Men of League - Issue 61

Issue 61 - December 2015

This magazine made possible by

MOVING ON

‘NED KELLY’: STILL SWINGING HARD AT 80 DON LANCASHIRE: IN THE MIDDLE OF MAYHEM

RETIREES APPROACH LIFE AFTERHELPING NRLMEN, WOMEN TRENT ROBINSON’S FRENCH CONNECTION 1 AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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MEN OF LEAGUE DECEMBER 2015

IN THIS EDITION 6-8 Life after the NRL 10-11 Robinson’s French Connection 12-13 Noel Kelly approaches 80s 16-17 By His Side: Gyanne Hodges 18-20 Don Lancashire 22-23 Anthony Albanese 26-27 Golden Eagles unite 28-29 Tribute to Steve Calder 30-31 All Stars ... ‘one more time’ 32-33 Mike Gibson - one of a kind 34-35 Kevin Brasch 46 Bulldogs’ champion coaches 50-51 Atherton’s missing medal PLUS THE REGULARS: 5 From the CEO 9 Ray Warren 14 Events Calendar 36-37 Around the Grounds 38-41 Tributes 42-45 Helping Hand 47 Footy trivia 49/61 Local committee profiles Newcastle Hunter / Mackay 53 Volunteer profile: Terry Dodd 54-55 NRL welfare activities 62-69 Committee news EDITOR: Neil Cadigan (editor@menofleague.com) DESIGN: Brilliant Logic PHOTOS: The Foundation thanks News Ltd for supply of photographs ADVERTISING: Brilliant Logic Phone: (02) 4324 6962 www.brilliantlogic.com.au www.menofleague.com DEADLINES: Deadline for submitted material for the next edition: 29 January

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 I would like to begin by paying tribute to John Fahey, who left our board in August after 14 years of service as patron and board member.

John’s contributions to the Men of League have been outstanding, with his legal knowledge, business acumen and political nous helping to steer the organisation in the right direction on many occasions.

John is a passionate rugby league man who has a great love for the game and his beloved Bulldogs.

His influence on the growth and development of the Men of League has been unquestionable and I am sure our brand would not be where it is today without John’s advice and direction.

As chairman of Men of League for the past 14 years, I would like to thank John for his loyalty, enthusiasm and all that he has done to make the organisation what it is today. I congratulate John on being made a life member of the Men of League this year.

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

On a more sombre note, it is with deep sadness that I report on the recent passing of Steve Calder, a wonderful man who will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Until recently Steve served as Men of League’s Queensland state manager and prior to this role he was our first Queensland chairman in 2004, and also served on the national board.

Steve’s dedication and passion for our game and caring heart made him the natural leader and perfect fit for the Men of League in Queensland.

We will be forever grateful to Steve for his service to our game, his love for our community and his commitment to our success.

Steve’s values embody who we are as an organisation.

Rest in peace Steve.

Ron Coote

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 Wellbeing Officer Ray Beattie OAM Media, Marketing & Sponsorship: Louise Duff

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

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

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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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 02 6742 1560 Secretary: Kevin Robinson 02 6760 5067

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MEN OF LEAGUE DECEMBER 2015

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

MESSAGE

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FROM THE CEO

elcome to magazine number 61 for the Men of League and our final edition for 2015.

Just like every rugby league season, 2015 has had highs and lows for us here at Men of League. Our best moments include a record membership of now more than 28,000 members nationwide, starting new committees, helping wonderful people like Paula Gowland and the crowning of our Magnificent 7 at our gala dinner.

Our most challenging moments for this year included the very public injury suffered by our welfare manager Ben Ross on The Footy Show and helping him through his recovery. Of course one of our saddest moments for this year was losing a long time servant of our game and our former Queensland state manager, Steve Calder.

I’m proud of the work we’ve done this year to help the men, women and children of the rugby league community. This work couldn’t have been done without the support, dedication and commitment from many people - most notably you by being a member of Men of League. Thank you for your continued membership.

I’d also like to thank the members of each of our committees across the country. Our committees are at the coal face of the work we do in caring for the rugby league community. Thank you for your many welfare visits, Kick Off Clubs, social events and fundraising you’ve done throughout 2015.

Our work couldn’t be done without our corporate support and I’d especially like to thank our national partner Simplicity Funerals. Our corporate support also starts inside the building with our board and staff. Thank you for your professionalism and efforts this year.

The year isn’t quite over yet. And we know that hardship doesn’t take an off-season. So if you know someone who is socially isolated or needs a visit from a friend this Christmas, please let us know.

You would have recently received a letter about our Christmas appeal. Please support us with a donation if you can. Your financial support could be the difference someone needs this festive season.

Finally, 2016 will see us introduce a new membership database. Please check your contact information on our Christmas appeal and notify us with you updated details - especially if you’ve changed your phone number or email address recently.

See you in 2016.

Corene.

The Men of League Foundation would like to sincerely thank the following sponsors for their support in 2015.

TO BECOME A MEN OF LEAGUE MEMBER, VISIT WWW.MENOFLEAGUE.COM OR CALL 02 8765 2232

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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FILLING THE VOID

The 2015 grand final parade of retiring players. Photo courtesy: NRL PHOTOS

They have put all into an NRL career that has consumed them, then it is time for “the rest of their life”. How are the players preparing for the change from full-time professionalism to the ‘real world’? BY NEIL CADIGAN

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e see them each year, introduced to the grand final day crowd, before they gather before the stage. And we get quite nostalgic thinking about their careers, their journeys, since we saw them as NRL rookies so many years earlier.

They are the NRL ‘retirees’ and it’s wonderful the game celebrates their careers before they head into a new life post-football, or in the Super League of the UK. Often we don’t stop to think how, after what is often perceived as such a privileged full-time vocation as an NRL player, they will fare in the ‘real world’ that many - including former players of eras gone by who used to work for a living outside of their first grade football demands - have always known.

For a few years the NRL, through a welfare and education committee (in which the Foundation is

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involved), have been conscious that it is a much more difficult transition, and adaption, than what many people could comprehend. In many cases these are players who, since the age of 19 or 20, have known little more than an existence of full-time focus and commitment to playing as many NRL games as they can, climbing as high as they can in the game and earning as much as they can to set them up for rugby league after-life.

It is truly a life where they conform to a routine of being told where to be for training and playing, what to wear and what is expected. Beyond that club-cocoon their agent negotiates their next contract and in many cases handles their finances and what others would regard as every-day business decision making.

It’s not always as glamorous as outsiders perceive, with tough training and physical pounding to their bodies, but indeed it is a largely insulated existence, albeit subject

Our office will be closed from Thursday 24 December 2015, reopening on Monday 11 January 2016.

MEN OF LEAGUE DECEMBER 2015

to ever invasive public judgement and media scrutiny and weekly career-affecting pressure to perform.

Then it is gone.

university and TAFE courses so they have a “back up plan” should they not progress to a fulfilling NRL career.

It gives them balance that helps their footy too.

And something must replace all those components, plus the income, the time, and the almost compulsive drive for success, and adrenalin hit, physical training perfection and adulation or coach’s approval.

It often puts significant pressure on their time and minds, having to combine work, study (often both) and the demands of training four times a week from November to the end of the season. But it gives them perspective too.

As former Queensland State of Origin regular Ashley Harrison says: “It’s like looking for a new job, a new career, straight out of school but you’re 33, 34 or 35 when everyone else is an 18 year old or just come out of university at 21.

However, many of the current generation of players reaching the end of their NRL careers were not born into that system or once they gained NRL contracts at ages 19 to 21, by necessity, became totally engrossed with footy performance and success.

“You have to come to terms with how you handle it emotionally, without a weekly goal to strive for and something to keep you busy. That’s all you’ve known your whole life and it’s suddenly gone.

And then they stand before us on grand final day, or are waving goodbye with partner and child in hand on the last home game of the year, not quite able to comprehend what lies ahead.

“I was an NRL player since I was 18 then had to change my career. I have always been one to plan, and set goals, and my career after footy was part of that. But to be honest, it’s still tough, anyone who says a transition from professional rugby league into normal life is easy doesn’t understand it.”

Some will be fortunate, falling into media jobs or coaching, community or development roles at their club.

In 2011 the NRL and the welfare and education commitee put in place vocational guidance and an emphasis on transition to retirement through career coach Jane Lowder and a program called CareerWise. Harrison, who retired a season and a half prematurely due to a neck injury in 2014, is one of many players who embraced the resources and funding the program provided and has followed a pathway to financial planning.

Prior to the NRL CareerWise program most players enrolled in physical training education or base qualifications like a diploma of business. It was almost like ‘let’s put a toe in the water’ because their clubs and the game directed them to.

The career transition program was aimed at players 28 and older to counsel and guide them in making wellinformed decisions about what they might do when they embark on the pathway to the ‘rest of their lives’ which would, in most cases, last twice to three times the duration of their NRL careers and 50-60 more years of their lives.

At entry point the NRL, since the National Youth Competition was introduced in 2008, instigated a “no work, no study, no play” ethic for under-20s players in which they should work or study (or both combined) for 25 hours a week to play in the NYC competition.

Educational and training allowances provide thousands of dollars a year to each player and many undergo

Justin Hodges is one who will benefit from both those opportunities - being given indigenous mentoring and corporate and community department roles at the Broncos. He’s a lucky one, with his manager George Mimis and Brisbane CEO Paul White working closely with him on post-career opportunities for many years.

But Hodges still considers the change he is about to embark on as a big challenge, stepping into the unknown.

“It’s exciting, but I’m nervous at the same time,” he said.

“I’ve stepped out of everything I’ve known. My life was rugby league. Now I’m stepping into the real world.

“With my relationship with Whitey and the club, they allowed me to keep a role at the club. It’s not as scary as going out into the real world and starting a new job where you know nothing. I am still at the club and will be around the Broncos that made me who I am today.”

Most others, however, don’t get that luxury while some do get the “there will be a job here” line from their NRL club only to find the convenient option may not be what they wanted or was not sustainable. Or they need to, with help and encouragement, find their own way - as daunting and life-changing as that can be.

Lowder began with the NRL program in 2011, devoting two days a week of one on one transition sessions for players 28 and over. She spoke to a quarter of the NRL clubs’ squads - 110 players. It was optional to attend but 90 per cent of eligible players took up the opportunity for at least one meeting.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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Ashley Harrison, prepared well for retirement but still finds it tough.

career education and training. In October 2015 it was 81 per cent. The target is 87 per cent in 2017.

The program also provides funding and support after players retire from the NRL. They can access career coaching from Lowder and her colleagues and education allowances from the game. If a player had one to four years in the NRL he has access to two years’ of education funding; a five to eight-year player continues to get the services for three years and a player with nine of more seasons in the NRL, four years.

Harrison is one of many players who has endorsed the system and its opportunities. But all the planning and contentment about his chosen career of financial planning only equipped him so much. Emotionally … that’s a whole different, more complex, area.

“My role as a rugby league player was to go into the trenches for 80 minutes and throw everything physically and mentally at that,” he says. “When I retired I felt I had to find something to fill that void, and my answer was marathon running and triathlons.

Jane now works four days a week, with another specialist helping two days, and a full-time career coach or education officer has been appointed at every NRL club (overseeing NRL, NYC and elite 16-18 year old players), a position the ARLC has committed to fund to 2017.

“There has been a massive cultural change across the game and we are now delivering to 16 year olds coming through the 16s and 18s representative system, so they are now coming into under-20s a lot better prepared,” Lowder says. “Two things we have noticed since the appointment of club career coaches is that a lot more players are retiring and landing on their feet more quickly vocationally, and the breadth and variety of their study and career paths is a lot more diverse.

“Initially players would invariable study a diploma of business or in physical training but now we have players undergoing courses in marine biology, podiatry, graphic design, helicopter piloting, nursing, commerce, education and physiotherapy.

The level of engagement and level of decidedness about their career paths is tracked - how active they are pursuing careers. Before the program began less than 60 per cent of NRL/NYC players were engaged in 8

MEN OF LEAGUE DECEMBER 2015

“You miss the competitive and physical challenge massively, and the camaraderie, structure, team atmosphere and daily schedule where you are told where to be, what to wear and what is required. Then all of a sudden you have to stand on your two feet and do your best by yourself.

“You can plan all you want and get to that junction yourself, you can’t fully comprehend it and everyone experiences it their own way. My advice for players coming into retirement is to not take lightly just how much life changes and to start planning and have more than one offer because the option you think of might not be on offer initially.

“Just think about it and plan for it; otherwise it can be a very rude shock.”

Men of League’ and the NRL welfare and education team have worked closely to deliver an expanded transition, encompassing wholistic support for this challenging phase of life and engaging NRL players with league networks and emotional support.

“The transition program is very helpful in keeping retired players connected and we are keen to guide players towards Men of League members and involvement within five years of retiring,” Lowder said.

“It’s important to become part of and take advantage of their networks and support so that by the time they are five years retired they are embedded in what Men of League offers and is about.”

RAY’S WRAP

The voice of the game and league’s greatest TV broadcaster Ray Warren

ONE OF THE GREATEST GAMES EVER

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have seen many grand finals since calling my first back in 1972 and this year’s must surely rank amongst the best.

The Cowboys and the Broncos decider was so memorable for many reasons: It captured the imagination and the interest from all over Australia.

It dispelled the thought that out of town sides can’t draw a crowd.

It was played in the true spirit of the game and will long be remembered as one of the most entertaining and enthralling contests ever seen on a grand final day.

Aside from the footy it also proved we don’t need overseas performers coming down here to do prematch entertainment.

Johnathan Thurston ... what a player. And for the Cowboys, it was time. Three years in a row they were robbed with a seventh tackle try and missed knock-ons and forward passes making up an array of bad luck stories for the northerners in the finals.

Having said all that, I still don’t believe in golden point for an occasion like a grand final. As we have done before, there is nothing wrong with coming back again next week and playing it again.

The Cowboys won but Brisbane didn’t lose, that is what Wayne Bennett said and I agree. Golden point might serve a purpose in some cases but not in grand finals.

A good example in tennis where they play tie-break sets until the fifth or deciding set, then it becomes an advantage set. I say, let’s do it again just like the Eagles and the Sharks in ‘78 and Dragons and the Eels in ‘77.

These men prepare all year long for this day only to be decided by a field goal in extra-time. Golden point might please some of the rugby league community but certainly not all. Perhaps it might be better and more acceptable to more people if it was decided over a ten or 12-minute period where the score at the end of extra-time became the result.

Giddy up! The 2015 NRL champions.

There was a lot of talk about playing the grand final away from Sydney. I think this one helped make the point that it belongs in Sydney. At Suncorp we would have been locking out nearly 30,000 and the Broncos get the home ground advantage. Looking at it another way - how do you think a grand final played in Brisbane would go if the combatants were say Canberra and Newcastle?

So we look to next year and again this year’s grand finalists will be strong again, as will the Roosters and Canterbury. Souths need big Sam Burgess back, that’s obvious. I see Manly improving dramatically. Cronulla can only get better and the Warriors have bought well.

Melbourne, while ever Craig Bellamy is around, will be tough although the big three of Smith, Slater and Cronk are not getting younger.

For some of the others it again could be a long season. Wests Tigers have some housekeeping to do, as do the Knights and then there is Parramatta, surely they will get better.

As for the departure of Dave Smith I can only say I like the bloke. Sure he got some names wrong - big deal!

The TV deal has ruffled some feathers but really that depends on which side of the fence you sit.

When the dust settles you will find twice as much league on free to air from 2018 and all matches will be available on Fox. The bottom line is that rugby league from 2018 will be wall to wall and the winners will be the viewers.

Have a healthy and happy Christmas, remember the true meaning of it, and I hope next year is a good one for both you and the team you follow.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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THE FRENCH CONNECTION Roosters coach Trent Robinson may be one of Australian footy codes’ youngest coaches, but he is certainly worldly and widely respected for his mostly objective and rarely overstated opinions. BY BARRY ROSS

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rent Robinson has shown during his three seasons with the Sydney Roosters he’s not your average NRL coach. He has great poise, an articulate demeanour and genuine footy ‘nous’ that belies the fact he was the NRL’s youngest and least experienced coach when he won the first of his three successive minor premierships in 2013.

He is just the fifth first grade coach to win a premiership in his debut season and speaks basic common sense without an apparent overstated angle or agenda. It’s a reputation that saw him added to the NRL’s valuable and powerful competition committee.

What many people don’t know is that Robinson’s unconventional character extends further. He has a French wife, speaks the language fluently and loves spending time in the kitchen. And he also knows sign language for the hearing impaired, learned through communicating with his deaf mother.

His French connection began when he joined Toulouse Olympique in the French Rugby League competition for three northern hemisphere seasons from October 2002. It was while in Toulouse his coaching career began in 2005-06 at age 28 and it was there he met wife Sandra. He returned after stints as assistant coach with Newcastle Knights and the Roosters to become head coach of Catalans Dragons in 2011.

“Because I lived in France for four years I had to learn the language,” he said. “But it wasn’t a chore as I wanted to do this. I went to some classes and always spoke French whenever I could.

“I enjoy the whole spectrum of French culture and way of life. I certainly like the food and I cook sometimes.

We also have a lot of good French wines at home. Our two sons, aged five and two, are half Australian and half French. They speak both languages and attend a French school.

“My wife is adapting very well to life in Sydney but we haven’t decided where will live later in life. I would be equally happy to live in Australia or France.”

He’s certainly happy being in Sydney for now after his success at the inner-city club clad with high-pressure 10

MEN OF LEAGUE DECEMBER 2015

and high-expectation. He quickly showed he was far from a boy sent to do a man’s job at a club when failure is not tolerated - just ask Graham Murray and Brian Smith who were sacked as coaches just one season after making grand finals.

In his first stint Robinson became only the second rookie to win the minor premiership, adding the major premiership in the grand final victory against Manly, the Dally M Coach of the Year award and the Rugby League International Federation Coach of the Year title.

At 38 he is one of the youngest first grade coaches in any of the four Australian football codes. He is the third youngest in the NRL, behind Andrew McFadden (10 months his junior) and Trent Barrett (eight months younger), while in the AFL Carlton’s Brendon Bolton is a year younger and in the A-League Newcastle Jets’ Scott Miller is four and a half years younger.

When he took over at the Roosters for the 2013 season, Robinson was just 35. McFadden was 36 when he began with the Warriors, Barrett will be 38 when Manly play their first 2016 competition match while Bolton will be 36 when he begins his first head coaching role next year with Carlton.

Robinson’s winning ratio is a just over 70 per cent (54 wins from 81 games) and in 2016 he will reach the 100-game mark.

A product of St Gregory’s Marist Brothers at Campbelltown, in 1994 he was a member of the school’s strong first XIII that included future internationals Barrett and Russell Richardson, NSW Country rep Peter Cusack and Cusack’s long-time Roosters teammate Simon Bonetti.

After leaving school, he began the first of eight seasons of grade football with the Wests Tigers and Parramatta.

But his record of just four NRL appearances shows that he had a much greater talent as a mentor of players.

As well as on-field success as a coach, he has quickly won the respect of league people. The fact that he has now been elected to the competition committee twice, proves the esteem in which he is held by his fellow coaches.

Trent Robinson gives instructions to his Roosters players at training. Photo courtesy: DAILY TELEGRAPH

“I love coaching the Roosters and I also love rugby league,” he said. “Being on the competition committee allows me to take off my Roosters hat and add to our game and guide its future in a small way.

“The changes we make are done after a lot of thought and it’s important that we see how these changes affect the players. I think the change in the interchange rule for next year is definitely right and the idea of the shot clock is to keep our game fast and active.”

When asked about winning one major premiership from three minor titles, Robinson explained that winning a minor premiership makes a team favourites going into the final series but it still must play well to succeed.

“Being minor premiers can also have a negative effect as it can make you feel you just have to do what we did last week,” he explained. “But a change of tempo is definitely needed for the play-offs.”

The salary cap can make the life of a coach tougher when a team becomes consistently successful and can struggle to retain players the coach developed, or when a bad injury run can leave the side without adequate cover.

Yet he believes it is good for rugby league - except when it comes to the game’s most elite players.

“It was good to see that Sam Burgess is returning to rugby league but three of our game’s top 10 players - Sonny Bill Williams, Jarryd Hayne and Israel Folau - are not playing our code. I believe there should be a marquee player allowance, one for each club [one player left out of the salary cap]. The salary cap works well for players rated from number two to 30.

“We would like to have Sonny Bill back but he will probably stay with New Zealand rugby in 2016 so he can go to the Brazil Olympics in the All Blacks Sevens team.”

With his office and training facilities in the Allianz Stadium precinct in Moore Park, Robinson relishes the opportunity to speak to the coaches of the rival codes of AFL and rugby union which are also based at Allianz. He has a strong relationship with Wallaby coach Michael Cheika.

He also discusses methods and ideas with Graham Arnold from Sydney FC in the A-League and John Longmire, head coach of the Sydney Swans.

It just shows his great passion for searching for knowledge and other perspectives … which could take him on a long coaching journey through Australia, France and, who knows, even England.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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NED STILL SWINGS FROM THE HIP

Noel Kelly, one of league’s most enduring and ageless characters and a pioneering figure in Men of League’s emergence, turns 80 in the New Year.

We provide an insight into Ned’s life, and character. BY IAN HEADS

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n the shadow of his 80th birthday, the old warrior has a crook back which gives him hell and plays havoc with his golf swing. But as has been his way through life Noel Raymond Kelly, aka Ned, heads resolutely on, still golfing regularly down at his much loved Long Reef, still full of the good-hearted gruff humour and the generous spirit that has been the trademark of one of the very special lives of the rugby league century.

Ned remains a treasure of the game - and a nod of appreciation in his direction from those charged with running things today would seem entirely fitting on the milestone occasion of January 22 when the 80 years clock clicks over.

The fact is that a profile of the rugby league story in the wider sense - one that is a saga of courage, dedication, achievement and an unflagging work ethic accompanied by continuing care for the game - dwells within the stocky frame of Noel Kelly.

For any youngster enamoured of league, a trip to the local library to borrow Ned’s 1996 book Hard Man will reveal inspiration galore in the story of his unlikely climb to the very pinnacle of the game from the base of a tough, no favours, impecunious country upbringing.

His arrival from Queensland in Sydney in 1961 with his wife Chris and a new baby, came shakily, via a rusty old ute in which the only air-conditioning was courtesy of the holes in the floor. Never was the going easy; all that was achieved in the years that followed came through hard yakka. In his early days on arrival in Sydney to join Wests, Ned worked three jobs.

In trying to sum him up years ago, I wrote: “Around football he constructed a life built on simple things - love, hard work, fair treatment of his fellow human beings, friendship, good humour.” That formula, encasing his talent as a footballer, produced a glittering career at the highest level which included 25 Tests and a place in rugby league’s Team of the Century.

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MEN OF LEAGUE DECEMBER 2015

Noel ‘Ned’ Kelly during his heyday with Wests. Photo: DAILY TELEGRAPH.

When the great unpredictability of football provided a low key ending for him as a player in Wollongong in 1970, Ned linked up with that most friendly and welcoming of clubs North Sydney - and as a coach put some real steel into the Bears in five eventful seasons.

From there came the final leg, which continues to an extent to today - of his unofficial role as an ambassador for the game - the fact being that Ned, being a gregarious bloke of generous spirit, was happy to grace the podium at functions beyond counting, telling his stories, reminding people what a great thing it is to be involved in a game such as rugby league.

He doesn’t do as much of it now - but keeps his hand in, remaining as patron of the Northern Sydney Men of League committee. Ned chides himself for overdoing the footy trips: “I was carrying on like a 21 year old, going away for all those weekends. I woke up that Chris was sitting at home on her own all these years. I scaled back ... there were a few reasons.”

If the story of Noel Kelly, footballer, is overly robust (he was sent off 17 times in his senior career), well, that’s just the way football was back then - i.e. dog eat dog and every scrum a mini-war. Ned started his football as a lock forward but was destined to spend his entire senior playing days in the front row, at hooker or prop.

Today’s perpetually sore neck which plays tag with his aching back reminds him constantly of that. But the wider picture of his football days and hard working life beams out an uplifting message for any young reader: All is possible.

On a recent morning on the edge of summer I spent a couple of hours with Ned at his Collaroy Plateau home, essentially just ‘talkin’ football. These are just a few of his scattered observations: • The 2015 grand final: “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better one. JT wrote the script.”

• Jonathan Thurston: “I have never seen anyone better than him. He is a great 80-minute player - and he gets whacked, week after week.”

• Greg Inglis: “Greg is a lovely bloke but he either doesn’t know how good he is or he doesn’t know what a day’s work is. He can come out and destroy a team if he wants to. But I wouldn’t have him as skipper. He wasn’t ready for that but I hope he gets another chance sometime.”

• Sam Burgess: “He’s a cracker. If I was at Souths I’d make him captain. His two brothers will play better when he’s there.”

• Athletes v footballers: “More athletes than footballers

play the game today, you see big blokes who are being paid big money who can’t even play the ball.”

• Cameron Smith: “A great player. the best dummy half in town but he’s a ‘centre-forward’ not a hooker and I honestly think he’d have more trouble fitting into my position than I would into his. When scrums were fair dinkum every one of them was a struggle; you’d push your guts out, you’d be getting smacked in the mouth and blokes would be tramping all over you. It was a tough deal; you’d walk out of some scrums buggered.”

No doubt remains that if Noel Kelly happened to be pulling the strings at League Central there’d be some tinkering done around the game.

“I’d bring back the scrum, he says, “and make it work.

Rugby union manage that and league could too. The scrum would bring back a contest for the ball … which has virtually gone from the game.” A single referee would do him and Ned believes the game should also make better use of the sin bin … and wonders aloud why the Kangaroos’ war cry (which featured before games on his three tours) was ever dropped.

“The crowds loved it,” he said. “It was great entertainment, great theatre.”

Ned urges more support too for country football, lifeblood of the game’s long years. “It’s going backwards out there,” he says.

We stray into a subject of some sadness, talking of great players who have left the arena, and the numbers of others struggling with health problems. The tone brightens with recall of their qualities as Ned ruminates on champions of his experience … of the likes of Reg Gasnier (“the best centre”), of Johnny Raper and Graeme Langlands (“10 out of 10”). He muses further over the great warrior Chang: “He wore a chip on his shoulder but there was no better player,” he says. “You could have played him anywhere, even hooker!”

Edging towards the milestone of his 80th birthday, Ned remains a fan, notwithstanding his concerns over some aspects of the modern game. “I’ve always been loyal to the Wests Magpies - and always will be,” he says.

He goes to games from time to time, admitting however: “But geez I can get comfortable in the chair in front of the TV sometimes, especially if the weather is a bit crook!”

The worrisome back brings a wince to the Kelly dial as a he climbs from his seat on my departure, but the handshake at the door from the meaty Kelly fist is as firm as ever - and so too the steady gaze…… with the familiar sense that a twinkle is never far away.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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MEN OF LEAGUE EVENTS CALENDAR DECEMBER 2015 1

Illawarra - Kick Off Club

Collies Club

4

North Coast - Race Day/Luncheon

Coffs Harbour

4

Northern Sydney - Christmas Kick Off Club

North Narrabeen Surf Club

10

Sunshine Coast - Christmas Luncheon

Mooloolaba Surf Club

11

Mid North Coast - Hall of Fame Dinner

TBA

12

Bundaberg - Christmas Race Day

Thabeban Park

13

Fraser Coast - Golf Day

TBA

13

Tweed District - Christmas Luncheon

Chinderah Hotel

16

Brisbane - Kick Off Club

Broncos Leagues Club

4

Melbourne - Golf Day

Keysborough Golf Club

5

Tuggerah Lakes - Kick Off Club

Grand Hotel, Wyong

13

Riverina - Bowls and Golf Day

Cootamundra Country Club

21-23

Men of League Local Committee Conference

Sydney

26

Gold Coast - Internationals Dinner

Burleigh Bears

12

North West NSW - Seafood Banquet Dinner

Calala Inn, Tamworth

18

Northern Sydney - Bowls Day

TBA

Northern Sydney - Golf Day

TBA

Northern Sydney - Kick Off Club

TBA

Northern Sydney - Sportsman’s Lunch

TBA

Northern Sydney - Kick Off Club

TBA

FEBRUARY 2016

MARCH 2016

MAY 2016 27 JULY 2016 1 AUGUST 2016 26 NOVEMBER 2016 25

Events are subject to change

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MEN OF LEAGUE DECEMBER 2015

A GATHERING OF GREATS M

BY PETER PSALTIS

en of League Queensland held yet another highly successful annual luncheon highlighted by some terrific guests and the giveaway of a brand new Jeep. The luncheon continues to grow each year with this year’s theme showcasing our trans-Tasman rivalries drew yet another big crowd.

Men of League survives on the work of its volunteers but this year it was another group who put their hands up to help out. Men of League Queensland would like to thank Commander Peter Tedman DSM, OAM, and Lieutenant Commander Craig Flynn from the Royal Australian Navy and their 20 defence volunteers who gave their time to help the Men of League and make the day a great success.

It was also terrific to have so many members of the rugby league community in the room including ARLC chairman John Grant who has been a great supporter of the Men of League.

One of the more important parts of the day is the naming of the Parkview honouree. Each year the Men of League honour the game’s greats for their contribution to rugby league. The Parkview honourees recognises passion, commitment and loyalty to rugby league.

This year’s inductee was the great Bob Hagan whose contribution to Men of League has been immense, both as a committee member of the national board and as president of the Sunshine Coast committee, the first to be established in Queensland outside Brisbane. Bob is also a former Test player, first grade coach at Canterbury and Bulldogs CEO - few could boast that sort of contribution to the game.

The Men of League volunteer of the year was also revealed on the day with John Grant announcing Bundaberg committee president Terry Dodd as the XXXX volunteer of the year.

The day featured many guest speakers including cricketers Andy Bichel and Danny Morrison, who entertained the crowd with some great stories from their cricketing days. Grant Batty and John ‘Knuckles’ Connelly spoke rugby union while former Kiwi hard man Mark Graham and Shane Webcke spoke rugby league.

Guests on the day were also treated to some of the great work of comedian Marty Fields. Marty was at his absolute best and left the big crowd in stitches.

One of the highlights was the Jeep giveaway. This was all thanks to Bob Aldons and the Jeep Dealers of Queensland who provided a Jeep Patriot Sport as this year’s

raffle Item. Thanks to all those on the day who purchased a ticket and to those who bought one in the lead up to the event.

Men of League Queensland would also like to thank all of those who donated auction items for the day.

While we can’t name you all here, special mention must go to leading trainer Tony McEvoy who once again offered Men of League a horse to auction off.

The day would not have been possible if it were not for the great support from the people of Brisbane who turned out in large numbers for the event. Some were long time friends of Men of League while others were attending their first function for the organisation.

Special mention needs to go out to Tegan Jennings and Louise Uhl who put in tireless hours of work to make the day possible and made sure the day was a huge success for the Men of League.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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BY YOUR SIDE

THE SOFT-SIDE OF BRONCOS LEGEND Justin Hodges has endured the whole gambit of circumstances and emotions during a 17-season career - success, major injury, depression and controversy. By his side for nine years has been supportive partner Gyanne who knows him better than anyone. BY PETER BADEL

H

e skippered the Broncos to their first grand final in nine years in 2015 but Justin Hodges hasn’t always been leadership material, nor so stoic in times of crisis.

His journey from brash Broncos pin-up boy to Brisbane’s leader of men, and doting father to son Carter, is multi-faceted in its inspiration. Hodges’ metamorphosis was not achieved single-handedly. His success is a tribute to family, friends, a master coach in Wayne Bennett and, perhaps above all, the strength of his wife Gyanne.

For all Hodges’ on-field brilliance, it is clear Gyanne has been his off-field rock.

The refreshing part is that Mrs Hodges shatters preconceived notions of the stereotypical footballing WAG. The 31-year-old is a down-to-earth girl from Rockhampton who has juggled motherhood and her husband’s fame to forge a successful career of her own in human resources. She is articulate, savvy and strong enough to handle the cut and thrust of the NRL’s high-octane billion-dollar industry.

They have been together nine years, married for five, and in that time Gyanne Hodges has seen it all: her husband’s battle with depression; the loss of his close mate to suicide; the two Achilles injuries that nearly destroyed his career; the fightback to win the Broncos captaincy; his emotional retirement in August and the birth of Carter which extracted the sensitive soul in Hodges that Gyanne always knew was there.

Gyanne can understand why some perceive the NRL life to be a glamorous one. But behind the fame and purported fortune comes pressures, challenges and expectations.

“Becoming a father has changed Justin a lot. He is a great dad. Carter [born in March 2014] is his little best mate,” Gyanne says.

“You have to be a strong woman to be involved in rugby league. You have to support your partner in what they are going through. It could be injuries or they may be down on form or support them in the functions they are attending.

“It’s brought out an attentive side which Justin always had. His patience with his son transferred to the Broncos where he was more patient and understanding with people as the club captain.

“When he’s playing football, you have to be tough mentally, emotionally and physically, but a lot of people don’t see the softer side of Justin.

“He really has a heart of gold. He is always caring about other people’s feelings and wanting to make sure his family is OK. “He will miss football, but we’re looking forward to having him around a bit more.”

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MEN OF LEAGUE DECEMBER 2015

“People who aren’t involved in the game may think it’s an amazing life but underneath that is a lot of pressure,” she says.

“Through it all, I’ve always tried to maintain a sense of my own identity. I have felt it’s important to work at my career as well and try to achieve my personal goals.”

Physically, Gyanne is pint-sized but emotionally she is the tower of strength who has held Hodges together.

The couple had been together barely two years when Hodges was granted six weeks’ compassionate leave by the Broncos just before Christmas in 2008 to sort out some personal issues. Hodges later revealed his brief battle with depression, a mental spiral partly triggered by the shock death of one of his closest friends.

“He was struggling with the pressures of football and then one of his best mates committed suicide,” Gyanne tells.

“I kept saying, ‘It’s OK, you will get through the terrible times’ ... and he has. I’m really proud of how far Justin has come.”

“His friend was trying to reach out for help and Justin tried to help him. David was bi-polar and they were such good friends. Justin was devastated when he lost him.

When Hodges considered playing one final campaign in 2016, he confided in Gyanne and Bennett. Their honesty and advice convinced him to exit on his terms.

“Going through that grieving process was a massive weight on his shoulders and he didn’t know how to cope. He didn’t know how to keep playing footy when he was feeling low.

“It was a build-up of things that got him to the point of depression and it took him and us a while to realise what was going on.

“Gyanne knows me so well. I wouldn’t have come this far without her and we both knew the time was right for me to go,” said Hodges, who pulled the pin at age 33 after 195 NRL games for the Broncos, 59 for the Roosters, 24 Origin matches, 13 Tests and two premierships in 2002 and 2006.

“On the outside, he was bubbly and the person people wanted to see, but beneath that he was feeling a lot of stress and not dealing with it.

“Wayne was honest with me, too. He said all the champions of the Broncos have never gone one year too long and I don’t want you going a year too long and being remembered for that if you have a bad year.

“I just had to be there for him. His family were great and Wayne Bennett (Broncos super coach) was a massive help in that situation.

“I appreciated Wayne’s honesty. Down deep, I knew my time was up and I just needed to hear it from people I trusted as well.”

“He went into his shell for a while and didn’t want to talk but we just had to get Justin to a point where he was ready to say, ‘Hey, I’m not OK, I need help.’

Of fatherhood, he says: “Carter has changed my life.

I love being a dad. He’s mellowed me out I reckon ... you have to be gentle around him.”

The soft side of Justin Hodges … with Gyanne and Carter. Photo courtesy: COURIER MAIL

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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IN THE MIDDLE OF MAYHEM Former Test referee Don Lancashire remembers some iconic moments, from his career during a colourful era for rugby league. BY STEVE RICKETTS

A

s a Test rugby league referee and a first class cricket umpire, Don Lancashire’s career ‘in the middle’ is one of Australian sport’s amazing true stories.

Lancashire, a former first grade rugby union fullback with St George, controlled some of the most controversial league matches in history and was at the centre of a crowd riot in Brisbane.

He had the whistle when John Sattler’s jaw was broken in the 1970 Sydney grand final and when Jim Morgan was head butted into Test football folklore the same year.

Don Lancashire was born in 1932 at a private hospital in Bay Street, Brighton-Le-Sands in the heart of St George Dragons rugby league territory. As a kid he would “scale the trams”, the term for hitching a free ride, to the local baths.

He played union for St George but quit the game when he was dropped for a teammate who hadn’t even bothered to turn up for training.

A regular at St George Dragons rugby league matches at Kogarah Jubilee Oval, Don exasperated his father with his critique of referees.

“Dad said I would get him a fight one day, with my constant spruiking of the rules,” Lancashire recalls. “He made an appointment for me to see [local refereeing official] Bill Devine about taking up the whistle. “[Test referee] Darcy Lawler was one of the blokes who put me through the course.’’

It was an injury to the controversial Lawler which gave Lancashire his first chance in the top grade in 1959.

“I was preparing to referee a reserve grade match at Leichhardt Oval when an official told me to get into my civvies and get to the Sydney Cricket Ground,’’ Lancashire said.

“Lawler had rolled his ankle before a match between St George and Souths. It meant I had blokes like Norm Provan and Ken Kearney to deal with. Darcy told me not to let Kearney get on top of me.

18

MEN OF LEAGUE DECEMBER 2015

Don Lancashire and his wife of 36 years, Carol, at their Mount Warren Park home south of Brisbane.

“There was a bit of a scuffle between ‘Bluey’ Wilson (Saints) and Richie Powell (Souths) and the penalty went to Souths. Kearney went away mumbling but I couldn’t understand a word he said because he didn’t have his teeth in.’’

Lancashire moved to Queensland in 1960 and controlled grand finals in 1963, ‘64, ‘67 and ‘69.

Like every other referee of the time, Lancashire had his share of running battles with Brisbane Wests’ Test halfback Barry Muir but there was mutual respect.

In 1968, Muir’s first grade career came to an end after he spat at referee Dale Coogan in a match at Lang Park.

Lancashire says the appointments board had made a mistake giving the match to an inexperienced referee.

“I knew what Barry was like, playing at Lang Park where he was more or less a law unto himself,” Lancashire said. “They threw Coogan in there with only a couple of first grade games to his credit.”

Lancashire returned to Sydney in 1970 and that year controlled the Australia - Great Britain Test series, the last time the Lions won the Ashes Trophy.

Australia won the first Test in Brisbane but lost the battle, with their dressing room resembling a hospital ward at the end of the 80 minutes.

Worst ‘hit’ was Australian prop Jim Morgan who made the mistake of starting a head butting duel with British prop Cliff Watson.

“You look at Cliff Watson and he is so tough; you’d think if he had an argument with a steam roller, the roller would come off second best,” Lancashire said.

“I’ll never forget Morgan’s nose. It was flattened across his face.

“After the big stoush in that first Test I told both captains [Graeme Langlands and Frank Myler] that was it. No more nonsense or they were gone. I had no more trouble after that.’’

In that year’s Sydney grand final South Sydney skipper John Sattler was the victim of a cheap shot from Manly forward John Bucknell which left Sattler with his jaw broken in three places after just three minutes of play.

Sattler completed the match, his courageous effort helping to inspire the Rabbitohs to a 23-12 win.

“The touch judges let me down, no end,” Lancashire says. “It was on the blindside and no-one came in and said anything.”

The toughest match Lancashire refereed was a 1975 World Series clash between England and Wales at Lang Park.

“That was a bloodbath,” he said. “They hated each other. If I sent anyone off [who deserved it], there would have been no players left.”

Lancashire had returned to Brisbane at the end of the 1970 league season and late that summer umpired a Queensland v England cricket match at The Gabba. His other first class cricket appointment was a Sheffield Shield match between Queensland and Western Australia.

“WA had a fast bowler, Dennis Baker, who had been having a rough trot,’’ Lancashire said. “He bowled one down the leg side, and (Queensland batsman) Jeff Langley poked at it, and for my money he missed it.

“The only one who didn’t appeal was (wicketkeeper) Rod Marsh. That was a good indication to me Langley didn’t touch it. But didn’t Baker blow up! I had to put it in a report and he got suspended for a game.

“I was in the offices of the West Australian Rugby League one day seven or eight years later and in walks Baker.

He was selling Elastoplast. You wouldn’t believe it”.

Such was Lancashire’s profile on his return to Brisbane, he landed a TV commentary role with Channel 0 (now TEN), and also wrote for The Australian newspaper.

A printer by trade, Lancashire believes his sometimes blunt appraisal of refereeing performances got him offside with his contemporaries and that, along with other run-ins with the Brisbane referees’ officialdom, forced him to travel to the Darling Downs for matches.

One day at Oakey he refereed the under-16s, and then had to run the line for reserve grade when a touch judge didn’t arrive.

“I came off at half-time in reserve grade and was famished,’’ Lancashire said. “The only person I knew on the sidelines was Oakey coach Peter Connell (a Queensland rep) and I asked him for a couple of bob for a pie. I think every bastard at the ground saw the money changing hands.’’

Lancashire was one of controversial State of Origin referee Barry Gomersall’s mentors in the 1980s and had a lot of time for 1970s interstate referee Bernie Pramberg.

“When I was writing for The Australian I said Bernie Pramberg might as well take a bed to Lang Park because that’s where he was going to be every week (for the match of the day).’’

Lancashire was put in an awkward position in 1964 after he sent off Wynnum forward, Ron Wittenberg (brother of Test prop, Jeff Wittenberg) in a Brisbane club match.

The Brisbane referees were in dispute with the game’s administrators over judiciary findings and had voted not to attend judiciary hearings in protest.

After the Wynnum match, Lancashire was approached

by BRL official, Jack McMahon, who implored him to ‘do the right thing’ and appear.

“It’s the old story. You can’t work for two bosses and he was paying the wages. I appeared so the referees suspended me.

“I had been appointed to the midweek interstate match at the Exhibition Grounds, so I appealed the decision, with the hearing held just before the game.

BRL chairman Arthur Sparkes said to bring my gear, everything would be all right.

“My appeal was upheld, but I was in no fit state to referee an interstate game. What a mess I made of it too. I didn’t ref to my usual standards and Barry Muir dictated the game from the scrum.’’

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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And what about the riot?

It happened in 1960 at Oxenham Park, Nundah, then the home ground of Norths Devils.

Norths were playing Wests, with Lancashire making a huge call near the end, which handed Wests the game.

The score was 7-7 when Lancashire penalised a Norths’ player for making a tackle from an off-side position. Wests’ Darryl Stevens missed with his first shot at goal, but Lancashire gave him a second go because Wests’ players were walking backwards and forwards under the posts trying to distract him.

Stevens made no mistake this time, and that was the signal for around 1000 fans to jump the fence, with Lancashire half carried from the field as players and officials sought to protect him from the horde.

Back in the dressing rooms he needed police protection as fans milled around hurling abuse.

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

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MEN OF LEAGUE DECEMBER 2015

“I still had NSW number plates on my car,’’ Lancashire said. “The cops told me to get in the car and go.’’

The following week Lancashire was awarded the match of the day between Valleys and Wynnum, and finished with broken ribs.

“Nev ‘Tricky’ Casey from Valleys - you never knew where he was running - ran into me, driving my badge into my ribs,’’ Lancashire said.

“I saw out the game, and the next week they gave me another game back at Nundah, between Norths and Redcliffe. I thought, ‘there’s no way I’m going to pull out of this’.

“I strapped myself up, and put my jumper on before I left home. I got through the game all right. Redcliffe hadn’t won a game until then, but they won that one. I had more trouble getting off the field.

“The joys of refereeing.’’

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 $4595 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.

2015 CHRISTMAS APPEAL T he Frazer family has supported, played and cherished rugby league for three generations.

Now, with the help of Men of League Foundation members like you, our game is giving back to the Frazer family at a time when they really need a hand.

Steve Frazer was the third generation of his family to play the great game of rugby league. On the way to work one day, he ran off the road when he braked to avoid a kangaroo and his brakes locked.

Tragically Steve’s neck was broken but since his spinal cord wasn’t severed, he managed to phone an ambulance from the wreck of his car.

Steve had to endure 14 hours of surgery and many months of painful recovery. His wife, Pat, his beloved kids and his football mates rallied round. “It was touch and go whether he would be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life,” says Pat. He would never be active in sports or work again, but at least he was mobile - for a little while.

In a terrible turn of events, just months later Steve was diagnosed with melanoma. To his family’s distress and despite doctors’ best efforts, he died last January - one week after he’d bought a new home for his family in the NSW town of Muswellbrook.

Thanks to our wonderful members, that was when Men of League stepped in. Along with Steve’s loyal footy mates, we helped the grieving family to move in.

Steve’s wife Pat says: “It was an awful time and we couldn’t have got through it without Men of League.

They’ve been unbelievable. Other

than Steve’s mum and brother, we have no family here. Tony and Jan from Men of League are now like part of our family. Everyone has helped us so much.”

Men of League needs you on our great team of supporters so we can keep helping people like Steve’s family. Please join us and be there for your footy mates by giving to our 2015 Christmas Appeal.

Your donation would mean the world to people in need in our footy community - from club members, avid fans and family members, to players and officials at every level.

It would go towards financial assistance for surgery, rehabilitation, children’s education, and families in trouble like Steve’s.

It would also provide social contact for those isolated by age, illness or other reasons.

The Frazer family still needs you by their side because what happened to Steve has not been their only heartache. Just when they thought nothing worse could happen, one week before Steve’s death, his and Pat’s intelligent and loving sixteen-year-old granddaughter Kylie - a devoted Bulldogs fan - was diagnosed with schizophrenia. She spent 12 months in hospital and will be on medication for the rest of her life.

Once again the Men of League family came to the rescue. When Kylie returned from hospital, the funding our members had provided meant Men of League could create an extra room for the Frazer’s house, by converting an old shed into a properly lined and attractive room. This has become a much needed retreat for Kylie.

Kylie and Pat Frazer.

Men of League volunteer Tony Wicks and Steve Frazer.

“Without Men of League, I don’t think we would have coped,” says Pat. “With their help, the whole family is moving forward. Kylie is now vice-captain of her school and plans to be a paramedic, a teacher for the disabled or even, if her condition allows, a doctor. She just wants to help other people.”

As a valued member of the Men of League family, we ask you to please support our Christmas Appeal this year by making a donation.

Your support is vital to people in the rugby league community across Australia who are doing it tough and are in need of a helping hand from our great rugby league community.

HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY

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MINISTER FOR FOOTY Former deputy Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is well known for his political career but while some politicians head to sporting events to help their image, he is a genuine supporter of rugby league - and a devout Rabbitohs supporter. BY BARRY ROSS

A

nthony Albanese is a genuine rugby league man. While he loves the game, his real sporting passion is the South Sydney Rabbitohs, a club he has been involved at many levels for most of his life.

The 52-year-old, Australia’s 15th deputy Prime Minister, was introduced to the Rabbitohs by his maternal grandfather who gave him a gold bunny when he was a small boy.

“I still have this bunny which has some red and green painted on it, and I know it is about 70 years old,” he said.

As a student at St Joseph’s primary school at Camperdown, the Federal Member for Grayndler began playing league at age six. He went to St Mary’s Cathedral where the school had two teams, the Magpies and the Hawks, who played in the Eastern Suburbs competition.

“I was far from the best player,” he explained, “But Brother Simpson gave me the job of captain and goalkicker when I was in sixth class.

“We played at Queens Park in Waverley and I played hooker, halfback or five-eighth. On Monday mornings at the school assembly, I had to give a report on our weekend match.”

A good sprinter, Albanese enjoyed some success as an athlete during his school years and also played cricket and tennis. But rugby league was his main sport and he played the game until his late teens.

One of his treasured memories is of Souths winning the 1971 grand final against St George 16-10.

“My mother took me to the game and we were on a packed hill,” he remembered. “We were surrounded

by Souths fans and although I was only eight years of age, I will never forget the day, as I watched the match on the shoulders of several of the men who were Rabbitohs supporters.

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“In 2014, 43 years later, I was able to enjoy another premiership win with my 13-year-old son Nathan.

“What a great spectacle it was at ANZ Stadium and it again proved how our great game can provide people from all walks of life with unforgettable memories.

“My son has many heroes from the current Souths team such as Greg Inglis and the Burgess brothers, but I still idolise players from 1971 such as Ron Coote, Bob McCarthy and John Sattler.”

Over the years, Albanese has certainly been through some highs and lows with South Sydney. He was a board member when the club was kicked out of the competition in 1999 and was still on the board when they won the appeal in the Federal Court in July 2001, and were reinstated in the premiership for the 2002 season.

On Saturday 20 November 1999, he was one of 1750 who gathered at the Sydney Convention Centre for the $100 a plate ‘Save Our Souths’ dinner. That night he purchased a signed portrait of John Sattler for $1000 and this still hangs proudly in his office foyer.

After being elected to Federal Parliament on his 33rd birthday in March 1996, Albanese has used the Parliament many times to speak on rugby league generally and South Sydney in particular.

Souths faithful - Russell Crowe, Kristina Keneally, Anthony Albanese and Peter Holmes a Court.

On 22 November 1999 he moved that the house noted the national and international status of rugby league and called upon the NRL to include Souths in the 2000 competition.

In October last year, he put on the public record what a special occasion the 2014 grand final day was.

Just days before the 2014 decider he and Prime Minister of the time, Tony Abbott, combined to hand $10 million to the Rabbitohs, which went towards the club’s proposed $22 million community and high performance centre of excellence at Heffron Park in Maroubra.

He also played a major role in the $14 million Federal Government grant for the new NRL building, League Central, at Moore Park.

Newtown have also benefited from his support.

A few years ago he and his State Member wife, Carmel Tebbutt, organised a Federal and State grant of more $1 million to the club for repairs and spectator amenity improvements at Henson Park.

“The King George V grandstand was built in 1938 for the Empire Games and it was riddled with concrete cancer, “ he explained.

“That had to be fixed and there was some other work to be done.”

Over the past few years, Albanese and his family have enjoyed many Saturday afternoons watching Newtown on the Henson Park hill.

“It’s great to enjoy a beer and some sausages, while at the same time watch the Jets play,” he said.

“At every game my family and I attend, we run into blokes and their families who I grew up with. My son

Souths are back (2001) - Albanese with Andrew Denton and George Piggins.

is able to kick the ball around on the hill and on the playing arena after the match.

“We all get a laugh when each week, no matter how many are in attendance, the crowd is announced at 8972.”

Albanese still plays tennis at the Henson Park courts as he has done for more than 30 years.

Elected a life member of Souths in 2013, he and his family live in the Grayndler area.

There is some friendly friction in their happy home when Souths play the Cronulla Sharks. Anthony and his son are strong Rabbitohs men, while Carmel, after growing up in the shire, has been a long term Sharks fan.

Both made the finals in 2015 and are favoured to do so again next season.

“Souths will be up there in 2016,” Albanese emphasised.

“Injuries and some suspensions cost us this year but coach Michael Maguire will have them back as front line contenders. I can’t wait for next season to start.”

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APPROACHING ‘THE NEXT PLAY’

BY MICHAEL BUETTNER

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t’s been a busy couple of months with the retired players, with many events being held in the months of September and October. It started in early September with the first retired players workshop known as ‘The Next Play’ which involved former players Sean Garlick, Luke Swain, Tony Caine and Joe Williams. They told their stories about their transition from the game and the exciting new challenges that face the recently retired players as they go through this new phase of their working careers.

The workshop was facilitated by James Greenshields who has a military background and, not unlike the league players, went through similar situations and challenges when he left the military. With 15 former players in attendance the event proved a huge success and has certainly laid the foundation for more of these programs.

The following week saw some past players attending the last luncheon at the spiritual home of rugby league, the NSW Leagues Club. With the club closing down later this year it was a great chance to get together with the likes of Michael Vella, Adam Peek, Jarrod Saffey, Josh Perry and former players from the 1985 grand final teams and discuss the old times. It’s amazing to think the number of tales the walls inside the NSW Leagues Club could tell. A big thank you goes to Darryl Brohman for being the MC and for his continued support of the Men of League Foundation.

The Queensland-based past players also had the opportunity to get together at the Men of League luncheon at the Brisbane Convention Centre. With more than 800 people in attendance the crowd were entertained by the likes of Shane Webcke, former Australian rugby union coach John Connolly, former Kiwi fast bowler Danny Morrison and ex-Queensland and Australian cricketer Andy Bichel who openly debated the Trans-Tasman rivalry and the many clashes between the Aussies and the Kiwis.

Thanks go to David Solomona, Adrian Vowles, Shontayne Hape and Quentin Pongia for their attendance and the many others who attended what was an amazing event.

With so many great players retiring from the game at the end of season 2015, grand final week proved a great opportunity for these guys to be acknowledged for their achievements and to celebrate their wonderful

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careers. For some this means moving onto the next chapter of their lives and for others the opportunity to play overseas in the UK Super League.

It proved to be a busy four days starting with the Carbine Club luncheon on Thursday where the retired players were awarded their bronzed boot - a tradition that started 10 years ago for those leaving the game.

This was followed on Friday with a retired players and partners workshop - a similar program to The Next Play workshop which also included the players’ partners.

It was another opportunity for the retiring group to hear from some couples who have gone through this process, in this case Mark Bryant and his wife Heidi and former Kiwi international Quentin Pongia and wife Sue, who gave an insight into their transition from the game for both the player and the family.

Saturday saw representative players from Australia and New Zealand attend the Kangaroos reunion at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Hosted by Andrew Voss and entertained by John Peard, the reunion saw many of the game’s greats enjoy lunch and catch up with former teammates. When the reunion finished it was off to Ruby L’otel in Rozelle where the Class of 2015 had the opportunity to catch up with the more recently retired players in an informal setting with over 50 former NRL there it was a chance to share stories and network among those that have been in the same position only 12 to 24 months before.

Finally, the big day came around, grand final day saw the Class of 2015 recognised for their playing achievements on the field prior to the pre-game entertainment. It was great to see these players who have brought so much joy to their fans honoured by the huge crowd and provided with a send-off fitting their careers.

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WHERE EAGLES DARE ...

REMEMBER Sea Eagles are common around the Australian coastline but there is a special breed that often congregate around the NSW-Queensland border and Gold Coast who have migrated from Brookvale Oval. BY NEIL CADIGAN

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rko’, Ken Arthurson, was obviously still the Godfather of the Manly Sea Eagles, a small man whose standing among men much bigger and more boisterous has never diminished.

Graham ‘Wombat’ Eadie revelled in the ribbing; crafty halfback Dennis Ward was still as passionate and analytical in his dialogue about rugby league as he was half a century earlier. Fomer international forward Mick Vievers still looked a mountain of a man and remains larger than life. Noted absentee was John ‘Pogo’ Morgan who was overseas.

They were a day’s drive from Brookvale Oval and two or three generations away from their heydays in the maroon and white, but this gathering of ‘Golden Eagles’ retained an air of magic (as the yarns grew in stature) and the atmosphere of pride that they were part of the fabric of a club that has produced eight first grade premierships and 11 more grand final teams in almost seven decades.

It was the Gold Coast reunion of the Golden Eagles ex-players association at Surfers Paradise, which has become the second hub of ex-Manly Sea Eagles beyond Sydney’s beaches due to the large migration of former Manly-ites to the holiday strip and Tweed coast.

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And those gathered (well just about all of them, as there were some welcomed ‘ring ins’ in the room) were part of a group of no less than 450 former Manly players who have taken up membership of the old boys network with a charter to bring one-time Eagles back in connection with the current team, and club, and to raise funds for community causes, their own support and the Eagles of today.

When Manly’s 2008 grand final winning teammates Mark Bryant and Josh Perry decided to throw their passion into reviving a Sea Eagles old boys network about 18 months ago, they could not have anticipated what has emerged.

“We wanted to get as many players as we could back involved with the current team and be part of the club again,” said the Cootamundra-raised Bryant who has made the northern peninsula home since joining from the Canberra Raiders in 2003.

“After the first month we had 30 members, then 150 after six months and now we have 450 and there is such a strong representation up the coast we have a Gold Coast chapter driven by ‘Pogo’ Morgan.

“Membership is open to players who played in any senior grade with the club. No one cares how many

Golden Eagles, young and not so young, gather at Surfers Paradise.

first grade games any of us has played, it’s about sticking together and sharing our history and ongoing passion for the Manly Sea Eagles.

its players of the past - and we want to remember and acknowledge these legends of our club and the game,” said Bryant.

“I really enjoy catching up with blokes from so many eras who have so much to tell and to see the bond they retain after so many years.

The Golden Eagles host regular events from game day social activities to charity functions, not only raising money for worthy causes but providing past Sea Eagles players, coaching staff, colleagues and their guests a place to reunite and reconnect.

“None of us younger former players would have been able to achieve the success we’ve had without the culture being set by the now grey haired guys that went before us, and it is important that we recognised and embrace that. And when I’m grey I want to have the same attachment and see that culture continue further.”

Ken Arthurson was.responsible as anyone for developing the strong culture of loyalty and and ‘us v them’ mentality at a club that once had as a slogan: “I’m a Manly supporter ... get over it!”

Some of the elder statesmen who are involved include Merv Gilmer who was halfback in the Eagles’ first team of 1947, and 97-year-old Jack Hubbard who played 116 first grade games in the club’s first decade.

He says the fact that the old boys is such a strong network and has had reunions either side of the border for years now, is a credit to a unique tradition and level of mateship in the Manly history.

The 16-season veteran Steve Menzies and Arthurson are patrons. Other familiar faces at the Surfers Paradise gathering included internationals Paul McCabe, Phil Daley, Dale Shearer and Steve Martin, plus club stalwarts like Mick Vievers and Tom Mooney.

“There was a code of friendship and loyalty developed all those years ago and it has withstood all sorts of challenges the club has endured,” he said. “There has always been a strong network and Manly has been a close knit club, as in past days a lot of the players competed together at surf clubs in summer as well ... with my old club Freshwater’s colours actually adopted as Manly’s in rugby league.”

“We strongly believe that Manly’s recent success has a large part to do with the firm foundation created by

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A MAN WITH PASSION FOR FOOTY ...AND ITS PEOPLE We pay tribute to one of Men of League’s greatest servants and most popular men the game has produced - Steve Calder, who passed away in October. BY STEVE RICKETTS

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s a youngster growing up at Narromine in the central west of New South Wales, Steve Calder had just one dream - to play rugby league.

When he was chosen for his first grade debut for Canterbury-Bankstown in 1971 it was like winning Lotto, his lifelong friend Bruce Warwick told mourners at Steve’s funeral in Brisbane on November 4.

A debilitating lung disease claimed Steve at the age of 63, but his legacy as one of life’s “great blokes” will live long after his premature passing.

Men of League members formed a guard of honour outside The Gap Uniting Church in Brisbane’s west where hundreds of mourners, among them national chairman Ron Coote and Broncos coach, Wayne Bennett, gathered to farewell a man instrumental in the formation of Men of League in Queensland.

Bennett was a man Calder admired above all others in rugby league. “Wayne showed me things in relation to the way you deal with people that have been extremely beneficial to me,” Calder said in an interview I conducted with him in 2014. “I have never met anyone like him, and never will. When he speaks, everyone listens.”

Whenever Steve Calder spoke those near him invariably felt good, because he was always so positive and vibrant.

While growing up in Narromine, he would listen to the ABC match of the day on radio every Saturday with John O’Reilly calling the action from the Sydney Cricket Ground. “I just loved footy. I had no other dreams,” Steve said. “I would even write notes about the best players, or the players I thought were the best, from the radio broadcast.”

Calder switched from Narromine High to Dubbo High for his final two years of schooling and became Dubbo’s first NSW Combined High Schools league rep when he was chosen for a tour of Queensland in 28

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1970. He played for Dubbo High on a Saturday and Narromine first grade on Sunday, under the coaching of former Great Britain international Phil Jackson. The Narromine captain was Arnold Gillespie, whose son David would go on to play 19 Tests for Australia.

In 1971 Calder signed with Canterbury after secretary Peter ‘Bullfrog’ Moore flew to Dubbo to interview him.

Jackson had recommended him to Canterbury, whose new coach was Queenslander Bob Hagan.

In Sydney Calder shared accommodation with another country boy, Chris Anderson from Forbes, who would go on to play for Australia as well as become Peter Moore’s son-in-law. In his two years with Canterbury he played only 13 first grade games, seven in the starting side, largely because of injuries, including cruciate ligament damage and a broken jaw. He couldn’t adjust to life in Sydney and, although Canterbury made him a good offer to stay for the 1973 season, he elected to move to Brisbane to play under Hagan, who was coach at Norths Devils.

In the ‘73-74 off-season, Calder and close mate, German-born Ralph Michaels, played for Hull in England and took the chance to see the world. Steve married his childhood sweetheart, Sue McKinnon in the next off-season, with Michaels the best man.

The 1975 season saw Calder achieve much but a cherished Queensland jersey eluded him. He played for South Queensland against the touring NSW Country side at Lang Park and, as a member of coach Barry Muir’s state squad, it was accepted he would go into camp with the Maroons immediately after the match.

Instead Muir and his selectors made one late change - out went Calder and in came Ian Thinee from Muir’s Redcliffe club. “It was one of my biggest disappointments,” Calder said. “I was shattered when the news came through that I had missed out.”

At club level he enjoyed his best season, winning the Rothmans Medal as the Brisbane competition’s best and

fairest. The following year teammate Darryl Brohman won the Rothmans Medal. Calder rated Brohman the most talented footballer he lined up alongside.

Norths finished with the wooden spoon in 1978 and could not pay the players’ wages, with Calder owed $7000. So he took up the captain-coach job at Corrimal in the Illawarra League, earning $15,000 plus bonuses and a job in the mines, and he captained Illawarra against the touring Great Britain side.

After four successful seasons at Corrimal, he accepted a position on the Illawarra Steelers coaching staff and in ‘84 guided the Steelers’ under-21 side to the President’s Cup title, his first premiership as a player or coach. He remained at the Steelers until the end of the ‘89 season, working with first grade coaches Allan Fitzgibbon, Brian Smith, Terry Fearnley and Ron Hilditch. The Steelers made the final of the Panasonic Cup knock-out competition in ‘89.

The following year, after being overlooked for the Steelers’ top coaching position, Calder was invited to join Bennett’s coaching staff at the Brisbane Broncos. He would spend nine years there, and as defence coach played a big role in their 1992 and ‘93 premiership triumphs. His favourite Broncos player was Allan Langer and the best player to coach was Darren Lockyer, who were among the mourners at his funeral.

As well as being a miner in the Illawarra, Steve worked as a bar manager (at Arthur Beetson’s Queens Arms pub in Brisbane) and as a sales representative. He was the proprietor of an independent supermarket and a dry cleaning business, before buying a book shop.

But his most satisfying job was his work for Men of League. He was elected inaugural Queensland chairman, a position he retained until 2011 when he became full-time state manager. He was awarded life membership in 2014.

“Men of League kept me involved in footy,” Steve said. “I’m biased I suppose but I think, through the 41 committees, there are so many great people in terms of the culture we’ve evolved in this game.

“My time in rugby league has been an amazing journey and to be involved in the code all my life is something I could only dream of as a young bloke.”

Steve was married to Sue for 41 years, during which time they raised four children - Nathan, Nicky, Gabrielle and Brooke.

“Sue is an amazing person, raising four great kids and being involved first hand in the businesses we ran,” Calder said. “Probably the legacy I feel really proud of is becoming a grandfather. It’s fabulous. Life has been a merry go round which, unfortunately, has run out of gas.”

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LET’S DO IT ‘ONE MORE TIME’ Some blasts from the past ready to go out for ‘one more time’ with the Men of League All Stars.

Ex-grand final centre Michael Buettner led a bunch of NRL has-beens, who have long known they could not compete at that level again but always feel they have one last hurrah inside them, to a modified clash against a bunch of rookies chasing their dreams - in front of the TV cameras. He gives a wonderful insight. BY MICHAEL BUETTNER

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he opportunity to throw the boots on for “one last time” was an offer too good to refuse when I received a call from Craig Catterick, a former trainer from my days at the Parramatta Eels and now the football operations manager for the NRL Rookies Program, about a show to be aired on Channel 9 in 2016 that provides one lucky participant the chance to secure a contract with an NRL club.

First things first: who was going to be available to play for the Men of League All Stars? So out went the emails followed by the many calls to former players who I thought would not only be willing but, more importantly, be able.

He was looking to test his boys against a Men of League All Stars team - a classic case of those who’d had made it up against those hoping to.

Not surprisingly the call to action was answered and the responses came in very quickly, we even had a former NRL and UK Super League coach who was willing to offer his pearls of wisdom from the sideline and guide the All Stars around the park in our very own Stu Raper.

It was going to be a game of Nines, three times nineminute periods of play against these young aspiring footballers, some almost 20 years younger than me.

The team was starting to take shape: former Newcastle and Queensland legend Robbie O’Davis at fullback; the outside backs included yours truly and former Eagles

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and Cowboys flyer Michael Bani; the halves were covered by some nippy, cheeky and more importantly creative players in Denis Moran and Joe Williams.

Then it was to the big boys up front where we had plenty of size, grunt and a mountain of NRL experience with the likes of Andrew Ryan, Jamie Feeney, Lee Hopkins, Mark O’Meley, Luke Swain and a last-minute inclusion but definitely a much welcomed addition in former Dragon Heath L’Estrange who had only finished playing in the NRL two weeks earlier.

To run the water for the All Stars was former Bulldogs halfback Brent ‘Shifty’ Sherwin who unfortunately had sustained a knee injury the week before the big game (supposedly a training injury).

Leading into the game there was a high level of confidence amongst the rookies who had played several games prior to the Men of League All Stars clash. And let’s not kid ourselves - whilst there was plenty of experience with over 1800 NRL and UK Super League games amongst the All Stars, these games spanned over a 23-year period with ‘Robbie O’ and me making our debuts way back in 1992. I can assure you the expectations from the All Stars weren’t as high as our opponents’.

The five-minute warning sounded, it was show time.

The talk within the dressing room had really picked up and whilst we all knew this was just some fun, the competitive instincts kicked in and there was a real desire in each of us to put the best foot forward. We waited in the tunnel for the cameras and crew to be set in their correct positions and then got the call from the producer … “you’re on boys”.

Out we ran on to Allianz Stadium, just like “old times”, the crowd not as big as we had remembered but that didn’t matter, it was all about being out there again with your teammates up against the unknown.

Whilst I can’t go into the details of the match, what I will say is, the All Stars performed well. In fact, once the cobwebs were swept away it was just like riding a bike (only a little slower) and the rookies were very willing.

You will need to tune in to the program next year to see the result however I don’t think you will be disappointed with the performance of the All Stars team.

The game was to be played at Allianz Stadium which brought back many great memories, especially if you were playing during the month of September - finals time.

After the match we headed across to the Rugby League Museum for a bite to eat, where the rookies had the opportunity to meet the All Stars players and discuss their careers and any insights we could offer them to assist them on their journey. This was a great finish to what was a wonderful event - the opportunity to be a part of The Rookie program and assist these young players in achieving their dreams and, of course the opportunity to throw the boots on for ‘one last time’.

Upon arrival to the ground, so many things looked familiar: camera crews, the walk down the tunnel into the away dressing sheds, the look and smell of the change rooms. It was like going back in time.

Big thanks go to the All Stars players for making themselves available and their continued support of the Men of League Foundation and good luck to all the rookies as they chase their NRL dream.

There was a call from Robbie O who had car problems on the way down from Newcastle and was going to struggle to make it. Coach Raper was made aware and like any good coach Plan B was pulled out of the back pocket and implemented immediately. Fortunately we had a couple of young local footballers on standby one of them Mark O’Meley’s son Nick, just in case there was any last-minute withdrawals, injuries and of course if just pure exhaustion set in for any of the All Stars throughout the game.

The dressing room was a buzz with anticipation; players getting strapped up, balls being passed around (not well in some instances) and plenty of stretching (and groaning from the older ones - or maybe that was just me?)

Coach Raper then made the official jersey presentation and I was bestowed the honour of being the captain.

What a buzz, however this excitement was quickly banished after being told that I would be running the boys out, tossing the coin and then heading back to bench.

Rookie football

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FROM BACK PAGES...

TO THE BACK PAGE

Mike Gibson was genuinely the first “multi-media personality” to emerge from the sports section - to daily newspaper columnist, radio host and TV anchor man, culminating as ‘chair’ of Fox Sports’ Back Page. We pay tribute to his life, and career. BY IAN HEADS

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he tormented late days in the life of journalist and broadcaster Mike Gibson provided a tragic coda to the story of a greatly talented man who lit up all areas of the media into which he strayed.

Mike, a lifetime believer in the North Sydney Bears, was found dead at his home on 23 September, 2015.

He was 75. The many tributes that followed were heartfelt, telling of his eclectic passage through the varied halls of print, radio and television journalism.

But there was a gap in the remembrances too - and it concerned Mike Gibson and rugby league. The tributes offered a gentle nod to Mike the league writer, but the over-riding focus was on his successful later years when he blossomed into a knockabout star of commercial radio and TV. It is entirely appropriate that this Men of League journal should balance the ledger in the story. My overall view of him is that he was the great all-rounder of the modern Australian media - and that in the comparatively brief period he was a full-time league correspondent, he was the most stylish writer on the game in all its seasons - plus a breezy and expert commentator on radio and TV. Mike Gibson joined the Daily and Sunday Telegraphs in the late ‘50s, and, gravitating towards the sports department, became the Tele’s greyhound writer.

In 1963, he took the first giant step that began his restless progress through the working years when he paid his way to England and covered for the Tele a triumphant Kangaroo tour, one that featured what is now recognised as the finest of all `Roo teams.

Four years later he would be along for the ride on the sensational bowler hat tour of ’67. So it was that he covered the full stories of arguably the two most colourful Kangaroo tours in history.

‘Gibbo’ was the Daily and Sunday Telegraph’s chief rugby league writer between 1965-mid ’69, succeeding 32

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George Crawford, whose writing was strictly wedded to formal Tele style - i.e. simple active voice, and plain.

I was Mike’s offsider through that period, benefitting substantially from the ongoing Gibson Masterclass. In ’73, when he joined the ‘Roo tour for a few weeks we were roommates at the old George Hotel in Huddersfield.

Mike became a change agent in coverage of the game with his turn of phrase and colourful words, underpinned by a particularly lively imagination. His brief years at the Tele produced some of the most stylish writing rugby league had or has ever experienced.

A genial character with a puckish sense of humour, he wrote sport with affection and imagination.

He left behind many gems - and a brief scatter of his words follow here. Typical was a famous column he penned in the ‘70s concerning the state of the injured knee of UK and Manly ace Malcolm Reilly which had dominated the league news of the time. Gibbo went right to the heart of the matter - and interviewed the knee itself … which spoke in a thick Yorkshire accent.

Norm Tasker, who worked alongside Mike in the Tele sports-room for several years, recalls: “The story he wrote about the dart board at the Kangaroos pub being so worn out as to not hold the darts anymore, reflecting the boredom the tourists faced in the north of England, announced him as a writer of consummate skill.”

Mike could write hard: “The Australians handed France the Ashes on a platter … they treated the French team as a bit of a joke and the French tour as a lark.” (on the Ashes winning and misbehaving Kangaroos of 1967, dropping the ball and losing the series on the French leg).

“New Zealand is a second rate rugby league country.

We are obliging by sending a second rate team.” slamming the Australian selectors in 1969.

Devoted Bears fan, Gibbo, with players Mark Soden, David Alexander, Billy Moore and Paul Conlon in the early 1990s.

Almost always he wrote colourfully: “He was akin to `Captain Marvel, Superman, Brick Bradford and Batman and Robin all rolled into one.” on the flying Norths winger Ken Irvine.

In 1967, when mighty St George stumbled at last and lost the preliminary final, he called them “a legend on lollypop legs”. Saints 11-year reign ended the following week.

When Easts beat Parramatta 15-14 in the final round of 1967, Mike tagged them “rugby league’s ‘Cinderella team’ … the team that could not win a game last year, the team that became a bar room joke.”

There is much of it in the archives: There exists a personal favourite, reflective of both the Gibson humour and style. It was a telegram sent to my wife (Joy, known to friends as Scott - her maiden name) and me on the arrival of twins in 1975, when only one child was anticipated.

Mike’s words read simply: Great Scott! Two Heads are better than one.

I savour too the memory of a speech he gave at a sports writers dinner in 1985 in which he praised the quality of the sporting scribes, despite the sniffy view of them held by some in loftier sections of newspapers. Mike reckoned the sports blokes had the last laugh, with his affectionate view of them (an all-male domain then) being of: “Just a bunch of blokes having fun up the back of the paper.”

For sure Mike Gibson himself had plenty of fun along the way and all of us saddened by his death, on the cusp of yet another grand final not featuring his beloved Bears, can at least take some solace from that.

Mike was close to Jack Gibson who he interviewed humorously and brilliantly for tapes that dwell within the wonderful library of film-maker Graham McNeice. The Big Bloke could be an awkward interview subject, but he relaxed in the company of the “other Gibbo”.

I suspect that the great coach’s final words on the Mike and his contribution would have been simply this: “Kid - you played strong, done fine”.

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DEVOTING A LIFETIME TO RUGBY LEAGUE Proud Queenslander Kevin Brasch has given a lifetime to rugby league and is well known as an administrator - but he also had a successful playing career here and in England and is quite a wordsmith. BY STEVE RICKETTS

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s captain-coach of Black Stars in Mount Isa in 1964, Kevin Brasch was paid 25 pounds a week, a princely sum in those days. In one match against Brothers, Brasch called his forwards into a huddle to chastise them for poor defence after Brothers ran in several easy tries.

“If you forwards don’t start tackling, we’re in big trouble,” Brasch said, to which a rugged, ginger-haired forward replied: “You’re getting the 25 quid, you do the tackling.”

No doubt Brasch did his share because he has never been one to ease up in his 80 years, a virtue which was recognised in the 2015 Queen’s Birthday honours when he was awarded Membership of the Order of Australia (AM) for his “significant service to rugby league football at local, state and national level; to primary education and to school sports”.

A life member of the Australian Rugby League, Queensland Rugby League, Brisbane Rugby League, Norths Devils and Primary Schools Rugby League, Kevin Brasch first rose to prominence as halfback for the Queensland rugby union side.

In 1956 and ‘57 he represented his state at senior level in the 15-man code and only the presence of Des Connor prevented him from playing for the Wallabies.

Before he began his teaching career, Brasch did his National Service in the navy aboard HMAS Vengeance and their rugby side would travel to matches by helicopter. While stationed in Sydney he played several matches for the famous Randwick club.

But his first love was rugby league (he played in the tough Shift Workers League when he was just 16) and was determined to play in England, the mecca for many Australians in the 1950s.

He took to the English fields in front of bumper crowds, first for Huddersfield and then Whitehaven, while

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also continuing his teaching career. On his return to Brisbane he played for Valleys, and represented Brisbane.

Just as Connor had blocked his international aspirations in union, Wests star Barry Muir was too big an obstacle in the 13-man code.

Prior to his first game - against Wests - John Charlton, a friend from Brasch’s Kirra Surf Club days, suggested he pass on his best wishes to Muir.

“I didn’t know Barry but I knew John did and that seemed a reasonable request,” Brasch said. “Once on the field I sought Barry out and passed on the message. Not only did he ignore me but in turn, he stood on my foot, gave me an elbow to the head and a knee to the thigh.

“Barry’s non-verbals made it quite clear he had no time for conviviality on the field. Years later I raised the issue with Barry and with a twinkle in his eye said Johnny Charlton always told him to “never give a newcomer an even break”.’

After his stint in Mount Isa, which included an appearance against the 1964 French tourists, Brasch returned to Brisbane and, at the suggestion of Norths master coach Bob Bax, turned his hand to administration while also taking on the role as the club’s fitness director and ground announcer.

In 1982 Brasch and close friend Dick ‘Tosser’ Turner were appointed managers of the Queensland side for the first State of Origin series. Brasch continued in that role for five years before managing Australian teams at home and abroad. He was also co-manager of Queensland’s historic tour of England in 1983.

Brasch was heavily involved in the ARL’s battle with Super League from 1995-97 and stepped in to the breach to serve as ARL chairman for 76 days in 1997 when there were two competitions.

Kevin Brasch (right) with Greg Core, whose grandfather August Christian Schatz wore this Queensland cap in 1911.

“I was first and foremost a teacher,” he says. “Early in my teaching career I was chosen to take a scholarship class, something usually reserved for long serving teachers. Wherever I taught my mantra was to be ‘firm, fair and friendly’ and also to be innovative.”

Brasch remains friends with many of the pupils he taught, some of whom played in Queensland primary school league sides he’d coached to victory over NSW, among them Test backs John Rhodes and Warren Orr. He also coached athletics and swimming, producing a number of state schools champions. On his retirement from teaching, Brasch was a founding director (and now a life member) of ‘The Future State Greats’, an organisation chaired by former Test cricket wicketkeeper Ian Healy.

The organisation raises money so that disadvantaged children with sporting ability can be given the chance to succeed at their chosen sport.

After rugby league’s 2008 centenary celebrations, in which he played a huge role, Brasch was appointed

founding chair of the QRL history committee, a position he still holds.

An eloquent public speaker, Brasch is also a fine writer and has penned several poems about the ‘greatest game of all’, as well as poems for special occasions in public and private life. He penned a play on the formation of the code in Queensland, with professional actors doing it justice to his script in a play at La Boite Theatre in Brisbane at the start of the 2008 season.

Brasch’s other achievements include: founding chair of ARL Development, inaugural NRL directorship, attaining a level 4 coaching certificate, founding director of South Queensland Crushers and being a Suncorp Stadium trustee.

He also has a great affinity with universities rugby league and his pursuit of proper governance at all levels of the game has been a feature of his life.

“But my involvement in sports administration would not have been possible without the support of my wife Tilly and our daughter, Coby,” he says.

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

The Kiwi contingent at the Kangaroos/internationals reunion at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Roos reunited - (from left). BACK: Steve Menzies, Greg Inglis, Trevor McDonald, Mick Vella, Jason Stevens. FRONT: Danny Buderus, Robbie Kearns, Rueben Wiki.

Townsville committee members Tim Nugent (right) and Barry Buchanan at Cowboys’ HQ after the 2015 grand final.

Ben Elias, David Fairleigh and Mark Carroll.

Member for Lockyer Ian Rickuss presenting a donation to Southern Division president Andrew O’Brien.

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Michael Buettner with guests at the Cox Plate race day.

(from left) Adam Przybyla, Vic Shipley, Daniel McKinnon, Alex McKenzie, Nathan Pentecost, Simon Dicker, Troy Dodds, Jenny Bowen and Luke Priddis at the launch of the Penrith committee.

Cameron and Barb Smith with their three children Jada, Jasper and Matilda, visiting Luke Baker and his girlfriend Carly Jackson.

There were winners allround at the Cox Plate race day (above and right).

(from left) Western Sydney Committeemen Paul Wadick, Peter Moses, Garry O’Donnell, Kevin Corbett and Noel Willick supporting the Northcott Disability Services March at Parramatta.

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

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

BERNIE CUNEO

Former North Sydney and Manly forward Bernie Cuneo passed away in November after a prolonged illness.

Bernie played 94 first grade games, 61 for North Sydney between 1956-60 and 33 games for Manly 1961-63. He is the brother of Paul who passed away in 2014. Paul played 117 first grades games, 77 for North Sydney 1957-62 and 40 Newtown 1963-69.

VERN BAKALICH

Former New Zealand international winger Vern Bakalich passed away in November aged 85. Bakalich represented New Zealand in 13 Tests between 19531957 and toured Great Britain in 1955 and Australia in 1956 with the Kiwi side. He also represented New Zealand in the 1957 World Cup.

PETER ATKINSON

Atkinson, a proud Men of League member, passed away at his Umina Beach home. He was born in the heartland of the South Sydney rugby league district where he quickly made a name for himself as a gifted sportsman through his exploits as a cricketer, swimmer and most importantly a rugby league player through his primary and high school days. He played for Chelsea United.

Peter was a gifted winger, fullback or centre who possessed lightning speed and tremendous strength and soon became known as a try-scoring machine in unbeatable Chelsea United teams, often playing in the senior A Grade team as a 17 and 18 year old. In one game Atkinson scored eight tries, equalling Chelsea United’s long-standing record.

In 1960, at 18, he was graded with the Rabbitohs where he played third and reserve grade. Close on Peter’s heels was a younger brother Barry, a secondrower, who was also a gifted player who captained many victorious Chelsea United teams and South Sydney President’s Cup teams from 1961-1964 (was captain in 1963 and 1964).

In 1961, Peter transferred to Canterbury Bankstown and played first grade six times and remained at the club 38

MEN OF LEAGUE DECEMBER 2015

until 1963 playing in 38 grade games as a winger and second-rower. He later returned to Chelsea United and became involved in coaching, committee activities and in recent years embraced the formation of the Chelsea Old Boys. Peter was made a life member of the club.

PEGGY BOWEN

Peggy Bowen, who died in October aged 90, was born in Marrickville and was a lifelong Newtown Bluebags supporter although, living near St George’s home ground of Hurstville Oval, she also felt an allegiance to the Dragons. Peggy’s father Jack Bowen was a Newtown junior halfback before a knee injury saw him turn to the refereeing ranks in the Newtown district and became a touch judge in the Sydney first grade premiership. He officiated in the 1952 third Test played at the SCG between Australia and New Zealand.

PETER GALLAGHER

The Taree-born Gallagher passed away after a long period of illness. He played 85 first grade games for Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs from 1960-1965 mainly as a centre and captained the club in 1965. Younger brother Terry played first grade in 17 games alongside him from 1962 to 1967. He played 32 first grade games for Manly from 1968. He was also a professional sprinter, competing against noted sprinters like Reg Hatton, Reg Austin, David Irvine, Archie Brown, Warren Thompson and Jeff Simmons.

He was a well-respected teacher at Cromer High School for many years.

JACK BRANNIGAN

Jack Brannigan, aged 89, was a front-rower in the 1947 Balmain premiership team. Jack was visited in 2013 and 2014 by Men of League welfare officers at Lewisham Nursing Home, and at one visit was overcome that Balmain stalwarts Keith Barnes and Jack Danzey were there.

He was fortunate to have the support of Gail Herbert and her husband and daughters Robyn, Renee and Maddie who regarded Brannigan as a family member.

THOSE NOW GONE PAT O’SHEA

Pat O’Shea was one of the Darling Downs’ most talented commentators and radio personalities.

Men of League’s Queensland state manager Frank Barrett said: “If you grew up on the Darling Downs and liked your sport, you knew Pat O’Shea. Pat was heard everywhere. If it wasn’t on radio 4WK, it was WIN TV or one of the many functions he generously donated his time and significant talent towards.

“The Barrett household woke up to Pat every day, especially on Saturday mornings, when dad had to have his tips from Percy the punters’ pal, one of Pat’s many aliases. His opinion and reputation was highly regarded by people who rubbed shoulders with the best in the business, right down to the average punter at Clifford Park races.

“People like Pat O’Shea helped people dare to dream, he certainly encouraged me to pursue some opportunities in media commentary.”

Southern Division committee president Andrew O’Brien said: “Pat was an avid Men of League member and supporter. He will be sorely missed within the Foundation. A true gentleman, Pat had great pleasure in being master of ceremonies at many of our functions and had the honour of being our MC at the black tie tribute dinner for John McDonald. Our sincere condolences to Cecil, James, Karen, Kate and their families.”

DENNIS BURKE

Men of League Southern Highlands lost one of our welfare officers Dennis Burke to cancer. Dennis was born in Redfern and grew up in the Guildford area where he played rugby league as a boy. He married and moved to Campbelltown where he and his wife raised their four children and he played first grade for Campbelltown City Kangaroos, coached teams, and served on committees. He made many lifelong friends in the local rugby league community.

Burke became one of our welfare officers when the Southern Highlands committee was formed because he wanted to put something back into his beloved sport. Group 6 held a minute’s silence before the start of the under-18s Camden Rams v Campbelltown City Kangaroos major semi-final as a mark of respect.

JOHN STUART

John ‘Timmy’ Stuart was born and grew up in Alexandria which is still right in the middle of the famous South Sydney rugby league territory and like his dad, Reginald, was called Timmy by all his mates.

Timmy played his junior football with Alexandria Rovers in the front row. He was selected in the premiership winning South Sydney President’s Cup teams of 1962 and 1963 under the master coach Clem Kennedy. He was graded and played for the Rabbitohs from 1963 to 1967. However, his desire to play first grade was prevented by an abundance of international quality front-rowers at the club, so he took up an offer to play for Newtown in 1968 and played four first grade games along with many third and reserve grade games.

A butcher by trade, Timmy had the personality to gain the respect and friendship of those who were fortunate enough to pass his way. Apart from his family and rugby league he had a real passion for horse racing and was a regular attendee at racetracks in Sydney. He will be sadly missed by his wonderful family comprising of his loving wife Maree, daughters Justine, Rebecca, Monique, Yvette, sons Josh (ex-NRL player) and Tim, son-in-laws including Jason Death and Ivan Cleary, both prominent NRL identities, 19 grandchildren plus his sisters Yvonne, Margaret and their spouses.

LES CAHILL

Born in Rockhampton, Cahill spent most of his early years living and playing football in Bowen. His ultimate goal was to play in Brisbane after an approach from a Brisbane club, however in 1962 he decided to follow his family to Mareeba where he played for the Mareeba Easts for six years.

Les represented Eacham many times. ln 1969, he made the move to the Hornets club in Ayr as captaincoach, he went on to represent North Queensland and Queensland Country and in 1970 was played for Queensland as halfback, twice against NSW and against the Great Britain tourists. The Maroons beat NSW 16-15 in the first game, their only interstate win between 1968 and ‘75. ln 1971, Cahill and his family moved to Redcliffe where he played for the Dolphins and in the Bulimba Cup competition, before moving back to Mareeba. He retired from playing in 1973 due to injury but went on to be a successful coach winning a premiership with the West club.

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GREG ‘SLIM’ ELLIS

The Gunnedah community lost a rugby league stalwart with the passing of Slim Ellis after a work accident at age 55. Slim was a long term worker for the game, a devoted family man and friend of many in the town and district. He played for the Gunnedah Bulldogs and also the Gosford Townies. A committeeman who handled executive positions and a multitude of other roles, he was also a leader at club functions and fundraisers.

Men of League North West extends their deepest sympathy to wife Vicki and children.

CRAIG FARRUGIA

The rugby league community was shocked by the sudden death of former Eastern Suburbs hooker Craig Farrugia at 54. The Tweed Heads coach had just left the field when he collapsed from a suspected heart attack. Medical staff and paramedics were unable to revive him. Farrugia, who played eight first grade games for the Roosters in 1983, also played for Wynnum-Manly in Brisbane, Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast and coached Currumbin and Gold Coast junior representative teams.

LLOYD HUDSON

Kempsey sporting legend Lloyd Hudson, a NSW league rep, passed away in November, aged 92.

Hudson served in New Guinea during World War II and during his five years of service, when he won the Australian Army heavyweight title. After leaving the services he played with Central Kempsey in the Group 3 competition for three seasons.

Persuaded by his older cousin Cec Waters who played 146 first grade matches for North Sydney, he tried in Sydney with the Bears in 1950. Under the coaching of legendary media man Frank Hyde, Hudson began the season in first grade and in 1953, represented NSW twice against Queensland at the SCG. It was a big week for Hudson as he also represented Sydney against the touring American All in front of 65,453 at the SCG. He played 89 first grade games in five seasons with the Bears and returned to Central Kempsey as captain-coach for seven seasons. In his last year, at age 39, he led the club to the major and minor Group 3 premierships. Up to a few months ago, Lloyd was giving plenty of his time in coaching local teenagers how to box.

STEVE HANSON

Popular North Sydney and Roosters forward Hanson, a NSW State of Origin representative in 1988, passed away on 4 November while a patient at Concord hospital, aged 54.

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He played junior football in Bowral and later with McMahons Point. He was signed by North Sydney for the 1985 season and made his first grade debut in round three of that season and played for City Seconds in his debut year.

After six seasons and 88 top grade games with the Bears, he played for Newtown in the Metro Cup in 1991, then the Roosters for two years, making 22 first grade games.

While holidaying in Thailand in mid-October, Hanson suffered a heart attack and was flown back to Sydney where he passed away. He is survived by his wife Ros and two children, Mitchell and Elyce.

JEFF GILL

Jeff Gill, who has died aged 66, was a stylish lock for Valleys in Brisbane and was unlucky not to play more than one match for Queensland, in 1973 against a team called ‘The Imports’ that consisted of recruits from interstate and New Zealand, as well as Queensland players who had spent the off-season in England, one of them Wayne Bennett. The Imports won and veteran former Canterbury forward Ron Raper was preferred to Gill for the Queensland side.

Born and raised in the Brisbane riverside suburb of Bulimba, Gill dreamt of playing for his beloved Valley Diehards and played in their first grade grand final triumphs in 1970, ‘71, ‘73 and ‘74. He moved to Toowoomba where he became captain-coach of the Souths club, winning a premiership in 1978. In 1979 he played for Toowoomba Clydesdales in their 19-16 win over the touring Great Britain side, and later coached Clydesdales representative sides.

Gill was a respected businessman in Toowoomba, working as a sales rep for the Toowoomba Chronicle and radio stations 4AK and 4GR. A large Valleys contingent travelled to Toowoomba on October 27 for his funeral, with former skipper Marty Scanlan leading the club song at the wake at Toowoomba Golf Club.

Jeff is survived by his daughter, Tory and son, Joseph.

BILLY LEWIS

Billy Lewis passed away in September at the age of 79, after a long battle with dementia. A life member of the junior league club Bondi United, he was a member of the victorious Eastern Suburbs President’s Cup team in 1955. The following year he was graded with the Roosters. In 1959 Lewis was a member of the last Queensland team to win an interstate series against NSW before State of Origin was introduced.

Lewis returned to NSW, becoming captain coach of Temora and won the Group 9 player of the year award.

He went onto captain-coach of Yass and Mudgee, before returning to Sydney and his beloved Bondi United, coaching and serving as president.

WALLY MCARTHUR

The Indigenous rugby league player Wally McArthur was a member of the Aboriginal Australian rugby league team of the century.

Born in Borroloola in the Northern Territory in 1933, McArthur was a strong short-distance runner and played in the South Australian and Western Australian rugby league. He became the first Indigenous player to play for an English rugby league club. He played 165 games on the wing with Rochdale, Blackpool, Salford and Workington Town from 1953-59, scoring 611 points.

ALLAN MOODIE

People in the Gunnedah district were saddened to hear of the passing of Allan Moodie at Toowoomba.

Moodie was an outstanding winger in his day for Gunnedah with an abundance of pace and was a prolific try-scorer. He was the youngest member of the Gunnedah side of 1956 that beat Armidale in the grand final. Men of League North West pass their condolences to his wife and family.

FRANK NARVO

Frank Narvo died aged 82 after a four-year battle with bladder and prostate cancer, but retained his sense of humor to the end.

Frank was born in 1933, at his family home in the Newcastle suburb of Wickham, to Irene and Herb Narvo. Herb played four Tests for Australia, was named in the Newcastle Rugby League team of the century in 2008, and was also an Australian heavyweight boxing champion. Frank, a tough forward, was a North Newcastle junior, who went on to play nine seasons for St George and Newtown in the 1950s (101 first grade games). He scored a try in Newtown’s 23-15 loss to South Sydney in the 1954 grand final at the SCG. He was then a policeman but retired from the force to move into the pub game. ‘‘He was feared as a footballer, he was feared as a policeman, and if you played up in his pub you had good reason to fear Dad,’’ his son Gary said. Narvo met his late wife Maureen in Camden when he was 15 and she was 17 and they married in 1952. They had five children and 20 grandchildren.

RAY WARNER

Ray Warner passed away in September after a battle with cancer. He was graded in 1969 as a referee and

in 1971 was one of the touch judges in a first grade semi-final between St George and Parramatta.

Warner was a regular attendee at the NSW referees association life member reunion lunches and at times worked for the Australian, NSW and Parramatta associations. He worked for Classic clothing manufacturers.

KEITH WELSH

Keith Welsh fought prostrate cancer for 11 years before it finally beat him and he lost his life at age 73, leaving a loving family including his wife of 49 years, Toni.

Born in Rockhampton, Welsh won a Central Queensland boxing title but also loved rugby league.

His family moved to Brisbane and he joined the Redcliffe Dolphins where he won reserve grade and first grade premierships.

After his league career finished, he became captaincoach of the Kallangur Colts touch football team and represented Queensland. He remained a popular figure with the Redcliffe Dolphins and became the A grade team manager in the 70s. He was very respected by coaches John Barber, Bunny Pearce and the players.

Keith was a Foundation Brick member with the Redcliffe Leagues Club and he also sponsored junior rugby league sides. When Dick ‘Tossa’ Turner was in need of a deputy and asked Keith to become the assistant manager of the Queensland State of Origin team, and he cherished the role for six years. He was a Former Origin Great member and enjoyed going to the reunions at Suncorp Stadium on Origin night. Welsh also worked under Turner’s leadership with the South Queensland Crushers and was the first president of Redcliffe Leagues Club golf club.

KEITH ‘RINGO’ PHILLIPS

‘Ringo’, who was a proud Men of League member, sadly passed away on the 13 November after suffering seizure only weeks before. He was 81. A Souths junior, he was a clever and respected five-eighth and only played for the strong Chelsea United club. He played in the 1952 South Sydney President’s Cup and won A Grade premiership in 1958 and ‘59. He remained actively involved in his Chelsea United club as a coach and committee member and was awarded life membership. In recent years Keith moved out of Sydney to the Wyong area.

CORRECTION: DANNY O’CONNELL

Please note that in the previous edition we listed Danny O’Connell as a brother of former Test player Wally O’Connell. This is incorrect. Apologies go to Danny’s family.

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LENDING A HELPING HAND BACK TO THE GAME

Men of League Northern Sydney’s experiences with the Back to the Game program have always been highly successful events, no matter where they are held and this was again the case at both Brookvale and North Sydney Ovals recently.

Shane Brunner enjoys a visit from Fred Jackson, Nathan Hindmarsh, Ben Ross and Norm Pounder.

‘HINDY’ LIFTS SHANE’S SPIRITS

Shane Brunner admitted he had “the shock of my life” when Ben Ross, Norm Pounder and Ken Vessey arrived at his bedside at Royal North Shore (RNS) Hospital.

His shock was even greater when Men of League organised for his idol, Parramatta legend Nathan Hindmarsh, to visit a few weeks later.

He had been admitted after suffering a broken back and ribs (and other injuries) in a motor cycle accident, becoming a paraplegic.

His visitors were amazed at his courage and resilience.

Weeks later Ben, Norm, Ken Vessey and Fred Jackson visited again and Shane had progressed well enough to be transferred to the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane for further treatment. Shane had experienced a particularly tough night but soon had the best medicine possible to overcome it.

“We approached Shane and he woke up with a big grin on his face and told us of his bad night but his delight to see us again,” Ken said.

“After a few minutes Nathan walked into his room as we had arranged, and asked how he was going. The look on Shane’s face was worth a million dollars; he expressed sheer delight and pleasure that Nathan had come to see him.

Shane, a bricklayer, was born in Toowoomba and played rugby league for Toowoomba clubs Valleys, Roosters, Norths and Newtown plus in Brisbane for Eastern Suburbs. One could imagine him being a rugged type hooker who had it down to a fine art of packing into a scrum with a loose arm or striking before the ball was fed into the scrum and naturally incurring the wrath of the referee on a regular basis.

“Shane told Nathan that he had watched him play countless games and he admired him so much and on the day of his accident he was planning to go to Pirtek Stadium for the very first time.

He loves the Parramatta Eels and a day after his accident he was intending to accomplish one of his bucket list wishes by visiting the Eels’ home ground Pirtek Stadium.

“There is no doubt Nathan certainly lifted Shane’s spirits and outlook and we thank him very much for being such a willing participant in this wonderful deed.”

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Firstly, through the co-operation of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, we hosted a group comprising of ex-Manly Warringah rugby league players, sponsors and Men of League supporters at the match between the Sea Eagles and the North Queensland Cowboys. As always, everyone enjoyed a good night at the footy.

Secondly, with the co-operation and generosity of Greg Florimo, general manager of North Sydney Bears, a group attended the NSW Cup match between the North Sydney Bears and Auckland Warriors on a beautiful Saturday afternoon at North Sydney Oval. Among those who attended were former North Sydney Bears Noel Kelly, Mark Harris, Tim Pickup, John ‘Chow’ Hayes, Tim Murphy, Jeff Simmons, Warren Thompson, Bruce Walker and Michael Hyde who all enjoyed the afternoon plus joining in the post-match celebrations by singing the team’s victory song with the players and officials.

“Shane stated again and again that he could not believe that Nathan had come to see him and he could not wait to tell his family and mates of this enormous event.

Back: Noel Kelly, John Hayes and Tim Pickup.

Front: Jeff Simmons.

Ken Vessey, Norm Pounder, Ben Ross, Kurt Drysdale and Fred Jackson.

KURT’S COURAGE AN INSPIRATION

It is in times of adversity that Australian sporting codes are renowned for binding together to assist and this is another case with the Cronulla Sharks, NSWRL, Cabramatta Rugby League Club, Wests Ashfield Leagues Club, Wentworthville Leagues Club, ‘Unite for Kurt’ Fund and the ‘Small Steps for Kurt’ Fund all pitching in. The Foundation will assess any assistance that can be provided to Kurt.

Men of League is one of many organisations that have rallied around 20-year-old Kurt Drysdale, the promising Sydney footballer who was paralysed in an innocuous tackle while playing for Cabramatta in a Sydney Shield game against Wentworthville in June.

His C5 vertebrae twisted and snapped and he suffered several other fractures. Kurt has since been attached to a respirator to assist his breathing and has been receiving extensive care and treatment by a team of dedicated, specialist medical staff at Royal North Shore Hospital for his horrific injuries, which have rendered him a quadriplegic.

The Sharks junior, who progressed to play Holden Cup (under-20s) for the club, was delighted to receive a visit from former Sharks player Ben Ross, the Foundation’s welfare manager, and Northern Sydney welfare officers Norm Pounder, Fred Jackson and Ken Vessey.

They were amazed by his courage and attitude, considering the challenges he is facing. It was apparent that Kurt has a strong, loving and supportive family - mum Sonya, dad Steve, sister Skye and brother Blake plus many countless friends who are supporting him.

They all have every reason to be intensely proud of Kurt as he faces his future and recovery with so much courage and determination.

John Maher with Matt Fuller and John’s 1972 Australian Schoolboys jumper.

SCHOOLBOYS ORIGINAL BATTLED HARD

BY DREW LISTER, WESTERN AUSTRALIAN VICE PRESIDENT I was privileged, together with former Souths, Wests and Western Reds player Matt Fuller, to make a welfare visit to John Maher who has been battling motor neurone disease.

Arriving at his family home, we were greeted by John and his wife Janette, who made us feel very welcome. A proud Rabbitohs fan, John was a member of the inaugural 1972 Australian Schoolboys side that toured England that included Les Boyd, Ian Shubert, Craig Young and Robert Finch.

John has lived in Western Australia for many years, working as a carpenter and building a great life with wife Janette and their two daughters. John had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease after it affected his arms and he was having trouble lifting at work. He later found out that his particular strain of MND was genetic

and had been passed down from his mother who died of what was known then as “wasting disease”.

With this information in hand, John and Janette took a radical course of action of undergoing stem cell replacement therapy in the hope that his journey would provide information useful in the prevention or cure of his own daughters should they too have the MND gene.

Unfortunately, his first round of stem cell replacement was not effective as John caught pneumonia not long after and the stem cells proceeded to fight this instead of the MND. Checking himself out of hospital, John was determined to remain fit and healthy by walking up and down his staircase numerous times a day in preparation for his next treatment in Singapore.

John and Matt certainly had some fantastic stories to share and we had an amazing visit and John proved an inspiration in the way that he was tackling motor neurone head on.

Unfortunately, weeks after writing this article, John passed away suddenly while on a family holiday.

Our thoughts and best wishes are with Janette and family.

PEARDY BRIGHTENS WOODY’S DAY

Peter Woodcroft was visited at St Vincent’s Public Hospital, Darlinghurst by Sydney Metro welfare officers Warren Thompson, John Peard and Alan Webb.

A South Sydney tragic, ‘Woody’ has been in hospital on seven or eight occasions recently with chest and breathing problems.

The proud member of the Men of League was a former official of the NSW Professional Runners Association.

John certainly brightened his day with a few yarns.

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She spent days trying to work out who had sent the flowers and phoned all her family but none of them could shed any light on the mysterious flowers. When Shane arrived to visit, Iris was lost for words with the expression on her face priceless as she was overwhelmed with joy.

Iris was overwhelmed to meet Shane Webcke in person.

Iris is very proud to now have her old magazine photo signed by the legendary front-rower himself and it is being printed to canvas and will have a prime position on her wall with her family photos for all to see.

‘WEBBY’ MADE IRIS’ EYES SHINE

When Iris Miller moved to Resthaven on Quarry in November 2014 she brought with her a picture of Shane Webcke that sits proudly on her fridge. Since his debut with the Broncos in 1995 Iris has had a bit of a crush on ‘Webby’.

She has read both his books and followed his career on and off the football field, and watches him read the sports news on Channel 7. She idolises the Test hard man and little did he know that he had travelled many kilometres with her.

On admission to Resthaven, residents are encouraged to give the diversional therapists a small list of things for the infamous bucket list. Iris only had one wish - to meet her idol. The staff would tell Iris that one day you will meet him, her answer was always the same “I don’t think so, it will never happen” or “I’ll believe it when I see it”.

With the help of Ken Weir, a Men of League Mackay welfare officer, the 90-year-old’s dream came true. Two days before her special visitor arriving, Men of League sent Iris a beautiful bouquet of yellow flowers (her favourite colour) with a note saying “Hope you enjoy your special week”. Iris had no idea of the event unfolding.

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Keith Outten (left) and John Peard.

‘CHICKA’ OUTTEN ENJOYS VISIT

Balmain premiership winning halfback of 1969, Keith ‘Chicka’ Outten, is suffering from Alzheimer’s but enjoyed a visit from by Ben Ross, John Peard and Alan Webb.

The Tigers local played four years in first grade from 196871, captaining the side for two seasons, before moving to North Sydney for three years then returning to the Tigers in 1975.

From left: Ray Cattanach, Peter Hall, Henry Hegarty, Fonda Metassa, Ron Bell, Jim Sutton and Jim Hannam.

‘GOLDEN GREEK’S HAPPY REUNION

Keith and his wife Daphne left Sydney and resided in Port Macquarie for three years before returning some ten years ago.

He worked in the hotel and club industry and was working at Balmain Leagues club as a barman. He now lives at Holy Spirit Aged Care in Croydon.

Brisbane Rugby League icon, Fonda ‘The Golden Greek’ Metassa, had a rare day out recently with 20 former teammates, friends and family at Redcliffe’s Ambassador Hotel. Fonda has had serious health issues the past six years so it was really important to give ‘The Greek’ a day to remember. He even enjoyed a beer with his lunch.

TRY-SCORING WHIZ RECALLS FEATS

Henry ‘Huck’ Hegarty travelled from Cherboug, Ron ‘Dinger’ Bell, Jim Hannam and Jim Sutton from the Sunshine Coast and Ray Cattanach and Peter Hall from Brisbane. The bond between these former players is inspiring. With an aggregate 20 grand final wins to share they are a rare commodity.

Eric holds the record of most tries in a game for the Rabbitohs - five - with Ian Moir, Johnny Graves, Harold Horder and Nathan Merritt.

John Peard, Alan Webb and Warren Thompson recently visited former Souths and Norths outstanding winger Eric Sladden in Prince of Wales Hospital.

Eric had been admitted after experiencing a fall at his home.

The feat came in the second round against Parramatta in 1957 when fellow winger Moir, scored four tries.

The following week Eric crossed for

three tries against Canterbury at Belmore Sports Ground. After five seasons at Souths he played with the Bears from 1962 to 1967. All up Eric played 163 games for both foundation clubs and scored 80 tries.

The welfare officers had the privilege of meeting Esme Sladden, Eric’s charming wife and she told of the many friends and great social times the couple enjoyed over the years.

The yarns and stories were plentiful with ‘Peardy’ as usual in fine form.

Back: John Peard, Emelia Mackay (director of nursing) and Alan Webb. Front: Henry Morris, Brian Prescott and Warren Thompson.

REF’S BOSS DIDN’T LIKE RUNNING

Brian Prescott, a well-known former referee in the South Sydney juniors, enjoyed a visit by Sydney Metro president Henry Morris, and welfare officers Warren Thompson, John Peard and Alan Webb at his Botany nursing home.

A referee for 12 years, Brian was also a member of the Souths junior refereeing association’s executive committee from 1972 to 1977 and then president of the association from 1978 until 2003.

Henry Morris commented that he was a referee who could award a try from the half way mark - and was not too keen on “the running bit”.

(from left): Robyn and John Acheson, Ron Coote, brother in law David, and Ken Vessey.

Terry Williams, Fred Jackson, Tim Pickup and Ken Vessey.

PICKUP LOVES HISTORIC VISIT

BY KEN VESSEY, NORTHERN SYDNEY WELFARE OFFICER Any visit to the Heroes and Legends Museum at Rugby League Central is always enjoyable but a recent visit with Tim Pickup, OAM, by Northern Sydney welfare officers Fred Jackson and me, was special. As always museum historian Terry Williams was a perfect host as he welcomed Tim, as a first time visitor.

Tim was most impressed with the extensive range of excellent exhibits that effectively traces the history of rugby league in Australia from 1908.

In the numerous types of exhibits the dual international saw many of his old teammates and opponents from his playing days with the North Sydney Bears and then the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs during the 1970s and his inclusion in the NSW and Australian teams from 1972 till 1975.

He enthralled his hosts with yarns about his stint in England with Blackpool Borough in the 1970s, his travels in Europe and the USA, before transferring to play for the Bears alongside many excellent players, including the best halfback he played with in Keith ‘Chicka’ Outten, and then watched film clips of his best mate, the late Ken Irvine, and his 1973 Australian Kangaroos teammates including Arthur Beetson, Tom Raudonikis, Graeme Langlands, Bobby McCarthy, Mick Cronin, Ray Branighan, Gary Stevens and Bob O’Reilly.

JOHN ACHESON

When Men of League chairman Ron Coote AM and Northern Sydney welfare officer Ken Vessey paid a surprise visit to John Acheson at the North Shore Private Hospital he was in good spirits whilst awaiting surgery. Ron and Ken also had the pleasure to meet John’s wife Robyn and her brother David. John, now living in Dubbo, was born in Forbes and played for the Forbes Magpies, progressing from juniors to first grade as a second-rower alongside noted Combined Country representative Peter Kennedy. John has been retired for four years after many years employed with the State Forests NSW as a financial officer.

FAMILY SUPPORT AS OWEN FIGHTS ILLNESS Former South Brisbane hooker John Owen and his wife Judy are staying at their son Stephen’s residence at Varsity Lakes whilst Stephen recovers in hospital from an as yet unknown illness. They were delighted to receive a visit from Men of League Gold Coast welfare officers Greg Sylvester, Bob Honan and Greg Rousell.

John played for South Brisbane and Ipswich from 1952-64 alongside internationals Mick Veivers and Frank Drake.

Stephen a hooker, five-eighth and winger, was a member of the victorious South Brisbane under-21 premiership winning team in 1988.

In 1999 he had a brain tumour removed. Unfortunately Stephen is now fighting an undiagnosed medical condition.

Continued page 51

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TOP DOGS COACHES

BY ANDREW GIFFORD

T

he Canterbury Bulldogs have been celebrating their 80th anniversary in 2015 and nestled within those 80 years of history lies magnificent achievements such as winning eight premierships and having a list a mile long of great players who have worn the blue and white ,starring for the Berries or Bulldogs at club and representative level.

season proper on 28 points, in sixth spot, 12 points behind minor premiers Manly. Yet the Bulldog spirit shone through in a history-making surge, which saw the team topple St George, Brisbane and Canberra on the way to the grand final in which they beat Manly 174. Manly’s 22-3 win-loss record that year was the best not to have secured a premiership.

One major achievement that doesn’t get as much airplay are the unsung heroes of this great club; the first grade coaches. In doing an analysis of the coaches of all clubs since 1970 a remarkable statistic stands out.

Not to be outdone, Anderson’s brother-in-law Steve Folkes took over the side in 1998 and coached the Dogs up to 2008. He did the lap of honour in 2004 with a side that boasted a bench that included Sonny Bill Williams, Roy Asotasi and Johnathan Thurston.

The Bulldogs have had five consecutive coaches who each won grand finals. This is an achievement without peer since 1970. Manly (Ron Willey and Frank Stanton) and Parramatta (Jack Gibson and John Monie) tie at a distant second with two consecutive coaches and daylight would be third.

These five coaches took the Bulldogs to 10 grand finals, winning six. Glossop (1979), Anderson (1994) and Folkes (1998) lost a grand final before winning one while Ryan and Gould coached the side to victory in their first years at the helm.

The Bulldogs’ amazing run started in 1978 with Ted Glossop. In 1980 he took the ‘The Entertainers’ to their first competition win in 38 years. Glossop was at the helm from until 1983 before being succeeded by Warren Ryan who was in control from 1984-1987. He had an instant impact, taking the club for their only back to back victories in 1984-1985.

Phil Gould took the baton and kept this amazing race going in 1988 after one season coaching reserves. He coached the top side in 1988-89 winning the premiership in his rookie year, an amazing achievement for a coach who was then just 30.

Chris Anderson took over the reins from 19901997 and he won the premiership in 1995. It was a remarkable achievement as the Bulldogs finished the

Ted Glossop

46

Warren Ryan

MEN OF LEAGUE DECEMBER 2015

Phil Gould

BULLDOGS COACHES In the limited tackle era

PREMIERSHIPS

Kevin Ryan

1967-70

Bob Hagan

1971-72

Malcolm Clift

1973-77

Ted Glossop

1978-83

1980

Warren Ryan

1984-87

1984/85

Phil Gould

1988-89

1988

Chris Anderson 1990-97

1995

Steve Folkes

1998-08

2004

Kevin Moore

2009-11

Jim Dymock

2011

Des Hasler

2012-current

Chris Anderson

Steve Folkes

LEAGUE TRIVIA 1 Name the only three current NRL coaches who have played for Australia and also won premierships as coaches.

2 Who captained Penrith to their last premiership?

3 Paul Green will go down in history as the Cowboys’ first coach to win a premiership. He is the club’s eighth coach. Can you name the seven who preceded him?

4 In what Australian season were the points allocated for a try increased from three points to four?

5 Who scored the most points in 2015?

6 Who scored the most tries in 2015?

7 Who holds the record for most tries by any player for the same club?

8 The Dally M positional awards were introduced in 1980. Who was halfback of the year for the first three seasons?

9 Only one player has won the Dally M for his position five years straight. Who is he (his position was lock) 10 Only three teams have not played in a grand final since the NRL competition was introduced in 1998.

Name them.

ANSWERS: 1. Wayne Bennett, Ricky Stuart and Des Hasler 2. Craig Gower in 2003 3. Grant Bell, Graham Lowe, Tim Sheens, Murray Hurst, Graham Murray, Ian Millward (caretaker in 2008) and Neil Henry 4. 1973 5. James Maloney (Roosters) 250 6. Semi Radradra with 24 7. Billy Slater (Storm) with 172 (Ken Irvine 171 for Bears) 8. Kevin Hastings 9. Ray Price, 1982-86 10. Canberra, Cronulla and Gold Coast

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OUR CLUBGRANTS SUPPORTERS The Advantage Line program is a specific program tailored for the men, women and children of the rugby league community, who need some assistance, coaching and advice in overcoming, progressing and rebuilding their lives from a challenge, obstacle or breakdown they have encountered. We are grateful to the following clubs for their generous support during 2015.

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MEN OF LEAGUE DECEMBER 2015

NEWCASTLE / HUNTER COMMITTEE PROFILE

Carol and Garry Leo with Stuart Raper.

I

t’s been another great year for the NewcastleHunter Men of League committee led by president Garry Leo, who says that his favourite part about running the committee is “working with a bunch of guys who are committed, co-operative and passionate about the ideals of the Men of League.”

the highlight of the committee’s year - its annual ‘Night at the Trots’ held at the Newcastle Harness Racing Club Paceway. Financials from the evening have not yet been finalised but the committee anticipates that several thousands of dollars will be deposited into the Men of League coffers.

Garry is joined by a dedicated team of past players and avid rugby league supporters comprising of secretary Peter Corcoran OAM, treasurer Chris Kelly, welfare officer Trevor Crow plus Mal Graham, John King, Mick Alchin, Peter Arnold and Greg Hennessey.

The evening was also a celebration of the contribution made to the committee by inaugural secretary Ross Gigg who died last year. The former Panther first grader’s passing was a big knock to overcome for the committee due to his immense contributions to the cause and he is missed greatly by his Men of League peers.

With over 1000 Men of League members in the Hunter and Newcastle regions, the committee has been busy running several social and fundraising events, starting with a very successful inaugural Kick Off Club at Newcastle Souths Leagues Club on 17 April. More than 60 attended, with Knights’ head coach at the time, Rick Stone, a special guest speaker.

May’s Nelson Bay dinner and golf day was also a huge success, with 90 attending the dinner and 112 teeing off in the golf classic. While the golfers were navigating the course, 47 guests attended a high tea. Chris Kelly, Peter Arnold and Greg Hennessy from the Nelson Bay sub-committee also achieved an outstanding fundraising effort by running a hugely successful bowls day in September.

While violent storms in June prevented the committee’s Maitland Golf Classic from going ahead, the weather was perfect on 30 October for what was

Fortunately, Garry Leo has worked hard on building the committee back up with Corcoran - well known throughout league circles - now taking the reigns as secretary. Peter has a strong background in the game from coaching to NRL club presidency. Following a rough 18 months, meetings are again a regular event and the committee is once more on track to achieve Men of League objectives.

On the welfare front, the committee arranged a number of hospital visits throughout the year and is working on providing assistance to former Newcastle Knights player Ryan Stig and former Newcastle Wests player David Howell.

The year 2016 promises to be another great year in the Hunter, with a number of events in the pipeline including several Kick Off Club events and a golf classic early in the year.

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MEDAL MEMORY REBORN (from left): Ken Brown, Greg Atherton, Nancy Atherton, Doug Stapleton and Gary Belcher with the replica medal.

Brisbane Souths stalwart Graeme Atherton saw his treasured league memento - the Brisbane Rothmans Medal - go missing and he died without it ever being recovered, which devastated his family. Now there has been a happy ending. BY STEVE RICKETTS

G

raeme Atherton reached the pinnacle of his rugby league career in 1970 when he played for Queensland and won the Rothmans Gold Medal as Brisbane’s best and fairest player.

Atherton, who died of a heart attack in 2005 aged 57, was a modest man who downplayed his achievements as he worked in a number of different roles for his beloved Brisbane club, Souths, including a stint as president.

He would not have wanted a fuss to be made over his career or achievements. But his younger brother Greg was determined not to let his memory fade.

Graeme’s cherished Rothmans Medal had gone missing with the passage of time and Greg had no memorabilia from the playing days of the sibling he idolised.

Men of League Queensland committee member Ken Brown became friends with Graeme during their playing days, and floated the idea of getting a replica medal made to present to Greg.

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MEN OF LEAGUE DECEMBER 2015

Brown raised the matter with ARLC chairman John Grant, a former teammate of Graeme Atherton’s, in the process setting off a chain events which saw Greg Atherton presented with a framed identical medal to the one his brother received 45 years ago, in the old Rugby League Club at Lang Park.

Sydney based former Brisbane Norths star Darryl Brohman loaned his 1976 medal, with a former fiveeighth rival of Atherton’s, Bob Fulton, delivering the medal to NRL official Andrew Hill at League Central.

Greg Atherton was unaware of the extent of the behind the scenes work by all these people, until Ken Brown, accompanied by Graeme’s former Souths and Queensland teammate Doug Stapleton and former Test fullback Gary Belcher, visited him at his Byron Bay motel several months ago. Atherton had coached Belcher in the lower grades at Souths.

“Greg was over the moon,” Brown recalls. “He broke down, and so did his wife, Nancy.

“Graeme was as close as a brother to me. I still miss him, to be honest. He was one of those guys you could tell anything to. You don’t have too many mates like that. His passing rocked everyone. It was one of the biggest funerals I’ve been to.”

Graeme Atherton grew up at Wardell, a village on the banks of the Richmond River south of Ballina.

He played his first senior football for Marist Brothers, Lismore, representing Richmond against Tweed in the prestigious Anthony Shield competition.

He was chosen for New South Wales Country seconds in 1967 and the firsts in 1968 for annual matches against City in Sydney.

In 1968 Country’s coach was former Test back Brian Carlson and one of Atherton’s outside men was fiery Test centre Peter Dimond. Atherton’s opposite was Fulton, who would go on to star for Australia in that year’s World Cup campaign.

Atherton was signed by Souths in 1969 and his first job was pulling beer at former Test forward Elton Rasmussen’s South Brisbane pub.

Atherton played two matches for Queensland against NSW in 1970, one in Sydney and the other in Newcastle.

When he finished playing with Souths he took on

the captain-coach job at Nerang in the Gold Coast competition in 1977, before returning to the Magpies for another playing stint, then taking up coaching.

Graeme’s coaching career included a 10-6 win over Valleys in the 1984 Brisbane reserve grade grand final, with one of the Magpies’ best being future Queensland Origin forward Scott Tronc. In 1986 Atherton succeeded Wayne Bennett as first grade coach, a position he held for two seasons.

Always smartly dressed, Atherton worked in the wine industry with Yalumba, then Orlando, before opening his own wine outlet on Brisbane’s north side.

Atherton gained 23 points to win the 1970 Rothmans Gold Medal, six clear of his nearest rival, WynnumManly’s Len Brunner.

It was a remarkable effort, given Graeme had missed a number of games through state commitments and injury.

The final word should go to former Australian centre, The Courier-Mail’s Jack Reardon, another Lismore Marist Brothers product, who had this to say when Atherton was declared the medal winner.

“Graeme is a worthy winner. He is a clean, enthusiastic player, with a splendid pair of hands and a keen sense of the game.”

BOOTS FOR ‘BRE’ CAMPAIGN

A

trip to Brewarrina in western NSW for former NSW State of Origin player Alan Wilson harshly brought home to him how the simple aspects of rugby league most take for granted, like boots and jerseys, can be out of reach in underprivileged communities.

Often they would play matches in t-shirts and jumpers and no boots because they simply could not afford to be kitted up.

However, NRL Classic Sportswear and Leagues Clubs Australia (LCA) combined to provide more than 60 jerseys to the Brewarrina junior club at the Koori knockout in Dubbo in October. Wilson, who works for

Leagues Clubs Australia, wants to help even more.

“I met the driving force behind junior rugby league in the town, Kim Hardy who is the cousin of former Illawarra, St George and Castleford player Jeff Hardy,” Wilson said. “Up until this point the kids were playing in their general clothing, described as whatever they owned. This presented problems such as identifying who was on what team, and also the dangerous practise of wearing hoodies as when grabbed from behind can be similar to a ‘coathanger’ tackle.

Wilson asked Kim what other issues she had encountered and found it

was common for many youngsters to play in bare feet because they couldn’t afford boots, or they played in whatever they could bring which included slippers and ugh boots. He was able to get enough assistance to provided 20-odd pairs which are shuffled between teams and even players as they are interchanged, so that they can play in a safer environment.

The locals would like headgear to become compulsory because of the hard surfaces they play on - but this also presents an - challenge. It is the same issue for mouthguards.

They even have to borrow a pop-up tent from the local school to provide shade, and are in need of eskies and a barbeque.

If you know of anyone who can help, contact Alan at alan@lca.asn.au.

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Men of League would like to thank our gold and corporate members for their continued assistance in enabling us to support the rugby league community.

GOLD MEMBERS Alan Christensen Leigh Anderson Deborah Ayshford Peter Bell John Bell Ron Bercene Kevin Boland Chris Books Tom Bowden Jeff Bristow Kenneth Brown Anthony Bruce Clive Bryant Dr Simon Buckingham Peter Burnitt Brian Burns Doug Cameron Daryl Campbell Richard Campling Richard Carr Gary Cherry David Cohen John Colby Stephen Collins David Collins Paul Collits William Crane Michael Crompton Mark Cullinan Michael Deane Robert Derrick John Dick Tim Donahoo Frank Drake Stephen Duclos Jodi Duffield Daniel Dwyer Brian East Chris Edwards Peter Egan Craig Elliot Luke Ellis John Fahey Jude Findlay John Fisher Charles Fitzgerald Denis Fitzgerald AM Warren Fletcher Dom Fondacaro Colin Foran Darryl Foster Billy-Joe Francis Peter French Jody Gall Brett Gallagher John Georges Ben Giblett Glenn Gillroy Paul Goodsell Matt Goodwin Glenn Gorick

52

Geoffrey Hamilton Steven Harborne Denis Hayes Norm Hazzard Levi Hegarty Ronald Hopkins Shane Horan Bradley Howell Hilton Hurst Ian Ingle Darryl James John Jeffries Vaughan Johnson Kevin Jones Chris Jurd Richard Keats Andrew Kippen Thomas Larkin Dean Lavery Sir Peter Charles Leitch Gary Lester Michael Livingstone John Lobwein Geoff Logue Geoffrey Lousick Brian Love Aaron Lucas Garry Macdougall Scott Mackey Gregory Maher Jason Markwell Ernest Martin Michael Martin John McAllister William McAnally Peter McAuley Ross McDermott Gary McDonell Charles McGee Ted McKay David McLeod Peter McLuckie Michael McVeigh Paul Medd Wayne Medlyn Robert Mitchell Gerry Mohan Kerry Moore Kevin Neal Joey Neukam Wayne Nicholson Aaron Nicoll Stephen Norrish Philip Notaro Stewart O’Connor Martin O’Rourke Terry Parker Ricki Parry Leo Paternoster Ross Parker Mark Pauling

MEN OF LEAGUE DECEMBER 2015

CORPORATE MEMBERS John Peard Kevin Perkins Joe Pickering Bradley Porta Jade Porter Scott Power Robert Puckett Pat Purcell John Quayle Martin Raftery Kieran Reekie John Renshaw Craig Rigby Joe Rissman Chris Robinson Rod Salan Mario Saliba David Samuelsson Stephen Sanders Brian Sanderson Andrew Saunders John Schriek Constantin Serban Howard Smith Gary Smith Adam Smith Ish Smith Richard Somers Rod Somerville Brian Sommerville Ted Sorensen MP Anthony Stackhouse Murray Stalley Bruce Starkey Michael Stephens Luke Stewart Anthony Sullivan Erin Sullivan Alan Sullivan Peter Sullivan Matthew Sumpter John Tavener Peter Taylor David Thomas Terry Thompson Peter Turner Leo Tutt Neil Vea Vea Peter Ward Neil Welsh Wayne Wendt Garry White Glen Whiteman Rob Williams Michael Williams Steve Williams Kevin Wilson Scott Wood Anthony Wright Helen Wright Gregory Wright James Wynn

GREG FROST

TERRY DODD VOLUNTEER PROFILE

P

BY AARON HENRY

resident of the Bundaberg Men of League committee, Terry Dodd, has contributed many years and countless hours to the Foundation, with his ongoing commitment and determination resulting in many wins for the hard-working Bundaberg group.

Terry has been an active member of his local rugby league community for many years and has taken on a variety of roles including coach, representative selector as well as secretary and registrar for the Bundaberg Rugby League. His commitment to the code even saw him awarded one of just three Queensland Rugby League volunteer of the year awards in 2006 for his lifetime of support.

Along with a small group of interested people, Dodd led the formation of the Men of League Bundaberg committee in April 2008 by successfully obtaining seed funding from Wide Bay Australia. He has since worked tirelessly to raise the Foundation’s profile within his region’s rugby league community.

Following the devastating floods that rattled Bundaberg in 2012, he arranged for funds raised from a dinner to assist local members who had been adversely affected by floodwaters.

Terry is highly respected by his fellow Bundaberg committee members, including patron Ron Hancock, Rackemann, secretary Chris Sullivan, Thomas McCullough, Gary Perry, David Pearce, Steven Dodd, Noel Cavanagh, Mark Hanson, Colin Prince, Russell Braund, Matt Fleming and Russ Harvey.

Dodd’s continued contributions to the Foundation have not gone unnoticed. The Men of League would like to take an opportunity to thank him and his Bundaberg committee for embodying the true values of the Foundation and demonstrating an unwavering love of the rugby league code.

In the years following the committee’s formation, membership has risen to excess of 300 members as a result of regular membership drives with at Dodd at the helm.

The Bundaberg committee has also enjoyed a lively events calendar, including eight golf days, one race day and five sports dinners which have raised around $80,000.

Treasurer Geoff Rackemann says that these results would not have been possible if not for Dodd’s ongoing dedication.

“Terry has devoted countless hours of his time to achieve the best result for Men of League,” said Rackemann.

“He has been responsible for the majority of sponsorships for these events and has solely arranged guest speakers. I have never seen a person with such passion for a cause such as Men of League.”

Dodd has also ensured local members who have fallen on hard times have been made aware of assistance available from Men of League.

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NRL WELFARE & EDUCATION

NRL Academic Team of the Year

NYC Academic Team of the Year

2015 WELFARE & EDUCATION AWARDS This year the One Community Awards night was extended to include NRL and NYC welfare and education player awards, celebrating and recognising the importance of further education and career development beyond the playing field. The awards included NRL and NYC academic teams of the year awards, apprentice of the year award and Pasifika and Indigenous excellence awards.

NYC Academic Team of the Year

The National Youth Competition Academic Team of the Year recognises NYC players currently engaged in university studies, trades and other vocational education training. This year’s team reflects the dedication our young players in building a strong future for themselves outside of sport. Each player selected for this year’s NYC academic team has consistently performed in their grades and positively influenced other players within their club to further their education.

CLUB

PLAYER

QUALIFICATION

Brisbane Broncos

Jack Tuttle

Bachelor of Business

Canberra Raiders

Lachlan Lewis

Bachelor of Engineering

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs

Brandon Luamanu

Certificate III & IV in Fitness. Bachelor of Education - Australian College of Physical Education, teacher’s aide at Dorchester School within Reiby Juvenile Detention Centre

Cronulla Sharks

Bradley Deitz

Bachelor of Health and Exercise Science

Gold Coast Titans

Hayden Schwass

Certificate III in Electro-technology

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

Will Pearsall

Certificate III in Carpentry

Melbourne Storm

Shae Ah Fook

Bachelor of Applied Science (Property and Valuation) (Honours)

Newcastle Knights

Bradie Smith

Certificate III in Carpentry. Established his own building company - Bradie Smith Carpentry

North Queensland Cowboys

Kieran Quabba

Bachelor of Education

Parramatta Eels

Tyrell Fuimaono

Bachelor of Business & Commerce

Penrith Panthers

Oliver Clark

Bachelor of Physiotherapy

St George Illawarra Dragons

Jacob Host

Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science

New Zealand Warriors

Toafofoa Sipley

Bachelor of Education

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MEN OF LEAGUE DECEMBER 2015

Apprentice of the Year Award

Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by HIA was awarded to Bradie Smith, Newcastle Knights, a player who has achieved excellence in the completion of an apprenticeship, whilst acting as a positive force as a player and member of the community.

Bradie has shown commendable commitment to his studies, Bradie travels four hours from Jerry Plains to Newcastle each day to complete his apprenticeship and TAFE qualifications.

A member of the NYC Newcastle Knights squad, Bradie has completed a Certificate III in Carpentry and is completing a Certificate IV in Clerk of Works.

Aside from his NRL aspirations, Bradie owns and operates his own building company, Bradie Smith Carpentry, where he works five days a week in addition to attending TAFE. NRL Academic Team of the Year

The NRL Academic Team of the Year consists of players engaged in university studies, trades and other vocational education training. Across the past year, NRL players have commenced or continued courses in more than 30 universities across Australia and New Zealand, with degrees spanning everything from social science and law, to engineering, design and construction. This is in addition to the large contingent of players who are completing TAFE courses, apprenticeships and running businesses.

CLUB

PLAYER

QUALIFICATION

Brisbane Broncos

Todd Lowrie

Certificate IV in Project Management. Certificate IV in Frontline Management Certificate IV in Small Business. Certificate III in Property (Real Estate)

Canberra Raiders

David Shillington

Bachelor of Business

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs

Brett Morris

Diploma of Business. Bachelor of Business (Finance)

Gold Coast Titans

Luke Douglas

Associate Degree in Surveying - University of Southern Queensland Certificate IV in Career Development

Melbourne Storm

Dale Finucane

Bachelor of Health and Movement

New Zealand Warriors

Siliva Havili

Bachelor of Health Science (Podiatry)

North Queensland Cowboys

Rory Kostjasyn

Certificate III in Sport & Recreation. Certificate III & IV in Fitness.

Certificate IV in Frontline Management

Parramatta Eels

David Gower

Certificate IV in Career Development

St George Illawarra Dragons

George Rose

Graduate Certificate in Commerce

St George Illawarra Dragons

Joel Thompson

Diploma of Community Services

Sydney Roosters

Sam Moa

Certificate III in Building & Construction. Certificate IV in Career Development

Wests Tigers

James Tedesco

Bachelor of Health and Exercise Science

Wests Tigers

Keith Galloway

Certificate IV in Career Development

NRL Indigenous Academic Excellence Award

NRL Indigenous Academic Excellence Award, sponsored

by Harvey Norman, is presented to two Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander NRL players who strive for excellence in both their playing career and in furthering their education whilst acting as a role model for other young Indigenous Australians. This was awarded to George Rose and Joel Thompson who are of Indigenous heritage that have excelled and demonstrated a long term commitment to rugby league, academia and Indigenous community outreach. George and Joel were also named in the NRL Academic Team of the Year.

The NRL Pasifika Academic Excellence Award

The NRL Pasifika Academic Excellence Award presented to two Pasifika heritage NRL players who

strives for excellence in both their playing career and in furthering their education whilst acting as a role model for other young Indigenous Australians is a culmination of the National Rugby League and The Australian National University’s Pasifika Australia partnership and development across the NRL Pasifika Program. This was awarded to two NRL players, Dene Halatau and Bronson Harrison of Pasifika heritage, who have both excelled and demonstrated a long term commitment to rugby league, academia and Pasifika outreach.

Rose, Thompson, Halatau and Harrison all received a scholarship which was in partnership with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), one of the most reputable US institutions in regards to Pacific Islander studies and Pasifika outreach.

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PROMOTING GOOD HEALTH

Michael Crocker … instant relief.

KNEE-DING A BREAKTHROUGH How many former players do you know with chronic knee pain and inhibited movement? There may be a breakthrough - stem cell treatment which has had good early results. BY NEIL CADIGAN

L

ike many former footballers, Michael Crocker thought he was destined to restricted physical activity for the rest of his life because of a badly worn out knee.

And many of our readers would identify with that.

While reconstructive surgery can mend the most feared knee injury, a torn anterior cruciate ligament which can sideline a player for six to 12 months, gradual but severe degeneration of the cartilage/meniscus can render someone in worse long-term shape.

But stem cell injections, still regarded as being in the experimental phase, is looking as a major breakthrough in providing relief for crook and painful knees. The procedure, which is less costly than major surgery and can be done under a local anaesthetic, has been tried by several current footballers like Sam Burgess, Trent Hodkinson, Aaron Woods, Anthony 56

MEN OF LEAGUE DECEMBER 2015

Tupou and Brad Takairangi with great results which has prolonged their careers.

Crocker, now working with the Rugby League Players Association, retired at 33 in 2013 because of constant knee issues. Crocker tried stem cell treatment post retirement - with great early results.

The treatment is called fat-derived stem cell therapy.

Basically, it involves injecting stem cells from fat tissues from another part of the body into the injured area and is most commonly used on knees and hips.

While Burgess and Woods had cells transplanted from their stomach, and others from the buttock or calf, Crocker used cells from his hamstring.

“I was at the point where I’d hobble downstairs and have to hold the rail and if I ran more than a couple of hundred metres my knee would blow up next day,” the former Queensland Origin and Australian forward, said.

Photos courtesy: NRL Photos.

“I researched it quite a bit and went to Dr Tim Musgrove in Sydney and the procedure was done under a local anaesthetic. I had to fully rest for three months to let the cell attach itself to the cartilage and all I did was cycle, swim and a bit of body weights without squatting, plus a bit of boxing.

“Now I can run downstairs if I want to and went for a long jog and it didn’t blow up. I even played four games of touch football in a day which was unthinkable before. It’s given me a lot of relief and I’m going to go in and get it done again next year to hopefully improve it even more.”

Referred to as ‘regenerative medicine’, the procedure is basically the process of replacing and renewing human stem cell lines to regenerate the worn joint, enabling tissues and organs to regrow and re-establish optimal function. It can avoid hip cartilage removal and ongoing use of steroid and other injections.

The cells are injected into the affected area to replace lost or damaged cells, reducing inflammation and enhancing the repair and regrowth of healthy tissue.

The therapy is relatively new and “experimental” but many believe it can lead to cartilage regeneration and delay the need for joint replacement by 10 or 20 years and even stop its progression altogether.

With knee cartilages that are so badly worn that there is “bone on bone”, the treatment may not be appropriate because there needs to be enough cartilage for the stem cell to attach and grow on. However, for those who have had problems with osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis, this may be an option.

Figures from the National Joint Replacement Registry show that the number of knee replacement surgeries since 2003 has increased by more than 50 per cent, largely due to osteoarthritis.

Former long-term Wests Tigers doctor Donald Kuah, who performed the procedure on NSW Origin prop Woods, told the Sydney Morning Herald he had no doubt Woods would have been forced into premature retirement if not for the treatment at the end of the 2013 season.

“He probably might’ve had cortisone injections which would last six weeks or so at a time,” Dr Kuah said.

Aaron Woods … saved from retirement.

“To be honest, he might be able to do one season and then he probably would have had to retire at the end of that. Players seem to get symptom relief [from the stem cells operation]. I don’t think it cures them as such but it buys them some time and it can reverse some of the damages to their knee.”

Woods was like several sufferers of chronic knee wear and tear and had to spend endless hours icing after every game and had a heavily modified training routine.

“My knee would swell up on the outside, that’s where I hurt the lateral meniscus,” Woods told the SMH in 2014. “I would have to get 50 millilitres of yellow fluid drained from my knee because the knee was in so much stress. Now I have nothing, no pain at all. I couldn’t believe it when I started to run pain free.”

Hodkinson, who is regarded as being on borrowed time with his chronic knee problem but has retained his NSW Origin position, said: “I was in so much pain for a while there but I haven’t had anywhere near as much pain since. I’ve felt a big difference. It hasn’t cured my knee but it’s certainly helped it out.”

RUGBY LEAGUE WEEK WINNER CONGRATULATIONS GAVIN HANN Men of League would like to thank our loyal members for their continued support of the Foundation.

To show our appreciation, we have randomly selected Gavin Hann (#22616) to win a one-year Rugby League Week magazine subscription! Special thanks to Rugby League Week who have kindly donated this prize. Keep an eye out in future magazines to see if you are the next member to win!

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MEN OF LEAGUE DECEMBER 2015

HAGAN RECOGNISED BY FOUNDATION

BY TONY DURKIN

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unshine Coast committee president Bob Hagan has been awarded the prestigious Men of League ‘Honouree’ recognition.

Each year since its inception in 2002 the Men of League organisation has honoured the game’s greats for their contribution to rugby league, and in 2015 the honour was bestowed on Hagan and dual international winger Michael Cleary.

The award was the creation of Men of League founder Ron Coote, instigated to honour those who he believed have made a significant contribution to the game of rugby league. To him it recognises passion, commitment and loyalty, and not just on the playing field.

A former international, Bob Hagan was the catalyst for the formation of the Sunshine Coast committee in 2007, shortly after his arrival on the Sunshine Coast to retire. His working life as a policeman, a publican and a rugby league administrator had him well versed in the needs of his many mates who had fallen on hard times, and also the camaraderie they missed as they reached their ‘golden’ years.

Ron Coote (left) and Bob Hagan at the annual Queensland lunch.

Since its inception the local committee has raised close to $200,000, assisting local members of the rugby league family who have fallen on hard times.

“When I moved to the Sunshine Coast to retire, almost every day I seemed to run into someone I knew from my footballing days,” he recalled.

Regular social gatherings for members and guests are held at Mooloolaba Surf Club on the second Thursday on every second month, while fundraising events include a State of Origin and Christmas luncheon as well as an annual golf day.

“These reunions became so common that I figured there must be some avenue for people with similar interests - in our case rugby league - to meet on a regular basis and discuss old times. Having been involved with Men of League in Sydney almost from the start, I hit on the idea of starting a local committee.”

In making the presentation to Hagan at the annual Queensland luncheon in Brisbane in October, Coote said: “Our game is about people and your contribution, as history records, is invaluable in inspiration to those who now follow and is immeasurable in the continuing success of the code.”

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LEE’S INSPIRATIONAL ATTITUDE

BY KEN VESSEY, NORTHERN SYDNEY WELFARE OFFICER

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n 18 April 2015, Lee Ferrier was seriously injured in a horrific motor cycle accident in Narrabeen, Sydney and was rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital for emergency surgery, lasting seven hours, on his critical injuries which included a crushed vertebra, severed spinal cord, T2 high level paralysis, punctured lung, fractured ribs and sternum, and fractured shoulder blade.

He was rendered a paraplegic.

In most cases these injuries would normally break the spirits of the majority of people but not Lee Ferrier who immediately vowed he would overcome his injuries and rebuild his life with his loving partner Rozina and their sons Nikola, 13, and Jett, 4.

The Ferriers are a well-respected sporting family, avid members and supporters of the Narrabeen Sharks junior league club, where son Nikola plays in the under-13s.

The Men of League were alerted to Lee’s accident by Toni Couper from Narrabeen Sharks, resulting in Northern Sydney welfare officers Norm Pounder and me meeting Lee and Rozina at the hospital in late April, which coincidentally was the first day he was able to sit up in his wheelchair.

We were blown away by Lee’s attitude and determination to overcome his life changing predicament.

From that time on, he enthusiastically addressed his rehabilitation treatment and advanced to a level of recovery that saw him transferred to the Royal Rehab Centre, Putney for more specialised rehabilitation treatment.

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From left: Ben Ross, Fred Jackson, Norm Pounder and Ken Vessey. Front, Lee Ferrier and Rozina Begecki.

Lee continued to undertake his treatment with determination and was able to undertake motor vehicle driving lessons and participate in inhouse sporting activities like tennis and basketball.

Each time Norm, Fred Jackson and I visited Lee we were amazed at the rate of improvement he showed and it was not surprising that on 11 September he was discharged and returned home to be with Rozina, Nikola and Jett. He passed a driver’s licence test on his first attempt, which in itself is remarkable.

On 24 October, Lee and Rozina were guests of the Men of League Foundation at the Cox Plate race day at Royal Randwick and had a most enjoyable afternoon. During the afternoon Ben Ross interviewed Lee about his experiences in the past six months and he amazed all those present with his story of sheer guts and determination.

Obviously in coming years with the need for ongoing rehabilitation and care combined with increased living costs, an ongoing financial

burden will be ever present and in an effort to assist in these financial needs the local community have joined forces in raising some much needed funds.

These fundraising activities throughout the Manly Warringah district have been driven and supported by local sporting bodies, including the Narrabeen Sharks Club, local clubs, pubs, commerce organisations and businesses and members of the public.

The Men of League Foundation has played a part in these fundraising activities by donating memorabilia items and, through the grant program, providing financial support for living costs and will continue to provide ongoing support on a needs basis.

Lee and Rozina have been overwhelmed by the support they have received from their friends, numerous organisations and members of the community and are especially appreciative of the care and support being provided by the Men of League Foundation.

MACKAY

COMMITTEE PROFILE

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he Men of League Mackay committee has come a long way since holding its inaugural meeting in March 2012. The initial committee included president Owen Cunningham, vice president Greg Sutherland, secretary Alf Abdullah, treasurer Wayne James, welfare officerscKen Weir, Peter Balderson and Bill Cooper and was launched with the simple goal of increasing Men of League member numbers in the region.

Since then, the Mackay committee has grown to over 400 members, with its packed events calendar and ongoing welfare activities making it one of Queensland’s most active regional committees.

The current committee consists of president Marco Peters, secretary Alf Abdullah, treasurer Peter Quinn, vice president Greg Sutherland and members Peter Balderson, John Whelan, Bill Cooper, Dave Casey and Col Groskeutz, all of whom share a love of helping players past and present in need of assistance.

The year 2015 has been the committee’s most successful with a successful Men of League heritage day fundraiser raising over $10,000 and signing up over 100 new members to the Foundation.

“We would like to thank PJ Marsh for assisting during the day, we could not have asked for a better ambassador,” said Marco Peters.

Under Marco’s new leadership, the committee has also organised club delegates from each of the senior clubs, local referees and the Mackay Junior Rugby League, helping to spread the word about the Men of League and engage the community.

The highlight of the year for the Mackay committee was the highly successful fundraising event for Rian Smith, a former player who received serious injuries following a car accident. Organised by Rian’s Angels and assisted by the Men of League, this raised over $200,000 and will greatly assist Rian with his medical and living expenses.

“The function was attended by nearly 1000 people, with the sheer volume of donations and sponsorships paying testament to the mateship formed over many football games and training session,” Peters said.

“Brent Tate, Josh Hannay and Travis Norton deserve special thanks for giving up their time to come and retell stories of the past.”

Ken Weir and Shane Webcke during a visit to see Iris Miller.

Welfare officer Ken Weir arranged Christmas hampers for some of the elderly people in Men of League who were doing it tough, which was greatly appreciated by the recipients.

“Ken works tirelessly as our local welfare officer, completing welfare visits in Mackay and beyond,” Marco added. “Ken embodies what the Men of League is all about - being there for mates when needed.”

One of the reasons for the success of this committee was the input of vice president and CEO of Skills Training, Greg Sutherland. Greg sponsored the Bill Paton medal awarded to the outstanding player in the Mackay and District Rugby League competition, known as the Men of League Bill Paton Medal. This event has given us the Men of League a high profile in the region, attracting widespread local media coverage.

“Sadly, Greg passed away in November and his loss will be felt by many of the organisations that he supported. Greg’s funeral was held at the Mackay Entertainment Centre and was attended by thousands – a testament to his widespread admiration. His passion of helping people and assisting others in need will be something that will live on through our committee,” Marco Peters said.

Although Sutherland’s passing is a huge loss, the committee is looking forward to another stellar year in 2016, with a number of exciting events planned.

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COMMITTEE NEWS BRISBANE

FRASER COAST

Former State of Origin outside backs Chris Johns (August 19) and Mitch Brennan (October 21) were guest speakers at Kick-Off Club lunches held at the Broncos Leagues Club.

The ‘Back to the Burnett’ sportsman’s dinner / Men of League challenge match weekend held at Mundubbera proved to be very successful. Many thanks go to our special guests Steve Walters, ‘Fearless’ Fred Casey, former Brisbane Valley players Frank Clancy, Marty Scanlan, Mick Retchless, Norm Clarke and Peter Cummins. Without their involvement and the support and assistance of many others, in particular both Gavin Ford and Melinda Thorburn, the weekend would not have been possible.

BY STEVE RICKETTS, PUBLICITY OFFICER

The pair gave different insights into the life of professional footballers. Brennan also played Canadian Football after narrowly missing out on a contract in the United States. Johns, who also represented Australia, had two rugby league stints in England - with Castleford and Barrow.

Brisbane president Ron Atkins’ 80th birthday was acknowledged at the October 21 function while the August 19 lunch featured a screening of former Australian forward John Cleary’s film of the 1963-64 Kangaroo tour of England and France.

An additional speaker on October 21 was Ian Johnson, a burns victim, who credits rugby league with getting his life back on track after he became a recluse following a workplace accident. When his 12-year-old son took up the sport on the Gold Coast, Ian gave him his support, and was overwhelmed by the way he was accepted by the league community.

Representatives of the Brisbane committee attended a Toowoomba committee golf day at Gatton Golf Club where guest speakers were former Australian forward David Wright and former Sydney Wests skipper Warren Boland.

There have been numerous welfare visits by committee members, with the likes of former Test referee Don Lancashire and prominent former Roma footballer Luke Baker getting a boost from the presence of former Test stars Dennis Ward and Wally Fullerton Smith among others.

Brisbane committee members extend their best wishes to former Queensland administration officer Louise Uhl and her husband Bernard who have returned to Gilgandra to start a new business venture.

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BY TREVOR LINDEBERG, PUBLICITY OFFICER

The inaugural Men of League challenge match was won by South Central Burnett, who beat North Central Burnett 30-20. The success of this weekend has now given us the incentive to continue this format into the future. It also allowed us to achieve what we had set out to do which was to promote and raise the much needed awareness of our organisation throughout the Burnett region.

Whilst at the Burnett, it was pleasing to catch up with Central Burnett legend Peter ‘Doctor Death’ Dunn, who celebrated his 81st birthday on 24 October. Wide Bay owe you a lot over the many years of your dedication and involvement in the game.

Our thoughts go out to former players in the Fraser Coast area in Alec Burton, Moray Smith and Gary Pearson and his wife Pat were very fortunate to escape relatively unscathed from a recent head on collision on the Bruce Highway near Miriam Vale on their way back home from Cairns.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, our intended bowls day in Maryborough had to be postponed until next year, however the golf day at Maryborough will have been run and won by the time this edition of our magazine has gone to press, many thanks to all who participated and supported this annual event at the Maryborough Golf Club. In closing until next year, on behalf of the Men of League Fraser Coast committee Merry Christmas to all and a safe and healthy New Year.

BUNDABERG

BY TERRY DODD, PRESIDENT

Joe Rinaldi, Brookvale Mazda, and Northern Sydney President, Trevor Bailey.

NORTHERN SYDNEY

BY TREVOR BAILEY, PRESIDENT Men of League Northern Sydney committee should take a bow after organising two excellent fund raising events.

On 7 August, Collaroy Beach Club hosted our annual ‘knuckles and cheeks’ sportsman’s lunch, with special guest speakers Fred Jones, Bill Hamilton and Ian Martin. All multiple grand final winners, they gave us their insight on what it takes to win a grand final. Our sincere thanks go to those former Manly champions and to our MC Greg Florimo.

Our second major event was the annual golf day held at the Warringah Golf Club. The day was made an enormous success by the skills and energy displayed by both the office and ground staff who prepared the course to perfection. We are in negotiations to hold the event at the same venue next year. Our thanks to Joe Rinaldi of Brookvale Mazda, who came on board as a sponsor at late notice.

The hard working committee members are at present preparing to stage another Kick Off Club night at North Narrabeen Surf Club on 4 December. If it’s anything like our last one, we’ll be bursting at the seams.

I’m working on our fund raising program for next year which will include our usual number of Kick Off Clubs, golf day and sportsman’s lunch, it will also see the return of the bowls day. Stay tuned.

It would be remiss of me if I didn’t include a special mention on the remarkable work done by Ken Vessey who heads our very special and important group of welfare officers. Without them all the fund raising efforts would be for naught.

Heartfelt thanks goes to past president Neil Whittaker for his astute leadership for many years of the Northern Sydney committee. Thankfully Neil’s influence is not completely lost to us as he is still a valued member of the committee.

The annual Men of League sportsman’s dinner on 23 October was another great night. Many thanks to state manager Frank Barrett who filled in at the last minute as MC, doing a great job and giving the large crowd an insight into what Men of League is all about and what they do in raising much needed funds for the Foundation.

Wow, how good was our guest speaker Petero Civoniceva. What a wonderful ambassador he is for rugby league and all the help he does for Men of League.

Petero gave us an insight into how it unfolded for him, and the way his career started, especially coming from a rugby union family. He spent a large amount of time having photos taken and chatting with guests.

The night was a success with much needed funds raised. Many thanks to our major sponsor Ascot Homes, for five years now they have been supporting our sportsman’s night, also DGZ Accountancy along with Brothers Sports Club, without your assistance it would be tough. To our committee, your help is greatly appreciated.

By now our Christmas race day would have been and gone. The Bundaberg Race Club invited us to take on this new venture and we were only too happy to jump at the opportunity. As we know most members enjoy a punt and a good day out. No doubt we will be keen to make it an annual event.

As president and along with committee members Greg Pershouse, Noel Cavanagh and Geoff Rackemann we recently visited a member who has spent over 12 weeks in hospital following surgery. To our member Gary Smith, we certainly hope by now you are well on the way to recovery and back home enjoying time with your wife and family. Thanks to our chairman Ron Coote who arranged a South Sydney signed jersey for Gary, after we were made aware of his love for the club.

As 2015 comes to a close there are so many people I would like to thank for helping me in the running of our committee. There are too many to name but I am sure you know who I am referring to. A special thanks to the Bundaberg Rugby League for allowing us the use of the clubhouse at Salter Oval for our monthly Kick Off Club functions. We also wish the BRL all the success for your upcoming rugby league event in 2016, the Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys at Salter Oval in February; this is huge for all.

Have a great Christmas and New Year. See you in 2016.

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Allan Langer makes a local boy happy.

GOONDIWINDI

BY KEN MILLGATE, PUBLICITY OFFICER

Winners and grinners at the Sawtell bowls day.

NORTH COAST

BY PETER BARRETT, PRESIDENT After the North Coast weather caused a couple of cancellations we finally had a successful bowls day at Sawtell, combining with Sawtell Panthers Old Boys for our second successful year on the green. Thank you again to all who made it an enjoyable event, especially Ivan Wheeler, Col Bourke and John Weatherspoon.

Our committee’s aim is to get more involvement in Grafton, being such a great rugby league town who again dominated Group 2 competition with the Rebels and last year the Ghosts. We’re looking at either races, bowls or golf days while Woolgoolga is also on our hit list.

Our biggest event was the Edge Real Estate TAB Coffs Harbour race day on 4 December. Thank you to all race day sponsors. Our day was hosted by Neil Pringle with guests Ron Coote, Stuart Raper, Les Cleal, Ben Ross and Paul ‘Nobby’ Clark.

Now that the completion of rugby league games have finished in Goondiwindi, both junior and senior members were looking forward to letting their hair down and the second annual charity golf day on Saturday 24 October was just the place to do it. A strong field of over 120 golfers certainly kept the three drink buggies busy on a very warm day.

Special guests were there in force, including chairman of Queensland Men of League Darryl Van de Velde, Ben Ikin, Ben Walker, Alfie Langer and our own Ethan Lowe, after the big grand final win with the Cowboys.

They not only played golf but also had a meet and greet with the junior boys and general public.

Many thanks to Tegan Jennings from Men of League’s Brisbane office for her assistance in promoting and supply of advertising for the event.

The lawn mowing and yard cleaning crew are still busy, as are welfare in Brisbane with Petero Civoniceva helping out once again visiting Allan Boodle from Goondiwindi after an operation.

PROUDLY SUPPORTING MEN OF LEAGUE

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MEN OF LEAGUE DECEMBER 2015

NORTH WEST NSW

BY KEVIN ROBINSON, SECRETARY It’s all quiet on the north western front. Just like in the movie, things have slowed down since the last magazine. Our last fundraiser for 2015 was to be a bowls day organised by the Narrabri sub-committee, however owing to the fact that some of the Narrabri Men of League members were involved in helping to keep the local rugby league club going, and harvesting had already started in district, they had to postpone it until 2016 (date to be announced).

However, this is not to say that we have not been active.

As you can imagine with this large area, we cover ongoing requests for welfare visits and memorabilia for local fund raisers seems to be never ending and we try to give assistance where we can. The Gunnedah bowls day held early in the year was another great day although numbers were down on past years and this seemed to be the trend for our other fundraisers as well.

In May the Tamworth sub-committee held a luncheon with Tim Sheens as special guest along with Pat Hunt who is president of the World Basketball Coaches Association and local talented cricketer James Psarakis, with these guests you would have thought we would have packed the joint, however we still had room for another thirty to forty people.

The Tamworth sub-committee started a coffee club where members and guests meet once a month to keep in touch with what is happening around the area.

It has been greatly supported, averaging ten members at the last five meetings. The meetings are fairly laid back to say the least and everyone gets to put in their ten cents’ worth. If any members are interested in finding out more about these monthly catch-ups ring Robbo on 0408 068 998.

Moree again held their fundraiser on the day of the local derby between the Moree Boars and Boomerangs, and were well supported by followers from both clubs. After a good result for the Manilla bowls day, it was mentioned that their numbers were also down. There are a couple of things I think why our numbers are down - certainly the drought we have been experiencing the last couple of years, and the number of charities competing for that almighty dollar.

To the sponsors, members and guests that have supported us over the years in raising funds for the Foundation, you have been outstanding. In closing I ask the (over seven hundred) members in the North West if you could support at least one fund raiser next year. If you did, it would be a great result for the Foundation.

Bulldog legends Steve and Chris Mortimer with Group 9 Weissel Medal winner James Luff (centre) at the Riverina race day.

RIVERINA

BY DAVE MULROONEY, PRESIDENT Our Men of League race day was held on 17 October at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club in Wagga. This event was deemed a specific cause event for the family of Daryn Deacon, a former player, coach and clubman of the Junee Diesels who is battling lung cancer. The race day also incorporated the Eric Weissel Medal for the Group 9 player of the year which was won

by James Luff, halfback for the 2015 premiers the Gundagai Tigers.

The day was enhanced by the presence of special guest Steve Mortimer who presented the medal, mingled with the crowd and renewed acquaintances with former teammates from his old Turvey Park club.

Steve also donated two signed jumpers, Bulldogs and NSW State of Origin, which were auctioned off, adding significantly to the day’s fundraising. Special thanks go out to our loyal sponsors, Austwide Homes, Blue Ribbon Investments, Lake Albert Foodworks, PRD Real Estate Wagga/Junee, Riverina Bookmakers, Riverina Hotel and the William Farrer Hotel. Thanks to our usual small but dedicated band of Men of League members who helped on the day. Funds raised will be donated to a trust fund set up for the Deacon family.

Plans are underway by members from Cootamundra and Tumut to hold another Maher Cup reunion bowls and golf day on 13 February 2016 at the Cootamundra Country Club. If the last reunion was any indication it should be a great success. More details will be provided closer to the event.

Local members are hoping to gather for an end of year drink and a review of plans for 2016. Members will be emailed closer to the date. We wish all our Riverina members a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

See you in 2016.

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in 1991, attended the luncheon two years ago and was keen to attend again when back in Mooloolaba on his annual holidays.

Sterling and Baker-Finch are among a long list of highprofile speakers who have attended the successful event, including Craig Bellamy, Phil Gould, John Grant, Wayne Bennett and Mal Meninga.

A galaxy of former stars helped make the seventh annual Sunshine Coast Men of League golf day yet another rousing success.

Team McGovern (from left) Bernie Jnr, Bernie and Will, with Kerrod Walters.

SUNSHINE COAST

BY TONY DURKIN, PUBLICITY OFFICER A Men of League Magnificent Seven selection, Peter Sterling, will be special guest at the annual Sunshine Coast Christmas luncheon on 10 December.

The 7th annual luncheon at Mooloolaba Surf Club has once again attracted a full house with the Channel 9 commentator and Eels legend a massive drawcard.

And among the guests will be his 1986 premiershipwinning coach John Monie who now lives at Pelican Waters on the Sunshine Coast.

During the past season Sterling joined Andrew Johns, Allan Langer, Steve Mortimer, Tommy Raudonikis, Billy Smith and Johnathan Thurston as one of the Magnificent Seven in a Men of League promotion. The honour was bestowed on the seven greatest halfbacks in Australia since 1961, as voted by the Australian rugby league public.

Sunshine Coast product and now a golf analyst with CBS in the US, Ian Baker-Finch, will also be a guest at the luncheon. Baker-Finch, who won the British Open

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Among the ‘names’ who played the magnificent Twin Waters course on 30 October were dual rugby international John Brass, former Kangaroos halfback Mark Murray, ex-Test hooker Kerrod Walters, former Maroons forward Danny Nutley and ex-Test centre Bob Hagan. Also donning the ‘celeb’ caps were former NRL referee Ian Smith, ex-NRL players Darren Burns and Tim Dwyer and former top jockey Danny Craven.

An almost-capacity field of 132 teed up in the tournament which was won for the third time by Team Tripcony (Tony Tripcony, his sons Blair and Jarrett, and Shaun Lake). With three 18 handicappers in the group and a gross score of 58 - 14 under the card - their nett score of 49 1/8th was the best by more than four shots.

Runners-up were the Dalby team of Darren Burns, Raymond Burns, Danny Nutley and Danny Craven with 53 3/8ths. Finishing third and fourth, with scores of 55.5 and 56 respectively, were the father-and-sons teams of Bernie McGovern, Bernie McGovern Jnr, Will McGovern and Kerrod Walters, and Ken Reed, Tim Reed, Brad Reed and Scott Rossow.

A presentation dinner and auction followed the event, with Mark Murray the guest speaker.

TOWNSVILLE

BY BARRY BUCHANAN, PUBLICITY OFFICER The north has been in celebration mode since the Cowboys premiership win and because of our close association with the club it has been a special time for Townsville Men of League. Congratulations Cowboys.

The Townsville Blackhawks were Queensland minor premiers which was a great effort in their first year.

Well done to those officials, most of whom are members, who made it happen, especially coach Kristian Woolf and CEO Adrian ‘Happy’ Thompson.

Our AGM was held on 6 November at the Riverview Tavern. Thank you to those who have given their time for the past year and also to the 2016 committee who have put their hands up for 2016.

Robert Stone’s family.

SOUTHERN SYDNEY

BY BRUCE THOMPSON, SECRETARY 2015 has been a good year for Men of League Southern Sydney committee with a number of new members joining the committee to work alongside those experienced guys who have worked so hard over the previous years. We think this blend of new blood and experience is going to set us up for an even better 2016.

It was great to have our Queensland chairman Darryl Van de Velde there to address the AGM and state manager Frank Barrett who was our guest speaker for the Kick Off Club that followed.

A special bonus for those who attended was the presence of the Provan Summons Premiership Trophy.

Many photos were taken during the social part of the evening which was supported by Lion and host Arthur McMahon of the Lillywhite Group.

During the year we hosted two great functions that were really well attended and we are sure that the word of mouth effect from these functions will help us lock away another great year. The Robert Stone tribute lunch at St George was an outstanding success as was the celebration of the clashes between the Dragons and Sharks that was held at Cronulla Leagues Club. As we go to press we have a Kick Off Club event well down the planning track that we look forward to reporting on next time.

Special mention must be made of Lion who have been so supportive of Men of League all year through their sales executive, Glen Cummins.

President Terry Hughes particularly wants to take this opportunity to thank all of those people that supported us during the year, all of the supporters and sponsors for their generosity. Warranting special mention amongst many who helped out are Steve Edge, John Peard, Alan Wilson and Barry Russell.

Gold Coast welfare officers have performed several visits during the past months and it is pleasing to report that former New Zealand captain Graeme Farrar’s wife Margaret has fully recovered from a lengthy stint in hospital, after complications from an appendix operation.

Lastly we would like to let you know that committeeman Peter Lanham, whilst on holiday in the UK, took time out to visit Roger Millward who is not in the best of health. Roger appreciated the visit and gave Peter an autographed jumper to bring home which will go to good use I am sure.

A special thank you to Nerang RSL who presented the Men of League Gold Coast with a cheque for $5000 from their football tipping competition. On hand to receive this generous donation were Ian Amos, Greg Sylvester, Bob Honan, Wayne Thompson and former Australian international hooker Ron Turner. Special guest for the evening was Kevin Campion. Once again a big thank you to Lloyd Evans and the boys, your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Season’s greetings to all members and look for our calendar of events for 2016 to come out soon.

Keep on caring for our rugby league community.

GOLD COAST

BY GREG SYLVESTER, WELFARE OFFICER

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A successful golfing day was held in September at the Robina Woods despite the atrocious weather conditions (windy and rain). Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all the competitors and volunteers Bob Honan, Wayne Thompson, Kim Lee, Nicky Speeding and Jody Taylor for their time and commitment.

Although former Great Britain captain Tommy Bishop has relocated to Brisbane, he is still fully committed to the Gold Coast committee and travels by train to attend the meetings and events and will continue to do so. Well done Tommy.

Our major event of the year, the Gold Coast International gala dinner is rapidly approaching. It will be held on Friday 26 February 2016 at the Burleigh Bears Leagues Club. There will be 30-40 internationals present at the event, along with special guests (to be named at a later date). Comperes will once again be Scott Sattler and Gary Belcher. Cost will be $120 per head, which includes a three-course meal, drinks and $10 for the autographed football which be raffled at every table. As numbers are limited we suggest you book early by phoning Burleigh Bears on 07 5572 4055.

NORTHERN RIVERS

BY PHIL CHESHAM, PRESIDENT I would like to thank my committee and sponsors for their great support over the last twelve months. We have held a dog night and two Kick Off Clubs and also our golf day. I would also like to thank our patron Bob Abbott, AM, for his ongoing help and guidance.

We continue to deal with welfare issues with our members and are always ready for new information on anyone needing help. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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Noela Irwin, Tom Cassin and Lin Phillips were the happy winners.

TWEED DISTRICT

BY GRAHAM CALLAGHAN, PUBLICITY OFFICER Treasurer Tom Cassin, with his team comprising Noela Irwin, Lin Phillips and Doug Barton were the popular winners of the Tweed Heads fourth annual bowls day at the Coolangatta club.

Seventy-six bowlers, including 25 women, filled two greens in glorious Tweed weather to provide the closest competition ever.

It was obvious that some of the footballers had taken up bowls since last year’s successful event with president John Strong saying the organisers had plenty of difficulty before declaring Cassin’s team the winner. “Competition overall was so tight we decided to give all bowlers a prize,” said Strong.

“This was only possible because of the great support we received from our sponsors who again rallied to ensure the success of our day. Again the greens were in top condition and the Coolangatta bowls club continued their great assistance to make it our best bowls day ever. The number of bowlers was up by more than 20 and the number of women bowlers also increased which was extremely encouraging.”

Strong said the committee was now planning for their Christmas party which was one of the major events of the year.

TUGGERAH

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

October was a busy month for the Men of League Tuggerah. On 2 October the Norah Head Sports Club hosted our inaugural Kick Off Club, with 40 people attending. All enjoyed and appreciated the hospitality of the club.

One of the highlights on the Western Australian calendar is the NRL WA past players reunion and this year’s was no exception with a gathering of over 100 people assembling on Saturday 7 November at the North Beach Sea Eagles clubrooms. On the day, the North Beach 1980 undefeated premiership side were honoured, all receiving medallions for their achievement many years ago.

BY JAMES ‘SULLY’ SULLIVAN, PRESIDENT

BY GREG TUNN, PUBLICITY OFFICER

Many of these members backed up a month later for our golf day at Wyong Golf Club where the course was in excellent condition. Eighty people, displaying a vast range of skills, participated before enjoying lunch where Stuart Raper was the special guest. Stuart was able to provide an overview of Men of League activities as well as his thoughts on various aspects of the game.

President Denis Smith thanked the many sponsors, particularly Wyong Leagues Club and Kooindah Waters Resort who provided the raffle prizes.

Planning is already underway for 2016 with four Kick Off Clubs. The first of these will be at the Grand Hotel, Wyong on Friday 5 February. All members and impending members are invited to come along for a few drinks and discuss the coming NRL season. Look for details on the website in the New Year.

Finally, best wishes to all Men of League members throughout the country during the festive season - may it be safe, healthy and enjoyable.

South Perth Lions stalwart Dennis Hawkins and North Beach Sea Eagles stalwart John Thompson were both Inducted into the NRL WA Hall of Fame and both were very popular selections amongst the crowd but undoubtedly the highlight of the day was the appearance and chat to one of the Men of League’s Magnificent Seven in former Dragons great Billy Smith who had the crowd enthralled and laughing with a few of his stories about our great game.

Specials thanks to the North Beach Club for hosting and for the great food on the day, and to the NRL WA past players committee on a job well done.

On behalf of the Men of League Western Australia, I would to wish all of our members across all regions a very happy and prosperous Christmas and New Year.

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BUCHANAN’S GRAND FINAL SPIN

BY GRAHAM CALLAGHAN

G

rand final yarns are still filtering back and former long-time Tweed Heads Seagulls zambuck ‘Spin’ Buchanan, 85, has been mentioned in despatches.

Besides looking after the injured for Seagulls for just on three decades Spin was also a pretty handy mile runner with many wins on the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers.

He carried the Olympic torch from Tweed Heads into Coolangatta.

These days his daughter Gail Dixon packs Spin up and they head to the Sydney grand final each year.

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MEN OF LEAGUE DECEMBER 2015

They pause for their obligatory heart-starter coffee before entering the stadium and in 2014 shared a table with a ‘lovely lady’ (LL) who informed them Souths would win because Greg Inglis was her grandson.

Spin is chasing a hat-trick of winners and can’t wait for the big day in 2016 - and what meeting another LL will bring.

This year the creatures of routine again stopped for coffee and their usual haunt and an LL from Townsville sharing the table told them it would be Cowboys doing the lap of honour with the trophy because Ethan Lowe was her grandson.

For the second time the prediction he was presented with came true and he and Gail got to see one of the greatest grand finals ever.

Gail and Spin at this year’s classic grand final at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.

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MEN OF LEAGUE DECEMBER 2015