted to know more about Men of League Foundation, but more importantly, the woman behind the tweet.

The landscape of rugby league in Australia is changing. While there may be some who are trying to resist it, they can no longer ignore that it is happening. Women are becoming more vocal and are investing more time in the sport than ever before.

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Women like Jess Macartney are on the forefront of this change, making their presence felt in a male dominated field, with their smarts, their attitude, their fortitude for creating change but above all their love of the game.

All of us who love rugby league have a story, Jess is no different.

She has a long and beautiful relationship with this game, a connection that has undoubtedly helped shape her into the

teaching had taken its toll, and she was feeling burnt out.

She could never have known a trip to Sydney to watch the State of Origin would be the catalyst for the events that would ultimately change her career and her life path.

“I thought to myself if I wasn’t a teacher anymore what would I be? I typed ‘league jobs’ into Google and up came an education manager role at the NRL. I thought why not and threw my hat in the ring. Eight weeks later I moved to Sydney and turned my passion into a career.”

After a few years being professionally involved in the league scene, Jess was approached and asked to take responsibility for the NRL health portfolio. She learned that role on-the-job working alongside expert mental health partners.

It was at this time that she became incredibly passionate about the role that sport could have in improving mental health outcomes for the community.

“I wrote a program at the NRL called State of Mind and drafted some high-profile players to use their profile as State of Mind ambassadors, and it remains one of my career achievements I am most proud of,” she says.

person and the career woman she is today.

Jessica was born in Australia to a Kiwi father and Australian mother and the family moved to Auckland for her dad’s job when she was young.

“We only really had my grandparents, so my mum went in search of a community,” she said. “My papa was an Eels man and so my mum went and found the local rugby league club, the Northcote Tigers.

“She joined up and paid her membership. As part of her membership she was told she would get a newsletter from the club. Her newsletter never came and when she inquired as to its whereabouts, she was told that there wasn’t a current volunteer to write one.”

Her mother decided to help out. She became the under-10s coach and being a family of only girls did not matter in the slightest as Jess and her two sisters proudly took to the field in their Tigers jerseys. Her dad was involved too, becoming a highly sought-after football manager. He even managed the Kiwi Ferns a few years ago.

Rugby league really was a Macartney family affair although, while Jessica insists her sisters were pretty good at footy, she says she was “average”.

There are not many roles that Jess has not turned her hand to in rugby league. She has helped support it at grassroots level as a kid in the canteen, she was a Northcote Tigers cheerleader in the local Christmas Parade float and a “pretty cute ball kid”.

As she got older and wiser, Jessica spent time as a selector for the Auckland junior representative teams and as a strength and conditioning coach. She also had the incredible opportunity to commentate the Fox Memorial Shield competition on Auckland for Radio Waatea alongside Dale Husband.

Jess studied to be a teacher at university, and in 2013 was head of the PE department for an all-girls school but seven years of

After devoting so much time to the State of Mind program, Jessica spent some time working with headspace, an Australian non-profit organisation for youth mental health. In her spare time, she found herself drawn back to league as a volunteer on the wellbeing committee for the Men of League Foundation.

Six months later she was offered a role as their national wellbeing manager. And her passion for the job is obvious.

“Even for those who have heard of the Men of League Foundation the vast majority will not be aware of the width and breadth of what we do,” she said.

“Essentially, we are a cradle-to-grave support system assisting those in the rugby league family who fall on hard times. The Foundation is unique to Australian sport as it provides assistance to anyone within the code who has made a genuine and authentic contribution to the game. That includes people who have been players at any level, volunteered or officiated.

“We have a network of hundreds of volunteers across the country who visit people who are isolated or doing it tough. The Foundation’s work is important to me because I know firsthand the difference we can make. People’s lives can change in an instant. People who were living well can suddenly be faced with adversity they never saw coming. Knowing that they won’t have to face that alone makes me proud.”

There are over 500 volunteers across Australia and Jess describes them as “the lifeblood of the Foundation”. The volunteers are representative of 43 communities within the organisation. Last year they proudly performed over 1500 hours of visits to homes, hospitals and rehab centres.

In early 2019 a Men of League valuable initiative called Acts of Kindness was launched with Wests Tigers. However, all of the NRL clubs are generous with their time and the Foundation has official partnerships with the West Tigers, Parramatta Eels, Penrith Panthers and North Queensland Cowboys.

“Acts of Kindness have also been a way for Men of League to engage younger players within the NRL,” Jessica said. “The role of ambassador within the organisation is something that they are also very proud of.

“It is no doubt heart-warming to have current players want to be

Men of League Foundation | 37

On air with Souths player Dylan Walker.

so actively involved in helping the rugby league community for no other reason than because they believe in what Men of League Foundation does.

“Two current players, Luke Brooks and Clint Gutherson, have recently volunteered to lend their profile to raise awareness for the Foundation and the great work we do.

“Luke volunteered after joining us on a visit and witnessing firsthand the impact we have. When we have young up-andcoming players volunteer their time it gives me hope that the legacy created by Ron Coote and his former teammates all those years ago will continue into the future and is in safe hands.”

As any woman who is involved in rugby league will know, it is not always easy to be passionate and unwavering in your support of the game you love so much. Certainly, in the past seven months there have been moments when even the staunchest of supporters have wondered why on earth they are still around.

For the most part, fans have been unanimous in their voicing that ‘enough is enough’ when it comes to unsavoury player behaviour.

The NRL has drawn a line in the sand and understands there are standards that fans expect of players. Being a player no longer means you are immune to the consequences of your behaviour.

The old school mentality that ‘boys will be boys’ no longer stands as more and more women filter through the organisation.

Saying that, fans mostly get a hyped-up media version of events that are played ad nauseum until seemingly the next scandal jumps in to take its place. It has been said that we must understand that less than one percent of the players involved in the NRL make the headlines for all the wrong reasons. There are many, many more, like the men that Jess works with, that bring balance to that negative perspective.

“I have asked myself that several times over the last few months why I should stay involved,” she said. “I stay involved for a few reasons; firstly, I know that the NRL competition is one part of rugby league, but it isn’t the whole picture.

“Rugby league is so much more than the 16 teams in that one competition. It isn’t glamorous but it’s actually the grassroots that I Iove.

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“I KNOW THE NRL COMPETITION IS ONE PART OF RUGBY LEAGUE, BUT IT ISN’T THE WHOLE PICTURE.” “Secondly, for the past five or six years I have been in a very privileged position where I have worked with the NRL players in the community space. I get to see firsthand every day the difference that players make in the lives of others.

“I work closely with the Joel Thompsons and Darius Boyds of the game, so I get a balance to the bad news that we see in the media. I wish everyone had more of an opportunity to see the positive impact the game has.”

As the number of women who are stakeholders in rugby league rise, be it in membership numbers, health professionals, journalists, physiotherapists, referees and players – the contribution of women like Jessica Macartney cannot be understated.

WIDDERS SIGNS ON AS Dean Widders has always known the Men of League Foundation is something special: an army of like-minded individuals who love nothing more than their footy and coming together to “help out a mate when things get tough”.

“It’s the backbone of rugby league and what makes the game so good,” Widders said.

“As someone who made it in the sport, I know that the volunteers at every club and all the selfless acts that they do are what brings success.

“That attitude of helping out a mate when things get tough; that’s what it’s all about.”

Having grown up in Armidale idolising the footy players at his local clubs, Widders was scouted by Sydney Roosters legend Arthur Beetson and moved to Bondi as a teenager where he began a career that would also have stops in Parramatta and Redfern and Castleford in England.

And while the former second-rower, who played 159 NRL games, has watched from the outside the incredible growth of

the Foundation, he knows firsthand the impact that wellbeing officers, alongside the many loyal and caring volunteers, can have.

Dean’s uncle Bill – a talented, craft halfback in his day – recently passed away from cancer after battling valiantly with the support of his family and the Foundation.

“They [the Foundation] went above and beyond for him,” Widders said. “It’s obviously fantastic to get the support because being on the road all the time, the travel, the accommodation and medical bills all take their toll.

“But then there’s also the compassion – so many people within the Foundation perform outside their role.”

Widders is getting behind the Foundation himself, coming on board as an ambassador in the hope of increasing awareness of the work the organisation does in the rugby league community.

“I’m excited to get more involved in the fundraising and events and just lend a hand and do my bit for the Foundation,” Widders said.

Men of League Foundation | 39

FOUNDATION

LINKS WITH

NSW state manager Bruce Walker shakes hand on the MOU with Panthers general manager rugby league Matt Cameron.

The depth of Men of League Foundation’s partnership with National Rugby League clubs has been extended to include North Queensland Cowboys and Penrith Panthers who have struck memorandums of understandings (MOUs) in recent weeks.

The Cowboys agreement seals a partnership with Men of League Foundation that started in 2008 when the Townsville committee began their work for the rugby league community with then Cowboys coach Graham Murray as president.

Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel said he is proud of the partnership, it’s history and future.

“Our love for the sport and shared passion for the region first drew us together and will prove to be a great foundation for our partnership moving forward,” he said.

Men of League Foundation Townsville president Mark Williams said that he looks forward to continuing the work of the past 12 years.

“Our agreement with the Cowboys has given us the opportunity to proactively look for ways our two brands can continue to serve the rugby league community,” Williams said.

“We now have former Cowboy player Ray Thompson as our ambassador as part of the agreement which is just a new evolution of our relationship with the club.”

The Formal partnership with Penrith was announced at a recent Kick off Club at Panthers Leagues in early July ahead of the Pantehrs vs Titans Clash.

Mark Williams and Jeff Reibel.

40 | Men of League Foundation

The partnership will see Panthers players and staff help raise awareness about Men of League Foundation activities and assist with the delivery of wellbeing projects.

“Panthers has always taken great pride in its community programs so it’s a natural extension of that for us to have joined forces with the Men of League Foundation,” Panthers general manager rugby league Matt Cameron said.

“This partnership is indicative of our ongoing commitment to making a positive and tangible impact in the community.

“Men of League plays such an important role supporting the extended rugby league family and we look forward to promoting and empowering the outstanding work they do.”

Men of League Foundation CEO Stephen Lowndes said the Foundation was delighted to have signed a MOU with Panthers.

“The Penrith Panthers have been very supportive of the Men of League Foundation for some time however this MOU creates a formal structure around assisting those in the rugby league community who need a helping hand,” he said.

“We’ve already held a well-received briefing with the Panthers players, demonstrating how we support the men, women and children of the rugby league community, and the impact the players can make.

“The simple act of providing a wellbeing recipient with a personal visit from a Panthers player can be an inspiring experience for everyone involved.”

The partnership will also see the Men of League Foundation work closely with Brad Waugh, manager of the Panthers Ex-Players Association, to provide support to the club’s former players and their families.

Townsville committee president Mark Williams, secretary Terry Feeney, ambassador Ray Thompson and Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel.

IPSWICH LOSES A The Men of League Foundation is saddened by the news of the sudden passing of well-known Brisbane rugby league identity and our Ipswich committee wellbeing officer Hugh O’Doherty.

The contribution to rugby league in the Ipswich and Darling Downs region of the O’Doherty family was featured in a story in our previous edition.

The Foundation would like to offer our condolences to Hugh’s family and members of the Ipswich committee. He was an outstanding footballer and person.

Discussions about Ipswich’s favourite footballing sons will throw up the Langer brothers Allan and Kevin, the Walters trio of Steve, Kevin and Kerrod, NRL team of the century member Noel Kelly who hailed from Goodna, Duncan Hall and Gary Parcell.

But many locals mention the O’Doherty clan with similar awe.

Six brothers made their mark in the region, and/or the Brisbane competition when it was at its toughest – Hugh, Pat, Don, Bernie, Bill and Donald.

Hugh O’Doherty, a balding hooker, won four Brisbane premierships with Valleys in the 1970s and represented Queensland. He was a rugged hooker who was a crowd favourite for his fearless attitude and in his heyday played for Valleys with Ross Strudwick Marty Scanlon, John Crilly and others regarded as among the best of their era.

Younger brother Pat, a prop, played 48 ARL games for Wests Magpies, Gold Coast and Parramatta and looked up to his older brother as a father figure.

Hugh, 71, was also a board member at the Ipswich Brothers club.

HAVE YOU PLAYED RUGBY LEAGUE AT THE ELITE OR PROFESSIONAL LEVEL?

Clinical neuropsychologist Dr Andrew Gardner from the University of Newcastle, in partnership with the Men of League Foundation and Harvard Medical School (Boston, USA), is looking to recruit all former elite level (i.e.

NSWRL and State Cup, ARL, Super League, and NRL) to the ‘Rugby Players Health Study’.

confidential, your individual responses will only be known to the research team.

If that’s you, then you’re able to become involved in this research. We would like you to undertake a survey about your playing career, concussion history, current physical health, level of current physical activity, as well as your mental health.

The questionnaire will take approximately 15 minutes to complete, you will be supplied with a return addressed envelope to send your completed survey to Dr Gardner.

If you identify any issues in these areas the research team and the Men of League Foundation may be able to offer you support. Your information will be kept completely

The dissemination of results will only be published as group information and no individual’s data or identity will be disclosed in any publication.

You can be involved in the survey by emailing us your contact details to rugbyhealthstudy@newcastle.edu.au or you send us a letter with your contact details to Dr Andrew Gardner CBHMR PO Box 833 Newcastle, NSW 2300 for us to send you a paper copy of the questionnaire.

Men of League Foundation | 41

CHARLIE IS THE MARK BUNTING As a six-year-old, Charli Berghauser wanted to play rugby league just like her two big brothers. She absolutely loved scoring tries and learning how to tackle the boys and, in her first season in 2015, she received the coach’s award for her wonderful attitude and progress.

She naturally wanted to play again the following season, with her club Jimboomba Thunder, so her mother Kas volunteered to become the team manager. Charlie’s coach loved her style on the field and she walked away with the ‘Miss No Nonsense’ trophy at end of season.

Charli with Queensland legend Ali Brigginshaw

When the 2017 season started, Charli was raring to go again and a delighted Kas backed up as team manager and signed up to be on the club’s committee. Father Tony played masters footy over the long weekend then signed up to be a first aid officer for the club and would help maintain the playing fields.

The Berghausers were confronted with the second lot of major medical trauma to hit the family, just days before the team’s break-up party in October, Charli was diagnosed with a pineal cystic tumour in her brain.

With this diagnosis, Charli was unable to play in 2018. Kas kept her role on the committee as their youngest daughter was still playing and Kas also became the manager for the Thunder’s under-16 all-girls team. Tony was still doing his FAO duties every weekend.

“As heartbreaking as it was for Charli to watch her team play on the weekends, she was there to help her coach with the stats of the game,” Kas said. “But all she wanted to do was put on her boots and play with her teammates. She felt like she was letting them down, week after week.”

The pineal cystic tumour was compressing on the aqueduct, causing CSF flow issues in her brain. Any more growth would block CSF flow completely. Charli had previously complained of headaches for around four months and she also suffered from insomnia as the tumour was growing off the pineal gland, which produces melatonin.

She had vision problems and sometimes pins and needles in her hands and feet. After numerous blood tests, doctors found out she has a high platelet count just days before they found out about the cystic tumour.

Kas and Tony were in absolute shock that another medical dilemma had confronted the Berghauser family. Their eldest son 42 | Men of League Foundation

Jackson was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2005.

They searched for months for answers as they navigated appointments with their GP, optometrists, ophthalmologist, paediatricians and neurosurgeons. Charli’s symptoms were getting worse as the weeks went by.

“She had a constant headache, her vision was still blurry, she suffered from irregular sleep patterns while pins and needles in her hands and feet would come and go,” Kas lamented “She had dizzy spells and walked into objects while her mind went blank and she had no recollection of the previous few minutes. Charli also experienced regular nose bleeds and her behaviouraltemperament drastically changed to the point she had uncontrolled outbursts and severe mood changes.”

Through some fundraising and support from the Men of League Foundation, Charli was able to have life changing surgery to remove the tumour, performed by renowned Sydney surgeon Dr Charlie Teo. After having her operation more than five months ago, Charli’s life has changed. Her symptoms have improved and, thankfully, her vision is much better.

This year she celebrated her 10th birthday, returned to school, competed in her athletics carnival, had a visit from Queensland Maroons players Ali Brigginshaw and Meg Ward and got to run out onto Suncorp Stadium with her beloved Brisbane Broncos, holding the hand of skipper Darius Boyd.

Life is far from perfect for Charli and her family but we hope that the help that the Foundation was able to offer them has made a significant improvement in her quality of life and we look forward to hearing about further progress with her condition and that she continues her love of rugby league.

JET-SET EFFORT AIDS PETER FOREMAN Teamwork and mateship have been the cornerstones of rugby league since the game’s inception.

The founders of the Men of League Foundation Ron Coote, Jim Hall and Max Brown should be justifiably proud of how the rugby league fraternity in Melbourne recently pulled together to assist a young family from the Werribee Bears club.

Their story typifies the vision that they created in establishing the Foundation incorporating the values of teamwork and mateship that are a fabric of our game.

The Bellinghams are a typical young rugby league family who have two of three children playing for the Bears in the local junior competition, father Oliver acting as team manager and mum Taegan helping out in the canteen.

In mid-2017 mother of three Taegan was diagnosed with aggressive myeloid leukemia and the family have since been dealing with this stressful situation. Obviously, the last two years have been extremely tough given Teagan’s ongoing treatment with the family coping with the uncertainty of what’s next in her battle that is likely to result in a bone marrow transplant.

The Foundation has been assisting the family in providing emotional and basic financial support.

and Glenn, and they intimated that they may be able to assist.

That weekend, as part of the Men of League Foundation Round at AAMI Park, our committee members were selling raffle tickets in the corporate boxes.

Brett and Glenn advised they could provide a job as a courier for Oliver, providing the family with a certainty of income.

However, Oliver would need a one-tonne ute in order to accept the role.

The Melbourne rugby league community swung into action, coordinated by our Melbourne-based team. And our long-term sponsors The Aces Sporting Club deposited a sizable donation over and above their normal monthly support.

Melbourne Storm provided us with two additional unbudgeted raffle opportunities at their corporate events and our national wellbeing manager Jessica Macartney presented our case to the national board to purchase a suitable vehicle that would allow Oliver to accept the Jet Couriers job.

The board approved the grant application and the whole process is a testament to the Foundation’s vision of helping the men, women and children of the rugby league community.

I am pleased to report that Oliver is now viably employed at Jet Couriers and I am sure that our Foundation’s founders Ron, Jim and Max would be justifiably proud of the organisation they created, plus the role that teamwork and mateship played in enhancing the lives of a young rugby league family like the Bellinghams.

The family received another setback when Oliver was advised by his employer that they were shutting the doors of the business where he had worked as a delivery driver for the past four years.

The family were faced with the added stress of no job and no money coming in.

The same week that Oliver was told that he would shortly be unemployed, it coincided with an outing that the Melbourne committee had arranged for the family - to attend the Melbourne Storm’s ‘captain’s run’ training session as part of Men of League Foundation round.

Taegan was presented with flowers for Mother’s Day from Cameron Smith with the children running the water for the players during training. The Storm provided a film crew to capture the visit and it was played on the big screen at AMMI Park as part of their support for the Foundation.

During the training session, some of the Storm staff became aware of Oliver’s employment situation and suggested that one of their corporate supporters, Jet Couriers, may be able to assist and club representatives started the ball rolling by making contact.

Our patron here in Melbourne, John Ribot, also mentioned the family’s situation to two senior executives of Jets, Brett

The Bellingham family (from left) Oliver, Sereiah, Harlen, Taegan and Havanna.

Men of League Foundation | 43

ERIC BARNES Former North Sydney Bears and Cronulla Sharks player Eric Barnes was at Coffs Harbour Base Hospital with a couple of medical problems.

Eric was a tough lightweight forward in the 1960s-70s and earned plenty of respect with his high workrate. After leaving Sydney, he headed to North Tamworth for a year as a captaincoach and was still playing 19 years later. Now retired in Sawtell, he also loves surfing and golfing and local committee members hope will be back into his favourite activities soon.

Peter Barrett, Eric Barnes and Marty Phillips.

LARRY MALONEY Former Manly Warringah Sea Eagles lock forward Larry Maloney, who is recuperating from a severely broken leg, was delighted to receive a visit from Gold Coast Men Of League committee members Greg Sylvester, Greg Rousell, Australian internationals Dennis Ward, John Lang, former Eastern Suburbs Roosters player Tom Coleman and former chairman of the Australian Rugby League Ken Arthurson (AM) – who turns 90 in October - while recovering in Pindarra Private Hospital.

Larry had to have emergency surgery to have a pacemaker implanted. Larry represented Manly Warringah from 1957-59. After retiring as a player he was the chairman of selectors and long-time Manly committee member. He also assisted with the formation of the Western Australian Rugby League.

Back row (from left): Greg Rousell, Greg Sylvester, John Lang, Ken Arthurson, John Coleman. Front: Dennis Ward and Larry Maloney.

RON PEARCE Ron Pearce, and an original Foundation member (#45) in 2002 as well as being one of the first wellbeing officers in 2005, has given many years’ service to rugby league.

He is a life member of the NSW and Cronulla Sutherland referees association, was a match official in more than 200 grade games from 1978-89 and is still involved with the Brighton Seagulls junior club with his wife Lynne. Ron was awarded 2001 Australian Sports Medal for services to rugby league.

He survived a stroke in May 2017 and is now the carer for his wife who has a disability following back injuries sustained in serious car accident. Ron was very pleased to receive a visit from Southern Sydney committee wellbeing officers and was thrilled to catch up with John Peard as he had spent many good times with him in the past.

John Peard (left) with Ron Pearce.

44 | Men of League Foundation

RILEY GUY Moreton wellbeing team recently had a very special visit to lift the spirits of teenager Riley Guy (pictured) in hospital.

Arnie Boyes and his wife Carol visited Louise Guy and her son Riley who has Ewing’s sarcoma cancer in his hip area. Following Arnie’s initial visit, Riley received chemotherapy and has since had an eight-hour operation to remove the tumour. After being home for a couple of weeks he has begun another round of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Riley is a 14-year-old who played junior rugby league for the Caboolture Snakes. The Foundation has supported the family with items needed for his care for which they are greatly appreciative.

JEFF WITHERS North Sydney wellbeing officers Norm Pounder and Ken Vessey met up with Jeff Withers and his partner Deborah for a coffee and a chat about footy and life. Jeff and Ken played for different Moore Park junior teams at in the 1960s and fondly recalled many names and memories.

Jeff grew up in the heart of southern Sydney at Waterloo and Redfern and was always destined to progress far in rugby league after attending the prestigious Cleveland Street High School – playing alongside the likes of future South Sydney legend and Dream Team (1908-2004 Rabbitohs) member Ray Branighan.

As a five-eighth with speed to burn, he was part of the premiership-winning South Sydney President’s Cup team in 1969 before being selected in Souths’ first grade squad later that year. After initially fighting for his place in the starting side with a galaxy of established stars in the South Sydney team, Jeff had a number of successful years with the club before retiring in 1976.

During that time he played 54 first grade matches, selected as captain in many of them, along with 58 reserve and 45 third grade matches. He was selected in the City Seconds team in 1975 and is a proud Rabbitohs life member, inducted in 2003.

After hanging up the boots Jeff developed a strong reputation as a tiler, sought after by leading builders. He is no longer actively engaged in the trade, however, and enjoys his family lifestyle.

PETER LANGMACK Former Parramatta and Penrith utility player Peter Langmack received a welcomed visit from Gold Coast committee members Greg Sylvester, Greg Roussell, Dennis Ward and Ron Turner at his Aged Care facility.

Peter played 89 ARL first grade games for Parramatta from 1971-72, 77-78 and Penrith 1973-76. He created history at Penrith when he scored five tries in Penrith’s 22-21 win over St George at Penrith Park in 1974. He also unselfishly passed the last ball in Penrith’s only other try as he was uncertain if he would score.

Peter, his wife Kathy and family relocated to the Gold Coast in 1988 where they were the proprietors of a coffee shop in Southport and then a taxi licence before retiring.

Peter is the older brother of former Australian Kangaroos back-rower and Canterbury premiership winner Paul Langmack (there is a 14 years age gap).

Men of League Foundation | 45

WORLD SPORT WELLBEING

The national conference held on the Gold Coast was the first time that more than 80 wellbeing, education and pastoral care staff from NRL clubs, states and international organisations have come together to learn and discuss best-practice initiatives from Australia, New Zealand and around the globe.

Duncan Fletcher, from Professional Association of Athlete Development Specialists (PAADS), spoke about best practice wellbeing programs throughout North America. Pacific mental health was discussed by Dr Monique Faleafa, from Le Va in New Zealand.

This was to ensure that we (the NRL) continue to deliver age specific and consistent programs as well as support to the whole Elite Pathway.

These experts were flown out by the NRL/RLPA wellbeing and education committee for the three-day conference.

International wellbeing speakers included Dr Nyaka Niilampti, who is the head of the wellness and clinical support program for the National Football League (NFL). Dr Niilampti discussed some of the trends she is seeing in the NRL in comparison to those of NFL athletes, with a particular focus on vulnerable athletes.

Professor David Lavelle, from University of Abertay in Scotland, spoke on the duty of care of sporting clubs and governing bodies and the long term benefits of this wellbeing investment on athletes.

46 | Men of League Foundation

The objectives of the conference were to provide exposure to our wellbeing staff of wellbeing programs around the world, provide validation of the effectiveness and importance of current programs, provide opportunities for clubs to share what has worked and what has not and provide self-care support for wellbeing managers.

It is a target within all aspects of wellbeing and education that we achieve a rating of at least 4/5 for all activities and services that we provide. We asked attendees to provide feedback on all aspects of the conference and it is pleasing that we achieved over this for the conference.

SOME FEEDBACK COMMENTS WHICH HIGHLIGHT OUR ACHIEVEMENTS WERE:

“I’m looking forward to supporting my players more with the information and knowledge I have from my first conference. Thank you for having me room with someone I didn’t know - I learned lots about them and their work in their club. It was great also catching up with everyone”.

“Great presentations. So practical, relevant and specific for our roles. What I appreciated most about it was the focus of our own self-care and although we as wellbeing managers do know that, there is always that chance that we neglect ‘self’ because we are always serving others.”

State Cup club wellbeing manager

NRL/RLPA wellbeing staff member

“Having worked with many organisations, I strongly believe the NRL has an opportunity to be world leading.”

Professor David Lavalle – University of Abertay, Dundee, Scotland

“Just a simple thank you to everyone involved in organising the conference and to feedback that our chaplains were encouraged, inspired and generally felt that it was another step towards them being fully effective at their clubs”.

NRL club chaplain

“The NRL’s approach to wellbeing is consistent with best practice and represents a great degree of foresight” Duncan Fletcher, executive director of PAADS

“Fantastic work putting it together although I am confident about my skill set and industry knowledge. I found getting away for a few days for some self-care was extremely useful. Much appreciated.”

NRL club wellbeing staff member

Men of League Foundation | 47

A MAN FOR HIS The Mackay committee is thankful for the wonderful service provided to it by Bill Cooper for the past five years. Bill, who has supported rugby league in various positions over many years, is taking a break from Men of League Foundation committee but will continue to assist with fundraising activities.

Bill played A grade in the country, winning a premiership with Pittsworth, and represented Toowoomba at under-18s and schoolboy level before a collapsed lung while playing for Brothers ended his career – and a possible career as a pilot after he attained his private flying licence and was on his way to achieving a commercial licence.

“SOME 5 YEARS AGO WHEN APPROACHED I WAS ONLY TOO HAPPY TO BECOME INVOLVED WITH MEN OF LEAGUE”

Instead, Bill gained accountancy and law degrees and was the principal of Bill Cooper and Associates (lawyers) for many years. He currently works as a legal officer for the Justice Department within the court system.

Cooper has served as chairman of the senior and junior rugby league judiciary committees in Mackay, helped establish the Mackay Cutters Queensland Cup side and was a director of the Cutters and Mackay league boards for four years. He also acted as groundsman at the stadium and QRL ground manager for Intrust Super Cup matches.

“Some five years ago when approached I was only too happy to become involved with Men of League,” Bill said.

“The difficulty however is spreading the message that we are not a charity looking after the current well paid NRL players but one that encompasses all persons involved in rugby league from the mums and dads taking their kids to games to the volunteers and unknown players.

“It is the difficulties faced by many of my generation in later life and which are to be faced by many in the next generation in future years that need our support.

“I recently attended the 50th anniversary of the Pittsworth club and premiership side and that reinforced the need for Men of League Foundation. Even though I was only 17 at the time, many of the side were in their late 20s or early 30s and some are deceased or were unable to attend because of illness.”

Bill Cooper, selected Mackay’s citizen of the year in 2005, is a man who has given much of his life to the community.

He was also president of Pioneer Valley Lions Club, chairman of non-profit organisation Skills Training Mackay for 13 years and involved in senior positions with the Variety Club, Housing Industry Association Northern Australia and Mackay District Law Association. He will continue his 15-year association as director of Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service in Mackay.

The Foundation has been privileged to have a man of his calibre involved at committee level.

48 | Men of League Foundation

Bill Cooper … standing down from the Mackay committee.

WE LOSE OLDEST Noel White NEIL CADIGAN

White, a legend of the Kurri Kurri club that has produced a string of celebrated Test players, wore the green and gold of Australia only once but he remained a prominent figure in the Hunter coalfields and in Townsville and Brisbane where he had brief stints.

White returned to Kurri Kurri and coached their first grade side in 1953. He became a regular golfer and also had a successful lawn bowls career, representing East Maitland, where he was life member, and Nelson Bay. Fellow Kurri Kurri Test legend Eddie Lumsden was one of many familiar footy faces at his funeral at Stockton, in Newcastle.

The Men of League Foundation had a wonderful association with White, assisting him to attend the unveiling of the Queensland honour board by Wally Lewis in 2014. Port Stephens committee representatives Greg Hennessy and Peter Arnold attended his funeral in late June.

Australia drew the first Test 8-all at the Sydney Cricket Ground and went down the second 14-5 at the Brisbane Exhibition Centre against a very good Great Britain side. White – who played on the wing - was one four debutants in the third Test along with fellow NSW Country representative Trevor Eather, a centre from Boggabri who was also playing in his only Test match, Souths halfback Clem Kennedy and his Rabbitohs teammate Jim Armstrong.

He led Centrals to a premiership as captain-coach and club stalwarts claimed he was their best import off all time. While there he played for North Queensland and Queensland. His performances for Queensland brought the attention of Western Suburbs in Brisbane and he had one season there in 1948, winning another premiership, and again played for Queensland.

When he represented the Maroons against ‘The Rest’ in a Kangaroo squad selection trial, he was well in contention to tour with the 1948-49 Kangaroos. Sadly, he dislocated his knee in that match and never played again. He was only 23.

Rugby league lost its oldest living Australian representative when Noel White passed away on 20 June at age 95 at Stockton in Newcastle.

White was called into the Australian team for the series-deciding third Test against Great Britain at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1946, after having performed well for NSW Country and New South Wales for two seasons.

In 1946 he played for all four games for NSW, three against Queensland and one against the touring Brits, before getting his Test debut. However, the next season accepted a lucrative deal from Townsville Centrals.

Noel White in 1946

Brian Orrock (born 6 September 1929) is now the oldest surviving Australian international, just ahead of Ken McCaffery (born 27 September 1929) and Bob Dimond (born 4 November 1929), who is featured on pages 16-17.

Armstrong played as an amateur and accepted no paid allowance like the other players so that he could retain his Olympic selection qualification. He went onto win a bronze medal at the 1948 Olympic Games in London in wrestling.

Australia lost the Test 20-7 in front of a crowd of 40,500, meaning Great Britain retained the Ashes trophy.

At the time, White was regarded the fastest man in the game after easily beating renowned North Sydney winger and sprinter Fred Dhu, then described as the quickest man in the Sydney competition, in a 110-yard race, stopping the clock at 12 seconds even in 1944.

He rose to prominence in 1945, the season that coincided with the end of World War II, in a Kurri side that took all before it and is regarded as the best in the club’s esteemed history. White played for NSW Country and NSW from a Kurri side that also included Welsh Test back Dennis Booker and NSW representative Viv Madge.

Noel and his prized Test jersey which took pride of place at his home for many years.

Men of League Foundation | 49

MOLLY DECLARED There are some feelings that you just can’t describe … like feelings of intense emotion born from countless hours of caring strongly for something or someone.

John Croft has felt something like that before – many successful years as a Dubbo Macquarie Raiders first grader and just as many with his wife Ange have brought about quite a number of incredible memories. But few compare to the one he experienced when a doctor told him and his family in May that his daughter, Molly (featured in our issue#72), was cancer free.

“I remember the feeling and I think about 50 people have asked what it was like, but I just can’t really describe it,” John said. “I imagine if you won $20 million in Lotto, there’d be so much euphoria around that, but I just think this feeling was better – you’re talking about your child.

“We knew when we started that there was a 40-50 per cent chance that Molly could become cancer free from the treatment so to be on the good side of that number, it’s like walking on air.”

And on Friday 17 May at the Westmead Children’s Hospital cancer clinic, the vivacious 12-year-old got to celebrate the moment by “ringing the bell” – a moment which signifies the end of one’s treatment. “It used to be when your treatment was finished and you were cancer free you just left the hospital, see you later,” John said.

“Now they’ve got a bell in the clinic that you ring. I didn’t understand the significance when we first started everything but having seen other parents go through it with their kids and seeing the happiness at the end, it’s a great moment.”

Molly was diagnosed with bone cancer in July last year, a week after she initially complained of shin cramps at an interstate Catholic school’s basketball tournament.

Since then, it’s been a long road full of vital chemotherapy, many months in a hospital bed and the eventual removal of her knee and two-thirds of her shin.

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Men of League Foundation | 51

McHugh Steel representatives of Dawson, Tony and Ronda Hess with Lee Dohlner Rex Morgan and Collin Fritz.

BRISBANE Steve Ricketts, publicity officer Former internationals Chris Johns and Mick De Vere were guest speakers at the Brisbane committee's most recent KickOff Club lunch at Broncos Leagues Club.

Johns and De Vere represented New South Wales and Australia from the Broncos after moving to Brisbane from the St George Dragons.

Johns won premierships with the Broncos in 1992 and ‘93 while De Vere claimed titles in 1997, ‘98 and 2000. Chris is currently boss of the Broncos Old Boys while Michael is development manager at Easts Carina.

The Brisbane committee thanks the various media outlets which publicised the Kick-off Club, helping to ensure an excellent roll-up.

The annual Ron Atkins Charity Golf Day, named after out erstwhile patron, was held at Keperra on 12 April and proved an outstanding success.

As part of the Queensland Intrust Super Cup Awareness Round on 25-26 May, Brisbane committee members conducted a membership drive at the Norths v Wynnum match at Bishop Park. Norths Leagues are set to host a Kick-Off Club lunch on Wednesday, 21 August.

52 | Men of League Foundation

Bobby Pute ready to tee off. Bobby won the prize for the most shots for the day.

Committee members also spread the word of the work of our organisation at a gala day at Capalaba Warriors Juniors, on 25 May. Redlands Mayor Karen Williams was so impressed that she signed up as a member of our foundation.

Brisbane committee member Peter Affleck has been instrumental in the establishment of a new committee based at Redcliffe, representing the Moreton Bay region. It was with great pride that Peter, and other members of our committee, were able to attend the first event staged

by Moreton, at Redcliffe Leagues on 7 June, with prominent journalist Robert ‘Crash’ Craddock as MC. The Brisbane committee's State of Origin 'wash-up' lunch was set down for Norths Leagues Club, Kallangur on 12 July, featuring Fox Sports' Ben Ikin, Queensland State of Origin coach Kevin Walters, former NSW star Chris Johns and prominent journalist, and former top grade coach, Roy Masters.

Wellbeing officer Vance Rennie and fellow committee members have been active, with hospital and home visits.

Special thanks to Lisa Durkin and the Broncos Old Boys, through the Broncos Leagues Club, for allowing us the use of their boardroom for our committee meetings.

BUNDABERG Greg Pershouse, president Queensland state manager Andrew Blucher travelled to Bundaberg to participate in their annual golf day on Friday the 31st of May. This year it was proudly sponsored by McHugh Steel.

A fresh autumn morning saw 34 teams take to the greens for this very popular event. The aim of the day was not only to raise money for the Men of League Foundation but to get local fans, and supporters of rugby league that are doing it a bit tough, out to have a great day. From all reports this was achieved with many teams expressing an interest to play again next year.

The winner on the day was Marto Farms team of Andrew Martens, Luke Owen and Ryan Norton. Runners-up were Adam Kirchner, Dale Kirchner and Ces Martin.

Bob Pute representing Bundaberg, Wide Bay and Queensland, won the prize for the highest number of shots for the day. Well done Bobby.

Bundaberg Men of League would like to acknowledge McHugh Steel for their sponsorship, Triple M Bundaberg for promoting this event and all the local business that supported the day. Without your generous support this day would not have been possible.

GYMPIE Greg Pountney, secretary

The group that attended the Canberra Monaro bowls day.

CANBERRA MONARO Noel Bissett OAM, president The Canberra Monaro committee held a bowls day at the Vikings Town Centre Club on Saturday 13 April. The weather was kind to us and we experienced a great sunny day which added to the success of the function.

Although we were low in numbers, the day was successful and the raffles, along with the auctions, raising a substantial amount for the Foundation. The ladies team ‘Margie’s Marvels’ - Margarita Santiago, Vanessa Crowe and Katy Kordas - paved the way in cleaning up the first prize with a top score.

Shield and spent a year as captain-coach of Babinda Colts in 1961.

GOLD COAST Greg Sylvester, publicity officer There have been many wellbeing visits and phone calls over the past four months and it is pleasing to report that Bobby Dimond has been released from hospital and is again home being well looked after by his devoted wife Elsie.

Many thanks to the Viking Club for their hospitality, and also to our committee Ernie Maclay, Steve Troth and Graham Willard for their effort ensuring our day was successful.

Former Manly players Larry Maloney has recovered from a severely broken leg and operation for the placement of a heart pacemaker. Ken Arthurson, AM, Greg Rousell and Frank Stanton have had melanomas removed from their shins, Graeme Eadie has had heart surgery, Mick Veivers dental surgery, ex-Newtown winger Dave Oliveri, who lives with dementia, had a fall which resulted in a visit to the hospital.

We are working out a schedule of functions which we are hoping to instigate in the near future. As soon as they are finalised they will be included in the calendar for everyone’s information.

Doctors are pleased with Tommy Raudonikis’ progress. Unfortunately Laura Yates is struggling following the death of her husband Paul and Ron Workman has retired due to ill health.

FAR NORTH QLD

Our next major event is our annual golf day which will be held on Friday 20 September at Emerald Lakes. Bookings can be made by phoning the Burleigh Bears Leagues Club on 07 5572 4055. Our preparations for the 2020 Gold Coast Men Of League Internationals Gala Dinner are well under way. As this is our 10th dinner, there will be many special guests.

Kevin Maher (OAM), president The Far North Queensland committee held its annual golf day in conjunction with the Bulls Masters on Friday 14 June at the Cairns Golf Club. A full field of 27 teams participated with supporters from CDRL clubs and the Northern Pride with Pride coach and former Cowboys favourite Ty Williams and former Broncos hard man, Andrew Gee, involved. The Bulls Masters were headed by Jimmy Maher, Andrew Symonds, Matthew Mott and others.

The Far North Queensland committee acknowledges the passing of North Queensland league great Jim Paterson.

Jim coached Innisfail to the 1960 Foley

Before closing we would like to congratulate Ken Arthurson who will be celebrating his 90th birthday in October and Tommy Raudonikis on being admitted to the NSW Rugby League Hall Of Fame.

We’ve met with the local Anglicare social workers and discussed how we can support each other by developing a ‘wraparound service’ including a referral pathway so people who meet Men of League Foundation criteria can receive social, physical, emotional and financial support. While Men of League Foundati can provide financial support, the Anglicare staff have the expertise to assist in dealing with issues which affect people’s wellbeing. The partnership is a win for all parties as it offers the best possible service to those who need it the most.

Our Bunnings sausage sizzle raised over $800 which was a good result given the rain would have kept some people at home. The committee member who first suggested these (I don’t remember who it was) has provided our committees with a relatively easy way of raising money every year.

In early June our executive had a very productive meeting with Andrew Blucher, our new state manager, and we appreciated his enthusiasm and his willingness to listen and tackle the concerns we raised with him.

MORETON Peter Affleck, president The relatively newly formed committee has had a busy quarter which is affirmation of the substantial contribution we have for the region.

The committee were invited to the RedPhins bi-annual reunion, a gathering that brings the might of the Redcliffe league club’s past players together in celebration of the history and success of the club.

The timing of the event was perfect to position a substantial offering for our raffle, two tickets to State of Origin I in Brisbane. We also actively promoted Men of League Foundation membership on the night, securing five new members and building a lot more interest and understanding of the Foundation’s cause.

A highly successful event was our Kick-Off Club function at Redcliffe Leagues Club Friday 7 June. The ‘State of Origin wrapup’ theme had the renowned sportswriter Robert ‘Crash’ Craddock as master of ceremonies and his orchestration of guest speakers Mark Murray and Wally FullertonSmith, together with the audience, was very engaging. We received a lot of quality feedback around the vibe within the room.

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NORTH COAST Peter Barrett, president Our branch is coming along slowly as we are trying to get members to rejoin, keeping our name out there and continuing to do what we do especially in wellbeing space and hospital visits in country areas.

Foundation committeeman, a former North Sydney, Cronulla and Tamworth player Eric Barnes, has been experiencing difficulties with his health and we wish him all the best and our thoughts are with him.

This year we welcomed the Park Beach Bowling Club to our fundraising with a great barefoot bowls day and thanks to the great Harry Wells and John Elford for making the trip up north. Local Steve Carter and Paul ‘Nobby’ Clarke, who had returned from the Men of League bus trip to support the many farmers out west, also attended.

Nobby is a great attribute to our organisation and spoke from the heart on those doing it tough; he wouldn't be out of place running the organisation one day. Park Beach people showed up and appreciated our branch’s efforts and signed up eight new members. Thank you to Laurie Boekman and staff for the success and it will be a permanent fixture each year.

We are still trying to get Grafton involved with a race day, bowls day or golf day but it is a very busy place while Macksville and Nambucca Heads would dearly love to see more involvement. We will be holding a bowls day at Sawtell Bowls Club in October for a fifth year and thank them for the support.

Again our biggest event will be a luncheon at Coffs Harbour Hotel, Saturday 30 November starting at 11am featuring Neil Pringle and entertainer Danny McMaster plus great speakers to be announced. A golf day has been organised for Friday 29 November, so don’t miss a couple of great days in the beautiful North Coast. For more info please contact me on 0414 227 068 or email barrettcoote@gmail.com.

NORTHERN SYDNEY Trevor Bailey, president It’s halfway through the year and it seems like our feet haven’t touched the ground.

Our amazing team of wellbeing workers haven’t stopped visiting people in the Rugby League community.

Notable visits included one to see Jason ‘Buddy’ Miller, who continues to defy the odds in his recovery. Ken and the boys 54 | Men of League Foundation

are regular visitors to the Royal Rehab at Ryde, where they met up with Harrison Frear, Ashley Treseder, Alex Noble, Tye Angland, Zac Dalziel and Tim House.

They also had a nostalgic visit to chat with former Rabbitoh Tom Cocking at his home.

league star Shontelle Stowers.

After previous visits, Graham ‘Buck’ Rogers invited a bus load of our group to Richmond Greyhounds as guests of the Londonderry Greys RLFC. I’m told everyone had a fantastic night.

The prestigious Ross Gigg Memorial Shield was won by the team of Neil Bowling, Jo White, David Rann and Chris Mawson.

In May, Norm Pounder and Al Turnbull made a dream come true for Alex Treseder and his fiancée Maddi, by taking them to see his beloved Sharks play the Sea Eagles at ‘Shark Park’ where they caught up with Chad Townsend and Brett Kimmorley. Our thanks go to the Sharks for making it happen.

On the fundraising front, we held our annual golf day at Mona Vale Golf Club. Both the weather and the course were perfect, and a near full field had a wonderful day. Thanks to Brookvale Mazda and all of those attended to make it a very successful event.

Upcoming events are: •

Knuckles and Cheeks sportsman’s lunch at Collaroy Beach club Friday 6 September

•

North Sydney Referees Association’s golf day at North Turramurra Golf Club on Monday 30 September, 7am

•

Christmas Kick-Off Club at North Narrabeen Surf Club Friday 6 December

Put those dates in your diary, we’ve got a busy six months ahead.

On a sad note we report the loss of members Steve ‘Beaver’ Reilley, Paul ‘Taffy’ Hancock and Manly great Nick Yakich.

Former ABC radio sports guru Gerry Collins did an excellent job conducting interviews, while the golf day was an outstanding success due to the hardworking tournament director Max Pride.

Port Stephens secretary Peter Arnold said that the weekend was a success due to the generous support of sponsors which allowed for plenty of quality prizes and everybody helping the cause.

SOUTHERN MONARO Tom Herbert, secretary In 1969, Delegate RLFC won the first and reserve grade premierships in the Group 19 competition as it was then. We are now in Group 16.

Being 50 years ago, it was decided to have a reunion in Delegate as all players were local boys. Our local combined side, now Bombala, were drawn to play Cooma for the first game of the 2019 season so they decided to bring that game back to Delegate as a one-off.

A lot of work had to be done in preparing the ground as there hadn’t been rugby league played in Delegate since 1995 and the only things still standing were the goalposts. Also missing was a scoreboard so, as you do in the country, if you don’t have something you improvise.

So a new ‘electronic’ scoreboard was brought in from Bombala, some 36km away and hung on the side of a cattle truck, powered by a generator. It worked like a charm and put a professional touch to the day’s fixtures, which will be remembered by all for years to come.

PORT STEPHENS Charles Elias, publicity officer The Port Stephens committee celebrated its 10th anniversary with a hugely successful sportman's dinner and golf classic at Nelson Bay Golf Club.

More than 120 guest attended the dinner while 175 players teed off for a round of golf on Sunday, including the Foundation’s CEO Stephen Lowndes, state manager Bruce Walker and life member Jim Hall.

Special guests at the dinner were Newcastle Knights coach Nathan Brown, Kiwi international and Knights winger Shaun Kenny-Dowall plus women’s rugby

The temporary scoreboard that was ‘truckin’.

SOUTHERN SYDNEY Bruce Thompson, secretary We held the first of our luncheons for 2019 in May at Sharks Leagues. The theme ‘Derbies through the Decades’ acknowledged those great clashes between the Sharks and the Dragons dating back to 1969.

Chris Gardner, Gavin Miller, Brian Cox, Terry Hughes, Jonathon Docking, Allan Fitzgibbon and Alan Wilson represented the Sharks, whilst Billy Smith, Peter Fitzgerald, Ricky Walford, Steve Edge, George Grant, Steve Morris and Robert Finch came along from the Dragons.

thank you once again goes to Alan Wilson, our MC. Our next major function is on 31 August at St George Leagues where we will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 1979 premiership win by St George over the Canterbury Bulldogs. Many players from both teams are expected to be in attendance. This will be a great day so get in early to reserve your spot.

John Harris, our wellbeing committee man, has been busy with visits and dealing out helping hands which is what we are all about. We can only help out when we know about it so, keep us informed of those who we might be able to help.

MC Alan Wilson took all of the guests through a Q-and-A about those clashes, the responses giving a great and often funny insight to the intensity of those games.

All enquiries should go to Bruce Thompson 0419 475 465

A crowd in excess of 100 seemed to lap it up giving all of those great players from days past a rousing reception. It was a great day all around and an enormous

Tony Durkin, publicity officer

SUNSHINE COAST Don Oxenham has been unanimously re-elected president of the Sunshine

Coast committee. Don, an original member of the committee when it was formed in 2007, first became president in 2016 following the resignation, for health reasons, of inaugural president Bob Hagan.

The AGM was held on 11 April at Mooloolaba Surf Club, prior to the second bi-monthly Kick-Off Club of the year, at which former Maroons and Kangaroo forward Mick Crocker was special guest.

Also re-elected were secretary Barry Marsden, treasurer Ian Waraker and wellbeing officer Mick Legg, as well as committee members Laurel Hagan, Tony Durkin, Bruce McKirdy and Ian Smith.

However, five committee members did not seek re-election. Foundation members Ian Dauth and Paul Hart decided not to stand again, as did John Bourke, Reg Cannon and John Gribble.

Newly elected to the Sunshine Coast committee were Russell Johnson, Trevor Johnson and Bob Black, while Bob Hagan continues in his role as ambassador and Norm Provan and Harry Reed were reappointed patrons.

Big sporting names Michael Crocker, Trevor Hohns and Willie Carne have been guests at Sunshine Coast functions over the past few months.

Former Queensland Origin and Kangaroos tough man Crocker was guest at the April Kick-Off Club, Cricket Australia chairman of selectors and former Test all-rounder Hohns spoke at the June event, and Carne was guest speaker at the annual Origin luncheon, also in June.

SYDNEY METRO Brad Ryder, publicity officer Some the audiences who were captivated by the experiences expressed by former Sharks and Dragons heroes.

Guest speakers (from left) Steve Morris, Ricky Walford, Jonathon Docking and Gavin Miller are interviewed by Alan Wilson.

Our committee held another successful luncheon at Souths Juniors on Friday 12 April to kick start our ninth year. The theme for this one was ‘The Legends Now and Then’ as MC Steve Gillis interviewed an impressive array of well-known sportsmen – Noel Kelly (rugby league), Shane Heal (basketball), Rodney Hogg (cricket) and Darren Beadman (horse racing).

Committee president Henry Morris welcomed the 360 strong audience, noting the presence of our patrons Bob McCarthy, Johnny Lewis and Souths Juniors’ chairman Keith McCraw. Men Of League Foundation’s NSW state manager Bruce Walker, Jim Hall (described by Henry as the ‘godfather of the organisation’) and Kevin Maloney (generous sponsor over many years) were also present. The presence of Souths’ legendary players Michael Cleary and Gary Stevens were also acknowledged.

Men of League Foundation | 55

Before the interviews commenced we were entertained by Denis Carnahan’s ‘Rugby League – The Musical’, which was quite hilarious. Denis specialises in send-ups of various well-known people.

One such person was Phil Gould, as his famous ‘No! No, no, no, no, no’ was shown on a specially prepared video.

Noel Kelly told the audience he was sent off the field 17 times in his playing career, and yet again maintained that 1963 grand final referee Darcy Lawler was a cheat (when St George controversially defeated Western Suburbs). He revealed that he nearly joined Souths when he came down from Goodna, but a taxi ride in Sydney which seemed to take forever wasn’t to his liking, so he ended up at Wests.

Shane Heal told of his time playing in the Olympic Games, being made captain in 2004, Darren Beadman spoke about his career as a jockey and Rodney Hogg began his funny stories by telling the audience ‘He is not Kim Hughes’, drawing attention to their similarity.

Auctioneer Alby Talarico once again did a fine a fine job, with the famous 1971 grand final photo of Ron Coote helping Graeme Langlands to his feet raising $900. This was kindly donated by Craig Brown.

TOWNSVILLE Barry Buchanan, publicity officer The last magazine featured our Lending A Helping Hand story about Ryan Francis.

It was a wonderful surprise to see Ryan and his English partner Emily Holroyd at our March Kick-Off Club to meet his supporters. Emily is from Yorkshire so she felt right at home when she met our English members, the Kellets and the Bradleys, especially Doug and Cath who hail from the north of England as well.

We welcomed Men of League’s new Queensland state manager Andrew Blucher who had only been in the job a few days but gave us an interesting account of his background with Queensland Cricket and Queensland Netball. It’s a shame the Foundation doesn’t play for a premiership as Andrew was involved with the state bodies when Queensland, Brisbane Heat and Firebirds all won titles.

Another big vote of appreciation goes to Arthur McMahon and the Lillywhite Hotel Group for looking after us at this enjoyable get-together.

Our Intrust Super Cup Men of League round was played on Saturday 25 May when East Tigers travelled up to play the Blackhawks in the Intrust Super Cup. What a successful afternoon it was.

Virtually between 3pm and 5pm the NQ 56 | Men of League Foundation

Cowboys defeated Raiders in Canberra, Blackhawks were too strong for Tigers and our committee raised hundreds of dollars to support our rugby league community.

Seabreeze Bistro, Fred Teasdell, Seagulls Bistro, Seagulls RLFC, Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans, Kingscliff Surf Club, Coolangatta Surf Club and Kirra Beach Hotel. A big thank you to all!

By the time you read this magazine our major raffle of a ten-seater box at the Cowboys v Panthers game will have been drawn. Well done to Barry Peters and the committee members who spent many hours selling tickets and a big thank you to the Townsville public for their much-valued support as well as the North Queensland Cowboys who donated the prize.

The course was magnificently presented and, despite a few showers midway, all players were back in the clubhouse in under five hours.

Keep on supporting our rugby league community.

TWEED DISTRICT Tom Cassin, secretary The morning of our 15th annual golf day looked a bit ‘iffy’ weather-wise as we arrived at the course ready for another great day. The players soon started to arrive, as did the occasional light shower, and we soon had all 130 players registered and ready to go. The showers cleared away and the convoy of carts headed out to their respective tees and play got underway punctually – a credit to all players.

This year we welcomed the Seagulls Club as our major sponsor with a significant contribution by way of the ClubsGrant scheme. This generous contribution has enabled us to keep playing costs relatively the same as past years.

Noel Holmes again was a generous donor to the day, continuing his generous support of the Tweed District Men of League. Many thanks to our loyal hole sponsors over the years Viz Seagulls (14 years), Bruce and Noel Turner (13 years), Cudgen Leagues Club (11) and Kirra Beach Hotel (six). Many thanks to Gary Stafford from Techrite who sponsored a hole but has also extracted hole sponsorship from five other companies who did not play, namely Type B Gas, Omega Gas, Mitchell Industrial Gas, Masterbooth and SRT Combustion.

Winners on the day were Stan Butler, Gav O’Connell, Craig Montgomery, Sharky Campbell and Ian Ludlow who shot a 9 under 63 off the stick for a nett 53. Runner-up was team B Covell with a gross 64, nett 55 1/2 followed by Peter McLintock’s team with a gross 64, nett 55 ¾. Longest drive went to Jake Dinsey; straight drive to Di Frankland; nearest the pins: Dale Rablin [3rd]; Steve Huggins [7th]; Keiran Gallagher [10th];Bruce Covell [17th].

We are most grateful to all sponsors and donors for their continued support which contributes greatly to our successful days. Also to all the players on our days, you should all be very proud of your contributions and we hope you participation and support continues.

Without you we do not have a golf day – and again many of you have been with us since 2005.

Many thanks go to Neil Russell, golf operations manager, Craig Davis and his staff, the ground staff for their course presentation, those responsible for the lunch, bar staff and Coolangatta and Tweed Heads Golf Course and to our own volunteers for their great efforts throughout the day.

Pencil in the diary Friday 1 May 2020 for the next one – the first Friday in May.

Clint Barry from Gold Coast Plumbing sponsored a hole, long drive, straight drive and nearest the pin. We welcomed back Lenny McLennan from Rainbow Bay Realty and a new sponsor, Dale Rabin, Underground Asset Management. Active Gas, K & R Sales and Pacific Spraybooth were also generous sponsors.

Prize donors were Cudgen Leagues, Coolangatta Sands, Phil Wyper, Coolangatta and Tweed Golf Club, Greenmount Surf Club, Danny Sharp, Coolangatta Bowls Club, Currumbin RSL,

Anthony McCulloch picked up a handy prize – a Men of League branded golf bag.

WESTERN SYDNEY Kylie Murphy, media officer Our annual golf day was held at Cabramatta Golf Club with Michael Buettner our MC back at the clubhouse and special guests being ‘Lord’ Ted Goodwin, Johnny 'Bomber' Peard and Terry Lamb.

Happy golfers … taking a break during the Tweed District golf day are John Lovett, Anthony Fullalove, Laurie Pope and Michael Fabris.

Cabramatta Golf Club had their flag at half-mast and we started our golf day with a minute silence in tribute to Denis ‘Big D’ Anderson, a Parramatta Eels life member and club legend for his behind the scenes work over many years.

About 100 golfers played for the Chad Robinson Perpetual Shield with the award going to Team Robinson. It was a great day and we even had a hole in one recorded.

Thank you Cabramatta Golf Club, special guests, sponsors, the Robinson family and everyone who attended.

We look forward to our next fundraiser, a sports luncheon on Friday 30 August at Smithfield RSL. RSVP to Garry on 0418 699 257 or direct at Smithfield RSL.

‘Lord’ Ted Goodwin enthrals the audience back at Cabramatta’s clubhouse after the Western Sydney lunch.

The Greystanes Hotel team who always enjoy themselves at the annual golf day.

Men of League Foundation | 57

CARNIVAL SUPPORTS

The ‘honorary’ Queensland team wearing Men of League Foundation socks. This team is a ‘best’ selection team judged on form during the carnival.

Each year the Confraternity rugby league carnival supports the Men of League Foundation by declaring Tuesday’s series of matches Men of League Day. The 2019 carnival, staged by the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Rugby League, was hosted by Shalom College, Bundaberg. It was the 30th carnival after it was launched in Bundaberg in 1980.

This year 28 Queensland schools, plus selection representative side named at the end of the carnival, purchased the socks to raise funds for the Foundation as part of the partnership which began in 2012.

During the carnival, which is the largest schoolboy rugby league carnival in Australia with 48 teams participating over four days of matches at open age level, the Foundation’s activities were highlighted through the following: •

A membership video is played each hour while games are being livestreamed;

•

Regular announcements are played over the PA system;

•

An opportunity is provided for the local committee to set up a stall to collect donations and sign up members.

58 | Men of League Foundation

“The Men of League Foundation appreciates the backing from all the Confraternity schools in supporting this wonderful carnival by dedicating of the second day of the carnival to the Foundation,” Queensland wellbeing manager Mark Bunting said.

“The values that the carnival has fit in nicely with those of the Foundation and we look forward to continuing our association into the future.”

Each team plays six games over five days of the carnival, one of which is a rest day.

Mark, who represented the Foundation at the carnival as well as acting as the carnival’s operations manager, has had a long association with the popular event which began with six teams competing for the shield in 1980. As former sports masters at the renowned Yeppoon school St Brendan’s College, he has attended every carnival since 1993.

St Brendan’s has produced a string of NRL and Queensland State of Origin players over the past two decades including Julian O’Neill, Paul Bowman, PJ Marsh, David Taylor and Corey Oates as well as Cowboys premiership-winning hooker Jake Granville and current Brisbane Broncos coach Anthony Siebold.

Next year the carnival will be held in Brisbane.

MORE BLOOPERS What does Michael Crocker and Mark Knowles have in common?

They both are “rubbish” at celebrity golf when compared to single-handicapper Ben Ikin.

The Queensland Men of League Celebrity Golf Day was held at Indooroopilly Golf Club on 24 May when rugby league stars and eight Olympians joined forces with our corporate supporters for 18 rounds of four-ball Ambrose play.

And there were certainly more laughs than birdies while hacks and fluent-drivers played one of Brisbane’s best courses under a blue sky all in the name of raising funds for the foundation.

Former well-known players including Michael Crocker, Wally Fullerton-Smith, Dave Shillington, Ben Ikin, Adrian Vowles and Walker brothers, Ben and Shane, joined Olympians including gold medallist Mark Knowles (hockey), Terry Aronson (shooting), Lee Bodimeade (hockey), Tom King (sailing), Jens Lang (table tennis), Julie McDonald (swimming), Ethan Warren (diving) and silver medal winning baseballer Paul Gonzelez.

Teams followed their golf with a lunch where host Ikin grilled Crocker on his State of Origin career through to the opportunities available to selectors and coaching staff during the Maroons rebuild required with the departures of the likes of Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Greg Inglis and Billy Slater.

This was followed by a chat with long time wellbeing recipient Harry Bowes, who relived his behind the scenes Origin experience in 2016 and what it meant to him after going through treatment for leukaemia and discovering a 9cm tumour on his spine. Three years on, Harry is powering on by studying nursing and spreading the work of the Foundation.

The golf day was not possible without our celebrities participating but a shout-out must go to long-time event sponsor Intrust Super and Queensland Men of League Foundation sponsors BMD and Llewellyn Motors, a proud family business that has been operating in Ipswich and the surrounding communities for nearly 30 years.

(from left) Ben Ikin, Wally Fullerton-Smith, Michael Crocker, David Shillington, Paul Gonzelez (Baseball 04), Adrian Vowles, Julie McDonald (Swimming 92), Ethan Warren (Diving 92), Jens Lang (Table Tennis 12&16), Lee Bodimeade (Hockey 92) Mark Knowles (Hockey 04,08,12,16), Tom King (Sailing 96,00), Shane Walker

The QRL team of Rowan Sawyer, Mark Knowles and Sharna McLean.

Llewellyn Motors is passionate about delivering its customers motoring confidence. It’s about Choice, Experience and Peace of Mind when buying new or used cars. Chris Llewellyn may not have known his way around the golf course on a buggy, but he knows everything about helping the rugby league community into a new car.

Give Chris Hunter at Llewellyn’s a call … and mention of the Men of League for a great deal.

Denis Anderson (centre) pictured earlier this year with (from left) Noel Willick, Garry O’Donnell, Peter Moses and Luke Sammut.

REMEMBERING THOSE NOW GONE WAYNE CREIGHTON DENIS ANDERSON Denis Anderson, a life member of the Parramatta Eels and a friend and assistant to many of the club’s legend over four decades, passed away at age 71 in May. ‘Big D’ had been battling cancer for a year but continued in his role at Parramatta when well enough, a club he first served 44 years ago.

On countless weekends, Denis, having already been to the club to collect the gear for the day, would arrive early in the morning at a suburban ground to set up for the Eels’ junior representative games and ended that same day clearing out the dressing room after an NRL match late at night.

“In many ways, Denis is the embodiment of what the Parramatta Eels club has stood for in the game of rugby league and the guardian of what it means to wear the blue and gold – Big D was the “heart & soul” of the Parramatta Eels,” the club announced in a release on Anderson’s death.

Denis was named clubman of the year in 2013 and was made a life member in 2017. In 2019, the Eels launched the ‘Denis Anderson Junior Club Person of the Year’ award, named the home dressing rooms at Bankwest Stadium the ‘Denis Anderson Rooms’ ensuring his presence continued.

60 | Men of League Foundation

Wayne (member#8047) was born in Casino but moved to Riverwood in Sydney where he played juniors for Narwee Colts and East Hills and for St George’s Jersey Flegg and President's Cup teams.

He played two years with Earlwood Bardwell Park RSL, excelling in their grand final win of 1968 against arch rivals Camperdown Dragons, then several seasons with Peakhurst Inn A grade, winning grand finals in 1969 and 1971. Wayne was a great fiveeighth or lock but five-eighth was where he really stood out and was as tough as they come and very skilful. Unfortunately Wayne had to struggle with health problems over the past 12 years of which you never heard him ask for sympathy.

RUSSELL ELLIS Russell ‘Rusty’ Ellis was an outstanding sportsman, excelling in rugby league, touch football and golf. He came through the Ivanhoes juniors before representing Cairns at under-19 Level and went on to represent Cairns in the Foley Shield for four years.

Following his retirement from playing league, Ellis represented Cairns and North Queensland in men’s over-35s, 40s and 45s touch football level and represented Queensland in over-40s.

Rusty was a proficient golfer too, winning the Cairns Open in 1971.

He had played his final round in the morning and left to play for Ivanhoes in a semi-final but when the game was finished he was called back to take the title in a play-off at Cairns Golf Club.

PHIL GORMLEY Gormley had a very respectable career as a hooker, which began in the St George juniors and saw him travel to Illawarra, north Queensland and eventually the NSW Central Coast where he spent the last few decades of his life.

He is the Brighton Le Sands club’s hooker in their team of the century. He went on to play under23s for the Dragons before Jack Gibson took him to Newtown and he played first grade in the Amco Cup before being lured to Port Kembla by former Test hooker and captain Ian Walsh. He played three seasons there and represented Illawarra in 1975.

STEVEN MCKEON Steven was a Port Kembla and Camden junior player who went on to give a lifetime to the game of rugby league he loved as a player, senior and junior coach and official at many levels.

He graduated to first grade at Camden and served on the committee and as under-18s coach before moving to Denman in the upper Hunter Valley.

There he played first grade, was treasurer for many years, a Group 21 coach and selector, as well as coaching director, and earning life membership of the Denman club as well as the Denman Sandy Hollow junior club.

JIM PATERSON The Queensland league lost one of its great players of the 1950s-60s in Jim Paterson. ‘Pato’, as he was affectionately known, had a long and distinguished rugby league career as player, coach and selector in north Queensland. He represented Queensland and Australia from the north where he remains a legend.

After winning a Metropolitan Cup premiership with Ryde-Eastwood, ‘Flash’ Gormley signed with Brothers Ingham in the Herbert River competition where he played his best football. He represented Herbert River in the Foley Shield and was selected to play for North Queensland in their victory over Great Britain, winning the man of the match award.

In 1978, after playing in the North Queensland side that beat the touring Kiwis, he captain-coached Ingham and was chosen for Queensland Country and opposed international John Lang in the game against Combined Brisbane, winning the scrums in a victory over Brisbane. After representing a Queensland selection side, he was named as the North Queensland Sportsman of the Year.

He then moved interstate and was inaugural captain-coach of Toukley Hawks in 1979, representing Group 12 and Southern Division, before finishing his career with Wyong Kangaroos. His love of league and the Dragons continued until his death in April, days before his 69th birthday.

BILL MCDONALD Bill McDonald has passed away at age 87.

He was a late starter to league at 19 but he proved to be a natural. McDonald was the first player from Nimmitabel (near Cooma) to be paid to leave the area to play football, playing first grade for Picton in 1954 and earning two pounds a game. He was known for his speed and his ability to play any position in the forwards.

Bill was very proud to be asked to try out for Western Suburbs in 1955, an opportunity he was unfortunately unable to pursue. After playing for Goulburn in 1955, he returned to Nimmitabel and captain-coached the second grade side in 1956, with nine of his team selected to represent the region. He was part of Nimmitabel’s premiership team in 1957 and Bibbenluke’s reserve grade premiership team in 1962.

After he finished playing, he was heavily involved in the Nimmitabel and Bombala junior rugby league with his six sons Don, Tim, Pat, Jeff, Bernard and Simon.

Bill enjoyed attending Men of League Foundation days and was a great supporter of the Bombala events.

A product of Townsville's Souths club, originally a five-eighth, but later a forward, Paterson made the North Queensland team trials in 1954 before moving to Toowoomba for two seasons at the invitation of legendary coach Duncan Thompson. Playing for Toowoomba Valleys, he made the Toowoomba Bulimba Cup squad before going home to north Queensland for the 1957 season and was a member of the North Queensland side that defeated Combined Brisbane to claim the first state league championship.

The 1959 Queensland side, coached by the great Clive Churchill, was to be the last one to win a full series over New South Wales before the first Origin series of 1982, defeating the Blues 3-1. This resounding series win catapulted several Queensland players into the Australian side, including Paterson. Other notable Queensland players to debut for Australia in 1959 were Noel Kelly, Barry Muir, Elton Rasmussen, Dud Beattie and Gary Parcell.

‘Pato’ was one of seven Queenslandbased players to make the 1959-60 Kangaroos. He played two Tests against France in 1960 and toured New Zealand with the 1961 Australian side. He moved to Ingham in 1963, leading Herbert River in the Foley Shield, before returning to Townsville to play out his career with Centrals. He represented Queensland 24 times up to 1966 (and Australia in eight Tests) and retired as a player after the 1968 season but continued his involvement in as a selector for Townsville, North Queensland, Queensland Country, Queensland and Australia.

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TOM TASSELL The league community is mourning the passing of highly respected Queensland’s Northern Division life member Tom Tassell, who passed away aged 76.

A talented player in his youth, Tassell moved from Brisbane to Mount Isa as a paid player in 1965 where he played for Black Stars before transferring to Townies.

He played for North West Queensland against Great Britain in 1968 and North Queensland in 1971. He scored the first try for Mount Isa in their 1969 Foley Shield victory – the first in their history.

Tom dedicated 50 years of service to junior and senior rugby league in North Queensland as a player, coach, administrator, selector or in an advisory capacity.

Most recently he served as a director with the Jones Park board of management. He is a life member of Cairns Kangaroos and Cairns District Rugby League, while his wife Sandy is the first female life member of Kangaroos Junior Rugby League.

Jim Paterson in his 1959-60 Kangaroo tour kit.

In 2008 he was selected in the 'Queensland 100 Greats', as well as the North Queensland team of the century.

He is truly a legend of north Queensland rugby league.

MAX PORTSMOUTH A large contingent of referees paid their respects to Max Portsmouth who passed away in April, aged 80. Born and raised in Newcastle, in 1972 he was transferred in his job to Western Australia and joined the Cottesloe Tigers where he coached juniors for several years.

A shortage of referees saw him his ticket and he officiated in more than 500 games, including the reserve grade grand final touchline.

He moved back to Sydney and joined the Cronulla Referees Association and after hanging up the whistle he was a director of referees for many years and was later a junior coordinator, coaching NRL refs Mook Jadwat and Jared Maxwell.

He was a life member of the Cronulla Referees Association and the Cronulla Junior Rugby League.

BRIAN SMART Brian Smart was a standout performer at fullback and a gifted goalkicker. While remembered for his on-field exploits, it was Brian’s off-field contribution which will leave a mark with the club, as a

62 | Men of League Foundation

coach and an administrator. He was the honorary secretary from 1974-93 before becoming the Tigers’ first chief executive officer in 1994, a position he held for 11 years – taking his reign as club boss to 31 seasons.

A founding director of the Eastern Suburbs Leagues Club, Smart was a director of the leagues club board from 1974-2004. He was an Easts and Brisbane Rugby League life member.

HAROLD SMITH Cairns District Rugby League lost one of its great players of the 50s-60s in Harold Smith, who passed away in Laidley aged 83.

Harold was a Kangaroos junior and played A-grade at Brothers at 16. He played against his brother Moray in the Suburbs v Brothers final of 1960.

He moved to Suburbs in 1963 where he had a long and distinguished career.

Smith played Foley Shield for Cairns in 1954, losing the final to Ayr. He returned the following season in a winning Cairns team, playing centre under international captain-coach Ron Griffiths.

In 1959 he graduated to the forwards and he became the mainstay of the Cairns pack, culminating in a great win by Cairns in the 1966 Foley Shield against Townsville.

Harold represented Far North Queensland, North Queensland, Combined Country and played in a Queensland v Rest trial.

Such is the family’s standing in the community, the Tassell Trophy Challenge under-14 Carnival – hosted by Kangaroos Junior Rugby League – has been played in their honour each September for the past 17 years. Tom is survived by his wife Sandy and three boys, Brad, Kris and Jason, who were all born in Mt Isa and played at ARL/ NRL level.

TED WEBER Edward 'Ted' Christian Weber, OAM, a stalwart of rugby league in the Wide Bay district, has passed away, aged 86.

Maryborough-based, Weber was a life member of Queensland Rugby League and served the game long after he stepped down as a QRL director in 1998.

In 1989, he was appointed manager of the Queensland Residents team for a four-match tour of France and managed Residents sides on trips to PNG and New Zealand. In 1992 and 1993, he managed Australian Test sides.

In 1994, Weber joined Dick 'Tosser' Turner and Keith Welsh on the management team of the Queensland State of Origin side. The QRL life member received his Order of Australia Medal in 2007 for his services to rugby league.

A fitter and turner by trade, Weber was also a Maryborough City Councillor.

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