Men of League - Issue 62

Issue 62 - March 2016

This magazine made possible by

SISTER ACT

HOW THE WCC STARTED OVER A PINT KEV WALTERS: FINALLY HIS OWN MAN

HELPINGFAMILY MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBYSTEELY LEAGUE COMMUNITY MCGREGOR’S RESOLVE THE SIMS: LEAGUE’S MOST VERSATILE

1

2

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

IN THIS EDITION 6-8 Kevin Walters 10-11 John and Martin Lang 12-13 Paul McGregor 16-18 By Their Side: Ruan Sims 20-21 Unique Maroons 22-23 Parade of legends 24-25 Struddy’s best transaction 26-27 Committees conference 28-29 The other Steve Carter 30-31 Sean Garlick - the pie maker 32-34 How the WCC all began 35 Remembering Frank Hyde 44-45 Broke the movie 46 Ray Beattie OAM 48 Australian Mungbean Association 48 Super Sevens luncheon 50-51 The Wynn’s special war story 52-53 Staff Profiles 56-57 John Murdoch 60 In the community PLUS THE REGULARS: 5 From the office of the CEO 14-15 Events calendar 19/49 Local committee profiles

North Coast / Roma 36-37 Around the Grounds 38-41 Tributes 42-43 Helping Hand 47 League trivia 54-55 NRL welfare activities 59 Volunteer profile: Brian Atherton 61-70 Committee news EDITOR: Neil Cadigan (editor@menofleague.com) DESIGN: Brilliant Logic PHOTOS: The Foundation thanks NRL Photos 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: 29 April 2016

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

FROM THE

CHAIRMAN Firstly I’d like to thank all the committee members who attended the local committee conference in February at Sydney Olympic Park.

It was good to hear stories and ideas from the members to help take the Foundation forward. I can honestly say that I’ve never seen the Foundation in such a strong position as it is now.

We’ve started the process of looking for a new CEO. We’re recruiting for the position across lots of different channels including social media. We’ve had quite a few applicants so far but we’re taking our time to ensure that we get the right person for the job. I encourage anyone who is interested in the role or knows someone who would be suitable to submit their resume to the national office.

I’m pleased the Australian Rugby League Commission have agreed to commit to continue to support the Foundation and the work that we do. Our hand-in-hand partnership with the ARLC is very important and helps us deliver the benevolence and comfort of a safe haven to the rugby league community.

The commitment of funding from

EXECUTIVE Interim Chief Executive Officer: Ray Beattie OAM Welfare & Education Manager: Ben Ross Financial Controller: Emile Assaf Operations Manager: Sandra Hopwood

the ARLC has allowed us to be the charity of the game and ensured that we can continue to strive for our mission – to care for the men, women and children of the rugby league community. I’m grateful to the ARLC and their chairman John Grant for their support and efforts to secure this funding.

I’d also like to thank our former CEO Corene Strauss for her service and time at the Foundation.

I thank Corene for her contribution and wish her well as she moves ahead.

Ray Beattie has been appointed interim CEO. Ray has ensured a smooth transition, having served as an honorary wellbeing advisor and welfare committee member and also as scholarship officer. These roles have given him a comprehensive understanding of the Foundation operations and its staff. Ray is a trusted custodian with a long history within our Foundation. I thank him for his commitment.

I know that Ray will continue to serve us as he always has – selflessly and with dedication.

Ron Coote AM.

ceo@menofleague.com ben@menofleague.com emile@menofleague.com sandra@menofleague.com

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

Membership Officer: Claire White Database Administrator: Richard Mills NSW State Manager: Stuart Raper QLD State Manager: Frank Barrett QLD Events & Operations: Tegan Jennings QLD Administration: Kristy West Media, Marketing & Sponsorship: Louise Duff

claire@menofleague.com richard@menofleague.com stuart@menofleague.com frank@menofleague.com tegan@menofleague.com kristy@menofleague.com 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

3

YOUR MEN OF LEAGUE LOCAL CONTACTS NEW SOUTH WALES

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

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 0417 213 686 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 OAM 0418 115 706 Secretary: Seamus O'Connell 0411 126 060 TUGGERAH LAKES President: Denis Smith 0415 433 976 Secretary: Terry Wand 0438 521 736

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

ROCKHAMPTON President: Ron Milne Secretary: Dominique McGregor

TWEED DISTRICT President: John Strong 0421 971 586 Secretary: Michael Howard 0410 655 987

ROMA President: Owen Lingard 0400 496 507 Secretary: Julie Walton 0437 721 527

UPPER HUNTER President: Paul Medd 0409 482 297 Vice President: Peter Collins 0419 763 279

SOUTHERN DIVISION President: Andrew O’Brien 0417 748 489 Secretary: John Dent 0400 046 214

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

SUNSHINE COAST President: Bob Hagan 0419 252 092 Secretary: Barry Marsden 0402 654 231

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

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

QLD AND AFFILIATED STATES

VICTORIA President: Peter Foreman 0439 533 171 Secretary: Greg Brentnall 03 8412 4905

BRISBANE President: Ron Atkins 07 3355 7271 Secretary: Vance Rennie 07 3350 6436

NORTHERN TERRITORY President: Dave Cannon 0428 895 211 Secretary: John Barry 0417 732 660

NORTHERN SYDNEY President: Trevor Bailey 0414 843 600

BUNDABERG DISTRICT President: Terry Dodd 0414 526 828 Secretary: Chris Sullivan 0407 425 563

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

NORTHERN RIVERS Patron: Bob Abbott AM Secretary: Tony Cicchinelli 02 6621 3096 Media Officer: Barry Cheadle 02 6686 2977

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

NSW POLICE Patron: Andrew Scipione President: Dennis Clifford 0411 266 610

FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND President: John McAllister 0409 722 455 Secretary: Les Lazarus 0402 801 182

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

FRASER COAST President: Peter Stephensen 07 4122 2868 Secretary: Vic Beardmore 0407 303 187

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 0400 845 424 MACARTHUR/STH HIGHLANDS President: Ron McEntee 0448 118 789 Secretary: Stephen Hazelton 0450 010 770

MID NORTH COAST President: Brian Atherton 0427 523 818 Secretary: Kevin Rayment 0427 533 644 MID WEST President: Badger Babbage 0428 164 398 Secretary: Elwyn Lang 0429 721 266 NEWCASTLE HUNTER President: Garry Leo 0400 421 767 Secretary: Peter Corcoran 0413 453 473 NORTH COAST President: Peter Barrett 0414 227 068 Secretary: Terry Clark NORTH WEST President: Don Pascoe 0477 132 456 Secretary: John Campbell 0408 421 065

4

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

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

S

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CEO

ummer is officially over which means that rugby league is back. Here at the Men of League Foundation we’ve been back at work since the beginning of the New Year and we’re out connecting with our committees and rugby league community identifying where we’re needed.

Our year started with our local committee conference.

Held at Sydney Olympic Park, there were 74 volunteers in attendance, representing 31 of our local committees from across Australia.

It was a great few days and we hope that we helped give our committee representatives information, tools and skills to go back into their areas and help those from the rugby league family who need it the most.

It was terrific to hear from rugby league elite such as the inspirational 2013 women’s rugby league World Cup winner and member of Australian Jillaroos Ruan Sims, the brave and emotional story of two-time NRL premiership winner Paul Whatuira and chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission John Grant.

Welfare and benevolence is such a key part of what we do. That’s why we’ve developed a ‘How to Guide’ for committees to help them on our welfare processes and to implement best-practice. We released this guide at our local committee conference which I know will help us to identify and help those in our community who might need our assistance.

It’s my privilege to be the interim CEO of the Foundation. I’ve been involved with the Foundation for a long time and I’ll remain involved when the search for a new CEO is complete. I’ll do this because I know how important the work is that the Men of League Foundation does.

I’m grateful for the faith shown in me by the board and for the opportunity to steward this wonderful organisation. Thank you for your continued membership and support of the Men of League Foundation and our efforts to make us the charity of the rugby league community.

Ray Beattie OAM.

ICAP CEO Brad Howell (centre) showing continued support to Men of League's Jason Turik (L) and Ben Ross (R).

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

5

Walters as a successful Queensland player. Like Arthur Beetson, Mal Meninga, Wally Lewis, Paul Vautin and Michael Hagan before him, he now gets a second incarnation as Maroons coach. Courtesy: NRL Photos

GOOD BLOKE KEVVIE READY FOR BIG STAGE Kevin Walters is one of those rugby league men who is universally described as just ‘a good bloke’. He’s made the good early start to ensuring good blokes don’t always come last. BY STEVE RICKETTS

K

evin Walters has nothing but admiration for today’s young rugby league players, despite his tough initiation as Queensland’s new State of Origin coach.

‘Back in the day’ Kevin Walters started his senior football life with Ipswich club Booval Swifts and then with Brisbane club, Norths’ Devils, where older brother Steve was contracted.

That doesn’t mean he is not upset at the fact so many of his charges broke curfew at the Emerging Origin camp in Brisbane in January, but he also understands, that for the most part, the players are committed to their sport.

He is grateful that he and his talented football brothers - twin Kerrod; Steve, Brett and Andrew - all had good coaches in the juniors and at school, singling out Bob Stumer from Ipswich East State School for special mention.

“A lot of old players get critical of the modern day player,’’ Walters says. “But I see how hard they work.

I see how hard they train. I see how little alcohol they do drink.

“He was just brilliant guiding us, not being over the top with things, just giving us good advice,’’ Walters says. “These days it is hard to get people to volunteer to coach the kids. We were so lucky with our coaches.

They taught us a lot about the game, training and good habits, and we were obviously keen students of the game as well.’’

“That’s not everything, but they are really committed to their sport, which they need to be because they are pros. They make the generation of our day look like amateurs, to be honest. The amount of stuff they do.

I take my hat off to them.’’

6

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

When Kevin joined the Canberra Raiders in 1987, Don Furner was officially head coach, with

Queensland Origin coach Wayne Bennett his assistant.

Walters was named Raiders’ rookie of year in 1987 and came off the bench for the injured Mal Meninga in the 18-8 loss to Manly-Warringah in the last grand final played at the SCG. At the end of the season Bennett returned to Brisbane to take on the role as inaugural coach of the Broncos.

He lured Walters to the Broncos in 1990, and ‘Kevvie’ went on to play in five Broncos premiership winning sides, the last in 2000 as captain.

In 1989 Walters had played an interchange role in Canberra’s extra-time grand final triumph over Balmain.

“I wasn’t playing a lot of first grade at the Raiders, and I felt the Broncos would be the right fit for me,’’ he said.

How right he was, with Walters forming one of rugby league’s best ever halves combination with Allan ‘Alfie’ Langer, the duo playing in the Broncos’ inaugural premiership winning side in 1992, and then backing it up with another (Winfield Cup, NSWRL) title the following year; the Super League premiership in 1997, and the inaugural NRL premiership in 1998.

“If I was walking down the street, I wouldn’t cross the street to say hello to Wayne,” Walters said. “There was a lot of anger from inside of me in the early part, but that gradually lifted. In 2005 I couldn’t understand why I was sacked, but I just didn’t have the experience that was required to fill the job.”

Ultimately Walters would see his axing as the best thing that could have happened as he forged his own coaching identity through stints in charge at Catalans Dragons in France and then back at his beloved Ipswich Jets.

He then joined Melbourne Storm’s coaching staff before being invited by Bennett to join him at the Newcastle Knights, and ultimately, back home in Brisbane.

Walters was everyone’s tip as new Queensland coach when Mal Meninga accepted the Kangaroos’ post, but it only came after Cowboys premiership coach Paul Green passed it by.

Walters played 20 Origin games for Queensland, his last as five-eighth in Green’s debut Origin match in 1999.

That left Walters to guide the power packed Broncos team of 2000 to a 14-6 win over the Roosters in the grand final.

Walters knows that people in authority have to make tough calls, and while it’s likely that in his private moments he cursed the QRL power brokers who made Green their number one choice, he is philosophical, especially as one of the first things he did as Origin coach was to sack four long serving Maroons staffers in Dr Roy Saunders, Jason Hetherington, Michael Hagan and Scott Thornton.

“We just needed a little bit of leadership and guidance in 2000 and I was able to provide that at halfback,’’ Walters recalls. “The young fellas ... they weren’t going to be stopped.’’

“It was very difficult,” he said. “I worked with these guys. I knew their input and how hard they worked for Queensland and State of Origin in a very successful reign.

Walters joined Langer for a brief stint in Warrington, but homesickness saw him return to Brisbane, and it wasn’t long before he was part of the Broncos coaching staff, taking charge of feeder club Toowoomba Clydesdales before joining former teammates Gary Belcher (Canberra) and Glenn Lazarus (Canberra and Brisbane) as Bennett’s right hand men.

“I just felt there needed to be fresh faces, a couple of subtle changes.

At the end of the 2005 season, after Brisbane’s longest premiership drought, all three were sacked by Bennett, who was looking to reinvigorate the club.

Walters said he had a transition plan, particularly as so many of the current stars have reached the veteran category, and will leave the Origin arena over the next two or three years.

Langer ‘retired’ in 1999, but decided that had been a hasty decision, and retrieved his boots from the garage to head to England to play for Warrington.

For a time there was no social interaction between the Walters and Bennett.

“It was a tough day for me when I had to pick up the phone and ring these guys. It was awful, but I felt it was my job to do that and to steer this great Origin team to make sure they are successful again for the next period of time.”

But he is confident he will not have to tap the older

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

7

players on the shoulder, to tell them it is time.

“Players generally know when their time is up,” Walters said. “Hodgo [Justin Hodges] knew.

The great players have a good understanding of where they belong.”

As former coach of Queensland’s under-20s Origin side, Walters is used to dealing with young men but even he was shocked by the blatant disregard for authority shown by the emerging squad, some of them in their mid-twenties.

Speaking to 4MMM from his Auckland hotel room ahead of the Downer Auckland Nines in February, Walters spoke of his sadness at the need to ban eight players from Origin consideration for the next 12 months.

“I was disappointed more than anything to see the end result, but now we can get on with our lives,” he said.

“The players were very regretful. They understand the

SAVE ON FUNERAL COSTS

A

s a proud sponsor of the Men of League Foundation, Simplicity Funerals has helped us with a wide variety of our activities. They’ve assisted at lunch events and dinner events, as well as golf events, and have donated raffle prizes to happy members - all of which has helped raise money for the Men of League Foundation.

Simplicity Funerals does this because they understand what Men of League stands for and they are proud to be with us. More than just supporters, Simplicity have staff who are members and committee members of Men of League, so they really are with us in seeking to contribute to the great work we do. And we can be with them too, for Simplicity Funerals is active in informing the community that there are differences between a prepaid funeral and a funeral insurance policy.

Simplicity Funerals wishes to share their expertise with us, so you don’t pay more than you need to for funeral services and so you get the support and service you need. Prepaying with Simplicity Funerals protects your family from having to find funds at a difficult time.

When you prepay a funeral with Simplicity Funerals you are locking in today’s price, which means you are protected from inflation. Along with this protection, you will also have the benefit of knowing the price up front 8

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

importance of State of Origin and the importance of doing the right thing.

“It’s not just me they let down. They let down their teammates and the current State of Origin team.

“Hopefully they can get on with things, play good football for their clubs and be back again, a bit more mature, in 12 months. They’re paying a heavy price, but hopefully, in the scheme of things, they will benefit, and so will the QRL.” One thing Walters will never lose is his sense of humour and he admitted he had been guilty of a curfew infringement as a player, with Langer and Steve Renouf ahead of a pre-season match for the Broncos against the Warriors in New Zealand.

Walters and Langer were fined $1000 each by coach Bennett but Renouf got away with it.

“Steve put some stuffed pillows under his doona, so it looked like he was tucked up in bed asleep,” Walters said. “Alfie and I weren’t that smart.”

and, when paid in full, there is no more to pay. This compares very favourably with a funeral insurance policy where you may face ongoing premiums over time - meaning you can end up paying more for the insurance policy than the value of the actual funeral.

Simplicity Funerals also offers you the financial benefit that only comes from dealing with the champion of the affordable funeral. This is especially relevant to members who can take advantage of Simplicity Funerals special $4695 funeral service package*.

By prepaying with Simplicity Funerals, you will also provide your family with some important emotional benefits. These include being able to sit down with Simplicity staff and, in your own time, make decisions about your own funeral service.

Simplicity Funerals also provide a complimentary online memorial service from HeavenAddress, a website where loved ones can write tributes and messages, share photos and memories or send virtual flowers to others, at anytime.

Simplicity Funerals specialises in providing respectful funeral and prepaid funeral services that won’t break the bank. Call Simplicity Funerals on 1300 556 222 to learn more. * Conditions apply - special price available to Men of League members and their families on funeral services and prepaid funeral services. Visit simplicityfunerals.com.au/menofleague for details.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

9

OLD LANG TIMES John and Martin Lang share a special place in rugby league history, and one of the best places to live in the world on the Gold Coast. The caught up with Men of League to discuss back then, and now. BY NEIL CADIGAN

T

hey are unique figures in the rugby league world: the first father and son pairing to play State of Origin and the only father-son combination to win an NRL premiership together when John Lang coached the Penrith Panthers boasting prop Martin Lang to grand final victory in 2003.

The bond between the two, who now live on the Gold Coast, is obvious. And so too is their humility and enduring passion for rugby league – and achievement.

Yet when Martin, 40, looks back on his 176-game NRL career from 1996-2004, he has a confession … he wishes he enjoyed it more at the time.

Lang jnr, most renowned for his full-speed, no fear hit ups into the defensive line, was intense about performing for the team. Not naturally gifted as many others, he relied on preparation, determination and extraordinary resilience that saw him play no less than 23 club games in six of his seven full seasons in the top grade with Cronulla and Penrith.

Even when the Panthers, 100-1 to become premiers at season’s start, beat defending champions Sydney Roosters in the grand final 20-6, Martin could not relax until a couple of minutes to go and it was obvious their quest was achieved. The sideline image of father and son embracing is as enduring as any from grand final day or night over the decades.

Martin was often criticised for his bull-of-a-gate attacking style which had little deviation from running as hard and straight as he could without thought for physical preservation, but despite a back operation and other surgery after retirement, the amazingly fit and trim Lang jnr has no ongoing physical issues.

“I wouldn’t have changed anything because if I didn’t play that way I wouldn’t have been playing NRL or State of Origin,” he says of his playing style which he based on former Sharks crowd favourite Nathan Long who says was his favourite teammate during his career.

10

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

“But what I would have liked to have done when I look back on my career is to have enjoyed it more.

“The big part of the reason I was so consistent is because I used to get so wound up before a game.

Two days out from a game I had anxiety, a sickly feeling in my stomach that wouldn’t dissipate until I had my first touch of the ball.

“I was worried about not performing, and that took a bit of enjoyment out of it. I simplified things to the ridiculous. I generally would ignore the score so I could concentrate on just what was in front of me.

“In that 2003 grand final I could honestly say I didn’t look up at the score, or know what it was, until I was off the field at the end. I just got up and got ready for the next hit up or the next tackle; I know it is a cliché to worry about your next thing and not the result but that was me. I didn’t get excited until there was 30 seconds to go and we’d won.

“At the end of each season it almost became a bit of a relief, that I could come into my weekends and the anxiety left me for six months.”

Father John, 65, a stalwart of the Eastern Suburbs Tigers in the Brisbane competition who toured with the 1973 Kangaroos and played in the inaugural State of Origin game in 1980 (after playing for NSW under residential rules earlier in the season), had a contrasting approach.

“For me it was different; I’d go to a game and think there was nowhere else in the world I would rather be,” he says over a coffee at beautiful Burleigh Heads beach. “And especially rep footy. At club football at Easts I felt more pressure to win and perform being an established, leading player at the club and you had to get the team over the line.”

And his representative career was outstanding. He represented Queensland 18 times from Brisbane before he delayed retirement for a season and accepted an invitation from Roosters coach Bob Fulton to have a swansong in Sydney.

John (left) and Martin Lang relax at Burleigh Beach.

It saw him play in a grand final against the Bulldogs, represent NSW and Queensland from Sydney and, through Martin’s achievement, give them a historic place in Origin history.

Yet standing there together as premiers in 2003, with John’s life-time great mate Shane Richardson not far away celebrating as Panthers CEO who took on the job two years earlier when Penrith were coming off the wooden spoon, was the pinnacle for the Langs.

He is completing a degree in exercise science and, after spending three seasons on the strength and conditioning staff at the Gold Coast Titans, works for a company called Orthotech which manufactures orthopaedic devices to surgeons like hips, knees and discs. The company is run by former Wallaby Sam Scott Young.

“It was like a magic carpet ride,” says John, whose first match as Panthers coach the season before saw a 64-6 loss to a red-hot Parramatta who were coming off the 2001 grand final loss to Newcastle. “Two seasons before Penrith were wooden-spooners but I looked at the side I had at Cronulla that was always thereabouts on the ladder [the Sharks made the finals six times in his eight seasons there] and looked at what I had at Penrith and there wasn’t that big a difference in talent.

It was inevitable that they would settle on the Gold Coast which John developed an affinity with in his childhood when he would holiday at his grandparents’ home Tweed Heads home. For over 20 years the Langs rented a Palm Beach cottage for annual family holidays and Martin moved there the year after he retired from rugby league; John shifted permanently last year with wife Penny, although they are regularly back in Sydney where their other siblings have also done well – Justin runs his own business as an exercise physiologist and Megan is a doctor of physical psychology, both in Sydney.

“I thought one side can’t be a third or fourth placed side and the other down the bottom. The wooden spoon season just crushed their confidence, and the supporters started bagging them. But once we started winning, confidence grew and grew.”

John, who ended his long coaching career at the Rabbitohs in 2011, still watches the game regularly and is on the NRL’s premiership committee, and admits he loves watching Manly’s classy backs Brett Stewart and Jamie Lyon as much as any players in the game.

Martin Lang never played in a representative side until he made the Sharks under-19s squad. The next season he was player of the year in under-21s, the year after the player of the year in reserve grade.

To achieve what he did, including play eight games for Queensland, is a testament to his ability to apply himself, which he still does today.

The infatigueable figure, one of the wisest and most caring people I’ve met in the game, can also be seen regularly catching up with footy mates at the many Men of League coffee breaks.

“I still love the game, and watching it,” Lang said, “and I always will.”

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

11

MARY’S STEELY RESOLVE Paul McGregor represents a wide involvement in the NRL’s most successful joint venture as a former locally born Steelers player, year one grand final skipper, Wollongong club coach, Dragons reserve grade coach and now the main man – and his own man. BY BARRY ROSS

S

t George Illawarra is a different place from when Paul McGregor captained the joint venture club to the grand final, the first at the Olympic stadium, in their inaugural season of 1999.

The first of the NRL’s first three joint ventures had a honeymoon introduction, assisted by a $10 million hand-out from head office, with a strong side that includes three current head coaches in McGregor, Trent Barrett and Nathan Brown (plus Roosters assistant coach Craig Fitzgibbon).

The merging of two distinctly different entities – St George’s world-famous Red-Vee brand and history and Illawarra’s rich junior nursery but a culture of battling in the big time – threw up teams that made the finals in 10 of their first 13 seasons although it was 11 years before they were back on grand final day, this time bringing home the merger club’s only premiership under Wayne Bennett in 2010.

While they predominantly wear St George’s traditional jersey and too many refer to them just as St George, ‘Mary’ McGregor provides balance – a down-to-earth former Steelers player who has never lost his link with greater Wollongong but understands the circumstances that sees only three games played there each season, which has put local noses out of joint.

And he knows the Red Vee’s wealthy days of the past are no longer. Times are changing – fast. And he, and the club, must change with it.

In 2016 McGregor’s squad will include just two players from Bennett’s premiers of six seasons before – Jason Nightingale and Ben Creagh.

There are 13 new players at the club after 18 from 2015 have moved on. That’s a massive rebuild.

“From that victorious 2010 side Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper, Ben Hornby, Dean Young, Michael Weyman and Nathan Fien retired while Darius Boyd, Beau Scott and Neville Costigan followed Wayne to Newcastle [in 2012],” McGregor said.

12

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

Paul McGregor.

“Jarrod Saffy went to rugby union and Jeremy Smith joined Cronulla. So within three seasons of our title win we had lost 11 top-line players and then Brett Morris, Jamie Soward and Matt Prior moved to other clubs before Trent Merrin went to Penrith after the end of last season.

“I realise it has been more than five years since 2010 but men of that standard are not instantly replaced by players of equal ability. We had to rebuild and start again.”

The 48-year-old Dragons coach described 2015 as a reasonable year (making it to the third week of the finals) and he is confident 2016 can be better. He certainly has a steely resolve to ensure that happens.

“We were also the most disciplined side with the least amount of penalties against us while our halves combination of Benji Marshall and Gareth Widdop were second in try assists,” McGregor said.

On the negative side, the Dragons have an extremely tough draw for this season. They begin with three away clashes against Melbourne, Cronulla and Souths while they are the only club to twice play every side that finished in the 2015 top eight.

Of their 18 games for which dates have been secured, 14 of their 17 opponents after the opening competition game have a longer turnaround time.

McGregor began his coaching career as the strength, conditioning and skills man with the Dragons in 2008. But when Bennett arrived at the club in 2009, he was not required and applied to coach the Western Suburbs club in the Illawarra competition.

Wests Illawarra is the junior club of such internationals as Bob Fulton, Steve Roach, John Dorahy, Graham Lye, Brett Stewart, Glenn Stewart, Garry Jack and Jason Ryles.

McGregor was successful from the start, winning the Illawarra first grade grand final for three successive seasons from 2009-11. In 2012 and 2013 he coached the Illawarra Cutters in the NSW Cup and in 2014 rejoined the Dragons’ NRL staff, as assistant coach.

In round 14 of that season he replaced Steve Price as head coach.

He described his time with Illawarra Wests as more demanding than people realise, yet a great grounding.

“The Illawarra and St George combination has been a great success, while other joint ventures have not been so good.

“No doubt, Illawarra people would like more games in Wollongong but, realistically, if there had been no joint venture there would be no top class rugby league on the south coast.

“We have to share our games with Kogarah and some other grounds. Financial reasons play a big part in what we do.

“This season we play home games at five different venues with ANZ stadium, the SCG and Allianz Stadium added to WIN and Kogarah. We have to deal with it but I do understand the frustration of our long term supporters.”

The once wealthy Dragons, like most Sydney clubs, have restricted finances with leagues club profits tightening. The licenced club once tagged the Taj Mahal, and the Illawarra Steelers Leagues Club, provided just $700,000 to the football operations last year.

However, there have been rich pickings in the Dragons becoming a safe and rewarding haven for players who have fallen into the NRL bad boy category.

“You have to fit in your coaching duties with your full-time employment, as well as being a good husband and father,” he explained. “You have to find time for video sessions and team training.

Your coaching position is a part-time job and you have limited resources and more roles to perform.

The players also have their own work commitments.

Former Raiders wild child Josh Dugan has matured into a classy and stable performer at the club and big Kiwi prop Russell Packer, who worked hard since a jail stint while banished by the NRL to NSW Cup last season, is set to be another who will prove to be reformed and successful after finishing 2015 as the Cutters captain and player of the year. Packer has also completed a Certificate IV in Community Services at TAFE Illawarra and has also started a Bachelor of Business at the University of Wollongong.

“As an NRL coach, the pressure certainly does increase but you have more people to help and better resources. You have assistant coaches, a recruitment manager, media and fitness people.”

In the NFL in America, Oakland Raiders have a reputation for giving wayward players a second chance and the Dragons may perhaps find similar status in rugby league.

McGregor doesn’t discount the honour, as well as the responsibility, of coaching the NRL club that represents the region where he grew up, although he admits he can understand the frustration of Illawarra people, many of whom feel there is not enough Illawarra in St George Illawarra.

McGregor laughed at this suggestion, saying that he didn’t have a problem with any of his players.

“It is always a privilege to play for the club in the area where you grow up,” he said, “And when the Steelers merged with the Dragons that didn’t bother me at all as I followed St George from a small boy while my father also followed them.

“They know they can’t go down that road again and they certainly won’t lead their teammates astray. I get joy out of coaching these players.”

“When you get someone definitely on their last chance, they have learnt how tough spending time out of the game is,” he surmised.

And in 2016, he may very well get the results too.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

13

MEN OF LEAGUE EVENTS CALENDAR MARCH 12

North West NSW - Seafood Dinner

Callala Inn

16

Brisbane - Kick Off Club

Broncos Leagues Club

18

Northern Sydney - Bowls Day

To be confirmed

18

Sydney Metro - Luncheon

Souths Juniors

19

Western Region - Gala Bowls Day

Club Dubbo

22

Northern Rivers - Dogs Night

Lismore

25

Bundaberg - Kick Off Club

Salter Oval Club House

2

Western Sydney - The Championship Race Day

The Coolabah Hotel, Merrylands West

3

Tweed District - Social Function

Tugun Leagues Club

7

Sunshine Coast - Kick Off Club

Mooloolaba Surf Club

9

Canberra Monaro - BBQ & Bowls Day

Queanbeyan Bowling Club

15

Illawarra - Golf Day

Kiama Golf Club

17

North West NSW - Gunnedah Golf Day

Gunnedah Golf Club

29

Bundaberg - Kick Off Club

Salter Oval Club House

29

Far North Queensland - Kick Off Club

Innisfail Brothers Leagues Club

29

Brisbane - Golf Day

Keperra Country Golf Club

4

Northern Rivers - Car Rally Dinner

Cherry Street Bowls Club, Ballina

6

Riverina - Wagga Gold Cup Breakfast

To be confirmed

6

Tweed District - Golf Day

Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club

20

Bundaberg - Golf Day

North Bundaberg Golf Club

26

Sunshine Coast - SOO Lunch

Mooloolaba Surf Club

27

Bundaberg - Kick Off Club

Salter Oval Club House

27

Central Coast - SOO Luncheon

To be confirmed

27

Northern Sydney - Golf Day

Warringah Golf Club

29

Newcastle Hunter - Nelson Bay Golf Challenge

Nelson Bay Golf Club

APRIL

MAY

14

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

MEN OF LEAGUE EVENTS CALENDAR JUNE 2

Sunshine Coast - Kick Off Club

Mooloolaba Surf Club

10

Illawarra - Kick Off Club

Warilla Sports Club

13

Queensland - Golf Day

Brisbane Golf Course

17

Tweed District - SOO Lunch

Kirra Beach Hotel

22

Queensland - SOO Dinner

Paddington Tavern

24

Bundaberg - Kick Off Club

Salter Oval Club House

26

Tweed District - SOO Bowls Day

South Tweed Sports Club

1

Northern Sydney - Kick Off Club

To be confirmed

6

Brisbane - Kick Off Club

Broncos Leagues Club

10

North West NSW - Manilla Bowls Day

Manilla Bowling Club

21

Central Coast - Race Day

Gosford Race Club

21

NRL - Men of League Round Commences

Various venues, to be confirmed

22

Illawarra - Bowls Day

Warilla Bowls Club

29

Bundaberg - Kick Off Club

Salter Oval Club House

11

Sunshine Coast - Kick Off Club

Mooloolaba Surf Club

14

Tweed District - Social Function

Kirra Beach Hotel

26

Northern Sydney - Sportsman's Lunch

To be confirmed

2

Queensland - Annual Luncheon

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

9

Central Coast - Golf Day

Shelly Beach Golf Club

23

Illawarra - Grand Final Luncheon

Dapto Leagues Club

8

Roma - Golf Day

Roma Golf Club

13

Sunshine Coast - Kick Off Club

Mooloolaba Surf Club

14

Bundaberg - Sportsman Dinner

Brothers Sports Club

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

15

BY HIS THEIR SIDE RUAN SIMS

The Sims family is close and committed, and unique in Australian sport, not just rugby league that has produced three NRL-playing brothers. At the head of their success is older sister Ruan, dual rugby international, NRL spokesperson and fire officer. BY NEIL CADIGAN

R

uan Sims laughed at the line a friend quipped over the phone recently after a fifth family member reached the top level of Australian sport.

“It was great for us all to be competing on that stage but we were all so busy, we hardly had time to catch up,” said Ruan, who is very much the senior, and inspirational, figure in the eyes of the others.

“You should call your mother AIS; she just keeps producing elite athletes.”

Said Tariq of the achievements of Ruan, who was a high level junior surf club competition star and was in the NSW junior basketball squad: “If she was born a man she would be in the category of Israel Folau and those great code hoppers.

It certainly seems appropriate for the Sims siblings from Gerringong, born to Fijian-mother Jaqueline and sports-loving father Peter. They would have to be the most diversely successful sporting family in the country.

The oldest, Ruan 34, is a dual international, having won World Cups for Australia in rugby sevens (in Dubai in 2009) and rugby league (in England in 2013).

Brothers Ashton, 31, Tariq, 26, and Korbin, 24, are seasoned NRL players who represented Fiji at the World Cup in 2013 while sister Canecia (CJ), 27, has been chosen for the Australian national gridiron team that will play in the 2017 IFAF Women’s World Championship of American Football in Austria.

“I’m beyond proud of what we have achieved as a family,” said Sydney-based fire rescue officer Ruan of her siblings who are spread far and wide. Ashton, after NRL stints with St George Illawarra, Brisbane and North Queensland, is in his second season with the Warrington Wolves in England; the youngest Tariq and Korbin are in their second season together with the Newcastle Knights while CJ is Gold Coast-based, plying her trade with the Stingrays.

But for one weekend, in Auckland in February, Ruan, Tariq and Korbin were together at the one venue on the one day with the brothers representing the Knights in the Auckland Nines and Ruan playing for the Jillaroos against New Zealand’s Ferns in a threematch nines series.

16

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

“And full credit to her; she has always done it with a smile on her face in good and bad times and always been professional in how she handles herself.”

Asked how their sister inspires the boys, Korbin proudly announced: “Just through how hard she works to get where she is. She’s been playing sport for a long time now and still wants to be better and play for Australia.” Tariq expanded further: “She inspires us though just how she throws herself onto everything she does. Whether it’s a race out to get the mail, she goes as hard as she can for as long as she can.

“It’s the competitive spirit we all have and she drives those traits in all of us.”

The Sims backyard footy games were certainly competitive, according to the five. Traditionally it was Ruan and Ashton versus the younger three and it was no holds barred!

However, outside of home Ruan played the ‘normal’ female sports of the time like netball, physical culture, from Nippers to progression through the local surf club, all with a large competitive streak and appetite for hard work.

Then one day a friend took a swipe at the Gerringong A grade rugby team that had gone through a season without winning a match, and was hit with a narky reply

Ruan Sims shows the same determination hitting the ball up as fellow Sims ‘senior’ Ashton. Courtesy: NRL Photos

of: “And I suppose you girls could do better, you don’t even know how to play the game.”

integrity unit, fellow leaders Tahnee Norris and Nat Dwyer and certainly Ruan’s career highlight.

Ruan’s friend decided to form a women’s team and co-opted fellow players’ partners, mothers, sisters, cousins and whoever she could entice to form a team to play in the Illawarra competition. Ruan was the youngest at 17, but a stand-out in a team that won the premiership at first attempt. By season’s end she was the youngest in the Australian team.

Yet, at 34, she is still driven to compete. Until she was awarded the prestigious role as an NRL ‘brand ambassador’ as well as NRL Community Ambassador, one of Ruan’s ambitions was to reconnect with rugby and vie for selection in the Australian’s sevens team at Rio de Janeiro in August.

A decade later she was a world champion when the Australian team won the rugby sevens World Cup in Dubai. Initially she had to couple a hard training regime and playing with her job with a legal firm and took a break from the sport for a season. However, a career change came after she was convinced by surf boat crew mates to join the NSW Fire Brigade. She applied and was accepted and it gave her the flexibility to fit training and competing at sports with work and she joined her brothers in rugby league in 2011.

In 2013 she was a prominent member of the Jillaroos side that ended New Zealand’s 13-year reign as the world’s best, which included four World Cup titles, with a 22-12 victory at the famous Headingly stadium in Leeds. It was a fitting and emotional farewell for longtime captain Karyn Murphy, now head of the NRL’s

Korbin (left)and Tariq Sims.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

17

Gareth Holmes. They waited until they could throw enough funding and manpower behind us to maintain their support and they have given us resources to build on reputation as a team.

“It was only two years ago that we were allowed to have the coat of arms on our jerseys for the first time and to have Harvey Norman as major commercial sponsor means the world to the girls; it is so amazing to have those opportunities.”

Anyone who has seen Ruan play will notice the trademark Sims aggression and physicality’ no half measures. Off the field she is articulate, attractive and as feminine in her demeanour as any woman. And she is conscious of breaking any typecast of female footy players as beefy masculine-like brutes.

On the attack for Australia in the recent Auckland Nines.

Courtesy: NRL Photos

“It was something I was interested in doing; I always wanted to go to the Olympics since I played basketball,” she said. “But what NRL and rugby league are doing for me it is more my focus now. It’s such an exciting time for women’s rugby league and me personally career-wise.

“So rugby league, my NRL role and my job in Fire Rescue NSW have my main focus now. You never know, I still may have an opportunity to go there as a coach one day.”

She carries out her ambassador role alongside legendary figures like Darren Lockyer, Justin Hodges, Nathan Hindmarsh, Danny Buderus and Anthony Minichiello. It has seen her travel to Adelaide in February to assist with game development with schoolgirls and to PNG in March to preach wellness, anti-domestic violence and anti-bullying. She also impressed as a keynote speaker at the Men of League’s annual committees conference.

“I am really lucky that NRL have given me the opportunity in that space and I really enjoy it, including being an advocate for mental health which I am passionate about,” she says.

“Kudos should go to the NRL who have jumped behind women’s rugby league, largely thanks to 18

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

“The perception of women playing rugby league has definitely changed,” Ruan says. “Before being feminine was seen as weak [on the field]. One of biggest strengths is being feminine; if you have the skill that’s the important thing. People should appreciate the skill and not what the person looks like, what their gender is or what their sexuality is … it should all be based on what skill set we have.

“Our game is now a lot more tactical and speed based, and through access to the NRL’s high performance system we have a bigger emphasis on strength and conditioning, and that allows us to perform better for longer and show more skill and speed.

“It’s changing and a lot has been driven by the NRL players who we get to interact with them far more often than before. Many of the boys try to get to their game early to watch us [when a Test or representative game curtain-raiser].”

If what the large crowd saw over two days at the Auckland Nines is a typical example, the women’s game has come a long way in speed, skill and as a spectacle.

And at the forefront is Ruan Sims. And she has no intention of stopping any time soon.

The ultimate for the Sims family would to have Tariq (NSW) and Korbin (Queensland) oppose each other on State of Origin night with Ruan playing for the women’s Blues in the curtain-raiser.

“I hadn’t really thought about it but it would be a massive achievement for our family – and for rugby league,” said Korbin.

Watch this space.

NORTH COAST COMMITTEE PROFILE J ust over seven years ago it was identified there was a gap in the areas being served by the Tweed and Mid North Coast committees. It wasn’t for lack of work from the respective committees. It was a large area on a map between Grafton and Macksville.

Given the area is well-known for being a ‘tree-change’ and ‘seachange’ haven and rusted-on rugby league belt, it became obvious that a Men of League Foundation committee was needed there to help care for the men, women and children of the rugby league community.

That’s when Peter Barrett became the inaugural president of the newly formed North Coast committee. Peter remains the president of the local committee to this day.

“We look after a bloody big area,” Peter says.

“Given the demographics of the area we see a lot of requests for welfare, support and visits, which takes a lot of effort. We’ve got 10 really active committee members and we’re supported by a group of hard working welfare officers.

There is a lot of need in this area and that’s reflected by a lot of charities being in the area too,” Peter adds.

The North Coast committee is also supported by a recently formed sub-committee in Grafton.

The committee has a regular calendar of events that it puts on for the rugby league community every year.

“Kick-off clubs can be difficult, but we get great support from Group 2. We’ve got strong connections to Group 2 who work with us on having the Men of League Foundation man of the match award in first grade games.

“Our biggest annual function is a race day at Coffs Harbour Racing Club held in December every year.

We have a sportsman’s lunch on the day as well. We usually have about 300 people attend and arrange our own sponsors for each race. The Edge Real Estate have always been great supporters of the race day and really help to make the day. The day is always a great success.

“We’ve had some fantastic rugby league guests attend our sportsman’s lunch such as Roy Masters and Les Boyd. Danny McMaster hosts the day so it’s always fun.

“Our committee also put on regular golf and bowls days around the area. We have bowls days in Sawtell, Park Beach Coffs Harbour and Nambucca Heads.”

The race days, bowls days and golf days are really the meat on the bones for the work the committee does. The real skeleton of the work done by the committee is welfare work.

The large area means lots of people looking for help which means that the committee are always searching for more volunteers and people to help with the requests for visits and welfare. It’s hard work and long drives but like so many committees in the Foundation, Peter

Eric Barnes, Peter Barrett and Russell Pratt in Coffs Harbour Hospital.

Barrett and his committee do it for wonderful reasons.

Peter is particularly proud of support that the committee provided to the Sawtell Junior Rugby League Club after the tragic passing of their promising young player Jake Kedzlie after a headknock during a game in 2013. The terrible accident drew national attention, in part because Jake was the grandson of rugby league icon Tom Raudonikis.

“It’s really about looking after each other. We just want to help whoever needs help within the rugby league community,” Peter says.

“Everyone appreciates the work that the Men of League Foundation do. We’d love to do to more in the area. So if there is anyone out there looking to get involved, we’d love you to get in touch.”

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

19

MARCHING OVER THE SAINTS It’s almost the forgotten victory in Queensland’s history but the day the Maroons beat the best of the British is a proud moment for those involved.

BY STEVE RICKETTS.

I

an Dauth still cannot hide his disappointment at the fact his debut for Queensland in 1976 does not count as an official match in the maroon jersey of his state.

The Beaudesert product was over the moon when he was chosen on the wing in the Queensland team to play English club St Helens at Lang Park.

St Helens were the pride of British rugby league, containing the likes of dual Welsh internationals, Kel Coslett and John Mantle, and Great Britain stars George Nicholls, Eric Chisnall and Billy Benyon.

The club had won the 1975-76 English championship, the Challenge Cup and the premiership final.

At the end of the English season in May, Saints’ players continued training in preparation for the historic Down Under tour in late June-early July, featuring matches against Queensland, Eastern Suburbs (now Sydney Roosters) and the Auckland representative side.

The 40th anniversary of the St Helens v Easts match - the first ever World Club Challenge - was celebrated on February 19 when Saints hosted the Sydney Roosters at Langtree Park in England.

Easts’ impressive 25-2 win over St Helens in 1976 is recalled every year when the World Club Challenge is played.

But St Helens’ match against Queensland at Lang Park is a more obscure piece of rugby league history, and was a much tighter affair, providing the Maroons with a rare win in the 1970s when NSW won 25 of the 29 interstate matches, and drew two.

“That’s the thing that is so disappointing,” Dauth says.

20

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

“We didn’t win too many games in those days and to beat such a star-studded team as St Helens was a great achievement. But the game is not in the official records. It was regarded as a ‘friendly’ or something.

I did not get a ‘cap’ for that appearance.

“I remember when they handed me the jersey, the QRL’s media guy Paul Knobelanche said I was part of history because it was the first time a sponsor’s name (Qantas) had been included.”

Fortunately for Dauth, he played for Queensland again - seven times - in 1978 and ‘79 from the Nerang Roosters club, six matches against New South Wales and one against Great Britain.

But the Maleny-based timber and hardware salesman still looks back on 1976 as his best season.

“I was at the peak of my playing career then,” he said.

“At the end of the year I was named in the QRL’s ‘Find a Metre’ training squad but Brothers’ form fell away early in 1977 and my dream of playing against New South Wales seemed over.

“But when I moved to Nerang after a contract dispute with Brothers, I made the Country side and from there things fell into place.”

Queensland and St Helens scored three tries each in their historic 1976 clash, but Dauth’s goal kicking proved the difference. He finished with 15 points from a try and six goals from 10 shots.

St Helens led 5-4 at half-time and then 15-6 with 20 minutes remaining.

The Maroons hit the lead for the first time in the 70th minute when winger Brian Gardiner, a former beach sprint champion from Illawarra, raced 70 metres to

The St Helens side, full of legends, that was beaten by the Queensland side of 1976.

score after being given space by a beautiful pass from second-rower Des Morris.

Gardiner, who had moved to Queensland to play with Redcliffe, swerved infield, beat three opponents and then moved out again, running around fullback Geoff Pimblett before finally evading another rival as he ran in-goal from the corner to centre-field. Dauth converted the try to give Queensland a 19-15 lead and then landed a late penalty goal. Referee Ian Smith penalised St Helens 10-2, mostly for high tackles.

“Before the game [former Brothers’ Test hooker] Brian Fitzsimmons told me to keep my head down and not to leave my hand on the ground or a Pom would tread on it,” Dauth said.

“Brian Gardiner’s try was a beauty, but I was stoked with my effort. I didn’t run as far, but I pushed off a couple of defenders, including John Mantle, who was one of the game’s greats.”

Des Morris, Queensland’s man of the match in their 33-9 loss to NSW in the first game of the 1976 interstate series at the SCG, had been inexplicably dropped for the return clash in Brisbane.

‘DJ’, as Morris was known, was chosen on the bench for the St Helens match, with younger brother Rod in the starting pack.

“I had an up and down representative career,” said

Morris, now the chairman of Queensland’s Origin selection panel. “I made my Queensland debut in 1969 and played 16 matches altogether (including St Helens) until my last game in ‘79, but there were periods when the selectors ignored me. “I don’t remember a lot about the St Helens’ game, other than Gardiner’s try and the fact I got to play alongside my brother.”

QUEENSLAND: Alan Mills (Valleys), Brian Gardiner (Redcliffe), Graham Quinn (Brothers), Harry Cameron (Wests), Ian Dauth (Brothers), Geoff Richardson (Wests), Greg Oliphant (Wests), Greg Platz (Toowoomba), Rod Morris (Easts), John Payne (Easts), David Wright (Brothers), John Lang (Easts), Greg Veivers (capt, Souths). Reserves: Stephen Crear (Wests), Des Morris (Easts), Norm Carr (Wests), Steve Farquhar. Coach: Barry Muir.

(Note: Ian Boustead (Wynnum-Manly) was chosen on the bench but was a late withdrawal, replaced by Farquhar).

ST HELENS: Geoff Pimblett, Les Jones, Eddie Cunningham, Derek Noonan, Roy Mathias, Billy Benyon, Ken Gwilliam, David Hull, George Nicholls, Eric Chisnall, Kel Coslett (c), Tony Karalius, John Mantle. Res: Peter Glynn, Frank Wilson, Jeff Heaton, Mel James. Coach: Eric Ashton.

QUEENSLAND 21 (Rod Morris, Ian Dauth, Brian Gardiner tries; Dauth 6 goals) d. ST HELENS 15 (Jeff Heaton, Les Jones, Kel Coslett tries; Geoff Pimblett 3 goals). Referee, Ian Smith. Crowd 19,654.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

21

PARADE OF LEGENDS Just a few kilometres and a week apart in February, there were gatherings of a plethora of rugby league legends on the Tweed and Gold Coast for the Men of League committees’ annual dinners.

BY BOB WONDERS AND GRAHAM CALLAGHAN

Sharks teammates from their first grand final in 1973, Kurt Sorensen and Tommy Bishop, enjoyed a special reunion.

M

ore than 230 people turned out for the sixth annual Men of League International’s Dinner at the Burleigh Bears Leagues Club on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

Star attractions included 30 rugby league greats from Australia, New Zealand, England, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands.

The headline acts included hilarious performances on stage from Tommy Raudonikis OAM, former Penrith great Royce Simmons and Dragons’ grand final try specialist Johnny King.

As usual, masters of ceremonies Scott Sattler and Gary Belcher kept things moving nicely for an appreciative audience.

An additional and equally humorous attraction was former Test cricketer Greg Ritchie, perhaps betterknown in league circles as his former The Footy Show alter-ego Mahatma Cote.

Of course, a major reason behind the show was the auction of rugby league memorabilia, all aimed at raising valuable funds for the Men of League.

22

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

Kevin Walters and Chris Johns, old Broncos mates, were entertaining.

Major items included Jonathan Thurston’s game-worn headgear and two football jerseys, each adorned with nearly 50 prized autographs.

The imposing line-up of former greats of the game included Queensland legends Barry Muir and Mick Vievers, together with former internationals Ron Turner, Elwyn ‘Aub’ Walters, Kurt Sorenson, Tommy Bishop, Paul McCabe, Clinton Toopi, Anthony Laffranchi, Bob Honan and Ray Price, plus current Titans Josh Hoffman, David Shillington and David Mead.

Ian Amos, general manager of the Burleigh Bears and president of Gold Coast Men of League committee, was well satisfied with the evening.

“Needless to say, events like this don’t occur without a lot of help and support and we acknowledge with great appreciation our major sponsors, Angoves Wines and Castlemaine Perkins,” he said.

“We also received great support from Burleigh Beach Tower, Lloyd’s Auctions and Jupiter’s Casino.”

A good crowd of over 100 earlier enjoyed the Tweed District’s 10th Annual Sporting Lunch held at Cudgen

An array of champions at the Gold Coast dinner at Burleigh Bears.

Leagues Club. Former St George grand final fullback Glenn Burgess’s skills as MC kept the day moving and his insightful and humorous questioning of the special guests made the day very enjoyable.

Queensland coach Kevin Walters provided some interesting insights into the 2016 State of Origin program, Chris Johns spoke well of his experiences as a player and administrator while David Manson had many terrific revelations from the “inside” of his time as a referee at the highest levels.

response with good funds were raised. The excellent raffle received terrific support making the lunch very successful.

Thanks must go to Anthony McCulloch and his team for the very high quality catering, the staff and management of the Cudgen Leagues Club, the donors of prizes and auction items and to all who attended for their support and participation.

Stuart Raper was very informative as he spoke of what was happening within the Men of League Foundation and of his ambitions in his role as the NSW state manager. New Titans COO Brian Canavan and 1973 Kangaroo Geoff Starling also enjoyed the day as did former players Barry Glasgow, Mick and Peter Ryan, Michael McLean, Greg Bandiera, Greg Cox and Jim Bryant. It was also good to see a table from the Seagulls RLFC enjoying themselves.

The three outstanding auction items of a 2015 Cowboys premiership and 20th anniversary jumper, 196263 Kangaroos jumper and Sir Viv Richards cricket bat (and autographed and framed) received a great

MC Glenn Burgess enjoys a break and some company.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

23

WHERE ARE THEY NOW STRUDDY’S BEST TRANSACTION Senator Ron McAuliffe was the best deal maker Queensland Rugby League has seen. A proposition he gave Ross Strudwick four decades ago changed Struddy’s life, and left the state with an enduring character and retailing success story. BY STEVE RICKETTS

A

fter representing Australia from the Valleys club in Brisbane, Ross Strudwick was on the verge of returning to St George in Sydney at the end of the 1975 season when Queensland Rugby League boss, Senator Ron McAuliffe, asked what could be done to keep him in the state.

‘Struddy’ replied that he always wanted to run a sports store. ‘The Senator’ came to the party, and the rest, as they say, is history with Strudwick opening his first shop at Sunnybank on the south side of Brisbane.

Forty years later Struddys Sport is one of the great success stories of the merchandise and clothing game in Australia, with the company headquarters in Logan City employing 30 people. There are also 12 retail outlets in Queensland and northern NSW, with plans to expand manufacturing to Townsville, Newcastle and Perth.

Struddy is the official clothing supplier for Men of League, an organisation which has helped the former Test halfback and on several fronts, providing volunteer workers after his house was badly damaged in a storm in 2013, while also helping his middle son Nathan with his transition to life after football, after juggling university studies and training at the Broncos, where he was contracted at a young age.

Ross believes the Men of League ‘brand’ is one of the most prestigious in the country, and is proud to do his bit, with a percentage of takings from merchandise sales going directly into the Foundation’s coffers.

Born at Nyngan in Central NSW but raised at Hurstville in the heart of St George territory, Strudwick is a product of Renown United, which has produced the likes Reg and Mark Gasnier, Billy Smith and Bruce Pollard.

24

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

Struddy in his one Test match, in the background behind Immortal Bob Fulton..

Strudwick played four seasons at St George as understudy to Smith but still managed 32 first grade matches, scoring 117 points.

At the end of the 1973 season, St George offered Strudwick $2000 sign-on and $200 a win. Canterbury offered him $4000 and $400 a win.

“Graeme Langlands had been thinking of moving to Brisbane and he knew the QRL were after players,” Strudwick said. “Chang made an appointment for me to see (solicitor) Jim Comans and McAuliffe.

“Ron said: ‘What do you want to come up here, son?

I said: ‘Eight grand’. He said ‘if you sign today, you’ve got it’. He threw in a car and a unit for two years.

Then I signed with Valleys on a separate deal.

“I was working as a sales rep and found it hard at first to settle in Brisbane. If we played on Saturday I would drive to Sydney after the game and drive back Monday.”

Strudwick made his Queensland debut against New South Wales in the third game of the 1973 series at the SCG, where he marked Billy Smith,

Ross Strudwick with business assistant Paul Neale.

and according to The Courier Mail’s Jack Reardon Struddy finished on top. Strudwick went on to play another nine times for his adopted state, and got his one Test cap against the Kiwis in 1975.

He was halfback in 1974 when Valleys beat the Paul Broughton-coached Brothers 9-2 in a try-less Brisbane grand final. Wayne Bennett was Brothers’ fullback.

In 1979 Strudwick was captain-coach when Valleys thrashed the Bennett-coached Souths Magpies, and the coach when Brothers beat the Darryl Van de Velde-coached Redcliffe in 1987, the last Brisbane grand final before the advent of the Broncos.

Strudwick was Valleys captain when future Immortal Wally Lewis made his A grade debut in 1978.

In 1988 Strudwick headed to England, leaving his brother Chris to look after the business at Sunnybank.

After a season coaching Halifax, Strudwick moved to London where he filled coaching and managerial roles with the Crusaders (now Broncos).

“When I was in England I saw that their sports stores were franchised, and when I came back to Brisbane (in 1993) I went down the same path,” he said. “We got up to 26 stores, but having a franchise is like having a baby. You have to devote a lot of time to each one. We were doing all this club and school stuff and selling to Canterbury and a couple of other companies before that, who were getting 10 per cent of our sales. They had the licenses.

“So we applied for the appropriate licence and finally got one. Everyone was buying their gear out of China and no-one was making it here. So I bought some machinery. We can do a set of jerseys overnight here (at Logan), whereas our opposition have all moved off-shore. The best they can do is five to 10 weeks.

So, they left a nice little hole for us.

“We still get a lot out of China and we have our own factory over there, which means we can get stuff out of there in two weeks.

“So now we have licenses for the QRL, Australian School Sports, Queensland Education (uniforms and equipment), netball, Combined High Schools in New South Wales, Queensland Police, among others, and of course, Men of League.’’

Struddy joined Men of League in 2004, and since then his company has signed as a corporate member.

His trusted right hand man is Paul Neale, a former Brothers player who started in retail with Struddy in 1980, who is now a director and shareholder.

Struddy turned 66 on February 20, and remains as energetic as ever, despite major surgery last year following a heart scare.

Ross and his wife of 33 years Lisa (a sister of former Valleys prop Mark Zillman and aunt of Titans star William Zillman) have five children - Kirsten, Daniel, Nathan, Jacob and Andrew.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

25

2016 MEN OF LEAGUE

LOCAL COMMITTEE CONFERENCE The Men of League local committee conference was held on 22-23 February at Sydney Olympic Park. BY AARON HENRY

I

t was a fantastic few days of information and networking with 74 volunteers attending representing 31 of our local committees from across Australia.

Attendees were taken through a range of updates and best-practice on topics such as fundraising, financial management, education and marketing. Attendees were also given a Welfare Masterclass on the Sunday prior to the official opening of the Conference.

Committee representatives were taken through the updated Men of League Foundation’s standard operating procedures for committees, introduced a new welfare tool called the ‘How To Guide’ which will enable our volunteer welfare officers to better manage situations that may arise.

• John Grant, chairman of the inaugural Australian Rugby League Commission • Paul Heptonstall and Andrew Ryan from NRL Welfare and Education • Paul Whatuira, former rugby league player giving an emotion and stirring account of his life story and journey with rugby league • Patricia Frazer, Men of League Foundation welfare recipient telling how the Foundation’s support has helped her family.

• Ruan Sims, Member of 2013 women’s World Cup winning team and member of the Australian Jillaroos squad

The welfare presentations largely revolved around mental health as it is one of the hardest areas that our volunteers face.

• Hugh Van Cuylenburg discussing the NRL Resilience Project about the importance of gratitude, empathy and mindfulness in our everyday lives.

There was a huge cross section of the rugby league family represented throughout the conference:

With the assistance of the NRL funding, the conference was an enormous success.

2016 Conference attendees.

26

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

Photos courtesy of Neil K. Smith Photography.

Ron Coote AM, Wayne Wigham, John Sullivan, Warren Thompson and Ray Beattie OAM.

Men of League Foundation CEO Ray Beattie described the conference as a resounding success and he was delighted the response from those who attended was that it was very informative.

“The idea was for people to leave feeling more informed and to give them better tools to do their roles and feel invigorated by the joint spirit within the room,” he said.

“The main mantra we wanted to shine through the conference were the key words – inform, listen, respect and act.

“To have Ruan Sims deliver such a wonderful address gave the conference a different breadth and the insight program gave everyone just that, a new insight, and Hugh van Cuylenburg’s program was one of the best things I have seen and tickled every heartstring.

“We had around 200 at our thank you dinner too and the warmth in the room was tremendous.

“I thought the two days brought everyone closer together and I appreciate the wonderful feedback our members provided us.”

Many attendees provided valuable feedback from the event with one particular volunteer standing up at the conclusion of the conference and saying some very moving words about how the conference has helped him, with his concluding line met with agreeance from other delegates: “Thanks Men of League. I mean it, the passion is back!”

James Sullivan, Western Australia committee.

Attendees listening intently on day two.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

27

‘EVEN STEVEN’ ONE OF QLD’S TOUGHEST Steve Carter is not just a celebrated name at the Penrith Panthers but among the Brisbane and north Queensland league fraternity where the namesake prop rattled a few bones in his time. BY STEVE RICKETTS

T

hose fortunate enough to see Steve Carter in action for Brothers against Wynnum-Manly in the 1986 Brisbane grand final will never forget the sight of the former Australian Schoolboys star ripping into the star-studded opposition pack.

Carter set the trend for the day with a monstrous hit on Wynnum’s Test prop Greg Dowling in the first minute, the tackle sparking an all-in-brawl which saw Carter and Wynnum pair, Peter Dawes and Scott Lewis, cautioned by referee Eddie Ward.

Brothers were rank outsiders, but led 6-4 at half-time with Wynnum players arguing among themselves as they headed to the dressing sheds.

Wynnum, inspired by Test skipper Wally Lewis, would go on to win the contest 14-6 and Brothers would have to wait another 12 months to win the Brisbane crown, something they did in style with a 26-8 victory against Redcliffe.

A bright future was tipped for Carter after that 1986 grand final.

A player agent had planted himself beside Carter in the Brothers’ dressing room, telling reporters “his boy” was going to be a star, as talent scouts headed by Sydney super coach Jack Gibson assessed the day’s events.

Brothers skipper Trevor Bailey, who would go on to captain St George in Sydney, reckons to this day Carter’s man of the match performance against Wynnum would have catapulted him into the Kangaroos squad for the tour of England and France, if the Brisbane Rugby League competition was given the respect it deserved from the national selectors.

“If Steve turned that on at the SCG in the Sydney comp, he would have been packing his bags,” Bailey said.

Still, everything seemed to be going to plan for Carter the following year when he toured New Zealand with 28

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

Steve Carter in action for Brothers.

the Wayne Bennett-coached, Wally Lewis-captained Queensland Residents side.

Origin seemed a mere formality for Carter, who was signed by St George in Sydney for the 1988 season – the year the Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Giants and Newcastle Knights were added to the NSWRL competition and Brisbane clubs were stripped of their best players.

But Carter did not play first grade in ‘88 and halfway through summer, while training for the ‘89 season, Dragons coach Craig Young axed the 24-year-old.

“The trouble with Steve was that he just wanted to play football. He wasn’t too fussed about training,” Bailey said.

That wasn’t the end of Carter’s career - far from it - but he disappeared from the wider public gaze until his premature death on Christmas Day 2015 saw his name briefly back in the sports pages of Queensland’s main newspaper, The Courier-Mail.

Carter was just 51 when he passed away from a heart attack, his funeral in Brisbane and the subsequent wake at Brothers Leagues Club drawing appropriate numbers of family members, friends, former teammates and coaches.

Townsville Blackhawks chief executive, Adrian ‘Happy’ Thomson, flew down on the day of the funeral to pay his respects to a man he credits for much of his success as coach of Brothers’ Townsville, the club where Carter won four premierships.

Others at the funeral included Carter’s former Brothers’ coach Ross Strudwick and former Brothers teammates Peter Gill, Gary Smith, Clinton Mohr, Greg Smith, Shane McErlean, Jeff Burns, Trevor Bailey, John Welsh and Wayne Vohland as well as former Brisbane Wests teammate Tony Currie and ex-Panthers’ coach Ron Raper.

Steve Carter first came to light in a league sense in 1981 when he was chosen for the Australian Schoolboys from Toowoomba High, a feat he achieved again the following year. He played alongside the likes of future internationals Andrew Ettingshausen, Paul Langmack and Mark Hohn in the schoolboy teams.

He signed with Wests Panthers in 1984 when he moved to Brisbane and despite playing in a struggling team, featured prominently in various best player awards on offer in Brisbane.

Carter and fellow forward Ray Baumber were signed from Wests by new Brothers coach Strudwick for the 1985 Brisbane premiership as Strudwick looked to add steel to his pack.

After his heroic effort in the 1986 BRL grand final, Carter enjoyed an off-season stint in England with Cumbrian club Barrow, playing alongside the likes of Sydney Roosters legend, Kevin ‘Horrie’ Hastings, Brisbane Souths’ strongman Mark Meskell and former Springbok Nick du Toit.

In 1987 Carter was a reserve in the Queensland Maroons side which played the NSW Maroons in a State of Origin trial at Lang Park with Lewis captain of the ‘local’ side and Bob Lindner in charge of the NSW-based Queensland players.

The NSW boys won 20-10 but Carter did enough to win selection for the tour of New Zealand with the Queensland Residents.

Queensland beat a strong New Zealand President’s XIII 18-14 in the first match at Auckland’s Carlaw Park.

Coach, Wayne Bennett had this to say after the win.

“These players showed they are not far off Origin if anyone hiccups and Steve Carter certainly rattled a few of them when he came on in the second half. It takes a lot of pressure off everyone.’’

Although he missed out on Origin football that year, Carter continued to improve and showed some deft touches in the grand final, including a clever pass to Bailey for Brothers’ first try of the match.

The next day Carter featured in a front page photograph in The Courier-Mail, with club mascot, Bradley Jacobs (dressed as a leprechaun) on his shoulders, with Joe Kilroy to his right and skipper Bailey on his left holding the Winfield Cup. Carter was also photographed with Prime Minister Bob Hawke who was a special guest at the match.

Twelve months later, after being shown the door by St George, Carter moved to Innisfail and played second row (and scored a try) in Innisfail/Eacham’s 40-12 win over Mackay in the final of the locally famous Foley Shield competition.

The following year he moved to Townsville where he earned a reputation as the hard man of the local club competition.

In his book ‘Raging Bull’, former Broncos skipper Gorden Tallis said his mum wouldn’t let him step up from colts to first grade football while Carter was running amok.

Carter moved back to Brisbane after his Townsville stint and coached junior league sides. He had a variety of jobs, mainly in hospitality and security, but also as a garbo. During his playing days with Wests and Brothers he had worked first as a television cameraman with Channel Ten and then as a policeman.

One of six children, Steve was known as ‘Even Steven’ because there were three boys and three girls.

He was married twice, having two children - Timothy and Jessica with first wife Bronwyn and three children with his second wife Robyn - Alexandra, Jacob and Lochlan. He also had five grand-children.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

29

The Garlick family business.

NO PIE IN THE SKY

Sean Garlick is just one of many post-playing career success stories – thanks to pie-eaters. But few could boast the breadth of experiences he has accumulated away from the footy field. BY BARRY ROSS

E

ating a meat pie while watching a rugby league game has been an Australian tradition for a hundred years or more but former Rabbitohs and Roosters hooker Sean Garlick has given the good old Aussie connection a new dimension.

Younger son Bronson is also completing a Certificate IV in Business Sales while also handling new client enquiries.

While Artie Beetson may have been the poster boy for eating pies, Garlick has become footy’s face of making them.

Jackson and Bronson are talented league players and, like their father, have worn the South Sydney colours Jackson as a member of Souths under-20 NYC team in 2012 and 2013 before joining the North Sydney Bears NSW Cup side.

He has gone from producing around a hundred pies a day in December 2000 to 35,000 a day, some of which can now be bought in Los Angeles and McDonald’s franchises in Australia.

“I am still a rugby league tragic,” emphasised Sean.

“I try to watch all my sons’ games, while I follow both Souths and Easts. I watch the game on TV and attend as many first grade matches as I can.

It is very much a family business too. Sean is managing director, his brother Nathan is production director, his sister Dana works in quality control, his wife Samantha is demonstrator/merchandise manager while his father Terry holds what Sean says is a very important position of ‘director of common sense’.

“I have been a member of the NRL judiciary panel for about seven years and I thoroughly enjoy this role.”

The third generation of Garlicks is also working for the company with Sean and Samantha’s two sons, Jackson and Bronson, juggling their tertiary studies with some regular part-time work in the pie industry.

Bronson made his NYC debut for Souths in 2014 but moved to the Bulldogs midway through 2015 and is keen to make his mark this year. Jackson is a hooker like his father, while Bronson is versatile and can handle hooker, the back row or in the halves.

Jackson is enrolled at the University of NSW and is also completing a Certificate IV in Business Sales to complement his practical work experience within the company’s growing sales team.

Sean, 45, grew up in the Matraville and La Perouse area. He attended Matraville High and progressed to the Rabbitohs ranks, making his first grade debut at Penrith Stadium in June 1990, in a good Souths team that included Les Davidson, Mario Fenech, Mark Carroll, Jim Serdaris, Craig Coleman and Jarryd Hayne’s father, Manoa Thompson.

His role at Garlo’s is to work in business development and account management for the expanding client accounts and wholesale buying groups. He also oversees the logistics in managing the group of the drivers who deliver Garlo’s products across the Sydney Metropolitan region.

At the end of the 1993 season, Roosters coach Phil Gould signed Garlick and during his four years there he played 65 first grade games.

Gould showed a lot of faith in the clever hooker by preferring him as captain in 1996 ahead of Brad Fittler.

30

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

In the Super League year of 1997, only a late field goal from Manly’s Craig Field prevented the Roosters from playing in the ARL grand final.

After finishing fifth on the ladder, Sydney City were beaten 17-16 by the Sea Eagles in the second preliminary final.

In 1998 Garlick switched back to Souths, finishing his career at Parramatta Stadium on 29 August 1999 as captain against the Eels.

He finished with a total of 145 matches for Souths, 95 of which were in first grade. The game against Parramatta was Souths’ last game before they were booted out of the competition.

For the next few years, Garlick worked hard, with many others, to install Souths back in the competition. When they were re-admitted in 2002, he was the Rabbitohs football operations manager after spending most of his playing career as a member of the NSW Police Force.

There is more to the Sean Garlick story than footy and pies, however.

He is a former policeman who has had plenty of on-screen acting roles, and is still a member of the NRL judiciary panel.

He has worked as an actor since his primary school days. This began with him appearing in television commercials, leading to him landing roles in several movies and TV shows, with some top class actors.

He starred in Fortress in 1986 with Rachel Ward, while he also appeared in Watch the Shadows Dance, starring Nicole Kidman, in 1987.

Other shows in which he has worked include Home and Away (1991), Heartbreak High (1994 to 1997) and Rescue Special Ops (2010).

Sean Garlick in his playing days for Souths. Courtesy: NRL Photos

During his football days, Garlick agonised about the long trips across the Australian east coast for some away games. These days his frequent flyer account is much larger. He was in Hong Kong in January and in February-March he was scheduled to Dubai, Turkey and Amsterdam in Holland, and Orlando, Florida in April.

It was 2001 when Garlo’s Pies, then operating only a Maroubra store, had its first wider exposure when The Footy Show telecast a State of Origin pie eating contest using his pies. Over the next three years, the customer base grew to more than 200 hotels, cafés, schools’ mobile lunch trucks and sports grounds.

By 2010, Garlo’s Pies were available in Coles Supermarkets across NSW, and in IGA

Supermarkets launched in 2012.

Since May 2013, the company has been operating in a purpose built facility in St Peters in Sydney where it employs 65 and since April 2014 people can purchase a Garlo’s Pies in Queensland through Coles and IGA. Garlo’s went international in September 2014 with the opening of Garlo’s Aussie Pie Shop in Westwood Village in Los Angeles.

From May this year, his pies will be available in the Canberra’s McDonalds stores.

The company is continually expanding and there is plenty more on the horizon.

Who knows … one day we might see rugby league honour its tradition and we will see Garlo’s Pies on the menu at the Dally M awards night.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

31

LET THE CHALLENGE BEGIN The World Club Challenge is now a permanent part of the league calendar.

It evolved from a champion Wigan side, a Kiwi coach and former British bookie… and a conversion over a couple of pints. BY NEIL CADIGAN

I

t’s now 30 seasons since the regular battle for world club supremacy first came to fruition. The first match was a spirited clash spiced with cheap shots, not a single try, the biggest Wigan’s crowd ever at their spiritual home of Central Park and controversy.

And the event that lifted the moral of British rugby league thanks to the 8-2 victory by Wigan over Manly, the first win by an English team over Australian opposition since 1978, was created from a casual conversation over a beer in an English pub and the backing of an Aussie brewer trying to get a foothold in the British market.

Graham Lowe, the passionate New Zealand coach who mentored Wigan during a remarkable four season stint, may be in his a 70th year but he remembers like it was yesterday the catalyst of what is now an annual event played, too often in my books, in England, during their early spring.

Lowe had just coached Wigan to the championship victory in England with a team that is arguably the strongest club line-up in British history when, over a quiet post-match beer with club chairman Maurice Lindsay, Lindsay inquired whether their team was good enough to take on the best of the Aussies.

“We’d just won the league by a runaway margin and we were having a beer in the local pub and everyone was really excited because it was a dominant side and we played such exciting football,” Lowe recalled from Auckland. “Maurice said to me ‘how do you think we’d go against the Sydney sides’ and I said ‘we’d beat all of them’.

“The more we thought about it we thought why do we have a go at it. So while still at the pub Maurice rang Arko (NSWRL chairman Ken Arthurson) as he was always the most creative bloke in the game and could make it happen. He could see the value of it straight away. Maurice went away and got Fosters as a sponsor who guaranteed some lucrative prize money, and it snowballed from there.

“You only had to say an Australian player’s name and everyone would get excited in England at the time because of the Invincibles in 1982 and the unbeaten 32

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

Kangaroos of 1986 and because there were so many making a name in the English competition (between Australian seasons). People were in such awe.

“While we started it all with a one-off match Maurice was a great thinker, like Arko, and he saw it as an annual game and the big picture was to have the top four sides of each competition play-off.”

Only weeks before Manly won the last grand final played at the SCG, 18-8 against an emerging Canberra side, all was agreed and the date was agreed for a quick trip to England by the Bob Fultoncoached Sea Eagles to play Wigan on a Wednesday night, 10 days after the Eagles’ premiership victory.

While the Eagles were without Test second-rower Noel Cleal and English prop Kevin Ward who was close to best on the field in the grand final (Cliff Lyons won the Clive Churchill Medal), and can claim lack of preparation, Lowe stresses that his Wigan side were under the pump, with the clash being their fourth game in 12 days.

And although cross-hemisphere champions Easts (now Sydney Roosters) and St Helens had fought for an unofficial world title in 1976 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (the Roosters won 25-2), the spawning of world club championship annual clash began that night.

The crowd was declared at the Government-enforced capacity of 36,895, capped as part of the Taylor Report into stadium safety after the Hillsborough Disaster and Bradford Fire caused multiple deaths at soccer stadiums. But it was obvious more were allowed into the ground and Lowe reveals Wigan old-timers, who had been attending Central Park for decades, said it was the biggest crowd they had seen.

You can watch the highlights of the match on YouTube and the four-minute clip is enough to show how ‘spirited’ the clash was.

Manly forward Ron Gibbs was sent off after an ugly elbow to the head of Wigan centre Joe Lydon after he attempted a field goal. In the first half Dale Shearer was accused of collecting Lydon’s head with his boot while on the ground (footage suggests it was careless

Graham Lowe, in his later years when he coached Queensland and Manly.

rather than intentional). Eagles skipper, and in Lowe’s eyes their best player, Paul Vautin was thrust over the fence into the crowd after being pushed over the sideline, prompting yet another melee with cameras at birds-eye vantage point.

“Manly complained that they had to fly out a couple of days after the grand final and had been celebrating but we’d played a massive game against a strong Leeds team on the Sunday and the Manly game was our fourth in 12 days,” Lowe recalled.

Referee John Holdsworth threw himself into the centre of several brawls to try to separate players, the first starting after Shearer was lifted high by the defence – far above the horizontal in a position banned today.

“The stamina and endurance of those players was nothing short of sensational. It’s probably the best side I’d coached, although it is hard to compare. It was probably the last team in the world full of characters and a heap of talent too. They would have been as dominant in Australia.

“It was on from the start, that’s for sure; a bloody tough game,” said Lowe who asked captain Ellery Hanley to walk in slow motion onto the field to ensure the crowd was in a frenzy when Manly hit the lush turf.

The try-less victory was one of the last in what is still an English club record of 29 successive victories achieved by the Wigan side that had 16 players who were, or became, internationals – 14 for Great Britain, veteran Kiwi Test forward Graeme West and winger Richard Russell who played one game for England. The Sea Eagles has Test men in Vautin, Shearer, Lyons, Michael O’Connor, Des Hasler, Phil Daley (Australia) and Darrell Williams (New Zealand).

Thousands of fans spilled onto the field after the siren sounded and an emotional Lowe went onto the field and saluted the throng with scarf in hand.

“Our players knew what it was like to get their arses kicked by the Aussies and Manly had a heap of internationals but I worked into our guys this was their chance to get something back on them.

“I thought it was a line in the sand in the history of the game which should have propelled the game in the UK more than it did. But the internal politics held the game back internationally; they had the players there but that didn’t amount to the results it did.

“It’s one of the things I’m most proud of in my life because it was the birth of the World Club Challenge.

And it happened from a conversation over a beer.”

Hanley led the all-star Wigan side and Lowe places him in the top three players of his lifetime.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

33

“Ronny Gibbs was sent off, and Cliff Lyons was in the bin for 10 so we had 11 men, and there were no points scored after five minutes into the second half but it was a great game, end to end, and Wigan were a very, very good side … Edwards, Hampson, Gregory, Hanley, Gill, Goodway.

“It was just a great occasion, my first time in England and I’ll never forget that, and it was the first official World Club Challenge. Pat Richards, who had a few good years at Wigan, told me recently the people there still all talk about the match.”

It was two seasons before the next challenge match was played, in England a week and a half after Canberra won the classic extra-time grand final against Balmain in 1989. Widnes retained the English ascendancy at Old Trafford before a crowd of 31,000, winning 30-18 after the Raiders led 12-0 after 11 minutes. Wigan beat Penrith 21-4 at Anfield two years later, and Brisbane became the first Aussie winners at Central Park in 1992 (22-8) before the game was brought to Australia for the only time in 1993 and Wigan won against the odds at ANZ Stadium in Brisbane by 20-14 before a record WCC crowd of 54,220.

Paul Vautin is held aloft after winning the 1987 grand final, by Dale Shearer and Phil Daley, earning the right to take on the mighty Wigan.

Courtesy: NRL Photos.

“In my life in rugby league there have been three great players – Mark Graham in New Zealand, Wally Lewis in Australia and Ellery Hanley in England. Each had the biggest effect on international football compared to anyone else.

“But Paul Vautin was sensational that night as Ellery’s opposite. Without him I think we would have won by a lot more. His incredible determination just kept their forwards going; if he came off we would have rolled straight through them.”

Vautin remembers the trip, in between the grand final and linking with partners in Hawaii for an end of season holiday, as “a wonderful experience”.

“We didn’t know much about it, nor English club sides other than the 1986 Kangaroos had breezed through their tour undefeated,” he recalled, “So we breezed over there after a few days on the grog and didn’t know what to expect.

“We had no Kevin Ward or Crusher (Cleal) but we still had half a pretty good side. It was a fantastic atmosphere, they reckon 50,000, and it was a tough game; they had some real hard-heads in their team.

34

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

The match has been played 24 times including the 1976 clash in Sydney, with the victory count now 12 wins each between British and Australian clubs (in the 1997 Super League year all ‘rebel’ teams played and Brisbane beat Hunter Mariners in the final). The English teams won 11 of the first 15 since the 1987 clash but Leeds in 2012 are the only British winners since Leeds in 2008. It became a pre-season game, rather than played shortly after our grand final, in 2001 after a two-season hiatus and has been played annually since.

WIGAN Steve Hampson, Richard Russell, David Stephenson, Joe Lydon, Henderson Gill, Shaun Edwards, Andy Gregory, Brian Case, Nicky Kiss, Shaun Wane, Andy Goodway, Ian Potter, Ellery Hanley (capt).

Interchange: Ian Lucas, Ged Byrne, Graeme West, Ian Gildart.

MANLY Dale Shearer, David Ronson, Darrell Williams, Michael O’Connor, Stuart Davis, Cliff Lyons, Des Hasler, Phil Daley, Mal Cochrane, Ian Gateley, Ron Gibbs, Owen Cunningham, Paul Vautin (capt).

Interchange: Paul Shaw, Jeremy Ticehurst, Mark Brokenshire, Mark Pocock.

WIGAN 8 (David Stephenson 4 goals) beat MANLY 2 (Michael O’Connor goal).

A

REMEMBERING ‘OL GRAVEL VOICE’

gathering of 40 league lovers congregated at North Sydney Leagues Club last month to celebrate what would have been the 100th birthday of one of league’s iconic names, ‘ol’ gravel voice’ Frank Hyde.

Several branches of the Hyde family were present, including sons and daughters, grandchildren and other relatives. Rugby League greats John Raper and Noel Kelly attended, regaling in memories of Hyde’s broadcasts from Kangaroo tours from the 1950s through to the 1970s.

Sydney radio legend John Brennan was also there, bringing wonderful recollections of Frank’s radio days at 2SM. Frank won the league radio broadcast ratings for more than 30 years in succession, a never to be repeated media achievement. He was also a regular columnist in Rugby League Week and appeared on Channel 9’s Sports World program with Ron Casey over the years.

Frank had played with Newtown from 1934 to 1937 before moving on to play with Balmain and North Sydney. He played five times for New South Wales in 1938-39.

Norths president Perry Lopez and several Newtown representatives, including Barry Vining (director and long term sponsor) and partner Annie Mustow, and Glen Dwyer (director and media officer).

The day was also the 108th anniversary of the founding of North Sydney RLFC.

John Raper, Noel Kelly, Michael Hyde (Frank’s son who did all his stats when he was on the radio) and North Sydney Bears media officer Trent Bowden.

Terry Rowney summed up the proceedings well when he said: “It was a privilege to be at such a happy event and to be amongst such terrific people. The Newtown club is truly blessed to have been such a significant part of the Frank Hyde story.”

He broadcast 33 consecutive grand finals at the SCG from 1953 (including replays in 1977,78), starting his career on a fold up card table on the sideline.

Hyde would have been 100 on February 7. He died in September 2007, aged 91.

Frank was undoubtedly one of rugby league’s most popular, humble and enduring characters and was a celebrity leader of supporter tours to England for many years, where his singing on the bus and at dinners became legendary, including his signature song Oh Danny Boy. He actually recorded three albums.

His ‘legendary’ call when describing kicks at goal – “it’s long enough, it’s high enough and it’s straight between the posts” became his iconic calling card.

He was awarded an MBE in 1974 and an OAM in 1990.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

35

AROUND THE GROUNDS ... A PICTORIAL LOOK AT EVENTS IN RECENT MONTHS

Pat Fraser, Jan Witt, Tony Witt, Paul Medd and Ken Thompson.

Former Test cricketer Greg Ritchie hit the audience for six with his entertaining performance as MC of Gold Coast’s Legends dinner.

ARLC chairman John Grant taking Q&A from the floor.

36

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

L-R Men of League’s newest staff member Kristy West, Blackdog Institute and Men of League Welfare Committee Member Sarah Connor, Ben Ross, Ray Beattie and Terry Dodd.

Norm Pounder, Fred Jackson, Ken Vessey, Alan Webb, Richard Mills and Peter Corcoran.

Sully and Drew Lister.

Ian Gatenby, Peter Foreman and Vance Rennie.

Ian Gatenby, Peter Foreman, Vance Rennie, Ross Groundwater and Greg Pountney.

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN LUNCHEON

and raise funds through raffles and auction items for Ramdsen who recently suffered an aortic dissection and faces ongoing medical bills and rehabilitation.

Guest speaker was Men of League Foundation’s NSW state manager Stuart Raper who said he was thrilled with the event and the generosity of all who attended.

“This was a great luncheon and we aim to build on this event as we look to establish a Men of League Foundation in South Australia,” he said.

NRL SA general manager Ken Kennedy says the league is eager to host another event in 2016.

Mrs Ramsdale, Ben Ramsdale, Ken Kennedy and Stuart Raper.

N

RL South Australia’s inaugural Men of League luncheon has raised $2000 for South Australia’s club volunteer Ben Ramsden. The luncheon saw over 50 people attend

“The Men of League Foundation is a fantastic NRL charity organisation that has already provided assistance to one of our club volunteers and continues to assist rugby league players, coaches, referees, officials, administrators around Australia,” Mr Kennedy said.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

37

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

BILL BRAZELL

Bill Brazell, the former Taree Old Bar forward, passed away in January. A highly popular personality, Bill enjoyed the company of his former teammates from his footballing and surf club days. Bill was the owner of a number of businesses in the Taree area, the last being the Tooheys distribution and delivery business which he sold before going into an all too brief retirement.

His funeral service was held at the Pampoolah Crematorium on 23 January which was appropriate as the location is midway between Taree and Old Bar where he spent much of his sporting life. His many friends will miss his infectious laugh and overall good humour.

REX CUNNINGHAM

Former New Zealand international halfback Rex Cunningham, who was the oldest surviving Kiwi Test player, passed away on 30 November aged 91.

Rex, who played for City and represented Auckland, played four Tests between 1946 and 1948. Rex first represented New Zealand in 1946 against the touring Great Britain team. He toured Great Britain and France in 1947-48 and played the first six games in 15 days before being injured.

STEVE DICK

Steve Dick passed away on the Gold Coast on January 20, aged 88. As a star five-eighth with Brisbane Brothers in the late 1940s and early 1950s, Stephen Dick played one match for Queensland - against New South Wales in 1949. NSW were dominant that year, winning all four interstate games, and Dick paid the price after the Maroons went down 44-20 in the third match of the series at the Gabba.

A noted defender, he was given the tough task of subduing NSW danger man Wally O’Connell.

Queensland, Dick included, put up a mighty battle against the Blues, trailing only 24-20 at the 70-minute mark. But in the last 10 minutes, with O’Connell leading the way, the Blues piled on another 20 points.

38

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

It had been a meteoric rise for Dick, who played reserve grade for Brothers in 1948 (after his discharge from the Navy), before representing Brisbane and then Queensland. Although he never played for Queensland again, he continued to represent Brisbane. He retired from football at 26 to concentrate on family life.

He was pre-deceased by his wife Olive and three of his children. He is survived by seven children, 17 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. His nephew, Barry Dick, recently retired from The CourierMail after a long career, including stints as chief rugby league writer and sports editor.

TERRY DRUERY

Born 17 May 1951, Druery passed away on 5 February 2016. Terry and his wife Shirin retired to Coffs Harbour.

He was an Easts player in the 1970s and remained a loyal supporter.

GEORGE EVANS

Rugby league lost a humble and caring man when George Evans passed away on Christmas Day. The talented halfback played in four successive grand finals from 1962 with the great St George team.

His teammates included Immortals and Team of the Century members Reg Gasnier, Johnny Raper and Graeme Langlands.

A Sydney High student, he played alongside future Wallaby coach Bob Dwyer at school. He joined the St George Rugby Union Club when he left school in 1958, and became a regular first grader in 1960.

That year he represented NSW at the Brisbane Exhibition Ground in the 34-23 win over Queensland.

In 1961, Evans was reserve for Australia in four Tests behind Ken Catchpole, three against Fiji and one against France. At the end of 1961 he changed to league with the Dragons, and made his first grade debut in August 1962.

He joined Corrimal as captain-coach in 1969 and led the Cougars to at least the semi-finals in his three

THOSE NOW GONE seasons after the club had been at the bottom end of the competition for many years. He retired from playing at the end of the 1971 season but was non-playing coach of Northern Suburbs in 1974 and 1975. George is survived by his wife Denise and his children Peter and Jodie and their families.

JACK FAGAN

Former New Zealand international fullback Jack Fagan passed away on 30 November aged 82. Jack, who played for Ponsonby and represented Auckland, played 17 Tests between 1961 and 1965, scoring one try and kicking 46 goals. In 1961 he was a member of the New Zealand rugby league team which toured Great Britain and France. Jack, who was a life member of the New Zealand Rugby League, served on the New Zealand judiciary for 34 years.

JUDY GIBSON

Rugby league lost a very good friend and a strong supporter when Judy Gibson passed away on 10 January, aged 82. Judy was the wife of Team of the Century coach Jack Gibson, and the couple had been married for more than 50 years when Jack died in May 2008, aged 79. A caring and personable woman, Judy ensured the many visitors to the Gibson’s Cronulla household, felt at home. She was the perfect host and it didn’t matter whether you were an international sporting identity, a leading business figure or a neighbour who dropped in for a coffee, you were treated with the same respect.

Alongside Jack, she shared many big rugby league moments and decisions, while also an excellent mother to her six children. Over the years she and Jack spent plenty of time and money on charity pursuits, particularly in anti-drugs campaigns after the loss of their 25-year-old son Luke in 1988. She will be missed by many.

Judy is survived by children Susan, Tracey, Joanne, Matthew, John and their families, along with her eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

COLIN GLOVER

Colin Glover passed away on 24 December 2015 at Calvary Hospital, Kogarah. Colin was a South Sydney junior playing for Mascot before being graded with South Sydney third grade in 1956. He moved to the

Balmain Tigers the following year and was very proud of playing five first grade games as a hooker with the Tigers in 1960.

Welfare officers Alan Webb, John Peard and Warren Thompson visited Colin on 2 December and also met his children Greg and Lisa and grand-daughter Melissa. He was obviously much loved by his family and will be sadly missed.

PHILLIP JEFFERY

Phil, who passed away on 5 February, was a proud committee man, former publican at Manly Vale Hotel and Coffs Harbour Hotel. Phil grew up at Bargo and Aberdeen. A blond-haired speedy winger, he went through the grades at Penrith and also had a season with Bellingen in Group 2. Phil and great mate Merv Cartwright were instrumental in getting Penrith Panthers into the top competition. He retired in Coffs Harbour with his wife Kay.

BRIAN JOHNSON

Highly regarded St George player, Brian Johnson, lost his battle with Alzheimer’s disease in January. The exciting try-scoring fullback was just 59. Growing up in the Illawarra district, he was a prominent member of Dapto’s Illawarra premiership winning teams of 1976 and 1977. In 1978 he was in the Illawarra team that won the NSW Country Championship and represented Country Firsts against City.

He played the first of his seven seasons with St George in 1979 and was one of the Dragons’ three try-scorers in their 17-13 grand final win over the Bulldogs. He played 149 first grade games for St George, scoring 54 tries. He also had a season with Sydney Roosters in 1986.

After joining Warrington for the 1985/86 English season, he returned to Warrington and played 103 games and scored a try in the premiership trophy final win against Halifax. He coached Warrington for nine seasons, making him the longest surviving coach of his era and guided the Wires to Lancashire Cup and Regal Trophy victories, as well to the 1990 Challenge Cup final at Wembley, where they lost to Wigan.

He returned to Australia to head the Australian Institute of Sport’s rugby league program. He is survived by his wife Karen and his two sons.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

39

LES JONES

Les Jones was one of the best ever sportsmen from the NSW South Coast. Not only was he a top class rugby league centre, but he was also an excellent cricketer and a champion lawn bowler.

Born at Jamberoo near Kiama, Les was a fixture in junior and senior representative South Coast rugby league and cricket teams, Although only 17, Jones played a handful of first grade games for Jamberoo in the 1950 season. The next year, under captain-coach Leo Doyle, he became a permanent first grader and scored a classy try in Jamberoo’s 15-5 grand final win over Kiama. Two weeks later, against at Berry, he was a try-scorer in the 27-18 win over Illawarra Premiers, Wollongong, in a challenge match to decide the best team on the South Coast.

The utility back briefly played at Delegate before joining Wollongong in Illawarra football for four seasons. Jones played for Southern Division against New Zealand and a Maori side then returned to Jamberoo in 1961, winning another premiership.

He continued to play first grade cricket for the Kiama club. He was a life member of Kiama and won six South Coast first grade cricket premierships.

In 1996, Les and his brother Trevor, as members of the Kiama Lawn Bowls Club, won the South Pacific doubles title. He was 82 when he passed away. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Helen and their children Craig, Dale and Mark, and their families.

MIKE KEIM

The district of Warwick lost one of its great community workers Michael Keim who had bravely fought off leukaemia for 21 years. He was 67 when he passed away on Christmas Day. One of the last of his many community deeds was to organise a 50-year reunion of Warwick’s champion under-18s team that won the premierships in 1965 and ’66, boasting future international and current Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennett, plus Paul Coote who went onto play for Queensland.

Keim was also a member of the side and later went on to have a stellar career including playing in the Foley Shield in North Queensland.

Mike dedicated himself to the Warwick community, working tirelessly alongside his wife Ros in a number of organisations, including 15 years of service with the Warwick and District Branch of the 40

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

Leukaemia Foundation. He was also an active member of Men of League.

GRAHAM KING

Graham King had battled courageously with cancer for a long time and has been lovingly cared for by his wife Chrissy. Graham’s sons played in the Souths juniors with Maroubra Lions and he managed teams with the club. He was a fanatical Rabbitohs supporter whose favourite player was John ‘Lurch’ O’Neill.

VICTOR KING

Victor King, formerly of Newtown and Erskineville, passed away in Kincumber, aged 84. He was in the Navy serving in Korea on the HMAS Sydney. Vic was a beloved South Sydney Rabbitohs fan and was involved in the administration of Newtown Junior Rugby League between 1970 and 1975.

COLIN LONG

Rugby league followers on the NSW mid-North Coast were saddened to hear of the passing of former top referee Colin Long who had refereed in the Group 3 area from the mid 1970s to the late 1980s. He was universally regarded as the best referee of his era.

Colin suffered a severe stroke last year which impacted on his health and mobility in the final months of his life. His final days were spent on the family property near Gladstone where he and his wife had moved to from Port Macquarie.

ERIC SLADDEN

Former Souths and Norths player Eric Sladden, passed away on 7 February aged 79. The speedy winger joined Souths from the Ourimbah-Wyoming club on the Central Coast in 1956 and played six seasons 64 first grade games, scoring 56 tries. In 1957 he crossed for five tries at Cumberland Oval in the 48-12 win over Parramatta which still stands as a club record alongside the feats of Harold Horder, Alan Quinlivan, Don Manson, John Graves, Ian Moir and Nathan Merritt. In four of his six seasons with Souths, Sladden was the leading first grade try-scorer.

In six seasons with Norths from 1962 he played 79 first grade games, scoring 24 tries.

During his football career, Eric worked as a boilermaker with the railways department. After football, he drove his interstate truck and had his own prime mover and trailer, so he could transport containers.

Eric is survived by Esme, his two sons, Mark and Wayne, along with five grandchildren.

LANCE THOMPSON

Lance Thompson passed away peacefully, aged 87 at Tweed Heads, NSW. The St Marys junior had a distinguished playing career with Parramatta in the 1950s, playing 70 first grade games and also representing City Seconds in 1951.

From 1953-1959, Thompson played for Temora in Group 9 and represented Country Seconds in 1953.

Lance later had a long affiliation with St Marys club, where he had the honour of having badge number 2. He lived at Tweed Heads for 23 years, where he followed the local competition and his beloved Eels.

support from his wife Faye, a North Burnett regional councillor. Whelan was also well known in the horse racing fraternity throughout country Queensland as a bookmaker, making annual trips to the Birdsville races.

Dan is survived by his wife Faye, children Andrea, Justin and Shannon and seven grandchildren. Wayne Lindeberg and the Wide Bay committee send their condolences to Faye and the family.

RAY WILKINSON

BRIAN WALSH

Ray was born in Tamworth and started his footy with West Tamworth. A hard running back-rower, he was a member of the premiership winning Wests Juniors in 1962. He then crossed the peel and played with distinction for several years with Tamworth City; particularly in 1966, when City was coached by Kel O’Shea.

Walsh debuted for Queensland in 1957 against NSW at the SCG. He received few opportunities in Queensland’s 45-12 loss, but brought the crowd to its feet with one 50-metre dash after he retrieved a NSW kick.

After a stint in North Queensland, he returned to Sydney and played in the eastern suburbs until he suffered kidney failure at age 27. He went onto dialysis, and after a few near-death experiences, received a kidney transplant. His was the longest recorded successful kidney transplant in Australia, lasting 43 years. His health deteriorated dramatically over the last few years and he passed away in the John Flynn Hospital on the Gold Coast, age 70. He was a fierce St George supporter and an avid Men of League member, since its inception. He is survived by his wife Julia, daughter Donna and son Ben.

Rugby league was Brian ‘Tiger’ Walsh’s passion from an early age, playing mostly wing and centre for the Ipswich Brothers club. He represented Ipswich against Brisbane and Toowoomba in the Bulimba Cup competition and was one of the stars of the coal city’s defeat of Toowoomba in the 1957 final.

He represented the Maroons again in 1958-59 and in ’59 was part of the Queensland team that won the series 3-1, the last time the Maroons took the interstate title before the advent of State of Origin in 1980. In the 1960s Walsh took on a number of captain-coach roles, notably at Bathurst St Patricks in NSW, and Brothers, Ingham in North Queensland. From Ingham he represented Herbert River in the Foley Shield and was part of the 1965 team which beat Cairns in the grand final. He returned to Ipswich and was a selector at intercity and state level.

In 1972 Tiger and his wife Pat took over the running of a pub at Harrisville, south of Ipswich, with Walsh coaching local junior league sides. They were there for 13 years before Walsh took up the challenge of a bread run and then a parcel delivery service in the last 17 years of his working life. In 2008 he was named in Ipswich Brothers’ team of the century. Tiger passed away a month short of his 80th birthday.

DAN WHELAN

The small Central Burnett township of Mundubbera is in mourning after the loss of former player, coach and sport administrator Danny Whelan. A great competitor in rugby league and cricket, Dan made a significant impact off the field as chairman of the Central Burnett Rugby League, he held an executive position on the local league for 15 years and with strong

MERV WRIGHT

In the NSW town of Maitland the passing of the popular former player Merv Wright has saddened the hearts of many. His exploits as a player are legendary in the Newcastle area, however it is Merv, the humble, gentle, family man, that completes the character and makes him highly respected and admired.

Originally from Kempsey NSW, Wright played in the 1961-62 premiership winning Souths President’s Cup teams, and was also a star player for the South Sydney third grade premiers in 1962. After representing Western Division, Merv moved to Newcastle, where he became the crowd favourite at Maitland Pickers with toughness, speed and strong defence. A few months ago he was selected in the club’s top 20 players of all-time. He received a standing ovation at the presentation of the number five jersey.

Terry Pannowitz, captain-coach of Maitland when Merv was with the club, commented: “He was just a fantastic ambassador for rugby league, the aboriginal community and for the city of Maitland. Merv Wright is someone you cannot replace.” He is survived by his partner of 43 years Sue and their seven children.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

41

LENDING A HELPING HAND

Alan Catlin.

A DEDICATED LEAGUE MAN

Our committee has for some time been visiting Alan Catlin the former patron and life member of the Victorian Referees Association. Alan is battling Parkinson’s disease, and is in a care facility but is still a very keen rugby league supporter.

During a recent visit, Peter Foreman presented Alan with a signed Melbourne Storm jersey to go over his bed as a thank you for the years of dedicated service that he has devoted to the local competition.

A FRIENDLY VISIT

Northern Sydney welfare officers Norm Pounder, Fred Jackson and Ken Vessey had the pleasure to visit Brian Friend OAM, aka ‘Friendly’, at his home whilst he was recuperating from surgery on his left shoulder. Friendly is a unique and well respected character in the Many Warringah district who has spent a lifetime involved in rugby league, touch football, Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club and assisting numerous charitable organisations.

He played for 13 years with the Narrabeen Sharks junior club before becoming actively involved with the Avalon Bulldogs. Here he continued coaching junior teams, was president from 1966-1968 and was honoured 42

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

(from left) Ken Vessey, Brian ‘Friendly’ Friend, Fred Jackson and Norm Pounder.

with life membership. Since 2005 Brian has played with the Narrabeen Sharks in the masters competition (which now has 38 teams in NSW), has been a member of the Australian Masters teams since 2006 and the touring teams to the UK in 2008 and 2013. He is hoping his shoulder will recover to allow him to be part of the 2017 touring party to the UK. On other sporting fronts he has been a co-founder-executive member of the Warringah Touch Football Association since 1983 and was granted life membership in 1993. He holds a NSW referee’s ticket and controls the centre in many junior rugby league games.

The Manly Warringah District Junior Rugby League club granted him life membership in 2012.

Friendly was a proud member of the NSW Police Force for 32 years, of which 30 years was with the NSW Water Police. He told some interesting and varied stories about some of the VIPs he had on his vessels including Prince Charles and Princess Diana, George Bush snr and General Herbert Norman Schwarzkopf to name a few. During his police days he was awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery and the NSW Police Commissioner’s Commendation.

Not to stop there, he has received many civic awards including Centenary Medal 2000, Pittwater Council Australia Day Citizen of the Year 2000 and Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division OAM 2014.

ALAN FOSKETT VISIT

Alan Foskett is a well-known league identity on the Central Coast. Alan played with Newtown from 1952-55, was captain-coach of Casino 1956 and played for The Entrance 195859. In 1980 he was a member of the selection panels for Country Rugby League, 1982 NSW Rugby League, and the ARL from 1984 until 1989.

Alan was secretary of the Entrance Rugby League Club and coached the under-17 sides.

Alan was admitted to Gosford Hospital on Boxing Day suffering severe back pain. During the many tests to determine the cause of the pain he picked up an infection which affects his kidney. This infection required treatment on the dialysis machine. Further tests revealed gallstones and he required an operation to remove his gallbladder.

After seven weeks Alan was moved to Gosford Private Hospital for rehabilitation and was determined to make the criteria to enable him to be

discharged by the end of February.

Alan was visited by Don Parish, Les Pearce, Lance Henry and Dennis Tomsett during his hospital stay. Alan was very grateful for the support and expressed his great appreciation for the visits and the support of the Men of League Foundation.

Greg Rousell (left), John Gardner and Bob Honan.

GARDNER’S RARE ILLNESS

Former St George hooker and second-rower John Gardner is suffering from a rare illness medically known as sarcoidosis. It is a disease which attacks the lungs, heart and liver. He is also due for an operation on the C6 and C7 vertebrae.

John represented Cronulla in Matthews, Ball and Flegg competitions before being graded by St George for the 1979-81 seasons.

In 1984 he played in the front row for Gilgandra who won the premiership without losing a game. In 1985-86 he played for Dubbo CYMS. John is the third generation of the Gardner family to play for St George.

His grandfather Fred was on the wing from 1929-35, representing NSW and touring Britain and France in 1933 with the Kangaroos. His father Fred jnr played in 1954-55.

John was delighted to receive a visit from Gold Coast Men of League welfare officers Greg Sylvester, Bob Honan and Greg Rousell.

NORTH COAST VISIT

North Coast welfare officers Marty Phillips, Morrie Lonergan and Laurie Boekeman have been busy and visited former Penrith Panthers speedster Phil Jefferies, a publican who is on the mend after a couple of operations; former Newtown,

Tamworth forward John Hackett who is fighting dementia; Paul Trotman, the former Forbes player suffering from cancer of the kidney; and Macksville resident Rupert Emery was is struggling in a nursing home.

FOUNDATION SEA EAGLE

Northern Sydney welfare officers Norm Pounder and Ken Vessey paid a surprise on 92-year-old Merv Gillmer at the Manly Waters Private Hospital, where he was undergoing some treatment, and further surprised him by handing him a photo of his 1947 inaugural Manly team. They also produced several match programs from 19471949 listing him as five-eighth in first grade teams for Manly Warringah with the likes of Max Whitehead (first club captain), Johnny Bliss, Mackie Campbell, ‘Bert’ Collins, Ern Gannon, Roy Bull, Gordon Willoughby and Ron O’Connell. Merv played 21 first grade games, scoring two tries and kicking 38 goals. As Merv examined these documents, memories rushed back as he smiled and laughed, telling stories of his enjoyable playing days.

Curtis was 15 when he seriously injured in a routine tackle, breaking his C2 and C3 vertebrae, in 2014 while playing Forster Tuncurry Hawks in Port Macquarie. After delicate surgery he was lovingly supported by his mum Maree, dad Kevin, sister Kayla, brothers Mitchell and Hayden and Brianna plus members of the local and broader league community. He amazed physiotherapists and doctors by the rate of his recovery and after being told that he would be in hospital for 12 months and spend another one or two years in a wheelchair as his muscular system strengthened.

He astonished everyone by taking his first steps after five weeks and was discharged after three months. Mario Fenech and Anthony Minichiello popped in to meet Curtis and the group and they spoke at length about Curtis' courage and determination.

Tegan Jennings and Jessie Moffat.

Anthony Minichiello, Curtis Landers, Brianna Amato and Mario Fenech.

CURTIS MEETS LEGENDS

Curtis Landers was surprised by his girlfriend Brianna Amato and her parents Kim and Corrado when they took him to the NRL Heroes and Legends Museum while in Sydney on a visit from Tuncurry.

Northern Sydney welfare officers Fred Jackson and Ken Vessey were volunteering at the Museum on the same day and had the pleasure to meet up with Curtis and the group.

BUBBLY JESSIE ON MEND

Tegan Jennings, our Queensland events and operations manager, had the pleasure of visiting Jessie Moffat.

The bubbly, positive woman from a small town out past Willowbank was in the oncology ward at the Princess Alexander Hospital. Jessie was only meant to be in hospital for up to weeks but suffered from a stroke which had her stay extended to three months. Thanks to the Queensland Rugby League, Tegan was able to present Jessie with a Queensland State of Origin player’s jersey signed

by Johnathan Thurston.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

43

GOING FOR BROKE

Lead role Steve Le Marquand (right) and Max Cullen in a scene from the movie.

Broke, a movie based on a fictional former North Sydney Bear, has gained wide acclaim. It was produced on a shoestring budget with support from the NRL with some of the profits going to Men of League. BY NEIL CADIGAN

I

t’s a movie based as much on real life as it is on rugby league. It’s raw and confronting and unfortunately familiar to many of our members who would have seen gambling and “after the full-time siren” adaption to life affect many footballers.

For Luke Graham, who has lived in Gladstone where father Mark is very active with Men of League as the local committee president, the storyline in Broke reflects too many examples of footballers he has seen, or knew about, who battled a gambling addiction.

Broke, filmed mostly in the Queensland town of Gladstone and produced by the son of perhaps New Zealand’s greatest league figure Mark Graham, has already received rave reviews and will be shown at film festivals in America and Europe where rugby league is little known.

“It’s timely and topical,” Luke said. “But above all it is a celebration of the human spirit, much like our great game is.”

That in itself is strong recommendation but Men of League members can see for themselves as the independently produced film, produced on a shoestring budget yet starring some accomplished actors, tours NSW and Queensland in coming weeks.

Part of the profits from the film will go to the Men of League Foundation.

44

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

It’s also a celebration for Luke and director Heath Davis who had to rely on private contributions and funding from the NRL to make the movie happen.

“We’ve got actors who are used to working on films with a $10 million budget working on our no-budget film,” he said.

The main character is a former North Sydney Bears legend Ben Kelly, played by Steve Le Marquand. After a celebrated career he falls on hard times and battles

the bottle and gambling, before being led into salvation by an old fan (Max Cullen) and making a comeback.

Others in the movie include Brendan Cowell, Claire Van Der Boom and Steve Bastoni.

Le Marquand was born in Perth but moved to Sydney as a six-year-old and adopted rugby league and played in later years before, after turning up on the set with facial injuries, was advised by his agent to retire promptly.

But he maintained an identity with the grass-roots sport and studied the tragic story of the late NRL player Ryan Tandy who took his life after going through the shame of being found guilty of match fixing and betting on one of his matches after his life being badly affected by a gambling addiction.

“I actually followed the Ryan Tandy story, even before Broke was even in the picture,” Le Marquand told nrl.com.au.

“I found that incredibly interesting. I’ve always been interested in broken human beings; I find them far more interesting than just your ordinary run-of-the-mill folk.

“To then just watch that story independently of the film, watching as he went to court and of course the unbelievably sad end to that story, it was riveting from a character point of view.

“I definitely did a lot of research into that character when I was trying to put Ben Kelly together.”

Davis says he was inspired to write the script for Broke after seeing a famous player in the grip of a gambling addiction – particularly poker machines.

Brendan Cowell.

“I grew up around problem gamblers that played rugby league,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald. “I played rugby league until the age of 18, 19 at a pretty good level with some famous players who went on to have pretty good careers for Australia and NSW. “I’ve seen them on a Sunday as heroes on the field and I’ve seen them on a Tuesday night at the local pub.”

Davis says early festival screenings suggest Broke, has gained acclaim from non-sports fans as a human story of redemption.

The movie has been included in the screenings at several overseas film festivals in England, Wales, United States (five cities), Turkey, Uruquay and Singapore.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

45

RAY BEATTIE OAM T

he fact Ray Beattie has been appointed as the interim Chief Executive Officer of the Men of League Foundation shouldn’t surprise many within the rugby league community.

Ray has been around the Foundation for a long time and has been a part of the rugby league community for as long as he can remember. Ray played for Balmain Tigers and the North Sydney Bears in the 1960s. He coached Narraweena A Grade in the 1970s and was on the board of the NSW Rugby League in the 1990s. Ray was also president of the North Sydney Bears Rugby League Club and the Leagues Club.

Ray was the serving honorary wellbeing advisor, a member of the welfare committee and the scholarship officer for the Foundation. His passion for the Foundation is demonstrated by his long service and contribution.

These roles, and a wealth of experience outside of rugby league, have given Ray Beattie a comprehensive understanding

Ray Beattie with Paul Whatuira at the 2016 Men of League Foundation Thank You Dinner.

of not just how the Foundation operates and its staff, but also the membership of the Foundation and those it strives to help.

Ray’s qualifications and professional experiences are as broad as they are varied.

He was executive producer of the iconic Australian film Young Einstein and, television executive of Channel 7, Australian Sports Commissioner and Australian Film Commissioner.

Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2006 for, among other

things, service to sport, particularly rugby league. Ray is an ideal caretaker for the Foundation.

“I’m honoured that the board have asked me to play this important role for the Foundation and pleased to be able to continue to contribute this way.

"I think I’ve got something to offer as I’ve been around the Foundation for a while.

"Once the national board have made their permanent appoint, I’ll still proudly be involved with the Foundation for as long as I can.”

SYDNEY’S LEADING 5 STAR HOSPITALITY DESTINATION

26 BRIDGE ROAD BELMORE NSW 2192

CANTERBURY.COM.AU

9704 7777 FOLLOW US

46

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

LEAGUE TRIVIA 1 Four clubs have each won the most World Club Challenges (three each) played since 1975.

Name them.

2 Who was Parramatta’s fullback in their last grand final victory 30 years ago in 1986?

3 Who has the best try-scoring strike-rate of current NRL players with an incredible 48 tries in 50 games?

4 Who is the most recent player to pass the 300 NRL/ARL game benchmark?

5 Name the current club that has three sets of brothers in their NRL squad?

6 Name the coaches of Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain.

7 Who became an NRL head coach first – Craig Bellamy or Des Hasler?

8 Who holds the record for most NRL games for the Cowboys?

9 Who holds that record for Brisbane?

10 During St George’s record run of 11 straight premierships from 1956-66, who played in the most grand finals for them?

ANSWERS: 1. Bradford, Wigan, Leeds and Sydney Roosters/Eastern Suburbs. 2. Paul Taylor. 3. Semi Radradra, Parramatta. 4. Cameron Smith, Melbourne in 2015. 5. Newcastle Knights – Korbin and Tariq Sims, Chanel and Pat Mata’utia and Daniel and Jacob Saifiti. 6. Mal Meninga, Steve Kearney and Wayne Bennett. 7. Craig Bellamy at Melbourne in 2003; Des Hasler at Manly in 2004. 8. Matt Bowen with 270.

9. Darren Lockyer 355. 10. Norm Provan, 10.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

47

MOORE HELP FROM BILLY

BY TONY DURKIN

Australian Mungbean Association president Rob Anderson with the cheque that Billy Moore handed onto Men of League.

B

illy Moore has long been an unwavering devotee of Men of League, generously giving his time as guest speaker and corporate supporter to the Sunshine Coast committee.

And that support continued in December, albeit in a roundabout fashion. As a result, Men of League has an additional $250 to continue its wide-ranging work among the rugby league community.

From left field came an invitation for Billy – the man who made famous the call ‘Queenslander’ – to address the December meeting of the Australian Mungbean Association.

Conveniently for the former Test and Origin player, the function was held at Mooloolaba Surf Club, across the esplanade from his Augello’s Ristorante and Pizzeria. Billy spoke about lessons of life learnt through experiences in league, and how they relate to small business and personal development. He stressed that these lessons, if adopted, could help people to become the best they can be.

And Australian Mungbean Association president Rob Anderson described Billy’s discourse as both entertaining and encouraging.

“The light-hearted address came with a serious message about the

value of learning from the best in life and in business,” he said.

Moore did not ask for a fee for his address, but when AMA insisted he asked that the donation to be made to Men of League.

After retiring in 1999 with 211 games for the North Sydney Bears, 17 Origin appearances and three Tests for Australia, Billy Moore settled on the Sunshine Coast and moved into the restaurant business. He then had a short stint working for the QRL before re-entering the hospitality industry and now he and his business partner Simon Best have two Augello’s restaurants, in Mooloolaba and Balwyn, Melbourne.

Billy still keeps his hand in with the sport, commenting on Broncos home games on ABC radio and a regular Thursday night appearance on Fox with former Bears teammate Ben Ikin on NRL 360.

SUPER SEVENS SALUTED AT SUNSHINE COAST LUNCHEON

I

t was very much a case of seven being the special number when the Sunshine Coast committee turned on another memorable Christmas luncheon to finalise fund-raising activities for 2015.

Two of the most decorated halfbacks of the modern era, Peter Sterling and Allan Langer, were the official guests and thrilled the capacity crowd of 200 with their take on the greatest game of all.

But also in attendance was another great halfback of recent times, former Queensland and Kangaroo No. 7 Mark Murray.

Such was the mark Sterling and 48

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

Langer made on the game that they joined Andrew Johns, Steve Mortimer, Tom Raudonikis, Billy Smith and Johnathan Thurston as members of the Magnificent Seven in last year’s Men of League promotion that honoured the seven greatest halfbacks in Australia since 1961.

Other celebrities in attendance included Sterling’s premiershipwinning Eels coach John Monie, Langer’s ex-Ipswich and Broncos teammate Kerrod Walters, dual rugby internationals John Brass and Geoff Richardson, ex-Kangaroos forward Wally Fullerton-Smith and Bob Hagan, the former Australian Test centre

who is also Sunshine Coast committee chairman.

Through the generosity of members and guests – particularly Sterling and Langer who did not charge an appearance fee – the luncheon raised $19,398.

Murray, Langer and Sterling.

ROMA COMMITTEE PROFILE A

fter a Kick Off club in 2011 with guest speakers John Peard and Southern Division president Andrew O’Brien, the Roma rugby league community were sold on the benefits and great work of the Men of League Foundation, and the Roma committee was formed.

Despite the challenges of operating in quite a small population, Roma has proven to be very successful.

There are now around 250 members in the area, largely helped by a Queensland membership drive challenge in 2013 that the local committee won. Local member John Gleeson became a Men of League Honouree for his services to rugby league in 2013.

At the forefront of this success is the passion and enthusiasm of the Roma committee members.

President Owen ‘Bodgie’ Lingard is a former Roma and District Rugby League president, player and coach. He is currently suffering renal failure and is away from home for six months while undergoing treatments, but welcomed the opportunity to talk about Men of League and all the people that contribute.

Owen says “The committee brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Men of League Foundation in Roma.”

Filled with current and former rugby league administrators, players and coaches from the area, the members include Jason Coonan, Julie Walton, Peter Flynn, Brett Cherry, Stephen O’Brien, Patrick Mawn, Frank Saunders, Steve Outen, Doug Sainty and Ron Irwin.

Founding vice president Brian Jones sadly suffered a stroke in 2014, but Lyle Cherry, one of the most capped representative players in the Roma district and another former Roma and District Rugby League president, has now taken over this role.

Like all committees, Owen says fundraising plays a major role. Annual events include the Bendamere Cup Race Day and the Terry Charles Memorial Rugby League Dinner and Game Day which are always successful.

In 2015 a drought, depression and Brian Jones Gala Dinner was held.

(from left) Lyle Cherry, Tony Joseph, Peter Flynn, Owen Lingard (Bodgie), Steve Outen. All but Tony are members of Roma Committee.

Guest speakers included Trent Young, Luke Bailey and former Cowboys coach and current NRL welfare and education manager Murray Hurst, who gave a very touching presentation on welfare and depression.

Thanks to the 300 people attending and the work of the committee, a significant amount of money was raised. 2016 will look to continue the success of these fundraising events, including the introduction of a golf day.

Welfare is the other major issue for the Roma committee and Owen says that the committee have helped many through hard times over the years. Gary Wilson, who lost both legs and an eye with diabetes, was presented with a mobility scooter thanks to the help of the committee.

The Meehan family of Miles, who were involved in a tragic accident, have also been helped out as two of the children require ongoing care. Footballers who have sustained career ending injuries have also been assisted by the Roma committee with the support of the Roma and District Rugby League and clubs, local businesses and the community in general.

On a more sombre note, Owen, made special mention of the deep sadness the committee felt with the passing of former QLD state manager Steve Calder last year. “Steve supported the Roma committee to the highest quality, attending most functions and having a strong hand in the formation of the committee. We will be ever grateful for the support he gave us and his commitment to our success.”

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

49

FINDING PRIVATE WYNN Anzac Day, April 25, has grown in reverence and recognition with the century celebration of the Gallipoli battle last year. This July marks the 100-year anniversary of one of military history’s most bloody battles, The Battle of Fromelles, which holds a special significance for league international forwards Peter and Graeme Wynn. BY TIM PRENTICE

A

nzac Day claimed a piece of Peter Wynn’s heart when he learned as a child that two of his great uncles died on the battle field in World War I. Now aged 58, April 25 carries a far deeper and greater significance for the former Parramatta, NSW and Australian back-rower who proudly helped identify the body of his great uncle, Private John Cyril Wynn.

The identification has given the Wynn family closure an amazing four generations after the soldier’s death.

While the elder Wynn brother, Darcy, had an official gravesite at Villiers Bretonneau, Private John Wynn “Jack” to his friends - was listed as missing in action, presumed dead, in the Battle of Fromelles on July 20, 1916.

The 19-year-old soldier from the 30th Australian Infantry Battalion, now has a grave and inscribed headstone at the Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery in France.

Peter tells how this remarkable story unfolded: “A few years ago, I read an article about a mass grave at Fromelles,” he said. “John Cyril Wynn’s name was up on a wall but there wasn’t a body to go with my great uncle’s name.

“The article went on to say that they were DNA-testing the bodies of 50

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

soldiers who were recovered from the battleground and buried in a mass grave in France.

“If you felt you might be able to identify anyone, you were invited to register and I did. I sent all of my details away not really expecting anything to come of it.

“Some time later, I got a call out of the blue asking if I could provide the authorities with my family tree and how I fitted in - so I also sent that away as well. The next thing, I got a call from them asking for a DNA swab because they thought there was a chance they had found my great uncle.”

Peter asked his brother Graeme for assistance and before long, two DNA testing kits arrived from the United Kingdom. Each of the Wynn brothers had to take a saliva swab, package it up and return the kits to England for verification.

“The results came back positive,” Peter said. “They had found Private John Cyril Wynn, our great uncle who had gone to fight at Fromelles but died in the first month. We have been told that he lost his life during an attempted infantry charge through the German ranks. It was successful but his line lacked support and all were killed.

“The positive identification after all these years was sad but in another way a tremendous relief, perhaps even exciting, for the entire Wynn family.”

John Wynn citation.

As a youngster, Peter was told his Pop, grandfather Paul Wynn, would sit by the radio and cry his eyes out, awaiting radio news about his two brothers. Paul had been too young to go to war.

The Battle of Fromelles took place on July 19 and 20 in 1916, the first fighting involving Australian troops on the western front and after just one day and one night, 1500 British and 5533 Australian soldiers were killed.

Thousands were cut to ribbons by machine gun fire as they charged towards a German stronghold in a bid to divert enemy forces from the main battlefield on The Somme.

That Australian casualty list was greater than the number lost in the Boer, Korean and Vietnam wars combined.

In July, 2012, Peter, Graeme and other members of the Wynn family made the special trek to Fromelles to witness the dedication of a headstone over the grave of Pte. J C Wynn.

deliberation and consultation, the headstone reads: ‘Private John Cyril Wynn. Beloved son of Albert and Alice Wynn. Once lost, now found. Rest In Peace.’

Peter said the entire experience was deeply personal, sending emotions wild.

“When we were there, a military band played the national anthems of Australia, France and England.

There were about 500 in attendance and there wasn’t a dry eye in the place,” he said.

“We did a tour of the battlefields, learned so much about history, met some wonderful people and at the same time came away with a meaningful connection with our great uncle.”

Peter and Graeme Wynn at the grave of their great uncle Private John Cyril Wynn.

“We were attending the 96th anniversary of Fromelles and it was a very, very emotional time for our little party of six. It’s hard putting into words the respect and reverence we had for it all,” Peter recalled.

“Our great uncle John was one of nine Australians buried at Pheasant Wood who were identified earlier that year – almost 96 years after they were killed in action.

“We were in France for a week and Ric Wells, Australia’s Ambassador to France, invited us to his private residence.

"Ric congratulated us and said that uncovering even this tiny piece of history had definitely improved relations between Australia and France.

“The ambassador later took us to a special exhibition honouring

Australian servicemen in Paris.”

The dedication ceremony attended by the Wynn contingent was, according to Peter Wynn, “one of the most moving things I’ve experienced in my life”.

“Sure, I’ve had plenty of incredible moments and memories as a rugby league player but this was just so special. This was human history, family history and there were so many years between the times John Wynn lost his life and the day that he could be given a fitting and proper burial.

“We got the chance to chat with others involved in the ceremony and there were plenty of tears flowing, it was just so moving.

“I had to design the headstone to replace the nameless AIF headstone. After plenty of family

The Wynn brothers are planning another visit to France this year to attend ceremonies commemorating the 100-year anniversary of The Battle of Fromelles on July 16.

Peter and Graeme, part of the select group of brothers to have played for Australia, are in good health these days, still making vital contributions to the sport they excelled in – rugby league.

Peter still runs Peter Wynn's Score, the sports goods store in Parramatta where if one doesn’t score, one never will, (or words to that effect).

He first opened for trading way back in January 1988 and the store proudly and quite accurately, calls itself, ‘Rugby League Retail Headquarters.’

Graeme works in the retail liquor business with CUB after starting out as a rep with Penfolds Wines He has coached the St George under-16 rep team for the past seven years and still finds time to coach the Gymea Gorillas in the Cronulla Sutherland A-grade competition.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

51

TEGAN JENNINGS STAFF PROFILE What is your role at Men of League Foundation?

Queensland events and operations manager.

How long have you been with Men of League Foundation?

Eight years, but I was involved in Men of League’s events for two years before that - so 10 years in total.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love all the people I’ve met including our committees, welfare recipients and former rugby league legends.

Broncos who invited Caleb to do the coin toss at the 2014 Men of League Heritage Round game. Caleb spent the entire day practising to make sure he tossed the coin just right. To see how Men of League lit up this young boy and his mum’s life was really special to me.

If you could meet any rugby league player ever, who would it be?

I’m lucky enough to have met him - Norm Provan!

Such an icon and gentleman of our game, a true legend.

Do you have a favourite story about working for Men of League Foundation?

In 2011, Men of League Queensland were notified of mother and son Brooke and Caleb Free. Brooke was battling melanoma and various other forms of cancer but didn’t let it stop her taking on duties at the Albany Creek Crushers such as canteen, jersey washer, under 6 manager and medical attendant. When approached

by Men of League Foundation all Brooke wanted was to see her eight-year old son looked after.

Which NRL team do you support?

I’m a fourth generation Dragons supporter.

We had great support from a local Brisbane boys college who confirmed they would enrol Caleb at the school when he starts high school and Men of League Foundation would pay $5000 a year to cover his school fees, uniform and any other incidentals.

Following this, we had great support from the Brisbane

What is your most played song on your iPod? Jimmy Barnes - No Second Prize and Cold Chisel Flame Trees.

Caleb Free tosses the coin at 2014 Men of League Heritage round.

52

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

What was your first job?

Working at my Pop’s Betta Electrical store on Saturdays.

If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

My husband’s curries - they’re the best!

What is your favourite television show?

Game of Thrones and Friday Night Footy!

JASON TURIK STAFF PROFILE What is your role at Men of League Foundation?

Events and community engagement manager.

How long have you been with Foundation?

Seven years.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy working with the rugby league family; the men, women and children, to help others in need.

If you could meet any rugby league player, who would it be?

I have been lucky enough to meet him, Andrew Johns.

As a 15 year old, watching his ability to transform the 2005 State of Origin series will forever be etched in my memory!

Which NRL team do you support?

The one and only, Manly Sea Eagles!

Do you have a favourite story about working for Men of League?

In January 2013, 28-year-old Sharlon Taki was diagnosed with cancer. In May, he was given two weeks to live. Sharlon was determined to not give up. We helped give him a ray of sunshine during the stormy time with tickets to watch his first live Origin match which was Game 1 at ANZ Stadium.

What was your very first job?

Labouring for an electrical company.

This was followed by a VIP tour into the NSW Origin sheds. Sharlon was overjoyed and, by his family and friends accounts, he was the happiest he had been for a long time. Sharlon unfortunately lost his battle on July 17 (the same day as Origin Game 3).

What is your most played song on your iPod? Nelly, Just a Dream.

If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Massaman beef from Blue Pearl, Bayview (formerly Green Pearl). It has ruined every other Thai restaurant’s version!

What is your favourite television show?

At the moment, Suits!

Sharlon Taki with Brad Fittler.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

53

NRL WELFARE & EDUCATION The goal of the Welfare and Education program is to turn talented boys into men of character and integrity; men who are better for being part of rugby league.

LeagueWise is being Careerwise, Characterwise and Healthwise. Every element of the program is designed to help our young players grown and develop their potential in every aspect of their lives. The Healthwise program takes a wholistic approach to wellbeing by promoting social, spiritual, psychological and financial health by providing ongoing support in these areas into retirement from professional rugby league.

Every attendee is given a 21-day gratitude journal to take away with them. This is to teach them how to practise gratitude by writing down three things that went well for them during the day or three things that they feel grateful for.

The Resilience Project delivers emotionally engaging programs to schools, sports clubs and businesses and provides them with evidence based practical strategies to build resilience. It’s founding director, Hugh Van Cuylenburg, is passionate about helping young Australians build healthy minds.

Hugh’s presentations emphasise the value of gratitude, empathy and mindfulness.

Of note, Hugh has developed and facilitated programs for over 180 schools Australia wide. Beyond schools, Hugh has developed and facilitated resilience and mental health training for Melbourne Storm, Hawthorn Football Club, Collingwood Football Club and the Australian Institute of Sport.

This project was so well received by the Melbourne Storm that in the 2016 season we have engaged Hugh to deliver his wellbeing presentation to 16 NRL clubs including to the NRL, NYC, under-16s and under-18s players, club staff, player partners, NRL staff, referees, the Men of League, NSWRL and CRL staff and players. In total this program will touch over 4000 people.

54

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

Hugh said: “I have been blown away by the response from the players. Many of them have sought me out weeks after the presentation to learn more about positive mental health strategies. These boys are under enormous pressure so it is a brilliant initiative from the NRL to provide strategies that will support their mental health.”

St George Illawarra Dragons NRL player Joel Thompson said: “When Hugh from the Resilience Project came to our club he had an immediate and positive effect on the playing group. Personally, having young kids and having a childhood where myself and those around me had to make a number of sacrifices, I could relate to what it was he was saying and I continually find myself referring back to his key messages. It has changed my outlook in a number of situations.”

Dragons welfare and education manager Scott Stewart remarked: “In the days following Hugh’s visit I had a number of players visit my office discussing ways they can give back. Some were looking to assist their local community, their junior league club or those less fortunate.

“There was definitely an immediate positive attitude shift. Even in day to day training, you often here the boys mention some of the points Hugh made. It has been great to watch the change.”

RESILIENCE IN PRACTICE Resilience… gives you the ability to bounce back after distressing situations. Resilience is enhanced when gratitude, empathy and mindfulness are practised regularly. Here are some ideas on how to do that: GRATITUDE

Keep a Gratitude Journal on your phone and type in three moments that you were grateful for each day.

Keep in mind when remembering moments; - Why you were grateful for that moment.

- The emotion you experienced within that moment.

Alternatively you could share these three things verbally with your partner or loved one over dinner or before bed. Take moments out of your day to stop for a second and appreciate the good things that happen all around you every single day, even something as simple as the smell of a fresh coffee or the colours of a sunset.

MINDFULNESS

Practise mindfulness and meditation via a FREE App on your phone. They give you step by step instructions for first timers and help you get better at it each time.

Your mood and general feeling will improve directly after each session – guarantee it.

- Smiling Mind - Headspace Give a yoga class a try – it’s good for the mind and the body.

EMPATHY

Write a note (text message, email or letter) to someone who has done something for you and thank them for doing it. It’s a great way of reflecting on the good things in your life and the wonderful people around you.

Try doing something nice for someone else without them asking for it – you’ll feel great afterwards.

Volunteer your time or effort to a community cause – it helps you realise there is usually someone else out there worse off than you.

Josh Dugan & Hugh Van Cuylenburg.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

55

A FOOTY PATHFINDER

We pay tribute to a man who has made a contribution at senior and junior level, locally and in Queensland’s toughest competitions.

His name is Jim Murdoch. BY STEVE RICKETTS

T

o describe Jim Murdoch as a rugby league founding father would be a major understatement.

Murdoch is a man who has never rested on his laurels, always looking to advance the cause of sport, rugby league in particular, and all without any payment.

Now 77 and living on the Gold Coast, he is regarded as the driving force behind the formation of Souths Sunnybank Rugby League Club, which boasts Cowboys skipper, Johnathan Thurston as a former junior. Both men have playing fields named in their honour at the club’s HQ. Murdoch, despite formidable opposition was also instrumental in the formation of Tugun Junior Rugby League on the Gold Coast also, after being president of Tugun seniors earlier.

All this from a man who also ran a successful plumbing business, and later became a developer, after an impressive playing career as a no holds barred forward.

A Brisbane Souths rugby league junior, Murdoch won an under-16 premiership with the Magpies in 1956.

His dad had been a soccer player with Merton Rovers in Brisbane.

Jim moved into the senior ranks in 1959 and was a member of the Souths’ team that defeated Easts in the 1961 reserve grade grand final with Murdoch, playing the unaccustomed role of five-eighth, winning the best back award. In all games before and thereafter he played in the front row.

In 1962 Murdoch moved to North Queensland to coach Innisfail Brothers and represented the district in the famous Foley Shield competition, as well as working as a plumber.

He returned to Souths the following year and represented Brisbane against Toowoomba in the Bulimba Cup, helping Brisbane to retain the trophy, earning the reputation as a try sneak from dummy half, an unusual skill for a prop in those days.

56

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

Jim and Betty Murdoch.

Souths enjoyed a stellar 1963 season, and motored into the grand final with a 23-3 win over hot favourites Norths in the major semi-final.

At the start of the season, The Courier-Mail’s chief league writer, Jack Reardon tipped Norths to win the premiership for a fifth time, and declared they would be unstoppable in finals football.

After the shock of that loss to Souths, the Devils bounced back with a 22-13 win over Redcliffe the following weekend, before proving Reardon right with an 18-8 win over Souths in the grand final.

Norths’ pack outweighed Souths by 10kg a man, but with Murdoch and Test forward Mick Veivers leading

“It is the greatest advertisement rugby league football has had in 17 years,” Norths coach, Bob Bax told reporters after the match. “It’s the best grand final I have seen in Brisbane.”

After Murdoch hung up his boots, he coached Souths’ under-20s to a premiership in 1967, with future Australian skipper Greg Veivers, future top grade player and coach, Laurie Freier and Australian water polo star Tony West in the ranks of the young Magpies, who beat Brothers 11-6 in the decider at Neumann Oval. Captain of the side was Jim’s younger brother, Wayne.

Johnathan Thurston played for Souths Sunnybank before he moved to Toowoomba to complete his secondary schooling. Former Test forward Henry Holloway coached at Sunnybank for a time, and dual international, Lote Tuqiri also got an early start in league at Lister Street.

Photos courtesy: NRL Photos.

the way, Souths more than held their own. Former Test fullback Frank Drake captained Souths from the centres, with Queensland star Garth Budge at fiveeighth and future South Sydney premiership winner Ivan Jones at halfback.

After coaching Souths reserve grade in 1970, Jim devoted all his energies to Sunnybank, coaching various colts teams as well as doing an exemplary job as president.

Jim and Betty moved to the Gold Coast, setting up their home at Tugun. Jim had been a surf life saver with the Tugun club and also was a founding player and official with the Tugun Barracudas (formerly Tugun Valley) Water Polo Club, now the Brisbane Barracudas.

Veivers, man of the match in the grand final, is full of praise for Jim Murdoch, one of the code’s unsung heroes.

Jim became president of the Tugun Seahawks seniors rugby league club in 1985. He was also founding president of the Tugun juniors and held the position for four years.

“You hear all about the blokes who played for their state and country, and fair enough, but you don’t hear much about the likes of Jim Murdoch, who sacrificed so much for the game itself,” Veivers said. “He was a no nonsense coach, a hard man. You wouldn’t want to fire him up.”

“It was a battle to get the (junior) club up and running,” recalls Jim. “There was a junior club, but it moved to Currumbin, and Tugun seniors didn’t get players coming through. They went to Burleigh or Tweed Heads. So we thought there was a need for a junior club for Tugun itself, but the QRL thought otherwise.”

Also in 1967 Murdoch was responsible for founding Souths Sunnybank and became the club’s first president, a position he held for 13 years.

Despite a bitter dispute with QRL bureaucracy, the Tugun juniors kicked off, participating in the Group 18 (Northern NSW) competition. The QRL tried to get Tugun back in the fold, but they still play in what is known as the Tweed-Byron junior competition.

Souths seniors were based at inner city West End, where the demographics of the area were rapidly changing, many young families choosing to live further out in the suburbs.

A number of Souths players resided in the Sunnybank area and after a meeting held at the Sunnybank Hotel a steering committee, consisting of Murdoch, his brother-in-law Jim Herlihy and local businessman Jim Davis, was formed with a view to the establishment of a satellite club.

Sunnybank was technically in Easts’ territory under district rules that applied in 1966, but those rules were abolished in 1967, and Souths Sunnybank were up and running, operating out of a ground in Lister Street, which previously had been a horse paddock.

After fielding just one side in ‘67, Sunnybank boasted 13 teams by 1972 with future Test centre Mark Coyne and future Queensland winger Wayne Challis representing Brisbane in their age groups that year.

Jim’s wife, Betty proudly reflects on her husband’s ability to organise, and also his persistence.

“Jim used to run dances for the Tugun Surf Club at West End School of Arts every Tuesday night,” Betty said. “Jim got the cold shoulder from me when he would ask me to dance, but he eventually wore me down, and I went out with him.

“He had midnight to dawn dances going at the surf club and also in a little wooden hall where the Currumbin RSL Club now stands. There were also gambling nights at different venues.

“Jim organised boat cruises on the Brisbane River for Souths and I’m sure gambling was involved there. He was always the entrepreneur and full of ideas for the clubs he was involved with. He was known far and wide. Every establishment he went into, someone knew him.”

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

57

58

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

BRIAN ATHERTON VOLUNTEER PROFILE

B

BY AARON HENRY

eing involved with rugby league in the regional areas often means lots of travel for training and away games. This long travel – often many hours for a return trip – doesn’t just apply to players, coaches and parents. It also applies to committees and volunteers with the Men of League Foundation.

As the president of the Mid North Coast committee which services an area from Forster/Tuncurry to Kempsey since August 2008, Brian Atherton has seen many road trips and travel throughout the area in the name of helping the men, women and children of the rugby league community.

Brian says that helping people is something that he’s always done after a long involvement in rugby league.

“I’m a ‘10 Pound Pom’ and have the laminated receipt to prove it. I played rugby league with Widnes before I came out here. Once I arrived here, I played a guest game with Dapto but ended up playing and coaching with Murwillumbah Brothers, Wingham and Taree,” Brian says.

“Recently we had our first Kick Off Club in Gloucester which attracted 70 attendees from the local area.

“Our committee also organise an annual Forster Golf Classic. Last year we had 30 teams and 160 at the lunch. We also have an annual bowls day, a big race day at Taree Gold Cup and we partner with Group 3 rugby league on their Hall of Fame dinner.

“We’re a hard working committee. Our committee patron is 84-year-old Harry Wells, who never misses a meeting.

“I’d strongly encourage anyone who has the time to help to join the Men of League Foundation.

There is always someone to help in our community and something to be done to help those doing it tough."

Brian says that the tip for being involved is compassion, something that Brian learnt while working for many years in a hospital.

“My fundraising started in the rugby league community in 1974 when we had four Great Britain players visit the area. We used them the help us raise funds for a local hospital and I’ve just stayed involved since then."

“I started work as a bread vendor in Taree, then moved into work at the Manning Base Hospital for 16 years. I then spent 24 years working for Taree Leagues Sports Club. When I was working I was very tired, now I’m retired!”

Reflecting an attitude that is shown across the Men of League Foundation membership and committees, Brian describes being involved with helping people as a “great satisfaction”.

It’s hard to see how Brian isn’t still tired given his commitment the rugby league. He served on the Group 3 rugby league committee until a few years ago before the challenges of shift work interfered.

“We’ve helped with a lot of motor scooters, medical supplies and welfare visits over the many years. I was particularly proud of our efforts in co-ordinating and hosting a gala dinner fundraiser for Port Macquarie rugby league icon,Greg Baggott in 2009. It was a very emotional evening.

Brian still tries to get out to a few local games and is always encouraged by his committee vice president Garry Bridge, who happens to be the first grade coach of the Taree Bulls this year.

When asked about the role in helping to guide a local committee and ensure they are successful, Brian is humble and heaps praise on his committee members.

“We have a great committee where every committee member is very good at something. We look after a reasonable sized area, which has its difficulties, but we move our Kick-Off Clubs around the whole area.

“Locally I support Wingham Tigers and Taree Bulls. In the NRL I support the Bulldogs. This is because many years ago, back in the UK, we were visited by Chris Anderson and a few of the old ‘Berries’. Once I came out here I just kind of stuck with them."

Brian’s tip for the 2016 NRL premiership?

“I’ve no doubt the Bulldogs can make the top eight.

Once you’re in the finals, anything can happen.”

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

59

MICK’S NEW MOBILITY

BY MARSHALL LOADSMAN, MID NORTH COAST PUBLICITY OFFICER

F

ormer North Sydney and Manly fire-brand Mick Healey was recently presented with a motorised scooter by members of Men of League Mid North Coast.

At the presentation were committee president Brian Atherton, former referee Mick Stone, Balmain’s Denis Tutty, former Wests and Parramatta forward John Baker and John Sullivan who played with North Sydney just before Mick came into grade with the Bears.

Unfortunately Mick has had both legs amputated above the knee and was finding his manual wheelchair becoming a burden he could no longer cope with.

Still living independently at Forster, Mick has been a great supporter of our annual golf day, driving the ‘booze cart’ from early in the day until the completion of the golf.

He has involved himself in the local community particularly as an advocate for people with disabilities

in the Great Lakes region.

Mick is delighted with the mobility his new conveyance provides him with and the first thing he did on receiving his new scooter was to place a North Sydney Bears sticker on the front.

Men of League Foundation Mid North Coast expresses our sincere thanks to head office for their help in obtaining the scooter making Mick’s life a lot more comfortable.

FIGHTER DEV ENJOYS CHRISTMAS SPIRIT STORY COURTESY OF NORTHERN DAILY LEADER

D

ev Dines has a few stories to tell about rugby league, from winning two first grade premierships in one season in the 1950s, through to watching the Kootingal Roosters pick up the second division premiership in northern NSW last season, and now the game is giving back to the family as his wife Bev battles cancer.

Dev suffered a stroke some years ago and, while doctors told the 60

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

family that she wasn’t going to make it home, that is exactly where she is six years later and still fighting.

Cancer of the ear as well as some surgery has Bev travelling from Kootingal to Sydney constantly and, when the Men of League Foundation realised, they immediately jumped on board and have made the Dines’ Christmas just that much better.

Tamworth Men of League Foundation president Kevin Robinson dropped off a $500 food voucher for the Dines, although there was already plenty of jubilation around the house after they welcomed another great-grandchild, Maddison, to granddaughter Lauren that morning.

“We got a great grand-daughter as well today,” Dev said. “It’s all pretty good.”

COMMITTEE NEWS BRISBANE

BY STEVE RICKETTS, PUBLICITY OFFICER The Brisbane committee is deep in negotiation with Redcliffe and Wynnum-Manly leagues clubs with a view to taking Kick-Off Club lunches to ‘bayside’ in 2016.

The Broncos Leagues Club at inner city Red Hill will remain the focus of Men of League social gatherings, with three lunches planned for 2016, but with the blessing of the Broncos, the Brisbane committee has also looked further afield.

Former Australian fullback Frank Drake was the star of the December 16 Kick-Off Club lunch at the Broncos, getting the crowd involved from the start with a quiz about his distinguished career. Happy’s Hand Wash Café donated prizes for the quiz and raffles.

There have been numerous welfare visits by committee members, with the likes of former Queensland forward and QRL official Ben Wall, former Brisbane Souths’ prop Jim Murdoch, former Easts’ strength and conditioning coach Paul Bowes and Sydney Roosters’ 1975 premiership forward Des O’Reilly (who has sadly passed away) receiving morale boosts.

Men of League said thanks to volunteers and supporters with Christmas drinks at Darling and Co Restaurant and Bar at Paddington on November 26.

Ross Strudwick from Struddy’s Sports, a supplier of merchandise for Men of League, attended and was in fine form following recent heart surgery.

Congratulations to Queensland state manager Frank Barrett and fiancé Nikki on the recent birth of their son Nixon.

Drake’s former Queensland teammate Lionel Morgan was part of the big audience for the Christmas function.

BUNDABERG

The lunch also marked the 80th birthday of Brothers’ stalwart strapper Jimmy Johnson who was pleasantly surprised when a birthday cake arrived at his table.

Well 2016 came around quickly, so it’s back to raising much needed funds for Men of League.

Jimmy, who lost a leg in a motor bike accident as a young man, has strapped thousands of players from first grade to the juniors, and continues to do so as Brothers fly the flag in Brisbane’s second division competition, playing out of Gibson Park, Stafford.

Every Friday night Jimmy attends the Brothers’ meat raffles at what is now known as Brothers/Bandits Club at Grange, and his freezer is full of beef, pork and lamb.

A surprise birthday party was staged at Ithaca Bowls Club for former Canterbury-Bankstown skipper, Queensland representative and prominent Brisbane coach Ron Raper on November 21, with older brother, league Immortal Johnny Raper, and several former Canterbury teammates among those to make the trip from Sydney.

BY TERRY DODD, PRESIDENT

Our first Kick Off Club gathering will have been and gone by the time the magazine comes out.

Our March meeting is set down for the 25th which is Good Friday. This night has proven popular in the past, if you missed the February meeting we hope to see you that night to catch up for a chat.

Our golf day is set for Friday 20 May at the North Bundaberg Golf Course. This fundraiser has always been successful in the past so I can’t see this day being any different.

The event will be a three-person Ambrose. Once again bookings will be essential so get in early as we already have about 10 teams committed.

To book a team you can ring me on 0414 526 828.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

61

Again in 2016 my aim will be to increase membership.

So any member who has a friend that has not joined just give them a form to fill out and get back to us.

Membership is now $20 to join and $20 a year.

In the last 12 months we have had a few members that haven’t been well, we hope they are all feeling better and back in good health.

To my committee who have been a great help to me over the last eight years I thank you very much, it makes the job well worthwhile when I can rely on your assistance at such short notice.

conditions, especially when no motorised carts could be used on the course.

Special thanks to these guys for playing and supporting the fundraising events. The support of the golf club management and staff is very much appreciated.

Following the luncheon, presentations were made for various prizes. The winners were Paul Thomas, Gordon Thomas and Guy Robson.

It is pleasing to see Jim Williams is continuing to make good progress with his rehabilitation. Jim has maintained his weight and with the assistance of the physiotherapists’ and carers he is able to walk for longer periods. Jim recently mentioned that his carers also take him to a local sporting oval and with their assistance, crutches and boot he is able to further exercise by walking for short periods.

Chrisco hampers were presented to Jim Williams and Craig Campbell to enjoy during the festive season.

All have battled through hard times for some years due to ill health and injuries.

We also made a welfare visit and Chrisco hamper delivery to Dennis ‘Pud’ Smith.

BY DENNIS TOMSETT, PUBLICITY OFFICER

Known as ‘Pud’ because he was a self-described ‘big lump of a kid’ during his rugby league playing days, Dennis was visited by Lance Henry, Les Pearce and Dennis Tomsett to give him a big cheerio after some recent trouble with poor health.

Our annual golf day was held at Shelly Beach Golf Club in September. Although the weather was very unkind, with severe winds and sometimes torrential rain, this did not stop 74 golfers playing in the Ambrose event. It was a great effort for the players to turn up and play in these

Pud played in the front row for the 1963 premiership winning Gosford Townies aged just 17 and then went on to play lower grades with Western Suburbs. He then returned to the Central Coast and played 17 seasons with the Umina Bunnies.

Central Coast golf day (from left) D Allomes, E Byrne, J Armstrong and S Grey.

CENTRAL COAST

PROUDLY SUPPORTING MEN OF LEAGUE

www.sydneymarkets.com.au 62

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

Though he has had tough times with health issues, Pud remains positive and is grateful for the comradery he has found throughout the rugby league community and the Men of League Foundation.

“The Men of League Foundation do a great job in helping out people doing it a bit tough,” Pud said.

“Reading the Men of League magazine is always a highlight for me. I always read Big League and the Men of League magazine. It’s a great way to stay in touch with lots of the older guys.

“I can’t get out to as many local games as I’d like to anymore, but I keep fit by walking as often as I can with my dog ‘Blocker’ keeping me company.

“I’m very grateful for the visit and hamper from the Men of League Foundation. I’m really taken aback by their visit. It’s such a nice gesture,” Pud concluded.

Once again we have enjoyed a very successful and gratifying year with excellent support of our fundraising events. We thank our many generous supporters for making this possible.

Our events for this year are a bowls day on Monday 29 February, race day on Thursday 21 July and a golf day on Friday 9 September.

We are also considering options to hold a State of Origin luncheon on Friday 27 May. Confirmation of the details, including the guest speaker, will be provided to members well in advance of the proposed date.

On behalf of our committee I wish our members and supporters a happy and healthy 2016.

Kev Maher OAM (left) with Jim Paterson.

FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND

BY KEV MAHER OAM, PUBLICITY OFFICER Far North Queensland recently held its AGM with John McAllister returned as president for the coming year.

Ben Ross and Frank Barrett made the trip north for the occasion and provided some ideas to further assist the committee.

Congratulations to one of our founding members Warren Pitt who received an Order of Australia in the recent Australia Day Honours list.

Ben Ross, Frank Barrett and John McAllister journeyed to Mareeba to pay a visit to June, wife of Les Cahill who passed away recently, and Men of League were able to help with the pruning of trees and tidying up of her property.

A successful Kick Off Club was held just prior to Christmas at the Barron Valley Hotel Atherton where Mick Nasser was at his hospitable best.

A Kick Off Club Night is proposed for Innisfail in the near future and will encompass the Tully and Babinda areas.

Kev Maher paid a visit to the RSL Aged Care at Rowes Bay, Townsville to visit his childhood hero, Jimmy Paterson, a legend across North Queensland and Queensland Rugby league. Jim is doing fine and looks forward to his regular visits from Ray Miguel, a former North Queensland teammate.

The Men of League Rivalry Round between the four original CDRL clubs is scheduled for 18 June at Jones Park, Cairns, the home of junior rugby league.

Suburbs, Brothers, Kangaroos and Ivanhoes will do battle in all grades across the whole day similar to the way it was all played at Parramatta Park in years gone by. A wonderful day’s entertainment is assured and I’m sure the Old Boys of all clubs will turn out.

(from left) Lance Henry, Dennis (Pud) Smith and Les Pearce.

The Men of League Far North awaits details of the South Sydney v Cowboys match later in the year and hope to hold a luncheon in conjunction with this event.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

63

FRASER COAST

BY TREVOR LINDEBERG, PUBLICITY OFFICER As 2016 is upon us and another year awaits us, the most important date to be announced is our Fraser Coast 2016 AGM which is set down to be held at the Carriers Arms Hotel in Maryborough on Sunday 28 February at 10am. All current and interested new members are encouraged to attend and provide input for the coming year.

The team of Neil Baker, Matthew Bell, Nick Smith and Tyrone Thomas – winners of the Far South Coast golf day.

FAR SOUTH COAST

BY DAMIAN KENNEDY, SECRETARY A successful bowls day in Bega in November followed by the annual Far South Coast Men of League golf day in Eden has seen the members of the Far South Coast committee keep busy.

With the formation of sub committees in Bombala and Moruya the distance covered by the committee is not so much of an issue with different committee members taking responsibility for overseeing specific events.

Bega hosted its first bowls day and was supported with strong numbers. Peter Turner and Geoff “Headley” Lucas ensured a good day was had by all that attended.

Stuart Raper relishes the opportunity to get back to his old stomping ground of Eden and was a guest, along with Neville Glover (and the ‘Glover Brothers’) at the Eden Gardens Country Club for the annual golf day where 23 teams ensured a busy day was had with some good golf and very generous bidding in the auction following.

Neville Glover proved to be a fantastic auctioneer, getting money out of people they didn’t even know they had. With good raffle support and generous donations from the Eden Fisherman’s Club and the Eden Motor group the day was a resounding success.

Col Clarke has once again done an outstanding job pulling the day together.

Recognition must go to our neighbouring president from Bundaberg, Terry Dodd, in receiving the prestigious Men of League Volunteer of the Year award. To you Terry, and your hard working wife, Cynthia, please accept our congratulations. Both Bundaberg RLFC and the Bundaberg Men of League are indeed fortunate to have these dedicated volunteers involved in our game over many years.

On a sad note, well-known former Gayndah, Maryborough Brothers, Burleigh Bears and Maryborough and Wide Bay representative player Trevor Elesbach’s wife Joan has lost her long battle with suffering and illness.

Joan passed away in Cairns, and her funeral was held on 15 January. Our thoughts are with you Trevor at this difficult time.

Ian Ninnes, our hard working welfare officer, has decided to move up north to Sarina and chase up a few mud crabs, fish, XXXX’s and females.

We wish him well in his new surroundings and recognise and thank him for his valued contribution to our organisation on the Fraser Coast and hopefully he may continue his good work in the Sarina area.

The recent golf day at the Maryborough Golf Club proved to be a very successful day with record numbers attending and our thanks go to all involved and congratulations to former Brisbane Easts player Nigel Freemantle and his team on taking out the winning trophy on the day.

With a gradual increase in the need for welfare support a push to get more members on a visitation roster will be a priority heading into 2016.

Former Maryborough Brothers player Mick Quinn has recently successfully undergone a kidney transplant and it is to be hoped by all that Mick now can continue on with a whole new lease of life with this major operation behind him.

The committee wishes to acknowledge Radio 2EC, Club Sapphire and the Eden Fisherman’s Club for the continued support.

Our best wishes are also extended to Mick Readdy in Maryborough who is currently doing battle with a medical problem that he is dealing with.

64

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

GOLD COAST

BY GREG SYLVESTER, WELFARE OFFICER Gold Coast committee members have been busy over the past months with many welfare visits, delivering Christmas hampers and preparing for our major event of the year, the Gold Coast Internationals Gala Dinner.

We would like to especially thank Men of League member Maurie Pears for his generosity in providing a wonderful Christmas hamper to a very deserving person, Gillian Hinton. Gillian lost her husband Noel to cancer, and then her granddaughter Tara within a few months. Tara was tragically murdered in a domestic violence confrontation. Gillian’s husband Noel, a halfback, played for Ngaruawahia in New Zealand.

Welfare officers Greg Sylvester, Bob Honan and Graeme Farrar made a follow-up visit with Richard Korn recently at Pindarra Private Hospital. Richard is recovering after having his left leg amputated below the knee and is in high spirits, though suffering from Churg-Strauss Syndrome, a rare disease, that causes inflammation of the blood vessels.

It is also pleasing to report that Men of League member Norris Goudy has made a full recovery from his operation. Norris originally went into hospital for three days for a hernia operation and to repair a split stomach, but contracted golden staph and spent three weeks in hospital, where he lost 20 kilograms.

Our major event, the Gold Coast Internationals gala dinner, was held on Friday 26 February with Scott Sattler and Gary Belcher as compères, special guests were Tommy Raudonikis, Johnny King, Royce Simmons, cricketer Greg Ritchie and Richard Korn.

Before closing we would like to welcome former Australian international Dennis Ward to our committee.

Dennis and his wonderful wife have relocated from Brisbane to the Gold Coast.

GOONDIWINDI

BY KEN MILLGATE, PUBLICITY OFFICER Following the great success of the Goondiwindi Men of League golf day held in October, what better way to start off the New Year than with a charity presentation to our partners on the golf day, Legacy. Men of League Goondiwindi president Trevor Brown presents the cheque to the president of Legacy John Toohey with our vice president Artie Spink.

The senior rugby league held its first knockout on

23 January with five teams from NSW and five from Queensland clashing for the $12,000 prizemoney.

A large crowd saw the Macintyre Warriors beat the Toobeah Swamp Monkeys in the final. Players from both sides were from nearby Goondiwindi, Toobeah, Boggabilla and Toomelah communities.

With the closer association of the new senior rugby league committee and the Men of League boys, we settled for a job where we could work with our Men of League members and a job we know so well - running of the bar.

President Trevor Brown presents the cheque to the President of Legacy John Toohey with our Vice President Artie Spink.

ILLAWARRA

BY BARRY HARLE, PUBLICITY OFFICER Our final Kick-Off club of 2015 was held at Collegians on 3 December - very well attended with over 170 members and friends. Thanks go to MC Andrew Farrar for a job well done. Guest speakers were ex-Cowboy, Warrior and Dragon Nathan Fien and Michael Bolt who holds the record for most games for the Illawarra Steelers.

Our first function for 2016 was a Kick-Off Club at Kiama Leagues on 26 February. Don’t forget the annual golf day on 15 April, call Kiama Golf Club on 02 4237 7300 for bookings. Get in ASAP. 2016 promises to be another season of great interest for local rugby league supporters with plenty happening in the Illawarra Coal League.

Berkeley Eagles have returned to the first grade competition under the guidance of experienced coach Aaron McDonald. Illawarra Coal has confirmed an extension of the partnership with the Illawarra division.

A new concept drew much attention which saw an Illawarra Coal League All Stars team made up of players from each club take on the Illawarra Coal Cutters in a trial on Friday 12 February at Ziems Park Corrimal. This event raised funds for the Unite for Kurt Appeal.

The Challenge Cup will also be held again with all Illawarra clubs and Queanbeyan Blues competing

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

65

for the trophy with games scheduled for Saturday 27 February and the final at Parrish Park Figtree on Saturday 19 March.

All clubs have been active in the player market and some big names will again take to the field in Illawarra in 2016 including Joel Reddy, Keith Lulia and captaincoach Michael Henderson at Dapto. Jye Mullane and Beau Henry join Wests under the guidance of Brett Kimmorley. Heath L’Estrange joins Collegians where Nathan Fien is holding the reins and may yet play again while Ben Pomeroy joins the Thirroul Butchers under the coaching of local boy Jarrod Costello; he also joins Trent Waterhouse and Damien Blanch in the Butchers’ line-up. Ryan Powell remains in charge at defending premiers Helensburgh and Brendon Reeves will continue to build the Corrimal Cougars, who enjoyed a very competitive year in 2015.

is one area that offers our biggest opportunity.

I am also pleased to report that former Storm, North Queensland and Queensland State of Origin player Dallas Johnson joins our hard working committee, welcome aboard Dallas.

We recently ran our first function of the year, our annual golf day on 4 February at the Keysborough Golf Club. The day was well attended with about 60 players featuring teams from the Melbourne Storm, the VRL, the Victorian Referees plus members from our committee.

Prominent sporting personalities included former Storm players Robbie Kearns, Peter Robinson, Dallas Johnson, jockey Pat Trotter, former Canterbury great Greg Brentnall as well as Frank Barrett and Ben Ross.

Wade Forrester will take control of the Illawarra Division CRL Championship title defence in 2016. A few new faces will be needed with several players including captain and CRL player of the year Jarrod Thompson of Collegians moving to Western Australia.

One of the highlights of the day was Frank Barrett’s interview with Roy Masters who talked about his ideas on the modern game and all things rugby league.

Illawarra Coal League grand finals will be held at WIN Stadium on Sunday 11 September.

MID NORTH COAST

MELBOURNE

BY PETER FOREMAN, PRESIDENT It is pleasing to report that the Melbourne committee have had another successful year in terms of revenue generation and welfare support for those that have fallen on hard times.

We raised $50,000 for the 2015 year, having run a series of successful events in addition to the continued support from the Aces Sporting Club.

I would like to thank our hard working committee for their efforts throughout the year, everyone has contributed to another successful outcome.

BY MARSHALL LOADSMAN, PUBLICITY OFFICER By the time this edition of the Men of League magazine is circulated we will already have conducted our annual golf day at Forster Golf Club and a Kick Off Club at Gloucester. We will report on these functions in the next edition.

Our bowls day at Taree Leagues Club late last year was spectacularly successful with many former players from surrounding areas attending. We thank the staff from Elders Real Estate for conducting the auction on the day.

We were also delighted to be a partner with Taree Wingham Race Club at their annual cup carnival. Again we thank them for their support of our organisation over the past few years.

We also enjoy the great support of the Victorian Referees Association who continues to ensure that all of their associates are also Men of League members.

A real highlight for us is our association with the Group 3 rugby league Hall of Fame awards. The function, held at Group 3’s major sponsor, Wingham Services Club, last December saw two Wingham stalwarts, the late Harry Smith and Bruce ‘Porky’ Slater, inducted into the Hall of Fame. This is the third year of the awards and they join Kevin Hardy, Tony Paskins, Warren Kimberley and Wally Sneddon (first year inductees) along with Garry McQuillan and Errol Ruprecht as members of the Hall of Fame.

We encourage all of the local clubs to encourage their players and supporters to join the Men of League; this

In a trip down memory lane, ‘Porky’ reminded us of how it was during his playing days in the 1960s and 1970s.

I would also like to acknowledge the support from the Melbourne Storm, the VRL and the various clubs particularly the Altona Roosters that featured the Men of League logo on their jerseys and the Eastern Raptors that recognised us as their charity of choice.

66

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

A regular at rodeos (one of the reasons he didn’t go to Sydney to play) Porky was requested by his coach of the day to stay away from the wild and unpredictable buck-jumpers and bulls for two weeks, or at least until after the grand final.

Porky, however, learned of a rodeo at Long Flat (just west of Wauchope) the night before the game and duly competed. In his own words he revealed he had the worst spill of his life…. ‘and the bugger kicked the sh## out of me as well’.

“And did you play in the grand final the next day?”

‘Of course I did’ was his almost casual reply.

Best wishes to all Men of League committees for a most enjoyable and successful 2016.

NORTH COAST

BY PETER BARRETT, PRESIDENT Our committee is looking forward to 2016 with more events and keeping up our welfare visits. After a very successful Coffs Harbour TAB race day and the excellent on stage interviews by Neil Pringle with Ben Ross and Stuart Raper explaining their job roles, what excellent achievements they have made so far. Ben’s job with mental health is a credit to him and had all of 260 attendees fully supportive.

Noel Cleal was greatly welcomed and revived plenty of past stories of his Sawtell days with his brother Les but no one enjoyed themselves as much as Paul ‘Nobby’ Clark who brought his own social club and they enjoyed a round of golf at Bonville and enjoyed the hospitality at The Pier and The Coffs Hotel and still spoke well when interviewed. Thank you again to all race day sponsors who make it possible and we look forward to it again in December.

West volunteer also at the dinner. The nominations were Peter Haley and Ken Thompson.

We applied for and received food vouchers to the total of $500 for Dev and Bev Dines of Kootingal and a Christmas hamper for the Russell family of Tamworth.

Both were very thankful to the Men of League.

I received an email from Tony Woodham at Moree about Frank Crump who is not only a great ambassador for the Men of League but also the community in general. Frank is involved with the junior league and also as a referee in Group 19, where if there is league being played Frank is around. He not only raises funds for the Men of League but also other charities in the community. For Movember he raised $2350 towards research for prostate cancer, and next year he hopes to raise more funds for the Walk of Life and the homeless. We the Men of League salute you Frank for your fine efforts.

The Gunnedah Golf club will be supporting the Gunnedah sub-committee with a golf day to be held on 17 April with the final details to be sorted out in the next few weeks.

Christmas gift vouchers were provided to the children of the late Greg Ellis, Erin Ashley and Bryce appreciated the Men of League thinking of them.

Manilla will be holding their bowls day on 10 July and should be another great day for such an energetic committee. As yet we have no confirmed dates for the Narrabri and Moree events.

In closing, as I’m stepping down as secretary of the North West at the end of February. I wish to thank everyone for the fond memories over the past almost four years, and I wish my successor John Campbell all the best in the role.

NORTH WEST

NORTHERN SYDNEY

G’day fellow members of the Men of League North West, we hope you all had a joyous Christmas and New Year. As we enter 2016 we have a few events planned for raising of funds for the Men of League Foundation. The Tamworth sub-committee will be kicking the fundraisers off with a seafood banquet dinner to be held on 12 March at the Calala Inn, the night being well supported by mine host Daniel and Kim Camilleri and should be a cracker of a night.

Since the last magazine we’ve only had one fundraising event, but there’s been a lot going on behind the scenes.

We will be announcing the 2015 Men of League North

I am confident in saying that our welfare team are

BY KEVIN ROBINSON, SECRETARY

BY TREVOR BAILEY, PRESIDENT

On 4 December, we had our annual Christmas Kick Off Club at North Narrabeen Surf club which was an outstanding success, in as far as a lot of new faces and members bringing along their families to enjoy a BBQ and the sunshine on the northern beaches.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

67

amongst the hardest working in the country with Ken Vessey, Norm Pounder and Fred Jackson doing a remarkable job. They not only make all important visits in our own area, but they spend an enormous amount of time at the Royal Rehab Centre at Ryde.

I am constantly amazed at the work they carry out.

Well done gentlemen.

On 23 January I am proud to announce that between the Kelly family and Men of League Northern Sydney, we organised an 80th birthday celebration for our long standing member and patron of our committee, Noel ‘Ned’ Kelly. It was a terrific night which saw a lot of old mates from previous Kangaroo tours come together to share a beer and a yarn about old times.

Thanks to Chris Kelly and Geoff Squires for organising a great night.

We have a big and exciting 2016 to look forward to.

On 18 March we are holding a bowls day at Harbord Bowling Club and on 27 May a monster golf day at Warringah Golf Club. Other events throughout the year are still to be announced.

fantastic job as treasurer and has taken an active role in management and welfare issues as well as keeping us constantly entertained with his jokes and quick wit.

Yours truly will also be stepping down later this year and we hope to gain some new blood with fresh ideas and enthusiasm which will continue the fantastic work that Men of League carries out. Perhaps it is time for members from other parts of our vast Riverina area to take over. If you are interested, please call Dave on 0438 017 428 or Ian on 0457 850 384.

SOUTHERN DIVISION

BY ANDREW O’BRIEN, PRESIDENT Southern Division (Toowoomba and Darling Downs) has been very active especially in welfare. We gave out 12 Chrisco hampers to places all over our area and we have been inundated with visits to our welfare recipients.

BY DAVE MULROONEY, PRESIDENT

A couple of visits to Shane Brunner who is recovering in Princess Alexandra Hospital and helped coordinate Chris Johns accompanying Men of League Brisbane welfare officer Vance Rennie to not only visit Shane but Brian Kelly who is in the same section of the hospital. Brain and Shane have similar paralysis and hope they both are able to leave hospital in the near future.

Men of League Riverina have been fortunate to be included in one of Riverina’s largest annual fundraisers. Local nurse Maree Comerford has entered the annual ‘It Takes Two’ competition and has nominated Men of League as her charity. ‘It Takes Two’ is a charity event where a local person is matched with a talented local to sing a duet and is scheduled for April. We are confident our local members will support Maree in her fundraising events.

A lift chair was provided for Toowoomba Junior Rugby League life member Doug Anderson. Casey and young Jack Johnson donated $2180 to the Men of League Foundation after they bequeathed donations in lieu of flowers after Casey’s husband Brett passed away after a long illness. He was 34. Brett Johnson was Southern Division’s inaugural welfare recipient and he started the “Johnson Star” volunteer award for the area four years ago. That award will continue in his memory.

Can’t wait to see all your smiling faces at our very important events.

RIVERINA

Our 2016 fundraising plans include our highly successful gold cup breakfast on Friday 6 May, with recently retired hoop Jim ‘The Pumper’ Cassidy as our special guest. Also our Murrumbidgee Turf Club race day will again be held on Caulfield Cup Day on 15 October. Last year the race day incorporated the presentation of the Weissel Medal for the best player in Group 9, and we have it on good authority that Group 9 is very keen to be part of the day again.

We are actively searching for a new treasurer. Our present treasurer Tom Looney has taken on a new role with the cancer support group Country Hope which will take up most of his time. Tom has been our treasurer since the formation of this committee and underwent successful open heart surgery recently. He has done a 68

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

Brett and Pat Johnson - Pat is the inaugural ‘Johnson Star’.

SOUTHERN SYDNEY

SUNSHINE COAST

Our 2015 activities finished with a terrific Kick Off Club meeting at JD’s in Cronulla where we were indeed privileged to hear from South Sydney legend Gary Stevens, thanks to Les Motto who organised Gary’s attendance, along with new Sharks recruit Chad Townsend who is excited about being back “home” and the always irrepressible John Peard.

Queensland’s new State of Origin coach Kevin Walters was the prized guest speaker at February’s Sunshine Coast Kick-Off Club, the first for 2016.

BY BRUCE THOMPSON, SECRETARY

BY TONY DURKIN, PUBLICITY OFFICER

JD’s are great supporters of Men of League and we thank them for that support.

We did have some sad news late last year and early this year with the passing of George Evans, four times premiership winning halfback with the Dragons, Brian Johnson, premiership winning dashing fullback with the Dragons and Judy Gibson, Jack's long time life partner. Our condolences go their families and our thanks for their contribution to our great game.

On to 2016 and we have some exciting events on the way that we will keep you informed about events.

In the early planning stages are a tribute to Brian Johnson at St George Leagues Club on 18 March, as well as a Kick Off Club in early May, for which the date and venue are yet to be confirmed.

We are also planning a ‘how well do you know the game’ trivia night in June and a Steve Rogers testimonial to be held at Cronulla Leagues Club in August.

Lastly, Terry Hughes and the committee wish you all a very safe and healthy 2016 and we look forward to seeing you and your guests at our functions.

Walters, whose appointment was encased in controversy, becomes the Maroons 10th coach in the 36-year history of Origin. He played 20 games in a career that spanned a decade and played alongside his siblings, twin Kerrod and elder brother Steve.

As assistant to Mal Meninga for six of the past 10 seasons when the Maroons won nine series, Kevvy is obviously well aware of the recent stranglehold Queensland has on the Origin shield, but he is not about to be a rubber stamp for the previous coaching blueprint.

“Mal did it his way, and I will be doing it my way,” he told the Kick Off Club audience at Mooloolaba Surf Club.

“I will be a little more hands on with my coaching. I have been part of a great coaching staff in the past, but now I finally get to do things the Kevin Walters way.

I still need good support staff around me, but I intend doing much of the hands-on coaching myself.”

On his appointment back in December, Walters terminated the services of coaching assistants Jason Hetherington and Michael Hagan, physiotherapist Scott Thornton and doctor Roy Saunders. All had been long-term members of the successful Queensland regime.

“The idea of making the changes was to refresh the players with new faces,” Walters revealed.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

69

“They were great servants, but I felt the team needed to be refreshed – in particular the players.”

Sunshine Coast’s Kick Off Clubs for the year are on Thursday 7 April, Thursday 2 June, Thursday 11 August, and Thursday 13 October. They are all held at Mooloolaba Surf Club from 5-7pm.

Other confirmed events for the year are, both at Mooloolaba Surf Club, a State of Origin lunch at on 26 May and a Christmas luncheon on 8 December.

Our annual golf day will be confirmed later in the year.

TOWNSVILLE

BY BARRY BUCHANAN, PUBLICITY OFFICER Welcome to all of our members in 2016, especially new committee members Natalie Turner, Dena Arthy and Barrie Page with Mark Williams (president) and Glen King (vice president) at the helm. Many thanks to the continuing committee members Terry Feeney (secretary), Garry O’Neill (treasurer), Greg Winter (welfare officer), Arthur McMahon, Helen Sugars, Barry Peters and Noel Reid. Joe Goicoechea remains our esteemed patron and we wish him the best of health.

While Brian Fitzsimmons is being cared for in Parklands, Kirwan, his devoted wife Pat continues to be plagued by falling palm fronds. The situation was remedied by the enthusiastic working bee of Danny Blood, Peter Kuchler, Greg Seigh and Kevin Marty; thanks boys. A special thanks again to Tubby Russell of Townsville Tidy Bags (0419 738 366) who also helps Pat keep the yard in order.

Another one of our greats, Jimmy Paterson, has returned from visiting his son Wayne and resides at RSL Care, Rowes Bay. With the support of Troy Williams, the Good Guys and Lion, Townsville Men of League was able to provide Pato with a small fridge to make life in his unit more comfortable. Thank you to those members who have been visiting Jimmy as he still likes to chat about old times and rugby league.

Come and support our committee at the Community Hub at 1300 Smiles Stadium on 15 April when Cowboys play Rabbitohs and at the Community Corner on 16 July at Jack Manski Oval when Blackhawks meet Burleigh.

If you are online and not receiving emails about upcoming events, contact me on 02 4773 7122 or c.buchanan@bigpond.com to update your email address.

70

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

TUGGERAH LAKES

BY GREG TUNN, PUBLICITY OFFICER Men of League Tuggerah Lakes are off to a flying start to the year after holding a very successful Kick Off Club on Friday 5 February. The function was held at the Grand Hotel, Wyong with over fifty members and their friends getting together to enjoy the generous hospitality and facilities of the hotel. Thanks to Rob Willmont, the licensee for his support. President Denis Smith outlined our other planned activities for the year, which include three Kick Off Clubs at different locations, a bowls day and a golf day in October. Central Coast Rugby League president Joe Smith attended the function and pledged his support during the year.

Our welfare officer, Paul Dixon, was busy over the Christmas period and we are looking to increase our welfare visits in 2016. Please let Paul know if you can assist with this important aspect of the foundation.

Also, please advise if you are aware of anyone who may need assistance.

WESTERN SYDNEY

BY COLIN GRINYER, ASSISTANT MEDIA OFFICER On Friday 4 December we hosted our Christmas party afternoon lunch, at Dooley’s, Lidcombe - a tribute to two great people on our committee; former Western Suburbs Magpies great Bruce ‘Bruiser’ Clark, and ‘600’ game coach Steve ‘Gus’ Ghosn.

Our MCs were Nathan Cayless, Rick Wayde and Steve Winbank, and we were crooned by Leo Toohey.

It was attended by around 130 people. Special thanks to Paul Wadick and Peter Moses for their hard work.

Bruiser (and contacts) for his kind offer of a seafood and drinks harbour cruise, for 10 people which raised $3000. Peter Wynn donated a Wests Retro Victa jumper signed by Noel Kelly and Bruiser, purchased

by Mark Walker of Gold Crest Security who donated it back to us. We thank Mark for his generous donations.

Our tribute to Steve Ghosn and Bruce Clark was a great success. Thank you to our sponsors on the day; Simplicity Funerals, Coolibah Hotel and Peter Wynn’s Score, and of course Dooley’s.

Our first event this year will be hosted by Garry, manager of the Coolibah Hotel, on Saturday 2 April from 12.30pm; a championship race day, with lucky door prizes, fashion parade, best hat and worst shirt, punters club, spin the wheel, and John Peard as special guest. Entry is $25 and includes finger food and a complimentary drink. We hope to see you there.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

71

As Australia’s premier magazine printer, Hannanprint has an exceptional history in the printing of high quality publications.

NEW SOUTH WALES

We are also leading the way for environmentally responsible web offset printing. To find out more, call us today or visit us at hannanprint.com.au

VICTORIA

72

MEN OF LEAGUE MARCH 2016

8 Priddle Street, Warwick Farm NSW 2170 p] +61 (0)2 9353 0000 f] +61 (0)2 9353 0036 504-520 Princes Hwy, Noble Park North, Victoria 3174 p] +61 (0)3 9213 3111 f] +61 (0)3 9795 9322

Hannanprint is committed to minimising its impact on the environment; all of our paper is sourced from responsibly managed forests and we are independently certified as meeting the International Standard for environmental management (ISO 14001).