Men of League – Issue 68

Issue 68 – September 2017

JT reunites

with Sydney ‘mum’ NRL international new Queensland boss Tributes to Don Furner and Darryl Van de Velde Inside our two biggest events

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Men of League

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In this edition

5 6-7 8-9 10-11 12-13 14-16 20-22 24-25 26-27 34-35 36-37 38 40 44 48-49 50

David Shillington Mary Durose 15 years of Men of League Darryl Van de Velde Peter Ryan Rugby League World Cup Don Furner Ash Harrison Lew Platz Mad Butcher Col Whelan’s pub tour Qld history committee news Special 50-year reunion Terry Wand tribute A rare reserve grade story Meet our new staff

Plus the regulars 18-19 Events calendar League trivia 23 28-30 Helping Hand 32-33/ Around the Grounds 51 39/45 Committee profiles: Penrith

/ Fraser Coast 42-43 Tributes 46-47 NRL Wellbeing and Education 52-62 Committee news Editor: Neil Cadigan (editor@menofleague.com) Design: Nine Ounces Phone: (02) 4311 2266 www.nineounces.com Deadlines: Deadline for submitted material for the next edition: October 27, 2017

From the

chairman

Professor the Hon. Stephen Martin

The Foundation has had a particularly busy and exciting past few months. Since our past magazine, we’ve hosted our two largest annual events in our National Gala Dinner and Queensland Annual Lunch. Both events were a wonderful success.

In line with this partnership, our Queensland Annual Lunch was themed on World Cup success.

Special guests included World Cup winning legends and the RLWC trophy. With 860 people attending, the lunch was the most successful event in Foundation history.

The National Gala Dinner celebrated our 15th Anniversary and paid fitting tribute to our Honorary President and co-founder, Ron Coote. The night saw us celebrate our successes in caring for those most in need from the rugby league community for the past 15 years and highlighted 15 iconic rugby league moments since 2002, ‘through the eyes of Ron Coote’.

In the past few months we’ve made some new staffing appointments.

Former Kangaroo and Maroon representative David Shillington has started as our Queensland Manager. I’d like to thank Interim Queensland Manager Darryl Van de Velde for his significant commitment and ongoing support, highlighted by his recent Life Membership.

We were very privileged to announce at our Gala Dinner that we had been selected as the official Australian charity partner of the Rugby League World Cup 2017.

It was an honour to announce the partnership with RLWC Chairman Dr George Peponis and I’m looking forward to profiling the great work we do on the spectacular platform of the world best rugby league.

As the charity of choice for the rugby league community, the National Board recognised our need for a permanent, dedicated resource in membership and fundraising. We’ve recently appointed Vanessa Bolzan in this national role. To meet our corporate governance responsibilities and to ensure the Foundation is financially sustainable, Vanessa’s first task will be to assist in rolling out our new membership model. Stay tuned for further announcements.

National Board of Directors

Patron: The Hon. John Fahey AC | Honorary President: Ron Coote AM | Chairman: Prof. the Hon. Stephen Martin | Directors: Brad Howell, Alan Sullivan QC, Geoff Thoroughgood, Alan Tongue, Darryl Van de Velde, Helen Wood Grant Executive

Chief Executive Officer Frank Barrett – frank.barrett@menofleague.com Financial Controller Emile Assaf – emile.assaf@menofleague.com National Wellbeing Manager Ben Ross – ben.ross@menofleague.com National Manager Membership and Fundraising Vanessa Bolzan – vanessa.bolzan@menofleague.com National Manager - Administration Kellie-Ann Furner – kellie-ann.furner@menofleague.com Administration Support Hayley Clift – admin@menofleague.com

National Office/NSW Office

Qld Manager David Shillington – david.shillington@menofleague.com Qld Wellbeing & Education Officer Mark Bunting – mark.bunting@menofleague.com Qld Events Manager Samantha James – samantha.james@menofleague.com Qld Administration Belinda Perry – belinda.perry@menofleague.com Media & Marketing Nine Ounces – ahenry@nineounces.com

Level 3, Eastern Grandstand, ANZ Stadium Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127 PO Box 7049, Silverwater NSW 2128 Phone: 02 8765 2232 Email: admin@menofleague.com QLD Office

QRL Central, 83 Castlemaine Street, Milton QLD 4064 PO Box 1217, Milton QLD 4064 Phone: 07 3367 6080 qldadmin@menofleague.com Caring for the men, women and children of the Email: rugby league community

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Your Men of League local contacts New South Wales Canberra Monaro President: Noel Bissett 0407 597 533 Secretary: Susan Gerrard 0406 378 086 Central Coast President: Don Parish 0414 353 141 Secretary: Trevor Andrews 0412 694 857 Central West President: John Lasker 02 6852 2477 Secretary: Norm Cook 0458 658 827 Far South Coast President: Colin Clarke 0412 764 740 Secretary: Sheldon Wykes Illawarra President: Peter Fitzgerald 0412 263 733 Secretary: Bob McKellar 0408 393 040 Macarthur/Sth Highlands President: Ron McEntee 0448 118 789 Secretary: Stephen Hazelton 0450 010 770 Mid North Coast President: Brian Atherton 0427 523 818 Secretary: Kevin Rayment 0427 533 644 Newcastle Hunter President: Garry Leo 0400 421 767 Secretary: Peter Corcoran 0413 453 473

South Coast President: Chris Burke 0438 236 606 Secretary: Carol Weller 0408 478 043

Gold Coast President: Ian Amos 0417 005 180 Secretary: Wayne Thompson 0413 818 807

Southern Monaro President: John Bedingfield Secretary: Tom Herbert 0419 215 103

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

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

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

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

Mackay President: Paul Hudson 0450 737 130 Secretary: Alf Abdullah 0417 752 694

Tuggerah Lakes President: Denis Smith 0415 433 976

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

Tweed District President: John Strong 0421 971 586 Secretary: Tom Cassin 0407 457 661 Upper Hunter President: Paul Medd 0409 482 297 Secretary: Erica Edwards 0429 485 121 Western Region President: Martin Cook Secretary: Ross Tighe 0428 289 324 Western Sydney President: Steve Winbank Secretary: Garry O'Donnell 0418 699 257

North Coast President: Peter Barrett 0414 227 068 Secretary: Terry Clark

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QLD and Affiliated States

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

Brisbane President: Ian Gatenby 0412 038 013 Secretary: Vance Rennie 07 3350 6436

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

Bundaberg District President: Terry Dodd 0414 526 828 Secretary: Greg Pershouse 0416 242 566

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sunshine Coast President: Don Oxenham 0409 849 161 Secretary: Barry Marsden 0402 654 231 Toowoomba Region President: Andrew O’Brien 0417 748 489 Secretary: John Dent 0400 046 214 Townsville President: Mark Williams 0409 894 427 Secretary: Terry Feeney 0488 000 899 Victoria President: Peter Foreman 0439 533 171 Secretary: Greg Brentnall 03 8412 4905

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

Men of League

Roma President: Owen Lingard 0400 496 507 Secretary: Jason Coonan 0419 729 857

Northern Territory President: Dave Cannon 0428 895 211 Secretary: John Barry 0417 732 660 Western Australia President: James Sullivan 0414 733 083 Secretary: Justin Reid 0403 012 252

QLD State Committee Chairman: Darryl Van de Velde Vice Chairman: Pete Psaltis Treasurer: Tony Woodgate Committee: Ken Brown, Jason Cubit, Mark Donlan, Darryl Foster, Wally FullertonSmith, Ian Gatenby, Ashley Tulley, Greg Veivers, Dan Whitmore

Welcome David Shillington Neil Cadigan Former Australia, Queensland prop David Shillington will never forget his first few weeks as a Sydney Roosters player when he was 18 and living with the legend of front row play and talent identification, Arthur Beetson.

Straight out of school in Brisbane, he lived with Beetson for a few weeks and big Artie would take the starry-eyed teenager to Sydney eastern suburbs and inner-city pubs run by former players for lunch. ‘Shillo’ would be fascinated hearing their stories and marvelled and the camaraderie and great desire to look after each other.

Just a few days after his arrival, Beetson took him to a barbeque hosted by Ron Coote at his home where he met another footy legend who impressed him.

Looking back 17 years later, perhaps it was meant to be that Shillington – after 215 NRL games for three clubs, 14 Tests and eight games for Queensland – would become, so soon after being pitched into premature retirement, the Queensland state manager of Men of League Foundation.

Engendering that brotherhood and sense of welfare he witnessed back then is now an inherent part of his role, in the organisation Coote has been so synonymous with.

Shillington smiles when he recalls his second meeting with Ron Coote, three years ago, at a Men of League function in Canberra.

“Ron came up to me and introduced himself again and said ‘you probably don’t remember, but you came to my house for a barbeque one time’,” said Shillington.

“I thought ‘as if he’d think I might forget something like that’ but it shows what a humble man he is and how lucky we’ve been to have him involved in the Foundation all these years.”

Shillington, 34, was contracted for a second season with the Gold Coast Titans in 2017 but a series of injuries curtailed his career. He took on a role as project manager of the NRL’s State of Mind program and as a NRL community ambassador, based out of the QRL’s Brisbane officer.

In August, he moved across the corridor into Men of League’s office where interim state manager and Queensland chairman (and national director) Darryl Van de Velde has taken him under his wing and provided him with a valuable change-over period.

The articulate and intelligent ‘Shillo’ completed a business diploma while playing and is now studying his Bachelor of Business degree.

“I’m really excited to announce this appointment, knowing David is much more than a highly regarded Test footballer, in fact many would argue he is even more talented off the field,” said Barrett. “David comes from a well-respected and very successful academic family who have supported him through both education and rugby league, creating a perfect fit for this position.

“He brings a strong understanding of the rugby league community having recently transitioned from the game into the work force, along with additional experience in the finance sector.”

Shillington says he feels fortunate that he has been able to secure such a rewarding role.

“The Men of League job gives me a few more business involvement day to day, which is what I wanted, but still keeps me involved in the league community.”

Caring for the men, women and children of the rugby league community

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Mary and Johnathan … emotional reunion.

Special ‘puppy love’ story There were two special guests, and a reunion, at Men of League’s gala dinner in Sydney in July. One is a famous footy name, the other you’re now being told about – her name is Mary Durose. Neil Cadigan What Mary Durose remembers mostly about the teenage Johnathan Thurston, “a gorgeous young man”, was the giggle at the dinner table.

It’s the laugh that is now famous.

The two-decade long Sydney ‘mum’ to a plethora of Bulldogs players also remembers well the Brisbane boy’s terrible homesickness and sitting in their home trying to soothe ‘JT’ into staying on to keep pursuing his rugby league dreams.

Fortunately, the skinny kid stayed. He’ll be a rugby league Immortal one day.

When the 79-year-old Irish lady with the heart of gold agreed to be brought to Sydney from her Ballarat home

by Men of League in July as guest of the Foundation at the annual gala dinner, but only after three hours of persuasive conversation by Victoria committee president Peter Foreman, she says “in the back of my 6

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mind I had the feeling they were up to something. It turned out to be a moment to treasure.”

The biggest surprise was when the NRL’s most-loved player, Thurston, appeared out of the corner of her eye to sit in the vacant seat left next to Mary, alongside Jamie Feeney, her other great favourite who boarded at her home or at ‘The Kennels’, run by Mary and her husband Peter for 20 years.

There are too many of the 200 to mention but the passing parade, who stayed from a few weeks to a season or two, included Sonny Bill Williams, Jamie Feeney, Roy Asotasi, Nate Myles, Darren Smith, Wallaby skipper Ricky Elsom, Isaac Luke, David Kidwell, Men of League’s very own Ben Ross and even Doggies CEO Bob Hagan.

Also on Mary’s table at the dinner were with long-time Bulldogs football manager (and former grand final winning player) Garry Hughes, and the Foundation’s

Melbourne ‘operatives’ including Foreman and Greg Brentnall (another Bulldogs legend).

When Mary was interviewed by Fox Sports’ Yvonne Sampson on stage, it was many attendees’ highlight of the night. For Mary, it was the shock of Thurston shuffling over and giving her a kiss and cuddle.

“It was very nice to see Mary; she was there when it all started for me back in 2001 when I moved to Sydney,” Thurston said. “She took me into her home with a lot of other players. She nurtured us and comforted us when we were homesick, and looked after us well.

“I thought my Mum had the best ‘spag bol’, until I tasted Mary’s ‘spag bol’. I used to look forward to that every Friday night.

“It was great to see Mary recognised by Men of League, who do a great job throughout rugby league community.”

“He was a gorgeous lad; I can still hear him around the dinner table with that giggle. Honestly, he has never lost it,” countered Mary, who the Foundation has helped with her recent mouth cancer battle after also assisting her husband Peter with motorised wheelchairs after he became ill.

“Johnathan was very homesick and he used to come and talk to me about it. He went home for a week but came back and now look at him, he’s the best in the world.

“He was one of the best lads we ever had come go through; he was wonderful. The other favourite was Jamie Feeney.”

On the night that attracted over 600 people at Sydney’s Hyatt Regency and celebrated 15 years of the Foundation through the eyes of honorary president Ron Coote, and the announcement of the Foundation as the Rugby League World Cup’s official charity partner (see page 16), Mary stole the show.

The Durose’s association with the Bulldogs began with a chance meeting with club patriarch Peter Moore on a plane to Britain. Mary was on the way to see her gravely ill mother and Moore insisted she call after she returned to update him on her visit (sadly Mary’s mother died).

She did, and ‘Bullfrog’ – taken by Mary’s warmth – asked if she could take in a couple of hopefuls in Darren Ireland and Heath Cruickshank at her Kogarah home.

That was 1988. As the number of footy pups from outside of Sydney grew, Mary suggested the club buy some homes at Belmore to house them. Moore said the young players’ mothers would not like the idea, so

Thurston as a young Bulldog in 2004. Photo courtesy of NRL Imagery.

Mary and Peter (a Bulldogs time-keeper) volunteered to move in to care for players.

That happened in 1994 when Hughes summoned Mary to a meeting and announced the leagues club had brought several adjoining properties on Bridge Road, Belmore for future expansion and it would house young players.

“I said to Bullfrog and Gary I even had a name for it, we can call it The Kennels,” Mary recalled.

“Bullfrog said ‘that’s a good idea darling; there’ s only one catch’. I said what’s that and he said, ‘if we’re going to call it The Kennels, you’ll have to be the Old Bitch.’

At one stage there were 17 young Bulldogs in Mary and Peter’s care (and often parents on weekends) and every Thursday in-season after training at Belmore, the entire reserve grade side would come for dinner.

“I’d cook four legs of lamb, about a stone (6.3kg) of potatoes, and the same in vegies.

“They always wanted apple pie and custard and icecream or cream too, except Steve Reardon who had to have icing on his apple pie because his mum did that.”

Later the Bridge Rd homes were knocked down and two larger houses in York St were brought, and the Duroses and their pups relocated.

When Ben Ross left the Dogs, and the Kennel, while a lower grader to take up an offer at St George, Mary was not put out (“I always said to my boys, they had to do what was best for them”).

However, she remembers, “the last thing he said was ‘I’ll be back; save me a good room.”

Ross never returned to Belmore, which Mary reminded him of at the gala dinner.

Caring for the men, women and children of the rugby league community

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15 years of magic memories The 16th annual gala dinner’s theme was celebrating 15 years of Men of League as well as paying tribute to another year of rewarding and worthwhile activity by the Foundation in the community.

The night showcased the Foundation’s charity work within the rugby league community and paid tribute to co-founder and honorary president Ron Coote, AM, for his work in the Foundation over the past 15 years.

We also looked at the major moments of rugby league during that period, through Ron’s eyes, and he came up with the most memorable moment during that period – and selected the first all-Queensland grad final, won by North Queensland over Brisbane via Johnathan Thurston’s golden-point field goal, in 2015.

Coote chose the moment from a list of iconic events selected by a public vote.

2002: South Sydney return After being cut from the competition in 1999, as the newly formed NRL had the task of reducing the number of competing clubs from 22 in the split competitions of 1997 to 14 in 2000, the proud Rabbitohs took the game to court – with massive public backing - and were reinstated.

Brisbane and Melbourne faced off in the first grand final by non-NSW teams, and retiring prop Shane Webcke was sent out a winner with a 15-8 Broncos’ victory.

2007: Gold Coast return to premiership After the demise of the Chargers in 2008, who followed the Giants (1988-90), Seagulls (1991-95), a team was back on the Gold Coast in the form of the Titans in 2007, with a new stadium to follow in 2008.

2008: Centenary of Rugby League The game celebrated in style with a team of the century from the anointed 100 greatest players (of the century) and the Centenary World Cup, won in an upset by the Kiwis.

2009: Jillaroos snap Kiwi Ferns’ winning streak After dominating the women’s game for a decade and winning three World Cups, the Australian Jillaroos beat the Silver Ferns 18-16 in Auckland.

2003: Introduction of golden-point

2010: Introduction of All Stars match

No longer were drawn matches and shared competition points possible at the end of 80 minutes with games to go into two five-minute extra-time periods decided by the next score.

The pre-season All Stars clash, of an Indigenous team against a public-vote All Stars side, was a winner from the start and the brainchild of popular Aboriginal premiership winner Preston Campbell.

2004: Hazem El Masri’s point-scoring record

2011: Darren Lockyer’s final Origin Series

The Bulldogs winger set a new benchmark for a season’s tally with 342 points from 16 tries and 139 goals.

Multiple record holder Darren Lockyer bowed out as Maroons skipper in style with a fifth-straight series win under his captaincy as he set an Origin appearance record of 36.

2005: Wests Tigers – first joint-venture premiers In their sixth season, the Tigers beat another young NRL club, North Queensland in their 11th, to win a memorable grand final remembered for Benji Marshall’s classic flick pass to Pat Richards to produce a try.

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2006: First all-interstate grand final

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2012: Launch of the Australian Rugby League Commission It had been mooted for years – a new age of independent governance and sole controlling administrative body.

2013: Most successful RLWC

2015: All Queensland grand final

Australia dominated a highly successful World Cup in England which attracted 18.8 million television viewers, record crowds and the emergence of minnow nations.

In 1987 Canberra were the first out-of-Sydney grand finalists, in ’89 they were the first non-Sydney premiers, the Broncos became the first interstate grand finalists (and premiers) in 1992, we had the first all-interstate decider in ‘06 between the Broncos and Storm. Now we had two Queensland teams contesting the title in Sydney. What a game – the Cowboys winning 17-16.

2014: NSW wins Origin series It’s the only Blues’ series success since 2005 and was a long time coming.

NSW took the series by game two, a 6-4 win in Sydney (only the second time Queensland did not score an Origin try (they won 4-2 win in the try-less game one, 1995), after having defied the odds in game one in Brisbane.

2016: Sharks’ wait is over No team had waited longer for a premiership. After joining the competition in 1967, losing a grand final in 1973, a replay after a draw with Manly in 1978 and the Super League decider in 1997, the Sharks had finally become champions in their 50th season.

Turn the porch lights off in the Shire!

Give us your thoughts Thank you for committing to the Men of League Foundation in the best possible way – by signing on as a member.

Membership is the foundation of everything we do here, and your contribution has helped those most in need in the rugby league community.

We have set some challenging targets for 2018 and have some exciting new changes coming to our membership program. As a valued member, we would love your input! Please help us to give you the best membership experience possible by completing our short survey.

The survey can be found at the following location:

bit.ly/molfmembersurvey

Caring for the men, women and children of the rugby league community

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A genuine man of league Almost 900 people packed into Brisbane’s Royal International Convention Centre on 1 September for another memorable annual Queensland statewide lunch, paying tribute to the Foundation’s stalwart – including new life member Darryl Van de Velde – and being highly entertained. Neil Cadigan

It was a decade ago when Darryl Van de Velde came home from work one evening and told wife Jackie he wasn’t enjoying his job anymore and was going to retire early, at 56.

It was some decision for a man who has been a relentless go-getter, in business and league.

Van de Velde had a distinguished playing career in Brisbane that included representing Queensland, and a longer career as a coach of Redcliffe, Castleford, Huddersfield, London Broncos and Warrington in England, and a stint as the South Queensland Crushers’ inaugural CEO after heading a consortium that was unsuccessful in gaining the Broncos’ licence.

His mate of many decades, Greg Veivers, knew Darryl could not be able to stand still for too long and enticed him to join the Queensland board of Men of League.

He became chairman in 2012. He threw his heart and soul, and many hours, into the role. He started to commute regularly into the Brisbane office at Suncorp Stadium where, as Lang Park in the 1970s, he enjoyed some of his greatest footy experiences.

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When Frank Barrett moved to Sydney to take over the national CEO role earlier this year, Van de Velde stepped in as interim Queensland state manager which meant often getting up at 5am to leave his Sunshine Coast home and returning at 7pm. He also serves as Queensland Rugby League Statewide competitions director.

It has been relentless, grinding … and very rewarding.

And as he looked around the room at the Royal International Convention Centre on Friday 1 September to an audience of almost 900 at a wonderful event that featured an array of sporting idols mixing with grass roots champions of Men of League’s cause, he used the words “very, very proud” to describe the scene before him.

Those who know the 66-year-old will tell you there are no half-measures with Darryl Van de Velde.

He’s still driven, and still drives others, and while he was honoured to become the eighth life member of Men of League Foundation, announced to the audience by former Souths Brisbane teammate and now chairman of the NRL Commission John Grant (after first being revealed at the gala dinner in Sydney),

Van de Velde was humbled by being recognised for his ‘get it done’ attitude to his life.

However, he was more humbled by the eclectic presence in that large room.

“I would have liked to have 1000 people here; that was our target,” said the unyielding goal-chasing side of the Queensland chairman. “But that’s hard to do these days.

Then the softer side of the man spoke, as his eyes roamed the room in appreciation.

“It’s pretty special isn’t it,” he said, “What the Foundation has achieved; who we’ve got in this room; the unbelievable hard work our staff in Brisbane put in to make it happen.

“It’s extraordinary how many people want to be member of the organisation, and want to help others out.

“The committees are amazing how they persevere; how much they give to help others. They are just ordinary people, but it is very powerful what the combined effort has amounted to. They change people’s lives.”

So why does he continue to put so much time and effort into the Foundation instead of it being just a hobby, an aside to a life of hard-earned retirement?

“This is an opportunity to give back to the game that has enabled me to travel the world, coach in four countries, make so many friendships and have so many experiences,” he replied.

“I think I’m very lucky. Rugby league has been very good to me for a long period of time and I‘m very fortunate. This is about giving back to the people in the game, not necessarily the game itself.”

The day was full of activity and entertainment with guest speakers Laura Geitz, Andrew Symonds, Mal Meninga, Ruan Sims and world champ Jeff Horn enthralling attendees who dipped into their pockets to raise much needed fund for the Foundation.

Fraser Coast president Kev Embrey was announced as The Steve Calder Queensland Volunteer of the Year.

He paid tribute to the support he has received from the hard-working committee and wife Sheron.

John McDonald, the former Test centre and 20-year chairman of the Queensland Rugby League, was the annual inductee (he could not attend).

And Van de Velde joined Veivers, Noel Kelly, John Fahey, Steve Calder, Peter Simons, Jim Hall and Ron Coote as the Foundation’s life members.

WBO welterweight champion Jeff Horn being interviewed by Peter Psaltis at the 2017 Queensland Annual Lunch prior to drawing the major raffle prize, generously donated by Sci-Fleet Toyota.

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Peter Ryan, today, and younger brother Mick.

‘The Cat’ has slowed but still a superstar League tough man and inspiration to many, the help from mates has seen Peter Ryan take on Parkinson’s Disease as he did any front row opponent – head on. Steve Ricketts Peter Ryan would love nothing more than to get back into surf boat at his beloved Greenmount club on the Gold Coast to defy Father Time, as he did for many years on the football field.

But the 65-year-old former front-rower is just grateful to have a new lease on life thanks to successful brain surgery, made possible through the help of an army of friends who helped raise money to fight his battle with Parkinson's Disease.

Ryan played rugby league until he was 38, and then embarked on a rugby union career, finally hanging up the boots aged 47. He last rowed a surf boat in his late 50s, and reckons he could still pull his weight but is not willing to risk injury in his senior years.

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The son of former Tweed Seagulls legend and Brisbane Valleys centre, Peter ‘The Prince’ Ryan, Peter’s football career took him from the Tweed to Toowoomba, to Wagga Wagga and Ayr, Cronulla, Newtown and Norths in Sydney, and Illawarra Steelers where he was a foundation player.

He represented Toowoomba, alongside Broncos coach Wayne Bennett in the Bulimba Cup competition in 1972, and played for North Queensland against France in 1981.

His younger brother, Mick also started his career with Tweed Seagulls before making his way to Sydney, where he played with Canterbury-Bankstown, Newtown (including the 1981 grand final) and Easts.

He returned to the Tweed in 1984 and, as captain-coach, took Seagulls to three straight grand finals, winning two, as well as claiming the prestigious Clayton Cup as the best team in New South Wales Country.

Diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 59, Ryan was desperate to lead as normal a life as possible and he knew of the cutting edge deep brain stimulation surgery but could not afford the hefty bill.

Family and friends organised a fund raiser at Kirra Beach Hotel in 2013, attended by hundreds of friends and league identities from around Australia, with Men of League sending a bus of members from Brisbane to join their Coast counterparts. The lunch was labelled the Peter Ryan Roast. There was a lot of irreverent stuff but the genuine affection held for ‘Pedro’ or ‘Cat’ (two of his nicknames) was apparent.

“I broke down a few times when I realised the support there for me,” Ryan recalls. “I still have a lot of help from mates and I still like to have a beer with them.

If it wasn't for people around this area (the Tweed and Gold Coast), and others who made the trip from Brisbane, Sydney and elsewhere, I wouldn't have the chance to have that life changing surgery.”

One of the world's leading neurologists, Professor Peter Silburn, performed the operation. “My mates had warned me the operation might be difficult but Dr Silburn said: ‘I’m doing the op, not your mates’. But there were no guarantees. He made me get out of bed the first day (after the operation) and said he wanted me to walk from here to over there - about 10 metres. I thought, how good is this. It was no problem.

“Things are still a bit daunting at times. I've had prostate cancer too and had my prostate taken out.

I get a bit woozy.”

Ryan lives at Coolangatta, a stone's throw from where his footballing journey began. Former Test halfback Barry Muir was Peter’s coach in his first full season (1971) in first grade with Seagulls but the following year Ryan headed to Toowoomba, after Bennett’s aunt and uncle, friends of the Ryan family, recommended he join Wayne at All Whites.

“I enjoyed it up there, and got to play for Toowoomba in the last year of the Bulimba Cup competition, alongside Wayne and Lew Platz and against internationals like Col Weiss, Johnny Lang and Jim Murphy,” Ryan recalls. But I was on only $5 a game (for All Whites) and Seagulls were paying $25, so I went back to the Tweed. We made the grand final that year but we came up against a red hot Gold Coast Tigers' side, with Steve Rogers in the centres.”

And in ‘that’ t-shirt, a superstar at training.

Ryan won a premiership with Seagulls the following year, with Mick in the centres and lock Tom Searle captain-coach. Cronulla, beaten Sydney grand finalists in '73, signed Ryan the following year and he spent five happy years with the Sharks. He had no plans to move, and even considered retirement, until a chance meeting with ex-Cronulla coach and former British legend Tommy Bishop in a Cronulla pub. Bishop had been appointed coach of North Sydney for the 1979 season.

“Tommy said, ‘why don't you have a try with us; be there Tuesday night. Tuesday night at 8 o'clock I was signed up and I got $8000 in the kick, plus $200 a game. That was my best contract at that stage.”

He had a season at Newtown with Mick in 1980 and in '81 went bush, to Wagga Wagga, before answering a call from former Cronulla teammate Barry Andrews to join him at Brothers, Ayr, in the heart of the Burdekin district. Ryan received $10,000 in a paper bag as an upfront payment!

In 1982, the NSWRL expanded to include Canberra Raiders and Illawarra Steelers and Ryan, approaching 30, couldn't resist the challenge of helping a club get off the ground.

In 1993 he returned to the Tweed and continued working as a roofer-plumber. He put the boots on for the Tweed Baa Baas rugby union side and had six seasons there.

‘Cat’ has been known to do some funny things on a football field. He could be spotted at training in his ‘Peter Ryan Superstar’ t-shirt, a reminder of a night out when he joined a band in a rendition of the song Jesus Christ Superstar, with the chorus changed to Peter Ryan Superstar, who the f... do you think you are’.

Peter Ryan remains a superstar to his many mates.

Caring for the men, women and children of the rugby league community

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World Cup to be greatest ever The 15th Rugby League World Cup will be played in Australia (plus NZ and PNG) as a complete tournament for only the second time in over four decades from 27 October to 2 December. It will have a whole new appeal with minnow nations to be more competitive than ever before.

Neil Cadigan

What they’ll play for – the Paul Barriere Trophy. Photo courtesy of NRL Imagery.

It is likely to be the most hotly contested Rugby League World Cup in history, with more players with NRL and English Super League experience than ever before ensuring a good depth of talent across the 14 competing nations.

And the English team, victim of the greatest heartbreak defeat of the 2013 World Cup in England, will have the motivation and the talent to finally be in the reckoning to break the four-decade long stranglehold held by the Australians (winners 1975, ‘77, ‘89, ’95, 2000, 2013) and New Zealand (2008).

I’ve never seen a stadium attendance so stunned into tragic shock than when a piece of brilliance by Shaun Johnson, and the fatal error of England captain Kevin Sinfield to rush out of the line, saw New Zealand snatch the semi-final with a try 21 seconds from the end before 67,545 in the semi-final at Wembley Stadium.

The home side had led 18-4 and dominated in their best international performance for years, only to go down 20-18.

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It will be a memory that will drive the British squad (who last won the World Cup in 1970 and ’72), coached by Wayne Bennett. His squad should feature NRL experience in Sam, Tom and George Burgess, James Graham, Josh Hodgson, Elliott Whitehead, Chris McQueen and Gareth Widdop and exciting Super League talent Zac Hardaker, a powerful fullback from Castleford, crafty Cas halfback teammate Luke Gale, experienced Test hooker James Roby, who has been in career best form for St Helens, and fellow Test regulars Liam Farrell, Sean O'Loughlin and Ryan Hall.

Brilliant Castleford winger Greg Eden, who blossomed back in the UK after a tough two-season stint with Brisbane Broncos that included six NRL appearances, is a likely interesting selection too. He has been a tearaway leading try-scorer in Super League in 2017 and returned early from a shoulder injury in August.

New Zealand – who shocked the Aussies in the final, 34-20 at Suncorp Stadium in the final of the Centenary World Cup in 2008, have stepped up their preparations with head coach David Kidwell appointing veteran campaigner Brian Smith as his technical advisor and

emerging coaching talent Garth Brennan, Penrith Panthers’ reserve grade coach, as his assistant.

And the good news for the Kiwis is that the dynamic Johnson, who missed the last two months of the NRL season due to a knee injury, should be fit to take his place in their campaign. They will be smarting from their 30-12 loss to the Australians in Canberra in April and determined to again stand-up to favourites Australia.

Australia, who thrashed the Kiwis 34-2 in the 2013 final at Old Trafford, go into the series without stalwarts Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott, Paul Gallen, Greg Inglis, Corey Parker and Greg Bird, and will boast a new breed of stars.

However, real interest in this World Cup will be around the Pacific Nations who are emerging as genuine contenders for a finals berth for the first time.

In 2013, a Samoan side that boasted players like Leeson Ah Mau, Tim Lafai, Mose Masoe, Anthony Milford, Sia Soliolo, Antonio and Frank Winterstein and Daniel Vidot, were the big disappointments.

Add David Nofoaluma (Wests Tigers), Peter and Sione Mata'utia (Knights), Tautai Moga and Herman Ese’ese (Broncos), Joey Leilua (Raiders), Isaac Liu (Roosters), Sam Kasiano (Bulldogs), Kaysa and Frank Pritchard (Eels), Junior Paulo (Raiders) and Josh McGuire (Broncos, if not picked for Australia), and they have tremendous depth. Unfortunately, Milford will miss because of a shoulder injury.

The Samoans have a great rivalry with Tonga who have plenty of NRL strike-power and size, led by Michael Jennings, Jorge Taufua, Tuimoala Lolohea, Konrad Hurrell, Solomona Kata, Daniel Tupou and Will Hopoate in the backs and Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Felise and Patrick Kaufusi, Leilani Latu, Addin Fonua-Blake, Joe Offahengaui, Peni Terapau and Manu Ma’u in the forwards. And they’ll have in-form UK-based players Sika Manu and Mahe Fonua (both at Hull).

A Fijian side, led by 37-year-old Petero Civoniceva, were the surprise packet of the 2013 tournament, winning through to a semi-final date with Australia at Wembley the same day England’s hopes were so tragically dashed. They could potentially be stronger this time, even with the absence of Semi Radradra because of his one-season commitment to French rugby club Toulon. There’s a real chance Jarryd Hayne will join players the calibre of Storm flyer Suliasi Vanivalu, Kevin Naiqama (Tigers), Waqa Blake (Panthers), Akuila Uate (Manly), John Sutton (Rabbitohs), Tariq, Korbin and Ashton Sims, Kane Evans (Roosters), Apisai Koroisau (Sea Eagles), Campbell Regan-Gillard (Panthers), Jason Bakuya

Jason Taumalolo … will again be a Kangaroos spearhead. Photo courtesy of NRL Imagery.

(Sharks) plus the promising Daniel and Jacob Saifiti (Knights).

Even the lower ranked nations at least have some quality top level talent to at least be competitive.

PNG will field David Mead (Brisbane), Alex Johnson (Rabbitohs), Nene McDonald (Dragons), Kurt Baptiste (Raiders), James Segayaro (Sharks), perhaps Kyle Laybutt (Cowboys) and most of the PNG Hunters side that has won the minor premiership in Queensland’s Intrust Super Cup. Scotland will include Luke Douglas (St Helens), Cowboys Kane Linnett and Lachlan Coote, Penrith hooker Peter Wallace, plus top-quality English-based halves Matt Russell (Warrington) and Danny Brough (Huddersfield). Dragons centre Euan Aitken would have been a valuable member but has suffered a late in season injury, however, NRL up-and-comers James Bell (Warriors) and winger Campbell Graham (Rabbitohs), who made their debuts this season, have been drafted into the Bravehearts’ pool.

Wales and Ireland may find it harder with almost exclusively England-based players. The USA, quarterfinalists in 2013, don’t look as strong although they might field Joseph Paulo (Cronulla), Eddy Pettybourne (Titans) and Bureta Fairamo (ex-Eels now Warriors).

Lebanon are an interesting squad, similar to the Italians of 2013 who fielded Mark and Anthony Minichiello, Anthony Laffranchi, Aidan Guerra, James Tedesco, Kade Snowden, Joel Riethmuller, Dean Parata and Camron Ciraldo. The Lebanese have the experience of Robbie Farah, Eels Mitchell Moseley, Tim Mannah, Tigers’ Alex Twal and Bulldogs Michael Lichaa, plus Josh Mansour if he is not picked for Australia.

Then there is France which, interestingly, could be captained by Jason Baitieri, son of the league’s

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Men of League official RLWC charity partner

RLWC chief executive officer Andrew Hill.

international affairs manager Tas Baitieri (former Penrith and Canterbury prop) and will rely mostly on Catalans players from Super League and French domestic players.

The tournament will be played in Australia, New Zealand and PNG, over 28 games in 13 cities, and opens with the Australia-England clash in Melbourne on October 27. The final will be played in Brisbane on Saturday, 2 December.

It will be a massive event on the Australian sporting landscape with games also played in Sydney, Auckland, Port Moresby, Townsville, Cairns, Canberra, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Perth and Darwin.

“The growth of the sport on a global stage over the past decade has been driven by the establishment of domestic competitions and elite pathways in over 50-member nations, in addition to a player-led focus on the international game being the pinnacle of the sport,” said RLWC2017 chief executive officer Andrew Hill.

“As the international game evolves, success has followed and that was evident by the triumph of the 2008 and 2013 Rugby League World Cups staged in Australia and the United Kingdom.

“Both tournaments experienced increased growth in spectator numbers and global television audience, with just on 450,000 fans attending the 2013 event which was watched in over 100 broadcast markets.

“With recent changes to the eligibility rules by the Rugby League International Federation, the 2017 Rugby League World Cup is set to be the most competitive tournament to date, with more of the world’s best players to compete for the most soughtafter prize in rugby league. It will also be the most attended, most watched and most anticipated Rugby League World Cup in history.”

For the full draw, ticketing details and some great background stories, go to rlwc2017.com 16

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Men of League will be the 2017 Rugby League World Cup’s official charity partner during the tournament in October-November in a significant opportunity for the Foundation to showcase its value to hundreds of thousands of league fans from many parts of the world.

The partnership was announced by RLWC2017 chairman Dr George Peponis and Men of League chairman Prof. the Hon. Stephen Martin at the Foundation’s National gala dinner at Hyatt Regency Sydney in July.

Chief executive officer of the Rugby League World Cup 2017, Andrew Hill, welcomed the association and commended the Foundation on its role within the sport.

“The Men of League Foundation plays a vital role in supporting those in need throughout the wider rugby league community, work that is only possible through monies raised by the Foundation,” Hill said.

“Our two organisations will work together on fund-raising initiatives and activations during the Rugby League World Cup to be played in all four corners of Australia.

“It’s our hope that the awareness and funds raised for the Men of League Foundation through this partnership will further enhance the support available to those who have contributed so much to the game but now need assistance.”

Frank Barrett, chief executive officer of the Men of League Foundation, said: “I’m very pleased to partner our Foundation with such an iconic event as the Rugby League World Cup 2017.

“We have 40 committees around Australia and with World Cup games being played in eight cities around the country, we believe this partnership has perfect synergy.

“The Rugby League World Cup presents a spectacular platform to demonstrate to both the domestic and global sporting community the wonderful work the Men of League Foundation does within our code.”

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Men of League Events Calendar SEPTEMBER 15

Gold Coast - Golf Day

Emerald Lakes Golf Club

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Far North Queensland - PM’s XIII Dinner

Cairns Brothers

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Bundaberg - Kick Off Club

Salter Oval

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Central Coast - Golf Day

Shelly Beach Golf Club

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Illawarra - Finals Luncheon

TBC

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North Coast - Sawtell Bowls Day Luncheon

TBC

25

Newcastle Hunter - Cessnock Race Day

Cessnock Race Course

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Tuggerah - Kick Off Club

Norah Head Sports Club

12

Sunshine Coast - Kick Off Club

Mooloolaba Surf Club

13

Bundaberg - Sportsman’s Dinner

Brothers Sports Club

13

Fraser Coast - Golf Day

Hervey Bay Golf Club

13

Qld - Steak & Shiraz Lunch

Qld Cricketers Club

20

Tuggerah - Golf Day

Wyong Golf Club

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Western Region - Gala Golf Day

Dubbo Golf Course

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Riverina - Race Day (Caulfield Cup Fundraiser)

Murrumbidgee Turf Club Wagga

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Qld - Corporate Golf Day

Indooroopilly Golf Club

27/28

Roma - Dinner & Golf Day

Roma Golf Club

29

Tweed District - Bowls Day

Coolangatta Bowls Club

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South Coast - Nowra Golf Day

Worrigee

OCTOBER

Events are subject to change.

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NOVEMBER 5

North West - Bowls Day

South Tamworth Bowls Club

10

Sunshine Coast - Golf Day

Twin Waters Golf Club

11

Goondiwindi - Golf Day

Goondiwindi Golf Club

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Bundaberg - Kick Off Club

Salter Oval

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Fraser Coast - Golf Day

Maryborough

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Tuggerah - Kick Off Club

Norah Head Sports Club

5

Illawarra - Kick Off Club

Collies Leagues Club

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Brisbane - Kick Off Club

Broncos Leagues Club

8

Gold Coast - Bowls Day

Gold Coast Bowls & Community Club

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Bundaberg - Christmas Race Day

Bundaberg Race Club

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Tweed District - Christmas Party

Sands Hotel Coolangatta

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Sunshine Coast - Christmas Lunch

Maroochy RSL

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North Coast - Race Day Breakfast

The Coffs Harbour Hotel

DECEMBER

Visit our new website menofleague.com

Caring for the men, women and children of the rugby league community

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‘The Don’ of rugby league There would be few more respected and popular men rugby league has produced in the last century than the much-travelled Don Furner (snr). He mentored two sons who are prominent in the NRL, Test players, bush footballers and always has time for so many no matter who they are. Neil Cadigan As David Furner has added many miles to his footballing life over recent years, he has appreciated even more the positive influence his father and mentor Don Furner (snr) has had on so many.

Kangaroo tour, became chairman of Australia’s selection panel, was CEO of the Gold Coast Seagulls, coached Fiji in the 2000 World Cup and spent time in charge of the ARL referees.

His travel log pales compared to what Don, 84 and finally grounded in a nursing home in Canberra, encompassed.

David, after growing up in Canberra and following in dad’s footsteps to become an international and coach the Raiders, spent three years as Cowboys assistant coach and is now in Sydney as the Rabbitohs assistant.

Perhaps no man in the game has covered so much territory, geographically and career-wise, than his father.

He was born in Condobolin, raised around Balmain in Sydney, played for Australia from Toowoomba, also played (and mostly coached) in Mackay, Roma, Tumbarumba, Junee and Queanbeyan; took the Roosters to a grand final in Sydney, was inaugural Raiders coach; coached Australia to an undefeated 20

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Whether in Mackay or other parts of north Queensland, in Sydney or bush towns in NSW or while playing at Wigan or Leeds where his dad’s ’86 Roos were based, David continually comes across people who go out of their way to say what a pleasure it was to have known or been coached by his father and what a pure gentleman he was.

“You appreciate your father as your dad anyway but the more I have been involved in footy I appreciate the privilege of being his son in rugby league,” says David.

“The further I travel, especially during my three seasons at the Cowboys, and meet different people who speak so highly of dad and how he’s helped their careers or played some part of their lives, the more I can understand his love of the game, coaching and the people it throws up.

“It’s an honour and privilege to be involved because the game can take you to some wonderful places if you respect it. Dad instilled that in us early, since the first year of the Raiders when I was ball boy, Don [current Raiders CEO] was doing the stats and our and the McIntyre families were around the club for a long time.

“What did he most teach me? Probably honesty and treating people decently.

“One thing he told me sticks out – ‘remember, when people come up and say hello, be conscious of the impression on those people when you talk to them; it might take up five minutes or your time but it might be a memory of a lifetime for those people’. ” Yet one aspect of Don Furner’s eventful and successful life is generally known. And the full details unravelled, literally, in 2011 in the wake of the devastating floods that hit Queensland.

David’s brother-in-law had to lift some old ‘lino’ floor in his Brisbane home and came across newspaper packed underneath including a 1953 article and photo of his father competing for the Australian heavyweight boxing title in Brisbane. Furner, who fought eight times in his career, lost the fight to Queensland champ Cec Meredith by a knock out.

“The article was quite well preserved and I enjoyed reading it; it’s a favourite keepsake along with a black and white photo of the 1955-56 Kangaroos dad toured with.”

David still has Don’s boxing silks from his Leichhardt Stadium days in 1950 and his son Kyle last year wore them in an amateur bout in Cairns in a wonderful nostalgic experience. It’s another example of the impact of Don Furner snr enduring well past his active days in sport.

It all began in the Balmain juniors. In 1951 Don played President’s Cup (under-21s) as an 18-yearold and, at 19, he joined Ken McCaffery at Southern Suburbs in Toowoomba. He spent five years on the Darling Downs, representing Toowoomba 16 times in the Bulimba Cup. By 1955 he was a Queensland

A piece of history … Don’s grandson Kyle (with his father David) wearing Don’s boxing shorts from the 1950s in an amateur match in Cairns.

player (he played six games) and was selected for on the 1956-57 Kangaroo tour, making his only Test appearance in the second clash at Odsal.

He played at Mackay in 1957-58, went to Mitchell (Roma district) in ’59, was Tumbarumba player-coach in 1960 where he won the Group 20 premiership, won the Maher Cup as captain-coach of Junee in 1964 before moving to Queanbeyan United in ’65, finishing his playing career the next season. There, he coached the club to five grand finals and three premierships, headed to Sydney for three seasons as Roosters boss, taking them to the 1972 grand final lost to Manly, before returning to Queanbeyan where he coached until 1974 but still devoted himself to the Country representative sides (Seconds 1967-68,’74-75; Firsts 1969, ‘76-77) beyond that.

However, it was as Canberra Raiders’ coach in 1982 in their first six seasons that gave him wider profile, and he became mentor of current NRL coaches Ricky Stuart and Craig Bellamy.

The Raiders struggled for five years yet Furner attracted the talents of Queenslanders Mal Meninga, Gary Belcher, Gary Coyne and Steve Walters, developed locals like Chris O’Sullivan and brought Laurie Daley to the Raiders. In 1987, Wayne Bennett was co-opted as co-coach and the Raiders made the last grand final played at the SCG, going down 18-8 to Manly.

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Says the game’s most successful coach of the past decade, Craig Bellamy who left Oberon to join the Raiders under Furner in their initial season of 1982, Furner’s influence on the club’s success should not be undervalued.

'The Canberra Raiders are a great club for many reasons and one of the main reasons is Don Furner,” he said. “He was the ideal coach to start a new club; he was patient but he also instilled a strong work ethic and insisted on the players being disciplined. Having a team that worked extra hard is a great foundation to build a new club on.

“Don also had a wonderful disposition with the players; strong when he needed to be but understanding that it was going to take time to build a strong club. A wonderful man, a wonderful coach; Don Furner will always be remembered as one of the Raiders’ most important recruits.”

While Furner, who was also secretary-manager of Queanbeyan Leagues Club for many years, stepped away from the club scene he retained the Australian coaching role he adopted in 1986 until 1988 (his record is 13 wins, 2 losses), then becoming head selector for a decade.

Men of League’s Monaro president and former Country and ARL referee Noel Bissett says Furner’s influence was evident in the teams he coached always “having respect for their opposition and being well disciplined”.

“My participation became closer with him when Don was appointed to be in charge of the NSW referees, along with Michael Stone, in the late 1980s and together they developed guidelines for referees which ensued a consistent approach was maintained.

“His outstanding success in rugby league is second to none and to add to this he is a perfect gentleman.”

Ricky Stuart, who grew up as a close mate with Don jnr (a junior teammate) and David, perhaps, can give the best insight into Don Furner snr.

“As a young boy growing up and playing football in Queanbeyan and the Canberra district, I was privileged enough to have some very accomplished and educated football intelligence surround me and give me instrumental advice towards my goals in life,” the current Raiders coach said.

“One of those people was Don Furner snr. If I wasn’t spending the night at his family home with sons Don jnr and David, old Don, as we called him, was at games watching me play for the Queanbeyan Blues or for St Edmunds 1st VX with Don jnr.

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Don these days lives at the Mirinjani Community Care complex in Weston, ACT, and would welcome visits from old friends.

“Don always spoke strongly about training hard and was a straightforward, tough judge. I always believe that if you have good people you can trust in your arena it’s smart to take advice, then it’s up to you how you use it.

“When you find comfort in a person’s advice in life, as I did with Don, it is usually advice from a source that is experienced and considerate.

“The rugby league community in our district was very fortunate to have Don snr involved and I feel I am a very lucky man I listened to the advice of Old Don. “In 1984, I rang and asked Don if Dad and I could come and meet with him and John McIntyre [Raiders CEO] to discuss some decisions I had in front of me.

“I had the opportunity to repeat school and attempt to make the illustrious Australian Rugby Union Schoolboys team which was touring Europe at the end of the year, playing in the Five Nations Schoolboys teams, or accept a contract that John McIntyre had put in front of my father and I for the following season.

“Don, being always very direct to the point, said ‘go away, play schoolboys, become a Wallaby and then come back and see me; you are still very young with plenty of time on your side’. So I took his advice and I am so glad I did.

“The next time I met John McIntyre some four years on, as the 1988 season started, we shook hands on a deal. I left the office of ‘JR’ that day and became a Raider, which has taken me on a journey I could not have imagined at the time.

“I owe a lot to Old Don.

League Trivia 1. The World Cup competition returns to Australia (and NZ and PNG) in October. What is the name of the trophy the competing nations will vie for?

2. Queensland’s current incredible dominance in State of Origin began in 2006 with a 2-1 series win. Name the six players who represented Queensland in 2006, were also there in 2016.

3. Name three players, in the State of Origin era, to have played for Queensland in rugby league and rugby union?

4. Name the captains when Australia beat New Zealand in the last World Cup final, at Old Trafford in 2013?

5. Who has scored the most points for the NZ Warriors in their 23-season history?

6. Which club has won the most wooden spoons (in the NSWRL/ARL/NRL competition).

7. Of the long-standing foundation clubs from 1908 – Easts/Sydney Roosters, Wests, Norths, Souths, Balmain and Newtown – who won the least wooden spoons?

8. Who coached St George to the last of the 11 straight premierships in 1966?

9. Name the four original Immortals.

10. Can you name the two wingers chosen in the Queensland team of the century announced in 2008?

ANSWERS: 1. Paul Barriere Trophy. 2. Johnathan Thurston, Cameron Smith, Sam Thaiday, Nate Myles, Jacob Lilyman and Matt Scott.

3. Clinton Schifcofske, Will Chambers and Karmichael Hunt. 4. Cameron Smith and Simon Mannering. 5. Shaun Johnson. 6. Western Suburbs – 17 times from 1908-1999. Parramatta are second with 13 from 1947-2016. 7. Balmain with only 4 from 1908-1999 (1911, 1974, 1981, 1994).

8. Ian Walsh (player-coach). 9. Clive Churchill, Bob Fulton, Reg Gasnier and John Raper. 10. Ces Aynsley and Denis Flannery.

Caring for the men, women and children of the rugby league community

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Ash reveals ‘Harro-ing weight regime He is one of the most resilient and hard-working forwards of the NRL-era but Ash Harrison, who now looks like a marathon runner, revealed at a Brisbane committee Kick-Off Club lunch how hard it was to maintain the frame suitable for rugby league.

Steve Ricketts “People were just accustomed to Ash Harrison, the footballer,” he told guests at a recent Men of League Kick-Off Club lunch at Broncos Leagues Club. “But I wasn't naturally a big bloke.

“I had to work overtime to get my weight up around the 100kg mark. I dropped back to the mid-80s when I retired and got into triathlons, but I’m back up around 90kg now.”

The only honor to escape Harrison in his playing career was Test football and, along with former Brisbane Easts and Wynnum-Manly star Des Morris, is rated one of the best Queensland forwards never to represent Australia.

“I would be lying if I said I didn’t think about wearing the green and gold,” Harrison said. “But competition for back row spots was always fierce, and it just wasn't to be. I had a long career with Queensland, and I feel privileged to be part of such a great side.”

Ash Harrison in action for Queensland as a reliable, consistent performer.

Photo courtesy of NRL Imagery.

Ash Harrison would eat a meal every three hours just to maintain a playing weight suitable for the demands placed on an elite rugby league forward.

Slim by nature, he had to work overtime to develop the physique required in the NRL and, as it turned out, State of Origin football.

Today he is back to his pre-football weight, doing triathlons and surfing, as well as playing with his two little boys, Ethan and William.

Many times he has been asked if he is ill, given his streamlined appearance.

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Ash’s uncle, Glenn Harrison, played four times for Queensland in 1970-71 from Brisbane Norths, where he scored 44 tries in an eight-year, injury disrupted career, which included a grand final win in 1969.

A big centre, with a prodigious sidestep, Glenn Harrison was Norths’ best and fairest player in 1974 and also won a car as the Brisbane Telegraph’s player of the year.

Ash is a Norths junior, having played for satellite club, Aspley. He attended Wavell High and in 1998, after the national schools titles in Melbourne, was chosen for the Australian Schoolboys’ New Zealand tour alongside future Origin stars Justin Hodges, Mark Gasnier, Brent Kite and Brett Finch.

Harrison was under contract to the Broncos at that stage, after the collapse of the South Queensland Crushers where he and Hodges had been members of the club’s academy.

The Broncos had an association with coach Wayne Bennett's old Brisbane club Brothers, so Harrison played Colts for ‘The Fighting Irish’ who were based at Brothers' rugby union ground Crosby Park at Albion.

Harrison made his NRL debut for Brisbane against the New Zealand Warriors in Auckland in round 3, 2000, and went on to play 20 top grade matches that year, including the 14-6 win over Sydney Roosters in the grand final. He played another 14 years of top flight football, without making another grand final.

“I was only 19 in 2000 and I don’t think I appreciated just how hard it is to make a grand final,” Harrison said.

“I went close with the Titans in 2010 when we made the preliminary final, but it wasn't to be.”

Harrison played 52 first grade matches for Brisbane from 2000 to 2002, but yearned for more starting opportunities, so he signed with Souths in 2003.

In 2004 he won the George Piggins Medal as Souths’ best player and was rewarded for his efforts, on and off the field, with the captaincy.

“It was a tough few years at the Rabbitohs, who were finding their feet after being excluded from the competition in 2000 and 2001,” Harrison said.

“But I have no regrets about my time there. It took me out of my comfort zone, and helped me mature as a person and a footballer. I would have loved to have been a one club player, and I never really wanted to leave Brisbane.

“At the Broncos Wayne Bennett taught me the value of hard work, and the knowledge I gleaned from him I took right through my career.”

Harrison made his Origin debut from Souths in 2005, but was dropped after the Maroons were beaten 32-10 in the third and deciding game at Suncorp Stadium.

For fellow debutant, Cronulla prop Danny Nutley, that was to be his only Origin match and Harrison must have thought he could suffer the same fate, as three years went by without another State call-up.

When he was recalled – for Origin II, 2008 – he made the most of his opportunity, going on to play in five series in a row, all of them won by Queensland.

Harrison was one of Queensland's unsung heroes, filling the void when noted hit man Dallas Johnson bowed out of representative football after the 2009 series.

“I loved that time, with Mal Meninga as coach,” Harrison said. “Mal is such a great man manager and he instills in everyone the desire to uphold the Queensland tradition.”

Ash Harrison (centre) with Brisbane Men of League committee secretary Vance Rennie (left) and president Ian Gatenby.

Harrison was back in Queensland - with the Gold Coast Titans - when he was recalled to Origin.

“I had two seasons with the Roosters after I left Souths, but the chance to come back to Queensland, with a new club on the Coast, was too good an opportunity to pass up,” he said.

“I signed at the same time as [Roosters teammate] Nate Myles. The Titans had put together a really strong roster and we made the finals in 2009 and 2010.

“The club has been through some tough times in recent years but rugby league has a wonderful future on the Coast. It's a great nursery for the code and can't be ignored by the NRL.” Harrison's tangible contribution to the future of the code is 'LittleLeagies', a health and fitness program based around rugby league and touch football skills, with a special focus on the two to five-year age groups, although programs can be tailored right through to teens.

It is an initiative which has received the backing of the Queensland Government, through a $165,000 grant earlier this year.

The brainchild of Harrison and former Titans' teammates Luke O'Dwyer and Scott Prince, LittleLeagies can be tailored for delivery in schools, child care centres and public locations.

“We are currently putting in a proposal for a continued partnership [with the State Government],” Harrison said.

“To date, they are happy with what we have delivered through our programs.”

At the time of going to press, Harrison and his wife Majella were expecting a third child - a girl. Ash works as a financial planner with MBA Wealth Management.

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(From left) Ian Gatenby, Ron Atkins, Lew Platz and Vance Rennie at the Brisbane Kick-Off Club lunch in August.

Platz a cracker from the Downs The Platz brothers, Greg and Lew, are league legends on Queensland’s Darling Downs.

Six-Test hero Lew, special guest at Brisbane committee’s Kick-Off Club in August, is also one of the few players to publicly challenge coach of the century Jack Gibson.

Steve Ricketts Lew Platz hardly put a foot wrong in 1975 when he played six Tests for Australia, featured in a rare Queensland win over NSW and played finals football.

Yet he never wore the green and gold again.

Raised on a farm on the Darling Downs, Platz toured New Zealand, England, Wales and France with the Kangaroos in an elongated World Series campaign, which saw the five countries play each other twice on a home and away basis.

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“Terry Fearnley was the Australian coach, and he also coached Parramatta. He signed me for the Eels at the end of that season, so I must have been playing okay.”

If Lew’s mother had had her way, Lew and his brothers Greg and Ray would have played tennis. But living within sight of Wattles’ home ground at Clifton, it was inevitable the boys would join their mates playing football, although farm work came first.

International football was suspended in ‘76 following the hectic campaign of 1975 and another, shorter World Cup was staged in Australia and New Zealand in 1977.

“One Sunday, Greg and I got 300 bales of lucerne hay in before we went to [play] football,’’ Lew recalls. “Mum was one of the best weather forecasters. If you had the hay out and it rained, it would be ruined. Mum said she thought it was going to rain, so that was that.

“I always thought I was playing better that year than in ‘75; it just didn’t work out,” Platz said. “Queensland didn’t go quite as well in the interstate series, and Greg Veivers and Nick Geiger were the only forwards chosen.

“Mum and Dad had a dairy in those days and they would have to start milking roughly the same time as we were playing. Jack, an old bachelor who sold half his farm to dad, would take me to the games. People thought he was my father.”

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Platz made his Queensland debut in 1973 and in 1974 joined Souths in Brisbane after he had told former Test prop John Sattler, a Queensland teammate in ‘73, he would join him at Brisbane Wests.

“I think ‘Satts’ has had the shits with me ever since,” Platz said. “I was still on the farm and I went into town for Greg’s engagement party. I had worked all day, so I had a shower at Dad’s house in Toowoomba, when who should turn up but Souths’ English coach Brian Briggs and some officials. They didn’t even tell me they were coming.

“They promised me an off-season with an English club, through Briggs, but it never happened. He got sacked before the season was over and John Grant became captain-coach.”

With Souths struggling with financial issues, Platz moved to Wynnum-Manly in 1975. He played in the 1974 interstate series, Barry Muir’s first year as coach, when they held the Blues to two draws after losing the first game. The following year Queensland went one step better, beating the Blues 14-8 in the first match of the series with Platz, David Wright, Ross Strudwick, John Lang and John Payne chosen for the Kangaroos’ opening match of the World Series – against the Kiwis in Brisbane.

In 1976, a hernia problem restricted him to one match for Queensland – against the touring St Helens.

In the meantime, his older brother Greg made his Queensland debut, playing all three interstate matches.

They were the Queensland second-rowers in both interstate clashes of 1977 and an 18-13 loss to Great Britain’s World Cup side.

Lew had a tumultuous start to his Sydney career in 1978, dropped by Fearnley after one match. He was reinstated a month later but was sent off with teammate Ed Sulkowicz and St George players Ted Goodwin and Craig Young.

“I’d never been sent off,” Platz said. “The word had got around that all four of us were going to get a month.

“Ed and Craig Young were well dressed like me but Teddy turned up wearing ripped jeans, a shirt undone to his belly button and a blue velvet jacket. When we told him we were all getting a month, he said ‘beauty. I want a holiday’. ” While Lew was battling in Sydney, Greg played his only Test - against New Zealand at Lang Park.

“Greg had offers to move to Brisbane and Sydney but he just loves the country. He’s a plant pathologist in the Department of Primary Industries, in charge

Lew Platz in action for Queensland.

of the barley. He will have been there 50 years next July.

“In 1978 the QRL gave him a $2000 incentive to stay in Toowoomba but they may as well have kept the money in the bank because he wasn’t going anywhere.”

Platz’s 1975 Australian teammate John Peard succeeded Fearnley as Parramatta coach in 1980 and then Jack Gibson got the job for 1981. Gibson told the tall, athletic Platz he wanted him to play out wide, modelling his game on Nathan Gibbs at South Sydney.

“I played all the pre-season, including the last trial against Manly, when I had conjunctivitis, something I had never had before and have not had since,” Platz said. “I got a phone call at midnight after the game. ‘Jack here’. I thought it was [skipper] Steve Edge [playing a trick].

“He said, ‘No, it’s Jack’. I was an import, and you were only allowed 13. Jack said: ‘I thought I should ring you before you get tomorrow’s paper. I never graded you.

I regard you as a first grader, but I’ve got a couple of blokes here I’m going to use more than you and I don’t think you want to play reserve grade.

“I said ‘Jack, what a thing to do when I’m am import’.

He said, ‘I’ve been sacked by plenty of places and I’ve always come back, and you will too. Somebody will find you’, and he hung up.

“I can’t really explain how I felt. I must have been in shock. I gave it to him (Gibson) the next day in the media and let it be known if he had let me know earlier, I could have gone elsewhere.” As things transpired, Platz did find a new home - at Penrith, where he spent three seasons.

While there he had an opportunity to work in the poker machine industry and 35 years later Platz is still there, as Queensland North state manager for Ainsworth Game Technology, with a territory stretching from north of the Brisbane River to Cairns.

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Lending a helping hand Mal Roberts

Joy Shaw

Roberts, a Balmain Boy, had lost complete sight in his left eye and urgently needed a cataract operation.

Petero Civoniceva and Trevor Gillmeister surprised one of the residents, Joy Shaw, who is a big Broncos and Queensland supporter. She attended her first State of Origin game this year.

Mal Roberts, 86, of Kirra, will see the NRL grand final much better thanks to help he received from Tweed District committee.

Tweed District committee gave Mal vouchers worth $500 to buy food, petrol and other necessities.

“I’m only a pensioner and it’s been a battle to survive between pensions with added medical expenses,” Mal said.

“I have no sight at all in my left eye and the specialist said an urgent operation was essential.

“I’m having the operation at the Gold Coast University Hospital on September 15.

“This support from the Men of League has come at the right time and I’m really grateful.”

Roberts played with Newtown in 1951 and transferred to play grade football with Balmain in 1954.

Tweed president John Strong said Roberts had been a long-time supporter and it was great to be able to help him.

Tweed District committee treasurer Paul Remington and president John Strong present Mal Roberts with $500 to assist.

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On Tuesday 15 August, two special guests popped in to the Freedom Aveo Aged Care at Morayfield (Brisbane) to visit the residents.

Joy joined the Morayfield community in June 2016.

She has had a bit of a rough year after losing her husband, who played rugby league for the Army and was talented in many sports.

Joy is a very caring lady who knits crotchet beanies and blankets for premature babies and homeless children.

To see her face when ‘Gilly’ and Petero walked in was priceless. Joy is going through medical issues and for an hour, Men of League were able to put a big smile on her face and make her forget her struggles.

Petero and Gilly were certainly a big hit at the facility.

They mingled and had photos taken with lots of the other residents.

Thanks to them both for giving a kind and generous lady’s a day she certainly won’t forget.

Petero, Joy and Gilly.

Brett Donnelly

Central Coast welfare officers Les Pearce and Dennis Tomsett met with Brett Donnelly at the Mobility Hire and Sales shop at Woy Woy. Unfortunately, Brett was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2001 and this has greatly restricted his mobility. Men of League Foundation have purchased a LiveLife mobile personal alarm which, in an emergency situation, contacts family and friends directly.

Brett played for Woy Woy in junior and senior teams and is one of three generations to play for the Roosters. He followed his father Ron, and then Brett’s son Ryan later played for the club.

Brett was accompanied by his sister Michelle and both expressed their gratitude for the assistance given by the Men of League. Many thanks go to David Turner of the Mobility Hire & Sales shop for his support in providing this and other mobility items at reduced costs to the Foundation.

Brock Irwin

Brock Irwin was airlifted to the PA Hospital following a motor vehicle accident on 1 June with traumatic brain injury, facial fractures and collapsed lung and was in an induced coma for seven days in ICU. From the day Brock come out of the coma, his recovery has been amazing and much quicker than originally thought. He was in high dependency for two days and then transferred to the brain injury rehabilitation unit at the PA Hospital.

He has always been active and energetic and his determination to get better as quick as possible was shown in his dedication with his rehab – he was super keen to get out and back to Roma. Five weeks after his accident, Brock returned home.

Brock will continue with physiotherapy, speech pathology and occupational therapy at the Roma Hospital. He still has blurry vision and a shoulder issue but this has not stopped him catching up and enjoying time with his mates in Roma.

Brock played his first game of A-grade football with Wallumbilla-Surat Red Bulls on the Sunday prior to his accident and was looking forward to playing alongside his brother Rhys the following weekend. For now, Brock is supporting the team from the sideline. His family is hoping that he will make a full recovery and he is keen to get back to work.

Brock’s family are very grateful to receive a donation from the Men of League Foundation to help ease the difficulties of receiving treatment in a rural area. All the best with your recovery Brock!

David Turner, Brett Donnelly and Les Pearce.

Men of League Foundation Queensland Wellbeing is proudly sponsored by BMD Group.

Ted Sullivan

Bundaberg Rugby League and Brothers life member Chris ‘Ted’ Sullivan is recovering after a bowel cancer operation at the Mater Hospital Bundaberg.

This came as a bit of a shock to the Bundaberg league community as his brother Shane (Cyclone) is in his own battle with melanoma and lung cancer.

Ted played for Brothers in Bundaberg in under-18s and reserve grade competitions also representing Bundy in the under-23s. After his playing days he decided he was more suited to the administration side of the game and in 1974 was elected to the committee of the Brothers Football Club. During his many years on the committee Ted served eight years as secretary while also being elected to the board of the Brothers Leagues Club.

Malcolm Moss

Welfare officers Les Pearce and Dennis Tomsett visited Malcom Moss who suffered a mobility disability due to cruciate ligament damage. Malcolm is limited to walking a short distance due to the constant pain.

Men of League provided Malcolm with a mobility scooter to give him some quality and independence of life. Malcolm played for Balmain from 1966-68, winning a premiership with the reserve grade side in 1968. In 1969-70 he played with Parramatta and later Batlow.

Malcolm was very grateful of the assistance given by the Foundation which has enabled him to do a lot of daily activities and enjoy quality time outside of his home without depending on others to assist.

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Noel Sharpe

Central Coast welfare officer and publicity officer Dennis Tomsett visited Allan ‘Skeeter’ Sharpe at his home in Ourimbah to check on the health of his brother Noel. Noel has dementia and is in an age care facility at Berkeley Vale. Noel is a legend of the Ourimbah club and was named in the club’s top 100 players. He started as a player with Ourimbah in the late 1940s and captain-coached Robertson in 1950. He was selected to play five-eighth for Southern Division and played against the touring English team who rated Noel the best five-eighth they had encountered on tour.

He was noted for his ability to quickly change pace in attack and his rock solid defence.

Noel returned to Ourimbah in 1951 and played, captained and coached at various stages until 1959.

During this time Ourimbah won five successive premierships. After a season with The Entrance he returned to Ourimbah to finish his playing days in 1963.

Noel’s memory is not good, and Dennis suggests that friends who would like to enquire about his progress should contact his brother Allan at Ourimbah. Allan is extremely grateful of the interest shown by the Men Of League Foundation about Noel’s wellbeing.

Gary Smith

After a slow start because of a knee problem, Gary is well and truly into his rehabilitation after having his leg amputated two years ago. Gary was unable to support his weight on his good leg because of the knee problem, so spent much of his time in a wheelchair.

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Lionel Williamson

Our Queensland wellbeing and education officer Mark Bunting visited Men of League Foundation honouree and North Queensland league legend Lionel Williamson who had suffered a heart attack after returning from the Confraternity carnival in Brisbane.

Although he has lost a little weight, Lionel is on the road to a full recovery.

Men of League Foundation Queensland Wellbeing is proudly sponsored by BMD Group.

Bill Parfitt

Port Stephens committee vice president Greg Hennessy and secretary Peter Arnold visited Harbourside Haven nursing home at Shoal Bay to catch up with 93-year-old Bill Parfitt who had a stellar career with the once strong Waratah-Mayfield club.

Bill played juniors and seniors with the ‘Tahs and won a premiership in 1945. He fondly recalls some of his teammates who included NSW players Ted Dawson (who would go on to play with St George) and Roy Kirkaldy (who played 10 games with NSW and 148 games with Canterbury Bulldogs). Greg and Peter also took the time to visit former Balmain Tigers junior Keith Holland, later played for the Newton Bluebags and Ryde-Eastwood in the Sydney second division.

Chris Culnane

He had an operation to replace the troublesome knee and is now finding a new lease of life with his prosthetic leg and the use of crutches. A plumber and always been a hands-on person, it was no surprise to his friends and family that instead of sitting around the house he took to his shed and started making furniture from recycled timber. He is again enjoying being able to get out more and socialise with friends.

Mid West committee member Royce George and national wellbeing manager Ben Ross took some time out to see Chris Culnane. Chris played for Bathurst Railway and had five boys who played local grades, with two of them going on to play with the Roosters.

His son Craig coached Parramatta reserve grade, and still coaches schoolboys sides. In recent years, Chris has found it hard getting out to watch his grandchildren play league which gives him great joy. The Mid West committee hope to be able to run a ‘Back to the Game’ program shortly which will help people like Chris reconnect with rugby league locally.

Steve ‘Pud’ Kiernan catches up with his good mate Gary Smith (right).

Ben Ross (left) and Royce George (right) visit Chris Culnane.

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Around the grounds ... 2017 National Gala Dinner

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2017 Queensland Annual Lunch

2017 Queensland Annual Lunch Photos courtesy of Emlyn-Jones Photography.

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The Mad Butcher Peter Leitch with one of his favourite Warriors of all time, Manu Vatuvei.

Remember the late Laurie Nicholls, Balmain and Australian rugby league’s most passionate and highest profile fan? Sir Peter Leitch is a Kiwi version but a whole lot more to NZ rugby league, a knockabout with a giant heart, profile, business savvy, high-level contacts and fortune from being ‘The Mad Butcher’. Barry Ross Sir Peter Leitch is one of Rugby League’s most dedicated, supportive and unusual characters. But his real name means less than his nickname. In New Zealand he is one of their most recognised people as ‘The Mad Butcher’.

Leitch would not disagree he has a bit of madness about him but Kiwi rugby league’s greatest supporter, close personal friend to champions like Stacey Jones and Ruben Wiki, adopted the name for his chain of butcher shops and his legend grew from that.

He is one of his county’s most inspiring stories – dyslexic as a child and more recently a cancer survivor – he has prospered on being marketing smart, street smart, passionate and compassionate.

He was in Wellington New Zealand in May 1944.

When he left school at 15, he began working in the Wellington post office but after just six months, he decided to become a butcher. As it turned out, that decision and rugby league, made a huge impact on his 34

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life and resulted in him becoming the successful and charismatic person he is today.

Money was scarce in his early days as a butcher. In 1964 he and a friend went north to Auckland and, short of money, they took the first job they could find ... digging graves. That lasted for a few months and before he was back working as a butcher. Just three years later he had his own shop at Mangere East, deep in Auckland’s league territory.

After a rent increase, he left this shop and moved to a new position not too far away at Massey Road.

Around 1979, he began advertising on Radio Pacific, the first butcher to do this in New Zealand, as The Mad Butcher. The name came from a Maori who walked into the Wiri pub in the late 1970s and enquired, “where is that f#&*ing mad butcher?”

Leitch did the radio advertising live by phone and added comments about the footy and social issues.

His cheerful personality and raspy voice, mixed with

“To win that final the way we did was something I will treasure for all of my life,” he says. “I was extremely lucky to be asked to manage such a great team and an outstanding group of blokes.” Leitch also managed the 2006 Kiwi team who lost the Tri-Nations final 16-12 to Australia in Sydney after extra-time.

One of the Mad Butcher’s favourite memories, with the Kiwi side that won the 2005 Tri-Nations series.

his ad lib discussions, quickly turned him into a popular on-air personality, while it also strengthened his butchery business.

Mangere Hawks have been supported by Peter since 1971, then as a sponsor and fan, and they were often mentioned in his radio ads. Olsen Filipaina, who played 29 Tests for the Kiwis and 103 first grade games with Balmain, Easts and North Sydney, was a Mangere East product.

With the rugby league flavour and Leitch’s sound business mind, the Mad Butcher chain thrived and by 2000 he had 34 branches all around New Zealand.

The Warriors’ first match in 1995 was against the Broncos at Mt Smart Stadium and, at his own expense, Leitch promoted the game heavily in his newspaper and radio ads. Close to 30,000 fans saw the Broncos win a tight contest 25-22. The Mad Butcher has since attended numerous Warriors games in Australia and always pays his own way.

For home games, he hosts a function in the Stacey Jones lounge, the home of the Sir Peter Leitch Club, on the top floor of the western grandstand. Celebrities, politicians and sporting identities mix with average league fans, around 250 guests each time and none are spared.

Leitch has travelled regularly overseas with the Kiwi side, often hosting supporters tours and in 2004 he was asked to manage the NZ team in the Tri-Nations tournament at the urging of coach, Daniel Anderson.

He was overjoyed to be appointed to this position but it was not a successful campaign. He was appointed as football manager and the media liaison officer with the Kiwi team for the 2005 Tri-Nations under new coach Brian McClennan. New Zealand won the 2005 series with a decisive 24-0 win over the Wayne Bennettcoached Australia at Headingley.

Charity work has also played a major part in his life for many years. Some of the many organisations he has helped include Allergy New Zealand, Diabetes Auckland, the Burns Unit, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Macular Degeneration New Zealand, while in 2007 the Mad Butcher Suburban Newspaper Community Trust organised a Christmas lunch which raised $145,000 for four Auckland hospices.

This Trust has raised well over a million dollars for charity work. In 1991 Leitch was given the Queen’s Service Medal and, in 2010, became Sir Peter when he was awarded the Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

In 2011 he replaced former Prime Minister Helen Clark as the patron of New Zealand Rugby League. “To be given this recognition was amazing,” he enthused, “But there are many others who do so much to help others who deserve recognition more than I do.

“I have been lucky in life. My wife of 52 years, Janice, has been a tremendous support for me and deserves my gratitude and love, as do my two daughters and four grandchildren.”

And Rugby League?

“I owe this great game so much. It has given me so many loyal and supportive friends such as Stacey Jones. There are too many of these from both sexes to mention them all.”

The Mad Butcher has many things of which to be proud including bring named as one of the 50 most influential and trusted people in New Zealand in 2006. He sold the Mad Butcher chain to his CEO Michael Morton in 2007, who on-sold to Veritas Investments in 2012.

He is also the patron of the ‘League for Life’ organisation which was started by Warriors CEO Jim Doyle when he was working at the New Zealand Rugby League. This is NZ’s equivalent Men of League, albeit on a smaller scale.

Leitch is the chief New Zealand ambassador for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, so he will be visible during the tournament, and will work non-stop in the next few months, promoting the event.

Rugby league is lucky to have him.

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A typical bush setting … the Middleton pub.

Raise a glass to ‘Gidgee’, ‘Dogga’ and real bush pubs Long-term NRL photographer Col Whelan, whose images featured in many issues of this magazine, took to the road (on a motorbike) upon retirement from the sidelines and has penned and pictorialised a wonderful insight into the country’s many character-filled bush pubs. Tony Durkin Col Whelan spent almost three decades as official photographer of the NRL. And, with the best seat in the house at a sport he loved and the opportunity to meet hordes of interesting characters, he enjoyed the role immensely.

However, towards the end Col became increasingly disenchanted with the gradual decline of off-field personality.

“Players, coaches and officials were being muzzled, and not voicing their true thoughts,” he reflected.

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with the locals when he stopped over at a pub. Here, he discovered, were real people, telling it exactly how they saw it; uncensored and uncut.

Soon the expeditions, and the pubs, took on a life of their own and Col published a book called ‘Pub Yarns: The Pub the Whole Pub and Nothing but the Pub’.

It is, according to the author and photographer, “a large format tome of 90,000 words and several hundred stunning images of the bush, its pubs and its people”.

“Clubs insisted a media manager was always present to make sure the same tired clichés and empty sentences were uttered. One of the fun parts of what I was doing was gradually being taken away.”

Col started reviewing pubs for Australian Motorcycle Magazine in 2012, three years before he called fulltime as an NRL photographer. But the book journey actually started in 2010 when he rode his bike from Adelaide to Sydney.

So, in the off-season, Col often took to the road, and to the bush. He rode a motorbike, his mode of transport to many of the matches he covered, enjoying the solitude of the long trips and especially relishing the interaction

During the seven-day trip he was stunned by the number of bush pubs, cafes and restaurants displaying the ‘for sale’ sign. He reckoned that if he could encourage riders – through his pub reviews in the

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magazine - to visit small towns and their pubs, they may be able to contribute to saving some of these struggling businesses.

“From then on, my monthly pub reviews were aimed at getting city money out into the bush, and the book is the next step in this goal,” he said. “The book is not the dream. Getting people into the country is the dream.

The book is merely one of the vehicles.

“My one great hope is that it makes people homesick for places they’ve never been to and gives them a sense of missing people they have haven’t yet met.”

Col estimates he has visited close to 80 pubs on his book-compiling journey but refuses to buy into the ‘which is your favourite’ debate.

“I try to explain just what it is that makes a pub great and for that I give them a very quick history lesson,” he said.

“When you are in a truly good pub, you feel that you’re out, but you also feel that you are at home. And one of the ways great pubs achieve this is by not allowing the bar to be a barrier. Great pubs have a feeling of inclusiveness where the publican, the staff, the locals, the regulars and even the blow-ins are equals.”

Some publicans, however, take this to extremes, like 92-year-old Mary Crawley who runs the Tattersalls Hotel at Barringun, midway between Cunnamulla and Bourke.

“Most days it’s pretty quiet in this town of just three people,” Col enlightens. “Mary, with her ever-present dog Gidgee at her feet, will get you your first drink and then come and join you in the sunshine.

“But when I interrupted my chat with Mary to ask for another, she refused.

“You saw where I got it and where I put the money, so just go serve yourself.”

Out at Toompine, an hour from Quilpie, Dogga runs the local with its 6500-acre beer garden veined with yabbie filled waterholes. Yet, according to Col, Dogga is rarely behind the bar.

“Instead he’ll join you out front, telling stories and laughing at yours,” says Col. “If a vehicle engine breaks the background silence, Dogga will track it until he spots the actual car or truck. And if it’s a regular he’ll duck away and get the ‘usual’ for the driver. ‘Gotta make ‘em feel at home’, he says. ‘When they get here in the arvo, they’ve all been doing tough yards and need to sit down, put their feet up and have a cold one’.”

92-year-old publican at the Tattersalls Hotel at Barringun, Mary Crawley.

Among the many other memorable anecdotes in the book, Col makes mention of: • The business card for the Prairie Pub does not just have the names of Tom and Andrea, but also their three young daughters. And at night only one meal is served, with everyone sitting down at the huge table together like guests of the family • Hungerford (population 11) is the smallest town in Australia with its own police officer. For publican Graham and his wife it's not unusual for the other eight locals, including 90-year-old Mac, to all be in the bar together • The new owners of the historic Royal Hotel in Leyburn were half way through a lap of Australia when they realised pubs were the highlights of their trip, so they decided to get one of their own. Former owner, ex-NRL player Shane Webcke, said he could not have chosen a more perfect people to take over his pub • The Warrego Hotel at Fords Bridge, which has a population of three, but where one local doesn't talk to the other two • The Pub with no Beer at Taylors Arm where Slim Dusty polished up his famous song and where an old bookmakers' board shows the odds on the next local to be barred.

• Barry, owner of the Imperial at Wee Waa, visited a few years back, had a serious night on the turps with the publican and the next morning said to his wife "I think I bought the pub last night" ‘Pub Yarns: The Pub the Whole Pub and Nothing but the Pub’; $29.99 (plus postage) at most bookstores or you can obtain a copy (autographed for an extra $5) via the book’s Facebook page – search ‘nothing but the pub’ and click on the ‘shop now’ button.

SPECIAL OFFER for Men of League Foundation members: write ‘MOL’ after your name when ordering for the men, women and children of the rugby league community 37 via Facebook and receive a $5 refund Caring upon delivery.

QRL history committee The QRL history committee met on 21 July to discuss the many activities taking place for the second half of 2017, including the World Cup. The Ross Livermore lecture took place on 27 May at QRL headquarters and was presented by well known media personality and QRL history committee member Steve Haddan.

Steve spoke on the history of the Brisbane Rugby League, the theme of his book Our Game: The celebration of Brisbane Rugby League 1909-1987. This event attracted a healthy attendance of 112.

Plans are now underway for the 2018 lecture which will be delivered

by Wayne Bennett.

The QRL history committee also supports the work of Joe Gorman who is writing a book on the social and cultural meaning of State of Origin. Joe addressed the 21 July meeting and gained the full support of the committee for his project.

Members of the committee are also preparing for the upcoming World Cup matches with memorabilia for displays.

One of the interesting facets of the game’s history that has recently been discussed is the colours of Queensland and NSW, and why maroon is the Queensland colour.

From information provided by the QRL history committee chair Kevin Brasch and further research, we know that in the early days of rugby union in Australia Queensland adopted the dark blue colours of 38

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English university Oxford, and New South Wales taking the Cambridge light blue.

Oxford’s blue came from the colour adopted by the university’s boat crew in 1829. However in 1895 the Queensland Rugby Union decided to adopt the maroon colour.

The word maroon can be traced back to the French word ‘marron’ meaning chestnut and also the Italian word ‘marrone’. The first recorded mention of the color in the English language was in 1789.

So why maroon for Queensland?

Queensland was named after Queen Victoria, who granted the colony separate status to NSW in 1859. Maroon was known to be the monarch’s favourite color, and so the Queensland rugby union side took on the maroon colour in 1895.

When the first interstate game of the code we now know as rugby league

began in 1908, the Queensland side also wore a maroon jersey with white shorts.

For over a century Queensland sporting sides of all codes have worn maroon as the basis of a uniform so it is extraordinary that it wasn’t until November 2003 that maroon was actually made the official sporting colour of the state by an Act of Parliament.

For the Queensland Rugby League team there have been various versions of the maroon team uniform, with different symbols ranging from a giant Q, to the iconic Q and kangaroo, to the modern day version, but always with maroon.

Penrith

Committee profile Aaron Henry

We can forgive Ben Ross for the fondness in his voice when he speaks of Penrith. The National Wellbeing Manager won an NRL Premiership with the Panthers in 2003 and although firmly established as a Shire boy now, the foot of the mountains still pulls the heart strings.

“As one of our newer committees here in New South Wales, we’re really proud of the work the team at Penrith are doing. They are a young and vibrant committee making lots of things happen with the local rugby league community,” Ben Ross said.

Wayne Willmington (Vintage FM), Jane Randall (Grandma), Erica Hall (Cooper’s mum), Lucy Richards (Men of League Foundation), Cooper Randall, Alex McKenzie (Men of League Foundation), Megan Randall (Aunty), Chris Randall (Uncle) with his daughter, Nevaeh Randall.

There is innovation in the ranks of the Penrith committee. Their thinking outside the square has seen them strike up a partnership with a local radio station, Vintage FM. This has also seen the committee host some unique social and fundraising events.

With the help of Vintage FM and at the initiative of Wellbeing Officer and inspirational wheelchair athlete Nathan Pentecost, the Penrith Committee recently completed a push-a-thon around Sydney International Regatta Centre.

The event saw Nathan take on the enormous challenge of pushing his wheelchair 100km around the Regatta Centre to assist a young Brothers Junior Rugby League player.

“It’s not just new ideas on events that the Penrith committee are trialling”, Ben Ross continues. “They are very active in the wellbeing space and have established a rolling roster of visits for their wellbeing officers. This has worked well and sees them spread the workload across all wellbeing officers, Ben continued.

“They’ve also been very active in recruiting female members, including local Lucy Richards, who has become a wellbeing officer. I’m hoping Lucy can help lead the way and we find more women join the ranks of our wellbeing officers on local committees.

“Lead by the hard-working committee President Alex McKenzie, I’m looking forward to seeing them continue to grow, deepen their relationships within the Penrith rugby league community and keep helping those within our rugby league family who need it most,” Ben said.

Our Penrith wellbeing officer Lucy travelled out to Riverstone, the birth place of former Penrith legend Joel Clinton to see another great man known as Uncle Bob.

If you’re in the Penrith area and would like to join the Committee or become a member of the Men of League Foundation, contact Alex McKenzie on: 0414 330 651.

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Half-century celebration Tony Durkin Men of League member Len Chemello was blown away 50 years ago when, weighing a ‘hefty’ six stone (38kg), he played footy in Sydney against a number of teams, including the mighty Penrith Panthers.

Len, who lives on the Sunshine Coast but was an Ipswich boy back then, said the experience and memories as an 11-year-old rugby league fan have never left him. That year the Panthers had been admitted to the NSWRL competition and playing against them was the best thing he had ever done.

Being blown away by an experience as a kid is one thing – getting that same thrill five decades later is totally different. And that happened to Len and some of his junior teammates in July when they revisited a greatlytransformed Panthers headquarters to celebrate the golden anniversary of that original trip.

“Back in 67 the Ipswich Schoolboys Rugby League and Penrith had a reciprocal arrangement,” Len recounted.

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“The Ipswich rep team visited Penrith during the May school holidays, staying at the Penrith Junior Leagues Club, and Penrith would in turn visit Ipswich later in the year and be billeted with local families. Not only did we play footy against each other but the visits were mixed with educational tours to local landmarks.

“It was great fun, and a great time.”

The Ipswich team was unbeaten in seven matches, scoring 100 points with just eight against. They did not have their line crossed.

Another member of the team and Men of League member and Sunshine Coaster, Ian Whiston, said the six-stoners of ‘67 formed a special bond. The side lost just one game, against Toowoomba at the Queensland State Championships at Lang Park.

Ipswich was unbeaten in Zone 4 championships, which were contested between teams from the Gold Coast, Pittsworth, Upper Burnett, Roma and Charleville.

Ipswich also won the Bulimba Cup competition that year, easily accounting for a strong Brisbane side.

Many of the players continued to keep in touch and a few years ago decided to organise a reunion.

“We have been getting together every year now for the past five years,” Ian said. “Then this year, to celebrate the landmark 50 years, we decided to go back to Penrith and relive those special times. And what a visit it was.”

Ian said the reception from Panthers management, and the generosity they were shown, was way beyond what the group anticipated or expected.

Phillip Brownlow have also passed away. Team captain Duce, who was a member of the Queensland six-stone side in 1967, was tragically killed in a car accident as a 16-year-old.

One member of the team – Leigh Cole - has been unable to be traced. If anyone knows his whereabouts could they contact Ian Whiston at iwa1@bigpond.com or 0421 636 636.

“Both Brian Fletcher and Phil Gould became involved and signed off on complimentary tickets for the group to the Panthers’ round 20 match against the Titans, and a personal tour of the Academy,” he said.

“We were treated like VIPs, just like our team was 50 years ago. Honestly, for the guys it was something we never ever expected and is a tremendous reflection on just the Panthers club but on the game we all love and support.”

Ten of the original members of the team, including team manager Garry Cuthbert, made the trip. Coach Des Taege passed away two years ago and Barry Duce and

50 years on ... the ‘67 Ipswich team back in Penrith: Ian Whiston, Brian Sheraton, Gary Hallett, Wayne Heit, Garry Cuthbert (manager), Michael Fogarty, Len Chemello, Ashley Kitching, Peter Jackson, Roger Mills.

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Remembering t The Foundation wishes to recognise the recent passing of the following people.

For more tributes or expanded versions www.menofleague.com Ron Rowles Former Manly winger, Ron Rowles passed away on 3 June, aged 89. Born in Wollongong, Ron played first grade for CBC in the Illawarra competition at 17 in 1945, and was chosen for the Illawarra representative side. After playing for Country in 1948-49, he signed with Manly-Warringah and played 83 first grade matches in five seasons, including the Sea Eagles’ first grand final in 1951. He was the leading points-scorer in Sydney Rugby League in four successive seasons.

Terry Judd Terry Judd passed peacefully on 27 May in the Princess Alexandra Hospital after a stay of eight months.

He was on his way from the Gold Coast to the Chelsea reunion when he experienced some pains, so turned around and took himself to hospital. He put into the spinal unit where he remained for treatment while having no feeling in his legs.

Ian Baker The Maitland rugby league community were shocked by the sudden death of tough forward Ian ‘Boof’ Baker, who passed away at the age of 68 at Fitzroy Crossing in the Northern Territory during a caravanning trip around Australia.

He played first grade at 18 with Maitland Pumpkin Pickers, winning a premiership alongside Maitland legends Terry Pannowitz, Brian Burke, Dick Golledge, Alan Powell and Peter Edmonds. ‘Boof’ moved to Sydney and played with Easts and Manly from 1970-1976 42

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(70 first grade games) before medial ligament damage finished his career prematurely. He had a successful business career before retiring to the Gold Coast.

member and was granted life membership in 1985. Until recently he attended training sessions and never missed a match at his beloved Brookvale Oval.

Aidan Smith

Brett Landers

Aidan passed away in May in Blacktown Hospital after a series of illnesses. He played in the South Sydney junior league in the 1950s-60s for Maroubra and Monarchs and finished his career as captain-coach of the victorious Kensington A grade side. He was a member of the winning 1964 Souths President’s Cup side that toured PNG and included future internationals Eric Simms, George Piggins and Gary Stevens.

Brett Landers passed away peacefully at his home in Perth on 1 August. He played for Brighton Seagulls and James Cook High and was a goalkicking front-rower, winning premierships with both teams. Brett’s father Bob Landers was leading points-scorer in with Eastern Suburbs and Penrith in the 1960s. Younger brother Kurt played first grade for St George and Penrith.

Eric Sladden

Aidan had about 40 years as a popular publican (always with his wife Edie beside him) in hotels including The Intersection at Ramsgate, Raby Hotel, the Maroochydore Hotel in Queensland, the Winston Hills Hotel in Sydney and The Freeway Hotel in Sydney.

He was a regular attendeee of Men of League Foundation functions.

Sladden made his first grade debut for South Sydney in 1956. In 1957 was second on the competition’s try-scoring lists with 19. He moved to Norths for six seasons, playing 79 first grade games (24 tries). After football, he drove an interstate truck and had his own prime mover and trailer. He and wife Esme lived at Pagewood for many years.

Bernie Seymour

Robert Christison

Bernard Rupert Seymour, aged 84, passed away peacefully on 27 April.

He was a larger than life character, who always had a word, smiling and friendly face for everyone, however gained a reputation as a rugged and fearless tackling machine, who never took a backward step. He played 45 first grade games and was the first Manly player to play 200 grade games. Bernie remained actively involved with the club as a coach, selector, administrator, committee

Bob Christison was hooker and captain of the last Ipswich side to win the Bulimba Cup competition in 1966. He became president of the Ipswich old Boys and his wife Jan worked tirelessly to keep alive league traditions in Ipswich, organising reunions and other functions which recognised past players.

They were also regular attendees at Men of League lunches at Broncos Leagues Club. Bob was 81.

those now gone Jim Murdoch Jim Murdoch, who died in June aged 78, was the driving force behind the formation of Souths Sunnybank club, which boasts Cowboys legend Johnathan Thurston as a junior.

Murdoch was an uncompromising prop for Souths and represented Brisbane in the Bulimba Cup. In 1962 he was captain-coach of Innisfail and represented the district in the Foley Shield. He coached Brisbane Souths under-20s to a premiership in 1967, with future Australian skipper Greg Veivers and top grade player and coach Laurie Freier in the team. When Jim and his wife Betty moved to the Gold Coast, Jim stayed involved with league through the Tugun club and was a stalwart of the Tugun Surf Club.

Mick McGarritty Mick McGarritty was a hard-running forward for Brisbane Brothers in the 1970s, playing several first grade matches under the coaching of John Lohman. He also was involved with rugby league in the Northern Territory, including a stint as president of Darwin Brothers. Later he moved to the Fassifern Valley, south of Ipswich, where he was licensee of The Australian hotel at Boonah. He was 61.

Robert ‘Foxy’ Graham Robert Graham started his senior football career as a skinny winger with Murwillumbah Brothers before moving into the forwards. He won a Tweed first grade premiership with Brothers in 1969 and a Gold CoastGroup 18 reserve grade title in 1977.

Graham, who died on 1 May aged 72, also played at Proserpine, Roma and Tumbarumba. He had a lengthy stint as a publican at Gunning,

and regular visitors were Canberra Raiders players on return from games in Sydney.

Les Toleman Toleman, ‘Tollie’ to his friends in rugby league, passed away on 18 July following a massive stroke.

He’d played for Toowoomba Valley Roosters in the early 1950s and was a member of the 1952 Toowoomba premiership side which boasted Gordon Teys, Brian Jones, Max Higgins and Herb Steinohrt (coach).

Les retired in 1954 due to injury but remained a long-time member of the Valleys Roosters and became a referee and treasurer of the Toowoomba Referees Association.

Even in retirement he met weekly with rugby league friends to play golf at the Toowoomba Golf Club, joined the Men of League and was a Toowoomba committee member

Scott Kuhnemann The Toowoomba league community lost one of its most loved and respected figures after Scott Kuhnemann lost his battle with cancer.

The former Souths Tigers and Toowoomba Clydesdales player died at 46 after a year-long battle.

He leaves behind a wife and three children. Scott was one of the best players to don the black and gold of Toowoomba’s Souths Tigers. He also played for the Clydesdales and represented Toowoomba, South West and Queensland Country and was a key member of the Clydesdales’ squad that won the first Queensland Cup in 1996.

Scott also represented Queensland at a junior level. As a coach, he was a wonderful mentor and role model;

a quality person who was loved by so many. Scott also ran Sportstar Screenprinting which clothed plenty of players from various clubs over the season.

Wally Watsford Former South Sydney reserve grade premiership winning coach Wally Watsford died at his BUPA Nursing Home at Pottsville, NSW, in late July. Watsford played with Souths in 1962 and coached the reserve grade premiers in 1983.

He was battling dementia at the time of his death.

Ken Boothroyd James Kenneth Boothroyd passed away in July, aged 86. He migrated to Australia in 1966 from Manchester with wife Patricia. A PE teacher, he taught at Kogarah Marist Brothers for more than 25 years. Ken was a St George trainer for more than 15 years, including the premiership winning seasons of 1977 and 1979.

He also worked with the Illawarra Steelers, Illawarra juniors and the referees. Ken and his wife moved to Kiama 17 years ago to enjoy their retirement.

Tony Stavrianos Men of League Foundation member and former Eastern Suburbs Roosters player Tony Stavrianos died on 24 June at Prince of Wales Hospital in Randwick. He had fought hard against pancreatic cancer.

The Rabbitohs junior played grade with Souths in 1960-61 before moving to Eastern Suburbs for the 1962-64 seasons. He played 12 first grade games.

His son Jimmy is a long-time employee of the NRL.

Contributions for consideration in these pages can be sent to magazine@menofleague.com

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Magic Wand who loved league Greg Tunn The rugby league community, particularly on the Central Coast, has lost one of its longest serving and outstanding administrators, with the sudden passing of Terry Wand in June.

Terrence John Wand, OAM, was a long- time member of Men of League and was involved in establishing one of its newest chapters, Tuggerah Lakes. He was the founding secretary, retaining the position at his time of passing.

Terry lived and breathed rugby league throughout his life with his contribution being recognised by being awarded an Order of Australia on Australia Day this year. He was extremely proud of receiving this award at Government House and shared the moment with family and many friends.

In the late 60s, Wand was one of the chief movers in establishing Wyong Rugby League Football Club. He was the honorary secretary from 1969 to 1980 and during this time worked tirelessly to obtain a license for a leagues club that opened in 1973. Terry served on the board of directors for 21 years, became a life member and has held the No. 1 badge for over 50 years.

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Terry Wand (2nd from right) the day he was awarded his OAM, with (from left) wife Wendy, fellow medal recipient Ellia Green (2016 Rugby Seven Olympic gold medallist) and son Gavin.

Wyong Rugby League Club Group is now one of the most successful clubs in NSW with over 52,000 members spread between eight clubs.

Wand remained a ‘True Roo’ and attended most games.

He enjoyed travelling on the bus with the NSW Cup players whenever possible, entertaining them with colourful stories about the history and achievements of the Wyong club. Similar stories were told in the dressing sheds after matches and he was often asked by coaches to speak to the players before the local game.

Terry also maintained a great interest in Wyong’s juniors, and was delighted whenever they progressed to the senior ranks.

He was the first, and was still, the chairman of the Wyong Roos Old Boys and was thrilled when the new beer garden at the leagues club was named after him.

He served as secretary of the Central Coast Division of Country Rugby League as its delegate to CRL for many years. He coached and managed many club, Central Coast and CRL representative teams, with the highlight winning

being the Harold Matthews Shield in 1980, which has not been won by any other Central Coast team.

He was made a life member of Central Coast Rugby League in 2004.

It was not only rugby league that benefitted from Wand’s generosity, passion, knowledge and enthusiasm for life. He was an active member of the Masonic Lodge, and was attending a meeting when he suffered his fatal heart attack.

No one knew more about the Wyong district than Terry Wand with his knowledge being utilised by the pioneer association, historical society, sporting and community clubs, schools and any friend, acquaintance or complete stranger who had the pleasure of his company.

Wand’s funeral was regarded as one of the biggest funerals in Wyong’s history with an estimated 2500 people packing Wyong Rugby League Club for the service and burial at Jilliby.

It was a wonderful celebration of his life with family, friends and footballers sharing stories and memories.

Fraser Coast Committee profile Aaron Henry Just a few hours’ drive north of Brisbane, Queensland’s Fraser Coast hosts a brilliant variety of world-class attractions such as Fraser Island, Hervey Bay and the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

Tourists from around the globe flock to see the reef, but it’s the Men of League Foundation’s sportsmen’s dinner the locals are lining up for.

Hosted by the Fraser Coast committee and president Kev Embrey, the 2017 sportsmen’s dinner has locals talking about it for days.

With special guests including Maroons legend Petero Civoniceva and local lads, Australian cricketer Nathan Hauritz and Commonwealth Games gold medal boxer Jarrod Fletcher, Kev says his phone was ringing for days after asking about the next event.

Fraser Coast Committee President Kev Embrey (left) and Darryl Van de Velde with Fraser Coast Vice President and Treasurer Peter Stephensen.

“Our sportsmen’s dinner was a huge success and we’re all hoping that we can double the number of attendees to our next one in February 2018,” Kev said.

Kev helps paint the lines on the field and slash the grass before training and game day.

“Our dinner and our golf days are the social and fundraising events that we hold every year to help raise funds for the Foundation. We also get tremendous support from the local clubs.

“The Fraser Coast committee is nearly 10 years old, so our relationships with the local clubs such as the Hervey Bay Seagulls, Brothers Maryborough and Wallaroos Maryborough are strong.”

Kev, just announced as the Queensland volunteer of the year, leads an active committee of hardworking and supportive members who all pull together to get ensure the rugby league community know there is help available in the Men of League Foundation for those who need it the most.

“Everyone on the committee helps out. We will all volunteer to man the gate and collect memberships.

“We’ve had quite a successful past year, collecting nearly 50 new membership in the Fraser Coast area.

Local members come from all ages, both men and women, and juniors. We’re hoping to be able to sign up many senior players next season. “

Hard work by volunteers comes naturally for the Fraser Coast rugby league community.

One of the recent wellbeing recipients the Fraser Coast committee assisted is Peter Dunn. Peter started strapping for the local rugby league clubs in his early 20s and is still doing it today, aged 83.

“We’re very proud of being able to assist Peter with a motorised scooter. He has had so much involvement with rugby league throughout his life,” says Kev. Peter has helped off the field for more than 60 years which included tours all over Queensland and New Zealand.

It’s been a pleasure to be able to help him when he needed it and see that he can continue to attend games and be a part of our game.”

Living in the regional areas means the Fraser Coast committee often helps people who need to travel long distances to access the health services they require.

“We help people with travel costs and accommodation.

It can be very difficult for people to have to travel to Brisbane or Bundaberg for treatment. We also have three wellbeing officers who pay regular visits to people at home or in hospital. We’re always ready and willing to help, so if anyone in the Fraser Coast rugby league community needs assistance, please get in touch with us.

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NRL Wellbeing & Education

The goal of the wellbeing and education program is to turn talented boys into men of character and integrity; men who are better for being part of rugby league.

George Rose

Former player, retired in 2015 Junior club Bathurst Penguins NRL career 151 games – Roosters, Sea Eagles, Storm and Dragons Rep career Prime Minister's XIII & Indigenous All Stars – 6 games Family 1 boy and 1 girl with partner Chloe Wighton Career NRL Indigenous community and player engagement manager in NRL Wellbeing and Education

Born in Bathurst, at what age did you move to the city and how did you cope with relocating?

I moved to Sydney at age 17 after finishing high school to take up an SG Ball contract and begin studying accounting at university. I struggled big time with moving. I would travel home three times per week even if it was just for half a day. My life skills were very ordinary, having relied on mum my first 17 years so steak and mash potato was on the menu every night, ironing ceased to exist, washing clothes and using the washing machine was like cracking the Da Vinci Code.

But I got there in the end.

What have you been doing since retiring in 2015?

Since retirement I've been trying my hand at whatever I can after 12 years focusing only on footy. I am studying a Post Graduate Diploma of Commerce at Sydney University, I have been working events with No Limit Boxing Promotions, have done a brief stint interning with Accor Hotels in their financial control team and did 12 months as an NRL school to work ambassador, before finding my way to my current role working with the Indigenous Playing Group and Community.

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Had you always thought about working for the game after your playing career?

Yes and no. I love footy, I love the opportunities it gave me; after my career opportunities arose off the back of the hard work I was putting in and I'm glad to be still working in and around rugby league, it's something I've always known and loved. I always thought being a footy player was the best job in the world and if that's the case then this runs a close second.

What do you find most rewarding about your job?

Sharing culture within the NRL is one of the best parts for me. I'm very proud of my Aboriginal culture so to be able to share history, stories and values with others is great, as well as seeing the playing group share as well, we do such a great job at breaking down barriers and encouraging acceptance through sharing with others.

What exciting projects have you been working on since coming on board?

I'm lucky in the fact Dean Widders had already done so much great groundwork for me prior to me doing this role. So the continuation of the annual cultural/ leadership camp is really important.

The Indigenous Players Advisory Group and Players’ Report are two important things I've been involved in.

The report has been well received and will assist in programs and processes going forward.

What advice do you have for players about preparing for life after footy?

Footy is your first priority, enjoy every moment and be great at it.

But. It's never too early to start preparing for life after footy.

Take advantage of your education grants offered by the NRL, find what you like, do short courses, do further study, do work experience, talk to people outside of footy and have diverse friendship groups because after your last game is played your next life begins.

Dene Halatau

Former player, retired in 2016 Junior club Merrylands Rams/North Ryde Hawks NRL career 249 games – Tigers and Bulldogs Rep career New Zealand – 15 games Family Married with two girls Career NRL Pasifika player engagement manager in the NRL wellbeing and education team

What have you been doing since transitioning last year?

I initially transitioned into two part-time roles, one as an NRL wellbeing and education program ambassador and the other at the Wests Tigers as the culture and leadership coordinator. I’ve since moved into the NRL wellbeing and education team full-time and I’ve started in commentary on ABC Grandstand radio.

Did you ever think while you were playing rugby league that you would end up working in the game?

I wasn’t entirely convinced I would be working in rugby league. I had initially intended to step away from the game for a period and try something in a completely different field. Over the last five or so seasons, however, I became more engaged in ambassadorial roles and as a director of the RLPA. This gave me a desire to support the current playing group beyond my own career, and to help drive off-field engagement.

Tell us more about your role as a wellbeing and education with Pasifika players?

I assist with the design and implementation of the wellbeing and education programs that are rolled out to the elite playing groups. These groups range from under-16s all the way through to the NRL. I also support and engage with the Pasifika player cohort in the NRL, with the objective of identifying and developing current and future leaders, as well as supporting off-field aspirations and retention in the game.

What programs do the wellbeing and education department have to offer and what are the benefits?

There are several programs and workshops that are offered or delivered to players. CareerWise is a program that helps players from 16s through to NRL

and transition in identifying potential future careers through useful tools and consultation with dedicated career coaches.

Graduates Of League is a mentoring and tutoring program through partnered universities which helps players navigate their studies whilst they’re playing.

The Play On transition program is delivered to players over the age 27 and up to five years into their transition. It provides useful tools and information to help with the transition following the playing career.

The NRL wellbeing and education department also provides education grants to players to encourage them to complete any form of personal development or education. Each year every player is provided with additional educational workshops that are delivered across the clubs, at rookie camps and at ‘semi-pro’ days for players in state based competitions. These workshops cover topics such as alcohol awareness, respectful relationships, personal brand and understanding stress, addictions and mental health. The programs are designed with a holistic approach in mind so a player can reach his potential across the eight key dimensions of physical, psychological, family and relationships, culture, community, spirituality, careers and finance.

What advice do you have for players about preparing for life after footy?

I would say to start preparing as early as possible. It’s hard to think about it when you are young and starting out, but there is the certainty that your career will end, and you may not be able control when that happens.

Rugby league is no doubt an important part of any player’s life, but it should be viewed as something they do, not who they are.

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The Wests Wollongong reserve grade premiers of 1964. Middle row far right (player) is Bob Fulton; front row fourth from left is Peter Peters and far right is Alan Maddalena.

Start of Immortal journey Who would have thought a secondsting side at a country club could spurn such special talent. Wests Wollongong reserves of 1964 produced an Immortal, NSW representative and a Sydney grand final winner who have remained best mates for over half a century. Barry Ross Perhaps never has a reserve grade team produced such talent. It was a long time ago, but the rugby league stars certainly aligned above Wollongong in 1964 when the Wests club’s second grade grand final outfit provided a future Immortal, Manly-Warringah premiership winner and NSW representative.

The Immortal was 16-year-old five-eighth Bob Fulton, elevated from Wests’ under-18s weeks before the finals only to star in the 12-0 grand final win against Port Kembla. Four years later he was a 20-year-old captain of Manly in the 1968 grand final against South Sydney at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

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His fellow future premiership winner was 18-year-old second-rower Peter Peters, another Wollongong boy who attended Keira Boys high and was just emerging as a strong senior player, having played some first grade earlier that season.

The future NSW player was teenage centre Alan Maddalena, who two years later leapt from Country Seconds selection into the NSW side and was picked up by Sydney club Newtown for the 1967 season.

Wests Wollongong reserves were coached by Ken Henniker (another familiar name in Illawarra league history).

Henniker had moved to Wollongong from the Cootamundra club where he had been a Riverina representative forward. He joined Wests Wollongong in 1957 and over the next six seasons played more than 100 games, many of these in first grade.

After retiring he served in many administration positions with Wests, over a 30-year period, including president and secretary. He also worked at Wests Leagues Club for 36 years. He passed away in 2016, aged 84.

The team came from third, winning the minor semi-final and final for the opportunity to claim the crown, with Fulton in commanding form in a side that had plenty of good talent (11 players were under 21) outside these three future stars.

That included prop Garry James who won two first grade premierships with Wests, hooker Cliff Roberts who played top grade with Wests then won premierships alongside Mick Cronin at Gerringong,

second-rower Ross Standring who went onto represent Illawarra and win four straight premierships with Wests, prop Brian Kurtz who’d won a first grade title and was in his last season before retiring and becoming a leading official, including being the inaugural chairman of the Illawarra Steelers, and centre and skipper Lindsay Millar who took a hat-trick at age 16 in his first top grade cricket match in Illawarra and won several first grade league premierships.

“I have great memories of the 1964 reserve grade premiership win,” said Peters.

“Myself, Bob Fulton and Alan Maddalena were chosen straight out of an under-18s grand final winning side at Wests and 53 years later we remain best mates.

“Bozo [Fulton] and I share an office these days at Sea Eagles where we are consultants to the club where we played.

“How great is the game of rugby league … two boys from the Red Devils went on to play a premiership together at Manly, one became an Immortal and I have had a wonderful life in the print and electronic media.

“I loved my time at Wests playing with mates like Bozo, Phil Dennison, ‘The Hound’ [Maddalena] and remember coach Keith Henniker fondly.”

Added Fulton, “the 1964 reserve grade premiership with Wests in Wollongong was my first taste of grade football.

“It was a thrill to win a title with great mates who remain my close friends today – Allan Maddalena and Peter Peters who later joined me at Manly – and we never forgot our days growing up as Red Devils.

“I can never repay the game for the friends, enjoyment and experiences it has given me.”

The following season Fulton, Peters and Maddalena became regular first graders with Wests.

Fulton, still just 17, was selected for Country Seconds and soon after that match he was signed by Manly boss Ken Arthurson and went straight into the Sea Eagles star-studded side in 1966.

Peters went to Goulburn, where his parents had bought a milk bar in the main street, and was picked up by Parramatta mid-season 1967 after representing Monaro division.

After a season and a half in blue and gold he joined Fulton at Manly and they played in the 1973 grand final victory against Cronulla at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Manly’s premiers of 1983: Back – Graham Eadie, Bill Hamilton, John O’Neill, Terry Randall. Middle row – Ian Martin, Malcolm Reilly, Max Brown, John Mayes.

Front – Ray Branighan, Ken Irvine, Fred Jones, Bob Fulton, Peter Peters.

Fulton’s impact, and influence, on rugby league continues today as he approaches his 70th birthday.

He is a ‘consultant’ that oversees football operations at Manly, the club at which he spent 11 seasons as a player and 13 as coach, winning two premierships in each role. He coached Australia to great success and until 2016 spent time as Laurie Daley’s advisor with the NSW State of Origin team, after being a selector for many years. In 1982, he was chosen as one of league’s four original Immortals.

Peters became a qualified journalist with the Sydney Sun daily afternoon newspaper and later found fame as a radio broadcaster with ex-referee Greg Hartley, before returning to Manly as media manager.

Maddalena, after representing Country and NSW, played 79 first grade games during five seasons with Newtown, was selected for City Firsts and seconds in his first season in Sydney and later joined the other pair at Manly (10 top grade games in three seasons).

He and Fulton played with English club, Warrington in 1969-70 Now 72, Maddalena and his American wife, Claudia, after a successful business career in Sydney, have lived in Hawaii for the past three years.

He is a member of the Outrigger Canoe Club at Waikiki and has won a couple of over 70 years of age races in this sport.

The Wests Illawarra side of 1965 Alex Kirkland, Terry Moore, Alan Maddalena, Lindsay Millar (capt.), Barry Pearson, Bob Fulton, Phil Dennison, Arthur Dobinson, Peter Peters, Ross Standring, Garry James, Cliff Roberts, Brian Kurtz.

Coach: Kevin Henniker.

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Meet our new Sydney staff Our head office in Sydney has welcomed two new staff members in recent weeks – Vanessa Bolzan and Kellie-Ann Furner.

Now, if you’re wondering whether Kellie-Anne is related to the famous rugby league Furner family – yes, she is.

Kellie is the wife of former Raiders’ international back-rower and NRL head coach, currently South Sydney assistant coach, David Furner.

She has experienced a lot, and seen a lot, since being David’s partner since she was 15 and is loving her new role as national manager of administration.

Life with David has taken her and their children from Canberra to England, North Queensland and now Sydney.

“It’s a great job and I feel extremely blessed and fortunate to be able to help people of so many demographics,” said Kellie-Ann, who initially started with the Foundation part-time earlier in 2017.

“It’s great still being involved in the game after a lifetime of being in and around it through David, and there are a lot of names who come across my desk that I know or certainly know of.

“With Dave’s father Don needing care now, it is an area that does mean a lot to me, so I’m passionate about making life easier for a lot of people.”

Kellie-Ann met David at their local ice-skating rink in Canberra when teenagers but league has been a

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Welcome to the team Kellie-Ann Furner (left) and Vanessa Bolzan.

bit part of her life since, as it has been for Vanessa.

She grew up as a Wests Tigers fan, through her father’s devotion to the Tigers, but worked for four years in membership with the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Her cousin, James Cameron, has played in the Queensland Cup competition and for English clubs Whitehaven and Hemel Stags.

Prior to joining Men of League, she worked for four years for the A-league in soccer, in marketing and membership.

As national manager for membership and fund raising, Vanessa’s role will be the develop and enhance the Foundation’s membership, improving its

systems and researching the membership base with a view to making the integral part of the Foundation’s existence more user-friendly.

“I knew a bit about Men of League through my time at the Rabbitohs and I wanted to stay involved in sport but in a different capacity than I had been previously, so the opportunity came along at a good time,” said Vanessa.

“I thought it’s such a worthwhile organisation and I’m really enjoying it; it’s a wonderful environment here.

“There’s a bit of work to do [with membership data base and researching] but I’m really excited about it and seeing the results.”

Around the grounds ... Our Socks in NRL Action

Photos courtesy of NRL Imagery.

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Committee News Brisbane

Canberra Monaro

Steve Ricketts, publicity officer Queensland’s unofficial poet laureate, Rupert McCall, brought the house down with moving tribute to former State Men of League manager Steve Calder at a State of Origin lunch at Norths Leagues and Services Club, Kallangur on 21 July.

By Noel Bissett OAM, president Men of League Canberra Monaro committee had been very busy leading up to and organising our first gala dinner which was held on 21 July at the Queanbeyan Kangaroos Club. The night was extremely successful with 270 guests attending. Our very special guests on the night included one of Men of League’s founding fathers and chairman since its inception, Ron Coote, along with his playing partner from the famous South Sydney team, Bob McCarthy, and former Raiders captain and member of the Men of League national board of directors Alan Tongue.

Rupert, a dedicated Redcliffe fan, did not need the help of notes as he recited verse after verse paying tribute to Steve, who died in October 2015 after a long period of ill health.

The Kallangur lunch was headlined by the appearance of triumphant Queensland State of Origin coach Kevin Walters, who assessed the Maroons’ performance in a fascinating interview conducted by Fox Sports presenter Ben Ikin.

Ben also interviewed Canterbury-Bankstown coach Des Hasler, who gracefully fronted for ‘interrogation’ after his Bulldogs outfit was beaten 42-12 by the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium the previous night.

More than 280 people attended the lunch, which raised a considerable amount for Men of League’s charity work.

Former Test forward Lew Platz was special guest at the Kick-Off Club lunch at Broncos Leagues Club on 9 August.

Those in attendance included former Test fullback Paul Hauff, former Queensland lock Ron Raper, Broncos foundation director Gary Balkin and Broncos foundation player Chris Johns who hosted a corporate table.

Also attending were Raiders coach Ricky Stuart and Storm coach Craig Bellamy, both former Canberra Raiders players. We appreciated them giving their support and time with their busy schedule. Our MC, Marty Haynes, did a marvellous job interviewing our guests and kept the audience in a jovial mood.

Also in attendance was the CEO of the Raiders, Don Furner (jnr), manager of the Canberra Region Rugby League, Mark Vergano, and it was good to see former Raiders chairman John McIntyre present. We also thank ALLBIDS for their involvement in auctioning our memorabilia items. A substantial amount was raised for the Foundation. Unfortunately, our patron Don Furner (snr) could not attend the function as he was not in good health. Our thoughts and best wishes went out to him on the night.

Our committee will now put all our efforts into organising our next event (still to be determined) which hopefully will be held sometime in October/November.

Raper, who is recovering from a severe hand injury received at work, played lock for Canterbury in the 1967 grand final and, at the time of going to press, was hoping to attend the team’s reunion in Sydney.

Club Pine Rivers also bought a table for the Broncos’ function and a Men of League lunch is planned for Pine Rivers in November.

The next Broncos Kick-Off Club lunch will be held on December 6.

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Ron Coote and Bobby McCarthy being interviewed by MC Marty Haynes at our gala dinner.

Central Coast

Far South Coast

Dennis Tomsett, publicity officer A State of Origin luncheon was held on 26 May, at Margarita Daze Beachfront Restaurant & Bar, Ocean Beach, in the lead-up to the first State of Origin game in Brisbane.

This was the second occasion that we had held this event and again those who attended agreed it was a great day.

Our MC was local radio broadcaster Rick Julienne who once again did a fantastic job interviewing our excellent guest speakers – Foundation CEO Frank Barrett and rugby league great Brett Kenny. Both certainly captured the interest of the guests with their stories as players and life after their playing days.

Our annual race day was held at Gosford Entertainment Grounds in July and once again the day was a huge success with over 300 people attending and generously supporting our fund-raising activities.

Many thanks once again to our very loyal race sponsors Erina Leagues Club, Coast & Country Insurance, The Glasson Group, The Grange Hotel Wyoming, Brisbane Water Glass, The Entrance Leagues Club, The Sunken Monkey Hotel and Pearce’s Plastering.

The Far South Coast committee had the pleasure of the company of NRL great Steve ‘Beaver’ Menzies, who had dinner at Club Merimbula with some of our members and guests. With the help of committee member Damien Kennedy we had the opportunity to meet with Steve and learn more about his long term involvement in our great game. It was great to have two former Group 16 greats in attendance in Bega legend John Cooper and multiple premiership winner, Eden Tigers’ Neil Baker.

A group of members travelled to Warilla for the Men of League bowls day. A wonderful crowd and a well organised day saw a lot of fun and banter. It was great to hear many stories from former players Bill ‘Herman’ Hamilton and Geoff Starling, while we never tire of the humorous presentation from the great John ‘Bomber’ Peard.

Congratulations to local boys Dale Finucane, Adam Elliott, Euan Aitken and Morgan Boyle for their wonderful contribution to the NRL and their tremendous seasons they each have had. These young men would not have had such wonderful success without the contribution of their junior clubs in Group 16 and the involvement of the many volunteers.

A big thank you to the MC for the day, Reg Delaney, a director of the Gosford Race Club who once again did an excellent job.

Congratulations to the Cooma Stallions who completed an undefeated season with a victory in the Group 16 grand final, defeating the Bombala Blue Heelers 38-16 and securing their first premiership for 23 years.

Members please note that our next event is a golf day to be held at Shelly Beach Golf Club on Friday 22 September. Details of this event will be sent by email, SMS and will be posted on the Men of League website.

Our next event is the annual bowls day (details to be confirmed) to be held at the Eden Fishermans Recreation Club with Ben Ross to update us on all things Men of League.

Central Coast committee State of Origin luncheon Margarita Daze Beachfront Restaurant & Bar, Ocean Beach.

Steve Menzies with two of Far South Coast committee members – a couple of good halfbacks Frank Davey (left) and Peter Turner.

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Far North Queensland Kevin Maher, OAM, publicity officer The local rivalry round of the CDRL was played on the 10 June at the Junior League Grounds of Jones Park between the original four clubs - Ivanhoes, Brothers, Kangaroos and Suburbs. These matches were played as a double-header with Brothers downing Ivanhoes and Suburbs winners over Kangaroos.

Another big date claimer for the Far North Branch is the PM XIII dinner at Brothers Leagues Club on Wednesday 20 September at 6.30pm. Mal Meninga will have his side train in the afternoon and attend the dinner that evening before flying to New Guinea.

A high-quality squad is expected as Mal prepares prospective World Cup squad members for the RLWC 2017 in October where we will see Cairns host matches between Ireland, Scotland, Tonga, Italy and Samoa.

The Men of League ‘Back to the Game’ function in Mareeba, featuring former 1964 Mareeba Wests coach Stan Williams, proved an enormous success. The Mareeba Leagues Club made a kind donation of $1000 to Men of League and we gained 10 new members as a result with local footballing tragic becoming our welfare man in Mareeba.

The leagues club also unveiled a tribute on the night to their former local champion Brian Fitzsimmons and a moving letter from Brian’s wife Pat was read out thanking Mareeba and Men of League for their help over the years as Brian’s health declined.

South Sydney travelled to Cairns for their annual home game against the Cowboys but were no match for the NQ boys who ran out convincing winners.

Foundation wellbeing officers have been in contact with former champion Australian winger Lionel Williamson, who suffered a heart turn recently but after insertion of a stent Lionel is back on deck and going well. We also send our condolences to Lionel and the Williamson family on the death of Lionel’s brother, Ron, who was on the wing when Innisfail won its first Foley Shield in 1960.

Speaking of Innisfail, the town is celebrating 100 years of rugby league in Innisfail. The game was aligned to the sugar industry in the early days and boasts a proud history having produced four international wingers in Trevor McDonald, Lionel Williamson, George Ambrum and Kerry Boustead plus, of course, recent champion fullback Billy Slater and Queensland winger Ty Williams.

The centenary committee is producing a high-quality website which will be up and running prior to a gala centenary dinner to be held in the shire hall at Innisfail on Saturday 18 November. Please put this in your diaries as it will be a huge turnout.

The Northern Pride travelled to Bamaga on 23 July for their upcountry match against Wynnum Manly and were accompanied on the trip by Queensland chairman Darryl Van de Velde, Queensland chairman, who met with local committee members on the way through.

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Mareeba Leagues Club president Paul Johnston with Dennis Myers, Stan Williams and Kev Maher with the cheque for $1000.

Fraser Coast Kev Embrey, president The wheels are turning in preparation for our Hervey Bay Golf Day on Friday 13 October and our Maryborough golf day on Sunday 26 November. Nigel and Jeff have been lucky to lock in Gary Larson as our special guest in Maryborough.

Our sportsmen’s dinner has had a date change to the 17 February 2018 due to previous commitments by the Beach House Hotel. Please change the date in your calendar. Special guests are being contacted and will have more news in the next magazine.

Country Week was held over the weekend of 2223 July and we would like to thank the Hervey Bay Seagulls, Gayndah Gladiators and Mundubbera Tigers for wearing the Men of League socks over the weekend and thank you for your ongoing support and generous donation.

Thanks to all Fraser Coast committee members who travelled to Mundubbera over the weekend to watch the Intrust Super Cup game between Brisbane Easts Tigers and Brisbane Norths Devils and for your help with marking of the grounds, manning the

marquee and handing out flyers. Special thanks to Gavin, Cameron and the Mundubbera Rugby League committee for a successful weekend. All of our new members who joined the Foundation in the first half of the year went into a draw, the winning ticket was held

by Garry Walton of Townsville. He received a framed photo of Allan ‘Alfie’ Langer. Welcome to the 12 new members who joined over Country Week.

Gold Coast

The annual Gold Coast Men of League”round was held on Saturday, 12 August, when the Titans’ played Cronulla at Cbus Super Stadium (evening game).

Unfortunately, the weather conditions were atrocious, (monsoonal driving rain).

I suggest next season the Men of League round be an afternoon game. Special thanks to our volunteers Dean Lance, Greg Roussell and Greg Sylvester for braving the elements.

It is pleasing to report that former Great Britain and St George forward Dick Huddart has recovered from the injuries he sustained in a horrific car accident, (his van was a write-off). June Rasmussen, (Elton’s widow) is

well after having her left wrist in a splint for the past eight weeks, as is Norma Wilson (Billy’s widow) after hip surgery, whilst Tom Raudonikis is recovering after back surgery.

The news on Bobby Dimond is not as promising. In the past three months, he has been admitted to hospital several times. Bob is the last surviving member of the 1948 Kangaroo side that toured Great Britain and France. We wish him well as he battles his health issues.

Congratulations to rugby league identity, Gold Coast resident and Foundation member Paul Broughton on being awarded an OAM in the 2017 Queen’s birthday honours. Very well deserved.

Special thanks to the Nerang RSL Club for inviting the Gold Coast committee members to attend their monthly football function. Guest speakers have been Ben Hannant, Preston Campbell, Graham Lyons and Tim Mander and their talks and insight into the game have been outstanding and enjoyable.

The contributions by Lloyd Evans and the staff at the club, to this enjoyable evening is greatly appreciated.

Well done everyone.

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Our annual golf day will be held on Friday 15 September at Emerald Lakes, and the bowls and Christmas party Friday 8 December at the Gold Coast Community Centre.

We would be privileged to have more members of the Men of League join us at these events. The 2018 Gold Coast annual ‘Internationals’ gala dinner will be held at the Burleigh Bears Leagues Club on Friday 23 February 2018. Tickets may be purchased at the Burleigh Bears Leagues Club.

Before closing, anybody knowing of anyone who requires a wellbeing visit on the Gold Coast please contact Ian Amos at the Burleigh Bears Leagues Club on (07) 5572 4055 or Greg Sylvester on 0405 558 869.

Gympie

By Greg Pountney, secretary Our recent Kick-Off Club speaker was local boy Kris Kahler, the former NRL player (2002-07). Kris, who was both entertaining and informative, discussed some of the players and coaches he’d encountered during his career at the Broncos, Raiders, Titans and overseas.

Illawarra

Another successful bowls day for Men of League Foundation was held thanks to our hard-working Illawarra committee and the great support of Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club.

The club has been a wonderful supporter of the Illawarra Men of League and was able to generously donate $10,000 to the Foundation from their club grants. An appreciation plaque from the Men of League was presented to their general manager Phil Kipp by Peter Fitzgerald.

Around 250 bowlers and guests turned up to show their skills at one of Australia’s best bowling venues and enjoy the sunshine, food and beverages.

Guest speakers, former Kangaroos Bill Hamilton and Geoff Starling, were interviewed by Andrew Farrar, providing some remarkable stories from their rugby league careers. John Peard finished off the day with his trademark hilarious yarns.

Everyone is now looking forward to our finals luncheon at Dapto Leagues Club on Friday 22 September.

He also talked about the importance of preparing for life after footy and how he had gone about this. Kris said State of Origin games were big enough to justify scheduling them on weekends, spread throughout the season (suggesting weeks 6,12 and 18) with all other players having the weekend off.

The benefits are no disruption to the club competition and allowing the other players some breaks in what is a long and physically demanding season.

Our sausage sizzle at Bunnings raised $850 which was a brilliant result. Thanks to all our helpers especially those who worked long shifts.

A Brothers v Wanderers old boys game was held at Albert Park on Saturday 5 August, an excellent opportunity to sell tickets in the raffle Men of League Gympie committee and Gympie Junior Rugby League development program.

Tickets are $50 and the prize is $10,000. Should anyone be interested in a ticket phone 0408 825 466 or email rig63@bigpond.com.

If you are online and not receiving emails about coming events please contact me at – Gympie@menofleague.com to update your details.

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A scene from the successful bowls day.

North Coast Peter Barrett, president Treasure Ivan Wheeler, secretary Wendy Barrett and myself had the pleasure of attending the centenary dinner at Manilla hosted by Neville Glover with guests John Peard, John Quayle and Ken Sutcliffe.

We would like to thank everyone for making us feel welcome in a very successful night. Also, I attended the undefeated Grafton Ghosts game against Coffs Harbour in Group 2 and did a presentation for Men of League after the game plus handed out a polo shirt to

the man of the match Todd Cameron. Ghosts president Joe Kinnane and brother Tim are behind helping us to form a sub-committee in the area.

A big thanks to Martin Cook who answered our need for a visit to Orange for a cancer patient Ron Wardrop, a Manly supporter. Martin arranged for Cliff Lyons to ring him. Sadly, Ron - Coffs local Jock Moore’s brother in-law - passed away. The effort shows how our organisation are available no matter where we live.

Our committee is setting up a bowls day and luncheon on 24 September at Sawtell Bowls Club which is an annual event and is well supported by locals.

I have great pleasure to announce that Darryl ‘Big Marn’ Brohman will be our special guest at our race day breakfast on 15 December at Coffs Harbour Hotel and then bussed to the racetrack for a TAB meeting.

Neil Pringle will again be in charge of the day and also local favourite Paul ‘Nobby’ Clark is in charge of the golf day on Thursday 14 December at Bonville Golf Club. The Big Marn will be playing.

Anyone interested in these events please do not hesitate to contact me on 0414 227 068 or email barrettcoote@gmail.com.

Port Stephens Charlie Elias, publicity officer THE newly formed Port Stephens committee conducted its first major events over the weekend of August 5-6, raising much-needed funds for the Foundation.

The weekend kicked off with a dinner on Saturday night in the new clubhouse of Nelson Bay Golf Club.

It was the first function since the rebuilding of the $10 million golf club, which had been burned down in a devastating fire in September 2015.

More than 160 people attended the two-course dinner on the Saturday night, while being regaled by three excellent guest speakers in former league heavyweights David Gillespie and Ben Ross (NSW Men of League manager), Frank Barrett (Men of League CEO) and golfing professional wife Nikki Garrett.

The footballers spoke openly and passionately to MC Gerry Collins about their playing days and the important role played by the Foundation and how it

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continued to care for those within the rugby league community who may have fallen on hard times and need some assistance.

An even larger number [168] of golfers backed up on the Sunday to participate in an 18-hole Ambrose event on the lush Nelson Bay course.

Port Stephens committee president Chris Kelly paid tribute to the organising committee, volunteers and contributors who participated over the two days.

“None of this could happen without the support of volunteers from both the golf club and Men of League organisations,” Mr Kelly said.

“We are grateful to the efforts of many people, too many to mention, in putting the two functions together and ensuring their extraordinary success.

“The Men of League is a proud organisation built on the support of dedicated volunteers and all money raised will go back into the important work of the foundation.”

He also thanked the many sponsors who kindly donated raffle and auction prizes.

The team of Ray Newton, Greg Spake, Ray Moore and Mark Barden took out the Ross Gigg Memorial Shield for winning the golf tournament. Coincidentally, Mark played his rookie season for the Penrith Panthers in the under-23s alongside Ross Gigg in 1974.

Local clubs St George and Redbulls also played an entertaining women’s game.

The dinner was attended by QRL chairman Bruce Hatcher and other QRL representatives who gave an overview of QRL’s goals and their mission.

Member for Warrego, Ann Leahy MP, was in attendance as were the mayor and deputy mayor.

MC, Neale O’Brien, did a very interesting interview with Chris ‘Choppy’ Close and Petero Civoniceva.

Petero spoke on his time with NRL, QRL, Australia and Brisbane club Redcliffe and was a big hit with the kids over the weekend.

Choppy’s interview was one of the most hilarious and passionate the audience had witnessed.

He spoke from his days at the Cunnamulla Rams, to Brisbane, Sydney, and Queensland and Australian representation.

The Roma committee cannot thank enough Majella Morries and Neale O’Brien and their committee for organising the dinner. We received a wonderful donation and the auction item was above expectation.

Our next major event is our gala golf day in Roma on 27-28 October.

Sydney Metro Brad Ryder, media officer We held our second sold-out luncheon for 2017 at Souths Juniors, Kingsford, on Friday 4 August.

The theme for this one was ‘Fight Against The Odds’, as we heard some inspirational stories from those who’ve done just that –fought against the odds – and survived.

The winning team with Nikki Garrett.

Roma Owen Lingard, president The second event for 2017 was a dinner in conjunction with the St George RLFC. It was a big and successful weekend with races Saturday and a Men of League dinner that evening.

Sunday was a gala day of rugby league featuring the Burleigh Bears v Sunshine Coast Falcons.

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MC Steve Gillis welcomed the 350-strong gathering and called to the stage committee president Henry Morris, who had recently received the Parkview Award for outstanding service to the Men of League organisation at the annual gala dinner.

He noted the presence of honorary president Ron Coote, committee patron Bob McCarthy, NSW state manager Ben Ross and former Souths legends Michael Cleary, Ray and Arthur Branighan and Gary and Wayne Stevens.

First to the stage was cancer survivor and marathon runner Heather Hawkins who told her story of how she won that fight and started running longer distances.

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Then Triple M personality and former Kangaroos forward Mark Geyer, who played for the Panthers (1987-92 and 1998-2000), Tigers (1993), Western Reds (1995-97), as well as NSW, spoke of his career and how he dealt with the tragedy of losing close friend Ben Alexander in a car accident in 1992.

Origin matches played, has lost none of his passion for the game he loves.

When asked about that famous stoush with Wally Lewis in the State of Origin game, he said that “Wally was yelling out my name, and I was pleasantly surprised he even knew my name”.

He spoke freely about his health issues and the public death of his great friend and mentor Arthur Beetson, which had finally convinced him he needed to save his own life.

After lunch, John ‘Bomber’ Peard entertained the audience with his array of football stories mentioning Jack Gibson and Arthur Beetson and rolling off his jokes.

And he gave guests an intriguing insight into his playing career, his passion for the Queensland jersey and his thoughts on the game as it is played today.

Former boxing great Wally ‘Wait A While’ Carr was interviewed, telling the audience his battle against drugs and alcohol, and that he is now 18 years ‘clean’.

Previous 2017 Kick-Off Club guests have been Cameron Smith, whose presence attracted a record attendance of 218, Ian Healy (140) and Jack Reed (92).

Our final guest speaker, interviewed by Mark Warren, was boxing great Johnny Lewis, who walked onto the stage with the Newtown Jets’ theme song being played.

The Sunshine Coast Kick-Off Club functions are held on the second Thursday of every second month, upstairs at Mooloolaba Surf Club, between 5pm and 7pm. The next is scheduled for 12 October.

He had recently been inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in New York.

Sunshine Coast Tony Durkin, publicity officer Just on 600 Men of League members and their guests have attended the four Kick-Off Club events staged by the Sunshine Coast committee at Mooloolaba Surf Club during 2017.

This outstanding response, according to president Don Oxenham, is the result of a mixture of the quality of the guest speakers and the camaraderie generated at these functions.

“The Sunshine Coast committee in its tenth year and our Kick-Off Club events have become an eagerlyawaited social event for our members,” he said.

“And while many of the same faces are there most of the time, we often have visitors who are holidaying on the coast. Our Kick-Off Clubs are busy, buzzy functions, with the interviews with our high-profile guests the highlight.”

Former Origin great Chris Close was the most recent eminent guest, attending the August event along with 125 others. And the newly re-shaped former Maroons centre who was man-of-the-match in the first two 60

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Close, whose weight had ballooned to 150kg in retirement, recently underwent gastric sleeve surgery and has lost 51kg to transform his appearance.

Townsville Barry Buchanan, publicity officer Saturday 15 July was our designated Intrust Super Cup match day when Townsville Blackhawks met the Northern Pride.

With the game starting at 6pm, a Kick-Off Club was held at 4pm leading into the fixture which would have the final bearing on who would win the Foley Shield in 2017 under its new system.

A victory to the Blackhawks saw the coveted trophy presented to Townsville by QRL director Leigh Anderson.

Although members were down, a very enjoyable afternoon was had by those who attended. Members shared a hospitality tent with ex-Foley Shield players and were well catered for by Blackhawks and Brothers Leagues Club.

Thanks so much to Blackhawks’ Adrian ‘Happy’ Thompson who co-ordinated the event and guest speaker Kristian Woolf (Blackhawks coach), Brothers Leagues Club CEO Justin Wilkins for the venue and catering, Lion for their continued support of product, NQ Cowboys for the jersey that was raffled around the ground and Tim ‘Scoop’ Nugent for his master of ceremonies duties.

Our new fundraising venture held at the Cowboys Leagues Club when the Cowboys play away games on a Saturday night has been both a financial and social success. Well done to the committee for keeping it going and thanks to Clint Williams and his staff for their support on the nights.

Our final Kick-Off Club/AGM will be held at the Riverview Tavern late October or early November, depending on the availability of a proposed guest speaker. Final dates will be forwarded via email in October.

Keep on caring for our rugby league community.

Tweed District Graham Callaghan, publicity officer National wellbeing manager Ben Ross had a bit of hands-on work to do when he attended the Tweed District social function at the Kirra Beach Hotel on 13 August.

Ross, who is also the NSW manager, had a lengthy discussion with Jason Gall of Tweed Heads. Gall, 43, has sepsis disease and is a bilateral leg amputee and also has his left hand amputated. He suffered kidney failure and receives dialysis treatment three times each week. In July 2015, Gall contracted sepsis disease when he swallowed dirty water while surfing at Snapper Rocks. He had played with Manly Cove Rebels and went on to play Harold Matthews Cup and SG Ball Cup. Tweed president John Strong said the committee was investigating ways they can assist Gall.

Ross said Men of League had 45 committees spread throughout NSW and as wellbeing manager his staff helped people with financial, physical and mental hardships.

He has a science degree and intends more study next year to advance his knowledge in psychology.

He played with Dragons, Penrith, Cronulla and South Sydney and suffered a broken neck while playing for Cronulla against Penrith in 2009. “While in hospital, Men of League came and visited me so when I was discharged I did voluntary work for them whenever I could,� he said.

He said since starting with the Foundation nearly four years ago, the number of cases they handle has increased 400 per cent.

(From left) Mick Fabris, Ben Ross, Jason Gall, Pat Hundy, Tom Cassin, John Strong and Greg Hodge.

Victoria Peter Foreman, president There has been plenty happening in wellbeing support by the Melbourne committee during this period.

Our long-term wellbeing recipient and former Victorian Rugby League president and patron Alan Catlin has been a little off-colour recently and our committee partnered with the Victorian Referees Association to provide a framed signed referees jersey for Alan to hang in this room.

Alan was very happy to receive this and it now has pride of place next to the signed Storm jersey that we provided two years ago.

We were also made aware of an accident involving Boss Pomare, the coach of the Pakenham Eels under-14 team, who was hit by a car and dragged under it for about 100 metres, causing extensive injuries.

We provided assistance to Boss and the family and it is pleasing to report that he is now recovering well.

I have also detailed separately the horrific accident on the Stuart Highway that involved the Chaffey Titan and Robinvale Storm players where one player was killed and two are in intensive care.

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Western Sydney Garry O’Donnell, secretary We started with an amazing golf day fundraiser at Cabramatta Golf Club in tribute to the memory of Chad Robinson, with 160 guests attending, including footy legends Nathan Cayless, Luke Burt, Andrew Ryan, Jason Cayless, Anthony Minichiello, Craig Wing, Mick Crocker, Paul Sironen and Terry Lamb.

It was a great golf day, including entertainment from comedian Mick Meredith and John ‘Bomber’ Peard.

Rick Wayde interviewed Luke Burt, Andrew Ryan and Craig Wing, while guests enjoyed bidding for auction items and enjoyed a delicious lunch. Thanks to Chad’s father Ron and brothers Tim and Scott for being a part of the day and presenting the Chad Robinson Shield to our equal winning golf teams, DDP Electrical and Stonewill Landscaping. Tim spoke on behalf of his family and reminded us to talk to people who may be struggling with mental health – awareness is the key.

The committee would like to thank everyone who attended our golf day, sponsors Coolibah Hotel, Rod Pritchard, Goldcrest Security, Peter Wynn, Cabramatta Golf Club and especially Nathan Cayless for organising the special guests.

Then we attended ANZ Stadium with committee members Noel Willick, Peter Moses, Steve Ghosn, Paul Burton and my grandson Luke Spiteri representing

Men of League in signing up members. We would like to thank Parramatta RLFC for the opportunity to be a partner at a great night out.

Our CEO Frank Barrett was interviewed by Nathan Cayless on field about what the Foundation does for the community. Thanks to the Eels for uploading their game day jerseys online with proceeds going to the Foundation. We are now looking forward to our next event on Friday 8 September at Smithfield RSL.

Former Australian captain Brad Fittler with Luke Spiteri.

Innisfail celebrates 100 years in league Innisfail is celebrating in 2017 the history of 100 years of rugby league in the north Queensland town.

The game holds a unique place in this town’s story.

The Innisfail Rugby League Centenary Committee has been tasked with recording and celebrating the game’s history and the degree to which it has been embraced by the local community.

Its aim is to develop an historically accurate record of the sport over the past 100 years including the individuals and characters that have been integral in the game’s evolution.

In the early years, league was closely aligned to the establishment of the sugar industry with the foundation clubs being South Johnstone, Mourilyan, Daradgee and Town. Some interesting names from the early years included Vic Sivyer, who was a significant player in the workers’ strike against the management of the South Johnstone mill in the early years and after whom the bridge at South Johnstone was named.

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While researching historical data, the committee has constantly been reminded and amazed at the diversity of people who have played, supported or been part of rugby league. The nationalities that have been involved truly reflect the multicultural community for which Innisfail has become well known.

The committee proposes to produce a high-quality website displaying photographs, programs and newspaper clippings from down through the years and documenting the history surrounding those eras. It will also be celebrating not only our high-profile achievers of which there are many, but also those people as passionate volunteers who have been the life and blood of the sport over the decades.

You can follow the progress on the Innisfail centenary committee Facebook page which is being regularly updated with interesting tid-bits. A gala dinner evening will be held at the Shire Hall on 18 November.

Check the Facebook page for details.

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