The Crow Flies High

South Burnett referees getting into the swing of pink-day.

PHOTO: Ann Miller – South Burnett Online

NOT IN MY HOUSEQRL CENTRAL DIVISION
CAMPAIGN

The “Not in my House” campaign is simple. It is letting As part of the “Not in my House” campaign each club will be
spectators, parents, players and officials know that bad given a number of YELLOW CARDS to hand out to spectators
behaviour and bullying is not acceptable at our games. The who are being disrespectful with their comments to referees,
stadiums/sports fields are our houses. That is where we work players and/or officials. All parents will be advised of these
and play. We set the rules and all parties should abide by our warning cards via email, fb and or a face to face team/club
rules or they are not welcome. meeting.

We have all been to a rugby league By informing all participants, coaches, parents and carers
game where a spectator has abused about the campaign at the start of the year when they sign
an official. It could be a referee, a on, it should be somewhat of a deterrent for bad behaviour
lines-person, the opposition coach or at games. As everyone will know what the yellow card is for, it
a player. It could also be the spectator will be embarrassing for a parent to receive one in front of the
standing beside him. It will not and entire crowd.
cannot be tolerated in this age of
cyber bullying and constant attacks It will only take a handful of times for you to act on the offenders’
on individuals so the Central Division behaviour at your club before you should see a huge change
has acted and introduced the “Not in in the culture. When deciding what behaviour is appropriate,
my House” campaign. make it personal. What would you do if the referee was your
child, husband, uncle, brother, sister or friend. Is it bullying
and/or abusive. Would you tolerate that behaviour in your
house? This is your house, so take appropriate action.

Bundaberg’s Ian Harvey and Andrew Tsakisiris doing it for LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 51
the love of the game. PHOTO: Contributed

THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION

4,000 K’S

NO PROBLEM FOR THESE KIDS AS
THEY FOLLOW THE GAME THEY LOVE

THE 2018 Glyn Rees Carnival was again held at the Coolum Steph also had her first coaching experience with the Under
Colts Rugby League grounds with over 500 players attending. 14 Outback girls’ team who responded to her coaching and
Teams from Qld Outback, Warwick, Toowoomba, Central played like a bunch of champions throughout the carnival.
Highlands, Sunshine Coast and SEQ with all visiting teams Some of these girls had not played footy prior to this season
staying at camp over the weekend at either Mudjimba or and before this weekend had only played two 13-a-side
Coolum and enjoying their weekend away and playing footy. games. They could not have had a better coach for their first
The carnival caters for Under 13, Under 14 and Under 16s with rep experience.
this being the first year we have introduced the Under 14 girls
with teams from Qld Outback, Toowoomba, Central Highlands It was the usual 2000km plus, 30 hour coach trip from Mt Isa to
and Sunshine Coast. Coolum for the Qld Outback teams stopping at Outback towns
like Cloncurry, Longreach, Barcaldine, Blackall, Charleville and
There are no scores kept or man of others to pick up the players and coaching staff. The Outback
the match awards or trophies handed kids eventually all made a visit to the beach, some never having
out at the end of the carnival. It makes seen the beach before, all enjoyed the experience.
for a different atmosphere with no
pressure placed on players, coaches The players also ran out for a training session with the Sunshine
or refs. We know everyone still likes to Coast Falcons Under 20s team at the Kawana Stadium. The
win and keeps their scores but it makes boys had a visit from Dane Campbell from the Melbourne
for a far more enjoyable carnival. Storm who informed the boys what is required from them if
they want to progress further with their footy.
Again, we had the Qld Police Service, Rural Organised Crime
Squad and the Recruitment Team at the carnival with an Overall the players themselves as well as the coaching staff
increased number of inquiries being made by the young and parents of these players should be extremely proud of
players and their parents for a future role in our QPS. A large their efforts over the weekend both on and off the field. They
number of these inquiries were from young females who have have all had the time of their life and memories they will have
obviously been influenced by the attendance at the carnival by for a lifetime.
Stephanie Hancock, a Senior Constable of Police as well as Qld
State of Origin and Jillaroos player. A big thankyou also to the Coolum Colts Junior Rugby
League and their volunteers for helping to run the carnival
so smoothly. A thank you also to Paul Oliver and his young
referees he bought up from Brisbane and surrounding areas,
I’m sure they have all learnt from the weekend as well.

– PETER RAFTER

QRL Central Division

52 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION

Under 14 Girls

PHOTO: QRL Central Division

THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION Under 14 Boys

PHOTO: QRL Central Division

LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 53

Valleys and Oakey Under 12 Girls teams

PHOTOS: Contributed

TOOWOOMBA JUNIOR
RUGBY LEAGUE

2018 saw the Toowoomba Junior Rugby With this and the interest of the older teams that currently
League introduce a five-week Under 12’s Girls played as Toowoomba Junior League Girls in the SEQ
Competition. Initially this was to gauge what competition each week in the age groups of Under 14, Under
interest was around for Girls of the ages of 10, 16 and Under 18, it wasn’t hard to make a decision to create
11 and 12 to play in a stand along competition. a competition to be introduced into the TJRL Competition for
their inaugural year of 2019. Watch this space for more exciting
We were blown away with the interest that came news to come from the Toowoomba Junior Rugby League Girls
out of the first game and the interest from the Local Club Competition in 2019
publicity of the Girls Competition. Overall there
were 85 girls that played over the duration of Play Girls Rugby League in Toowoomba in a “TEAM OF YOUR
the Competition with only around 10 of them OWN”
who were playing in the regular competition as
part of the Boys team.

This proved to the League that there was a
genuine interest out there that could be built
upon. There were five of the local League clubs
that entered teams into the Girls 12 Competition
with another team making a four-hour round
trip every week to play.

The players wanted more when the initial five
week round had finished, therefore we had a
small break and then gave them another five-
week round which then finished in a Grand
Final game for them on the last night. The
winning team on the night was the little team that travelled
in from Texas that competed under the name of Warwick &
District from the Border Junior League.

The game was neck and neck all the way through with a kick
through at the end and a race to the ball with Warwick picking
it up and racing through to win the game. In my opinion all
the girls throughout the competition were “WINNERS” proving
that Girls Rugby League is alive and thriving and just waiting
for the opportunity to play in a regular competition.

54 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION

FOR THE
LOVE OF
THE GAME

REFEREES

IN early April 2018, the Toowoomba WHAT WAS THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING A REFEREE?
Rugby League and TRL Referees
Chairmen, Brian Gilroy Bill Mitchell, Being back out on the field again. It was a different feeling than
put an urgent call out for new it was back when I was playing, especially at first but once I got
Referees. The call was answered by a my confidence to make the calls, I loved every minute of it.
few surprising characters.
Starting off was the test for me. Going through the rule book
The first one to put up his hand and enrol in the course and making my own judgment on how to interpret the rules.
was Jacko Gibbs. Jacko Gibbs was a Newtown Rugby League It was a bit intimidating with 26 sets of eyes on me waiting to
tough man in his day. To say he felt the wrath of the Referees make the correct calls.
“every week” when he was playing, would not be much of an
exaggeration. Jacko was a regular 2nd Division Referee this WHAT WAS YOUR PLAYING BACKGROUND?
season, and he enjoyed it so much that he has polished his
boots up for next season already. I asked a few players how he I played for Souths JRL from Under 7’s to Under 16’s and then
was going and the response was “He goes pretty well except played 5 years with Souths Seniors until I became sick. I mainly
sometimes he forgets what he blew the whistle for and say oh played wing throughout my career.
what the hell, we’ll have a scrum”. No one argued with that.
DO YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER ASPIRATIONS WITH
There was another newby on the scene who answered the call REFEREEING?
for help this year. He is a special one this one. Aaron Williams
was battling with health issues. He was on the waiting list for As it was my first year refereeing, I think my next step is to
a kidney transplant. His second. Because he was on Dialysis hopefully climb the ranks and step up to A grade level. I would
3 to 4 times a week, Aaron had a permanent canula in his also like to be officiating at Representative level in the future.
arm, which you could clearly see when he was running up and
down the lines week in week out. I was fortunate enough to Aaron was named the Toowoomba Rugby League Referee
catch up with Aaron where he shared his story. Rookie of the Year for 2018. He missed his first presentation
night as he was recovering from his second transplant.
WHY DID YOU BECOME A REFEREE? Thankfully, this was a success. A testament to his courage
and determination, just a short while after receiving his new
I started refereeing in 2018 as a way to get back into football. kidneys, Aaron competed at the Transplant games where he
When I was 22, I had to stop playing as my health took a turn won a swag of medals including Gold in Ten Pin Doubles, Gold
for the worse. I ended up having to have a kidney transplant in Table Tennis Doubles and a Silver in Table Tennis Singles.
with my father, Ross, being the donor. Unfortunately, three
years later, the kidney failed and I was on permanent dialysis. In a time where there is much struggle in this world, this young
man has shown true resilience and a great attitude and spirit
DID REFEREEING HELP YOU MENTALLY WHILE YOU to the way we should all be positive and have a can do attitude.
WERE WAITING FOR ANOTHER TRANSPLANT?
– JODIE TEYS
Yes, massively!! Being on dialysis for over four years three to
four times a week takes a heavy toll mentally. When I started QRL Central Division
refereeing, it gave me something to look forward to each
week. Something that I loved doing and took my mind off the
medical problems. It was also great to have my family and
friends coming to watch and support me.

THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 55

ROUAGKBEYY JLEUANGIOURE

THRIVES UNDER DARRYL’S
FUN, FOCUS AND
DEDICATION

ONE of the best things about being involved in rugby league This sense of service to his community is not uncharacteristic
is the family and community you are fortunate enough to be though. Williamson is a senior firefighter based in Toowoomba.
part of. He officially joined the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service
30 years ago in October 1988.
For four years, Darryl Williamson has been the driving force at
the Oakey Junior Rugby League Football Club. Williamson joined his family on the Life Members boards at
Oakey in 2017 when he was made a life member of Oakey
Spend 15 minutes on the phone with him and you have to Juniors. His brother, Shane Williamson, current Oakey Seniors
agree that his love for rugby league is second to none. president, is a life member of the Senior Club. Their dad is a
life member of both the junior and senior club.
Williamson (pictured above) gave one of the best answers to a
question anyone could conceive of. Rugby league is in his DNA and he is eager to show others how
to do his job.
Asked what keeps him so involved in rugby league, and he said
it’s not a chore to come to footy – you have to make rugby “I will still be involved in footy next year
league a family day out. as I want to keep my two boys (Cruz
and Blake) playing footy,” he added.
Fun Focus – It is this “winning comes second” nature that had
driven Williamson’s work as the club’s president since 2015. Williamson is the first to thank his wife, Trudy for allowing him
to spend his spare time doing footy work.
For the 50-year-old himself, it has been 45 years since he
first donned the Oakey jersey. He was barefoot at the old He said: “Make sure you thank my
Showground in Bridge St. wife. Some weeks I am away every
night for meetings.”
“I was scared because we had to
get dressed in the Chicken Pavilion. His dedication to the game is statistically shown through the
Cages everywhere: looked like a jail” increase of player numbers at his club in the past four years
he chuckled. (up more than 150 per cent).

For Williamson, it is about “kids enjoying playing footy”. Williamson is committed to his local footy club, and wants to
give every kid every chance to play the greatest game of all.
“Winning will come eventually after
that,” he says. He is more than just a club president but a role model and
mentor to many. He is big on family and he is big on community.
After 31 years of playing the game, Williamson pivoted to be a
rugby league administrator: president, vice-president, coach, Williamson is a fine example of what makes rugby league great.
first-aid officer and team manager.
– Contributed by WYATT COOK-REVELL

56 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION

GRVAANLDLEFYINSAWL IINN TTHOEOIWR O35OTMHBA

TOOWOOMBA VALLEYS RLFC – 2018 TOOWOOMBA RUGBY LEAGUE A GRADE PREMIERS
BACK (L-R): Leon Pettet (Trainer), Mitch Sargent, Jacob Ryals, Kalemb Hart, Hnaloan Budden, Zac Miles, Nick Sargent MIDDLE: Gary de Joux (President), Cory
McGrady, Aaron Sillitoe, Nathan Short, Ben Atkins, Drew Jackson, Dexter Buchanan, Jarryd Dodd, Jason Sharpe, Wesley Aumau, Ross Bourke (Life Member)
FRONT: Richard Murray, Matthew Hawkins, Brett Seymour (Coach), Steven Rodgers (Captain), Liam Capewell (Assistant Coach), Dylan Chown, Nathan Bowering
ABSENT: Luke Menhinnitt, Gus Mati, Ryan Stevens, Bulla Ashby-Kaukau, Malik Brown, Marc McGrady, Reggie Munn, Josh Mason, Matthew Schulze, Hugh Sedger

NO Queensland A Grade team In one of the most enthralling grand finals in recent times
has won more premierships than Valleys Roosters defeated the Minor Premiers Wattles Warriors
Valleys in Toowoomba. Some of the 24 – 22 at Glenholme Park, in the Hutchinson Builders Cup.
greats of Queensland Rugby League Valleys raced to a 16-0 lead after excellent tries by Jarryd Dodd,
have played for Valleys including Hugh Sedger and the try of the match to Dexter Buchanan.
the legendary Herb Steinohrt who
captained Australia in 1932. Valleys had all the ball in the first half and completed 15 out
of 17 sets whilst their opponents completed 12 out of 19 sets.
THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION The score was out to 16-0 with Valleys on a roll.

Wattles calmed down and started to complete sets and a try
was scored by the TRL Rookie of the year Andrew Richardson.
This taking the half time break to Valleys 16-6.

Wattles started the second half so well,
scoring three unanswered tries and
taking the lead with Wattles 22-18.

The game was high quality and Wattles had all the ball in
the second half, but Valleys hung in and turned the Roosters
around at every opportunity late in the game.

Valleys certainly had much less ball than their opponents in
the second half. But their determination was unquestioned
with Valleys’ centre Kalemb Hart gathering an excellent Jake
Ryalls kick to score a wonderful team try to lock the score up
at 22 all with only a couple of minutes remaining.

Brett Seymour was up to take the conversion and coolly
slotted it through the posts to put the Roosters in front 24-22.
That’s where the score stayed, and the Valleys Roosters won
their 35th Premiership within the Toowoomba Rugby League.

This was their first Premiership since 2011. That year was the
last of their six-in-a-row streak, from 2006 through to 2011.

LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 57

GATTON RLFC – 2018 TOOWOOMBA RESERVE GRADE PREMIERS
BACK (L-R): Shannon Hicks, Ben Itzstein, Jack Marlow, Jayke Jackwitz, Jack Pender, Cory Schmidt, Francis Han MIDDLE: Cliff Brown (Coach), Riley Godwin, Pis Foai,
Dan Nolan, James Robinson, Jack Soderquist, Aiden Schmidt, Ryan Fien FRONT: James Schroeder (Manager), Tom Boland, Cameron Nicholls, Todd Bichel, Jagan

Swan, Raymond Erbacher, Liam Neumann, Jayden Williams

PITTSWORTH DANES RLFC – 2018 TOOWOOMBA 2ND DIVISION PREMIERS
STANDING (L-R): Cody Harbor, Andrew Boyes, Russell Klein, Brendan Ott, Liam Rogers, Dom Mylonas, Jayden Moore, Jake Johnston, Brodie Grimshaw, Jayden
Klein, Brendan Hanrahan, Jock McKinlay, Sam Moy, Bradley Stewart, Matt Holmes (Manager), Jack Adams (League Safe) KNEELING: Brendan MacDonald, Damian
Sutton, Travis Short (Coach), Ben Hintz, Lachlan Salgado, Jake Morris, Jackson Briskey-Luscombe, Luke Saddlier, Jean Francois Mortaud, Jordan Hintz (League Safe)

This year the Valleys Roosters showed they are back by also taking HUTCHINSON BUILDERS A
out the mid-year Madsen Rasmussen Final. GRADE CUP

The Toowoomba Toyota Reserve Grade Premiership between Valleys 24 d Wattles 22
Gatton and Pittsworth saw the Gatton Hawks as convincing winners John McDonald Medal Player of the Match – Corey
over the Pittsworth Danes, with the final score being Gatton 42 over
Pittsworth 20. This gave the Hawks their third straight Reserve Grade McGrady Valleys
premiership win and their fifth win over a six year period. The Hawks TOOWOOMBA TOYOTA RESERVE GRADE
put their stamp on the Reserve grade Competition by being the team
to strive to beat. Gatton 42 d Pittsworth 20
Player of the Match – Jayden Williams Gatton
Under 18 Premiership Game saw the Souths Tigers show their team
mateships with a lot of these players having come through from BETTA HOME LIVING UNDER 18
their junior years playing together, which showed off their skills and Southern Suburbs 38 d Highfields 10
knowledge of eachother’s strengths in the game. Souths downed the Scott Kuhnemann Medal Player of the Match – Mitch
Highfields Eagles 38 to 10.
Murphy Souths
Second Division Grand final was played between the Pittsworth CLIVE BERGHOFER 2nd DIVISION
Danes and the Warwick Cowboys. The Danes had a father and son
combination playing together throughout the 2018 season with Pittsworth 28 d Warwick 14
Russell and Jayden Klein. The Danes proved too good over the
Cowboys taking out the win 28 to 14 in a very passionate game. THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION

58 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU

QUEENSLAND OUTBACK

JUNIOR MRLEUUAGSGBTUEYER

IN May, Under 14 girls and Under 14 and 16 boys came Brad Beetson, son of Arthur Beetson, has attended the carnival
together in Blackall from Mt Isa in the north to as far south during the last couple of years and told the story about how his
as Roma and everywhere in between to compete for positions son attended last year’s carnival and was so impressed with
in the Queensland Outback teams at the Arthur Beetson the Police that he is now studying courses at school to help him
Foundation Qld Outback Junior Rugby League Muster. The become a Police Officer in the future. I am sure we will hear
selected Queensland Outback teams travelled to the Glyn Rees similar stories in the years to come.
City Country Cultural Exchange in Coolum on the 30th June
against teams from all over Queensland. QPS Footy team played a game against the Western Ringers, a
combined team from Cunnamulla and Charleville. Although the
Congratulations and thank you to the Blackall Junior and Senior boys from the bush were a little outclassed on the field they
clubs for a remarkable effort over the weekend where they never stopped trying and received great support from the locals.
organised everything including accommodation for all teams
and all meals including the Presentation Dinner on Saturday Edward Monaei from the Australian Rugby League Indigenous
night where the teams were announced as well as running the Advisory Council attended the carnival for the first time and
carnival on Saturday. This takes many volunteers and many spoke to all the players on Friday night. The man is a legend
hours with the weekend being a major success. and his mere presence at the carnival commanded immediate
respect from the young players who listened to every word he
The coaching staff from all teams spoke. I am sure we will hear more from Eddie in the future.
were again exceptional and looked
after the players throughout the Also attending the carnival for the first time were representatives
weekend both on and off the field. from the Alcohol and Drug Foundation who were there to give
advice and support to all players and coaching staff. David
The weekend involved a number of firsts with the girls Faiumu, Welfare and Wellbeing Manager from the QRL Central
competing for the first time and providing quality footy for Division, spoke to the players and told of his experiences, the
the spectators. The selected girls were coached by Australian good and the bad times, of an NRL player and how young
Jillaroos Captain Stephanie Hancock. In another first not only players need to make the right choices.
for the carnival but for footy in the Outback the games in the
afternoon were streamed live and was watched by nearly 5,000 Overall there was some great footy played, many new
people throughout the State. friendships made as well as education sessions for all players
to help them develop into adults we can all be proud of.
The Queensland Police Service continued their support of this
carnival and were well represented by Police Recruiting, the – PETER RAFTER
Stock Squad and the QPS Rugby League Team. On the Friday
night members of the footy team told stories of where they QRL Central Division
came from, what they do in the Police Service and how the QPS
also supports their Rugby League dreams.

THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 59

CHINCHILLA RLFC – 2018 ROMA AND DISTRICT A GRADE PREMIERS

PHOTOS: Courtesy QRL

ROMA & DISTRICT ROMA AND DISTRICT RL PLAYERS OF YEAR
RUGBY LEAGUE
Under 16 – Ryan Kehl (Red Bulls)
Under 18 – Harvey Wright (Red Bulls)
Reserve Grade – Rhett Lewis (Cities)
A Grade – Jeffrey Gilbert (Chinchilla)

ONE of the major days on the Outback Calendar, the Roma and Red Bulls 63 (Tries: Maverick Fisher, Ben York, Connor
Districts Grand Final Day was held at Basset Park, Roma on the Humphries, Cooper Dingle, Jarrod Rogers 2, Billy Jackson 2,
26th August. A bit of rain overnight settled the dust for the big Isacc Bannerman 2, Jye Johnson 2. Conversions: Maverick
day with the crowd again providing plenty of atmosphere with Fisher, Billy Jackson 3, Lachlan Waugh, Taner Rivers) d
each club settling in to their own area around the grounds Mitchell Magpies 6 (Try Ryan Lemon, Conversion Ross Tilley).
with Red Bulls and Cities providing the back half of a semi as
their own private box. The Reserve Game proved again to be one of the hardest and
toughest games of the day with both Cities and Chinchilla
A large crowd gathered early to throwing everything at each other with massive clashes in
witness the Under 16 game between the tackles and teams going into half time at 4 nil in favour of
Red Bulls and Cities. Previous games Cities. The game remained close throughout with Cities scoring
throughout the season were always a couple of tries late in the game to seal their premiership.
close with their last fixture game being
a draw. This one was no different Cities 18 (Tries: Jamie Cloherty, Mick Waites, Rhett Lewis,
with the lead changing on numerous Jeremy Mills. Conversions: Dean Kennedy 1) d Chinchilla 6
occasions until the last couple of (Try: Brendon Waters. Conversion: Matt Edwards).
minutes when Red Bulls scored an
equaliser but unable to convert. The A Grade game was between the top two teams all year,
Chinchilla Bulldogs and the Red Bulls. This was a great
With time running out it looked like the first game of the day exhibition of Country Rugby League, if you blinked you missed
was heading for extra time until a penalty was awarded to something happening on the field. The attack was spectacular,
the Red Bulls about 35 metres out just as the fulltime hooter and they still believe the best way to get the opposition to the
sounded. The kick was lined up and with plenty of nerves the ground is to take them around the legs and it works.
penalty was converted by Dylan Ogden for a Red Bulls win
after full time. A great game of footy to start the day. Both teams were determined to assert their domination
early but by half time you could not separate the teams even
Red Bulls 24 (Tries: Ash Harth, Joe Zellers, Lucas Crawford, though the Bulldogs were slightly ahead. The result was not
Cody Fechner 2. (Conversions: Dylan Ogden 1, penalty really known until the last few minutes of the game with the
goal 1.) d Cities 22 (Tries Beau Cash, Blayze Blake, Damon Bulldogs continually edging ahead but the Red Bulls did not
Qualischefski 2, Conversions: Kayden Stoples 1.) give up. A great game of footy and a credit to the Roma and
District Rugby League.
The Under 18 game kicked off with Red Bulls the favourites
as they had been undefeated throughout the year, while their Chinchilla 28 (Tries: Romanda Sarea, Craig Johnson, Chad
opposition Mitchell Magpies fought their way through from Dentson, Tom Dodd 2. Conversions: Romanada Sarea
fourth position to make the Grand Final. The Magpies started 4) d Red Bulls 14 (Tries: Khan Ladbrock 2, Jack Krienke.
strongly but were overrun by the strong Red Bulls team. Conversions Jack Rowbotham 1).

60 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU Congratulations to the refs on the day, a great exhibition on
how to let the game flow in all games. There are probably some
higher paid refs around who could learn a few things from you.

– PETER RAFTER

QRL Central Division

THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION

CITIES RLFC – 2018 ROMA AND DISTRICT RESERVE GRADE PREMIERS

WALLUMBILLA/SURAT RED BULLS RLFC - UNDER 18 ROMA AND DISTRICT 2018 PREMIERS
BACK (L-R): Ryan Wehl (Coach), Zac Giddons, Ryan Wehl, Bryce Anderson, Ben York, Caleb Westbrook, Jye Johnson, Jeremy Walsh, Lachie Waugh, Maverick Fisher,

Isaac Bannerman, Billy Jackson, Taner Rivers, Jarrod Rodgers FRONT: Ash Harth, Pat Graham, Geordie Ladbrook, Connor Humphreys, Ben Ladbrook, Cooper
Dingle, Harvey Wright, Max Munro, Ben Ladbrook, Trevor Alwood. ABSENT: Les Alwood (Coach)

WALLUMBILLA/SURAT RED BULLS RLFC – UNDER 16 ROMA AND DISTRICT 2018 PREMIERS
BACK (L-R): Ton Knight (President / Sports Trainer), Riley Dehnert, Caleb Bannerman, Zach Tattam, Connor Thomas, Abe, Irwin, Ethan Graham, Lachie Tilley, Coby

Fechner, Caleb Wehl, Liam Lickwood, George Noble, Tim Klass (Coach) FRONT: Kim Ashton, Kelvin Wyman, Lucas Crawford, Noel Robinson, Dylan Ogden, Ash
Harth, Lincoln Pearce

THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 61

ADAM
WRIGHT

FOR THE LOVE OF
THE GAME

QRL’s Richard Duff (left) with Adam Wright PHOTO: Contributed Adam took the role of President of Brothers Junior Rugby League
in a period of significant financial hardship for the club. Not only
ADAM is the current President of the did Adam drive the fundraising effort to make the club financially
Past Brothers Junior Rugby League viable, he also built trust back in the junior league community
Club in Gladstone. He is also a life at Brothers. This was achieved by putting sound financial
member of the club following 20 years management processes in place including being transparent
of exemplary service and in 2018 with members on the management of club finances.
was selected as the Central Divisions
Volunteer of the Year. Adam believes if he sets an example for his children that they
will one day hopefully give back to the club or organisation they
Adam is also the interim groundskeeper at the Brothers JRL are involved in. This is how he is driving volunteer recruitment
facility and completes all of the field preparation for all games within the club.
(both school and club) at the facility.
In 2017 the Brothers Junior Rugby League Club faced the
Adam is an accredited coach and is currently the interim coach prospect of losing two teams in the competition (Under 14
of the Under 15 team while the selected coach completes the and 16). He acknowledged that numbers in these age groups
necessary accreditation. was an issue for other clubs and decided to negotiate with a
rival club that was in a similar situation. This discussion led
Finally, Adam has played an integral role in all facility upgrades to the merger of the Brothers and Calliope teams. The joint
at the club in the last four years. This includes the installation venture formed and a number of players who would have
of lights which has allowed for senior participation and training ordinarily been lost to the game were retained. Off the field
during the evening. This has ultimately increased the club’s Adam co-ordinated a joint presentation night for the teams
participation capacity. and welcomed players, staff and families from both clubs.

Adam’s exceptional service includes 15 years as a club coach Forward thinking such as this has seen the Brothers Junior
and four years as a club President and representative of the Rugby League Club present 7% growth in 2018. Of note this
Gladstone Junior Rugby League. As a club volunteer he is always also included 108% growth in the 16-18 years age group.
leading from the front with club working bee’s, fundraising
activities and can even be found in the canteen if needed. Positivity and discipline are key to
running a great club.
With his unique skill set (electrician) he has donated his time to
complete all the electrical wiring in the clubhouse and dressing Adam feels very strongly about these values and instils them
sheds and was an integral part of getting new lighting at the in all members of the clubs. This includes setting very high
Brothers facility. He has also been an integral part of major standards for parents and spectators attending Brothers
lighting projects at both the Gladstone Junior Rugby League Junior Rugby League games. There is no doubt that these
facility and at the Calliope club facility. Adam also upgraded values and the environment created at the club are driving
the power supply at the recent NRL fixture hosted by the recruitment and also contributing to the incredible retention
Gladstone Rugby League. rate of 79%.

He is a qualified coach and Leaguesafe officer and volunteers his Like most people Adam is considered ‘time poor.’ He has a
time to support teams whenever they are short of qualified staff. demanding job as a team leader with Ergon Energy, and also
has a young family. Adam’s family includes a toddler and two
older children who are heavily involved in sports outside of
Rugby League.

Despite these challenges Adam always gives people the best
of his time around the Brothers Junior Rugby League Club and
is a credit to the game of rugby league.

62 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION

GLADSTONE The Gladstone Junior League Grand Finals were
RUGBY held on the 17th August with the following results
LEAGUE
Under 12’s Calliope defeated Brothers 36-18 Player
of the match for Calliope – Dylan Streeter

Under 13’s Valleys defeated Brothers 50-20 Player of
the match for Valleys – Tyler Peckham Harris

Under 14’s Wallabys defeated Valleys 26-22 Player of
the match for Wallabys – Ethan Kozloff

Under 15’s Valleys defeated Brothers 44-28 Player of
the match for Valleys – Maximus Patullo

Under 17’s Brothers defeated Tannum 28-12 Player
of the match for Brothers – Cameron Fitzsimmons

GLADSTONE is like many regional A try to Gladstone’s Shane Gibson took the score to 44-38
cities in Queensland that has been before the home team pulled its full squad of 24 players off
impacted by the down-turn in mining the bench during the final minutes to defend against a further
and industrial development but there attacking raid from the Aussies.
is a silver lining as far as rugby league
is concerned. The local rugby league Although the Gladstone Senior Rugby League teams played
community has worked tirelessly their 2018 season in an extended league with clubs from
to develop the game at all levels Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Emu Park, Woorabinda and Biloela,
and community events including a they did play their own local Grand Finals at the end of the
“Legends of League” game and the normal season as part of celebrations to celebrate 100 Years
Titans vs Manly Sea Eagles NRL game of Rugby League in Gladstone.
are just two examples.
Women’s Rugby League has really got a foot-hold in the
The “Legends of League” game played Gladstone area with some of the finest players in the country
at Gladstone’s Marley Brown Oval on playing in the competition.
the 4th August saw a Matt Bowen three-try effort steal the
game for the Australian All-Stars as they came from behind to Rugby League is certainly on the rise in the area and it’s clear
win 44-38 in a 16-try attacking display. Former great players that the glory days are not that far away when people of the
involved included Bowen, Scott Prince, PJ Marsh, Casey calibre of Adam Wright, Amanda Ingham and Richard Duff are
McGuire, Ashley Harrison and Terry Matterson. steering the ship.

Players took a more relaxed approached
during the second half as a number of
fundamental errors were overlooked in
order to let the game flow.

However, nobody could deny a try to Rosella Park School
student Levi Harris, who made his way onto the field to score
for the Gladstone All-Stars, sparking a comeback for the home
side. Gladstone came to within four points 10 minutes into the
second half until the game opened up further.

GLADSTONE RUGBY LEAGUE GRAND FINALS

Women’s winners – Wallabys Reserved Grade winners – Valleys
Wallabys 28 defeated Tannum 4 Valleys 22 defeated Tannum 10
Under 20’s winners – Brothers A Grade winners – Brothers
Brothers 38 defeated Valleys 10 Brothers 25 defeated Valleys 20

THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 63

GLADSTONE
RUGBY LEAGUE

BROTHERS RLFC – 2018 GLADSTONE UNDER 20 PREMIERS
BACK (L-R): Jason Smith, Tomas Wright, Jesse Ingham, Patrick Graham, Kelian Shaw, Dane Corson-Crook, Kaena Truskett, Deklin Huth, Riley Johnson, Leif Audet
MIDDLE: Jack Moore, Jayden Kiss, Ben Holzheimer, Braiden Spence, Blake Cowburn, Cameron Fitzsimmons, Bailey Audet SITTING: Ryley Creamer, Harry Murphy,

Ashtyn Lindeberg FRONT: Alex Smith

WALLABYS RLFC – 2018 GLADSTONE A GRADE WOMENS PREMIERS
BACK (L-R): Brendon Hunt (FAO), Jubilee Bennett, Samantha Ellis, Sheila Daly, Kate Cunningham, Jill Kornbrekke, Rebecca Piper-Mott, Ashlee Todd, Zeah Lane,
Taylah Lewis, Jamie Gillett, Daniel Burns (Coach) MIDDLE: Rikarra Benjamin, Tahnee Guinea, Sharnee Werahiko, Brianna Fredericks, Leesa Coughlin, Carly Hill,

Hollie Bimrose, Cath Langridge, Dezarye Baker FRONT: Stephanie Burns, Tanya Howarth

64 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION

BROTHERS RLFC – 2018 GLADSTONE A GRADE PREMIERS
BACK (L-R): Jason Burns, Danny Blair, Chris Stolk, Ilya Ryzhankov, Jimmy McCafferty, David Ahern, Kale Robertson, Col Hillhouse, Jayke Collins, Andrew Murdoch, Pryce

Trevor FRONT: Paul Condren, Dean Kornbrekke, Clint Docherty, Tyrone Lockrey, Terry Sawyer, Brandon Steele, Jack Morgan, Ben March SITTING: Kenny Kelliher

WALLABYS RLFC – 2018 GLADSTONE UNDER 14 PREMIERS
BACK (L-R): Sarah Stephenson, Brendon Hunt, Caleb Berthelsen, Brodie Hunt, Tekoah Eldridge, Mitchelle Leeke, Kyle Whittingham, Isaac Barkle, Dylan Middleton,

Bailey Hicks, Jazmine Hunt, Trevor McGrath FRONT: Nicholas Hall, Caleb Stewart, Ethan Kozloff, Zachary Weatherby,
Kayde Hansen, Dylan Hamblin,Callum Birse-Syphers, Ryley Bobart

BROTHERS RLFC – 2018 GLADSTONE UNDER 17 PREMIERS
BACK (L-R): Steven Silvester (Coach), Paul Condren (Trainer), Jordan Long, Jet Cavanagh, Craig Fleiter, Ronan McGuire, Jayden Carter, Zane Robertson, Ethan List,
Travis Wright, Ross Rideout (Trainer), Jon Rebel (Trainer) FRONT: Seth Sharp, Ethan Hampstead, Josh Rigby, Harrison Rideout, Caleb Baker, Lachlan Batterbee,

Nicholas Holmes, Cameron Fitzsimmons, Jake Thompson (C), Claude Melve, Breanna Rebel Lyncoln Rebel (VC) Caleb Rebel

THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 65

CRUSHERS

QRL Regional Manager, Glenn Ottaway with Josh Tanner (Player of Final)

#GETONTHETRAIN TO DUAL PREMIERSHIP

THEY built their grand final campaign on the hashtag round to Blackwater. They redeemed themselves the next
#getonthetrain and the Blackwater Crushers did just that – week in the major semi-final over the Crushers with a 30-14
railroading their opposition to secure both Central Highlands win to book a home grand final.
Men’s and Women’s premierships in an emphatic fashion.
In front of just under 2,000 people at Macca’s Oval, Bluff, the club The premiers qualified for the Grand Final the “long way” after
became just the second in Central Highlands history to assert their semi-final loss, claiming a 36-22 victory over Springsure in
their dominance with the Men’s / Women’s double, repeating the preliminary final to setup yet another enthralling contest
the success of the Emerald Tigers’ feat two years prior. between the region’s two biggest rivals.

The Purcell Engineering Men’s decider was primed to be one After ruing last
for the ages, being the first time that both Bluff and Blackwater year’s grand final
met in the big dance. The Rabbitohs finished on top at the end defeat, the home
of the regular season, only recording the one loss in the last side were looking
for early points and
club stalwart Chris
Conway answered
the calling in the
fourth minute.

For the next 10 minutes, the
game was a stalemate as both
teams grinded away in the hope
of cracking their opposition, which
the home side eventually did in the
14th minute.

Featuring in his 13th Grand Final,
Bluff five-eighth Mitch Wyatte exposed Blackwater’s short right
edge and threw a cut-out pass to Blake Vesey for their second
try to lead 12-0.

66 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION

Despite many attempts from both sides to trouble the scorers, The Rabbitohs threw everything but
Bluff kept their handy lead at the break with a big second half the kitchen sink in the last ten minutes
needed by Blackwater if they wanted to be any chance. but the Crushers had done enough,
amassing 24 points to the Rabbitohs’
The Crushers started strongly in the second stanza and three lone four.
minutes after the break, West Bundaberg-import Josh Tanner
rolled a nicely timed grubber into the in-goal for former Gold The victory breaks the club’s 13 year premiership drought.
Coast Titan Jai Ingram to chase and score. Tanner was judged the player of the final for his heavy
involvement in his side’s second half comeback – scoring the
Six minutes later, Tanner got on try to level the game and assisting in two others.
the scoreboard himself with a well-
executed chip and chase to score Despite grand final number 13 proving unlucky for Wyatte, his
under the posts, locking the scores up experience and involvement in the opening 40 minutes really
at 12-12. led the way for the Rabbitohs, however the Crushers did their
homework at the break and disarmed the Rabbitohs gun half.
The former CQ Capra had another hand in the try to break the
deadlock in the 56th minute, kicking for the corner leading to The win is Blackwater’s third title from seven grand finals since
Shae Cox crossing and converting to make it 18-12. the merger between Centrals, Devils and Souths to become the
Crushers.
In the following set, Blackwater lost the ball, giving the
Rabbitohs a sniff, and Chris McKay gave the Rabbits hope with BLACKWATER CRUSHERS 24 (Shae Cox 2, Josh Tanner, Jai
a try in the north-eastern corner. The all-important conversion Ingram tries; Shae Cox 4 goals) defeated BLUFF RABBITOHS
was waived away, but the four much-needed points reduced 16 (Chris Conway, Chris McKay, Blake Vesey tries; Mitch
the deficit to just two with a frantic final 20 minutes ahead, Power 2 goals) at Macca’s Oval Bluff.
keeping everyone on their edge of their seats.

Poor ball security in the wet conditions crippled both teams,
but Bluff seemed to lose possession at the costliest times.

With 12 minutes remaining, Blackwater had all the ascendancy
attacking Bluff’s line, allowing Cox to break through a broken
Bluff defensive line to score what turned out to be the match-
winning try.

Graham ‘Storky’ Campbell awarded Life Referees Player of Year, Ray Ebsworth with
Membership of Central Highlands Rugby League Julie Campbell (left) and Bruce Ryan (right)

PHOTO: Courtesy Damian Freiberg PHOTO: Courtesy Damian Freiberg

THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 67

CRUSHETTES CLAIM
MAIDEN TITLE

BLACKWATER CRUSHETTES RLFC – 2018 CENTRAL HIGHLANDS WOMENS PREMIERS

THE Allied Pickfords Women’s grand final between the THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
Crushettes and Emerald Cowgirls was one for the history
books, being the closest decider in the competition’s five-year
existence.

The game had a perfect narrative
with last year’s beaten grand finalists
chasing their maiden title against the
Cowgirls who were playing in their
maiden grand final.

In what has been described as one of the fastest and most
intense games of women’s rugby league played on the
Highlands, it took 12 minutes before the first points were
recorded with Tasma Vesey crossing first for the Crushettes.

In the following set, the Cowgirls levelled up the scoring by an
old combination that had plagued the Crushettes in last year’s
decider when playing for Clermont – Bec Stokes to Elle Stitt.

The Cowgirls were in again the following set after getting the
ball back from a Crushettes’ error.

With the ‘underdogs’ ahead 12-6 near the break, a costly
obstruction penalty saw the Crushettes get a penalty close
to the Cowgirls’ line, to which Zoe Mackay capitalised. At the
break, it was all locked up at 12-12 and as the supporters really
started to settle for a big final 35 minutes ... so did the rain.

68 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU

Five minutes into the second half, a well-structured It wasn’t to be ... the siren sounded, and Blackwater claimed
backline movement from left to right allowed Megan the premiership 22-16 in an absolute thriller.
Smith to break the deadlock for the ‘home side’, but
the kick was missed leaving the margin only four The Crushettes’ Brooke Slatter was player of the final for her
points, 16-12. watertight defence and attacking flair at fullback, with highly
commended performances from Vesey and Macey Finlay. For
The Cowgirls didn’t drop their heads and remained the runners up, Stokes was the Cowgirls’ best, almost steering
in the contest, finally being rewarded with Naomi her young and budding side to their first title in their four-year
Zonca crossing to score the equaliser from a set-play infancy.
off a scrum.
Kailah Rogers and Deb Barchard were also strong in the
With just over 15 minutes remaining, both teams showed their middle, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Crushettes who were
grit in the wet and kept everyone on the edge of their seats, or out to avenge last year’s grand final loss to the Bears.
even off them with the game so intense.
BLACKWATER CRUSHETTES 22 (Zoe Mackay, Macey
Three minutes remained, and many were blowing the dust off Finlay, Tasma Vesey, Miranda Davidson tries; Zoe
the extra-time rulebook with the scores locked at 16-16 ... but Mackay 3 goals) defeated EMERALD COWGIRLS 16
then the match winner. (Elle Stitt, Naomi Zonca, Caitlin Saunders tries; Kailah
Rogers 2 goals).
Fifth tackle, 20 metres out. Blackwater hooker and captain
Miranda Davidson looked up to see a broken defensive line and
pounced, breaking through to score underneath the posts.

90 seconds remained and when the Cowgirls eventually got
the ball back from Blackwater’s set, they had one play to come
off the back fence.

THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION Central Highlands ‘Rookies of the Year’ Tom
Colwell with Greg Coase and Ray Ebsworth

PHOTOS: Courtesy Damian Freiberg

LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 69

4RGLO7ATCHDKSYBTA&OTNTTAEOLOIWONOIONMBA SHINE AT

Under 18’s Trophy winners – Toowoomba Clydesdales 22 defeated Roma 8
Under 18’s Plate winners – Bundaberg Bears 13 defeated Gladstone Raiders 6
Under 20’s Trophy winners – Rockhampton Rustlers 12 defeated Burnett 10
Under 20’s Plate winners – Bundaberg Bears 18 defeated Central Highlands 14

TOOWOOMBA CLYDESDALES UNDER 18 REPRESENTATIVE TEAM – 2018 47TH BATTALION CHAMPIONS
BACK (L-R): Gary Halliday (Assistant Coach), Hugh Wilkes, Jaylan Bond, Connor Brady, Pat Fitzgerald (Assistant Coach), Hector Hilberto, Reece Liston, Mitch
Murphy, Tom Chambers, Seb Connor, Tyler Gillam, Richie Lee (Coach) MIDDLE: John Haywood (FAO), Travis Babington, Martin Foelz, Matthew Christensen, Dylan

Flanagan, Henry Alder, Darcy Brown, Zac Miles FRONT: Josh Koeller, Tom Browne, Zac Croft PHOTO: Courtesy Janene Maguire

THE Toowoomba Clydesdales and The Under 18 Clydesdales didn’t miss a beat in their clinical
Rockhampton Rustlers claimed second half shutout to claim a 22-8 victory over their South
victory in their respective age groups, West cousins Roma and District; while the Rustlers held on
following the successful inaugural in a thriller, winning 12-10 over South Burnett to reclaim the
combined Under 18 / Under 20 47th Under 20s trophy after being upset by Bundaberg in last
Battalion carnival held in Gladstone year’s decider.
over the last weekend in June.
The Clydesdales were first to score five minutes into the Under
Teams from Bundaberg, Central Highlands, Gladstone, 18 final, with Henry Adler crossing the line in spectacular fashion.
Rockhampton, Roma, South Burnett, Toowoomba and the
Queensland Outback competed over the two days with an Roma weren’t prepared to let their rivals from down the
Under 18 and Under 20 Central Crows team selected at the Warrego claim bragging rights and scored in the eighth
end of the carnival to play South East Queensland on July 28. minute through some great individual work near the line by
five-eighth Ben York.
QRL Central Region Manager Glenn Ottaway said it was an
opportunity for regional players to participate in high quality To Toowoomba’s disbelief, Tanar Rivers broke the defensive
rugby league. “This carnival is a great opportunity for young line in the following set and ran 60m, scoring in the north-
players to participate at a representative level,” Ottaway said. west corner to gain an 8-6 lead after 10 minutes.

“All players at the carnival have not had regular exposure to From there, the Clydesdales needed to find a spark to get
the Mal Meninga Cup or Hastings Deering Colts as part of the back in the game and the man to do it was none other than
QRL Major Competitions program. prop forward Darcy Brown.

In the ‘play of the day’ that will risk expulsion from the front
rowers’ union, Brown charged down a kick from halfway,
regathered the ball and ran half the field to get his side back in
front, leading 12-8 with 10 minutes remaining in the first half.

70 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION

ROCKHAMPTON RUSTLERS U20’S BACK (L-R) – Steven Lamey (Trainer), Bertram Tabuai (Coach), John Savage, Cameron Oakley, Kyle Russell, Toby Frater
(behind blocked from view in white sling), Harrison Routley, Morris Pickering, Nyulang Johnson, Mitchell Clarke, Tycer O’Dell, Jarod Dahtler, Matthius Mann,

Leaguesafe Tommy Whitehead, Trainer Tasha Lamey KNEELING: Ryan Witt, Tyson Pope, Caleb Tull, Brandon Kemp, Dylan Chittick, Leroy Richards
FRONT (sitting on ground): Kejanu Doyle, Ryan Franks

On the stroke of halftime, Toowoomba were awarded a After multiple attacking raids, the Eagles finally landed in the
penalty to which Dylan Flanagan pointed to the posts and 15th minute, with Elwyn Fewquandie receiving an offload
added the extra two points, giving the Clydesdales a 14-8 lead. near the left upright to gift his side their first points.

It was an arm wrestle in the second 25 with both teams trying The conversion near the posts was waved away, and whilst it
their hardest, and it wasn’t until the 16th minute when Adler wasn’t known then, ultimately proved costly.
crossed for his second, all but drawing the curtains on a
potential Roma comeback. With five to go in the first half, Dylan Chittick fooled everyone
near the line and crossed from dummy-half, allowing
Flanagan ensured the trophy was en route to the Garden City, Cameron Oakley to add the extras and give the Rustlers a
adding another penalty goal to the tally with two minutes on crucial eight-point lead at the break.
the clock, and at fulltime, the Clydesdales were victorious 22-8.
In the second half, the game was wide open with not a point
The Under 20s trophy final reflected scored until the 22nd minute. Kirby Rubesaame gave South
how close the entire competition Burnett hope, breaking the ice with a great try near the posts
was, with another narrow score-line for his side to only trail by two points with 90 seconds on the
recorded to end the carnival. clock.

Rockhampton scored first after a strong run from Nyulang The Eagles played their final hand with seconds to go, chipping
Johnson saw him barge over under the posts to make it 6-0. and chasing in the hope of getting the bounce of the ball, but
it wasn’t to be as the Rustlers gathered the ball and ultimately
The Rustlers looked to dominate the game early, but handling claiming a 12-10 victory in a close, thrilling encounter.
errors led to the ball being turned over to South Burnett,
keeping the leaders parked on their own goal-line.

UNDER 18 CENTRAL DIVISION UNDER 20 CENTRAL DIVISION

1. Zachariah Miles (Toowoomba Clydesdales) 1. Andrew Richardson (Toowoomba Clydesdales) 2. Jack
2. Kahlil Ganter (Rockhampton Rustlers) Hourn (South Burnett Eagles)
3. Zachary Croft (Toowoomba Clydesdales) 3. Toby Frater (Rockhampton Rustlers)
4. Kaia Williams (South Burnett Eagles) 4. Maurice Fisher (South Burnett Eagles)
5. George Fisher (South Burnett Eagles) 5. Cameron Oakley (Rockhampton Rustlers)
6. Thomas Springate (South Burnett Eagles) 6. Sam Betros (Toowoomba Clydesdales)
7. Dylan Flanagan (Toowoomba Clydesdales) 7. Brodee Barrett (Central Highlands)
8. Myles Gal (Bundaberg Bears) 8. Will O’Gradey (Toowoomba Clydesdales)
9. Dyirun Johnson (Bundaberg Bears) 9. Harry Sullivan (Toowoomba Clydesdales)
10. Kiya Schnabel (Bundaberg Bears) 10. Toby Walker (Central Highlands)
11. Jake Petersen (Rockhampton Rustlers) 11. Brandon Steele (Gladstone Raiders)
12. Joshua Keoller (Toowoomba Clydesdales) 12. Tom Colwell (Central Highlands)
13. Colby Richardson (Bundaberg Bears) 13. Cody Evans (Toowoomba Clydesdales)
14. Tanar Rivers (Roma & District) 14. Adam Geiger (South Burnett Eagles)
15. Jack Sullivan (South Burnett Eagles) 15. Josiah Alberts (Bundaberg Bears)
16. Jye Johnson (Roma & District) 16. Karl Berlin (South Burnett Eagles)
17. Harvey Wright (Roma & District) 17. Malik Brown (Toowoomba Clydesdales)
Head Coach: Bob Boon Head Coach: Darren Burns
Assistant Coach: Mal McMillan Assistant Coach: Bob Leitch
Sports Trainer: Martin McIttrick Sports Trainer: Dwayne Kangan
Manager: Brad Steer Manager: Charmain Acton
THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 71

2G0R1A8NNDOFRINTAHLERN DISTRICTS

SMALL community’s rugby league was
alive and well as witnessed at Gary
Larson Oval in Miriam Vale in August
for the Northern Districts Grand Final.

A large crowd of ‘league lovers’ attended, and games went
ahead although threatened by the much-needed rain as
clouds came and dispersed throughout the afternoon. The
first match of the day was between Agnes Water Marlins and
the Avondale Tigers for the annual Slean Cup. The Tigers ran
out victors 48 – 10 in a dominant display.

Women’s League Tag between the much-improved Agnes
Water and Avondale provided great entertainment to the
very interested crowd with very positive comment amongst
spectators. It was fast from end to end with the experienced
Avondale girls combining well to win 24 – 0. This is a new
concept implemented this season with the intent to attract
more competitors and supporters to the clubs and attend
NDRL matches. With the plan of more teams entered next
season it will be great for this competition and the NDRL
overall as low crowd numbers have seen all clubs struggle
financially this season.

MIRIAM VALE RUGBY LEAGUE FOOTBALL CLUB – 2018 NORTHERN DISTRICTS PREMIERS
KNEELING/SITTING (L-R): Lloyd Wimbus, Jake Gower, Dylan Bradford, President Adam Hansen (and 2 sons George & Bill), Lee-James Dickinson, Rhys Plater,
Charles Hopf, Ryan Walker (and son Rex), Glenn Cox, Aaron Causton, Ben Sneddon, Wayne Minter STANDING (L-R): Mathew Noy, Beau Elphinstone, Ben Kneen,
Cheyne Grainger, Brad Jamieson, Matthew Fennell, Jordan Kellett, Corey Rankin, Kurt Ferris, Chris Lambert, Rick Dawes, Ray Kaestner, Brad Noy, Stu Olsen,

Manager Gary Cox, Coach Mitch Brennan, Reece Muller

72 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION

The main match of the day Miriam Vale 18 (R Noy, J Farraway tries; B Noy 5 goals)
between hosts and favourites defeated South Kolan 12 (J Olive, D Chapman tries; M Jones
the Miriam Vale Magpies and the 2 goals). The Player of the Final was Thomas Robinson
South Kolan Sharks resulted in (Miriam Vale).
dour struggle from one red zone
to the other with no favours given. The Ladies League Tag Match on Grand Final Day. This was a
With an 8 – 6 score line in favour pilot promotion to show case NRL Women’s League Tag (As
of the Magpies at the half way mark, the Sharks were well and opposed to the Oztag, another similar form of the game). The
truly in the game as they had not received much possession two teams the Avondale “Tigers” and Agnes Water “Marlins”
and when they had the ball they presented turnovers in tackles played a series of six matches over the last three weeks of the
frequently. men’s competition and the finals. Avondale were the successful
club winning all six games. However, the Marlins thoroughly
Defence was strong and desperate from both teams and enjoyed the competition.
although there was a long break from a serious injury midway
through the second stanza of play, both teams continued – DAVE PEARCE QRL Central Division
where they left off before the stoppage. With four minutes to
play the Sharks provided hope for their supporters when they
scored and converted to be within a possibility of a draw and
to play extra time, but the Magpies held strong and finished
premiers winning 18 – 12.

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DROOMCIKNYATBERYOETPHPEOROSN

ROCKHAMPTON BROTHERS RLFC – 2018 UNDER 20 PREMIERS

THE script was not supposed to end like this for the Scott Minto coached
Yeppoon Seagulls who took out the minor premiership, but a 40-14 shellacking by
Rockhampton Brothers was not what the people on the Capricorn Coast expected.

In a blue-ribbon day for the Brothers club they played in four Grand
Finals, winning the Under 20s 36-16 over Norths Chargers, the
Reserve Grade 42-6 over Gladstone Valleys, lost the Women’s Grand
Final in the best game of the day 14-12 to Tannum Sands and then
took out the game that the people came to see.

The A Grade Grand Final was over before it started basically as the
send-off of Yeppoon five-eighth Cody Grills ended any chance that
the Seagulls had of making a comeback after the Brethren had
scored the opening three tries. Brothers led 28-0 late in the first half
and went into the sheds leading 28-6 with Tully Wehmeier scoring
the first of his two tries just before half time.

The Seagulls staged a mini-comeback to score the opening two tries of
the second half and narrow the gap to 28-14, but it was a bridge-too-
far for the 12-man Yeppoon team as Brothers closed out the game
and led comfortably for the last 30 minutes of the second-half. For
Rockhampton Brothers Grant Rogers, Matthew Baker (2), Riley Read
(2), Mark Johnstone and Brenton Pinkerton scored tries with Pinkerton
kicking seven goals. Yeppoon’s points came from two tries to Tully
Wehmeier and one to Parry Boland while Wehmeier kicked a goal.

ROCKHAMPTON AND DISTRICT RUGBY LEAGUE

A Grade – Rockhampton Brothers 40 d Yeppoon 14
Women’s – Tannum Sands 14 d Rockhampton Brothers 12
Reserve Grade – Rockhampton Brothers 42 d Gladstone Valleys 6
Under 20 – Rockhampton Brothers 36 d Norths Chargers 16
International Player of the Year: Blake Laherty – Yeppoon Seagulls
Female Rookie of the Year: Rhiannon Revell-Blair – Emu Park

Male Rookie of the Year: Cameron Oakley – Emu Park
Reserve Grade Player of the Year- Billy Johnstone – Biloela Panthers

Women’s Player of the Year – Tashina Ketchup – Emu Park
Ollie Howden Medal- Sam Holzheimer – Yeppoon Seagulls

74 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION

ROCKHAMPTON BROTHERS RLFC – 2018 A GRADE PREMIERS
ROCKHAMPTON BROTHERS RLFC – 2018 RESERVE GRADE PREMIERS

YEPPOON SEAGALS RLFC – 2018 ROCKHAMPTON WOMENS PREMIERS

THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 75

CHARLEVILLE TURNS OUT

THE town of Charleville came Toowoomba Brothers RLFC – winners of the Under 14 Adrian Vowles Cup
alive with 20 teams arriving
for the annual Under 14 and After starting in 2015 to provide a bit of extra footy for the kids
Under 16 Adrian Vowles around the Western Rugby League area this event has now
Cup. The crowd including evolved into one of the major Rugby League carnivals in the
players, coaching staff and Outback and one not to be missed. The teams from Mackay
parents was well over 800 and and Mt Isa travelled 13 hours to get to Charleville, there was
provided a great atmosphere only 15 players at the carnival who travelled less than 200kms
for the weekend. As expected, to play.
the footy was entertaining
with several draws in both
age groups showing how
close the teams were which
is encouraging for the teams
from the Outback playing
the bigger city teams from
Redcliffe, Redlands, Mackay
and Toowoomba.

Although everyone came with
the hope of winning the event
you could see after the Grand
Finals that the footy was not the major talking point of the
weekend. The experience for the players and coaching staff
to able to participate in an event like this is something that
will last in the memories of those involved for a lifetime with
many already booking in for 2019 and the word around the
grounds of several new teams considering playing next year
simply after hearing about previous events and wanting to get
involved. Some teams stayed in motels, some in cabins while
others camped out in tents or in their swags under the stars
at the grounds.

76 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU Mackay Brothers RLFC – winners of the Under 16 Adrian Vowles Cup

THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION

FOR ADRIAN VOWLES CUP

There were 28 girls from the Under 16 Adrian Vowles Cup Dream Team
Under 14 and Under 16 age
groups wanting to get involved At the end of the day presentations were held where Adrian
in Rugby League with NRL Game Vowles awarded trophies to the Best and Fairest of each team,
Development Officer Grant the Adrian Vowles trophies for the two winning teams, as well
Bignell, taking them for a training as name his 2018 Dream Team which consists of the best
session before playing three players in each position. Each player is then presented with a
games during the weekend. commemorative jersey as a memento.
Some girls have never played A big Thank You to the refs over the weekend who did a
footy before, but all enjoyed tremendous job and also the girls who worked in the canteen
the experience with chance of feeding the teams for breakfast lunch and dinner.
selection in the Queensland
Outback team.

The girls were also asked to
register on the new My League
app where they will receive all
future information and news re
girls Rugby League.

The Under 14 Grand Final was
played between Toowoomba
Brothers and Redcliffe. At full
time the teams could not be separated and went into golden
try to decide the winner with Toowoomba Brothers eventually
running out winners 8-4. The Under 16 Grand Final saw the
undefeated Mackay Brothers take on the Under 16 2017
winners, Redcliffe. This also looked like going into extra time
before Mackay were able to score a try at the end to give them
an 8-0 win. A great effort from Redcliffe to have both teams in
the finals.

THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION Under 14 Adrian Vowles Cup Dream Team

LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 77

‘Get in the Game’

Country Week

The Capras’ Luke George scoring against the Bears
in Maryborough PHOTO: Courtesy QRL, www.qrl.com.au

TWO Central Division communities saw The regional towns reaped the benefit of increased revenue
the benefit of the QRL’s Country Week through ‘sports tourism’ but they also had the experience of
initiative in 2018 with Maryborough seeing some of the real stars in the game in Queensland visiting
hosting the Capras vs Burleigh Bears schools, junior league clubs and other community activities as
and Goondiwindi hosting the Redcliffe part of their stay. The Redcliffe Dolphins stayed four days in
Dolphins and East Tigers. The Sunshine the Central West spreading the rugby league word.
Coast Falcons played the Mackay
Cutters in Bowen while other games
were played in Cooktown, Hughenden,
Normanton and Lae in PNG.

The Burleigh Bears had to avoid a first half scare to topple
the Capras 24-14 in their Round 19 Intrust Super Cup clash at
Eskdale Park, Maryborough while Redcliffe got over the top
of the Tigers in Goondiwindi.

“Get in the Game” Country Week was about bringing rugby
league to places that would not normally see the game and
the weekend was a huge success in that regard. More than
70 players with NRL, Super League and international rugby
league experience ran onto the fields in regional communities
– some with little more than 1000 residents – as part of ‘Get
in the Game’ Country Week.

Remarkably, this round of fixtures took to 54 the number
of regional Queensland locations (outside South-East
Queensland) that have hosted Intrust Super Cup contests
since the competition began in 1996. Of that total, 35 have
been made possible by ‘Get in the Game’ Country Week,
supported and sponsored by the Queensland Government.

78 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION

SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS 2018 INTRUST SUPER CUP TEAM
BACK (L-R): Jake Ainsworth, Keelyn Tuuta, Stephen Buckley, Sandor Earl, Lachlan Roe, Lachlan Tim MIDDLE: Chris Lewis, Tom Eisenhuth, Jordan Brown, Junior
Ratuva, Louis Geraghty, Matt Soper-Lawler, Jacob Hind, Harrison Muller FRONT: Caleb Daunt, Harry Grant, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Dane Hogan (Captain), Craig

Ingebrigtsen (Coach), Jye Ballinger, Ryley Jacks, Rhys Jacks, Sam Burns
PHOTO: Courtesy Sunshine Coast Falcons

Some of the NRL-experienced names that have appeared in team lists for the weekend include
Bryce Cartwright, Ethan Lowe, Dave Taylor, Javid Bowen, Kane Elgey, Sam Tagataese, Patrick
Kaufusi, Jonus Pearson, Sandor Earl, Tom Opacic and Justin Olam.
The Central Division based teams had an indifferent season in the higher grades of the QRL
competitions, no teams playing in the semi-finals of either the Mal Meninga Cup, Hastings Deering
Cup or Intrust Super Cup.

ROCKHAMPTON LEAGUES CLUB CAPRAS 2018 INTRUST SUPER CUP TEAM
BACK (L-R): Dave Cowhan, Darcy Davey, Peter Rogers, Sonny Kerr, Junior Kirisome, Chanel Seigafo, Zeik Foster, Victor Halfpenny, Blake Goodman, Aaron
Flanagan, Samuel Lollo, Ken Tofilau, Billy Gilbert, Aaron Teroi, Jamie Hill MIDDLE: Michael Hoare (Head Trainer), John Rewald (Chaplain), Leesa Pearce (High
Performance), Lachlan Wells (Strength & Conditioning), Jyde Dwyer, David Taylor, Lachlan Hall, Phill Nati, Gillesbie Fai, Tyson White, Jayden Alberts, Connor
Broadhurst, Luke George, Mitchell Berry (Assistant Coach), Nikita Williams (Trainer), Lyle Baker (Manager), Damien Seibold (U20’s Co-Coach) FRONT: Jack White,
Lachlan Norris, Nathan Bassani, Wade Carra, Oliver Percy, Kim Williams (Head Coach), Jack Madden (Captain), David Faiumu (Assistant Coach), Jerry Key, Ryan
Flintham, Troyson Bassani, Jace O’Neill, Maipele Morseau, Lance Kuveu ABSENT: Neil Beckett (U20’s Co-Coach), Jason Green (Assistant Coach), Jamie Minto, Brad

Lupi, James Licock, William Cullen, Tavite Lopeti

THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 79

OTUQITTULBEEAEDCNRKSOLBUARGNEHDATK

QUEENSLAND Outback’s two-year Outback hit back in their next attacking
title drought has broken, defeating set to return the margin to 14, Jackson
North Queensland United 40-16 in the Shelswell on the end of a prompt tip-
annual encounter at Sunshine Coast on from Tommy Krosch.
Stadium in July.
Crucial errors and silly fifth-tackle options made the title-
Travelling hundreds of kilometres for the seventh instalment defence difficult, but the NQ forward pack was unstoppable,
between the two rivals, both teams arrived in camp on Thursday particularly Leon Bond’s efforts near the line. Timing his run to
to prepare for the rewarding annual “Origin-like” clash. perfection, Bond steamed in from the ten-metre line to bust
through and stroll over, making it 18-10 to motivate his side for
After a heavy loss last year in Cairns, the Outback were a big second half.
determined to reverse the result and started positively, scoring
in the fourth minute after a Jack Just ‘show and go’ fooled the AJ Hauff burst NQ’s confidence bubble
NQ defence. At 6-0, the pressure continued to mount on the with a minute to go, giving his Outback
defending premiers, conceding a penalty near the posts to side a 24-10 lead at the break.
which Warren Draper added two extra points to the total in the
eighth minute. A positive start to the second stanza was imperative for NQ to
remain in touch, but they made a costly error, turning over the
When it rains, it pours in the Outback as captain Brenton Stonier ball 25 metres from their line.
added his name to the scoring sheet in his fourth appearance,
crashing over from dummy-half two minutes later. It was an In the following set, Joey Packer followed in the footsteps of
Outback spectacular minus the RM’s in the opening stages of his skipper and scored a skilful try out of dummy-half to all but
the first half with the boys from the bush starving NQ of the ensure the trophy was heading to the bush.
ball, but a relieving penalty to United led to their first points of
the game. Outback continued to pepper the North’s defensive line for the
next 20 minutes, but it stayed solid. With only 10 minutes left,
A deep kick for touch forced Outback to defend their end and the slightest glimmer of hope remained when Tabua Woosup
a few plays later, Alex Tipoti broke the line before skilfully crossed in the south-eastern corner to make it 30-16.
offloading to Dominic Macumboy on the inside to bridge the
gap to 14-4 after 20 minutes. The bar was set high for United and as the time ticked down,
the hope of defending their title continued to dim.

The hope completely burned out with three minutes to go after
Michael Fletcher earned himself a try after a strong and busy
performance off the bench.

80 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION

Just added the cherries on top in the ‘try of the day’ with The match is a rewarding experience for both teams who
only seconds on the clock. In the following set after the try, make a significant commitment to play the greatest game of
Shelswell broke the line and ran 40 metres down the western all in the rural and remote areas of the state and looks set to
touchline to then offload to Alex Coonan in front of the posts, continue next year at a venue yet to be determined.
who then freakishly threw the ball back in-field to a supporting
Just, finishing the game much like he started. Queensland Outback 40 (Jack Just 2, Brenton Stonier, Jackson
Shelswell, AJ Hauff, Joe Packer, Michael Fletcher tries; Warren
Michael Fletcher earned man of the match honours for the Draper 5, Brenton Stoiner goals) defeated NQ United 16
Outback for his courageous efforts off the bench while Dominic (Dominic Macumboy, Leon Bond, Tabua Woosup tries; Isaac
Macumboy was the best on field for United, contributing to his Rokeby 2 goals) at Sunshine Coast Stadium
side at fullback with a strong defensive effort and skilful kick
returns. – CAMERON STALLARD

The win breaks a two-year NQ winning- QRL Central Division
streak with the unique Skytrans trophy
to return to the bush for the year.

THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU 81

PHOTOS: Courtesy of Ritchie Duce – Level Eleven Photography

VALE MAL BREEN

BUNDABERG lost one of its finest Mal Breen, or ‘Breeny’ as he was popularly known, was
sporting identities in June with the distinguished as a player and coach throughout his career,
passing of Malcolm Breen, following having played first grade with Norths Devils in Brisbane in
a brave battle with illness during the 1964. In 1968, he returned to his hometown, Bundaberg,
last months of his life. where he played for Wanderers.

Not only was Mal a great competitor in his favourite sport, He then tried his hand at coaching and was a player/coach
rugby league, but he was a very successful administrator for Wests Mackay in 1971, Past Brothers (Bundaberg) in 1972,
for the game he loved. Having served as Chairman of the Goondiwindi in 1973 and Hervey Bay in 1974, where he guided
Bundaberg Rugby League from 1998 – 2012, he signed up the Seagulls to a maiden premiership in the Maryborough
for the job nobody wanted when first taking on the helm of competition. Mal retired as a player in 1975, and in 1976 took
the League. The organisation owed $138,000 to a long list of on the President’s role at Wanderers.
creditors, and with the seats of the Salter Oval grandstand
sitting vacant, he took on an enormous task. With strong Mal’s legacy has continued with current Bundaberg Rugby
support from his fellow executive and committee members, League Chairman Mike Ireland continuing the good work,
some who signed as guarantors on a bank loan to clear the providing the strong leadership he inherited to make rugby
debt, he led his organisation back into the black. league the number one sport in the district for patrons and
supporters.
Nobody was coming to games; the clubs were struggling, and
the juniors were in disarray. Mal was the first to comment that Breeny, the man who loved the greatest game of all, stepped
“it took a lot of good blokes to raise the money and get things down in 2013 but ensured his League had great facilities at
up and running again”. Salter Oval, the now home of rugby league in Bundaberg.

To quote current Bundaberg Rugby League Chairman Mike I am sure all rugby league supporters who knew Mal send
Ireland, “Mal had a lot of willing workers but he steered the their condolences to his beloved wife, Shane, children Damien,
ship”. Mal didn’t just save rugby league in Bundaberg but was Stacey, and Scott and his seven grandchildren whom he loved
also a great advocate to grow and promote the game. dearly.

He enticed Wallaroos from Maryborough, Isis (Childers), and Rest in peace, Malcolm John Breen.
Hervey Bay into the local competition, expanding the League
and setting it up to be the success it is today. – DAVID PEARCE QRL Central Division

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GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY
THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION
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84 LEAGUEQUEENSLAND.COM.AU THE 2018 QRL CENTRAL DIVISION