Men of League - Issue 59

Issue 59 - June 2015

This magazine made possible by

THE MAGNIFICENT 7

CHOOSE THE BEST HALVES SINCE ‘61 MEN OF LEAGUE HERITAGE ROUND WHERE ARE THEY NOW: ROD REDDY STERLO: PROFESSION & OBSESSION PAT RICHARDS: NO REGRETS

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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MEN OF LEAGUE JUNE 2015

IN THIS EDITION 6-8 Magnificent Seven 10-11 Pat Richards 12-13 John Tassone 14 Where Are The Now: Rod Reddy 15 Men of League Heritage Round 20 Have Your Say 22-23 Muir’s heroes of ‘75 26-27 By Your Side: Stephanie Mannah 28-29 Health Issue: Epilepsy 30-31 Legend interview: Peter Sterling 32-33 Queensland’s good doctor 36-37 Terry Fearnley 46-47 Gold Coast old boys unite 50-51 For love of the game 52-53 Steve and Andrew Mortimer 70 Ray Beattie at Gallipoli PLUS THE REGULARS: 5 From the CEO 16-17 Events Calendar 35 Footy trivia 38-41 Tributes 41-44 Helping Hand 48 Volunteer profile: Peter Foreman 54-55 NRL welfare activities 56 Local committes in profile 60-68 Committee news EDITOR: Neil Cadigan (editor@menofleague.com) DESIGN: Brilliant Logic PHOTOS: The Foundation thanks News Ltd for supply of photographs ADVERTISING: Brilliant Logic Phone: (02) 4324 6962 www.brilliantlogic.com.au www.menofleague.com DEADLINES: Deadline for submitted material for the next edition: July 31.

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS Patron: The Hon John Fahey AC Chairman: Ron Coote AM Treasurer: Geoff Thoroughgood Directors: Martin Cook, John Fahey, Mark Gasnier, Professor The Hon Stephen Martin, Alan Sullivan QC, Darryl Van de Velde & Helen Wood Grant WELFARE COMMITTEE Ray Beattie OAM, Sarah Connor, Kerry Gallen, Ben Ross, Geoff Thoroughgood, Ken Vessey

FROM THE

CHAIRMAN NRL Men of League Heritage Round celebrates all that is great in rugby league. It is not just about the foundation teams who own the history of our game, but the round highlights the efforts and the stories of some of those who have made this game great.

For many, rugby league is not just a game. It is the glue that sticks communities together, that provides a place to gather, to share tales and to re-live victories.

For others it is the celebration of joy at a tumultuous grand final win, the hardship of defeat at the hands of an old rival and a reminder of the inevitable arthritis that will no doubt set in when old injuries come home to roost.

This year, Men of League Heritage Round will also host the Men of League gala dinner. This event provides a forum to acknowledge all of those who help us to provide welfare to men, women and children in the rugby league community. It is our major fund raising vehicle and this year fittingly, it will play host to rugby league’s luminaries in the week that celebrates the spirit and history of our game. It will also spotlight the best of the little men, those whose skills, speed and sheer know-how win games, change the

EXECUTIVE Chief Executive Officer: Corene Strauss Welfare & Education Manager: Ben Ross Financial Controller: Andrew Gifford Operations Manager: Sandra Hopwood

course of the season or the course of a test match. The Magnificent 7, as voted by the rugby league public will be announced at our dinner.

Rugby league is the thread that has run through my life for its duration.

As a player I have been fortunate to enjoy more wins than losses and to have forged more friendships than foes. It has coloured more years than I care to remember and it has inspired me to give back in ways that I never thought possible.

Someone once said “dream big work hard.” The results of the Men of League are testament to the work of hundreds of volunteers, tens of committees and a team at offices in both Sydney and Brisbane who are intent on providing welfare to those in our rugby league family. They are supported by a committed board who give of their time freely, often and without need for reward.

But in all honesty, it is we who give a little time, energy and effort who are rewarded. Tennis champion Arthur Ashe said: “From what we get we can make a living; what we give however, makes a life.”

Ron Coote

ceo@menofleague.com ben@menofleague.com andrew@menofleague.com sandra@menofleague.com

Events & Community Engagement Manager: Jason Turik jason@menofleague.com

Membership Officer: Claire White NSW State Manager: Stuart Raper QLD State Manager: Frank Barrett QLD Events & Operations: Tegan Jennings QLD Admin Officer: Louise Uhl NRL Alumni Manager: Michael Buettner Wellbeing & Scholaships: Ray Beattie OAM Media, Marketing & Sponsorship: Louise Duff

claire@menofleague.com stuart@menofleague.com frank@menofleague.com tegan@menofleague.com louise@menofleague.com michael@menofleague.com rbe61518@bigpond.net.au lduff@brilliantlogic.com.au

NSW & CENTRAL OFFICE Level 3, Eastern Grandstand, ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127 PO Box 7049, Silverwater NSW 2128 Phone: 02 8765 2232 Fax: 02 8765 2808 QLD OFFICE QRL Office, Suncorp Stadium, Castlemaine Street, Milton QLD 4064 PO Box 1217, Milton QLD 4064 Phone: 07 3367 6080 Fax: 07 3367 3464

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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YOUR MEN OF LEAGUE LOCAL CONTACTS NEW SOUTH WALES CANBERRA MONARO President: Noel Bissett 0407 597 533 Secretary: Susan Gerrard 0406 378 086 CENTRAL COAST President: Don Parish 0414 353 141 Secretary: Trevor Andrews 0412 694 857 CENTRAL WEST President: John Lasker 02 6852 2477 Secretary: Norm Cook 0458 658 827

FAR SOUTH COAST President: Terry Dickson 0429 449 058 Secretary: Damian Kennedy 0417 069 723 ILLAWARRA President: Peter Fitzgerald 0412 263 733 Secretary: Barry Harle 02 4229 1545

RIVERINA President: Dave Mulrooney 0438 017 428 Secretary: Ian Lloyd 0457 850 384

GOLD COAST President: Ian Amos 0417 005 180 Secretary: Mick Toomey 0422 870 025

SOUTH COAST President: David Hayward 0405 102 361 Secretary: Ross Collins 0423 853 515

GOONDIWINDI President: Trevor Brown 07 4671 2882 Secretary: Col Trehearn 0427 712 679

SOUTHERN SYDNEY President: Terry Hughes 0447 488 052 Secretary: Grahame Bowen 0400 355 500

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

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

MACKAY President: Marco Peters 0428 264 073 Secretary: Alf Abdullah 0417 752 694

ROCKHAMPTON President: Ron Milne Secretary: Dominique McGregor

TUGGERAH LAKES President: Denis Smith Secretary: Rod Wicks TWEED DISTRICT President: John Strong 0421 971 586

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

UPPER HUNTER President: Peter Ford 0421 805 235 Vice President: Peter Collins 0419 763 279

MID WEST President: Badger Babbage 0428 164 398 Secretary: Elwyn Lang 0429 721 266

WESTERN SYDNEY President: Steve Winbank Secretary: Garry O'Donnell 0418 699 257

NEWCASTLE HUNTER President: Garry Leo 0400 421 767 NORTH COAST President: Peter Barrett 0414 227 068 Secretary: Terry Clark NORTH WEST President: Don Pascoe 02 6742 1560 Secretary: Kevin Robinson 02 6760 5067 NORTHERN SYDNEY President: Neil Whittaker 0412 488 037 NORTHERN RIVERS Patron: Bob Abbott AM Secretary: Tony Cicchinelli 02 6621 3096 Media Officer: Barry Cheadle 02 6686 2977 NSW POLICE Patron: Andrew Scipione President: Dennis Clifford 0411 266 610

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WESTERN REGION Secretary: Ross Tighe 02 6882 4649 Vice President: Bryson Luff 0438 058 563

QLD AND AFFILIATED STATES BRISBANE President: Ron Atkins 07 3355 7271 Secretary: Vance Rennie 07 3350 6436 BUNDABERG DISTRICT President: Terry Dodd 0414 526 828 Secretary: Chris Sullivan 0407 425 563 CENTRAL HIGHLANDS President: Mick Roach 0400 638 249 Secretary: RJ Stewart FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND President: John McAllister 0409 722 455 Secretary: Les Lazarus 0402 801 182 FRASER COAST President: Peter Stephensen 07 4122 2868 Secretary: Vic Beardmore 0407 303 187

ROMA President: Owen Lingard 0400 496 507 Secretary: Julie Walton 0437 721 527 SOUTHERN DIVISION President: Andrew O’Brien 0417 748 489 Secretary: John Dent 0400 046 214 SUNSHINE COAST President: Bob Hagan 0419 252 092 Secretary: Ross Meldrum 0418 500 928 TOWNSVILLE President: Tim Nugent 0419 730 700 Secretary: Terry Feeney 0488 000 899 VICTORIA President: Peter Foreman 0439 533 171 Secretary: Greg Brentnall 03 8412 4905 NORTHERN TERRITORY President: Dave Cannon 0428 895 211 Secretary: John Barry 0417 732 660 WESTERN AUSTRALIA President: James Sullivan 0414 733 083 Secretary: Justin Reid 0403 012 252

QLD STATE COMMITTEE Qld State Manager: Frank Barrett Chairman: Darryl Van de Velde Vice Chairman: Pete Psaltis Treasurer: Tony Woodgate Committee: Mitch Brennan, Ken Brown, Mark Donlan, Darryl Foster, Tony Joseph, Mark Murray, Justin Ribot, Wayne Roberts, Greg Veivers

MESSAGE

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FROM THE CEO

elcome to the latest edition of our magazine - a bumper issue with 8 extra pages.

Firstly I’d like to acknowledge Simplicity Funerals as our most recent partner and who are making this magazine possible on an ongoing basis. We are thrilled to welcome them on board and we look forward to working with them over the coming months. Without the support that we get from our corporate sponsors like Simplicity we wouldn’t be able to provide the welfare we do. We’re very grateful for the support of all of our corporate sponsors. Thank you, Simplicity.

This year we’re holding our Gala Dinner in July during the NRL’s Men of League Heritage Round. We’ve added a new twist to our pinnacle event by introducing

The Men of League Magnificent 7. You can help us determine the seven greatest half backs since 1961 by voting on our website. Keep your eye out in the Daily Telegraph & Courier Mail and tune in to NRL 360 on FoxSports for their thoughts on who’s in the running.

Thank you to everyone who has recently renewed their membership. We’ve had a great response to our membership campaign. If you haven’t yet renewed, please visit our website or call Claire on 02 8765 2232.

You may have recently received our latest appeal letter from Ron Coote AM. Ron told the wonderful success stories of Brett Morris and Paula Gowland who we’ve been able to help. I hope that you can donate to our appeal to help us deliver much needed support. Any commitment, regardless of the amount, can help make a difference to the lives of those people who really need it.

Finally congratulations to our NSW Parliamentary Patron The Hon. David Elliott who has been promoted to Cabinet Minister.

THANK YOU

PARTNERS

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e were thrilled to welcome Simplicity Funerals to the family as our first national partner for 2015. We are also hugely grateful for the generosity and support proffered by Hannanprint, who now cover the costs associated with printing our wonderful Men of League magazine.

The valued support of Simplicity Funerals and Hannanprint assists us to ensure we can continue to provide quality welfare services to protect and enhance the lives of men, women and children in the rugby league community.

Greg Bissett, chief operating officer, Invocare and Men of League CEO Corene Strauss.

More information on Simplicity Funerals is available at www.simplicityfunerals.com.au. Find out more about Hannanprint at www.hannanprint.com.au.

You too can show your support for the role Men of League plays within our community by partnering with us. There are many ways businesses and organisations can work with us and contribute to our welfare work. Please call the Men of League office on 02 8765 2232 to the discuss options available.

Men of League operations manager, Sandra Hopwood and CEO Corene Strauss, with Greg Gallen, Hannanprint sales and marketing manager

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN Here’s a challenge: picking the best seven halfbacks since 1961. That’s the task for our members and anyone who loves league, after a panel of judges completed the task of choosing their Magnificent Seven! BY NEIL CADIGAN At the annual gala dinner on July 16 we are going to unveil The Magnificent Seven - the seven best No. 7s of the past 55 years.

It’s a tough task, and fascinating argument of how do you compare players from such vastly different eras - from unlimited tackle football, to six tackles in 1972, from serious scrums to virtual rest-breaks of today, and from 68kg fast or crafty little guys to the 90kg front-on defenders and one side of the field operators.

But that’s the challenge. Champions are champions in any era and the task was to compare their status and talent, and certainly their achievements that stand in time.

THIS IS HOW IT WORKS:

Current Test halfback Cooper Cronk. Photo: DAILY TELEGRAPH

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hey are the puppeteers of rugby league. The halfbacks. The little men with the big influence.

And we have handed rugby league fans the task of selecting the best of the best.

The challenge is to anoint the best seven halfbacks since 1961 when the game became televised on the old black and white sets - the second half of matches being beamed into our lounge rooms on Channel 9.

Queenslander Barry Muir was the Australian halfback of the time, and the next year Arthur Summons stepped into the Test side and captained the 1963 Kangaroos to England.

Since then there has been a parade of true champions like Billy Smith, Tom Raudonikis, Steve Mortimer, Peter Sterling, Allan Langer, Andrew Johns through to Johnathan Thurston.

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A judging panel - comprising five-times premiership coach Wayne Bennett, Australian coach and fourtime grand final winner Tim Sheens, Fox Sports chief commentator Warren Smith, Daily Telegraph sports editor at large and league scribe of over three decades Phil Rothfield and Men of League editor and former Big League editor and prolific author Neil Cadigan - have come up with the 14 nominations opposite.

They have also individually nominated their Magnificent 7 - rated one to seven - and now it’s the turn of rugby league fans to lodge their votes too and they will be combined with the panel’s votes to come up with our select group.

All you have to do is go to the Men of League website (www.menofleague.com) to find out how to vote. It is as simple as ranking one to seven your top seven players from the list.

And to help you we will provide a mini formguide of the 14 finalists. Note rep games listed are as halfback only. The Magnificent Seven will be unveiled at the Foundation’s much-celebrated annual gala dinner at Le Montage in Sydney on July 16.

In alphabetical order, here are the 14 nominees:

GREG ALEXANDER

Alexander was a brilliant teenage talent when he graduated to Penrith’s first grade side in 1984. He was the Dally M rookie of the year in ’84, won the Dally M overall award in ’85 and was chosen for the first of his two Kangaroo tours in 1986, in the meantime becoming the first Penrith junior to play for Australia from the Panthers. As his career was in the era of Sterling, Langer and Stuart, his international games were restricted to six Tests but he was an elusive, brilliant all-round player who had 265 first grade appearances for Penrith and NZ Warriors over 16 seasons and captained the Panthers to their first premiership in 1991.

PREMIERSHIP: 265 games (Penrith, Warriors 1984-99). INTERSTATE: 2 games for NSW (6 in all positions). Tests: 2 (6). PREMIERSHIPS: 1. MAJOR AWARDS: Dally M Medal 1985, halfback of year 1985, 89, 91.

COOPER CRONK

Cronk, the reigning Australian halfback, has worked hard to perfect his game and was the natural successor in the Queensland and Australian teams when Darren Lockyer retired at the end of 2011 and Johnathan Thurston moved to five-eighth, after being a regular bench player in representative teams. He has 22 Test and 13 State of Origin appearances to his name and is regarded as having, with Thurston, the best kicking game in the NRL. PREMIERSHIP: 258 games (Melbourne (2004-). INTERSTATE: 9 games for Qld (13 in all positions). Tests: 19 (22). PREMIERSHIPS: 3. MAJOR AWARDS: Dally M winner 2013, halfback of year 2006, 11, 12, 13.

ANDREW JOHNS

The most recent Immortal, Johns was unmatched when it came to the ability to dominate a game and the breadth of his talents. His kicking game, short and long, was outstanding; he was a top-flight goalkicker; he could score a try but could make others look far better than they were with his ability to put them into space; and he could tackle like a forward.

He stands with Thurston as the only players to win three Dally M Medals and was twice named as the best player in the world (Golden Boot).

PREMIERSHIP: 249 games (Newcastle 1993-07). INTERSTATE: 16 games for NSW (23 in all positions). Tests: 12 (26). PREMIERSHIPS: 2. MAJOR AWARDS: Dally M Medal 98, 99, 02, halfback of year 95, 98, 99, 02. Golden Boot: 99, 01.

Clive Churcbhill Medal: 2001.

STACEY JONES

Jones is universally regarded as the greatest Kiwi halfback and his record matches that assessment. He played 46 Tests, 11 seasons in the NRL for the Warriors then two in the English Super League for Catalans.

One of the smallest halfbacks of the NRL era, he had brilliant pace and anticipation, was a tough defender with a good short kicking game and was tremendously respected for how he represented the sport on and off the field. He was Kiwi Test captain for five years and the Warriors skipper for five.

PREMIERSHIP: 261 games (Warriors 1995-05). Tests: 46. GRAND FINALS: 1. MAJOR AWARDS: Golden Boot 2002. NZRL Player of the Year 1999, 01, 02.

BRETT KIMMORLEY

In his prime Kimmorley forced Andrew Johns into the hooking role (2000 World Cup), and was one of the most dominant halfbacks of his time with his clever kicking game, flat style passing game and aggressive defence

Greg Alexander … brilliant talent. Photo: DAILY TELEGRAPH

for a small man. He played 12 seasons at the top level and is one of a small group to have played 300 first grade games.

PREMIERSHIP: 307 games (Newcastle, Hunter, Melbourne, Northern Eagles, Cronulla, Canterbury 1995-06). INTERSTATE: 10 games for NSW. Tests: 20. PREMIERSHIPS: 1. MAJOR AWARDS: Dally M halfback of year 2000. Clive Churchill Medal 1999.

ALLAN LANGER

Langer defied his size to be perhaps the most prominent halfback in deciding club matches (for the Broncos) than any of his period, from 1988-2003 (with two seasons in England from 99-00). He was a master at State of Origin level with his smart passing, astute running, exceptional defence for a tiny player and inspirational leader. His 34 Origin games are surpassed only by Darren Lockyer and he captained the Broncos to four premierships.

PREMIERSHIP: 258 games (Brisbane 1988-03). INTERSTATE: 34 games for Qld. Tests: 21. PREMIERSHIPS: 4. MAJOR AWARDS: Dally M Medal 1996, halfback of year 1994, 96; Rothmans Medal 1992; Clive Churchill Medal 1992.

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STEVE MORTIMER

Mortimer overcame chronic asthma as a teenager to become perhaps the greatest Bulldogs player of all-time with his explosive running, probing at the line, chip and chase and extraordinary cover defence. He played in six grand finals during his 12 seasons with Canterbury and battled fellow Wagga Wagga product Peter Sterling for the NSW and Australian jersey in the 1980s and captained NSW to their first Origin series victory in 1985.

PREMIERSHIP: 272 games (Canterbury 1977-88). INTERSTATE: 13 games for NSW. Tests: 7 (8). PREMIERSHIPS: 3.

BARRY MUIR

Arthur Summons regarded the passionate Queenslander as the fiercest rival he encountered and the best halfback he played with. Muir succeeded the long reign of Keith Holman as Australia’s No. 7 and played 25 Tests over six seasons and became Test vice-captain. After starting his career at Tweed Heads, he played 11 seasons for Wests in the tough Brisbane competition, the latter years as captain coach. He was at his best on the 1963 Kangaroo tour when Australia won the Ashes in England for the first time in 51 years.

PREMIERSHIP: Tweed Heads 1956, 1971. Toowoomba Valleys 1957, Wests Brisbane 1958-68, Ayr 1970. INTERSTATE: 20 games for Qld (25 in all positions). Tests: 12 (25).

TOM RAUDONIKIS

Raudonikis was a ferocious competitor who was undisputed No. 1 halfback in the game for most of the nine seasons from 1971-79. He was a tough defender, clever and strong runner of the ball and shrewd, making each match a personal duel with his opposing halfback. A record of 29 Tests and World Cup games over a decade and 24 matches for NSW are testament to his talent, consistency and durability.

PREMIERSHIP: 239 games (Wests, Newtown 1969-82). INTERSTATE: 18 games for NSW. Tests: 28. MAJOR AWARDS: Rothmans Medal 1972.

BILLY SMITH

Smith was tough, clever, fast and versatile and was a prominent member of the all-conquering St George teams of the 1960s. Norm Provan, captain of the Dragons first 10 of their 11 successive premierships, said Smith was the greatest halfback he saw although the local junior was equally at home in the centres.

PREMIERSHIP: 234 games (St George 1961-77). INTERSTATE: 16 games for NSW (17). Tests: 21. PREMIERSHIPS: 4. MAJOR AWARDS: Harry Sunderland Medal 1966.

Dragon champion Billy Smith. Photo: DAILY TELEGRAPH

RICKY STUART

Stuart joined the Raiders in 1988 after just becoming a rugby union international from Canberra and took much of his first season to adapt the rigours of the professional game but by 1989 was an influential part of the Raiders’ heydays with a long passing and kicking game that revolutionised how halfbacks played.He was a dominant NSW player during their successful period in the early 1990s, toured twice with the Kangaroos where the English conditions suited him.

PREMIERSHIP: 243 games (Canberra, Canterbury 88-00). INTERSTATE: 14 games for NSW. Tests: 7. PREMIERSHIPS: 3. MAJOR AWARDS: Dally M Medal 1993, halfback of year 90, 93. Rothmans Medal: 1993.

ARTHUR SUMMONS

After a two-year reign as Australia’s rugby union halfback Summons was signed by the wealthy Western Suburbs club in Sydney in 1960 as they tried to wrestle the title from St George. He became a dual international in 1961, playing half and five-eighth in rep football, and captain-coached the 1963-64 Kangaroos. His Magpies side went down to the Dragons in successive grand finals from 1961-63, with him captaining the side in the last two. He was never beaten in his five Tests at Test captain.

PREMIERSHIP: 56 games (Wests 1960-64). INTERSTATE: 7 games for NSW. Tests: 4 (9).

PETER STERLING

JOHNATHAN THURSTON

PREMIERSHIP: 227 games (Parramatta 1978-92). INTERSTATE: 13 games for NSW. Tests: 21. PREMIERSHIPS: 4. MAJOR AWARDS: Dally M Medal 1986, 87, halfback of year 83, 84, 86, 87. Rothmans Medal: 1987, 90.

Clive Churchill Medal: 1986. Golden Boot: 1987.

PREMIERSHIP: 249 games (Canterbury, Nth Queensland 1993-).

INTERSTATE: 19 games for Qld (28 in all positions). Tests: 21 (31).

PREMIERSHIPS: 1. MAJOR AWARDS: Dally M Medal 05, 07, 14, halfback of year 05, 07, 09, 14, five-eighth 2013. Golden Boot 2011, 14. Harry Sunderland Medal 2013. Wally Lewis Medal: 2008.

‘Sterlo’ was the ultimate schemer on the rugby league field with a deft passing and kicking game that was a focal point of the opposing team’s match plans during his many seasons with Parramatta. A recurring shoulder injury cut his career short when in his prime. He dominated player awards during the latter half of his career like Andrew Johns and Johnathan Thurston did subsequently, but a tribute to his ability was that most awards came after the Eels’ golden era of 1981-86.

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Thurston is unparalleled as the best halfback/five-eighth in the game in the post-Andrew Johns era. He is the greatest points-scorer in Australian Test history and State of Origin and has won three Dally M Medals and three Golden Boot awards (equal to Andrew Johns). He has played an unprecedented 28 successive Origin matches and won four man of the match awards.

JOIN US FOR THE ANNOUNCEMENT AT THE ANNUAL MEN OF LEAGUE GALA DINNER THURSDAY 16 JULY 2015

VOTE ON THE MEN OF LEAGUE MAGNIFICENT 7 Have your say on who will be named in our Magnificent 7. Visit www.menofleague.com to nominate your top seven from our mix of current greats and champions of yesteryear.

It’s simple to vote. Head online, choose your top seven, fill in your details and you’ll also go into the draw to win a limited edition framed Men of League jersey signed by the Magnificent 7.

Our annual Gala Dinner has moved to July to kick off Heritage Round and will see us announce the Men of League Magnificent 7 - the greatest halfbacks since the game was televised.

Join us in celebrating the work of Men of League around the country. Help us to raise essential funds so that we may continue to support the rugby league community and be there when we announce the Magnificent 7 - the seven finest halfbacks to have taken to the field since the first televised season.

Our Gala Dinner will also pay tribute to the families who have been helped by the Men of League Foundation and will raise essential funds so that we may continue carrying out valuable welfare and support to men, women and children in the rugby league family.

Venue Le Montage 38 Frazer Street Lilyfield NSW

Time 6:30pm for 7:00pm

Cost $300 per ticket $3,000 per table $4,000 per Gold table (Host a finalist)

Dress Black Tie

The Men of League Gala Dinner would not be possible without the support of our partners.

www.menofleague.com HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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PAT HAS NO REGRETS Pat Richards is like those in an era long gone where they played the prime time of their careers in England, enjoying the experience but denying themselves more representative honours. At 33, and back at the Wests Tigers, his continued good form only emphasises how good he is. BY BARRY ROSS

P

at Richards, who some regard as still the best winger in the NRL at age 33, has no regrets that an eight-season stint with the famous Wigan club in England cost him what his current coach Jason Taylor believes would have been certain State of Origin and Test honours in Australia.

games with the Exiles. This was memorable for my family and me.”

Richards left for Wigan just months after scoring one of the most celebrated grand final years in over a century of Australian league history when he latched onto a Benji Marshall flick-pass in Wests Tigers’ victory over North Queensland in 2005.

“We both loved the different culture and lifestyle,” he explained. “Kim made friends easily and her support was a key factor in me having eight seasons with Wigan.”

For those who did not have pay-TV or sat up late to watch English Super League games when briefly on Channel 9, they would not have been aware that Richards gave British fans even greater memories of his extraordinary talents and returned home in late 2013 rated among the greatest Australian imports in the English game.

He left initially for two years but he and his wife Kim were welcomed so greatly and enjoyed the lifestyle and rewards at Wigan so much, they stayed for almost eight. While Pat set all-time records for Wigan, represented Ireland at two World Cups and, like so many of the great Aussie names of decades before, ran out for the ‘Exiles’ against the best of British, Australian fans were denied seeing him in his prime … and probably in a green and gold jersey.

Even as Origin approached last year Richards’ name was high on discussion about possible Blues wingers, based on his NRL form and goalkicking ability that had him standing atop the points-scoring lists. But it looks like that opportunity may have slipped by.

“Maybe I would have received a chance to play at a higher level if I had stayed in Australia,” he said. “But I have no regrets. While it would be a huge honour to represent Australia or NSW, I don’t know if things would have been different if I did not join Wigan.

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Richards had only intended to stay a year or two in the northern hemisphere but things went so well for the young couple, both on and off the field.

His coach at the Tigers, Jason Taylor, who first came across his enormous talents when Richards was a 19-year-old teammate at Parramatta in 2001, has no doubts Richards would have been an international if he hadn’t left for England.

“If he had remained in Australia, in my opinion, he would definitely have played State of Origin for NSW and possibly for Australia,” Taylor said. “As a young player, he was really talented and he is still competing so well at the top level.”

Richards, a multi-talented natural sportsman who played first grade cricket and came through the summer sport ranks at Liverpool with Michael Clarke, was just 24 when he left for England. Now he is back still showing his extraordinary ability in the NRL, Aussie fans should be reminded of the context of his achievements while he was largely out of sight and out of mind.

In the next eight seasons at Wigan he achieved everything the English game has to offer. He was a member of two Challenge Cup final winning teams (2011 and 2013), as well as two Super League grand final winning sides (2010 and 2013). In 224 first team games with the Warriors, he scored 2468 points from 168 tries, 896 goals and four field goals.

That makes him the third highest points-scorer for the famous Lancashire club. In 2010, under coach Michael Maguire, now a Rabbitohs premiership hero, Richards took out the prestigious Man of Steel Award which is England’s equivalent to our Dally M award.

Pat Richards, still a prominent force in the NRL. Photo: DAILY TELEGRAPH

That season he scored a club record of 462 points, including 29 tries.

His farewell appearance was in the 2013 Super League grand final at Old Trafford in front of a crowd of over 66,000. Wigan fought back from 16-2 down to beat Warrington Wolves 30-16 with Richards scoring a try and five goals.

It was match 222 for the versatile Australian who played 166 games on the left wing, 42 at fullback, nine as right centre and seven on the right wing. He also left behind a string of records. In a fifth round home Cup tie, a 106-8 win over Whitehaven in 2008, he tallied 38 points from a try and 17 goals. And in 2010 he finished with the same total from five tries and nine goals in the 58-0 win over the Catalan Dragons.

Maguire, the Wigan coach in 2010-11, said of Richards: “He is the complete professional and an excellent example to his teammates both on and off the field. He was easy to coach and is quick to read a game in attack and defence. This allows him to often diffuse any potential problems.”

Richards is now into his fourth season as a Tiger, and second since returning from England, and took to the demands of NRL like he has never been away.

As of round 10 this season he had scored over 230 points in less than a season and a half including some classic moments like the 40-metre field goal to win the opening round clash against Gold Coast Titans.

A feature of Richards’ game that has received plenty of attention is his ability to put up spiralling kick-offs that other teams try to emulate and give their players maximum possible time to get to the receiving player before he gains momentum. His all-round kicking ability is first class, as some drop-outs on You Tube prove.

“I have worked on this over the years and really enjoy it,” he said. “I try to make things as ugly as possible for my opponents.” That he does, to opposing wingers too when he tries to run around, or sometimes straight through, them.

For a vastly talented high school sports star at Westfield Sports High who was quickly earmarked - like so many at that age - as a teenage sensation, Pat Richards’ journey is still in top gear more than 15 years later.

He may never wear the sky blue jersey of NSW or green and gold of Australia but, like a lot of players who spent the bulk of their careers in England, his achievements should never be downplayed.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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PASSION WITH NO LIMITATION This is an inspirational story of a footballer who has been a quadriplegic since a footy accident as a teenager, but has never lost his desire to serve rugby league. BY NEIL CADIGAN

J

ohn Tassone will always recall two moments that changed his life.

The first was two days before the classical 1989 grand final between his beloved Balmain Tigers and Canberra, the extra-time Raiders victory that saw a devastated Balmain local hero Wayne Pearce sitting inconsolable on the Sydney Football Stadium turf after full-time.

Late on the Friday just before Tassone, playing for Holy Cross Ryde in the weekend competition, dislocated his vertebrae when he clashed heads in a tackle and was confined to becoming a quadriplegic at age 15.

He has maintained an extraordinary positive attitude to life since and a love of rugby league and the Tigers in their new form.

And it was a call from Pearce in late 1993, when he had been given Balmain’s coaching job for the ’94 season, that gave John a lift in life, and attitude, that he has maintained to this day.

“Wayne Pearce came into my life in 1993 and asked if I could do some stats for him and the Tigers,” John recalled.

“It gave me a belief that other people can believe in me. I was wondering what to do and would have loved going back to coaching or have some involvement in rugby league but was thinking people wouldn’t give the responsibility to someone like me to be around the group.

“It changed my life in the sense of believing that, able body or not, if you put your mind to it you can strive to do whatever you want.”

But what the inspirational Tassone overlooks is that his outlook and determination has inspired Pearce and others too.

“He’s an inspirational person in that he never complains, he just wants to find ways to contribute positively to other people and keep busy and that rubs 12

MEN OF LEAGUE JUNE 2015

John Tassone with his wife Teresa.

off,” said Pearce. “I first met him a few months after his accident and have kept in touch since and he used to do off-the-ball analysis for me at Balmain which no other club was doing at the time.

“He has a lot to offer other and probably doesn’t realise how he inspires others. I hope the game can find roles for him.”

Years later Tim Sheens, also called on Tassone to help with stats at Wests Tigers, utilising special software and computer adaptive tools for John to analyse aspects of the Tigers’ performances. He would break down the penalties in matches and compile reports on where on the field they were committed, what for, what players were involved and what trends there were with particular referees.

Then came another rugby league inspired experience that John treasures.

Through former Tiger Matt Parish, who was assistant coach to Ricky Stuart with the NSW Blues, John was called upon to provide video analysis on the play the ball speed in Origin games.

It was 2012 and, the day before game two of the series, he decided to put together a motivational video and left it at the hotel for Stuart, not sure whether the coach would see much value in it.

He certainly did. On the way to the match next evening, he played it to the team.

“It was split it up into three sections,” John remembers.

“The first was the 1985 guys making history [NSW’s first Origin series victory], in middle were the close defeats and comebacks Queensland had made to get victories I added the speech from Al Pacino in Any Given Sunday and then some more recent footage.

“It was a massive buzz to find they enjoyed it, and got something out of it. But an even bigger buzz for me and my wife was when Ricky invited me to go to dinner with the boys before game three. It’s one of those moments in life when you feel like a part of the team for a split second.”

Using an ‘M stick’ with a wire attached to a magnetised chip on the other end, John can command the keyboard and, slower than most admittedly, get his away around data and video editing software.

Former players Pearce, Steve Roach, Ben Kennedy and Mark O’Neill went to him years ago to package playing footage, much of it on old VHS tapes, into highlights reels on DVD. He has a passion for doing it and would love to assist other former players.

The Alex McKinnon story has motivated him to perhaps share his with young people. He has spoken to the NRL’s One Community team about where he could be assistance in that area, or visiting schools and telling his story and motivating them to make their opportunities and believe they can overcome any setbacks – which he is living proof of.

John married Teresa, a school teacher and Eels fan, in 2012 and this season took on an assistant coach’s role with a long-time mate from schooldays … back at Holy Cross Ryde.

“They are a great bunch of kids and I am really enjoying being back involved,” he said.

“I still love rugby league although some health issues the last 12 months has restricted my visits to Tigers games. But I feel I have something to contribute.”

Just hearing his story, and feeling his drive even though he still experiences tough times, is inspirational. Yes, he has something to contribute.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW

BY BARRY ROSS

R

od Reddy is back coaching in the NRL. The 17-Test veteran is on the Wests Tigers coaching staff under Jason Taylor and conducts skills work with the first grade side and the NSW Cup teams.

‘Rocket’, 61, has probably earned enough frequent flyer points during his 30-year coaching career to secure a seat on the inaugural flight of Richard Branson’s space travel company, Virgin Galactic.

Raised in Rockhampton and where he played A-grade at 16 before heading to St George as an 18 year old and winning two premierships and touring twice with the Kangaroos, Reddy has been involved in the game at the highest level for most of the past 43 years.

After a magnificent career with the Dragons and a swansong with Illawarra in 1984-85, his coaching journey began in Townsville when he captain-coached the locals in 1986-87. He joined English club Barrow in 1986 as captain-coach and guided the club from second division to the top competition.

He returned home to link with St George for four seasons as reserve grade coach under Brian Smith.

In 1996, the Reddy family moved to Adelaide as head coach of the Adelaide Rams in the Super League. With his family remaining in South Australia, Reddy coached the Rockhampton Comets in the Queensland Cup for two seasons from 1999 before Smith employed him as an assistant coach at Parramattra in 2001 and in 2004 he took over the recruitment role from Noel Cleal, keeping the position for seven years.

‘Rocket’ then returned to Adelaide but last year he was back in rugby league, as club coach for the Nyngan Tigers in the NSW Group 11 competition. “I loved it out west,” he said. of his Nyngan experience “The population is only 2500 or so but they are all sports lovers and I was really satisfied working for the club.

The reserves won the competition while the firsts and under-18s reached the semi-finals.”

When Jason Taylor took on the Tigers job he turned to the old master who had had a positive influence on 14

MEN OF LEAGUE JUNE 2015

former halfback during his last season in the NRL, the grand final achievement of Parramatta in 2001.

“I am really pleased to be working with the Wests Tigers and Jason now. While football is not a 9 to 5 job and you are doing something every day of the week, it is very satisfying and I am grateful for the opportunity.”

Rod and wife Virginia have three sons and a daughter.

Eldest son Liam has played over 200 A-League soccer games as a goalkeeper and in 2015 played with Central Coast Mariners, while daughter Bianca is a top class netballer, who played several seasons in the trans Tasman ANZ competition. Second son Joel is a member of the South Sydney squad after playing for the Eels and Wests Tigers. Joel is married to the daughter of Rod’s former St George teammate Ted Goodwin.

Football commitments this year have prevented Rod from returning home, but Virginia, Bianca and youngest son, Kurt, still live there. “Football is a yearlong job, so I can’t go home as much as I would like,” he explained. “But I have no complaints and Virginia gets every second Thursday off work, so she can regularly come to Sydney for a long weekend.”

CELEBRATING THE HERITAGE OF RUGBY LEAGUE ROUND 19 17-20 JULY 2015 GET INVOLVED!

Purchase your Men of League socks and wear them with pride, with a percentage of every pair sold contributing to the welfare efforts of Men of League.

Become a member of Men of League. Sign up and become a vital part of our ever growing community. www.menofleague.com #TEAMMENOFLEAGUE #NRLHERITAGEROUND

Junior Redland Bay Parrots players Sully and Ayden Hoad supporting Men of League

M

en of League Heritage Round is about celebrating the foundation of the greatest game of all – rugby league. Each year, we use this time to recognise the milestones and pay tribute to those who have tied on their boots, taken to the field and played the game we love. Men of League Heritage Round is the legacy of our greats.

Paying tribute to the legends of our game - those who have come before us and those who contribute to the game today - is what Men of League Heritage Round is all about.

As the only charitable organisation to support the rugby league community in Australia, this year, Men of League will again play an active role in recognising the game’s history while raising much needed funds for the work the Foundation does to assist men, women and children in the rugby league family who have fallen on difficult times.

The Foundation will kick off Men of League Heritage Round with the gala dinner and the official announcement of the Men of League Magnificent 7 – the finest halfbacks of the game identified via a public vote.

Ron Coote AM, chairman of the Men of League Foundation and ARL Hall of Famer said: “Men of League was built on the strength and spirit of the people who love the game, making Men of League Heritage Round perfect as it not only commemorates the notable milestones in the game, it offers an opportunity to celebrate the great times, the legends – past and present - and reflect on what rugby league means to us.”

As well as the gala dinner, heritage round 2015 will see a number of NRL teams head onto the field over the weekend proudly wearing Men of League socks. Local clubs around the country are also being asked to join team Men of League by purchasing socks and wearing them in July to recognise and support the Foundation.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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MEN OF LEAGUE EVENTS CALENDAR JUNE 5

Illawarra - Kick Off Club

Berkeley Hotel

5

WA - An afternoon with the NRL Premiers

Mercure Hotel, Perth

11

Sunshine Coast - Kick Off Club

Mooloolaba Surf Club

12

Tweed District - Golf Day

Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Club

13

Goondiwindi - JRL Men of League Day

Gilbert Ovals, Anderson Street

15

QLD - Golf Day

Brisbane Golf Club

17

Brisbane - Kick Off Club

Broncos Leagues Club

19

Illawarra - Kick Off Club

Bomaderry Hotel

20

Tweed District - Day at the Dogs

Border Park, Tweed Heads

26

Bundaberg - Kick Off Club

Salter Oval

3

Gympie - Men of League Gympie Show Lunch

Australian Hotel, Gympie

5

North West - Manilla Bowls Day

Manilla Bowling Club

16

National - Gala Dinner

Le Montage, Lilyfield

17

Men of League Heritage Round

Multiple NRL Venues

23

Central Coast - Race Day

Gosford Race Club

25

Western Region NSW - Gala Bowls Day

Club Dubbo

26

Northern Rivers - Kick Off Club

Casino

31

Bundaberg - Kick Off Club

Salter Oval

31

Illawarra - Bowls Day

Warilla Bowling Club

31

Sydney Metro - Courage Lunch

Souths Juniors

2

Tweed District - Social Function

Murwillumbah

13

Sunshine Coast - Kick Off Club

Mooloolaba Surf Club

16

Fraser Coast - Bowls Day

To be confirmed

19

Brisbane - Kick Off Club

Broncos Leagues Club

21

Southern Division - Gatton Lunch and Golf Day

Gatton

21

Western Sydney - Back to Parramatta

Parramatta Leagues Club

28

Bundaberg - Kick Off Club

Salter Oval

28

Illawarra - Kick Off Club

Ryan's Hotel

JULY

AUGUST

16

MEN OF LEAGUE JUNE 2015

SEPTEMBER 13

North Coast - Bowls Day

Sawtell Bowls Club

13

Northern Rivers - Kick Off Club

Macleans

17

Queensland - Queensland Luncheon

Brisbane Convention Centre

19

Fraser Coast - 'Back to Burnett' Sportsman Dinner

Mundubbera

21

Leagues Clubs Australia Golf Day

Camden Lakeside

25

Bundaberg - Kick Off Club

Salter Oval

25

Central Coast - Golf Day

Shelley Beach Golf Club

25

Illawarra - Luncheon

Wests Club

27

Nelson Bay - Bowls Day

Nelson Bay Bowling Club

8

Sunshine Coast - Kick Off Club

Mooloolaba Surf Club

10

Peer 2 Peer - Kokoda Challenge

Kokoda

11

Tweed District - Bowls Day

Coolangatta Bowls Day

18

Northern Rivers - Golf Day

Ballina Golf Club

21

Brisbane - Kick Off Club

Broncos Leagues Club

23

Bundaberg - Kick Off Club

Salter Oval

23

Fraser Coast - Sportsman's Dinner

Hervey Bay

24

Goondiwindi - Golf Day

Goondiwindi Golf Club

24

National - Cox Plate Race Day

Rosehill Gardens

30

Illawarra - Kick Off Club

Shellharbour Workers Club

30

Newcastle - Trots Night

Newcastle Harness Racing Club

30

Sunshine Coast - Golf Day

Twin Waters Golf Club

30

Western Region NSW - Gala Golf Day

To be confirmed

Bundaberg - Kick Off Club

Salter Oval

1

Illawarra - Kick Off Club

Collies Club

4

North Coast - Race Day and Luncheon

Coffs Harbour

10

Sunshine Coast - Christmas Luncheon

Mooloolaba Surf Club

13

Fraser Coast - Golf Day

To be confirmed

13

Tweed District - Christmas Luncheon

Chinderah Hotel

16

Brisbane - Kick Off Club

Broncos Leagues Club

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER 27 DECEMBER

Events are subject to change

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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Russell Fairfax

A FAIRYTALE TRIBUTE

The rugby league and rugby union communities, led by Men of League, have come together in an extraordinary way to support Russell Fairfax, a special talent in both sports.

Many of the 370 who attended, in late March at Eastern Suburbs Leagues Club, a fundraiser to assist Fairfax, said overwhelmingly it was one of the great benefit lunches they had attended.

The irony was that the event was held in the same establishment that banned Fairfax and his fellow Roosters blond heart-throb Ian Schubert in the 1970s because their long hair defied the dress codes.

The function was organised by Men of League’s Sydney Metro committee and featured an array of legends from both codes, and Men of League supporters from CEO Corene Strauss, NSW state manager Stuart Raper and welfare and education officer Ben Ross down to local committee workers and many members.

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MEN OF LEAGUE JUNE 2015

‘Fairy’ as he is commonly known - the former Wallaby, Roosters premiership winning player, first grade coach and later Fox Sports commentator/reporter - had an abscess removed from his brain in two delicate operations that lasted a total 20 hours after several bouts of severe head pain had laid him low for several months.

But he has recovered well enough to return, on limited hours, to his job as media manager of NSW Rugby.

The special guests were many at the function, from when Sydney Roosters chief operating officer Brian Canavan welcomed those attending and Men of League chairman, Ron Coote, a teammate of Fairfax in the Roosters 197475 grand final victories, gave an insight into the Foundation’s aid with not just the extensive medical bills but emotional support too.

The Randwick Rugby Union Club, where it all began for ‘Rusty’ who went on to play eight Tests (some at five-eighth), were well represented through Jeff Sayle, Bob Dwyer, Bob Otterside, Alan

Hoiles and Jeff Mould. Mould was Russell’s coach at Matraville High School in 1969, and reflected on his days there.

His former Randwick coaches Sayle and Dwyer, had the audience in raptures before current Roosters coach Trent Robinson and Waratahs coach Michael Cheika joined the list of speakers.

Former ARL chief executive and teammate of Fairfax, John Quayle, paid tribute as video highlights of the 1974 and 1975 grand finals, both won by Easts, were shown and clearly demonstrated Fairfax’s freakish talents.

Many players who played in them were present, such as Mark Harris and John Peard (Easts) and Mark Hughes and John Peek (Canterbury) from the ’74 decider.

Alan Jones, in a video message, described Russell as “simply the best” and a player who changed the way the game was played.

To a standing ovation, Russell was last to be called to the stage and was visibly overwhelmed by incredible rally of support for one of the true good guys of the game.

Men of League’s Barry Buchanan and the Cowboys’ Ashley Graham visit Mick Egan with his new bed.

Allan Tully surrounded by his Men of League family.

MICK HAS HELP LIVING WITH MS

competition in 1977-78. In 1995 he and his wife Wendy decided to move to Townsville to be closer to medical facilities.

Former Cronulla junior and Mount Isa player Mick Egan was given a helping hand by Men of League in Townsville who provided him with an adjustable bed to help with his day to day living with multiple sclerosis.

Mick went to Mt Isa in 1973 playing with Wanderers and represented the city in the Foley Shield

Mick’s condition will only deteriorate so the bed will make life easier not only for Mick but also Wendy.

The Townsville committee wishes to thank welfare and education officer Ben Ross and Snooze for all their help.

NEW DIRECTORS

T

he Men of League Foundation recently announced the appointment of three new members to the Men of League Foundation’s national board.

Chairman Ron Coote AM has announced the appointment of Alan Sullivan QC, Professor the Hon. Stephen Martin and Helen Wood Grant.

Alan Sullivan is no stranger to the rugby league community, having served as chairman of the New South Wales Rugby League judiciary and subsequently the Australian Rugby League judiciary.

Along with a host of other appointments, Alan is lending his impressive professional credentials to the Men of League.

Helen Wood Grant is the first woman to be appointed to the Men of League board. She is director of her corporate communications company, patron of the

ALLAN RETURNS HOME

Members of the Brisbane committee made their way to Logan to attend a benefit function for Allan Tully, organised in conjunction with former coach and Melbourne committee president Peter Foreman. Allan has been suffering from the rare disease, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, but has been on the improve and was well enough to return home from hospital. The function helped raise much needed funds for Allan and his wife Kerrie.

Ipswich Norths Tigers female rugby league program, previous board member of the Queensland winter racing carnival and a lifelong league fan. She brings extensive communications and marketing credentials to the board.

Professor the Hon. Stephen Martin is a life member of the Illawarra Rugby League Referees’ Association and former director of Illawarra Steelers RLFC, in addition to his recognised academic qualifications, chief executive of Committee for Economic Development of Australia, has had international board appointments and a previous role as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“On behalf of the board, I warmly welcome the appointment of Alan, Stephen and Helen and look forward to working with them to help care for the rugby league community,” said Ron Coote.

“They are all eminently qualified to this appointment and I know that they’ll all be able to help steer our vital organisation through our next phase.”

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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HAVE YOUR SAY We will now include a letters/email/social media comment page in each edition so our members can have their say.

Emails: editor@menofleague.com Letters: The Editor, Men of League, PO Box 7049 Silverwater NSW 2128 Twitter: @menofleague Facebook: facebook.com/menofleaguefoundation

FROM FACEBOOK I like the idea of this foundation. High five to the founder of this. People do go through hard times and to have this for former members of National Rugby League and the former players. Such a heartfelt idea. If we all help another, we can be quite proud of the mateship our country is known for. Will sure donate to this ox - at Mooroopna VIC Rosie Whitfield, 08.05.15

FROM TWITTER Royal Rehab ‫@‏‬Royal__Rehab 15h15 hours ago @menofleague Chris is sooooooooooo excited to be going tonight to watch @stgeorgeleagues @SouthSydneyRab1 @NRL_Dragons. Thank you so much Royal Rehab ‫@‏‬Royal__Rehab 22h22 hours ago Chris is prepared for @stgeorgeleagues v @ SouthSydneyRab1 tonight. Thank you @menofleague fulfilling Chris’ wish.

Megan Barnes @Mummymegan · May 5 Thank you to the @menofleague for training the Under 11 De La Salle team tonight @benross23 Stuart Raper #grassroots

Andrew Ferguson @AndrewRLP · Mar 29 Great story on Sunday Night about John Peard & the medical intervention to help him cope with the side effects of his stroke @menofleague #Jimmy @choox75 · Mar 27 @danababy1984 @menofleague ~ I love this organisation. Our heroes are never EVER forgotten .

From bandages,to wheelchairs #Jimmy @choox75 · Mar 20 Thank you very very much @menofleague magazine with @SeaEagles BrettStewart on cover. You make my month. CatchUps with past players#Brilliant Andy Willby @AndyWillby87 · Mar 13 Watching @NRLFootyShow good to see @ menofleague making a difference not just to players but also their families! #GoodForm Aaron Tallott @GCPANTHER · Mar 14 Just watched segment on men of league on @ NRLFootyShow just amazing, what a great cause doing great things @menofleague @RLW_Mole ReOsIzM @reosizm · Mar 14 What a fantastic story on @NRLFootyShow about the work of @menofleague Wonderful organisation and proof of REAL Angels out there. #LEGENDS

Neil Scotney @scotney09 · Apr 30 Great work @benross23 promoting @menofleague and all the people they help #bigheart #helpinghand

Anthony Campbell @ACampbell47 · Mar 12 Any organisation that looks after its people once their careers end gets a tick in my book. Well done @ menofleague. Thanks @NRLFootyShow

Royal Rehab @Royal__Rehab · Apr 22 Yesterday @menofleague made the day for our Spinal Injury clients, Brain Injury patients and staff. THANK YOU all!

josh illusions @josh_illusions · Mar 12 @menofleague a true inspiration! and the interview nailed it #loyalty i will be pledging my support! @ therealbeauryan @Erin_Molan

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MEN OF LEAGUE JUNE 2015

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

GET INVOLVED TODAY

WHY NOT RUN FOR #TEAMMENOFLEAGUE

HELP RAISE MUCH NEEDED FUNDS FOR THE MEN OF LEAGUE FOUNDATION... THERE ARE LOADS OF WAYS YOU CAN HELP RAISE MONEY ON BEHALF OF THE FOUNDATION Are you running in Sydney’s City2Surf on August 9? Or the Bridge to Brisbane on August 30?

Or why not hold a sausage sizzle, a team treadmill challenge or take part in a club sleep out.

The power to help Men of League grow the welfare they provide to men, women and children is in community support and social giving.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE 21 VISIT MENOFLEAGUE.COM OR LOG ONTO EVERYDAYHERO.COM AND SEARCH MENCOMMUNITY OF LEAGUE

MUIR’S MAGNIFICENT MEN WHO REVIVED QLD RESPECT Queensland heroes of 40 years ago were on hand when Maroons legend Mal Meninga announced his team to represent the state in the 2015 State of Origin series. Their feats are worth recalling. BY STEVE RICKETTS

But almost forgotten in studies of the genesis of State of Origin football in 1980 is the Barry Muir era of the mid-1970s when New South Wales held no fear for the Maroons.

So impressive were the Queenslanders in those two seasons under Muir’s coaching, that nine Maroons were chosen for Australia - four in the 1974 series against Great Britain, and six for the World Series the following year.

“I’m not being critical of ‘Bunny’ because he was one of our best players in the series. It’s just a case of what might have been.”

The five Queenslanders chosen for Australia that year were Johnny Rhodes, Ross Strudwick, David Wright, Greg Veivers and John Payne, with Payne the only player not to earn a cap, because he sat on the bench for the entire match against New Zealand at Lang Park.

Rhodes first played for Australia in 1968 from Canterbury-Bankstown, but in 1975 he was back in Queensland playing for Wynnum-Manly.

To put things in perspective, Queensland had two representatives in 1972’s two-Test series against New Zealand and none in the 1979 three-Test series against Great Britain.

“Barry Muir did a wonderful job. There was great selfbelief in the side,” Rhodes recalls. “I hadn’t played for Australia since the ‘68 World Cup, and it was a great honour to get a Test jumper from Queensland.

Critics, on both sides of the border, would refer to ‘token Queenslanders’ gaining selection in Test sides in those years when NSW dominated.

“The funny thing was I almost played for Australia in 1967 from Brisbane Wests, without having played any interstate football.

In 1975 Queensland opened the series with a 14-8 win at Lang Park, and then lost nothing in comparison to the Blues in the return match in Brisbane, even though they lost 27-18.

“(Australian selector) Ernie Hammerton told me I was a shadow player for the 1967-68 Kangaroo tour. If any of the wingers pulled out, I was in. I was only 19 and had only played 15 first grade games for Wests.”

In the decider at the SCG, the Blues hung on for a 9-8 win.

Warren Orr, John Lang, Geoff Richardson and Ray Higgs were the four Queenslanders chosen for Australia in 1974 when the Maroons lost the first match against the Blues and drew the next two.

The only try of the match was scored by NSW winger Allan McMahon, and it was hotly disputed.

“We came so close,” recalls Queensland prop Peter Connell from Toowoomba. “Our fullback (Ian) ‘Bunny’ Pearce broke into the clear and I was in support.

‘Bunny’ only had to draw and pass and I was in, but he passed the ball down near my toes and we turned over possession.

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MEN OF LEAGUE JUNE 2015

‘Garb’ (Barry Muir) was the first Queensland coach in my memory to think we really could beat New South Wales,” Lang says. “He believed it. It wasn’t a psych up thing.

‘Garb’s big saying was: ‘They have two arms, two legs and they bleed.’ He’s competed with them all in his playing career and he really believed it. So, I think we started to get a little bit of that belief too.

Barry Muir celebrates winning then first game of 1975 in the Queensland dressing room with players John Crilly and Ian ‘Bunny’ Pearce.

T

he 1970s are widely viewed as a time when New South Wales treated Queensland with contempt in interstate rugby league.

“It wasn’t until 1975 though, that ‘Garb’ started calling New South Wales cockroaches.

“We were training at the SCG No, 2 and Barry said: “If you don’t move up on these cockroaches tomorrow, they’ll kill you. One of the journos picked up on this. ‘You’ve called the New South Welshmen cockroaches,’’ the journo said, and of course, not one to back off, Barry said he called them cockroaches, because that’s what they are. That was the start of it.

“There was a big headline in the paper the next day: ‘Muir calls New South Welshmen cockroaches’ and Garb’s dined out on it ever since.”

Valleys’ prop, John Crilly played in the first two matches of the ‘75 series but missed out on the trip to Sydney for the decider, but not because of a drop in form.

“I was working as a [electrical] linesman, and got sent to the country for some emergency work,” Crilly recalls. “I was late for training at Valleys and (coach) Henry Holloway dropped me.

“I stayed in reserve grade for a few weeks and Barry Muir said he couldn’t pick me for Queensland from the reserves. So he brought in young Steve Bullow from Redcliffe. It was one of the biggest disappointments of my career.”

Muir leaps in jubilation. To his right are players Chris Anderson and Rod Morris. Photo: COURIER MAIL.

“Garb was the first Queensland coach in my memory to think we really could beat New South Wales,” Lang says. “He believed it. It wasn’t a psych up thing.”

Ipswich product, Crilly, who had played in all three interstate games in 1974 as well as Queensland’s match against Great Britain, never represented his state again after being dropped for the ‘75 decider.

John Lang and Rod Morris were the only survivors from Queensland’s 1975 campaign. Arthur Beetson, Queensland’s skipper in that famous 1980 match, had played for NSW in 1975.

Rugby League Week’s Geoff Prenter described the Wednesday night opening match of the ‘75 series as the best interstate clash he had seen in 10 years, with both sides playing attacking football.

Members of the 1975 Queensland team were special guests at a May 19 lunch in Brisbane when Maroons coach, Mal Meninga unveiled his side for the opening match of the 2015 Origin series.

Maroons halves Strudwick and Richardson’s passing games were a feature while Crilly, Payne and Peter Leis rocked the Blues with solid defence.

Ian Pearce is the only member of the ‘75 side to have passed away.

The return match on Sunday was a brawling affair, but there was plenty of good football with winger Chris Anderson scoring two great tries for the Blues.

The Queensland team which won the midweek encounter was the last Maroon outfit to beat the Blues before the inaugural State of Origin match in 1980.

The players to represent Queensland in 1975 were: Chris Anderson (not to be confused with the NSW Chris Anderson), Steve Bullow, Harry Cameron, Peter Connell, John Crilly, John Lang, Peter Leis, Rod Morris, Tony Obst, Warren Orr, John Payne, Ian Pearce, Lew Platz, Johnny Rhodes, Geoff Richardson, Wayne Stewart, Ross Strudwick, Ian Thinee, Greg Veivers and David Wright.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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M

IRON ARM CHALLENGE

en of League are thrilled with the recent support of the NRL Footy Show who have been promoting the Foundation via the Iron Arm Challenge.

The segment has achieved resounding success and has our own Ben Ross put to the test alongside a raft of other former NRL players including Josh Perry, Scott Geddes, Bronson Harrison, Nathan Cayless, Wendell Sailor and Matt Cooper.

A huge thank you also has to go to Mark Bouris from Yellow Brick Road who has committed to donating $20,000 to Men of League, which will go a long way to supporting our welfare efforts.

This amazing opportunity was only made possible due to the ongoing support of executive producer of the Footy Show Glenn Pallister and producer Natalie Davis, whose unfaltering belief in the good work of the Foundation can be seen in their efforts to continue raising the profile of Men of League and the work we carry out in the rugby league community.

Former Test props Josh Perry and Ben Ross get ready for the Iron Arm Challenge.

GOONDIWINDI MOWER CENTRE RUGBY LEAGUE WEEK WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS

JOHN CHAPMAN Ken Millgate, Roby Death from Goondiwindi Mover Centre and Artie Spink

A big thank you to Robbie Death from the Goondiwindi Mower Centre who donated a lawn mower and weed eater to the Goondiwindi committee.

The committee members will be using the equipment to look after the lawns of some of the old footy blokes widow’s in the area.

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MEN OF LEAGUE JUNE 2015

Men of League would like to thank our loyal members for their continued support of the Foundation. To show our appreciation, we have randomly selected John Chapman (#23596) to win a one-year Rugby League Week magazine subscription! Special thanks to Rugby League Week who have kindly donated this prize.

Keep an eye out in future magazines to see if you are the next member to win!

ANNUAL QUEENSLAND LUNCHEON

T

he Queensland Men of League committee are excited to announce the unprecedented theme for the 2015 annual luncheon as “Celebrating Trans-Tasman Rivalries�.

They are bringing together a panel consisting of legends from the Kangaroos, Kiwis, Wallabies and All Blacks.

The iconic event will be held on Thursday 17 September at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Southbank. Tables of ten are $1750 with individual tickets at $175 per person which includes a three-course meal with XXXX and Yalumba beverages.

Legends tables are also available which includes nine guests plus a rugby league legend and premium positioning in the room. Tickets can be reserved now by contacting the Men of League Queensland office on 07 3367 6080.

The panellists will be announced in the coming weeks, be prepared for some big names from both codes with some heated discussions about Union v League and Aussies v Kiwis.

Trans-Tasman Rivalries

Men of League Annual Queensland Luncheon

Join us at the Annual Queensland Luncheon and help us celebrate the ultimate trans-Tasman rivalries:

WHEN

Australia V New Zealand, Kangaroos V Kiwis, Wallabies V All Blacks and League V Union

Thursday 17th September 11:30am for 12:00pm

WHERE

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

TABLES

Legends tables: $2,200 (Includes a past international player at your table and premium seating) Tables of ten: $1750

TICKETS

$175pp. Includes a three course meal with XXXX and Yalumba beverages

Join us for an exciting afternoon with a panel consisting of a former Kangaroos, Kiwis, Wallabies and All Blacks

Bookings I Men of League Queensland Office HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY 07 3367 6080 or email qld@menofleague.com I www.menofleague.com

25

BY YOUR SIDE

A MANNAH OF FAITH Tim Mannah is one of the most respected figures in rugby league, a man of great faith and principles. Beside him is his wife Stephanie. BY JOE MURPHY

F

or Parramatta Eels fans, Tim Mannah is their inspirational captain and leader, a man committed to reviving a proud football club. To opposition players, he is a 110kg wrecking ball, widely respected for his seemingly tireless work ethic and attitude to the game.

While Stephanie Mannah appreciates and admires these aspects of her husband’s life, the Tim she sees away from the football field is much different to what many may expect.

“He’s just a big teddy bear,” she said. “Tim is a very wise and kind hearted person, he cares a lot about other people and is very compassionate towards others. He’s a very selfless man.”

Like many partners of professional sportspeople, Stephanie doesn’t see Tim as a football player, he’s simply her husband. Away from the brutality of on-field battle, Stephanie says Tim is a different person.

“I don’t think of him as a footy player,” she said laughing.

“It’s obviously a huge part of his life, but for me it doesn’t define him as a person. I have so much respect for him because of the person he is away from football.”

It took some time for Stephanie to get to know Tim. After originally resisting his overtures, it took some advice from a few friends who knew the former NSW State of Origin prop to convince Stephanie.

“Apparently he saw a picture of me on his friend’s Instagram and wanted to get to know me, so I was a bit hesitant at the start,” she said.

“We had a few mutual friends through church and they kept insisting I meet Tim, saying he was a good guy, I said no for a while, but eventually we ended up meeting.

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“At first I was a little intimidated, just because of how big he is, but I quickly got to know him and realised he was a really nice person.

“After that first time we met it’s just naturally progressed from there, it’s our first wedding anniversary next week [May 31].”

Tim and Stephanie’s faith is an important part of their relationship, much in the same way they value family. Tim comes from a large tight-knit family, while Stephanie’s South African heritage means her relatives are spread around the world but she is very close with her immediate family in Australia.

“It was obvious from the beginning of our relationship Tim was close to all his family,” Stephanie said. “It’s a large family and they are all close and enjoy each other’s company which I think comes from their Lebanese culture, whereas my family is from South Africa so I really only see my immediate family.”

Coming from a smaller family, it was an amusing challenge for Stephanie when first introduced to all of Tim’s relatives.

“At the start it was a bit overwhelming because there was so many people I was trying to get to know and remember their names, so it was a bit challenging,” she said laughing.

“But I love it now, I’ve always wanted a big family, and everybody is really welcoming so its’ great, I love it.”

Although not a fan of rugby league before meeting Tim, Stephanie now enjoys going to games and watching her husband. Despite admitting naivety surrounding some of the rules of rugby league, Stephanie said it doesn’t reduce the stress involved in watching.

“I wasn’t much of a fan before we met, but since then I’ve gotten into it, even though I don’t understand all the rules sometimes,” she said.

Stephanie and Tim Mannah

“It’s a very intense sport and Tim is involved in a lot of heavy collisions so I do find myself quite anxious during games, but I just have to watch and hope for the best.

“I must admit that when he comes off the ground I do find myself a little relieved.

“I sit with a lot of the other players’ partners and we’re all the same; we’re all on edge and anxious, it’s hard not to be when you’re so emotionally involved and it’s your husband out there.”

Away from the stress of the football field, the Mannahs like to spend as much time as they can with each other.

Days off are usually spent in cafes and restaurants catching up with friends and family, relaxing at home in

front of the television or day trips exploring outside of Sydney.

“Generally when we both get time off we spend it together catching up with friends and family, doing the stuff that is important to us,” Stephanie said.

“We also both like getting out of town exploring, whether that’s for the weekend or just a day trip, we do a good job of having fun with our time off.”

Whilst the Eels have taken some time to hit form on the field in 2015, with a good group of young players and some big signings for next season, the future looks bright in Parramatta.

Led by Tim Mannah on the field, the club knows that surrounded by wife Stephanie and his large, supportive family, their skipper has stability away from football too.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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PROMOTING GOOD HEALTH UNDERSTANDING EPILEPSY

BY KEITH TOPOLSKI

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ugby league has often been the subject of barbs from fans of other sports for being a sport requiring, shall we say, less intelligence, to play because of its relentless physicality.

However, a number of men have played our great game over the years, proudly boasting of evidence that they, indeed, have working brains. That is one of the rather cheeky lines of defence used by people who live each and every day with epilepsy.

Both the elite rugby league competitions, in Australia and England, host a player afflicted with this brain condition: Tongan international Peni Terepo, of the Parramatta Eels, and Challenge Cup winner Kirk Yeaman from Hull FC in the UK Super League.

However, the cases if these players do not compare to the folklore surrounding perhaps the two most famous league players in Australia to have played with the condition.

One of just eight players to sit among the exalted ranks of the Immortals, Wally Lewis believed his career could have ascended to even loftier heights had he not been conscious of managing his condition, a scary prospect when you consider Lewis played 34 State of Origin games for Queensland and 34 Tests for Australia.

Lewis was a hero to anyone who grew up with maroon blood in their veins, and only once was tempted (through a massive offer from Manly) to the Sydney competition by the big dollars, only to remain loyal to his home state and eventually playing in the ARL competition for the Brisbane Broncos then Gold Coast Seagulls.

‘The King’ only found out he suffered epilepsy when sent for scans after suffering a head knock in a Test 28

MEN OF LEAGUE JUNE 2015

Wests Tigers captain Robbie Farah with epilepsy sufferer Ellee-Rose Bessenyei.

match in 1987 and tried to hide it from friends for two decades despite what had become daily ‘auras’. He regretted trying to conceal the disease for so long and not confronting the condition until he had major brain surgery in 2007 and has not had a seizure since.

Lewis – now an active ambassador for Epilepsy Queensland – revealed his journey in a book, with author Neil Cadigan, in 2009 appropriately called ‘Out of the Shadows’ in which he described his oncamera breakdown while reading the sports news for Channel 9 Brisbane in November 2006, 13 days after having another episode moments before going to air.

It created the flashpoint that saw him undergo the revolutionary surgery.

He said in his dedication at the start of the book: “Sadly it [epilepsy] remains one of the world’s least promoted medical struggles. It’s time to help the millions who remain in the dark as I’ve found there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

The Sydney competition, as it was then known, had already played host to a player with epilepsy just before and during Lewis’s era, one who had his own way of getting under the skin of anyone in a maroon jersey.

John ‘Dallas’ Donnelly played his football in such a way as would see him run out of town today. An uncompromising prop from the town of Gunnedah, Donnelly played 144 times in the black and white of Western Suburbs between 1975 and 1984, representing his state and country in the process (four Tests).

Donnelly was as tough as they came, playing through injuries which would make lesser players weep, his post-match recovery usually ten schooners at the Railway Hotel in Lidcombe.

Dallas was a cult hero for anyone who wears the black and white, his life cut tragically short when he drowned after suffering a seizure, just after returning from a club playing stint in England, while swimming at Byron Bay beach in February 1986.

Wests have taken epilepsy to their hearts over recent seasons as the 30th year since Donnelly’s passing draws near and brought Epilepsy Action Australia on board as a charity partner last year, after a donation from a long time Magpie fan allowed Wests to treat young epilepsy patient Ellee-Rose Bessenyei to a day at Campbelltown Stadium to meet her black and white (and gold) heroes. Even the Magpies’ supporters club got on board, helping to organise the John Donnelly Memorial Ball in Gunnedah in Dallas’ honour.

In the modern era, when head knocks and concussion have become such a strong focus within our game, it is reassuring for those of us who have had our own rugby league battles with epilepsy, that the next generation will be safer on the field in the knowledge that head trauma will, while not be eradicated from our game, will not be something which needs be hidden from view.

Keith Topolski is a former epilepsy patient and volunteers as media manager for the Western Suburbs Magpies. For information about epilepsy, visit epilepsy.org.au or call 1300 37 45 37.

Johns ‘Dallas’ Donnell. Photo: DAILY TELEGRAPH

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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MY OBSESSION IS MY PROFESSION Peter Sterling has been part of our TV scene for nearly 25 years after a stellar playing career. He talks about the game and his life with NEIL CADIGAN. You’ve earned a living from TV work for a long time now. Any regrets at not having a crack at coaching, there were some opportunities soon after you retired from playing. Not at all. It’s 24/7 and 11 and a half months of the year and I don’t think I would have done that to my family first and foremost.

In the back of my mind I sometimes wonder how would I have gone but I stepped into the best job in the world going from playing and into a job where my basically my occupation is to watch games and then talk about it and after the match I can still go down to the sheds and smell the liniment. So the alternative has been so wonderful for so many years.

How close were you to being Perth Reds’ first coach or coaching the Knights? I nearly took the Illawarra Steelers job. I was talking to Bob Millward and went from yes to no one day to the next, eventually I said no; that was the closest I came. I spoke to Newcastle and, yes, had an offer to coach the Reds in their first year, and that was an attractive proposition because I like Perth but that voice in the back of my head said no, you’ve got a good job now.

You’ve been closely involved in the game at the top level for 37 years now, what have the major changes been in your eyes? The introduction of two referees and use of technology. We live in an age of technology and we have to take advantage of that but I think we have overstepped the mark and I’d rather just have the video refs look at in-goal and touch situations only. Outside of that you have four sets of eyes out there and if they miss something I’m OK with that, and if it’s a foul that is missed it will be picked up by the video review committee anyway.

Our game has too many stoppages. We talk about the fatigue factor and the need to cut interchanges but we could overcome a lot of the fatigue factor if we packed our scrums quicker and the video ref didn’t have so much to do during a game. If there are six to eight video referrals, and they are two minutes each, there’s 14 to 16 minutes of down time and if there are 12 scrums and they take 30 seconds to get there 30

MEN OF LEAGUE JUNE 2015

before they pack, that’s six minutes of rest time. I’m all for bringing down the interchange number but those other areas need to be addressed before we change that. Then playing 80 minutes will be more difficult and the playmakers will come more into the game and the defensive wall is not so solid in front.

But the major change to me has been the constant changes in the rules; we’ve had more in the last 10 years than nearly 100 years before then. Sometimes I don’t think we pay enough attention to what the ramifications are going to be when we introduce rule changes, because each has a ripple effect and sometimes we haven’t explored those ripples enough and when one comes up we have to make another decision to rule with that, and we don’t get what we are expecting.

State of Origin, you played in the embryo stages, in 1983, how do you look at what an icon it has become? It is the jewel in our crown although I am still one of those who hope the players see that wearing the green and gold as the ultimate honour for them, and Origin is a step towards that. It is such a focus of our sport with the revenue and interest it generates.

One of the things I love about it is no matter where you are in Australia someone seems to have an opinion.

It hurts my blue heart to say it, but I think the success of Queensland has been good for it because it regenerated the rivalry again after NSW had a good run in the early 2000s. It’s a target for NSW to tip the scales and it is really back to an ‘Us v Them’ mentality again.

Do you think there is a lack of balance with rep football in on calendar? I don’t like seeing us play a Test before Origin; I like the chronological aspect of rep footy and Origin should be played first and should lead into a Test or Test series and be a selection trial for Test jumpers. I know it’s a long season but most forwards don’t play 80 minutes even though their 50-60 minutes is brutal and takes a toll on the body. Maybe I’m a dinosaur but I remember players during and just after my time, playing midweek games (Panasonic Cup as an example) and backing up for rep matches and club games. I’m not sure playing 35

Peter Sterling during his heyday with Parramatta, with Raiders’ Ivan Henjak in the background. Photo: DAILY TELEGRAPH

games for a full-time professional sportsman, and for what they get paid for it and the scientific support they have, is such a burden.

You roomed with Wayne Pearce in 1982 when just emerging as players picked for the experience, but you both played all Tests on tour. You look at where you are now, both with prominent positions in the game, how does that make you feel? It makes me think how very fortunate we both are. We didn’t know each other before we went over there but in three months sharing the same room you learn a lot about each other and we have become life-long friends out of that.

We stepped into different paths; I was fortunate to go into the media when there weren’t many opportunities for ex-players as there is now, whereas ‘Junior’ went into coaching and his own business with his corporate motivational work and then became an NRL commissioner. He is the kind of person rugby league needs to make a contribution like he has. He is an intelligent, articulate man who has an obvious passion for the game and a good understanding of it.

Did you really cut his skipping rope to pieces?

No I didn’t, although I thought about it. One thing I will say is he probably saved me 300 pounds on that tour because each time you were late for the bus it was a five-quid fine and he got me up plenty of times when I was a risk.

Describe life in the media, and away from it?

Someone once said “find your obsession, make it your profession and you’ll never work a day in your life” and that is how I feel. When I wake up I am one of those people who genuinely look forward to what I am doing the rest of the day. I’ve enjoyed the new show with Fox Sports because it presented a new challenge I needed and I love sitting down with players, coaches or administrators chatting. And the Channel 9 work has always been fantastic because I love the people I work for and with and I enjoy the Triple M work.

I have to work a lot harder now. I have to watch every game every week so I have the knowledge and ability to say watch out for this move because this is what they did three weeks ago. I have to be over what is happening on and off the field so it allows me to have an opinion.

I’m very fortunate that when the season finishes it is family time; realistically I only work seven months of the year. The most important aspect of my life is my family and I have always worked to live and not lived for work and I feel fortunate in that. I have a 16-yearold daughter now and I have been able to be part of her growing up which is important to me.

I am an avid reader, I love my golf, I swim regularly and do yoga and just enjoy being around my property on the Central Coast and my family. I have had both hips replaced and have postponed a knee replacement so I can’t run, but the yoga and swimming allow me to keep fit.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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JET PROPELLED QLD DOCTOR Dr Roy Saunders has been the Queensland medico since 1993 and is involved in his 22nd State of Origin series in the Maroons camp. He’s just about seen it all. BY STEVE RICKETTS Dr. Roy Saunders (right) keeps an eye on Bill Slater at Queensland team training. Photo: DAILY TELEGRAPH

T

ry telling Dr Roy Saunders today’s footballers aren’t as tough as their predecessors. The Queensland State of Origin medico for the past 23 years, Roy says the game has never been more demanding, and he marvels at the durability of the modern player.

That’s not to say he does not hold a special place in his heart for ‘old school’ warriors, men such as former Queensland skipper Trevor ‘the Axe’ Gillmeister who left his hospital bed to lead the Maroons to victory in Game 3 of the 1995 series, delivering the much maligned side a 3-0 series whitewash against a virtual all-international New South Wales outfit.

It was ‘Dr Roy’ who gave ‘Gilly’ his blessing to take the field, despite some major reservations.

“I can’t live it down,” Saunders said. “At the time ‘Gilly’ was really sick. He had been on antibiotics for some time beforehand. We took him to hospital, gave him some 32

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more antibiotics, and I had him convinced not to play.

But ‘Fatty’ [coach, Paul Vautin], ‘Choppy’ and ‘Tosser’ [team managers, Chris Close and Dick Turner] turned things around.

“Origin makes the players, not bulletproof - that’s the wrong word - but Origin makes them feel like they can do, and want to do, more. There’s a real pride in wearing the jersey and ‘95 was a classic example.

“They talk about that first meeting in ‘95 when Paul Vautin and Chris Close addressed the players, and the players said to each other ‘we can win this’. It was exactly like that.”

Dr Saunders tells people rugby league is testament to the strength of the human body, because it is not designed to do what it does on the football field.

“Players today are stronger and physically fitter than back in the ‘80s and early ‘90s,” he says. “And the

trouble is, it’s happened on both sides of the equation, and you can’t compensate for the strength and power of the players.

“The amount of force involved in the collision, particularly at Test and Origin level, is huge. Rugby league is very much a young man’s game.”

After the drama of Gillmeister’s rise from his hospital bed, Dr Saunders also was at the centre of controversy in 2007 when he allowed another Queensland warrior, lock Dallas Johnson, to return to the field after he was concussed in Game III of the series.

“They [the media] gave me a hard time about it,” Dr Saunders recalls. “What we did then [with Johnson] is exactly what we’re doing now, but without 10 years of knowledge on top of it.

“He passed the same tests the footballers have to pass now, basically.”

Dr Saunders says the difference in professionalism between the players from the 1990s and now is “humungous”.

“At the start we were dealing with footballers who were athletes. Now we’re dealing with athletes who are footballers,” he said.

“Today’s footballer looks after himself so much better.

Dietary requirements are so much more precise. In the current side there are a number of players who are very switched on about what they want nutritionally.

“For a number of years now we have had a dietician involved with the side. Prior to that, it was just me doing it, and trying to change was hard. We did things subtly.

“The amount of alcohol consumed in those days was a lot more. Now it’s all about performance and longevity.

They’re more self-disciplined. There are quite a few non-drinkers in our side, whereas previously that was almost unheard of.”

Queensland’s coaches in Dr Saunders’ time have been: Wally Lewis 1993-94; Paul Vautin 95-97; Wayne Bennett 98 and 2001-03; Mark Murray 1999-2000; Michael Hagan 04-05 and Mal Meninga since 2006.

Meninga impressed Saunders from the outset.

“You always have the feeling with Mal that he’s got things under control, that he has a process in his head and he knows what he wants to do, and what he wants to happen,” Roy said. “He’s a good man manager, and sets really high standards.”

So how did Roy Saunders become involved in the world of rugby league? His father was a rugby union man, and Roy went to Churchie College in Brisbane, where he played the 15-man game. Born in Brisbane, he spent his primary school years in Cairns where he played league, but sport was never his forte.

After he graduated from Queensland University, he worked at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and then had a couple of bush postings before settling in Ipswich.

Just 12 months into his practice at Ipswich in the mid-1980s he was approached to become medico of the Ipswich Jets for their foray into the Brisbane competition.

On hearing that Keith Woodhead was stepping down as QRL medico at the end of the 1992 season, Ipswich league identity Les Stokes, co-manager of the 1990 Kangaroo touring side, approached Dr Saunders.

He is still there and has a Peter Jackson Award to his credit, for his work above and beyond the call of duty in the Maroons camp. Also Australian team medico from 2000 to 2003, he has witnessed many great moments, including Mark Coyne’s miracle last-minute try for Queensland in the first game of the 1994 Origin series.

“But I don’t think I’ve seen a full game yet,” he said. “I have had to go to the sheds or attend to something.

You’re always busy.”

Dr Saunders was South Queensland Crushers medico during their ill-fated three years in the ARL (1995-97), but since then has returned to the Ipswich Jets.

The Jets’ current coaches are the Walker brothers, Ben and Shane, who have impressed Saunders with their professionalism.

“They’re easy to work with,” he said “The two of them stand on the sidelines, and it’s not like they finish each other’s sentences, but it’s a bit like that. They obviously think similarly, but also differently. They get the most out of the players, and I’m sure they would do it at the top level.”

The Jets and Queensland are like family, but Roy’s priority is his wife Lindy, daughter Kate and son Mackenzie. Kate is doing a PHD in mathematics in Melbourne, while Mackenzie is a shoe salesman in Brisbane.

Roy and Lindy live in the Ipswich suburb of Sadliers Crossing, one street from the house where Allan Langer grew up.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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JIM WILLIAMS ONE MAN, EVERY MAN

BY AARON HENRY

E

veryone knows of blokes in our rugby league family like Jim Williams.

The tough, knockabout, grassroots footy player loves his rugby league. He is a one-eyed Roosters fan and passionate supporter of the NSW Blues, proud dad to a footballer - Mitch Williams, captain and hooker in the 2015 NSW Cup representative team.

Lots of us are just like Jim Williams. And that’s why we need to know Jim Williams’ story.

In 2008, at 40 years old, Jim had a stroke.

As a result of the stroke, he couldn’t walk, talk or do a lot of the things that we take for granted. To compound these issues, Jim had to move into a retirement village.

He became one of more than 6000 people under 50 lliving in aged care in NSW. Jim was the youngest person living in the village by more than 20 years. At this stage he couldn’t walk or talk at all and was told by doctors that he wouldn’t make any recovery.

Jim’s former clubs, the Erina Eagles and Wyong Kangaroos, got in touch with the Central Coast committee of Men of League. Jim needed lots of help, and Men of League could help in ways that the physiotherapists and nursing staff couldn’t.

It wasn’t just the visits from Jim’s beloved Eastern Suburbs Roosters superstars Mitchell Pearce and Mark O’Meley, support for transport and physiotherapy, race day visits and members nights that the Men of League could help with but the passion, dedication and commitment to help get a rugby league family member the living arrangements that he needed.

After a lot of work from the Central Coast committee and some great advice and support from the NSW Younger People in Residential Aged Care, Jim was moved out of the retirement village and into his group home at Springfield. He had spent four years living in the retirement village.

“Getting Jim into appropriate living facilities was our top priority. Our next priority is to help him achieve his goal of being able to walk and attend lunch at his brother’s place for Christmas,” said Don Parish, president of Central Coast committee.

“Twelve months ago Jim told us that he had a goal to lose 10kg. With diet and a rehabilitation program that we helped him with, he’s now lost more than 20kg.”

Jim is now walking, with the assistance of a crutch from the Erina Eagles. It’s a struggle and he can only do it for brief stints, but when asked how he’s been able to do it, Jim said “Determination! Willpower!”

“He’s got a long way to go, but he’s come so far. He’s had lots of support from a lot of great people including all the nursing staff,” Parish said.

Jim Williams could be anyone in our rugby league family.

Dennis Tomsett, Jim Williams and Les Pearce

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That’s why the Men of League Foundation will be with him every step of the way.

LEAGUE TRIVIA 1 Who was the first coach to take a Parramatta first grade team to a grand final?

2 Who is the only player in State of Origin history to be chosen as captain from the interchange bench?

5 Who holds the record for the most points scored in the ARL/NRL competition?

6 Who was the last person to captain-coach an Australian side?

7 Who holds the record for most first grade games played for North Sydney?

8 Who were the first, and the most recent, players to have played 100 games for two clubs?

3 Who was the first player to play 30 State of Origin games for Queensland?

9 Who won the last Brisbane league grand final before the Broncos came into being in 1988 and thus many of the top players were no longer available.

4 Who was the last player to be chosen to play State of Origin from a country based team (non Brisbane or ARL competitions)?

10 Who is the only player to have won the Brisbane and Sydney (ARL competition) Rothmans Medals (as the competition’s best player)?

ANSWERS - 1. Terry Fearnley in 1976 2. Kurt Gidley, 2009 3. Wally Lewis 4. Greg Conescu from Gladstone in 1984 5. Hazem El Masri with 2418 (1996-2009) 6. Graeme Langlands (1975 World Series) 7. Greg Florimo 284 (1986-98) 8. Roy Ferguson (St George and Wests) and Greg Bird (Cronulla and Gold Coast) 9. Brothers in 1987 10. Paul Green (Brisbane 1993, Sydney 1995)

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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MENTOR AND MATE Terry Fearnley was a man who had a significant impact on Parramatta’s path to glory in the 70s-80s yet remains a controversial figure of interstate politics. That image defies the quiet bespectacled mentor to many that he was. BY NEIL CADIGAN

Terry Fearnley (middle) during his Eels coaching days. Photo: DAILY TELEGRAPH

I

can still remember his phone number nearly four decades later. The early morning calls to it were part of my introduction to life as a rugby league roundsman on the Sydney afternoon newspaper the Daily Mirror.

The phone number is not the only thing ingrained in my mind about Terry Fearnley, former Roosters player and coach of four ARL clubs, NSW and Australia. His influence as a mentor due to his positive, disciplined attitude of life have also never left me.

I’d first struck an affinity with Terry Fearnley (who died in April), the Parramatta coach who took Parramatta breathlessly close to premierships in his first two seasons as a first grade coach, in 1977 when I covered the Eels matches for the local paper, the Parramatta Advertiser (earlier he had invited me to trial with the Eels, but that’s another story).

When I moved to the Mirror at the end of that year and months later was put into the sports department I would call Fearnley just about every weekday morning at 7am to see what had occurred in the previous 24 hours.

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A good rapport developed but little did I expect that we would become great mates and work colleagues at Rugby League Week, nor that such a mild-mannered, respectful and astute man would become a somewhat controversial figure in interstate league rivalry that reached its peak with the introduction of State of Origin in the 1980s.

Those at RLW would call him ‘Coach’ (as we did for years later), as he became a father-confessor and motivating figure among the young staff during his time as advertising manager from 1984-89, wonderful years of development under managing editor Ian Heads.

Those two men were among my greatest mentors and part of a bond from RLW’s heyday that continues today.

Yet others remember Terry Fearnley, a footballer who made the most of what he regarded limited talents to captain the Roosters during his 10 years of first grade from 1964 and play for City and NSW, for his coaching accomplishments – and they were many.

It was Fearnley, Jack Gibson’s front row partner at Easts for several seasons, who ignited Gibson’s

pioneering influence of and attachment to US football (gridiron) in the late 1960s.

Fearnley was working in car sales when, in 1969, he watched a motivational film at a conference in Melbourne about renowned US football coach Vince Lombardi called ‘Second Effort’. It had the desired effect on his attitude not to just business but to life in general.

He later ordered a copy and in 1971 took it to his mate Gibson who was coaching St George. After watching it together at Fearnley’s home, big Jack turned and said: “Brother, that’s the hottest thing I’ve ever seen.” The pair drove directly to Kogarah Oval and showed the film twice to a gathering of St George players from all three grades and officials.

In the remaining 13 rounds Saints’ first, second and third grades lost only six of 39 games and all qualified for the grand final (Gibson’s first). The following year Fearnley and Gibson headed to the USA for the first of coach of the century Gibson’s many visits there.

In 1973 Fearnley was Gibson’s assistant coach at Newtown and the previously struggling side made the finals. The next year they were back at the Roosters together, Fearnley as reserve grade coach, before he headed to Parramatta as reserve grade coach and his own rise to coaching stardom began.

His side won the premiership and he was appointed first grade successor to Norm Provan and, with John Peard and Ray Price as his key signings, took the Eels to their first grand final in 1976, and repeated the effort a year later.

In ’76 he was agonisingly close to becoming just the second non-playing coach to win a premiership in his first season when a dropped pass from John Moran to Neville Glover, and a series of scrum penalty goals, conspired against him with Manly winning 13-10.

The next year the Eels were back but after a 9-all draw against St George, the grand final replayed and a battered Parramatta going down 22-0. Fearnley was at the club for five seasons, four as first grade coach, and in those latter four years he took them to the finals each time and the Eels won the first four of their club championships. Ironically, it was Gibson who joined the Eels in 1981, who found long-desired glory with premierships in his only three seasons there.

Fearnley was, essentially, responsible for Peard gaining the name of ‘Bomber’ when he employed the tactic of Peard lofting ‘bombs’ (towering kicks) on the opposing tryline that often led to tries, many by rugby union international Price who Fearnley had enticed to change codes that season.

Future club legends Michael Cronin and Peter Sterling followed Price to the Eels and both, who attended Fearnley’s funeral in April, attested that they would never have moved to Sydney if not for the influence Fearnley immediately had on them.

Fearnley coached NSW and Australia to World Series victory in 1977 and returned to both roles in 1985 during the State of Origin era, mentoring the Blues to their first series win before a fortnight later becoming a controversial figure and arch-enemy of Queensland rugby league when he dropped four Queenslanders – Chris Close, Mark Murray, Greg Dowling and Greg Consecu – for the third Test in New Zealand that Australia lost 18-0 after winning the first two Tests.

Of all the years I knew Terry, who later coached Wests, Cronulla and Illawarra, that episode affected (and riled) him more than any other. That he is best remembered by Queenslanders for that controversy – fuelled by some ridiculous quotes from retiring Queensland league chairman Ron McAuliffe who compared the interstate dispute to the bloody civil war in Beirut – defies his calm and respected nature.

He stuck by his decision of replacing the four Maroons with emerging players (Steve Ella, Des Hasler, Peter Tunks and Ben Elias) who had secured the Origin series by winning the first two games (the Tests were played before the third). He was working at RLW at the time and, in a rare public outcry, slammed the politically-founded attack by McAuliffe and the lack of public support from the ARL for decisions he felt were vindicated. The irony is that Queensland players and officials of the time remain unbending that his decisions were not vindicated and delivered poorly.

Whatever the view, what is inarguable is that that episode is so averse to the image of Terry Fearnley that I, and many others, retain.

He was the man who brought Price, Cronin, Sterling, Peter Wynn, Ella, Eric Grothe and Andrew Ettingshausen into first grade in ARL/NSWRL football. He introduced the consistent use of the bomb, coached in the first grand final replay, initiated the ‘flying wedge’ in that ’76 decider which remains the most spectacular grand final ploy in history, and is forever the first Blues Origin winning coach.

He also played touch football competitively into his 60s and remained fit and motivated until just months before cancer took him at age 81.

He was an incredible man, in and outside of rugby league.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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REMEMBERING T The Foundation wishes to recognise the recent passing of the following people who left a positive legacy within the rugby league community.

For more tributes or expanded versions, go to www.menofleague.com

TERRY BROWN

Terry passed away on 30 April, aged 93. He was called up to trial for St George as a hooker in the 1950s and lived in the St George area all his life. He was a life member of Hurstville RLFC. He was laid to rest in St George colours.

Trevor was a passionate Narrabri resident. His persistent nagging and chasing sponsorship for the lighting of Collins Park was one of his many causes.

The official opening of the lights on Collins Park was 26 February 2011, which ironically was the date of his death four years later.

NEVILLE DENTON

SID FAULKNER

Former New Zealand Test player passed away on 27 March at his home at Paparimu in Auckland. The talented outside back played in 13 Tests between 1954 and 1963 and represented New Zealand at three World Cups (France 1954; Australia 1957; England 1960). In club football, Neville played with Northern Districts and also Marist. He was a member Auckland teams which beat France 15-8 in 1960, Australia 13-8 in 1961 and Great Britain 46-13 in 1962. After retiring, Neville coached Marist and in the early 1970s, was an Auckland selector.

PHILIP JOHN ‘JACK’ DEVERY

Jack Devery, who died on 1 April, aged 95 years, was the oldest South Sydney Rabbitohs first grade player.

He played halfback for Sydney University Rugby Union Club before being tempted to change codes and play league for Souths in 1947 (aged 25). He played 11 games first grade, scoring two tries. In 1947 against Balmain at Leichhardt Oval he played five-eighth against his younger brother Pat Devery, who played for NSW, Australia and UK club Huddersfield. Jack became a university lecturer plus was a respected oceanographer. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Dorothy.

Many in the Rosewood-Ipswich area were saddened with the passing of ‘Big Sid’ Faulkner, aged 56, in March. Sid was a member of the inaugural 1982 Ipswich Jets. As a front-rower, Sid played a tough style with a big heart. Off the field he was a gentle giant, well liked by his peers.

NATHAN GREMMO

Nathan, a popular member of the under-14 team at Hills District Bulls where generations of his family had been devoted to, was tragically killed when hit by a car in May. He was an extremely popular teenager and there was a massive turnout for his funeral at Oakhiill College where he was a student. The Parramatta Eels side wore black arm bands as a mark of respect in their next match. His parents Michael and Kylie are great servants of the club, and Nathan left behind sisters Annaliese and Ashley.

The Bulls created the Nathan Gremmo Shield to be played for annually in the Sydney Shield match against Guildford. It was contested for the first time on May 17.

NOEL HINTON

TREVOR DRUCE

Former Ngaruawahia (New Zealand) halfback Noel Hinton passed away after a courageous battle against cancer.

He played for Narrabri Blues in all grades and then coaching under-18s, and first grade in 1995. He was a committee person for many years. and a passionate South Sydney Rabbitohs fan, finally seeing his Bunnies win a grand final in 2014.

Noel began his career as a schoolboy representing the North Island in 1952, then played all his senior football with Ngaruawahia, retiring in 1965. Noel’s brother Owen, a fullback, was named as a reserve for the Ngaruawahia team of the century. For the last dozen years Noel and his wife Gillian have resided at Ashmore on the Gold Coast.

Trevor, a proud Men of League member, passed away recently after a four and a half year battle with cancer.

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THOSE NOW GONE IVAN JONES

Ivan Jones showed a lot of courage during his lifetime, both on and off the field. As a 68kg halfback, he took on much bigger men, while, during the latter stages of his life, he endured regular chemotherapy and radiation without complaint.

Growing up at Dalby, Ivan made the local first grade side at just 16 years. He moved to Brisbane Souths at 18 in 1961 and played in the Brisbane grand final, losing 18-8 by Norths. He also played for Combined Brisbane against New Zealand in 1963.

In 1964, he moved to Rockhampton Brothers, representing Central Queensland against the touring Frenchman and winning as man of the match in the 22-2 victory. He joined South Sydney for the 1965 season and was a member of the ‘65 grand final side that held St George to 12-8. Ivan was a key member of the premiership winning 1967 team but missed the 1968 victory because of injury. He managed several hotels, including the Lord Raglan at Alexandria, which is still a popular venue for South Sydney supporters and players.

PAUL JUDD

Paul Judd, a former South Sydney player, passed away after a battle with cancer, his funeral service was held on 31 March. He was 50.

Paul had many former Rabbitohs players, and Men of League welfare officers, visit him in hospital in recent months and was appreciative of their support.

KEN SUTTON

Ken Sutton, who had a distinguished career in rugby league, passed away in March aged 75 after a short illness. Ken started his career with Wellington as a lock before moving to the centres, a position he played in for the remainder of his career. He also played for Wyangala Dam in the Group 9 competition, Canowindra in Group 11 and Cowra Magpies. representing Group 10 and being part of Bill Cane’s team who were defeated

by Oberon narrowly in the 1969 and 1970 grand finals.

Ken played over 200 first grade games.

The Sutton name is still involved in rugby league with Ken’s son Stephen coaching the Cowra Magpies and grandson Luke playing with Kiama.

Horrie Kessey

HORRIE KESSEY

The former Newtown player, official and life member passed away at Cape Hawke Hospital in Forster after a short illness. He was 87. Horrie played 76 first grade games and 118 grade games as a winger with Newtown from 1946-53 and scored 48 tries. His father Jack Kessey played with Newtown between 192632 and also was an official for many years. Horrie was a member of Newtown’s 1948 reserve grade premiership-winning team and a regular attendee at Henson Park reunion days in recent years.

His career included a year as captain-coach at Quilplie in Queensland where he coached a young Ken Thornett. He went on to coach Newtown reserves teams that featured Clarrie Jeffries, John Raper, Brian Moore, Frank Farrington and Jack Gibson. He was elected Newtown secretary in 1971 and was assistant secretary for many years. He is survived by his wife of 63 years Win and his two sons Phillip and John, two daughters Bronwyn and Judy and his many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

COLIN SCOTT

Colin Scott, a Men of League member, will be remembered from his playing days as a rugged and talented forward who played 15 games in the first grade team plus numerous lower grade games for the Roosters. He was also an active member of the Eastern Suburbs past players committee and he will be missed by all of his past teammates, partner Diane, family members Caroline, Cameron, Simon and Damian and grandchildren Michelle, Jack and Alyssa.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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STEPHEN MAXWELL

Former Dapto and Sydney Roosters player Stephen Maxwell passed away in April, aged 62. Stephen grew up in the Eastern Suburbs and played some grade football with the Roosters in the early 1970s. A clever five-eighth and centre, he joined Dapto where he was a member of Illawarra first grade premiership winning teams under coach Allan Fitzgibbon in 1975- 77. He also played at Coffs Harbour and Nambucca Heads.

Later he and his wife Kerry moved to Melbourne where he passed away. Stephen is survived by Kerry and his three children, Clinton, Barbara and Ashley.

REX PERCY

Former New Zealand international lock Rex Percy passed away in May, aged 81. Rex began his career with Ponsonby in Auckland, and represented New Zealand in nine Tests, scoring five tries. He was first selected for the Kiwis in the 1955 team to meet Great Britain, and toured Australia in 1956 and 1959. He also played in the 1957 World Cup. In 1961 he joined Balmain for three seasons before moving to Parkes, then Yass. Rex’s son Mathew was a member of the victorious Australia II crew which won the America’s Cup in 1983, and also represented Australia at the 1988 Summer Olympic Games.

GWYN MADGE

The named Madge was feted in the Coalfields area west of Newcastle in the 1940s-50s with brothers Gwyn and Viv among Kurri Kurri’s greatest players.

Gwyn, who passed away aged 89, played 174 first grade games for Kurri, winning the 1945 premiership during the club’s heyday and played five times for Newcastle, the first time when just 17.

Former Test captain Col Maxwell once described him as the best fullback in Australia behind Clive Churchill and Balmain desperately tried to sign him for years. He later moved to Sydney’s Northern beaches where he coached the first ever Manly Warringah Jersey Flegg side in 1961. He also became a first grade selector before moving to the Gove peninsula for work.

2nd from left is Gwyn Madge, with brother Viv far right.

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RAY RITCHIE

Ray Ritchie, a Manly Sea Eagles stalwart, passed away peacefully at the Royal North Shore Hospital at age 78.

Ray had been a well-known cab driver for many years, however he made his first grade debut for ManlyWarringah in 1955 as a classy winger and went onto play 49 first grade games, scoring 37 tries from 1955 to 1959, when injury forced him into early retirement.

In 1957 he represented NSW and toured with the 1957 World Cup side, playing against the Rest of the World team.

He coached Manly lower grade teams before being appointed as first grade coach in 1981-82, making the ’82 grand final. Ray will be sadly missed by wife Georgina, his children Sharon, Donna and Raymond, son in laws Mick and Koen, grandchildren Jasmine, Sophia and Ben and his many friends in rugby league.

COL THOMPSON

A former front-rower with Souths Magpies in Brisbane, Col Thompson was a larger than life personality, known far and wide in Queensland for his deeds, within and outside the code. Most notable were his endeavours in the radio industry, particularly in production and programming, although he was a polished on-air performer.

When France toured Australia in 1964, Thompson and fellow commentator Ross Lawson had arranged to speak to skipper, Claude Mantoulan. When Mantoulan failed to front for the program, Thompson put on his best French accent and no one was the wiser.

Thompson also appeared in a successful motor industry television advertising campaign in the 1980s, and took the role of a football coach. To many people after that, he was simply ‘Coach’.

Col also played first grade Australian Rules for Wests in Brisbane. Col, a former vice-president of the Brisbane Men of League Committee, was 78.

CHRIS WELLMAN

Men of League sends its condolences to the family and friends of former Cronulla Sharks and Wests Magpies player Chris Wellman (114 first grade games), who passed away suddenly at the age of 64 at his home at Cabarita near Tweed Heads on May 3.

In a tribute to Chris, the Sharks wrote on their website: “Tough, skilful and uncompromising, Wellman was highly rated as a player during what was perhaps the most physical era rugby league has known.” He played in the Sharks’ first grand final in 1973 at five-eighth outside of the legendary Tommy Bishop and inside the brilliant Steve Rogers.

GORDON ‘SUNNY’ FROST

Gordon, 79, passed away in May in Forster. Gordon, his wife Gay and family have lived on the NSW North Coast for many years after moving from the Manly Warringah rugby league district. He was a Manly Warringah league man through and through, having played five first grade and many lower grade games during 1957-58. After retiring from playing, he became actively involved in supporting the Harbord United club in various roles.

BOB MADDERS

Robert ‘Bob’ Madders lived for rugby league, from his early days traveling around the country with his work in National Australia Bank to his later years retired on the Sunshine Coast in 1999.

Bob was always good for a footy yarn, in particular his favourite years with the mighty Collegians Dragons (Warwick) in the mid-60s, including 1967 when the club won premierships in all three grades. One of his teammates was Wayne Bennett, who remained a great friend.

“He was a very classy footballer, more importantly he was a genuine gentleman who people loved to be around.” Wayne reflected.

Men of League became Bob’s favourite channel to relive and celebrate his many fond rugby league memories and friendships.

His wife Joy said: “Please express my sincere thanks in your newsletter to Bob Hagan, Ron (Dinger) Bell and David Carmody and any Men of League members who attended Bob’s funeral service. Bob was proud that his nephew, Frank Barrett, was appointed Queensland state manager of Men of League.”

BILL RICHARDSON

Well-known Taree man Bill Richardson passed away peacefully at the age of 90, following a long illness. Bill was a well-respected and active member of the Manning community, with a long association with many sporting clubs in the region. This included life memberships with the Taree Old Bar Surf Club and the Taree Old Bar Surf Rugby League Club. He was gear steward and assistant secretary for the Taree Old Bar club.

Throughout his years in the Manning, Bill was also involved with the Manning River Sailing Club, bowls with Taree City, the tennis club, and men’s basketball and the show society. Bill and wife Shirley, were rewarded for their community work when they were recipients of Australia Day Awards.

SIMPLICITY FUNERALS OFFERS HELP

M

en of League is excited and honoured to announce that Simplicity Funerals are our national partner, and have a special offer for Men of League members.

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Available in NSW and QLD only, Simplicity Funerals will offer a 25% discount off the list price on its Funeral Service Cremation Package to all Men of League members in these two states. Simply speak to your nearest Simplicity Funerals representative to take up this offer, as terms and conditions apply and cost savings between states may vary.

A prepaid funeral plan from Simplicity Funerals lets you know in advance the exact price of the service you would like. You can then make instalment payments against this locked in price and when paid in full, there is no more to pay.

From helping Ronald McDonald House and Variety - The Children’s Charity, to assisting Lions Clubs to collect unused eye-glasses to assist people in the developing world, Simplicity Funerals understands that there are many ways to help. Through our partnership, Simplicity Funerals is looking to make a difference to the Rugby League community, which adds so much to the lifestyle and culture Australia enjoys.

In addition to the direct support Simplicity Funerals is providing to Men of League and the special discount to members, there is another way Simplicity Funerals

Taking a prepaid funeral from Simplicity Funerals also gives emotional peace of mind. You get to sit down with a caring Simplicity Funeral arranger in your own time, to make decisions that are right for you. When the time comes, your funeral choices will be honoured and Simplicity’s care will be by your family’s side, after a single phone call. This makes a prepaid funeral the obvious choice for those looking to take care of those they leave behind.

If you are looking to relieve your family from future funeral costs, why not talk to Simplicity Funerals today on 1300 556 222, about an affordable, practical and simple prepaid funeral plan.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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LENDING A HELPING HAND ROSS ON ROAD TO RECOVERY

Former Penrith Panther prop Ross Cale was riding his horse in a paddock outside of Dubbo when it fell and landed heavily on Ross’ right leg, causing serious damage to the veins in his leg and also breaking two ribs.

(from left) Fred Jackson, Ken Vessey, Norm Pounder with Vincent Bond.

VINCENT KEEPS HIS LEAGUE BOND

Vincent Bond, once a tough Group 4 front-rower, was rendered a paraplegic after suffering spinal injuries when he fell from a wall near a dry river bed near his Wee Waa home, landing on some rocks.

He admitted that if the river had been full of water he more than likely would have drowned. Yet it was obvious he is a real fighter when visited by Northern Sydney welfare officers Fred Jackson, Norm Pounder and Ken Vessey at Royal Rehab at Putney.

After initially being treated in Dubbo District Hospital, he was transferred to Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown where he underwent surgery and is now on the road to recovery.

Ross has been overwhelmed by the visits and phone calls he has received from former teammates and opponents since his accident.

Among the visitors were Sydney Metro welfare officers Warren Thompson and Alan Webb following a request from welfare and education manager Ben Ross and Ross Tighe, from Men of League Western Region.

ROBERT’S INSPIRING OUTLOOK

Vincent told them that he had been at Royal Rehab for about three months and before that he was a patient in the spinal unit at Royal North Shore Hospital from December 2014. After undergoing treatment he had gained greater movement in his hands.

Northern Sydney welfare officers Norm Pounder and Ken Vessey were inspired by the courage of Robert Claydon (active member of the North West committee) considering that only days before they visited him in Royal Prince Alfred Hospital he had had part of his right leg amputated.

Vincent had played rugby league for Wee Waa Panthers and was a keen supporter of the Canberra Raiders. When asked who he believed were the best NRL players, he answered without hesitation Greg Inglis, closely followed by Johnathan Thurston.

Robert is a paraplegic as a result of a trucking accident 18 years ago and had already had part of his left leg taken. Norm and Ken were amazed by Robert’s outlook on life and his spirit. He was in was born and bred in Barraba, NSW and now lives in Tamworth, and is a

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part of the Group 4 territory which has produced great players like Ron Turner, John Donnelly, John O’Neill and Jim Leis.

In his early rugby league playing days he was a lock or centre and played for the Barraba Bulldogs from junior teams to A grade before continuing his playing days at Sawtell and with Goulburn Workers.

He enjoys his involvement with Men of League North West and most importantly his life with his lovely wife Rhonda, son Nicholas, daughter Lisa and three grandchildren Levi, Lexi and Milla, and following the Cronulla Sharks.

He remains good friends with his schoolboy mate Warren Fisher who played fullback for the Sharks from 1973-78.

‘BILLY’ FIGHTS HARD

Graeme ‘Billy’ Dixon was involved in a serious trucking accident in December in the Northern Territory and was urgently airlifted to the Royal North Shore Hospital burns unit the next day for treatment for burns to 75 per cent of his body.

When Northern Sydney welfare officers Norm Pounder and Ken Vessey visited Graeme in April, he showed great courage and determination considering the injuries he had suffered. The Dixon family are well respected in Bingara (150km north of Tamworth) where Graeme played for Bingara Bullets, Inverell Hawks and captained the 1987 Matthew Shield North West representative team before he retired at 22.

During their visit, Norm and Ken had the pleasure to meet Graeme’s mum Marilyn, dad Graeme, sister Bez,

Messenger, who lived upstairs, was there and offered John a coat - his Australian representative blazer.

So he gained entry and went to the bar and had a few drinks wearing the great man’s blazer.

nieces Sarah, Sophie, Katie and long-time friend Richard Reading and it was obvious their love and support for Graeme had played a vital role in his recovery to date.

NEIL SHOWS HE’S ON THE MEND

A visitor to the most recent Sunshine Coast Kick Off Club was member Neil Espley, a sign that the Kawana Dolphins vicepresident is on the mend after a six-month recovery from a fall in Sydney during grand final week.

In one of his first outings since the fall, Neil attended the function at Mooloolaba Surf Club with his wife Anita and many of his Men of League and football mates. The family wanted to thank Men of League for its financial and moral support during his recovery.

For the past 13 years Neil and his mates have attended the Sydney grand final. Last October though Neil tripped and fell just days out from the big event and underwent an emergency craniotomy to remove a subdural haematoma.

He subsequently spent two weeks in intensive care before being moved to a neuroscience ward in St Vincent’s Hospital. He was transferred to the Princess Alexandra Hospital’s brain injury unit in Brisbane and was finally discharged on 6 March. He had spent 157 days in hospital.

Anita said support from the Men of League, and Sunshine Coast community, had been outstanding. “The financial assistance has been a great help to us as a family, but the moral support is just as important,” she said. “To know that so many people have Neil in their thoughts and prayers has been a tremendous boost and actually quite overwhelming. He was certainly overwhelmed by his reception at the Kick Off Club.”

John has lung cancer but is in remission. He and his wife Val have recently returned to Sydney after living for 25 years on the Central Coast at Lake Haven.

John Perry

SAVED BY THE GREAT DALLY M

John Perry had some wonderful yarns to tell welfare officers Warren Thompson and Alan Webb when they visited at his home at Maroubra Gardens Retirement Village.

John, a Clovelly junior, recalled when he played a trial against Souths at Redfern Oval as 57kg halfback (“I could have been riding in the Melbourne Cup”) and was told by selectors to go away and put some weight on.

In 1951 he played in the Easts President’s Cup team, and was called into grade however he told the Roosters he preferred to play with his mates at Clovelly. They informed him that he had to play with Easts but when he told them that he worked on an ice run and did not finish work in time to play third grade, the club suspended him for two weeks. After this time he was selected to play reserve grade at North Sydney Oval scored a try in a match refereed by Darcy Lawler.

Peter, Maria, Nick and Luke Esposito

INSPIRATIONAL NICK LOVES HIS EAGLES

NRL clubs have many thousands of supporters but none come more enthusiastic and loyal than a 17-year-old Nick Esposito who is fanatical about the ManlyWarringah Sea Eagles.

He was selected in first grade as halfback when Col Donohue was chosen to tour with the Australian team, along with clubmate Ferris Ashton, in 1952.

Nick lives with his mum Maria, dad Peter and brothers Luke and Carlo and Northern Sydney welfare officers Norm Pounder, Fred Jackson and Ken Vessey had the pleasure to meet them all at their home. Nick was born with cerebral palsy and over the years has undergone many operations to improve his condition and lifestyle to such an extent that these days he attends mainstream schooling with a carer.

He also recalled the evening in 1954 when he was offered membership of NSW Leagues Club and arrived at the club wearing a pair of slacks and business shirt but was refused entry because he did not have a coat. Dally

To say the Espositos are a rugby league family is an understatement and one can only imagine the debate when they all gather around the dinner table. Nick is an inspirational young man with a wonderful family.

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Lance Henry, Laurie Fagan, and Les Pearce

LAURIE FAGAN IN GOOD SPIRITS

Men of League Central Coast members Les Pearce, Lance Henry and Dennis Tomsett visited Laurie Fagan at AURRUM Aged Care Facility in Erina. Laurie is suffering from dementia, however he was in good spirits and chatted about some of his experiences and the current status of the game.

Laurie played for the Balmain Tigers from 1958-66 after being graded from the local juniors and in played for NSW against Queensland, Great Britain and was named the Sun Herald player of the year. He joined the new Penrith club in 1967 as inaugural captain and played until 1970.

THE FIRST DOUBLE CENTURION

Following a request received from former St George player Mark Shulman, Men of League welfare officers Warren Thompson, Alan Webb and John Peard visited former Western Suburbs and St George centre Roy Ferguson at his home in Yowie Bay.

John Peard, Roy Ferguson and Warren Thompson

Roy was originally from Wyong on the NSW Central Coast is the first player to have recorded 100 first grade games with two clubs Wests (110) and St George (100).

He trialled with South Sydney initially as a 17 year old but was graded by Wests the same year and was a Magpie from 1964-71 and was captain for two years. In

WELCOMED VISITS TO THOSE IN NEED NORMA Wilson, the widow of Billy ‘Bluey’ Wilson, was extremely delighted to receive a visit from Men of League Gold Coast welfare officers Greg Sylvester, Bob Honan and Graham Farrar. They were accompanied by her close friend June Rasmussen, the widow of former Australian great Elton.

Norma had spent eight weeks in hospital recovering from a broken hip. Aided by a walker, she is in high spirits and is inspirational to the other patients, and nursing staff.

Norma’s late husband Billy, nicknamed Captain Blood, represented Australia in 12 Tests, twice as captain, and toured Great Britain with the Kangaroos in 1959.

He won six premierships with St George during three stints from 1948-462. He played for the North Sydney between 1963-67 and was captain-coach in ‘67. In 2006 he was named in Norths’ team of the century.

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NORTHERN Sydney welfare officers Norm Pounder and Ken Vessey visited former Sea Eagles player and Men of League member Bill Denoon and his charming wife Kaye at their home.

Bill played for Manly from 1963-68, mostly as understudy to renowned fullback Bob Batty, playing two first grade games and many in the lower grades. Bill and Norm reminisced how they played for Manly together when Norm was graded in 1966.Bill returned to the local A-grade competition to play for Valley United and they won the premiership.

to keep a small hole in the heart open until full corrective open-heart surgery could be conducted to correct the arteries positions. The Melbourne committee was pleased to assist parents Lisa and John and support the family in their hour of need.

THE Bonnici family, who have a long rugby league involvement in South Australia, were forced to travel to Melbourne to seek medical attention for their newly born daughter Kaitlyn.

PETER Dickensen worked for over 40 years as a cellarman at St George Leagues Club and played for the Dragons in 1960 as a centre and fullback before moving to Eastern Suburbs for several seasons, then Thirroul in the Illawarra competition. However he has had some ill health and spent seven weeks in Sutherland Hospital before being transferred to Prince of Wales Hospital cardiology unit for further treatment. He was visited by welfare officers Warren Thompson and Alan Webb along with Cyril Peel.

A successful surgery, balloon atrial septostomy, was conducted

FORMER Penrith centre Richard Korn is suffering from Churg-

1972 he signed with St George and played with them until 1976, including the 1975 grand final.

Roy was a property valuer with the Department of Main Roads and also had a brewery truck and newsagency for a time. In late 2013 he had a stroke, and as a result he has short term memory problems.

SHELLY’S DETERMINATION SHINES

Vessey. “A recent visit to Royal Rehab by Ben Ross, Stuart Raper, Norm Pounder and me had a special purpose because we were saying farewell to a lady we had come to know and respect since October last year, Michelle ‘Shelly’ Jeffery who had been undergoing rehab treatment for spinal injuries she had suffered whilst surfboard riding on the Central Coast and was due to return home within days.

“Our welfare visits are always enjoyable and rewarding because of the people we meet there from varied walks of life, who are all striving to overcome their injuries and get back home to resume their lives,” says welfare officer Ken

“We had observed Shelly really dig into her rehab treatment with much determination and tremendous desire to be able to walk again and we were all overwhelmed to see her standing and walking towards us without the aid of a walker.”

Strauss syndrome, a rare disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessel and has no cure.The inflammation can restrict the blood flow to vital organs and tissues of the feet and legs. Doctors can help control systems with steroids and other powerful immunosuppressant drugs. Richard has so far had three toes amputated from his left foot.

After retiring as a referee Garry remained involved in the game as a member of the match review committee and also a member of the judiciary. Garry was a postman and milkman in the Gerringong area during his working life. In 2011 he had part of his lung removed and in 2014 he had a quadruple heart by-pass.

Richard played first grade for Gunnedah, Penrith (in 1970), Boggabri and captain-coached Narrabri. Living on the Gold Coast for the past ten years, he was delighted when Men of League Gold Coast welfare officers Greg Sylvester, Bob Honan and former Australian international hooker Ron Turner joined him for a cup of coffee, and presented him with a Men of League cap at Zaraffa’s in Pacific Pines.

BRIAN Finegan was visited at his home at Bexley by Sydney Metro welfare officers Warren Thompson and Alan Webb. Brian had a knee replacement and is being cared for by his wife Kay, and has a nurse and physio visit him at his home.

He played his junior football for South Sydney Monarchs, and was a member of the victorious 1964 South Sydney President’s Cup team. He then played for Corrimal as a centre or fullback in the Illawarra competition.

FORMER Group 7 referee Garry Dodd was visited at St George Private Hospital by welfare officers John Peard, Warren Thompon and Alan Webb. Garry, who lives in Gerringong, refereed in Group 7 for 25 years including 10 in first grade.

OUR Victorian committee have worked with the Eastern Raptors Rugby League Club to provide support and comfort for members of the Marnock family. In a tragic accident, a tree fell on a house

Shelly was an accomplished touch football player and remains a staunch Sydney Roosters fan. She was given a Roosters cap and 2015 team poster in recognition of her support for her favourite team.

Stuart Raper, Ben Ross, Michelle Jeffery, Norm Pounder, Ken Vessey and Fred Jackson

resulting in the death of a young boy Eli who was just two years old.

Rebecca Marnock and her two sons are active members of the Raptors club and both boys were extremely traumatised by the death of their younger brother.

LIONEL Huggett is an active Men of League volunteer but he has had a stint in St Vincent’s Hospital Darlinghurst following throat surgery where he was visited by Warren Thompson and Alan Webb.

He had a laryngectomy and was unable to speak but he wrote on a note pad to communicate with his visitors. A shearer by trade, has been involved for many years with the Forbes Magpies.

FORMER New Zealand halfback Bobby Irvine is recuperating after surgery to replace the aortic valve to his heart. Bobby was extremely lucky as the only symptoms he displayed were slight dizziness and tiredness despite his aortic valve being 75 per cent blocked.

Bobby represented New Zealand in seven Tests between 1965 -67.

Continued page 64

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GIANTS TO TITANS It has been a hard road for the Gold Coast in rugby league’s premier competition, from way back in 1988 to the present. But there is a determination to bring regular success... and reintroduce players from the past with those of the present. BY NEIL CADIGAN

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rom Giants to Titans. That’s the rather rocky pathway that ARL/NRL football has had on the Gold Coast from 1988 to 2015.

There hasn’t been a lot of glory when it comes to the finals - just three appearances in 19 completed seasons - but some prominent names have worn the Gold Coast jersey in the nation’s number one competition in Wally Lewis, Chris Close, Ron Gibbs, Brent Todd, Preston Campbell, Scott Sattler, Luke Bailey, Greg Bird and Nate Myles.

Footy fans in the region are into their fourth incarnation of their team in the big league after the game’s second privately owned club (behind the Broncos) came into being for the 1988 season alongside the Broncos and Knights. The Giants became the Seagulls in 1989, then morphed into the Chargers in 1996 after the once-rich Seagulls Leagues Club at Tweed Heads dropped its ownership.

But as the NRL pruned clubs from 22 in the split competitions in 1997 and the ARL-controlled Giants board rejected an offer from News Limited to merge with the Hunter Mariners, the Giants became defunct at the end of 1998 and the Gold Coast went eight seasons without a club in the NRL until inaugural Giants player Michael Searle campaigned for the Titans to resurrect an identity for the locals.

On a wall in the Titans’ offices at Robina that they have vacated until a new purpose built training and administration base is built, was a banner that now has renewed significance. It had the complete list of first grade players, each allocated a number according to - chronologically - their debut games.

It didn’t start with initial Titans captain Scott Prince in 2007 though, but Billy Johnstone who led the Giants out for their first ARL premiership game against the Bulldogs in March 1988. It was a symbol that, through Searle’s prompting, players of today are passing the baton for the Gold Coast from the real beginning and not the most recent name and colours of blue and yellow.

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An original Titan of 2007, Luke Bailey. Photo: DAILY TELEGRAPH

And that association is about to become more secure with the ‘old boys’ network that has given ad hoc support to many of their own who may have needed help to now taking its first major steps to emulate the Once a Knight old boys club of the Newcastle Knights which is recognised as the strongest in the NRL. And at the heart of it is halfback in that historic 1988 match against the Dogs, Geoff Bagnall, front-rower that day Peter Smith who is now the welfare manager at the Titans, another 1988 original Danny Sharpe and foundation Titan Luke O’Dwyer, who is still with the club as business development manager.

And they have taken on the name of ‘Giants to Titans’, a significant title that they hope will gel the affinity of all Gold Coast clubs and develop a tradition that junior players of the future as much as forgotten names of the past will identify with. A closer relationship with the Titans has developed and the search is on now to find other former players who want to build a history that links all the Gold Coast entities and, just as importantly, raise money to assist their own who may have had challenges in life and also to provide corporate income for the Titans and perhaps a scholarship each year for a local junior.

“The motivation is probably three-fold to develop a strong old boys group,” said Bagnall, a long-time PE teacher at league nursery Palm Beach Currumbin high school who played in the first four seasons of the Gold Coast’s existence in big league before heading off for two and a half seasons in England for Wakefield.

“We have raised money from annual golf days and the odd luncheon over the years and based ourselves on the Men of League model of helping those in need from our ranks. Now we want to develop a stronger link with the Titans and extend what we do and perhaps fund-raise for the club as well as also helping our own when needed.

“We have got a great rugby league tradition and one of our aims if to make sure and keep rugby league at the highest level stays here.

“I feel privileged to be one of the originals in 1988 and many of the players of that time feel very much attached to the Titans and what they’re trying to achieve because we identify with that.

“We have about 100 players on our list but there are a lot more we’d like to make contact with and build a really strong network and support group for the Titans like the Once a Knight group at Newcastle.”

O’Dwyer has been integral in developing a strong link with Titans players of the past as the club this year

An original Giant of 1988, Geoff Bagnall.

stretched its records to the 196th NRL player in former Palm Beach Currumbin student Kane Elgey. And he sees the benefit of marrying this tradition with the history of the previous clubs who have represented the region.

“I’m a local boy but had to go to Parramatta to start my NRL career [in 2004] because we had no Gold Coast team then, so I’m pretty passionate about ensuring a team stays here and we respect what those in the past did during previous tough times,” O’Dwyer said.

“We’re into our ninth season as the Titans now, so firstly I want to create a strong tradition and continue the culture that has developed here since 2007. I feel very proud and fortunate to have been one of the original Titans players.

“But I see the importance of recognising those before the Titans too. We all had the same privilege of representing the Gold Coast in league’s best club competition.

“I’d like to see players from the previous era supporting the club and feel attached to the club and hopefully some will get involved in the corporate area too.”

There is one strong link with the past and present in the name Simpkins. Robert Simpkins was a tough back-rower who was in the initial Giants side of 1988 and his son Ryan returned to his home club from Penrith this season and was in fine form before suffering an ACL injury in round seven.

They are the first father-son combination in the 27 years of Giants to Titans history to play first grade for the local team. Hopefully there will be more to come.

NOTE: If you have played for the Gold Coast in the NSWRL/ARL/NRL competitions in any grade, Giants to Titans would like to hear from you.

Contact Geoff Bagnall on 0403 195706 or by email, bags07@optusnet.com. au, or call Danny Sharpe on 0418 242 748.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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From left: Greg Warren, Roy Masters, Peter Foreman, Jason Fiddes, Craig Bellamy and Darren Foreman.

VOLUNTEER PROFILE: PETER FOREMAN As the founding president of the Men of League’s Melbourne committee, Peter Foreman is a frontiersman. Recently he gave us some tips about what it’s like to be battling for rugby league in the AFL state.

Tell us about your involvement with rugby league?

I’ve been involved with rugby league all my life. I was born and bred in Sydney and played league with Newtown. I played first grade in 1969 and then reserve grade in 1970 when we won the premiership. After that, I went bush and was captain-coach for Bourke before going to Brisbane.

Foundation? I was a senior manager with Coca-Cola Amatil. I worked for them for more than 30 years, so I have been able to use the processes and discipline that I learnt there, interwoven with my understanding of rugby league culture to help deliver outcomes for head office and the local rugby league community and committee.

In Brisbane, I played for Wests and ended up coaching at first grade, reserve grade and third grade level. One of my teammates in Brisbane was a young John Ribot who went onto later rugby league glory. In 1990 I was transferred to Melbourne with my job. For a number of years my family and I were surrounded by AFL before John Ribot founded the Melbourne Storm. This was my family’s entry back into rugby league.

You’ve been involved with rugby league in three different states. What’s the biggest difference between being involved in NSW, Queensland and Victoria? The biggest difference is that we are not a rugby league state. It’s almost like new frontier down here. We’re surrounded by AFL which is part of the culture of this state. The good thing is that as rugby league makes inroads into Victorian culture so do we as the Men of League committee. As the game’s standing within the community grows, so does ours.

Do you have family that play rugby league? My son played rugby league whilst we lived in Brisbane. Now that we’re down here all the grandkids are passionate Melbourne Storm fans, but they play what their mates play. And down here, that’s AFL. Who do you follow in the NRL? I follow the Storm as does my wife and my whole family.

How long have you been involved with the Men of League? Since they kicked off down here in 2012.

How has your professional and rugby league background helped you with the Men of League 48

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What do you do at State of Origin time? The games get shown live down here in Melbourne now, so our committee host a State of Origin function at a local hotel. Personally, I should be a NSW supporter, but I was in Queensland when State of Origin was born and I knew so many of that first team that I actually barrack passionately for Queensland.

Greg Brentall, who played in the first game and scored the first State of Origin try and Roy Masters just shake their heads at me for supporting Queensland at this time of year.

COURAGEOUS SUNSHINE COAST MUM GRATEFUL FOR ASSISTANCE

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BY TONY DURKIN

Sunshine Coast family has declared they have no idea how they would have survived financially had it not been for the generosity and support of the Men of League Foundation.

Paula Gowland has struggled for almost 12 months following a freak accident which eventually resulted in her left leg being amputated below the knee. But the largest grant awarded in Queensland by the Foundation has enabled the family to finally leave their darkest days behind.

“I don’t know where we would be today had it not been for the generosity of the Men of League in particular, as well as other local sporting identities and individuals,” said the Sunshine Coast mum of three.

“Men of League has enabled me to focus on my rehab and not worry about paying the mounting medical bills. I am just so overwhelmed by the help we have received, and the kindness.”

The grant to Paula is a true reflection of the Men of League charter, which specifies assistance to ‘those from all levels of the rugby league family who, for various reasons, have fallen on hard times’.

“I had no idea Men of League helped families, and in particular women. Like most other people possibly, I just assumed they were there to support ex-players who were in financial difficulty. When the local committee came calling on us, it was like a gift from heaven.”

At the time of her accident - a fall at home while she was hanging curtains - Paula was medical officer for the Kawana Dolphins under-7s. Her husband John was the coach and son Ethan played in the team.

Sunshine Coast committee welfare officer John Bourke was contacted by the Kawana club and advised of the difficulties facing the family, and he set the wheels in motion for the assistance.

The rest is history, with the formidable grant duly approved by the national Men of League board to cover the out-of-pocket expenses for the family, who did have medical insurance.

The injury was so severe that Paula spent the next three-and-a-half months in hospital on the Sunshine

Paula celebrates a recent outrigging win

Coast, undergoing six surgical procedures. Eventually doctors advised that because compartment syndrome had occurred, her leg would need to be amputated.

The amputation and osseointergration was performed in Sydney where she spent another two months hospitalised.

And all has not been plain sailing since. The weight of her prosthetic leg has caused another fracture and further surgery, including the possibility of a knee replacement, may be required.

But that has not dampened the spirit of the keen outrigger, who already has her sights set on representing Australia at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro. Selection trials for the Australian Paralympic team will take place early next year at the National Canoe Sprint Titles, but before then she will represent Australia and compete at next year’s World Outrigging Sprint Titles in the adaptive division at Lake Kawana on the Sunshine Coast.

Although never having paddled a kayak before her accident, Paula trains six mornings a week in search of her goal.

PLEASE MAKE A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION TO MEN OF LEAGUE SO WE CAN HELP PEOPLE LIKE PAULA AND OTHERS IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE FAMILY WHO NEED A HAND-UP. Donate online www.menofleague.com

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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OLD-TIME MAROONS LEAVE FOOD FOR THOUGHT A book has been released celebrating some of the great characters and stories from Queensland’s pre-State of Origin era. BY STEVE RICKETTS

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uffets at State of Origin camps have been notorious for adding unwanted kilos to the frames of Queensland and New South Wales players alike.

Today’s rugby league athletes stay in five-star accommodation where the food is the best available and quantity is not a problem.

Admittedly, in recent years diets in Origin camps have been refined so club coaches no longer dread the prospect of having to rip unwanted weight from star players on their return to premiership duty.

But there was a time when playing for your state didn’t necessarily mean VIP treatment.

At the recent launch of Murray Barnett’s book ‘For the Love of the Game’, former Australian and Queensland forward Col Weiss revealed how Maroons’ players were treated like second class citizens back in the late 1960s, early 1970s.

“I kicked up a stink with (QRL boss) Ron McAuliffe, saying if they wanted us to beat the Blues it would be a good start to feed us properly.

“Things improved after that, and then in 1971 the QRL had a live-in training camp at Lang Park where we learnt about everything from diet to new training techniques.”

Weiss and fellow Queensland internationals Pat McMahon, Des McGovern, Harold ‘Mick’ Crocker, Brian Davies, Dud Beattie, Jim Paterson, Frank Drake, Lionel Morgan and Johnny Gleeson each have a chapter devoted to their careers in Barnett’s book which he dedicates to those coaches, players and administrators who have worked tirelessly for the game, without receiving financial reward.

The book was a labour of love for Barnett, a former school teacher who became disillusioned with the focus on all things Origin at state level, with players from early eras seemingly forgotten.

Weiss played 28 times for Queensland between 1966 and 1972, from Bundaberg Wanderers, and later from Brothers in Brisbane. He also played three Tests for Australia, one on the 1969 tour of New Zealand and two in the home Ashes series against Great Britain in 1970.

The 10 players he interviewed over a three-year period represented Queensland between 1946 and 1972. McMahon, McGovern, Crocker and Davies have passed away since the interviews but the other men were present for the book launch, including Paterson, who flew from Townsville.

Weiss told 200 guests at the Brisbane Men of League ‘Kick-off Club’ Lunch at Broncos Leagues Club on April 15 that in the late 1960s the Queensland team stayed at the Wickham Hotel in Fortitude Valley, a pub built in 1885, and showing its age, even 45 years ago.

Weiss still looks fit enough to play and at 71 works on the family farm at Childers, near Bundaberg.

“Breakfast used to be the leftovers from the night before, usually sausages and some horrible mash,” Weiss said. “Dinner was a lamb chop, a sausage, cabbage, mashed potato and a glass of water with a spoon full of powdered milk in it.

Col left school at 15 and worked as a blacksmith at the Millaquin Sugar Mill in Bundaberg. The mill bosses weren’t happy about the workers playing rugby league but by the time Col was first selected for Queensland in 1966 he was foreman of the blacksmith shop and the company was reluctant to sack him because most of the mill’s employees were league supporters.

“We were playing arguably the best team in the world (New South Wales) and that’s how we were being looked after.

Weiss was a fitness fanatic and trained nearly every day, side stepping snakes in bush runs and using the branch of a wattle tree for his weights program.

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Frank Drake, John Gleeson, Lionel Morgan, Murray Barnett, Dud Beattie, Col Weiss and Jim Paterson.

After the fourth match of the 1969 interstate series - at Newcastle - Weiss flew back to Brisbane where Wanderers officials met him and drove him home to Bundaberg.

Wanderers drew their afternoon club fixture the next day so Weiss received an $8 bonus. But because he had missed two training runs, the club deducted $4. Weiss had to pay $2 tax, so that left him with a grand total of $2.

There are many fabulous yarns in Barnett’s book. Here is a taste from the other chapters.

PAT MCMAHON

In 1944 McMahon played for North West Queensland against an Army team captained by legendary Test forward Ray Stehr.

HAROLD ‘MICK’ CROCKER

After Queensland’s southern tour in 1949 Crocker spent a week in hospital receiving treatment for two cauliflower ears, injuries he sustained in the scrums.

No such dramas now.

DES MCGOVERN

McGovern reveals how he and Immortal Clive Churchill almost came to blows on the 1952-53 Kangaroo tour and how Churchill felt there was an anti-South Sydney bias on the Australian selection panel.

BRIAN DAVIES

Davies was a reluctant rugby league player at first and was more renowned as a surf lifesaver in his early playing days.

DUD BEATTIE

A coal miner from Ipswich, Dud made several guided tours of pits in England’s north on the 1959-60 Kangaroo tour. A busman’s holiday you might say.

JIM PATERSON

Elton Rasmussen, Paterson’s roommate on the 1959-60 Kangaroo tour, often went crook on the North Queenslander for ‘drinking too much’, although in fact he was just letting his hair down like most of the young men on tour. Rasmussen, Dud Beattie, Gary Parcell and Keith Barnes hardly drank at all, and preferred cards to let off steam. Ironically Rasmussen became a publican when he quit football.

FRANK DRAKE

At one stage the former Balmain player considered becoming a parson, such were the strengths of his religious beliefs. At the same time he was viewed by some of the code’s hierarchy as a trouble maker, because he rode a motorbike, wore leathers and grew long Elvis Presley style sideburns.

LIONEL MORGAN

Tweed Heads raised Morgan, Australia’s first indigenous Test rugby league representative, played for NSW Primary Schools after the state carnival in Sydney, where he was billeted by an Arncliffe family who lived two doors down from the Gasniers. Lionel and future Immortal Reg Gasnier played alongside each other in the primary schools side - against Queensland.

JOHN GLEESON

John reveals that he and fellow Kangaroo tourists Les Johns and Earl Harrison met The Beatles back stage after a concert in London during the 1963-64 Kangaroo tour. The trio were afforded the privilege after promoters spotted them in the crowd wearing their Australian blazers.

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME by Murray Barnett.

Published by Boolarong Press. Available at Dymocks and QBD book shops.

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A BULLDOG DYNASTY

BY ANDREW GIFFORD

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bove the hallowed turf of Belmore Sports Ground and nestled in the heart of the Stewart Stand sits Andrew Mortimer. He is busy trying to fill the stands at ANZ Stadium for the next Bulldogs home game with supporters of the blue and white.

Like his father, he loved playing the game and played seven matches in reserve grade as a hooker for the Bulldogs in 2003.

Rewind to 1980 and his dad, Steve Mortimer, was filling the stands at Belmore on the back of his gifted talent and tenacity as the Bulldogs number seven was leading them toward their first grand final victory in 38 years.

“Working for the Bulldogs is a bonus, a destiny really,” he said. “I’ve grown up with the Bulldogs; it’s all I knew as a kid when the Bulldogs were a lot about family. I remember Peter Moore’s daughters looking after us kids on game day in a crèche in the grandstand. I’ve only ever played in the blue and white.”

Andrew Mortimer is one of the corporate partnership executives at the Bulldogs, a position that he has held since 2012. His role is to manage relationships with corporate members who support the Bulldogs and attend functions.

Steve Mortimer, a true Bulldog legend, played 272 first grade games and later returned as CEO. He debuted with the team then called ‘Berries’ in 1976 and hung up the boots after winning his fourth premiership ring in the 1988 grand final. He scored 78 tries and kicked

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“I’ve been a member for over 10 years and it’s so special to have a specific charity dedicated to rugby league. I’m a rugby league person and am proud to be a member of this organisation.” five field goals in his stellar 13-season career as a one-club player. He captained the Bulldogs for 70 games from 1984-88 with a 67 per cent win ratio.

I asked Steve to name the top three highlights of his career.

One: Making the semi-finals in his first year (1976), getting the opportunity to play alongside Bob McCarthy and against one of his idols Bob Fulton. He said that his style was inspired by watching the brand of football played by Fulton.

Two: Winning the grand final in 1980 and being a part of the team that contained the three Mortimer brothers (Steve, Peter and Chris) and the three Hughes brothers (Garry, Mark and Graeme).

Three: Winning the 1985 State of Origin series, the Blues’ first, as NSW captain under the coaching of Terry Fearnley, a game that produced an iconic moment in Steve’s career when he kissed the ground at the SCG after the full-time siren.

The father and son team are now intertwined, working in official capacities with the Bulldogs on a day to day basis. Steve has been a director of the Bulldogs football club since January 2014 and he has been a director of Canterbury Leagues Club since 2002.

Steve and Andrew are passionate members of the Men of League Foundation, both joining in the early stages of its formation. Steve said: “Having Ron Coote at the helm attracted a lot of people that knew

him back at the start of Men of League. Ron Coote is a leader and he is such a gentleman and I just wanted to be a part of it because of Ron,” said Steve.

“Anyone can be a member; anyone can contribute and it’s such a worthy cause.”

Said Andrew: “I’ve been a member for over 10 years and it’s so special to have a specific charity dedicated to rugby league. I’m a rugby league person and am proud to be a member of this organisation.”

We met at The Bulldog, a new cafe and merchandise store on Burwood Road at Belmore. It’s such a great initiative and whilst I was there, fans were coming in and having their photos taken with Steve and watching highlights on the in-store screen.

Whilst I was there they showed Steve’s great individual try in the 1979 semi-final against Parramatta at the Sheridan Stand end of the SCG. To look up at the screen and see Steve in action and then look across the table and chat to him, for a lifelong Bulldog supporter like me, was a real highlight.

So, for all you Bulldogs fans out there, it’s great to know that the Mortimer name is still making a great contribution to the daily workings at the Bulldogs.

Steve and Andrew’s drive and passion for this football club is to be admired and it’s this passion that is instilled with all those associated at the Bulldogs at all levels that helps keep driving this club to remain dynamic and successful.

PROUDLY SUPPORTING MEN OF LEAGUE

www.sydneymarkets.com.au HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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NRL WELFARE & EDUCATION OUR PEOPLE ARE BETTER FOR HAVING BEEN PART OF THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY This is the vision of NRL/RLPA Welfare and Education. From our Holden Cup “No Work or No Study = No Play” philosophy, to our NRL career and social responsibility programs through to career transition services for retiring players, we aim to help players be successful both on and off the field. Here are just some of their exciting success stories.

HUMBLE BROTHERS AN INSPIRATION

Jake and Tom Trbojevic, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

Local juniors from the Mona Vale Raiders, brothers Jake and Tom Trjobevic are an inspiration and an asset to the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.

Jake and Tom are excited at having signed with the Sea Eagles for another two years, which is a great pathway for the local juniors. Since they were young they aspired to one day be like Andrew Johns, who now helps them as Manly assistant coach. The Trjobevics are very much a rugby league family, father John having played junior league for Narrabeen Sharks.

Jake, 23, is the eldest of four boys with Tom being next in line at 18. The third eldest Luke is a football referee and cricket player and the youngest Ben plays for the Mona Vale Raiders, and it seems is quickly following in Jake and Tom’s footsteps.

Jake and Tom Trjobevic, rising Sea Eagles.

FAST FACTS JAKE TRBOJEVIC Junior Club: NRL Games: Debut: Rep Games:

Mona Vale Raiders 11 games 2013, round 26 NSW under-16s and under-18s teams, Australian Schoolboys NSW under-20s team - 2013 Junior Kangaroos - 2013 NYC Team of the Year - 2013

FAST FACTS TOM TRBOJEVIC Junior Club: NYC Games: NRL Games: Rep Games:

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Mona Vale Raiders 17 games 3 games - debuted round 5, 2015 NSW under-18s team - 2014

MEN OF LEAGUE JUNE 2015

Jake and Tom are an inspiration to many young players on and off the field demonstrating that it is possible to study or work while playing rugby league. Jake, who is in his final year at UTS studying a Bachelor of Sports and Exercise Management, said he has found the study manageable and completes two or three subjects each semester. He has plans to continue with studies next year as he enjoys them and said they give him something else to think about away from football, as well as offers the chance to meet new people.

Each club has a welfare manager and career coach and Jake spoke highly of the benefits of having Luke Williamson and Judy Fitzgerald available to him. “They are always there to instill the right things into us and are always helping out all the boys.”

Judy Fitzgerald, Manly’s career coach, said: “Jake is a humble and unassuming young man and is someone who takes everything in his stride. He’s usually quiet unless he has something of value to add, which is often, and means he’s always ‘heard’ by others.

“He’s part of our welfare and education committee and makes valuable contributions on behalf of the younger NRL players. Last year he completed a

practical assessment for his university qualification with our media and marketing team - the feedback from our director of operations was ‘if all our employees were like Jake, we’d be very, very happy’.”

Tom debuted in round five this season where he scored a try in the first two minutes, followed by another. It was naturally a special moment. “Surreal actually, something I had dreamed about when growing up,” he said. “All my family were in Albury to watch this moment which was pretty cool as this was the first competition game Jake and I had played together.”

Tom is in his first year of an Economics and Finance degree at Macquarie University. He also endorsed the importance of the Holden Cup philosophy of “no work, no study, no play” as an important backup plan because not everyone makes it to full-time professional status in the NRL. Fitzgerald said: “It must be a family trait, because Tom is also very pragmatic and unassuming. In alignment with the theory of his university course he is being mentored by, and doing part-time work for Pete Driscoll from Prestige Worldwide Financial Group. Pete says he’s an amazing young man who grasps things quickly and has much to offer.”

What was the highlight of your football career?

There’s been quite a few that are personal to me but my first grade debut for the Sydney Roosters was special and also playing in two grand finals. But I guess representing both Samoa and New Zealand at an international level will always be really special for me and my family. If I had to pick one highlight that sticks out from the rest it would have to be the 2005 Tri Nations final against Australia for obvious reasons [the Kiwis won] and it’s a moment I’ll remember for the rest of my life.

What have you been doing since retiring in 2012?

I moved to Brisbane from England and worked parttime in schools running mentoring programs and working specifically with Pacific Island students. I became the Pacific liaison officer at Woodridge State High School until I took up a full-time role in November 2014 for the NRL working in welfare and education .

Tell us more about your role as a welfare and education manager. I work mainly with players playing in the Intrust Super Cup but not exclusively, and help players with careers, studying, employment, transitioning and care. I pretty much cater to player issues or concerns outside of training and playing. It’s a big task and has its moments but it is very rewarding and it’s great having an opportunity to make a positive impact on players’ lives.

What programs do the welfare and education department have to offer and what are the benefits to the players? There are a wide range of programs that W&E provide from alcohol and drugs to financial support and any mental health concerns. Being an explayer it helps to have the experience and understanding of where the players are coming from and how best to deal with or provide programs that best suit their needs.

These programs are beneficial to the players in that it provides them with information and an understanding of a lot of issues that they may encounter being professional sportsmen (and in my case working with Intrust Super Cup players) as well as having a job or studying.

FAST FACTS DAVID SOLOMONA Former player (retired in 2012) Junior club: NRL Career: Rep Career: Family: Career:

Richmond Rovers 279 games - Roosters, Eels, Wakefield, Bradford Bulls, Warrington Wolves Samoa - 7 games, NZ - 13 Married with three girls Welfare and education manager along with Murray Hurst for the QRL

What advice do you have for players about preparing for life after footy? Prepare, speak with ex-players, have an idea of what you want to do and work at it before you finish. Don’t wait till you’re retired to think about life after footy, make sure you have a plan and work hard to achieve it. I always say to players that there is no reason you can’t be just as successful after footy as you were during it, all it takes is the same drive and preparation that you had when you played to reach your goals when you retire.

For more information on the programs run by the NRL welfare and education department, please go to the links below. nrl.com/leaguewise | nrl.com/careerwise

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COMMITTEE PROFILES MELBOURNE

Melbourne Victoria is the heart of tiger country (AFL) for rugby league but that hasn’t stopped the work of the Melbourne Men of League Committee.

Founded in 2012, they’re a small, dedicated and passionate group who get through an enormous workload of welfare lead by president Peter Foreman.

Under Peter’s leadership and with the support of committee members Roy Masters (vice president), Jason Fiddes (treasurer), Greg Brentnall (secretary), and committee members Darren Foreman, Greg Warren and Massey Wade they’ve completed a detailed business plan which is monitored at every meeting. John Ribot is the Committee patron and he has been outstanding in helping shape Men of League within Victoria.

The Committee is also very ably supported by one of the Men of League Foundation’s newest National Board members, Professor the Hon Stephen Martin.

They’ve arranged a partnership with Aces, a local sporting club that have provided ongoing support for the Committee since its inception.

Committee president, Peter Foreman said, “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Bruce Mathieson and Ross Blair-Holt of the ALH Group for providing our ongoing Aces support. With their outstanding assistance and

(from left) Roy Masters, John Ribot, Greg Brentnall, Darren Foreman, Peter Foreman , Jason Fiddes

support from the Victorian rugby league and their local clubs, the Victorian Referees Association, together with our strong association with the Melbourne Storm we’re able to ensure that Men of League have a strengthening social and welfare presence in the Victorian rugby league community.”

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

No one in Western Australia’s rugby league scene will know who James Sullivan is, but plenty will know of Sully. Sully is the president and driving force behind the Men of League’s Western Australia Committee.

Sully is the Founding president of the WA Committee which started in 2012 - which also happened to be the year Sully won the NRL One Community National Volunteer of the Year.

The local Committee also get a regular plug on the radio programme League Talk on SportFM 91.3. Of course, Sully is the host of the radio program.

“We get a lot of support from NRL WA and local clubs.

Our work here is mainly socialising with a little bit of welfare. We have three main fundraisers with a big golf day, an annual 20-20 cricket game between League Talk and the Men of League and our annual State of Origin raffle,” Sully said.

“Every year the local clubs raise funds for us on the weekend of Men of League Heritage Round by donating a gold coin at the game. There is a really good local rugby league fraternity over here,” Sully concluded.

The committee is made up of a small band of hard workers: Sully, Drew Lister (vice president), Tom Heels (treasurer), Justin Reid (secretary), John Thomson and Peter Walker (welfare officers) and committee members Matt Fuller, Brian Barton and Jim Toohey.

Val Murphy and Mark Geyer are the patrons of the WA Committee.

Stuart Raper has nothing but praise for Sully and the WA committee “Sully does a great job over there. They have already had a successful golf day and had a big luncheon on the weekend of Round 13.

(from left) Justin Reid, John Thomson, Sully, Peter Walker and Drew Lister.

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“He continually promotes Men of League through his weekly radio program and works hard with the Junior Leagues as well as on membership and growth,” Stuart Raper concluded.

STEAK AND SHIRAZ

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he Caxton Hotel was the ideal venue to host the second bi-annual Steak and Shiraz lunch, with a capacity crowd packed into the iconic Brisbane landmark for an afternoon of fun and frivolity on Wednesday 6 May. Men of League Queensland joined forces once again with Bulls Masters, to raise awareness and vitally needed funds, as part of an ongoing partnership between the two not for profit identities.

Darren Locker at last year’s lunch.

Both organisations share similar charters, Men of League focus on helping men, women and children of the rugby league community and Bulls Masters key aim is to foster and develop cricket throughout Queensland by providing community support and assistance to local charities and indigenous communities.

MC for the afternoon was media personality Billy J Smith, assisted by his apprentice David ‘Luttsy’ Lutteral from Nova Breakfast. The two XXXX ambassadors and renowned jokers ensured everyone were kept on their toes, including some light hearted feedback around the room.

Luttsy had an impressive batting order of guests to interview, with rugby league and cricket royalty everywhere, both as speakers and professional crowd hecklers, such as, Allan Langer.

Opening the batting was Australian Test cricketer and current coach Darren Lehmann, providing a very relaxed and open insight into the current Test team.

‘Boof’ told great stories of how he acquired his nickname and similarities between the sad passing of Phil Hughes and great mate David Hookes. Along with an interesting telephone call he shared with former teammate Jason Gillespie, the hot favourite to take over as England head coach.

In between interviews, Billy J entertained the room and Luttsy grabbed a couple of minutes with former Test hooker Steve Walters, followed by classy Test cricketer and outgoing Queensland Bulls coach Stuart Law. Walters was quick with his usual dry humour, while Law was more than happy to set the record straight

Allan Langer with Wayne Roberts

on his exit from the Bulls top job and his new coaching journey via the Australian elite development systems.

Darren Lockyer was the icing on the cake, delivering an extensive interview with Luttsy about everything from the Broncos current form to his life after football.

‘Locky’ was happy to share some great insight into rugby league, especially around ensuring the game continues to evolve with progressive steps forward.

Other legends in the room included ex-international rugby league stars Steve Renouf and the before mentioned serial prankster Alfie Langer, along with an impressive collection of Queensland cricket legends Ashley Noffke, Lee Carseldine and Scott Prestwidge.

The next instalment of the Steak and Shiraz series will be later in year around October, details to be confirmed soon.

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ARRAY OF STARS - AND A COOL BULL

BY BOB WONDERS

International halfbacks from Wagga Wagga, Steve Martin and Steve Mortimer.

Graham Eadie and his wife Leah.

T

you prefer) and sporting the famous cardinal red and myrtle green of the great South Sydney. It sold for $800!

Guest of honour (and star attraction) was former Canterbury-Bankstown, NSW and Australian halfback Steve Mortimer, the former Wagga Wagga lad regaling the audience with some great tales from his illustrious career.

“All who attended dug deep and Men of League is truly grateful,” he said. “I would like to mention one truly great supporter in Steve Piggots, of Making Strides.

he fifth staging of the Gold Coast Men of League’s annual dinner has proven a runaway success, with organisers at the Burleigh Bears Leagues Club hoisting the house-full sign as more than 250 supporters turned out.

Regular MC Scott Sattler again played a grand role in getting the best out of the impressive array of former greats as they embraced the microphone.

The guest list included such renowned names as Petero Civoniceva, two-time Kangaroo Gary Belcher, classic halfbacks in Tommy Bishop, Barry Muir and Steve Martin, powerful Manly fullback Graham Eadie, South Sydney’s former dual international Bobby Honan and Test forward in Greg Dowling, Keith Campbell, Elwyn Walters and John Lang.

While the evening’s auctions of various pieces of league memorabilia played a major role in the fundraising, it also delivered plenty of humour to the appreciative audience.

One particular piece really attracted plenty of attention; it was a cooler built in the shape of a bull (or a cow if

Men of League Gold Coast’s boss Ian Amos was delighted with the event.

“This man is quite remarkable in what he does for us for very little return.

“I invite all to take a look at the website, www. makingstrides.com.au and see what a few people working in a Burleigh factory are doing for people suffering from spinal injuries.

“We thank Steve for his belief in our great charity.”

Other valuable sponsors deserving of a mention include the fabulous XXXX and Angoves which provided a splendid array of fine wines.

“I must also point out the tremendous dedication from the staff here at the Burleigh Heads Leagues Club,” Mr Amos added. “Organising a function of this magnitude is no simple task and without the skill and service of staff from the kitchen, bars and the wait staff it just wouldn’t have happened.”

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COMMITTEE NEWS Frank is an entertaining speaker, but Jan stole the show at the Kick Off Club lunch.

Among the paying guests was businessman Peter Lanham who travelled from Sydney especially for the occasion.

Noted author and actor, Melbourne based William McInnes, was special guest at the previous Kick Off Club lunch on February 18.

Some of the participants at the bowls day at Red Hill.

BRISBANE

BY STEVE RICKETTS The April 15 Kick Off Club lunch at Broncos Leagues Club attracted a sell-out crowd for the launch of a new rugby league book and the chance to rub shoulders with some of the code’s great players.

Former internationals Dud Beattie, Jim Paterson, Frank Drake, Lionel Morgan, Johnny Gleeson and Col Weiss were interviewed by John McCoy and Steve Ricketts, with Paterson having travelled from Townsville.

All six men, as well as recently deceased Des McGovern, Pat McMahon, Brian Davies and Harold ‘Mick’ Crocker, have a chapter each in the book ‘For the Love of the Game’, written by league historian, Murray Barnett.

McGovern, McMahon, Davies and Crocker were represented by family members, McGovern by his son, Des Jnr, a former player with All Whites in Toowoomba and Brothers in Brisbane.

Frank Drake was joined on stage by his wife, Jan, who told the story of how she asked Frank to score a try for her in a Bulimba Cup match against Brisbane at the Athletic Oval in Toowoomba.

She asked for a try in each half, both between the posts, and Frank duly obliged. They were not an ‘item’ at that stage, but married four years later.

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McInnes grew up at Redcliffe and idolised Dolphins’ rugby league players such as hard man Bevan Bleakley; fullback, Ian ‘Bunny’ Pearce and elusive centre, Peter Leis.

The (lawn bowls) stars came out to play on April 12 at Red Hill Community Sports Club, with a big roll-up of members and guests for this much hyped event on the Brisbane Men of League Calendar.

BUNDABERG

BY MARK HANSON May is a busy month for Men of League Bundaberg.

On 22 May, we had our golf day at the Bundaberg Golf Course followed by our Full Time Club at Bundy Rugby League Club, Salter Oval on Friday 29 May. Once again we had a full field of teams nominated for the golf day. Our thanks go out to all the participants as well as our great sponsors and Craig Swift at the Bundaberg Golf Club for the support we received on the day. Also thanks to the willing volunteers who give up their time to run the BBQ and organise everything so the day ran smoothly.

Our Full Time Club evenings have been well supported since we decided to have them on a monthly basis. It is good to see some new faces turn up and we invite all members and impending members to come along and have a drink and talk about their favourite subject, usually rugby league.

A reminder about our popular sportsman night which will be held on 23 October. Our president Terry Dodd is finalising guest speakers to make it another successful fundraiser for the Men of League Foundation.

FRASER COAST

BY TREVOR LINDEBERG, PUBLICITY OFFICER The 2015 AGM was well attended which resulted in all executive positions being filled as well as a healthy committee being formed which hopefully will allow us to look forward to a successful year ahead.

Central Coast bowls day

CENTRAL COAST

BY DENNIS TOMSETT, PUBLICITY OFFICER A bowls day was held at the Ettalong Bowling Club in February with 126 bowlers filling all greens and making the day very successful. The theme was for players to wear their favourite NRL or local club jumpers.

The continued support given by the Ettalong Bowling Club is very much appreciated. Thanks also go to the businesses, clubs and individuals for their generous support in donating the prizes.

Once again bowls coordinator John Roberts did a great job in organising the day. Michael Buettner, NRL alumni manager representing the executive of the Men of League, addressed the players during the presentation proceedings. Thanks to former Manly premiership winning captain Matt Orford for giving his time attending the day.

Members please note that our next event is the race day to be held at Gosford Race Club on Thursday 23 July.

It is also pleasing to report that we have been able to appoint both Gary Pearson (former Queensland rep from the late 1960s) and Ian Ninnes from Maryborough to the important positions of welfare officers on the Fraser Coast, so do not hesitate to contact them should the need arise for any assistance.

Plans are under way to organise a Back to Burnett sportsman’s dinner in Mundubbera with a view to raising the awareness of our organisation in the Burnett. Gavin Ford has agreed to assist with the necessary planning associated with the event, which hopefully will result in more momentum. More details will be announced as they come to hand.

Our thanks go to the Wallaroos RLFC in Maryborough for allowing us to conduct raffles on the gate at Eskdale Park when they had their home games; your support is much appreciated. Seagulls RLFC at Hervey Bay have agreed to similar fundraising opportunity later in the season, we also thank you in advance.

It is good to hear that Geoff Bacci from Maryborough is recovering from a recent medical procedure and has offered his resources on the committee this year.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

In closing, former State of Origin legend and coach of the Maryborough Wallaroos, Colin Scott, is much sought after for some expert lessons on how to drive a ride-on mower. For more details contact David Banks, manager of the Maryborough Sports Club where Colin is employed.

The Western Australia annual golf day at Hartfield Country Club was a great day played under brilliant skies. Congratulations to Shane Brook and his team who ran out winners and to all the players for their support.

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH EVERYTHING MEN OF LEAGUE AT WWW.MENOFLEAGUE.COM

BY JAMES SULLIVAN, PRESIDENT

We are eagerly awaiting our inaugural Men of League NRL luncheon on Friday 5 June at the Mercure Hotel, this will coincide with the NRL clash between the Rabbitohs and Warriors the next day, and we will have Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire heading the guest speakers and will also be drawing our popular State of Origin raffle for Origin III in Brisbane. It will be held at the North Beach Sea Eagles clubrooms, Charles Riley Reserve, North Beach on 7 November from midday to 5pm. For further details on this event go to warlpastplayers.com.

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CENTRAL HIGHLANDS

BY RJ STEWART, SECRETARY The Men of League Central Highlands committee’s inaugural charity lawn bowls day was held in warm conditions at the Emerald Bowls Club on 28 February.

Special guests Dallas Johnson and Wally Fullerton Smith were accompanied by 16 teams of four bowlers for a day of laughs and stories over a number of wayward bowls and amber fluid.

We were also fortunate to have the attendance of local rugby league legends Alan McIndoe and Steven Bell, both more than happy to support the work of the Men of League Foundation. Raffles and auctions along with the past players’ Q & A interviews provided a welcome break from the heat of the bowls.

All indications point to a follow up event which was well supported by our local businesses. The committee would love to thank the support of the following local businesses: CMF Forklifts (Major Sponsor), Emerald Bowls Clubs, Emerald’s local IGA, Emerald Gateway Motel, Brumbys, XXXX, Bidvest and Fair Dinkum Meats. Thanks must also go to all of our committee and volunteers, who without their contribution of time and effort this event would not be possible.

NEWCASTLE

BY GARRY LEO, PRESIDENT Our first function for the year was a Kick Off Club held at South Newcastle Leagues Club on 17 April where a good attendance heard an early season review of the Knights from coach Rick Stone. Due to the response to this event another Kick Off Club day will be looked at in a couple of months.

Due to personal issues, Leigh Maughan has had to step down from his role of secretary on our committee and we have been fortunate to have Peter Corcoran OAM take on that role. Peter has had extensive involvement in rugby league and we welcome him on board.

A trots night at Newcastle Harness Racing Club is being organised in October this year and a golf day at Maitland Golf Club in December.

Welfare visits are a high priority and sometimes we find out too late about members of the rugby league family who are having health problems. If anyone is aware of someone who could do with a visit from the Men of League or who is having any other issues please let me know.

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MELBOURNE

BY PETER FOREMAN, PRESIDENT At the time of writing, we are gearing up for a number of our main fundraising activities for the year.

We have worked closely with Dave Donaghy (Melbourne Storm strategic planning director) to pre plan a number of forthcoming activities. It is pleasing to report that we have been allocated two Storm home games, including the Heritage Round against Penrith, and also the Broncos game. Our committee will also participate in the State of Origin II corporate luncheon with an expected attendance of 1200 people. We have been allocated the table raffle and two silent auction items, we are very thankful for the opportunity to participate.

We would also like to acknowledge the ongoing support of our major sponsor, Aces Sporting Club.

Aces have been outstanding in helping our committee since our inception and we are extremely grateful for their ongoing support.

For those members who are travelling to Melbourne for the State of Origin II game, we are planning to have a low key get together at the London Tavern Hotel on the Tuesday night before the game. This will simply be a place to meet, have a drink and talk about all things rugby league. We are also planning to run a Kick Off Club get together to coincide with the spring racing carnival later in the year to cater for Men of League’s interstate visitors.

Our sincere congratulations are extended to our committee member, The Honourable Stephen Martin, who was recently appointed to the Men of League national board. Stephen is well credentialed to add value to the board being a former referee and board member of the Illawarra Steelers.

He is a former Labor politician, Speaker of the House and is currently the CEO of CEDA (The Committee for the Economic Development of Australia).

Lastly, congratulations to our patron, John Ribot, who recently turned 60, happy birthday Reebs.

Ross, new Queensland state manager Frank Barrett and local legend Peter Kuhl.

SOUTHERN SYDNEY

BY TERRY HUGHES, PRESIDENT Prior to the start of our functions this year we invited two new members to our committee, Bruce Thompson and Peter Lanham. We would like to acknowledge the positive contribution they have made since they have joined us and thank them for their efforts.

Activities for 2015 commenced with a Kick Off Club lunch at Club Cronulla on Friday 27 February, with over 50 enjoying a relaxed afternoon. Our MC for the day was Greg McCallum who conducted a number of informative interviews.

Glenn Coleman provided an insight into the ASADA investigation and the deliberations of the Sharks board during that time. Stuart Raper provided an overview of the Foundation’s activities and the upcoming AGM and board meeting.

We signed twenty members on the night and a big thank you to Kelson Gaske and Tony Mitchell for the help in organising. On Saturday at the football, Chinchilla was hit with the biggest hail storm in history which stopped our auctions and membership drive.

The seed has been planted in this new area and we expect more new members.

Lyle Cherry has taken over as vice-president due the illness of Brian Jones. Lyle brings a wealth of experience to, being rated as one of the greatest player, coach and rep player in the district. Former Wallumbilla Hereford great Ron Irwin moves on to the committee.

Finally planning is under way to have a benefit night for Brian Jones.

We held our annual local derby lunch at Sharkies on Friday 29 May. The theme focussed on the 1985 and 1995 teams, with Andrew Ettingshausen, Gordon Tallis, Mark Coyne and Les Davidson attending with Alan Wilson as MC. Future events under consideration include a Kick Off Club at Wanda sometime in June and a bowls day at Taren Point. Details will be made available on the website as soon as they are confirmed.

Shane Webcke addressing the crowd, with Ben Ikin looking on

ROMA

SOUTHERN DIVISION

Men of League in conjunction with the Roma and District Rugby League held a function in February at the Bendemere Cup race day in Roma. This was an enjoyable afternoon; our guest speaker was former Australian and Queensland great Wally FullertonSmith.

Men of League Ambassador Shane Webcke and Ben Ikin headlined our golf day at the Toowoomba Golf Club. Men of League’s welfare and education manager Ben Ross and Wally Fullerton-Smith spent time visiting the rugby League faithfuls around the area. The Men of League Foundation also hosted guests to the NRL trial match.

BY OWEN LINGARD, PRESIDENT

BY ANDREW O’BRIEN, PRESIDENT

Memorabilia was auctioned by former Wattles player Justin Stinavo and a significant amount was raised. A big thank you to Jimmy Sydney who always supports our auctions by purchasing numerous items.

Men of League received donations from Cities rugby league reunion committee, Wallumbilla Herefords / Redbulls reunion committee and the Roma Turf Club.

In March, we held a dinner in conjunction with the Terry Charles Memorial at Chinchilla. Andrew O’Brien again proved to be a very capable MC. Interviews were with Men of League welfare and education manager Ben

The golf day attracted a large field from all parts. K & R Plumbing sponsored the day with people from as far as Cobar and Glen Innes attending. The winners of the four ball Ambrose competition were Wayne Maiden, Kurt Haensch, Allan Ross, and Damian McDonald.

Jason Cook, Ian O’Brien, Col Hayes, and Wally Fullerton-Smith were runners up. Robert McGavin, Dick Palmer, Scott Briskey, Peter O’Callaghan were third. Nearest the pins were Gary McKinnon, Danny Freyling, David McDougall, and Allan Ross. Many thanks to birthday boy Graham Pamenter who organised the event.

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WELCOMED VISITS TO THOSE IN NEED Continued from page 45

IAN Kells was visited in Brisbane Hospital by Vance Rennie and Ron Atkins of the Brisbane committee.Ian is a long term Easts Tigers committee member and also a chief fieldmarker and main gate attendant.

He also produced their sponsors and players passes along with any other odd jobs around the club.

SYDNEY Metro welfare officers Warren Thompson and Alan Webb visited Stan Lynch at his home in Waterloo after Stan had undergone bowel surgery at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Camperdown.

Stan is a long-time official with the Zetland club, having held many positions in the club including a stint as president. He was also a former player with the club.

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LONG-TIME player, supporter and official of the Griffith Waratahs, Wayne ‘Pud’ Matthews, had a stint in hospital in Sydney for a condition known as Ulcerative Colitis, which required surgery. During his stay he was visited by welfare officers who were notified by former Griffith resident Peter Keenan, now a member of Sydney Metro committee.

Wayne has been a member of the Men of League for many years.

ARTHUR May, an ex-St George Dragons player and teammate of John Raper, was visited by Raper at Kirrawee Nursing Home. Arthur hasn’t had a visitor for a while and he was over the moon to be visited by an Immortal.

John Raper and Arthur May reminiscing about their time at the Dragons

TOWNSVILLE

BY BARRY BUCHANAN, VICE-PRESIDENT Following the visit from our Queensland chairman Darryl Van de Velde for this year’s AGM, our committee was pleased to have informal meetings with Men of League CEO Corene Strauss in February and newly-appointed Queensland state manager Frank Barrett in March.

(from left) Denis Ward, Graham Eadie and Neville Hornery

TWEED DISTRICT

BY TOM CASSIN, TREASURER Our 2015 sporting lunch on Friday, 20 February was held in the middle of one of the wettest periods on the Tweed for years. Over 80 brave souls were undeterred by the flooding conditions and turned up for a terrific and successful lunch highlighted by a relaxed and enjoyable vibe throughout the afternoon.

The flooding conditions prevented Tony Gollan attending and Luke Bailey and Anthony Laffranchi were waylaid so it was up to Rhys Wesser to carry the role of special guest. This he did fantastically with his interview with Neil Pringle being very passionate, enlightening and articulate. His recounting of his early life and career was great to hear and his outlining of his work with the NRL One Community and with the Rabbitohs Indigenous program revealing and inspiring.

We were also fortunate to have Bruno Cullen attend and he willingly subjected himself to Neil’s probing, much to the enjoyment and entertainment of all present.

Our thanks to Anthony McCulloch and his staff for their, as always, superb meal; to sponsors Mick Hardy of De Bortoli wines and Hearth Grigg from Tooheys; other donors Casella Wines, Icons of Sport, Trad McLean and the Broncos, the Titans and the Coolangatta Sands and to the staff of Cudgen Leagues Club.

Pat Hundy’s rendition of “Bad Habits” was a fitting finale to a terrific day!!

The Tweed District recently had a social function at the iconic Billinudgel Hotel with the aim being to spread the Men of League message in the Mullumbimby area.

There were 27 members who travelled by bus from Tweed Heads and were joined by 47 locals for what was a most enjoyable afternoon of meeting new faces and reminiscing.

Mine hosts Ken and Charlie Barnham were very hospitable with all present enjoying a delicious BBQ in the spacious beer garden. Some of those attending included Phil Daley, Denis Ward, Bernie Lowther, Graham Eadie, Neville Hornery, Greg Cox and Ken Bray.

Corene was up to talk to Cowboys CEO Peter Jourdain about future NRL commitments to Men of League while Frank was on a media mission for the Cowboys v Newcastle round 2 game. We thank them both for taking the time to meet our committee during their busy schedules.

At present with Barry Peters at the helm we are running a major fundraiser which involves seeking donations of $20 which will place donors in a draw for a ten seater box at the Cowboys v Titans game on 5 September. The draw will take place at the Cowboys Leagues Club on Friday 28 August. There will also be a special prize draw for the lucky ticket holder present at the draw. We ask all members to assist by being a donor themselves or asking others to donate. Contact Barry Peters (0419 730792), Tim Nugent (0419 730700) or Terry Feeney (0408 000899) for tickets.

The final Kick Off Club for 2015 and AGM will be held on 6 November at 5pm at the Riverview Tavern.

Please put the date in your diary and come along and support your local Men of League.

UPPER HUNTER

BY PETER FORD, PRESIDENT I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Upper Hunter committee to thank Pete Collins for his contribution to our committee. Pete has decided to step down from his position as vice-president on the committee to concentrate on other commitments. Pete was instrumental in the formation of our committee and has been a tireless and highly valued member.

We are lucky enough to have already filled the position with Merriwa local Paul Medd putting his hand up to be a part of the executive committee. Paul has been with us from the beginning also and has shown to not only be committed and reliable but also is a great bloke to have around!

If anyone would be interested in being on our committee or would like to come to a meeting to see what we are up to don’t hesitate to call me on 0421 805 235.

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SUNSHINE COAST

WESTERN SYDNEY

Nambour Crushers made a generous donation of $2000 to the Men of League Sunshine Coast committee.

Club president Ray Madsen presented the cheque to committee president Bob Hagan at the April Kick Off Club, in front of more than 100 members and guests including NRL head of game strategy and development Shane Richardson who was guest speaker.

As always, the crooner Leo Toohey helped with singing and music throughout the recent Kick Off Club, but we ‘kicked off’ with a welcome from our secretary Garry O’Donnell.

BY TONY DURKIN, PUBLICITY OFFICER

Each year the Nambour Crushers - the junior club of Men of League’s welfare and education manager Ben Ross - selects a game at which a specific local charity is supported.

“This is a wonderful gesture by the Crushers and we thank Ray and his committee for their generous support,” said Men of League Sunshine Coast president Bob Hagan.

“The fact that clubs like Nambour are recognising and supporting the work of Men of League is very satisfying, and encouraging.”

BY COLIN GRINYER, ASSISTANT MEDIA OFFICER

Garry introduced our latest and youngest member, with a speech from seven year old Luke Spiteri who also sung the national anthem, and then introduced our host for today Rick Wayde.

Special guest Ray Beattie spoke about his North Sydney days, Super League war, and most importantly depression in rugby league and his role in the Men of League family.

John Peard gave an update on his treatment in the USA, and of course treated us to his jokes! Rick hosted a Q & A with Michael Buettner.

A capacity of 200 again attended the annual State of Origin luncheon at Mooloolaba Surf Club on 22 May with former Raiders teammates and Origin opponents Glenn Lazarus and Gary Coyne the special guests.

Throughout the afternoon, the persuasive raffle man Luke ‘Tooks’ Sammut, sold a few raffle tickets, we also had a heads & tails, toss the coin, closest to the bottle and with the help of our ever reliable auction man Bruce ‘Bruiser’ Clarke, all together we made a few dollars.

The annual Sunshine Coast golf day will be held at Twin Waters on Friday, 30 October. Players will contest a four man Ambrose, with a presentation dinner to follow.

Items were donated by our host, Gary from Coolabah Hotel, Adam from AVS Security, and Natalie from Simplicity Funerals.

Inquiries should be directed to event organiser Mark Forbes, 0418 765 714 or mark@goi.com.au.

Last of all, a shout out to our friends on the Northern Sydney committee Ken Vessey and Norm Pounder for looking after Graham (Billy) Dixon while he is recovering in the Royal North Shore Hospital from burns to 75 percent of his body.

The annual Christmas luncheon will be at Mooloolaba Surf Club on Thursday, 10 December.

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Men of League members from the North Coast and Mid North Coast also came to the function.

NORTH WEST

BY KEVIN ROBINSON, SECRETARY The Gunnedah sub-committee of Men of League North West held a bowls day on 22 March and was once again a very good fundraiser, although down in numbers the day was enjoyed by all who attended.

Ben Ross and Stuart Raper came up from Men of League head office for the event, with Ben playing in the winning team, which included local legend Roger Buttenshaw who has been known to play a few games of footy in his younger days, with Peter Maxwell and Garry Parker they made an awesome foursome.

Congratulations to the organisers for a great day.

A big thank you to all our wonderful sponsors.

Without their support the day wouldn’t have been the success it was.

SHARE YOUR EVENT

The Manilla sub-committee is again leading by example as they entered a team in the local business bowls comp (and they won a couple of games), which is well supported by the Manilla Bowling Club, monies raised are being shared by a number of charities including Men of League. I reckon the Men of League boys are getting in practise for their bowls fundraiser to be held on 5 July.

Our Tamworth sub-committee held a sportsman’s luncheon with Tim Sheens as keynote guest speaker.

Other guest speakers were Patrick Hunt, a local boy who was invited in 1981 to the Australian institute of Sport as a basketball coach and became director of coaching. He is now the president of the World Basketball Coaching Association.

Our other guest was Tamworth’s up and coming cricketer, 18-year-old James Psarakis, who was flying to Sydney the next day to be interviewed by Sydney clubs wanting his services for the next season. A total of 87 men and women enjoyed the luncheon.

Don’t forget to share details of your upcoming events and fundraisers with head office so they can go up on the Men of League website and Facebook pages and we can help get as many people along as possible.

Email events@menofleague.com or call 02 8765 2232.

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MACKAY

RIVERINA

Men of League Mackay and District have been busy since its AGM. Marco Peters has stepped into the president’s role with Greg Sutherland remaining as vice-president. Legendary league identity Alf Abdullah is secretary and Peter Quinn remains as our treasurer.

Men of League Riverina held its first major event for 2015 with the staging of our annual Wagga Gold Cup breakfast on Friday 1 May. The function was a brilliant success with 210 people attending.

BY MARCO PETERS, PRESIDENT

The committee consists of “senior” identities Col Grosskreutz, Bill Cooper, John Whelan, Ken Weir and Owen Cunningham. A new initiative is that all eight local clubs, the JRL, Mackay Cutters and Referees Association have a delegate to the committee.

This is proving a great way to bridge the gap between the generations of rugby league people. Ideas are bought in from the club and younger players learn the tradition of clubs, formers players and administrators and members of Men of League. It is really working well.

A major event on the calendar this year is a benefit lunch for Rian Smith who was injured in an accident.

Planning is well underway with a small sub-committee working with his family and some dedicated former players and sponsors of the Magpies club. It is expected to be a huge event as all “continuous lunches” are in Mackay. Everyone involved is a Rian’s Angel.

BY IAN LLOYD, SECRETARY

Our guest list read like a who’s who in rugby league which included Steve Roach, Paul Sironen, Brad Fittler, Trent Barrett, Danny Buderus, Andrew Ryan, Greg Brentnall, Royce Simmons, Dave Barnhill, Joe Walsh, Chris Mortimer and Arthur Summons.

Added to this list was Australia’s leading female jockey Kathy O’Hara, and to top it all off we were fortunate to have well known journalist Geoff Prenter conduct interviews with some of the players. It was a very entertaining and financially successful morning.

Our committee would like to thank local businesses Lake Albert Foodworks, Kooringal Butchery, William Farrer Hotel and the Murrumbidgee Turf Club who helped make this such a popular event. Last but not least a host of Riverina bookmakers donated betting vouchers for the cup with local CRL representative Dave Skinner winning first prize.

Preparations for the Men of League round are well underway with the local Mackay and District Rugby League is supporting the concept by purchasing the socks for all eight A-grade teams.

Some of our local members put in a lot of hard work getting McDonalds Park in top shape for the City v Country blockbuster that was played in Wagga on 3 May. It was a huge day with approximately 9500 spectators attending with Country running out victors once again.

The Mackay Junior Rugby League is donating $1 from their entry fee for the occasion and senior clubs are likely to follow suite. That is great to see and shows that Men of League here is well and truly accepted.

We also appeal to any members throughout the Riverina to get in touch with the committee and notify us of any members who they feel may need some support.

Contact Dave on 0438 017 428 or Ian 0457 850 384.

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BY GREG SHANNON

hen exciting Cowboys back Michael Morgan made his State of Origin debut for Queensland in Game I this year, he followed in the footsteps of his great-grandfather who debuted for the state almost a century to the day earlier.

On June 5, 1915, also in Sydney, Duncan McIvor wore the maroon jersey of Queensland for the first time in rugby league, as a lock forward. He was one of nine Townsville-based players chosen for the state after performing well for the North Queensland side that played games against Combined Brisbane, Wide Bay and Ipswich, then a composite side made up of all three.

These were tumultuous times with World War I in full swing and events of 25 April 1915 having taken place on the shores of Gallipoli just weeks earlier.

Once in Sydney, the Queensland side, managed by Harry Sunderland, lined up against a star-studded NSW side. The Queenslanders who played the first of the two games included only one Brisbane-based player, Herb McCabe from the Brisbane Wests club.

The team was: H Bowleski (Bundaberg), H McCabe (Brisbane Wests), J Hanley (Nth Queensland), J Burkett (Ipswich), A Olsen (Nth Queensland), C Hodges (capt - Ipswich), D Thompson (Ipswich), D McIvor (Nth Queensland), T Pask (Nth Queensland), J Hanley (Nth Queensland), P Olsen (Bundaberg), T Johnson (Ipswich), W Hedges (Nth Queensland).

Reserves: A Foley (Nth Queensland), W Wixted (Nth Queensland).

The young Queenslanders were soundly beaten in both games (the second game (the second was played two days later) but this tour was to prove to be a springboard for the careers of several members of the group, including: Harry Sunderland, a journalist from Toowoomba who had moved to Brisbane and embraced the new code as an administrator. He went on to become the boss of the QRL and managed many Queensland and Australian sides, including the 1933 Kangaroos who helped start the game in France. In the late 1930s he moved to England and managed the Wigan club.

The 1915 Queensland side with Duncan McIvor on far right of the second row.

Duncan Thompson, a young halfback originally from Warwick, was working in a bank in Ipswich when he first played the new code as a 17 year old. After the 1915 interstate tour, he was transferred to Sydney in the bank and played briefly for North Sydney. After serving in the war, he returned to Toowoomba and represented Queensland in 1919 before returning to Sydney and the Bears in 1921, representing NSW from where he made the 1922 Kangaroo squad. He was part of North Sydney’s last premiership side in 1922 before going back to Queensland, where he became an inspirational figure.

Townsville’s Arch Foley continued to play until the 1920s before moving into administration. He was instrumental in the establishment of the North Queensland Rugby League in 1920. After he died in 1947, the much celebrated northern inter-town competition was renamed the Arch Foley Shield in his honour.

McIvor played in the Townsville competition for many years and, after playing as a guest player for Central Queensland against the English touring side, the England team manager, Mr Wilson stated “if there is a better forward in Queensland, we haven’t faced him on this tour.” Yet he never represented Queensland again.

In 1924 he became a big part of the formation of the West End Athletics Club in Townsville known as WEAS. The original clubhouse was named after him.

This club produced some notable players including Wally Tallis, father of Gorden, and future NRL coach Matthew Elliott.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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MEN OF LEAGUE’S RAY BEATTIE RETURNS FROM HISTORIC ANZAC CENTENARY

M

en of League’s Honorary Wellbeing Advisor and Scholarship Officer Ray Beattie OAM, was honoured to be asked to travel to Gallipoli to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli with the Australian Army Rugby Union Old Boys Leopards.

Ray travelled with 38 other men and women, who toured Anzac Cove and the battlefields, Shrapnel Valley, Lone Pine and The Nek, attending a range of emotional and poignant presentations and remembrance services to pay tribute to those who fought and gave their lives.

The trip culminated in a game of rugby, where the Leopards took on the Istanbul Ottomans, the oldest club in Turkey for a friendly that paid respects to the original Leopards and deceased Wallabies as well as the local Turkish people. For Ray, hearing the Australian National Anthem and the Last Post as part of the game was very special, spiritual moment.

The fixture - captained by Mick ‘Pudge’ Martin, who played for the Roosters with Kevin Hastings - was played on April 24 in Gallipoli as part of the official Turkish commemorations of the 100 year anniversary.

Ray with Shane Whitfield a former Balmain rugby league player

The match - that was played with only scrums being changed to uncontested - was fun and physical, with the two teams going head-to-head showcasing their skill and passion for the game.

In the time honoured tradition of the Leopards Army Rugby Union, history will record the result of the game as 9-9, however Ray will attest that the Leopards did Australia proud with a 7 tries to 1 victory. Ray was also pleased to be named Man of the Match after scoring a try on his first touch of the ball. The title was recognised with the presentation of a traditional fez.

KOKODA CHALLENGE WITH ORIGIN GREATS 10-19 OCTOBER 2015 Take on the rugged Kokoda Trail alongside some of the toughest players from the State of Origin Arena as we pay our respects to our wartime heroes and raise valuable funds for the Men of League.

ORIGIN PLAYERS INCLUDE

Dallas Johnson, Ben Ross, PJ Marsh, Michael Buettner, Kevin Campion, Steven Bell & Josh Perry + more players to be announced!

COST IS $5,500PP

All essential needs are covered including flights, accommodation, travel insurance, transfers, camping and cooking equipment & food ration packs plus more.

Visit www.menofleague.com for more information.

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HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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