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2018 CENTRAL DIVISION
THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION COMPILED BY TONY PRICE
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Get Foxtel Cricket THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
2 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU
CONTENT Publisher: League Queensland is
wholly owned by Tony and Carmel
FROM THE EDITOR Price. ABN: 15 808 728 009.
COPYRIGHT 2016 by Tony Price,
This is the third edition of the “Crow quality of leadership is first class. all rights reserved.
Flies High” we have had the honour When putting together a magazine
to compile and write on behalf of like this you need support and in Editor: Tony Price
the Central Division and it astounds the Central Division, it’s always E: [email protected]
me the amount of talent that comes forthcoming and I’d like to thank P: 0427 451 913
from the area on a regular basis. Danny McGuire, Glenn Ottaway and A: 2 Andrew Court,
You don’t have to look any further their team for that. Alexandra Hills, Qld 4161
than the current Australian team
that includes players of the calibre of In closing, I’d like to thank the Subeditor: Simon Price
Felise Kaufusi from Bundaberg and Central Division for allowing me to
Ben Hunt from Blackwater to see write this magazine, congratulations Information and Advertising:
the bloodline is strong. The growth to all the premiers, minor premiers Carmel Price
area in all sport is the Women’s and participants and we’ll see you all P: 0439 675 325
game and in rugby league it’s the again in 2019. E: [email protected]
Central Division that leads the way in
Australia. Kind Regards Graphic Art: Kartia Designs
Tony Price www.kartiadesigns.com.au
Sport is like politics in a way, we Editor
need strong leaders to show the Printed by: Fast Proof Press
way and in the Central Division the P: 07 55784722
F: 07 55783884
4 Chairman’s Report 52 Glynn Rees Carnival E: [email protected]
6 Honour Board A: Unit 21, 12 Lawrence Drive,
8 47th Battalion Trophy 54 Toowoomba Junior RL Girls Nerang, Qld 4211
14 Divisional Championships
17 Central Division All Stars 55 For the Love of the Game On the cover: 2018 State
20 Women in League Championships – Central Division
23 ALIVE 56 Darryl Williamson – Oakey Men’s Representative Team –and
24 Bedouri 9’s Bears the Central Division Women’s
26 NRL in Central Division Representative Team
28 Origin visits Fraser Coast 57 Toowoomba Rugby League
30 Bundaberg Rugby League Disclaimer:
36 South Burnett Rugby League 59 Outback Junior Muster All material contained in this publication
38 Nanango’s Women in League is subject to copyright and may not be
40 QRL Awards 60 Roma and District Rugby reproduced, in part or in whole without written
41 Gayndah Gladiators League permission from the editor. The publisher
42 Blackall Magpies cannot accept responsibility for errors,
43 Magpies Fly High in the West 62 Central Division’s Adam Wright inaccuracies or omissions. As it is not possible
44 Sunshine Coast Rugby League to ensure that the advertisements which are
48 Life Member – Rhondda Poor 63 Gladstone Rugby League published in this magazine comply with the
49 ‘Meggs’ Morris Act the responsibility must, therefore, be on
50 Not in My House 66 Central Highlands Rugby the person, company or advertising agency
League submitting the advertisements for publication.
THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
70 47th Battalion Juniors The views expressed within League
Queensland are not necessarily the views of
72 Northern Districts Rugby the publisher, but those of individual writers.
League
LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 3
74 Rockhampton Rugby League
75 Adrian Vowles Cup
78 Intrust Super Cup ‘Country
Week’
80 Queensland Outback Wins
82 Vale Mal Breen
central division chariman’s report
This year’s magazine has now gone space and the introduction of an under 16 Girls Outback
digital but once again it makes for team in 2019. In senior representative football our open
excellent reading. The magazine “The females were dominant in the Qld Country team that
Crow Flies High” highlights many of the defeated Qld City at the National Championships.
achievements in 2018. Year by year we
see much about Rugby League that we The women’s competition as part of the 47th Battalion
can be proud of in Central Division. Carnival was once again a huge success and congratulations
to Chelsea Baker on playing for QLD Country, QLD and
Rugby League’s mission is to “enrich the lives of all those who the Jillaroos. Chelsea has joined Stephanie Hancock and
participate.” We achieve this on almost a daily basis. This is a Annette Brander as fixtures in these representative teams.
result of the tireless efforts and work done by divisional staff We also saw Kody House (Gladstone), Mariah Storch (Central
and particularly volunteers. I also thank both the QRL and the Highlands) and Rhiannon Revell-Blair (Rockhampton) don
NRL for their continued and strong support for our programs. the maroon jersey in 2018. As I said last year I encourage
all leagues to continue the push to have females as integral
Sadly, Central Division lost one of their finest sporting identities participants in our game.
this year with the passing of Malcolm Breen after bravely battling
illness during the last months of his life. • The Maroon Nomad is being retired this year to pastures
in Northern Division and a new vehicle will take the road
Not only was Mal a great competitor in his favourite sport of in December. Peter Rafter continues to clock up the miles
Rugby League, but he was a very successful administrator for and has become a very familiar face in outback areas in
the game he loved, having served as Chairman of the Bundaberg his home away from home. Peter now knows all the
Rugby League from 1998 – 2012. With the formation of the new potholes between Lightning Ridge and Winton. He does a
Division he was the first person to be honoured with Central great job and in fact in the years he has been in the job the
Division Life Membership. participation numbers for Outback juniors has grown 39%
- an average of 13% per year.
Queensland Rugby League also lost one of its greatest
supporters – Terry Mackenroth, former Deputy Premier and • The State Junior Carnival held in Mackay was a great event
QRL board member. Outside the party room he was a staunch thanks to the efforts of the local league and Northern
supporter of many sports, but his passion was for Rugby League. Division.
Terry and Mal Breen both played a huge part in mentoring me
in my current role. • Coaching and refereeing development plans continue to
evolve with a high level of instruction and guidance being
The Division is growing in participants and culturally we are provided to all those that enter programs. We look forward
moving forward with a great feel around carnivals and divisional to seeing the benefits of a change in the national strategy
events. Some of the highlights for me this year. following a transition in 2018.
• Blackall Rugby League taking out the award for the Much of the success of programs undertaken in the year can be
community club of the year for Central Division and attributed to the core people within the Division, these include
Queensland. They then went on to win the National award. the Operation Managers, Administration Staff and the Division
Their story will be elsewhere within this magazine and is Managers. I will repeat what I said last year – “Glenn Ottaway
well worth reading. and his team of operational staff have once again shown
dedication and passion for the game – they continue to embrace
• 47th Battalion – held in Toowoomba this year in the 100th the Division’s direction and I would publicly like to acknowledge
year of Rugby League in Toowoomba. A very special visitor their support, and on behalf of the leagues and clubs extend
attended whose father served in the 47th Battalion in our gratitude”.
1917 – he gave a tremendous account of his father’s past.
Sunshine Coast, we look forward to being hosted there in The efforts of Richard Dugdale and the Central Division NRL
2019, once again in their 100th year of existence. The junior Game Development team must be recognised. As always, their
version was also a huge success in Chinchilla largely thanks work has extended beyond the core job description, with the
to the work of staff and volunteers in the Western Downs work they do in promotion of referee development and the
and Chinchilla regions. This year we supplied sleeping Division’s coaching and development philosophy.
bags, some 500, for all the participants which in turn were
donated to the Salvation Army for the homeless – a great We have had some staff changes towards the end of the year
initiative. We look forward to repeating these efforts in and we welcome the following
Bundaberg in 2019.
– Jackie Stephson has moved to Operations Manager Warwick
• Central Division is still leading the way in female and Border (based in the Toowoomba office).
participation. We now have established competitions for
both girls and open women in several regions. It has grown – Grant Bignell has moved from the NRL Development to taking
from just one senior women’s team in 2008 to more than over the important role of Education and Wellbeing Manager.
25 senior sides in 2018. We have the largest league base We say farewell to David Faiumu who has done a great job in
of junior female players in Australia and in fact the most his tenure in the role. Glenn Ottaway is moving to a role in the
registered female players in any Division in Qld. This year QRL as Regional General Manager with Rob Crow stepping up to
saw the introduction of an under 14 Girls Outback side as the Regional Manager role. Glenn’s guidance and leadership has
well competing in the City Country Exchange at Coolum. been outstanding over the past four years and he leaves Central
I look forward to seeing the game develop in the female Region a much better place.
4 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
However, our game is much bigger than individuals and without In closing I would like to thank all those people who in some
the support of the grassroots volunteers none of the delivered way small or large helped in making the season such a success.
programs would succeed. The support from the club and league Recent rains have put a smile on many faces and whilst we face
executive, administrators and volunteers has been terrific. I many challenges, the one thing that stands out in our rugby
shouldn’t neglect the parents as well who support the game in league community is their resilience and the support we give
so many ways. Remember Volunteers don’t just happen – they one another.
are nurtured by the clubs and leagues and we must not be
reluctant to ask for assistance as sometimes that is all that is Looking forward to season 2019 – all the best for Christmas.
needed. A feeling of self-worth is so important in many ways – a Remember, slow down on the roads and if flooded forget it!
simple question like “Would you mind helping out this weekend
as our kids need support?” – DANNY MCGUIRE
I am pleased to say that the Division once again managed to Chairman Central Division
improve on the expected budget position. This in no small part
can be attributed to the careful management of funds by Rob
Crow (Assistant Division Manager) and overseeing by Peter Hunt
(Division Independent – finance).
DIVISION MANAGER
Rugby League across the Central In the results section of this publication you will also note the
Region continued to grow in 2019, closeness of our A-Grade competitions. Not only do the results
largely thanks to the combined effort reflect quality and balanced competitions but, in many cases,
of staff, volunteers and of course the the ‘favourites’ did not get the chocolates. It is important for all
participants. Across all leagues and leagues to maintain the integrity and tradition of major local
clubs, we now have approximately competitions, but we must also listen to current players to get
21,500 people playing the game on a better understanding of what they want from a Rugby League
a regular basis. This is buoyed by a experience in the modern day.
retention rate that is 6% better than the
national average. Thank you once again to Tony Price and League QLD for their
lead in bringing together this publication. I trust that you will
Junior growth is particularly strong with enjoy reading the many stories that have been brought together
increases across all age demographics 4 to 15. The challenge by the staff and volunteers listed above.
ahead is to retain these players as they ‘graduate’ to senior
competitions. Rugby League continues to provide a great outlet for positivity
in our communities. If you are reading this magazine there is a
As has been the case over the last four years, female fair chance that you have contributed to sustaining the game
participation leads the way with 24% growth across the region. in your community or across the region. Your efforts do not go
There are many success stories in 2019 of leagues/clubs that unnoticed and they are greatly appreciated by all stakeholders
have embraced and capitalised on the success and growing in the game.
profile of the female game. This includes, significant growth in
Central QLD, Sunshine Coast introducing a stand-alone female – GLENN OTTAWAY
competition and Toowoomba Valley’s adopting the ‘Fillies’ and
embarking on an overseas tour. Region Manager (2018)
Pathways are expanding in the female space as well with the
introduction of the NRLW. Several players from the region
featured heavily in the NRLW Competition and it would be
remiss of me not to mention Gladstone product, and one of the
faces of the NRLW, Chelsea Baker slotting a conversion from the
sideline (in to a howling wind) to give QLD Country the edge over
City at the National Championships.
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THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
HONOUR ROLL
QRL Divisional Championships Roma District
Men - SEQ Poinsettias A Grade – Chinchilla 28 d Red Bulls 14
Women – South East Queensland Reserve – Roma Cities 18 d Chinchilla 6
Under 14 Boys – SEQ Green and White (grand final draw) Reserve Grade Player of Year – Rhett Lewis (Roma Cities)
Under 14 Girls – South East Queensland Under 18 – Wallumbilla/Surat 63 d Mitchell 6
Under 16 Boys – SEQ Green Under 18 Player of Year – Harvey Wright (Red Bulls)
Under 16 Girls – South East Queensland Under 16 – Wallumbilla/Surat 24 d Roma Cities 22
Under 16 Player of Year – Ryan Kehl (Red Bulls)
47th Battalion Shield (Toowoomba)
Men – Sunshine Coast Falcons 12 d Toowoomba 8 South Burnett
Men’s Player of Carnival – Sam Burns (Sunshine Coast) A Grade – Nanango Stags 48 d Kingaroy Red Ants 0
Women – Rockhampton 22 d Sunshine Coast 6 Under 12 – Murgon 28 d Cherbourg 12
Women’s Player of Carnival – Rhiannon Revell-Blair (Rockhampton) Under 14 – Chinchilla 36 d Kingaroy 10
Under 16 – Chinchilla 38 d Nanango 28
47th Battalion Shield Age Championships (Gladstone)
Under 20 – Rockhampton Rustlers 12 d South Burnett 10 Sunshine Coast/Gympie
Under 20 Player of Carnival – Andrew Richardson (Toowoomba A Grade – Maroochydore 22 d Beerwah 20
Clydesdales) Women’s – Caboolture 38 d Kawana 20
Under 18 – Toowoomba Clydesdales 22 d Roma & District 8 Women’s Player of Year – Sophie O’Toole (Nambour)
Under 18 Player of Carnival – Colby Richardson (Bundaberg Bears) Div 2 Pool A – Coolum 28 d Kawana 10
Div 2 Pool A Player of Year – Anthony Chaytor (Kawana)
Bundaberg District Div 2 Pool B – Pomona/Cooran 11 d Beachmere 0
A Grade – Waves Tigers 23 d Wallaroos 20 Division 2 Pool B Player of Year – Adam Sharp (Palmwoods)
Women – Past Brothers 32 d Waves Tigers 6 Under 18 Div 1 – Kawana 24 d Maroochydore 16
Reserve – Easts Magpies 22 d Isis Devils 20 Under 18 Div 1 Player of Year – Corey Mcspadden (Kawana) & Lucas
Under 18 – West Panthers 46 d Hervey Bay 12 Scott (Nambour)
Under 18 Div 2 – Kawana 36 d Stanley Rivers 20
Fraser Coast – Bundaberg Juniors Under 18 Div 2 Player of Year – Joe Scofield (Stanley River)
Under 13 – Hervey Bay Seagulls 42 d Bundaberg Brothers 10
Under 14 – Wallaroos 20 d Hervey Bay Seagulls 12 Sunshine Coast Junior Rugby League
Under 15 – Hervey Bay Seagulls 34 d Western Suburbs 4 Under 12 Pool A – Noosa Blue 22 d Gympie 16
Under 16 – Western Suburbs 40 d Wallaroos 12 Under 12 Pool B – Maroochydore Green 26 d Stanley River Black 10
Under 12 Pool C – Caloundra Gold 16 d Maroochydore Black 14
Central Burnett Under 12 Pool D – Stanley River Red 12 d Nambour Red 8
Gayndah Warriors 30 d Mundubbera Tigers 10 Under 12 Pool E – Beachmere 16 d Kawana Grey 10
Under 13 Division 1 – Caloundra Gold 38 d Kawana Maroon 10
Central Highlands Under 13 Division 2 – Bribie Island 44 d Caloundra Black 22
Men – Blackwater Crushers 24 d Bluff Rabbitohs 16 Under 14 Division 1 – Caboolture 22 d Kawana Maroon 18
Women – Blackwater Crushettes 22 d Emerald Cowgirls 16 Under 14 Division 2 – Beachmere 26 d Bribie Island 10
Under 12 – Blackwater Crushers 10 d Springsure Mountain Men 6 Under 14 Girls - Caboolture 22 d Noosa 18
Under 14 – Gemfields Giants 44 d Emerald Brothers Blue 22 Under 15 Division 1 – Kawana Maroon 22 d Coolum 18
Under 16 – Emerald Tigers 18 d Emerald Brothers 10 Under 15 Division 2 – Gympie 28 d Beerwah 18
Under 16 Division 1 – Kawana Maroon 52 d Caboolture nil
Under 14 Central West Outback Challenge (Charleville) Under 16 Division 2 – Stanley River 18 d Kawana White 16
St George 4 d Wandoan/Miles 0 Under 16 Girls – Caboolture 22 d South Burnett 16
Central West Toowoomba District RL
Blackall Magpies 22 d Ilfracombe Scorpions 8 A Grade – Valleys 24 d Wattles 22
Reserve – Gatton 42 d Pittsworth 20
Gladstone District 2nd Division – Pittsworth 28 d Warwick 14
A Grade – Brothers 25 d Valleys 20 Under 18 – Southern Suburbs 38 d Highfields 10
Women – Wallaby’s 28 d Tannum 4
Reserve – Valleys 22 d Tannum 10 Toowoomba District Junior Rugby League
Under 20 – Brothers 38 d Valleys 10 Under 12 – Gatton JRL
Under 13 – Calliope 36 d Brothers 18 Under 11/12 Development Cup - Brothers JRL
Under 14 – Valleys 50 d Brothers 20 Under 13 – Valleys JRL
Under 15 – Wallabys 26 d Valleys 22 Under 13/14 Development Cup – Pittsworth JRL
Under 16 – Valleys 44 d Brothers 28 Under 14 – Valleys JRL
Under 17 – Brothers 28 d Tannum 12 Under 15 – Highfields JRL
Under 16 – Dalby JRL
Northern Districts Under 15/16 Youth Cup – Gatton JRL
Slean Cup – Avondale Tigers 48 d Agnes Waters Marlins 10
NDRL Premiership – Miriam Vale 18 d South Kolan 12 Toowoomba Junior Rugby League Player of the year
Women’s League Tag – Avondale 24 d Agnes Waters 0 Under 13 – Lleyton Dodd – Dalby JRL
Under 14 – Mason Bloom – Pittsworth JRL
Rockhampton District Under 15 – Brayden Paix – Souths JRL
A Grade – Rockhampton Brothers 40 d Yeppoon 14 Under 16 – Patrick McGinn – Pittsworth JRL
Inter City Women’s – Tannum Sands 14 d Brothers 12
Reserve – Rockhampton Brothers 42 d Gladstone Valleys 6 THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
Under 20 – Rockhampton Brothers 36 d Norths Chargers 16
6 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU
Warwick & District Junior Rugby League LIFE MEMBERS OF CENTRAL DIVISION
Under 12 – Collegians JRL (Life Members of the former CQ, SW & WB Divisions)
Under 14 – Goondiwindi JRL Mal Breen (dec)
Under 14 Leaguetag – Tenterfield JRL Bert Borland
Under 16 – Collegians Blue JRL Rex Little
Under 17 Leaguetag – Tenterfield JRL Graham Lenton (dec)
Rhonnda Poor
Warwick & District Player of the year
Under 14 – Trae Bennetto – Goondiwindi JRL MEMBERS FOR LIFE
Under 14 Leaguetag – Reagan McMillan – Wattles JRL John Barrett OAM
Under 16 – Harrison Williams – Stanthorpe JRL Bob Bateman
Under 17 Leaguetag – Phoebe Cooper – Tenterfield JRL Tim Bliss
Clarrie Bullen
Major Awards (Players of Year) Peter Cavanagh
Harvey Norman Women’s Representative Player of Year – Artie Clewley (dec)
Steph Hancock John Diamond
Les Summerfield Medal (Bundaberg) – Jeff Eyles (dec)
James Pritchard (Wests) Peter Flynn
Ollie Howden Medal (Rockhampton) – Jim Gallagher (dec)
Sam Holzheimer (Yeppoon Seagulls) Duncan Hall (dec)
Roma and District – Jeffrey Gilbert (Chinchilla) Paul Goener
Sunshine Coast – Joel Bissett (Kawana) Bob Love (dec)
Price/Webcke Medal (Toowoomba and District) – John McDonald AM
Jackson Green (Wattles) Barry Nugent
SB Junior Eagle of Year – Bailey Cavanough Bill Oliver
SB Senior Eagle of Year – Thomas Springate Glynn Rees
Kathy Duff Female Eagle of Year – Maddison Carstairs Roy Rowe
Deb Frecklington Senior Player of Year – Shane Argent Ian Sanderson
Jim Gallagher Medal (Central Highlands) – Danny Tanner (dec)
Brodee Barrett (Clermont Bears) EC (Ted) Weber OAM
Rhiannon Rowe Medal (Central Highlands) – Ron Wilkinson (dec)
Deb Barchard (Emerald Cowgirls) and Tegan Rolfe (Dysart Bulls) Ron Wroe
Central Division QRL/NRL Awards
Central Division Volunteer of Year – Adam Wright (Gladstone)
NRL “Grass Roots Club of Year” – Barcaldine RLFC
QRL “Woman in League Achievement Award” –
Mei-Lin (South Burnett)
THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 7
Succeisns4f7otrhFBaaltctoanlsio, nRocky
Sunshine Coast’s Travis Long scoring in Final
PHOTO: Courtesy Red in League Photography
THE Sunshine Coast Falcons and Ty Gardner crossed to take the lead 8-4 and put the home
Toowoomba Clydesdales battled it side ahead for the first time in the match.
out in yet another epic finale, with Despite the setback, the Falcons were determined to regain
the Falcons just clinching the 47th the trophy from the Clydesdales and applied the pressure to
Battalion silverware in Toowoomba. their defensive line, amounting to repeated attacking sets.
The pressure became too much 11 minutes into the second
After an enthralling 16-14 win to the Clydesdales last year, half with Blake Mara delivering a textbook short ball to Travis
both teams met in the big dance once again and eager Long, levelling the scores again.
spectators couldn’t believe their luck when the competition Oxenham added the vital two points to give the Sunshine
heavyweights delivered another chapter to their previous Coast a two-point buffer with just over 10 minutes left. From
thrilling encounters. there, the crowd were left on the edge of their seats, with
plenty of opportunities presented to both teams to clinch the
The Sunshine Coast were the in-form favourites after a match and title.
dominant display against North Wide Bay and Bundaberg,
and whilst the home side narrowly downed Rockhampton to Chelsea Baker, a super-star of Women’s Rugby League playing in the 47th
qualify, the previous champions had the weight of defending Battalion Carnival PHOTO: www.QRL.com
the title on home soil bearing down on them.
The Falcons scored first in the eighth minute, with Nat
McGavin crossing after receiving a pinpoint cut-out pass
from halfback Tyler Oxenham. Following the try, both teams
toiled hard in the hope of finding points, but neither could
answer the calling with watertight defence on display.
Nearing halftime, the Clydesdales wanted points to keep
in touch with the Falcons; and a cleverly crafted 40/20
attempt from Cory McGrady came up trumps. After getting
the ball back 10m out, a well-weighted cross-field kick from
incumbent Queensland Rangers halfback Matt Duggan
allowed James Dempsey to water the drought and lock the
contest up at 4-4 heading into the break.
It was horrid start for the Falcons in the second stanza,
allowing the ball the bounce only for the Clydesdales to
regather. To rub salt in to the wounds, in the following play,
8 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
With two minutes on the clock, Toowoomba rolled the dice In the Women’s division, history was made as the
with a chip and chase 40m from their own line for Dylan Rockhampton Rustlers secured their maiden title with a
Chown to regather and kick again 40m from the line. A 22-6 win over the Sunshine Coast Falcons. A two-try haul
footrace followed, but unfortunately for the Clydesdales, from Kaitlin Moss and a strong showing from young fullback
the Falcons scooped the ball up in the own goal line and just Rhiannon Revell-Blair ensured the Rustlers victory after going
had to complete the set to win. With just under a minute down to the Central Highlands in last year’s decider.
remaining, the Clydesdales gave away a penalty with the
Falcons instantly opting to kick for goal, and ultimately At the conclusion of the carnival, the Division named its
securing the win and the 47th Battalion in an epic affair. Central Crows Men’s, Women’s and Emerging Women’s sides
to represent the region in the upcoming month.
Sunshine Coast’s Tyler Oxenham was announced the Player
of the Final for his leadership and direction in the halves A big congratulations and thanks must go to the Toowoomba
alongside Corey McGrath who also played well for the Brothers Junior and Senior clubs and the Toowoomba Rugby
Falcons. For Toowoomba, incumbent Queensland Rangers League for the hard work contributing to a successful 47th
captain Jason Wardrop was very strong at lock forward Battalion. The Division congratulates all players who took
and provided his side with the go forward and experience part in this year’s carnival and looks forward to the 2019 47th
required in such a big game. Battalion set to be held at the Sunshine Coast.
In the plate final earlier, Central Highlands were upset again, – CAMERON STALLARD
this year by South West Country 18-6. In an entertaining QRL Central Division
game between the two country cousins, CH led early through
a try to Tom Murray. The depth of the Country side however
paid dividends with a strong showing from Tom Kennedy
in the halves and Michael Fletcher up front, to score all the
remaining points in the match and lift the plate.
LEFT: Sam Burns, Player of the Carnival with QRL Managing Director Rob Moore RIGHT: Sunshine Coast’s Murray Goldsworthy being presented
with the 47th Battalion Trophy by Toowoomba Mayor, Paul Antonio with Central Division Chairman Danny McGuire in background.
PHOTO: Courtesy of Red in League Photography
PLAYERS OF THE FINALS – Men’s Trophy: Tyler Oxenham (Sunshine Coast), Men’s Plate: Tom Kennedy (South West
Country), Women’s: Sarah Field (Rockhampton). PLAYERS OF THE CARNIVAL – Men’s: Sam Burns (Sunshine Coast),
Women’s: Rhiannon Revell-Blair (Rockhampton)
RESULTS: PLATE FINAL: SOUTH WEST COUNTRY 18 (Daniel Dwyer, Thomas Thompson-Dodd, John Russo tries;
Warren Draper 3 goals) defeated CENTRAL HIGHLANDS 6 (Tom Murray try; Shae Cox goal)
TROPHY FINAL: SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS 12 (Nat McGavin, Travis Long tries; Tyler Oxenham 2 goals) defeated
TOOWOOMBA 8 (James Dempsey, Ty Gardner tries)
WOMEN’S FINAL: ROCKHAMPTON 22 (Kaitlin Moss 2, Rhiannon Revell-Blair, Mackenzie Reid, Gemma Brennan tries;
Tashina Ketchup goal) defeated SUNSHINE COAST 6 (Annette Brander try; Lana Sheedy goal)
THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 9
SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS
SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS RUGBY LEAGUE TEAM 2018 – 47TH BATTALION CHAMPIONS
BACK (L-R): James Ward (Leaguesafe), Glenn Irwin (Manager), Joel Bissett, Brody Riseborough, Martin Cordwell, Alex Braun, Mitch Ward, Baidon Cooper,
Luke Gillett, Travis Long, Blake Mara, Devlin Long, Sam Burns, Gavin Buzza (Sports Trainer) FRONT: Tom Rafter, Jordan Remfrey (Assistant Manager), Nat
McGavin, Tyler Oxenham, Alex Copelin, Danny Gray (Coach), Troy Mendham, Tommy Buzza (Team Motivator), Murray Goldsworthy (Captain), Paul McKewin,
Dylan McGrath, Mackenzie Reid (Leaguesafe).
ROCKHAMPTON RUSTLERS
ROCKHAMPTON RUSTLERS WOMEN’S RUGBY LEAGUE TEAM 2018 – 47TH BATTALION CHAMPIONS
STANDING: Luke Johns (League Safe), Stacey Anderson, Meg Neven, Tarni Smith, Tegan Davidson, Jacinda Harrison, Amanda Ohl (Coach), Sarah Field,
Rhiannon Revell-Blair, Kaitlin Moss, Gemma Brennan, Greta Doherty (Assistant Coach) MIDDLE: Sharni Upton, Mikayla Roe, Tashina Ketchup, Justine Willie,
Chloe Fattore, Lani Querro (Manager) SITTING: Leonie Williams, Samartha Leisha, Makensie Reid, Jessica Powell, Kira Boland.
10 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
CDENIVTIRSAIOLNDAELFTIAITNLTEAST
CENTRAL DIVISION MEN’S REPRESENTATIVE TEAM – 2018 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
BACK (L-R): Matt Pacey (Assistant Coach), Tony Mather (Trainer), Dylan Chown, Blake Mara, Shaun Ezzy, Gavin Hiscox, Ray Ebsworth, Matthew Craven, Murray
Goldsworthy, Jamie Minto, Kevin Sherrif, Masada Iosefa, Michael Fletcher (Manager) FRONT: Chris Conway, Tom Murray, Tyler Oxenham, Paul McKewin,
Chris Munro (Coach), Jason Wardrop, Dylan McGrath, Ben Sullivan, Nathanael McGavin.
THE Women’s team fared better than The Men’s team had won the Divisional Championships in
the men but neither won a title at the 2016 and 2017 so went into the weekend with confidence
Divisional A Grade Carnival played as several of their players including Gavin Hiscox, Steve
at Owen Park, Southport over the Franciscus and Jason Wardrop had Intrust Super Cup
weekend of the 1st to 3rd June. experience while others like Murray Goldsworthy had played
several seasons at this level.
On the Friday the Women’s team commenced their campaign
with a narrow 6-0 loss to South East Queensland after the On Day One they met the South East Queensland Poinsettias
score had been locked at 0-0 at the interval. Mia Carter scored and went down 37-12 after trailing 18-6 at half time. Raymond
the only try of the game in the 70th minute with Robertson Ebsworth scored a try and kicked two goals while Thomas
kicking the conversion. Murray also scored a try. Earlier in the day South East had
defeated the highly rated Northern Division 38-24 after the
Saturday’s game saw the Women’s team show some real North had led 18-16 at the interval.
form as they defeated Northern Division 30-12 with Samartha
Leisha scoring a double while Kailah Rogers, Meg Neven and On the final day Northern Division defeated Central 26-4 after
Mackenzie Reid also scored tries. Tashina Ketchup kicked leading 14-0 at half time. Matthew Craven from Bundaberg
five goals in a dominant display. The Central girls really hit was the only try scorer in what was a disappointing end to
their straps in the second half with the board being locked the carnival.
6-6 at half time. Katie Green scored two tries for Northern
with Adeline Poid kicking two goals. Leading into Day Three, Former Central Division star, Lenny Magney scored three
Central were leading the competition on eight points from tries in the South East Queensland Poinsettias big 36-4 defeat
South East (7) and Northern (1). of South East Queensland to claim the Divisional title. The
Poinsettias finished the carnival on 16 points from Northern
On Day Three South East Queensland defeated Northern (10), South East Queensland (6) and Central on nil.
28-0 to win the Championships on 15 points from Central (8)
and Northern (1).
THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 11
CENTRAL DIVISION WOMEN’S REPRESENTATIVE TEAM – 2018 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Back (L-R): Kori Herman (Manager), Kristal Johnston (Assistant Coach), Molly O’Connell, Renee Hireme, Sophie O’Toole, Gemma Brennan, Meg Neven, Reeghyn
Beardmore, Emmaley McMurdy, Samartha Leisha, Tashia Anthony, Taneale Lawton, Sarah Field, Max Conroy (First Aid), Ronny Tasker (Head Trainer). Front:
Peleiupu Faalogo, Lauren Cockburn, Sarah Baker, Tashina Ketchup, Steve Savage (Coach), Kailah Rogers, Rikarra Benjamin, Mackenzie Reid, Sara Collins.
CENTRAL WOMEN CENTRAL MEN
Kailah Rogers (Central Highlands) Raymond Ebsworth (Central
Reeghyn Beardmore (South West) Highlands) Jamie Minto
Sophie O’Toole (Sunshine Coast) (Rockhampton) Chris Conway
Sarah Thornton (Southern Suburbs) (Central Highlands) Nathanael
Meg Neven (Rockhampton) McGavin (Sunshine Coast) Dylan
Tashina Ketchup (Rockhampton) Chown (Toowoomba) Dylan
Sarah Field (Rockhampton) Mcgrath (Sunshine Coast) Tyler
Emmaley Mcmurdy (South West) Oxenham (Sunshine Coast)
Mackenzie Reid (Rockhampton) Blake Mara (Sunshine Coast)
Renee Hireme (Sunshine Coast) Ben Sullivan (Toowoomba) Gavin
Rikarra Benjamin (Gladstone) Hiscox (Rockhampton) Murray
Lauren Cockburn (South West) Goldsworthy (Sunshine Coast) Paul
Sarah Crumblin (Bundaberg) Mckewin (Sunshine Coast) Jason
Taneale Lawton (Sunshine Coast) Wardrop (Toowoomba) Thomas
Tashia Anthony (Central Highlands) Murray (Central Highlands) Shaun
Peleiupu Faalogo (Sunshine Coast) Ezzy (Rockhampton) Matthew
Gemma Brennan (Rockhampton) Craven (Bundaberg) Kevin Sheriff
Molly O’Connell (South West) (Bundaberg) Masada Iosefa
Samartha Leisha (Rockhampton) (Rockhampton)
Coach – Chris Munro
12 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
YOUNG CROWS FLY
HIGH IN MACKAY
THE State Junior Rugby League
Divisional Championships were
held at BB Print Stadium in Mackay
with teams from Central, Northern
and South East Queensland
participating. The Central Division
teams were:
CENTRAL CROWS U14 Boys
1. Luke Callanan 2. Jordain Beezley 3. Carter Wight 4. Kooper Diment 5. Sam Dominiak 6. Bailey Smith 7. Trae Bennetto 8.
Lane Crossley-Price 9. Owen Pattie 10. Kelly Shadlow 11. Dain Milosavlikevic 12. Harry Dwyer 13. Jaiden Green 14. Declan
Ryan 15. Domenic Whittingham 16. Bailey Cavanough 17. Mitchell Jennings 18. Tomas Powell 19. Angus Stewart Coach: Lennie
Currie
CENTRAL CROWS U14 Girls
1. Charlotte Blackwood 2. Miah Powell 3. Maddison Riley 4. Hannah Mountford 5. Shauna Bailey 6. Tia McLellan 7. Prue Peters
8. Delaney Claridge 9. Sienna Norris 10. Lillian Yarrow 11. Grace Giampino 12. Alenna Whipp 13. Jaydah Tofae 14. Courtney-
Lee Whittaker 15. Jordan Jackson 16. Natasha Nibbs 17. Kirra Smith 18. Jayde Hogan 19. Savannah Power. Coach: Amy
Horsburgh
CENTRAL CROWS U16 Boys
1. Brendan Siebuhr 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Blake Laherty 4. Patrick McGinn 5. Watjerra Briggs 6. Joshua Chappell 7. Zac Laybutt 8.
Alec Jardine 9. Jake Gehrmann 10. Zacari Short 11. Jake Zammitt 12. Connor Clement 13. Blake Shirley 14. Lachlan Santana 15.
Joshua Maroney 16. Jack Pike 17. Harrison Hartwig 18. Jack Grant 19. Jayden Taufa Coach: Mal McMillan
CENTRAL CROWS U16 Girls
1. Skye Girard 2. Maddison Carstairs 3. Traevonnah Fisher 4. Haylea Lonergan 5. Heather Sandow 6. Nkala Garvey 7. Skye
Houliston 8. Cassandra Marks 9. Abina Page 10. Chloe Buttigieg 11. Tamzin Taumafai 12. Georgia Voll 13. Abelee Stanley 14.
Emmogen Taumafai 15. Katelyn Anderson 17. Montanna Whipp 18. Jayde Ramsay 19. Sophie Wright. Coach: Terri Weatherley
THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 13
South East Queensland dominated the UNDER 14 GIRLS
finals, taking out all age groups in both
girls and boys. The best performing SEQ 22 (Rialey Baty, Mackenzie Baty, Malaela Su’a, Wendy
of the regional teams were Central Toma Tries; Mackenzie Baty 2 Goals) defeated Central 4
Division Boys who came third in both (Courtney-Lee Whittaker Try)
Under 16 and Under 14 divisions. The
other high achiever from the Central Northern 12 (Alarnah Langwe, Libby Surha, Nazareth Blanco
Division was Jaydah Tofae who won Tries) defeated Central 4 (Miah Powell Try)
the Veronica White Award as Player of
the Under 14 Girls Division. SEQ 30 (Rialey Baty, Fautino Ah-Him, Jacinta Carter, Rilee
Jorgensen, Angel Kirikava Tries; Mackenzie Baty 3, Libby
CENTRAL DIVISION RESULTS WERE:- Hamilton, Rilee Jorgensen Goals) defeated Central 0
UNDER 14 BOYS 3V4 FINAL: Central 16 (Luke Callanan, Central 12 (Alenna Whipp 2 Tries; Kirra Smith 2 Goals) Drew
Owen Pattie, Domenic Whittingham Tries; Trae Bennetto 2 Northern 12 (Alarnah Langwe, Siniva Sa’anga, Tusiga Salei
Goals) defeated Northern 4 (Mason Simpson Try) Tries)
UNDER 16 BOYS 3V4 FINAL: Central 36 (Josh Chappell 2, UNDER 16 BOYS
Selwyn Cobbo, Patrick Mcginn, Alec Jardine, Connor Clement
Tries; Josh Chappell 6 Goals) defeated Northern 8 (Brock Northern 18 (Tyrese Parter, Jesse Yallop, Henri Stocks Tries;
Johnson, Isiah Kawane Tries) Henri Stocks 3 Goals) defeated Central 12 (Josh Chappell, Jake
Gehrmann Tries; Josh Chappell 2 Goals)
UNDER 14 BOYS
SEQ White 24 (Brendan Piakura 2, Tate Roberts, Tyrone Sa’u,
Central 12 (Bailey Smith, Owen Pattie Tries; Trae Bennetto 2 Kedan Chan-Tung Tries; Reece Walsh 2 Goals) defeated Central
Goals) defeated Northern 4 (Sean Bourke Try) 18 (Jake Zammitt, Connor Clement, Josh Moroney Tries; Josh
Chappell 3 Goals)
SEQ White 22 (Kobie Mackey-Taylor, Kyle Colburn, Shannon
Subritzky-Stewart, Jye Gray Tries; Kobie Mackey-Taylor 3 SEQ Green 46 (Caleb Evans 3, Trezman Banjo 2, Keegan
Goals) defeated Central 12 (Trae Bennetto, Dain Milosavljevic Vandenberg, Byron Parnell, Xavier Savage Tries; Trezman
Tries; Trae Bennetto 2 Goals) Banjo, Matamatagai Ripley 4 Goals) defeated Central 8
(Brendan Siebhur, Jack Pike Tries)
SEQ Green 12 (Timothey Sielaff-Burns, Blake Ruaporo Tries;
Jed Lacey, Blake Ruaporo 2 Goals) defeated Central 6 (Harry UNDER 16 GIRLS
Dwyer Try; Trae Bennetto Goal)
SEQ 18 (Ana Drotini, Courtney Tamati, Indee Brown, Keilee
Joseph Tries; Angelina Wells Goal) defeated Central 8 (Skye
Houliston 2 Tries)
Northern 24 (Jasmine Peters 2, Alion Guiga 2, Jordii
Mahendrarajah Tries; Jasmine Peters 2 Goals) defeated
Central 14 (Traevonnah Fisher, Abelee Stanley, Sophie Wright
Tries; Georgia Voll Goal)
SEQ 26 (Leshaye Anderson, Courtney Tamati, Zaarley Mamaru,
Indee Brown, Tiamo Williams, Keilee Joseph Tries; Courtney
Tamati Goal) defeated Central 10 (Abelee Stanley, Katelyn
Anderson Tries; Georgia Voll Goal)
Central 30 (Abelee Stanley 3, Traevonnah Fisher, Haylea
Lonergan, Georgia Voll Tries; Georgia Voll 3 Goals) defeated
Northern 4 (Elisa Niki Try)
14 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
CENTRAL DIVISION UNDER 14 GIRLS REPRESENTATIVE TEAM – 2018 STATE RUGBY LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS
BACK (L-R): Sheree Prendergast (Trainer), Jaydah Tofae, Maddison Riley, Savannah Power, Jordan Jackson, Natasha Nibbs, Amy Horsburgh (Coach) MIDDLE:
Lisa Anderson (Manager), Shauna Bailey, Miah Powell, Prue Peters, Alenna Whipp, Charlotte Blackwood, Sienna Norris, Lionel Harbin (Assistant Coach)
FRONT: Hannah Mountford, Grace Giampino, Kirra Smith, Tia McLellan, Jayde Hogan, Lillian Yarrow, Delaney Claridge, Courtney-Lee Whittaker
CENTRAL DIVISION UNDER 14 BOYS REPRESENTATIVE TEAM – 2018 STATE RUGBY LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS
BACK (L-R): Nev Brauer (Manager), Domenic Whittingham, Declan Ryan, Kooper Diment, Carter Wright, Jaiden Green, Bryce Holdsworth (Assistant Coach)
MIDDLE: Neil Dabelstein (FAO), Owen Pattie, Bailey Smith, Harry Dwyer, Dain Milosavljevic, Bailey Cavanough, Tomas Powell, Lennie Currie (Coach) FRONT:
Jordain Beezley, Kelly Shadlow, Lane Crossley-Price, Mitchell Jennings (Captain), Trae Bennetto (Vice Captain), Luke Callanan, Sam Dominiak, Angus Stewart
THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 15
CENTRAL DIVISION UNDER 16 GIRLS REPRESENTATIVE TEAM – 2018 STATE RUGBY LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS
BACK (L-R): Christine Oakes (Manager), Jayde Ramsay, Maddison Carstairs, Skye Girard, Skye Houliston, Heather Sandow, Sonia Lund (Sports Trainer)
MIDDLE: Terri Weatherley (Coach), Nkala Garvey, Katelyn Anderson, Haylea Lonergan, Kaylynn Saltner, Abina Page, Sophie Wright, Brad Eggmolesse (League
Safe) FRONT: Montannah Whipp, Chloe Buttigieg, Emmogen Taumafai, Abelee Stanley (Captain), Georgia Voll (Captain), Cassandra Marks, Tamzin Taumafai,
Traevonmah Fisher
CENTRAL DIVISION UNDER 16 BOYS REPRESENTATIVE TEAM – 2018 STATE RUGBY LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS
BACK (L-R): Mal McMillan (Head Coach), Brendan Siebuhr, Lachlan Santana, Jake Gehrmann, Watjerra Briggs, Joshua Maroney, Tim Wood (Manager) MIDDLE:
Clinton Lewis (Assistant Coach), Jake Pike, Harrison Hartwig, Zac Short, Jake Zammit, Connor Clement, Jayden Taufa, Dwayne Kangan (Sports Trainer) FRONT:
Selwyn Cobbo, Blake Laherty, Patrick McGinn, Alec Jardine (Vice Captain), Josh Chappell (Captain), Blake Shirley, Zac Laybutt, Jack Grant
16 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
CHAMPIONS OF THE
CENTRAL DIVISION (A-Z)
Luke Bateman Gavin Cooper (Murgon Mustangs) in in the twilight of
an outstanding career that includes a premiership with
Luke Bateman (Miles Devils) has averaged 21 games a the Cowboys, more than 200 NRL games that started back
season for the Canberra Raiders since 2016 and is one of in 2006 and he has represented Queensland for several
the unsung quality back-row forwards that Queensland can seasons. One of the best ball running forwards in the NRL his
call on. Bateman will be with the Raiders again in 2019 after combination with Johnathan Thurston has seen him score
signing a one year contract. 60 tries in 200 appearances which is a good strike rate for a
forward.
Wayne Bennett (Warwick Collegians) is regarded as one
of the most astute rugby league coaches the game has ever Brodie Croft (Highfields Eagles) played in the 2018 NRL
seen. Originally a Warwick Collegians junior he played for Grand Final and although he was on the losing side the
Queensland and Australia from the Central Division before experience will be invaluable heading into next season. Croft
embarking on a wonderful coaching career that has included is the front-runner to be the regular Melbourne Storm half-
premierships with Brisbane Souths, St George-Illawarra back but any slip along the way could see him back in the
and the Brisbane Broncos. Bennett has also coached New Intrust Super Cup. Another season alongside Cameron Smith
Zealand (assistant), Great Britain and Australia, the NRL All will polish the classy half-back and with time on his side the
Stars and has won five of the seven Origin series that he was Junior Kangaroo has the rugby league world in front of him.
involved in.
Jake Friend (Noosa Pirates) gets little mention in
Kurt Capewell (Charleville) almost doubled his first-grade Queensland but the Sydney Roosters would not swap their
appearances with the Cronulla Sharks in 2018 going from 20 in captain for any hooker in the game. A magnificent defender
two seasons to 39 at the end of 2018. A utility player who has and organiser he has now played 238 NRL games and
ran on as either a back-rower or centre he is one of many fine won two premierships in three Grand Final appearances.
players fighting for selection in a strong line-up at the Sharks. Friend made an amazing 75 tackles in one game during the
He was in the run-on side in both their 2018 finals games. 2018 season and despite not playing for Queensland has
represented Australia.
Matt Gillett (Bribie Island Warrigals) is widely acclaimed
as the best second-row forward in Australia but a stress
fracture suffered during the 2017 Rugby League World Cup
hindered his 2018 season. The big forward from Bribie Island
only played five games for the Brisbane Broncos but will be
back for 2019.
Tim Glasby (Norths Rockhampton) snuck under the radar
in 2018 yet he played for Queensland and 24 NRL games for
the Melbourne Storm including the Grand Final. The hard
working prop forward played a lot of the season off the bench
for the Storm who have an abundance of top line forwards.
He’s joining the Newcastle Knights in 2019 for three seasons
but we can expect to see him wearing Queensland colours
when Origin comes around.
Jake Granville (Rockhampton Brothers) must have been
desperately unlucky to not have played for Queensland in
2018. While the Cowboys struggled Granville had a pretty
good season and was the glue that held his team together for
the middle part of the season. One of the best ball running
hookers in the game he will be a key component in the
Cowboys quest for the 2019 premiership.
WaynTHe EBe2n01n8etQtRL CENTRAL DIVISION LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.CGOavMin.ACUoope1r7
CHAMPIONS OF THE
CENTRAL DIVISION (A-Z)
Kurt Mann (Winton Devils) played 26 games for the
Dragons during the 2018 season and was used in a variety of
positions due to injuries to players like English International,
Gareth Widdop. Mann has now played 88 NRL games and
is one of the most versatile backs in the competition. His
preferred position is five-eighth but can play centre, winger,
full-back or half-back.
Jake Friend
Sam Hoare (Rockhampton Brothers) has played 21 games
IfLnoutrkretuhsBetaNSteuQmpeCarnowCubpoyfsorsinthcee 2014 and almost 60 games in the
Townsville Blackhawks and more
recently the Mackay Cutters.
Ben Hunt (Blackwater) has had an amazing 2018 season. A Moses Mbye (Noosa Pirates) was one of the unlucky players
long-time Broncos half-back he played for Queensland and caught up in the Bulldogs salary cap fiasco. A great player
Australia from the club before heading south to St George who has had an exceptional season in 2018 he was forced
Illawarra in 2018. His early to mid-season form saw the to leave the Dogs for Wests Tigers mid-season and took to
Dragons soar to premiership favouritism but along with the the switch like a duck to water. A classy utility player who can
club’s form, Hunt’s own season took a slide. Ben Hunt forced move from fullback to hooker with ease he would not be out
his way into the Queensland team and also played in both of place in the Queensland team. Mbye has now played 103
tests for Australia at season end. A remarkably consistent NRL games including nine for the Tigers and is a real star of
player he has now appeared in 212 NRL games and four the game.
Origin games for Queensland.
Andrew McCullough (Dalby Devils) played all three games
Felise Kaufusi (Bundaberg Brothers) was one of the for Queensland in 2018 and at the age of 28 has now played
brightest stars in the 2018 rugby league season as he started 236 NRL games for the Brisbane Broncos. A magnificent
the year on a high after the 2017 World Cup and kept his form defender and organiser he will be a key to the Broncos 2019
until season end with tests against New Zealand and Tonga. premiership chances.
The big man from Bundaberg is one of the few Queensland
players who retained his test jersey for the October tests
but he’s a class act on the rugby league field. His 26 games
for the Melbourne Storm in 2018 gave him 86 games in
four seasons while he played in all three Origin games for
Queensland. Kaufusi is only 26 years old so we can expect to
see him around for a while.
Ethan Lowe (Goondiwindi) is now in his sixth season with
the North Queensland Cowboys and has played 109 NRL
games during that time. His 2018 form was patchy although
he did play 15 NRL games. He spent the middle part of the
season in the Intrust Super Cup and will be looking to cement
a spot against tough opposition in the Cowboys 2019 line-up.
1J8ake GLrEaAnGvUilEleQUEENSLAND.COM.AU Felise Kaufusi THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
Kurt Mann Anthony Seibold
Cameron Munster (Norths Rockhampton) was the Matt Scott (Longreach Tigers) is now heading to what will
dominant player in the 3rd Origin game in Brisbane and a be his last season in the NRL. The Ilfracombe junior who
certain selection for Australia before withdrawing from the attended St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon has scaled the great
squad for personal reasons. The departure of Billy Slater heights that is International rugby league and there are few
from the Melbourne Storm will put added pressure on more respected players in the game. 2019 will be his 16th
Munster but the Rockhampton born super-star will rise to the season in the NRL and after more than 250 games in the
occasion. Now a regular test player and certain Queensland hardest position of them all plus 22 tests for Australia and 22
selection Cameron Munster has the best years of his rugby games for Queensland we wish him well for season 2019. He
league career in front of him. There is plenty to like about has had an injury interrupted 2017 and 2018 but with Scott
Munster and at the age of 24 he has appeared in two Origin on the paddock the Cowboys are contenders.
series, three NRL Grand Finals and almost 90 NRL games.
Anthony Seibold (Rockhampton) won the 2018 NRL Coach
Jonus Pearson (Yeppoon Seagulls) has been used sparingly of the Year for his fine performance at the South Sydney
as a winger by the Brisbane Broncos over the past three Rabbitohs and has signed a four year contract to coach the
seasons and will be playing for St George-Illawarra in 2019. A Brisbane Broncos from 2020. Seibold is a Rockhampton
quality player who will stand up to be counted at the Dragons. junior and actually played around 70 games for the Canberra
Raiders and London Broncos. His relaxed style of coaching
Moses Mbye will be new to the Broncos so time will tell how he performs.
Ashley Taylor (Toowoomba) has averaged 23 games a
season since 2016 with the Gold Coast Titans and the weight
of expectation hangs on his shoulders. Everybody expects
Taylor to win every game for the Titans but at 23 years old
he is still learning his trade. The return of Tyrone Roberts in
2019 and the signature of New South Wales utility Tyrone
Peachy will take a lot of pressure off Taylor next year and
don’t be surprised to see him wearing a Queensland jersey
in 2019.
ALL PHOTOS: NRL imagery
Ashley Taylor
Matt Scott
THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION Cameron Munster
LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 19
WOMEN IN
LEAGUE
OUR CHAMPIONS
Image: Courtesy Rachael Williamson
FOURTEEN of the nineteen players In the third game of the day, Queensland Country proved too
selected for Queensland Country to good for the Combined Affiliate States under lights to notch a
play in the National Championships dominant 38-0 win.
after the trial at BB Print Stadium in
Mackay against the Northern Division Game 3 – QLD Country 38 (Chelsea Baker 2, Rhiannon
came from the Central Division. Revell-Blair, Kody House, Brittany Breayley, Rangimarie
Central had defeated Northern 26-10 Edwards-Bruce, Annette Brander tries; Chelsea Baker 5
in the Open Division and also won goals) def. Combined Affiliate States 0
the Emerging Women’s game 22-8.
While it wasn’t a final for the tournament trophy, Queensland
Strong performances from several Australian Jillaroos stars Country and Queensland City faced off in a great game where
headlined the opening day of the Harvey Norman National the spirit of the players shone through. It took a sideline
Championships on the Gold Coast in June. All six teams were in conversion just before the final siren by Jillaroo and Central
action on the opening day of the championships with the four Queensland representative Chelsea Baker to seal the win for
City-Country sides from both NSW and Queensland recording the Country side 22-20.
victories.
They were down 10-6 at halftime, but were able to fight their
The three-day event acts as a major selection process for way back into the game with a late try out on the left wing to
players ahead of the women’s Holden State of Origin on June Kody House drawing scores level. It had the fans scrambling
22 with both state coaches watching on with interest. to see if extra time would be played in a final; but Baker coolly
lined up the kick and slotted it over.
NSW City kicked off their campaign in style with a 24-4 victory
over the Combined Affiliate States in the opening game. The afternoon was capped off with NSW Country being crowned
the Harvey Norman Women’s National Championships
City rested outside backs Corban McGregor and Jess Sergis winners for 2018 after coming out on top against their NSW
but raced out to a 14-0 lead with Lavina O’Mealey and Taleena City rivals in a fantastic final fitting of the three days that
Simon linking well on the right edge to go over for tries, before came before it. It was a close contest throughout and scores
two further four-pointers from the side after the break set up were locked at 8-8 at halftime before a late try broke both the
the comfortable win. deadlock and City hearts.
The side enjoyed the afternoon off in preparation for a Jillaroo Sammy Bremner, who has battled serious injury in
clash with Queensland Country on Saturday. Queensland recent seasons, capped off a great carnival to be named Player
City overcame a scare in the second half to beat the of the Tournament as well.
Australian Defence Force 22-10 in game two of the three-
day championship. A runaway try to Karina Brown allowed QUEENSLAND COUNTRY 22 (Kody House 2, Steph
breathing space for the Queensland side with the ADF outfit Hancock, Chelsea Baker tries; Chelsea Baker 2, Levinia
impressing on championship debut despite limited rugby Robinson goals) def QUEENSLAND CITY 20(Amelia Kuk 2,
league experience across the park. Ali Brigginshaw, Frieda Sue tries; Zahara Temara 2 goals)
Halftime: Queensland City 10-6.
20 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU
THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
QUEENSLAND COUNTRY WOMEN’S RUGBY LEAGUE TEAM 2018
BACK (L-R): Ronny Tasker (Head Trainer), Kristy McLellan,
Rhiannon Revell-Blair, Stefanie Gallagher, Jazmyn Taumafai, Kody
House, Zeah Lane, Kate Haren, Elle Stitt, Brittany Brearley, Kym
Mahon (First Aid), Michael Jeffs (Assistant Coach), Deb Gallop
(Trainer) FRONT: Sharnah Komene, Lana Sheedy, Annette
Brander, Levinia Robinson, Chelsea Baker, Alan McIndoe (Coach),
Stephanie Hancock, Rangimarie Edwards-Bruce, Vassa Hunter,
Krystal Sulter, Deborah Barchard.
The Queensland Country team selected was: Chelsea
Baker (Wallaby’s RLFC, Gladstone), Rhiannon Revell-Blair
(Emu Park RLFC), Kody House (Gladstone), Zeah Lane
(Wallaby’s RLFC, Gladstone), Krystal Sulter (Tannum Sands
RLFC), Levinia Robinson (Moranbah), Lana Sheedy (Sunshine
Coast), Stephanie Gallagher (Sunshine Coast), Brittany
Breayley (Mackay), Steph Hancock (Killarney, South West
Queensland), Ellie Stitt (Emerald Cowboys), Rangimarie
Edwards-Bruce (Moranbah), Kate Haren (Cairns), Vassa
Hunter (Tannum Sands RLFC), Mariah Storch (Blackwater
Crushers RLFC), Jazmyn Taumafi (Sunshine Coast), Deborah
Barchard (Emerald Cowboys), Annette Brander (Sunshine
Coast), Sharnah Komene (Emerald Cowboys), Samartha
Leisha (Toowoomba), Sarah Field (Rockhampton) and Brianna
Clark (Mackay). Coach: Alan McIndoe.
Our Central Division Stars are:
Chelsea Baker (Gladstone Wallabys) is one of the great
players in this new era of Women’s Rugby League. Baker
made her Jillaroos debut on the wing in 2016 against the
New Zealand Ferns and has been part of the team ever since,
including the 2017 World Cup win. Chelsea played fullback for
Queensland in the 2018 Origin game and was a key member
of the Brisbane Broncos team that won the inaugural WNRL
Grand Final. Baker kicked five goals in the Broncos big victory.
She’s a super-star of the Women’s game in Australia. Away
from the Jillaroos, Chelsea works as a game development
officer with the NRL.
The mighty Chelsea Baker scoring for Australia against New Annette Brander, one of the Central Division stars making the
Zealand in 2018 PHOTO: NRL Imagery big time in Women’s Rugby League PHOTO: NRL Imagery
THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION Annette Brander (Beerwah Bulldogs, Sunshine Coast) is
another great rugby league player from the Central Division
who has worn her Australian jersey with pride. Brander can
play most positions on the field and has played nine tests
for Australia since making her debut against New Zealand in
2014. Annette started playing rugby league in 2010 with the
Caboolture Snakes in the under 18s competition, before also
debuting for the Sunshine Coast Sirens Women’s team in the
same year. Annette debuted for the Harvey Norman Jillaroos
in 2014 as part of the team’s first Auckland Nines appearance,
she also debuted for Queensland in the same year. The
Legal Assistant has been part of the Jillaroos team ever since,
including the 2017 World Cup and recent test victory over
New Zealand. Annette played lock for QLD in the inaugural
Women’s Holden State of Origin and signed with the Dragons
for the 2018 Women’s Premiership.
LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 21
WOMEN IN LEAGUE
Steph Hancock is an icon for the Women’s Rugby League Steph Hancock playing for Australia against the Cook Islands
game in Australia. The daughter of former Australian test
forward Rohan Hancock she was always going to be a rugby PHOTO: NRL Imagery
league player. This season she was named the Harvey
Norman Woman’s Representative Player of the Year. 2017 was
supposed to be her swansong after a glittering career that saw
her play 13 games for Queensland and co-captain the Jillaroos
in the 2017 World Cup but the lure of playing in the inaugural
State of Origin for Women motivated her and she came
through the ranks playing for South West Queensland to first
make the Country team and then Queensland Origin selection.
She finished her 2018 season with a maiden premiership with
the Brisbane Broncos and a test victory over New Zealand.
Kody House (Gladstone) made her rugby league debut for
the Gladstone Raidettes in 2014. Kody has been a member
of both the Queensland and Australian Jillaroos squads since
2015. Kody came off the interchange and played centre for
Queensland in the inaugural Women’s Holden State of Origin.
Kody has signed with the Broncos for the 2018 Women’s
Premiership.
Mariah Storch (Blackwater) has represented the Central
Division Crows from 2016-2018 and played for the Queensland
Country team at the 2018 National Championships as a lock.
Mariah was named for Queensland in the inaugural Women’s
Holden State of Origin and played with the Brisbane Broncos
in their 2018 Women’s Premiership.
Mariah Storch, great for Central Division and Queensland
PHOTO: NRL Imagery
Kody House seen here playing for Queensland against New
South Wales PHOTO: NRL Imagery
Rhiannon Revell-Blair (Emu Park) is the new kid on the block Rhiannon Revell-Blair, the new face of Women’s Rugby League.
but has already played for the Prime Ministers XIII against
Papua New Guinea. Former Wallaroos junior Rhiannon Revell- PHOTO: NRL Imagery
Blair took a major step towards her dream of representing
Australia when she was named in the first Australian Prime
Minister’s XIII Women’s side. This year, she represented
Queensland in the first official women’s State of Origin game,
in which New South Wales prevailed 16-10 in front of a healthy
North Sydney Oval crowd of almost 7000 fans. She was named
Rockhampton Rugby League’s Women’s Rookie of the Year.
Based in Brisbane, Revell-Blair travels to Rockhampton each
week to play for Emu Park.
22 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
ALIVE IN THE
CENTRAL DIVISION
THIS season ALIVE has been touring Alive is a community-driven organisation of people
across the Central division offering and partners committed to end youth suicide.
support for players, using non- Inspiring and supporting young Australians at risk of
clinical method such as Brazilian Jiu suicide to feel alive and ultimately choose life through
Jitsu coaching, mindset and tackling the engagement of our suicide intervention support
workshops, phone, text and online services and initiatives.
counselling and coaching supports
and crisis response and prevention OUR MISSION is to reduce and ultimately eliminate youth
eventsinourrugbyleaguecommunity. suicide. We are experiencing a frightening epidemic here
in Australia, and our aim is to provide education, and
These player development programs are made available for intervention where suicide is a risk and prevent it.
every level of the game, and this season will also be available
through an online platform that clubs, players, and families OUR PURPOSE is to work collaboratively as a community
can access for wellbeing development support. providing education to aid suicide prevention and support
directly to those young people identified at risk of suicide.
To help fund these services clubs had the opportunity to Helping them create a life worth living for.
participate in the ALIVE round, where participating clubs
helped raise over $5000.00 to fund these resilience training
programs for our players.
This coming season the ALIVE round will take place in August
and participation in this round will fund ALIVE workshops in
your club.
There will also be a series of community fundraising events in
the year ahead to help raise funds for the ALIVE programs to
be offered at the grassroots of the game. For more information
on these services and how to get involved please go to www.
alive.org.au or contact them on 07 33881207.”
THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 23
BFEODBROIUG9R’SIE
The NRL Game Development team visiting Birdsville State
School, enroute to Bedourie. PHOTO: www.qrl.com
THE town of Bedourie and surrounding areas has a population Whilst the women’s team proved too strong for the Mt Isa
of 122, is situated 1200kms north of Adelaide and 1600kms Wanderers winning both games the men’s team ran up against
west of Brisbane and 2000kms south east of Darwin and sits some tough opposition from the Barcoo Bandits. They won
on the edge of the Simpson Desert. their first game in the preliminaries 14 – 6 but it was a different
proposition in the game that counted. The Bandits came out
No regular Rugby League is played in strong and scored two tries in the first couple of minutes. The
Bedourie due to its remoteness but NRL team fought back to having a chance of winning the final
once a year the town comes alive after scoring after the final siren and needing the conversion
for the Bedourie Rugby League 9s to take the game into extra time, the kick went wide and the
Carnival with players coming from Bandits prevailed once again to take out the Bedourie 9s
as far as Toowoomba, Gladstone, against a team containing two former Test stars. A great team
Rockhampton, Mt Isa and everywhere effort by the boys from the bush who have participated every
in between, whilst the locals make up year, with players coming from Ilfracombe and Longreach.
the team of Bedourie Fleas.
The Bedourie Fleas, whilst they did not make the final,
The weekend started with a meet and greet at the Roadhouse provided the entertainment in the curtain raiser to the main
on Friday night with all the players catching up with locals game against a bunch of oldies from the crowd plus a couple
and other teams. On the Saturday morning everyone met at of ring-ins, what I thought was going to be a game of touch
the Roadhouse again for breakfast and attended a Welfare started out fair dinkum footy from the kick-off. The old guys
Education presentation from Clinton Toopi, (NRL Welfare from out there are big, strong and tough and could put the hits
and Education) and David Faiumu QRL Central Welfare and on anyone, running out winners in a shortened game.
Education). Clinton’s presentation was extremely informative
and whilst being a serious subject was also entertaining. The NRL Development team, captained by “Dicky” Dugdale both
on and off the field, travelled to Bedourie from all directions
The Bedourie 9s had a different look this year with the NRL attending schools and Junior Rugby League Clubs along the
Development staff entering a team into the Men’s and way. In some of these schools the NRL guys outnumbered the
Women’s draw. Both the NRL teams had former Qld and Test students with some schools only having three children. These
players in their ranks which you would think make them early schools receive only limited visits throughout the year and
favourites. were more than pleased to have time out at school to learn
some basic skills of Rugby League and to talk to these experts.
A big Thank You to the NRL Development team.
Once again a big effort from Colgate (Richard Cooley) and his
team for organising the weekend and Doug Cooms from the
Simpson Desert Oasis Roadhouse for their hospitality.
– PETER RAFTER
QRL Central Division
24 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
Clinton Toopi presenting a welfare and education session
to the Bedourie Nines participants. PHOTO: www.qrl.com
THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 25
OUT AND ABOUT
WITH THE NRL
THE regional centres of Gladstone The Titans thanking the Gladstone fans
and Toowoomba welcomed many
of the super-stars of the game in the PHOTO: NRL Imagery
early rounds of the NRL season as
the Titans played Manly in Gladstone THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
and later played St George-Illawarra
in Toowoomba. Toowoomba also
benefitted from a Titans vs Broncos
pre-season trial that attracted more
than 8,000 people.
If you were a supporter of a Queensland orientated NRL team
at the moment, then Gladstone was the place to be in round
five as the Titans flew the Queensland flag with a 32-20 defeat
of the Daly Cherry-Evans led Manly at Marley Brown Oval.
5,135 fans packed into the Gladstone rugby league grounds
to see their stars in action and there was action aplenty as the
Titans moved into the top eight.
The best for the Titans were Queensland Origin hopefuls – Jai
Arrow, Jarrod Wallace and Ashley Taylor while former Penrith
play-maker Bryce Cartwright also had a strong game. Manly
never lay down and were still in the game in the dying minutes
with Cherry-Evans leading a depleted Sea Eagles from the
front.
Jonathan Wright scored in the opening minutes to give Manly
the lead, but the Titans hit back with a great piece of wizardry
that saw Taylor combine with Wallace to close the gap at 6-6.
The 20 minutes before half time was all Arrow and Cartwright
as the playmaker and the hard-man combined to tear Manly
to pieces. Arrow and Morgan Boyle scored with Cartwright
involved in both tries and at 20-8 the half time whistle blew.
26 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU
Cherry-Evans showed the Queensland selectors he was still Crowd at Clive Berghofer Stadium, Toowoomba
around when he orchestrated a Manly fight-back and at one
time the board read 22-20 in the Titans favour with 15 minutes The Titans had no answers for the Dragons who were
to go. Ashley Taylor was involved in two late tries for the Titans premiership favourites at the time, but the fact that
setting up Anthony Don and as the clock was winding down he Toowoomba held the game was all that counted to many
slipped the perfect pass to Jai Arrow for his second try of the Clydesdales supporters who had travelled from all over South
day and the final 32-20 score-line. West Queensland to see these stars in action.
The crowd at Clive Berghofer Stadium
in Toowoomba witnessed a master-
class as Gareth Widdop and Ben Hunt
ran riot in the Dragons 54-8 demolition
of the Titans. 7,297 fans packed into
every possible vantage point as the
Dragons ran the Titans ragged.
LEFT: Titans’ Anthony Don in Toowoomba RIGHT: Ben Hunt with
a young Dragons’ fan in Toowoomba PHOTO: NRL Imagery BOTTOM:
Titans’ Keegan Hipgrave taking Manly’s Tom Trbojevic for a ride
in Gladstone PHOTO: NRL Imagery
THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 27
Maroons’ captain, Billy Slater was the main attraction in
Hervey Bay. PHOTO: Courtesy QRL, www.qrl.com.au
FRASER COAST
ERUPTS IN MAROON
Numbers well in excess of the 6000
expected fans attended the 2018
Fraser Coast Fan Day at Seafront Oval
in Hervey Bay.
Showing just how passionately invested those from the
Fraser Coast are towards rugby league, the oval was a sea of
maroon as the Origin team bus rounded the corner for its final
destination.
New captain Billy Slater received a huge cheer when he
emerged from the team bus, with a dense crowd stretching
from the road to the event stage, where a formal welcome was
given by the Indigenous community and Fraser Coast Mayor
George Seymour.
Big Josh Papilli, a crowd favourite PHOTO: www.qrl.com
High fives were coming in thick and fast to all players as they
emerged through the throng.
Dane Gagai was on hand to deliver a special gift in the form of
a Maroons Indigenous jersey.
Autograph signings and skills clinics then commenced, with the
queue to meet members of the Maroons team stretching far.
After two hours, the Queensland squad then set out to attend
a luncheon at the Beach House Hotel to raise funds which will
go towards assisting local rugby league in the Fraser Coast area.
Billy appreciating his fans THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
PHOTO: Courtesy QRL www.qrl.com.au
28 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU
FAN DAY
ABOVE: Rockhampton’s Cameron Munster keeping his eye on the
ball BELOW: Part of the “Welcome to the Fraser Coast” Ceremony
RIGHT: Dally Cherry-Evans, the new Australian half-back BOTTOM:
Murgon’s Gavin Cooper loving the attention
ALL PHOTOS: Courtesy QRL, www.qrl.com.au
THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 29
BUNDABERG RUGBY LEAGUE
ACROSS THE WAVES RLFC – 2018 BUNDABERG A GRADE PREMIERS
Names not in photo order: Leyton Ey, Billy-James Stefaniuk, Trent Seeds, Sekope Tua, Sakiusa Tavodi, Tyrell Howard, Clinton Horne, Antonio Kaufusi, Daniel
McLennan, Alusa Nasio, Kristian Colasimone, Christopher Ford, Reece Maughan, Rohan Gibbs, Nicholas Sambra, Kiya Schnabel, Tukerekere Hikaka
WALLAROOS scored the first two Waves hit back with winger Billy Stefaniuk, the competition’s
tries of the Bundaberg Broadcasters leading try scorer again in 2018, swung the momentum
A Grade Premiership grand final at when he finished brilliantly after juggling the ball from a
Salter Oval, but four tries – two of superb draw and pass from 17-year-old fullback Leyton
them converted – in a 20-point in Ey. Stefaniuk joined Waves this season after playing all his
better than even time leading into previous football for his home-town Hervey Bay’s Seagulls
halftime was the catalyst as Waves and was a star in their 2016 premiership title.
Tigers triumphed 23-20 to end an
11-year drought and sentence the From a trickle, suddenly the Tigers whipped up a tidal Wave
minor premiers to bridesmaid’s with three more tries in a 20-point splurge, with firstly
duties for the second year in a row. Tongan centre of excellence Sekope Tua, a former dual-
premiership winner for Brothers, grabbing the ball after
Roos withstood an early onslaught after coughing up it had bounced out of Roos’ hands from another perfectly
possession from the kick-off, and they quickly settled into placed cross-field bomb three minutes on.
their rhythm before striking twice in quick succession with
firstly an unmarked left winger Brandon Clayton finishing The Tigers went in for the kill, with
off and then when flashy centre Brandon Law scooped up Stefaniuk striking again within three
the ball from a perfectly placed stab kick three minutes minutes to put them ahead by a
later. Neither try was converted which would prove costly converted try’s margin.
later in the game.
Knocked to the canvas, Roos had no answer, and they
suffered another major blow soon after when they did not
have a dummy-half in the play-the-ball, with powerhouse
Waves’ lock Reece Maughan picking it up to dive over the
line for halfback and 2016 Seagulls premiership winning
captain Clinton Horne to slot his second goal.
30 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
BUNDABERG BROTHERS RLFC – 2018 BUNDABERG RUGBY LEAGUE WOMEN’S PREMIERS
BACK (L-R): George Bust (FAO), Morgan Engstrom, Jodie Curtis(manager), Andrew Filo (coach) , Kirri Ohlbrect, Narda Girvan, Tanya Thiele, Rose Sweeney,
Stephanie Shearer, Sharna Curtis, Lacey Wallace, Jayden Stibbards MIDDLE: Emma Collinson, Breanna Curtis, Christi Chapman ,Peta Henman, Talitha Holmes ,
Chantel McKeown FRONT: Jacinta King , Chloe Curtis, Jude Bust (captain),Chelsea Morrison(captain),Tiara Best, Jazzy Melling
Wallaroos reduced the halftime deficit to 10 points with a It was the perfect ending to Waves’ 25th anniversary season
Luke Beatty penalty goal after the siren. after having emerged from a rebirth and rebranding of
the former Wanderers club, who were also the Tigers and
Waves drew first blood in the second stanza with Horne who won six A Grade premierships in the 70’s but only two
again kicking truly 11 minutes after the restart, but triple BRL more – in 1988 and 1990 – before their change of name and
A Grade Player of the Year and vintage centre Shaun Collins allegiance.
got Roos back in the contest when he pounced on the ball
from another pin-point grubber and Law added the extras. Apart from their glorious victory in 2007, Waves had
reached the grand final on only four other occasions in their
When Waves player/coach and former NRL, Origin and Test quarter-century of existence – in 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2016
front rower Antonio Kaufusi, hobbled off with a serious – losing on each occasion, but from 2009-2015, they were
knee injury with 7:46 left on the clock, the game looked the perennial whipping boys, claiming a string of wooden
Roos’ for the taking. spoons and regularly struggling to field teams.
Another Roos’ knock-on with three minutes left on the clock But that all changed when Kaufusi retired from a decorated
opened the door for Waves to deliver the winning blow on NRL career and returned home and signed on as the Tigers’
the end of the next set with young five-eighth Tyrell Howard, coach. The Tigers made the big dance in Kaufusi’s first year,
who was one of the stars in Past Brothers’ grand final glory only to lose to Hervey Bay 20-12 with the Seagulls side including
12 months earlier, coolly slotting a field goal from 28m out three players who were major parts of this coupe, Stefaniuk,
for a seven-point lead with 1:57 to go. Horne and super competitive second rower Chris Ford.
Collins showed all his guile and experience to steal the ball Their team included just three survivors from their grand
from the kick-off, but Waves dug deep to hold them until final team of two years earlier, Tua, who received the Les
the final siren, although while the Tigers’ bench and some Somerville Medal for Best and Fairest in the Grand Final,
supporters swarmed on to the field in celebration, there high impact interchange forwards Tukerekere Hikaka and
was more drama to come. Rohan Gibbs, a club junior product who made a comeback
after a long break from the game three years ago and whose
Referee Mark Staib had not blown fulltime and once the father Allan was a Wanderers legend.
supporters had been removed from the field, he awarded
a penalty to Roos on Waves’ line and after throwing the ball The victory was very sweet for their long-suffering officials
around, fullback Joey Alberts dived over in the left corner, and supporters, and it was the culmination of a three-year
triggering an altercation between several players from both plan set in place by Kaufusi and Simpson, who also took
teams. over as club president this season and is also the team’s
League Safe.
Wallaroos opted not to take the conversion attempt, with
Staib signalling fulltime, allowing Waves to finally celebrate
a famous victory, after having previously raised the trophy
in 2007.
THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 31
EASTERN SUBURBS RLFC – 2018 BUNDABERG RUGBY LEAGUE RESERVE GRADE PREMIERS
BACK (L-R): Luke Batten, Dylan Batten, Dean Hussey (Leaguesafe), Tyler Jones, Dominic Pope, Isaac Smith, Dylan Taylor, Tyson Kemps, Leslie Nagas, Harley
Denton, Gavin Chapman (Tee Boy), Luke Hull, Owen Chambers, Clinton Ward (FAO), Bennett Ooms-Otineru, Nick Lorenz, Ronnie Erasmus, Joshua Batten, Jesse
Richardson, Russell Wood, Paul Denning (Leaguesafe), Robert Wondrock, Keane Gooch FRONT: Wayne Sheppard (Gramps), Lewin Theuerkauf-Smith, Seremaia
Kaulala, Claude Saunders, Fabiano Saladrau, Mark Fraser, Sakenasa Lalakomacuata, Mesulame Ratubola IN FRONT: Ross Schipkie, Josaia Raboiliku.
Waves also contested their maiden women’s grand final the cake, with creative halfback and BRL Women’s Player
but nothing could stop Past Brothers who prevailed 32-6 of the Year Christi Chapman rewarded, Nicole Curtis, who
for their fourth straight gong and eighth in the nine-year was sensational throughout, picking up a try of her own in
history of that competition with a team that include four a signature five-star all-round display which included four
Curtis girls, two sets of sisters, Nicole and Brieanna and goals and earnt her the Player of the Match gong, and Best
their cousins Sharna and Chloe. completing a book-ends double after being served up an
exquisite pass by Nicole.
The Tigers knocked on from the kick-
off and Brothers quickly put their The other two BRL titles decided on the day were also won
stamp on the contest, establishing a by Bundaberg clubs with the star-studded minor premiers
12-0 lead in less than eight minutes Wests Panthers outclassing Hervey Bay Seagulls 46-12 in
with hard running centres Tiara Best Under 18 and Easts Magpies shading Isis Devils, who topped
and Sharna Curtis each crossing for the table, 22-20 in Reserve Grade.
tries and Nicole Curtis raising the
flags with both conversion attempts. Electrifying halfback Dyirun Johnson, whose father Leon was
the team coach and who also established himself as an A
But Waves regrouped and matched the minor premiers in Grade star late in the season, truly led from the front for the
all departments for the rest of the half, although it took until Panthers, while front rower Jakeb Sharpe bagged a double
three minutes before the break to open their account with in a robust all-round performance, and powerhouse second
captain and second rower Courtney Douglas pouncing on rower Lachlan Patterson, who was also outstanding in his
a Brothers’ lost ball and reaching out in a tackle to ground few A Grade appearances before their minor semi-final exit,
the ball. amassed 12 points with one try and four conversions.
However, Douglas and team-mate Tori-Leigh Smith were Zac Laybutt, who led the club to the
both sin-binned three minutes into the second stanza, Under 16 crown six days earlier,
but they were 38 seconds away from returning from their came off the bench to also make his
10-minute expulsions when Brothers finally capitalised mark, including kicking three goals.
on their two extra numbers with hooker Brieanna Curtis
finishing off after a 60-metre burst by her big sister Nicole, In Reserve Grade, both teams had four individual try scorers
a former Queensland open women’s representative. but it was the boot of Easts’ pocket dynamo halfback Lewin
Theuerkauf-Smith who was a match winner with three goals to
The floodgates opened for the women in pink and blue in Isis’ two. Magpies’ player/coach and hooker Nick Lorenz did a
the last 10 minutes with three more tries to put the icing on wonderful job in his first season at the helm and he was again
an unsung hero on the field with his polished service from
dummy-half throughout and his high work rate in defence.
32 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
WESTERN SUBURBS RLFC – BUNDABERG UNDER 18 PREMIERS 2018
BACK (L-R): Tom Matebau, Riley Drayton, Max Betts, Corey Gough, Jakeb Sharpe, Mark Netts, Lachlan Patterson, Zac Laybutt, Thomas-Jay Smedley, Nathan
Stibbard FRONT: Jack Bunyoung, Tye McGeough, Tyson Douglas, Dyirun Johnson, Livingstone Lingawa, Gage Laird, Jake Evans
THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 33
2018 INTERNATIONALS
COMBINED JUNIOR CHALLENGE
FRASER COAST AND BUNDABERG
FATHER’S Day was significant for crowd of supporters the young Roos where victorious with
Rugby League Fraser Coast and young up and coming lock forward Kyle Knight player of the
Bundaberg Junior Rugby League match.
players involved in the Grand Final
Day held at one of Rugby League’s Hervey Bay U15s were very clinical in their match against
historical grounds Eskdale Park with Western Suburbs and although frustration crept into the game
the weather providing warm, but from both teams, the Seagulls were far superior and victorious
pleasant conditions for the 1500 + winning 34- 4 in a game where the Panthers seemed to always
crowd throughout the day. be on the back foot. Often their attack would look promising
only to be stymied by loss of possession. The Gulls took full
This was the first time since the commencement of the advantage of these opportunities to deliver a runaway victory
joint competition around 2010 that Fraser Coast hosted this and take home the trophy. With many players playing well for
important end of year event, as stated in their Competition the Bay, it must have been a difficult decision for selecting the
Rules the association with the most teams in the Grand Finals player of the match, but their number 6 Jed Bennett proved
have hosting rights for the big day. to be a very popular decision and was applauded accordingly.
Hervey Bay Seagulls U13 team had their supporters all excited In the U16s main game of the day between Western Suburbs
when they got off to a flying start with a 42-10 defeat of the and Wallaroos, the Panthers were far too classy for their
Bundaberg Brothers. Brothers tried to stay in the fight but opponents who never gave up and provided stiff opposition
where outclassed by a far superior team who had some stand at times to the competition favourites. Both teams played
out performers, most notably their number six Jye Ward who vigorously from first blow of the whistle, but it wasn’t long
orchestrated the flow of the game and directed play well to be before Wests posted points on the board. As expected, the
awarded player of the match. red and black players were structured to attack from any side
of the playing arena and their classy number 6 often found
The Seagulls were not as successful in the U14 grand final with support on the edges which resulted in points. To their credit,
local combatants Wallaroos winning 20 -12 after both teams the Roos lads never gave up and will no doubt improve on
played extremely well. Either side could have been successful these efforts in future games should these players face off in
with the half-time score 10-6 but the Roos domination through coming years. After much deliberation regarding player of the
the middle was deemed to be the turning point. After a great match award, the Panthers number 9 Joel Baldwin was a great
spectacle of rugby league which was appreciated by the great choice amongst a number of candidates, as he was involved in
everything and scored two great tries.
Congratulations to all on a great day of junior rugby league.
– DAVE PEARCE
QRL Central Division
WESTERN SUBURBS JRLFC – BUNDABERG UNDER 16 PREMIERS 2018
BACK (L-R): Peter Fowkes (Leaguesafe), Michael Laybutt (Coach), Callum Nugent, Max Shorter, Will Holder, Zane Baretta, Zac Laybutt, Bradley Edwards, Brendan
Grills, Will Hema, Darcy Clarke, Ian Gills (Ass Coach) Shane Baldwin (Leaguesafe) FRONT: Jacob Fowkes, Jaymon Smithson, Brent Hass, Brennan Gynn, Jensen
Deamer, Joel Baldwin, Joshua Maroney, Ben Taylor.
34 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
HERVEY BAY SEAGULLS JRLFC – BUNDABERG RUGBY LEAGUE UNDER 15 PREMIERS 2018
BACK (L-R): Michael Bennett (LSO) Tallis Murray, Mitchell Bowers, Will Thorogood, Alex Kirk, Tynan Rasmussen, Joziah Mason, Dylan Crockford, Jed Bennett,
Javahn Mooney, Chilee Hope, Brett Carter (Coach) FRONT: Tony Rasmussen (LSO) Aidan Nicholson, Daniel Myhill, Billy Carter (Capt) Dylan Bennett, Malachi
Lawton, Hudson Rashford, Shannan Love, Heath Peel (Vice-Captain).
BUNDABERG JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE UNDER 14 WALLAROO AND HERVEY BAY GRAND FINALIST 2018
BACK (L-R): Kaylam Nudd, Chase Sutton, Noah Dawson, Branson Andrews, Jordan West, Dylan Mcpaul, Justin Sinnott, Bailey Mills, Liam Doolan, Mani Bowers,
Ji Hope, Cooper Stickman, Kade Walkley, Kody Kearny, Alex Beasley, Tomas Davies, Kyle Knight, Parker Worthington, Kyan Togo, Charlie Stinson MIDDLE ROW
KNEELING: Zac Wellington, Michael Cross, Lachlan Richards-Bamgart, Ruben Broome, Cooper Burke, Dylan Kingdom, Noah Cain, Keedy Wortley, Darnell Murray,
Braxton Krumble, Hayden Fitzgerald FRONT SITTING: Lucas Kemble, Jack Roderick.
HERVEY BAY SEAGULLS JRLFC – BUNDABERG RUGBY LEAGUE UNDER 13 PREMIERS 2018
STARTING TOP ROW (L-R): Elijah Mason, Jai Ward, Braige Murray, Takarangi Paku, Nate Tomekovic, Jake Doyle, Darcy Coombs, Hunter Cullen, Robert Borsboom,
Harry Armstrong, Ayden Butler, William Mitchell, Eden Wheeler, Jesse Stinson, Tyson Connon, Luke Adamson, Jonty Brien, Kyal Pitchford.
THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 35
RSOUUGTBHYBLUEARGNUETET
KINGAROY PINK DAY William Essen from Nanango scores a try
Kingaroy’s 5th annual Pink day had plenty UNDER 35KGS CARNIVAL HOSTED
of footy action ranging from Under 6s to BY THE MURGON MUSTANGS AND
A grade men, Kingaroy also hosted an KINGAROY RED ANTS
Under 18s Toowoomba Rugby League game
between the South Burnett Eagles and The first week of the July school holidays, saw 150 junior rugby
Highfields, and a women’s game between league players from throughout Queensland, travel to the
South Burnett Under 16s and 18s. All of the South Burnett for the Zone 5 Under 35kg/Under 10 Carnival.
Kingaroy teams wore pink socks, jerseys or There were nine teams participating and they ranged from
even both. It was a close match between the South Burnett, Central Downs, Wynnum Manly, Western
the A grade Kingaroy and Nanango match, Down, Charleville, Balonne Barwon, MacIntyre, Roma, and
with the final score being 22-20 to Kingaroy. Cunnamulla. This was the 49th year of the carnival and the
fourth year the South Burnett have entered a team. This year
Murgon’s 2nd annual Domestic Violence round had juniors it was a three-way tie for carnival winners, South Burnett,
play throughout the day with games starting at 8am and Central Downs and Wynnum Manly.
finishing in the afternoon, the Murgon Mustangs also hosted
an Under 18s Toowoomba Rugby League game between the
South Burnett Eagles and the Warwick Cowboys, and also an
Under 16s girls game between the South Burnett Eagles and
Hervey Bay Seagulls. Throughout this alcohol free family day
there were 100 games played. This year a round robin was
played in the A grade competition as a Nines Competition,
sponsored by Stanwell. The Cherbourg Hornets successfully
defended their Domestic Violence Awareness Shield title,
making them Domestic Violence Awareness winners two years
in a row. PHOTOS: LEFT: Elvis Bell scoring the first try of the
game RIGHT: Coby Sullivan scoring last try of game).
South Burnett’s Will Webber (Best Back), Archie Pointon
(Best Forward) and Riley Gale (Most Improved).
Kingaroy’s Corey Woodsall, Alisha Nettelfield, Tali Qualifcheski, Kym Woodall and Darren THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
Geiger enjoying the Pink Day
36 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU
Victorious Murgon Mustangs Under 12 team
WONDAI MINI MOD
CARNIVAL
The Wondai Wolves hosted their annual mini
mod carnival, which brought over 500 players
from under 6 to under 16s playing across seven
fields. The Saturday saw the under 6 to under 12s
play and Sunday saw the Under 14 and Under
16s play. Wondai’s president Dudley Dobson was
excited to be welcoming clubs from Hervey Bay,
Gympie, Burrum Heads and the South Burnett
teams, Wondai, Murgon, Kingaroy, Cherbourg,
Central Burnett, Nanango, and Chinchilla. The
Under 12s Grand Final was played between the
Murgon Mustangs and Harvey Bay Seagulls and
was won by the Murgon Mustangs, in the Under
14s Grand Final we saw a draw between the
Chinchilla Bulldogs and Murgon Mustangs, and
the Grand Final in the Under 16s was played
between the Central Burnett Brumbies and the
Murgon Mustangs with the Murgon Mustangs
coming out on top.
Murgon Mustangs with some Hervey Bay players
Hervey Bay playing Nanango
Under 35kgs Carnival Hosted by the Murgon Mustangs and Kingaroy Red Ants
The three winning captains from Central Downs, South Burnett and Wynnum
THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 37
NANANGO’S WOMEN
IN LEAGUE ROUND
NANANGO’S Women in League The Nanango Stags were unfortunate suffering a couple
Round saw the Nanango Stags take of forfeits, but that didn’t stop the Stags, they had plenty of
on the Cherbourg Hornets. Nanango’s activities including rides and a half- time kick for cash in the
key message during the day was A grade game. In the A Grade match, Nanango were the
“Embracing women’s roles in rugby stronger team in the first, in the second half the Cherbourg
league”. This round was entirely team started to gel together and showed some tremendous
sponsored by business women in the efforts in defence. But the Nanango side were up for the
South Burnett and all women on the challenge and their strong attacking side was just too good for
day were offered free entry. Major the Cherbourg Hornets. By full time the final score was 50 – 30
sponsors – McDonalds, Hairdo4u, to the Stags.
JoJo’s Fit4life.
Thank You to Ann Miller from South Burnett Online for all photographs THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
in the South Burnett section. Much Appreciated, Editor.
38 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU
NANANGO WIN
IN SOUTH BURNETT
NANANGO STAGS RLFC – 2018 SOUTH BURNETT A GRADE PREMIERS
BACK (L-R): Cam Hewitt, Shane Argent, Harley Farrar, Pat McCallum, Michael Marriott, Brent Greenslade, Richard Ryan, Warwrick Keating MIDDLE: Pesilai Kilioni,
Andrew Hewitt, Rhys Simpson, Lachlin Smith, Kieran Douglas, Chris Quinn FRONT: Nick Frohloff, Joel Smallwood, Blake Harvey, Robert Ryan, Jackson Mladenovic
THE home crowd couldn’t have been Pat McCallum, with nephew Mitch Mangan, 17 months, was presented with the Chaz
happier as the Stags stomped on the Williams Memorial Shield for “Best & Most Respected Player” – Pat is the 4th generation of
Red Ants in the A Grade South Burnett
Rugby League Grand Final played in the McCallum family to play for the Stags. PHOTO: Courtesy of southburnetton-line
Nanango on September 10th.
As the Stags piled on more points, the Red Ants tried
The Stags have looked fitter, faster and more lethal than all everything, including kicking early in the tackle count in a bid
other South Burnett teams this season. The only question was to gain ground. But nothing seemed to work and the Nanango
going to be the margin of their victory, but few would have defence was impenetrable.
been bold enough to predict Nanango would keep Kingaroy As the clock ticked down, tensions built. Two fiery encounters
scoreless. involving multiple players from both teams resulted in
Nanango’s Shane Argent being sent from the field for an early
The A Grade Grand Final topped off a big day of rugby league shower… two minutes from the siren, and accompanied by
at Nanango, with the Grand Finals for the Under 12s, Under the cheers of the crowd.
14s and Under 16s played earlier in the day.
LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 39
The large crowd of vocal Nanango supporters was joined at
the ground by a strong contingent from Chinchilla fans as well
as Kingaroy and Cherbourg fans.
The final scoreline doesn’t reflect it, but Nanango didn’t have it
all their own way during the A Grade Grand Final.
Nanango started strongly with a try within the first minute,
followed 10 minutes later by their second. Then the Red Ants
gained some possession and launched several raids on the
Nanango line, but to no avail.
The half-time score was 24-0. After the break, Kingaroy
attacked again but it was another no try.
THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
WLEOAMGEUNEIN
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
THE Women in League Achievement The U14 girls joined together with a struggling Sunshine
Award is presented to someone who Coast Club – Beachmere – opening up opportunities to 20
has acted as an exceptional advocate or so girls to play rugby league in 2018 instead of sitting out
for the advancement and opportunity the season.
of women in Rugby League.
Mei-Lin’s leadership has opened
The nominee’s unique contributions will have raised many pathways for our young
awareness of women’s involvement in Rugby League and women – this is highlighted with our
played an active role in encouraging more girls and women success of selections in the Central
to participate in our great game. I can honestly say that we Crows teams.
wouldn’t have rugby league for girls and women in the South
Burnett without Mei-Lin Deans dedication and commitment. Mei-Lin has been chosen as the QRL state nominee for
Women in League from all three Regions (North Queensland,
Mei-Lin is generous with her time and gives her all to a Central & South East Queensland) and was recognised at
sport where she has no children participating. She remains the QRL awards dinner on the 29th August in Brisbane. She
positive even while tackling obstacles – and we have had a now moves forward to the next stage – which is the National
few this year. Community award, where Murgon won the Grass Roots club
of the year in 2017.
The U18 girls team falling over with not enough numbers and
only having four registered U14 girls at the start of the season. – Contributed by Lisa Anderson
Mei-Lin liaised with the Sunshine Coast Ops Managers to look
for ways to give these girls more opportunities within rugby QRL Central Region Burnett Ops Manager
league. Hence, the Open Women’s competition was born and
it was so popular, the South Burnett Executive had to cap the
team numbers.
40 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
GAYNDAH GLADIATORS
BACK TO BACK
GAYNDAH GLADIATORS RLFC – 2018 CENTRAL BURNETT A GRADE PREMIERS
BACK (L-R): Shane Gannon (league safe), Rob Linsket (Coach), Macca Kenny, David Madden, Kedron Pointon, Blake Augustine, Brendan Florance, Ben Kenny,
Jaybin Pearce, Dave Ulcoq, Trent Berrie, Matty Ulcoq, Sam Opperman, Gavin Berrie (President), Jeff Shadford (Team Manager), Samantha Wain (Secretary)
FRONT: Shane Morgan, Loselli Taukatala, Zac Dann (Captain), Jamie Kirk (Co-Captain), Mitch Ballin, Luke Altham, Dan Bradford, Nathan Muir, Hayden Morgan
(League Safe).
AFTER a 34-year drought the Gayndah Gladiators won back- “It’s brilliant. I can’t describe it,” Dann said. “It’s just an awesome
to-back Premierships, beating the Mundubbera Tigers 30-10 feeling.
in the Central Burnett Grand Final played at Peter Dunn Oval, Gayndah Gladiators 30 (D Bradford, J Kirk, B Florence, Z Dann,
Gayndah. M Ballin, B Kenny tries; 3/6 goals) defeated the Mundubbera
Tigers 10 (M Lohia, H Tafolo tries; H Tafolo 1/2 goals) at Peter
Being down 10-8 at halftime, they overcame the deficit by Dunn Oval, Gayndah. Half-time: Mundubbera 10-8
scoring 22 unanswered points in the second half.
CENTRAL BURNETT RUGBY
Skipper Zac Dann’s man-of-the-match performance helped LEAGUE AWARDS 2018
to hold things together in the second half to come away with
the win and is a fitting end to successful coach Rob Linkset as Rookie of the Year – Blake Jackson (Mundubbera)
he hangs up his coach’s hat after steering the Gladiators to Leading Point Scorer – Blake Augustine (Gayndah)
two premierships in his two-year coaching stint. Dann had an Representative Player of the Year – Bailey Kimber
amazing game as he scored one try and set up another three
and was the difference between the two teams. (Mundubbera)
Grand Final Man of Match – Zac Dann (Gayndah)
A monumental effort and true indication of resilience for a
club that was left with less than $10 to start the 2018 season
but the local community tipped in and the Gladiators rose
from the ashes.
Dann said the adversity the club had faced – and the
overwhelming community support – helped galvanise the
Gladiators.
CON0331_LeagueQLD_StripAd_37x210_FA.indd 1 22/10/2018 10:40 AM
THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 41
BLACKALL MAGPIES: TINY CLUB
THRIVING ON AND OFF THE FIELD
Jaymes Boland-Rudder, Lisa Alexander, Carl Hauff, Glenys Einam,Andrew Russell, Hector Heumiller, Phillip Rooney, Alan Tongue
THERE’S the main drag in the small outback town of Blackall the award on behalf of the NRL at a community gathering that
in Central West Queensland and not a hell of a lot else. But was held at Blackall Showground.
there’s one thing that can’t be questioned and that’s the
mutual support between the community and the local rugby “It was a really nice surprise, we definitely didn’t expect it
league club. because we just do what we do and it’s something we’re
really passionate about,” Alexander said. “It’s not just about
Blackall Magpies Senior Rugby League football, it’s more about community – we’re always there for
Club pride themselves on their the people who need us and require support so our club’s
relationship with the local community, pretty important to the community and the community is
and it has been recognised by the NRL really important to the club.” With a local population of around
with the Magpies named Grassroots 1400 people, a figure that is slowly declining each year, times
Club of the Year. The award is proudly are getting tougher and tougher for the club. But Lisa said the
supported by Apprenticeship Support club would continue to fight to keep rugby league alive in the
Australia and makes up a part of the community.
2018 NRL Community Awards.
“It’s really important that it survives - it’s survival out here is
Club secretary Lisa Alexander said the game had a unique on pretty shaky ground but it’s been like that for a number
way of bringing the whole community together. “Rugby league of years and we’re still making sure it continues. We certainly
provides an outlet for our community to come together and need more support from the NRL to ensure that the club can
reconnect,” Alexander said. “It’s probably the only thing that continue to play and thrive.
our town has left in terms of socially and sporting-wise – rugby
league is it.” “It’s really hard at a grassroots level particularly in these remote
communities to keep rugby league alive and I think that is
“We have other community events that bring people together at the core of what we do.” Some of the club’s 35 registered
but rugby league is special, it’s like the cornerstone of these players travel as much as a 14-hour round trip to play a game
smaller communities and it’s just something that brings the of football on the weekend. The Magpies side broke their
community together like nothing else can. The club is involved 30-year drought after being crowned the champions of the
in a number of community initiatives, such as volunteering at Central West Competition this year when they defeated the
the Blackall Anglican Flower Show, the town’s Better Than 60s Ilfracombe Scorpions 22-8 in June. The club was equally proud
day, supporting the Australian Anti-Ice Campaign, whilst also of the work the players did off the field with local kids in the
fundraising more than $20,000 every second year for a charity community.
of their choice – this year the money was donated to a breast
and prostate cancer support group in central Queensland. “Our kids don’t get a lot of opportunities to participate in clinics
or other opportunities that kids in metropolitan area get,”
NRL community program deliverer and former Canberra Alexander said. “We don’t get a lot of opportunities to get big
Raiders’ skipper Alan Tongue and NRL’s head of government names out here to run clinics with our kids so our local boys
and community relations Jaymes Boland Rudder presented run them – they go to schools and they play touch football with
the kids.
42 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU
“It’s a great way for our kids to get to know the players and
have someone to look up to I guess.”
– TANISHA STANTON (NRL)
THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
MAIGNPTIEHSE FWLYESHTIGH
BLACKALL MAGPIES RLFC – 2018 CENTRAL WEST A GRADE PREMIERS
Players not in photo order:- Braden Russell, Alex Campbell, Allister MacDonald, John Turlan, Alex MacDonald, Carl Hauff, Jake Richardson, Dallas Kowald-Dawson,
Kelly Hauff, Cody Trost, Jack Burgess, Gavin Weymss, Andrew Russell, Alex Choyce, Hugh MacDonald, Steve Manwarring, Justin Hauff, Adrian Walker, Mitchell
Hauff, Charlie Brandon, Tom Patten, Neil McCoy, Harrison May, Caleb Richardson, Matt Weymss, Rudd Choyce, Joel McPaul, Travis Campbell, Patrick Campbell,
Sam Hart, Stewie Browning-Divine, Brett Hayman, Hector Heumiller (Coach), Peter Hauff (Assistant Coach), Jeremy Barron (Assistant Coach), Phillip Rooney
(President), Carl Hauff (Vice President), Lisa Alexander (Secretary), Glenys Einam (Treasurer)
PHOTO: Courtesy Lisa Alexander Photographer https://lisaalexanderphotography.com.au/
THE Central West Rugby League season has been played The Blackall team is made up of mostly locals who have grown
culminating in the Grand Final being played at Ilfracombe up in the area and are very proud of the town, with an average
after the Scorpions had won the Major Semi Final against the age of 24 this team could dominate the Central West League
Blackall Magpies to earn the right to host the big one at their for a number of years if they stick together. These guys are
home ground for the first time. The Magpies had to get to the not just a footy team but a team the Blackall community are
Final by defeating the Barcaldine Goannas the previous week proud to call members of their community. The club gives
to get a second crack at the Scorpions who have played in the plenty in return to the town who supports them, just a couple
last nine consecutive Grand Finals. The Magpies and Scorpions of examples include acting as waiters for the Blackall Anglican
met three times during the season with the Scorpions having Flower Show, participating as a club in the Anzac Day March,
the upper hand with two wins. holding a Charity Footy game every second year where they
auction their jerseys after the game which raised $24,000 in
A crowd estimated at more than 1200 gathered with 2017 with proceeds going to Breast Cancer.
expectations of their team winning the 2018 Central West
Premiership. With a combined total population of the two Rugby League is not just a sport in the Outback it is a
towns around 1800, the crowd showed that people in the community event which brings everyone together to enjoy
Outback love their footy and support their teams. each other’s company and forget about the tough times
they are experiencing. Footy is certainly alive and well in the
The first half as expected was tight Outback thanks to all these clubs who continue to support
with Blackall up 10-8 at half time. The their community and stay loyal.
second half continued with fast open
footy and meaningful defence from – PETER RAFTER
both sides. The Blackall Magpies ran
out winners at the end of the day 22 QRL Central Division
– 8 winning the premiership for the
first time in 30 years. Both teams can
be proud of their efforts throughout
the season and of the spectacle they
put on for their supporters in the
Grand Final.
THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 43
SUNSHINE Annette Brander, one of the many Sunshine Coast
COAST/ stars in the Women’s game. PHOTO: NRL Imagery
GYMPIE
LREUAGGBUYE
2018 was again a year of growth for Sunshine Coast/Gympie In the Men’s Grand Finals, Division 1 saw Maroochydore stage
Rugby League, with an increase of two teams in the already a thrilling come-from-behind win at the last minute to defeat
well-established men’s competitions, and the commencement Beerwah, who had held the dominant position throughout the
of the inaugural Women’s Competition. whole game, only to see their opponent snatch victory from
them in the closing stages of the game, when Lachlan Price
Five new teams participated in the newly set-up competition scored to level the game with 20 seconds left on the clock. The
– Caboolture, Kawana, Nambour, Noosa and South Burnett. conversion by Tyler Oxenham right on the full-time buzzer gave
Caboolture defeated Kawana to become the winner of the the victory to Maroochydore over a Beerwah team that had
very first Women’s Grand Final to be staged in this region, and performed brilliantly all year. Beerwah’s effort this year was
this follows on from their previous years of competing in the amazing considering they had not fielded a Division 1 team for
Brisbane competition. two years, but completed the season as minor premiers.
Keen interest in the women’s game has Division 1 – Maroochydore 22 (Henderson Godfrey 2,
been shown for quite a long time on Nathanael McGavin, Lachlan Price tries, Tyler Oxenham 3
the Sunshine Coast, with a team called goals) defeated Beerwah 20 (Marlon Doak 2, Marlon Doak2
Sunshine Coast Sirens first entering tries, Marlon Doak 2 goals). Mal Meninga medal for player of
the then Queensland Women’s Rugby the Grand Final – Marlon Doak from Beerwah.
League competition staged primarily
in Brisbane in the year 2001, and this Division 2 Pool A – Coolum 28 (Nathan Carney, Steven
team stayed alive for three years. Baumann, Steven Tane, Jakson Shearer, Rokat Nawaitodre
tries, Jake Bartel 4 goals) defeated Kawana 10 (Shaun Smith,
This team was revived again in 2008 through the efforts of Rob Thomas Dwan tries, Liam Fraser goal). Mal Meninga medal for
Brough, Billy Moore, Tarah Westera and Glenn Peatling, and player of the Grand Final – Michal Cocks from Coolum.
later years saw teams from Bribie, Caboolture and Beerwah
competing in the Brisbane competition over various years. Division 2 Pool B – Pomona/Cooran 11 (James Johnstone,
Sunshine Coast/Gympie Rugby League sees this steady Jonah Hope-Hodgetts tries, Jake Scanlan goal, Luke Martin
interest in the women’s game as a strong indicator of their field goal) defeated Beachmere Nil. Mal Meninga medal for
need to maintain and increase the participation of women player of the Grand Final – Dylan Crawford Window (Pomona/
playing rugby league in the years to come. Cooran).
In the Grand Final match, Caboolture 38 (Claudia Nepson 2, Under 18 Division 1 – Kawana 24 (Kaleb Sutton, Oliver
Justine Holmberg, Matao Atutahi, Audrey Nepson, Dana Kane, Lehmann 2, Riley Price 2 tries, Jay Lanuto 2 goals) defeated
Latisha Hoek tries, Latisha Hoek 5 goals), defeated Kawana Maroochydore 16 (Roderick Mawn 2, Liam Henderson tries,
20 (Taneale Lawton, Beeanca Watts, Demi Chizzotti, Melanie Liam Henderson 2 goals). Mal Meninga medal for player of the
Watherston tries, Melanie Watherston, Abbey Templeman Grand Final – Riley Price (Kawana).
goals). Katrina Wedding, a long-time player for Beerwah, who
moved to Caboolture this year when Beerwah did not field a Under 18 Division 2 – Kawana 36 (Ethan Green, Riley Boaza,
team, won the Mal Meninga medal for player of the Grand Final. Zacari Short, Oliver Lehmann, Jamal Mills, Ben Finch tries,
Braith McSpadden 5, David Long goals). Mal Meninga medal
for player of the Grand Final – Zacari Short (Kawana).
– MAREE THOMPSON
QRL Central Division
44 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
MAROOCHYDORE SWANS RLFC – SUNSHINE COAST/GYMPIE RUGBY LEAGUE 2018 DIVISION I PREMIERS
BACK (L-R): Luke Barton, Tony Henderson, Luke Lanham, Thomas Royal, Michael De Celis, Luke Mendham, Will Trace, Troy Mendham, Michael Harris, Leon
Taylor, Rueben Pea, Josh Buckland, Brett Winkler (Coach), Michael O’Brien FRONT: Kristy Paskin, Bret Mendham, Jake Ainsworth, Tyler Oxenham, Henderson
Godfrey, Brad Kent, Caleb Van Lawick, Locky Price, Nat McGavin, Michael Bauer, Sam Cookson, Murray Goldsworthy, Craig Darney.
COOLUM COLTS RLFC - SUNSHINE COAST/GYMPIE RUGBY LEAGUE 2018 DIVISION 2 POOL A PREMIERS
BACK (L-R): Mathew Went Daniel Bebbington MIDDLE (L-R): Jarrod Roby, Russell Bebbington (Coach), Ryan Carfantan, Cheyne Gray, Scott Brodie, Rokat
Nawaitodre, Stuart Murdoch, Harrison Cartledge, Patrick Preston, Joseph Price, Joshua Olsen, Jamie McBrien, Jesse Shearer, Steven Tane, Steven Baumann, Paul
Brownsdon FRONT (L-R): Jake Bartel, Donald Miller, Luke Philp (Captain), Nathan Carnery, Michael Cocks, Luke Wade, Jackson Smith, Dennis Wi, Jakson Shearer.
THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 45
KAWANA RLFC - SUNSHINE COAST/GYMPIE RUGBY LEAGUE 2018 DIVISION 1 UNDER 18 PREMIERS
BACK (L-R): Dave Thorne (Leaguesafe), Noel Brady (Manager), Joe Lowe, Sam Reid, Justin Makirere, Tom Eddie, Tommy Hearn (Leaguesafe), Kaleb Sutton, Jai
Smoothy, Trent Loiero, Jaylen Nom, Jay Lanuto, Ryan Sauer, Kahem Look, Lucas Bell, Andrew Hinson (Coach), mascot FRONT (L-R): Zakary Mihai-Yates (ballboy),
Oliver Lehmann, Alexander Baldry, Tristyn Horn, Corey McSpadden, Jaiden Zanchetta, Riley Price, Tiaan Dalziel, Daniel Marjanovic, Jay Lanuto (First Aid).
KAWANA RLFC - SUNSHINE COAST/GYMPIE RUGBY LEAGUE 2018 DIVISION 2 UNDER 18 PREMIERS
BACK (L-R): Austin O’Brien, Murray Finch (coach), Tyrn Gladman, Jamal Mills, Wayne Watherson (Leaguesafe), Laurie Manuder, Riley Boaza, Jakob Thorn, Jakob
Henry, Mason Hogarth, Oliver Lehmann, Jake Zammit, Ethan Green, George Bury, Kenny Pham, John Henry (Leaguesafe) FRONT (L-R): Jay Lanuto (First Aid), ballboy,
mascot, Jacob Hogg, David Long, Ben Finch, Teena McSpadden (Manager), Harrison Leibke, Braith McSpadden, Zane Watherston, Jimi Parsons, Zacari Short
CABOOLTURE RLFC - SUNSHINE COAST/GYMPIE RUGBY LEAGUE 2018 WOMENS DIVISION 1 PREMIERS
(L-R):- Jodie Hokin (First Aid), Rikki Somers, Chris Bugden (Coach), Manatui Tuitupou, BJ Atutahi (Leaguesafe), Cath Watford, Tangi Marsters (Assistant Coach), Upu
Fa’alogo, Tamika Ross, Tapaita Tuitupou (Manager), Asitasi Vitale, Pauline Willmot, Justine Holmberg, Tenielle Patterson, Dana Kane, Channie Rolfe, sponsor, Bree
Wood (waving at back), Matao Atutahi, Audrey Nepson, Jazmin Migala, Emerald Morrison, Latisha Hoek, Tash Walford, Faith Atutahi, Claudia Nepson, Courtney
Moxham, Daisy Koraba (Manager), Peter Hinds (Leaguesafe).
46 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
DOWN SYNDROME ATHLETE
SCORES IN 1ST GRADE DEBUT
(Left to Right) Linda Ross (mother), Thomas Ross-Buzza, Matt Gillett (back), Chloe Ross-Buzza (sister), and Gavin Buzza (father). PHOTO: Courtesy QRL
DOWN Syndrome athlete Thomas Ross-Buzza has made his “With him having to play senior footy next year, he will probably
A-grade rugby league debut for the Caloundra Sharks in a run water to stay involved more permanently, so this was a
heart-warming highlight of his final year as a player. special memory.
The popular 18-year-old clubman ran “Everyone is so happy about it. We’ve had a lot of injuries
on against the Kawana Dolphins in in A-grade and we got beaten heavily on the weekend, but
August and scored a try in a dream- Thomas’s debut has lifted everyone’s spirits.” Thomas’s try for
come-true scenario. Thomas has been the Sharks in A-grade was not his first for the year.
playing with the club since his early
teens and always aspired to become He has scored four tries in 15 appearances in under 18s this
an A-grade player. season, and over the years has formed a friendship with fellow
Sunshine Coast product and Queensland Origin rep Matt
“He just loves being part of the crowd; one of the boys,” said Gillett.
father Gavin Buzza, a first aid officer for the Sharks.
“I’m very proud,” mother Linda Ross said. “It’s something
“They are so accepting of him. He’s a great kid.” The idea to Tommy’s wanted to do. It’s like a dream come true.” Thomas’s
hand Thomas his debut was concocted between A-grade coach final under 18s appearance will be against Bribie Island.
Troy Harvey and Under 18s coach Mitchell Phillips.
News of the stunning debut comes weeks after organisers
“It looks like it will be Thomas’s last year and we knew he always announced that four clubs will look to enter teams in the
wanted to play A-grade,” said Phillips. Physical Disability Rugby League Queensland competition in
2019.
“Kawana were great about it and, in fact, all of the clubs have
been whenever we’ve played Thomas in our team in juniors. – ROBERT BURGIN & QRL Media
THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 47
RHONDDA’S 40
YEARS OF SERVICE TO SUNNY
COAST FOOTY
A well-known Nambour and Sunshine Coast / Gympie Rugby Be it a general committee member, fundraising coordinator,
League identity was presented with her Central Division match day coordinator, secretary or treasurer, she has done
(Region) life membership recently in front of her ‘home’ club at it all.
Crusher Park, Nambour.
Most significantly, Poor played a key role in the merger of
Rhondda Poor was the undeniable traditional Nambour clubs, All Whites and Souths, to form the
matriarch of senior rugby league on Nambour Crushers.
the Sunshine Coast and at the end
of last season, when she stood down The success of this merger was largely thanks to people like
from office as the league secretary, Poor who dedicated their time so willingly and culminated with
she was bestowed the honour of life the opening of a new clubhouse in 1986.
membership of the Division (Region).
The lasting legacy she left as the league secretary was not just
Poor’s service to the game extends back to 1974 and in various her longevity (18 years), but also her dedication to ensuring
roles she continued this uninterrupted commitment right up club volunteers were supported unconditionally.
to last year.
Whilst the life membership recognises the exemplary service
There is little in club or league land that to rugby league, Poor’s service to her community extends well
Rhondda has not contributed to. beyond the great game.
She continues her longstanding contribution to the Red Cross
St John’s Ambulance, Legacy and Driver Reviver.
When looking to define the term community service, look no
further than Rhondda Poor.
– GLENN OTTAWAY
QRL Central Region Manager
48 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
HE’S BEEN A VOICE OF THE
OUTBACK FOR HALF A CENTURY
William ‘Meggs’ Morris turns 88 this He’s introduced countless new
year and reckons his outstanding players to the community, whether
tenure as ground announcer at St they be fresh arrivals in town, or the
George Rugby League Club in the descendants of club stalwarts before
Maranoa region could be over. them.
But then again, there are others who maintain there’s every ‘Meggs’ first started out his role with the rudimentary elements
chance the octogenarian won’t be able to keep himself away of a chair, table and stopwatch with no shelter from the dry
when the Saints strap up again in 2019. The association of the Australian sun, the wind and rain.
Morris family and the St George club stretches back to before
the Second World War. His surroundings are a touch more comfortable these days
and he has helped continue a legacy which also sees his sons
William’s father Tom was president and secretary of the proud Mark and Greg bestowed as life members, as well as daughter-
club, even serving as a local school teacher at the age of 18. in-law Majella.
Later he was bestowed life membership of the Saints.
A recent presentation saw a plaque dedicated to him at Bassett
‘Meggs’ himself played 10 years of A-grade for the club and has Park before an assembly of dignitaries.
been a representative player, coach, selector and committee
member. Also a life member, his most readily associated role – PETER RAFTER
is that of being the man behind the microphone, updating
fans through generations of try-scorers and goal-kickers. QRL Central Division
THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 49
50 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
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