Various CRL news

[Spike]

Oberon's dilemma: Keep 18s or risk a flogging?
By OLIVER MURRAY
Tuesday, 12 October 2004

RUGBY LEAGUE

GROUP 10's plan to make premier league compulsory for clubs wanting to play in under 18s next season will mean the "slow death" of rugby league in Oberon, according to Tigers' president Anton Logan.

This season Oberon fielded sides in under 18s and first division, but the Tigers would have to field a side in premier league if they wanted to play in the under 18s next season.

The proposed idea, which will be discussed at the Group 10 AGM next month, was suggested to avoid the messy draw used in 2004.

Oberon tried to field a premier league side this season, but a lack of players made them drop back to first division.

"It's difficult for us because as we saw this year we haven't got the quality players to form a first grade side and haven't got the money to buy one," Logan said.

Logan said if the proposal went ahead Oberon would be forced to play in premier league next season just so the under 18s, who missed out on a grand final berth by one game this year, could stay in the competition.

"The club not having an under 18s side would mean the slow death for Oberon," he said. "Once the under 18s haven't got anywhere to play they would go to Lithgow and Bathurst, but not come back here."

"So we would have to stick a side on the paddock in first grade, but how do you convince guys to play and get flogged each week?"

Logan said there was no easy solution to the issue for Group 10, adding there are not enough footballers in the Central West any more.

"If both Bathurst and Orange sides field three teams, as well as Lithgow and Mudgee, there won't be enough players for us," he said.

"Even Orange struggled to field three teams for two clubs this year."

Oberon were set to return to the top grade this season, but a lack of players at the pre-season knockout in Bathurst led to the team dropping back to first division.

Source: Central Western Daily

 

[Spike]

Tamworth appoints new captain-coach
Wednesday, 13th October 2004
North Tamworth Bears have a new captain-coach while the Gunnedah Bulldogs have retained a familiar face for the 2005 Group 4 Rugby League's first grade premiership.

Country representative centre Luke Taylor has been appointed North Tamworth's coach for next season on a one year deal, whilst in Gunnedah, Brad Smith has re-signed on a two-year deal.

Gunnedah Rugby League Football Club secretary John Bullock is delighted to have Smith back at the helm and is confident of a good season in 2005 after a large turnout at the club's presentation night last Saturday night.

New North Tamworth Rugby League Football Club president Greg Hodge said Smith's appointment at Gunnedah would ensure a strong competition in 2005.

"That's what we want, three or four good players at each club," he said.

Hodge and new secretary Allan Shore head a strong committee at the Bears.

They are also confident Taylor, who played Northern Division and toured New Zealand with NSW Country, will make a good leader.

"Luke will be good for the club," Hodge said.

"He's been around and played under some good coaches. He can also play."

Taylor will be officially welcomed on as coach at a special benefit day at Jack Woolaston Oval on December 4.

The Bears will open their new clubhouse on a day which will also double as a benefit day for young Bear Josh Marshall, who has been diagnosed with cancer.

North Queensland coach Graham Murray and former Australian and Manly forward Les Boyd will be special guests for that opening/benefit day.

Source: Leaguenet

 

[Spike]

The Black's Raiders bound powerhouse Clint Hill has capped a sterling 2004 Illawarra League Season by taking out the Noel Mulligan Memorial Trophy for First Grade Player's Player at the Club's annual Presentation and Awards Night held at Port Kembla Leagues Club last night. The rugged front rower polled 19.5 votes to narrowly take out the main award from Johno Johnson who polled 17.5 votes. Grant Roberts and Mark Simon finished equal third in the voting on 15 votes apiece. The award for First Grade Player's Player is determined by players votes after each of the regular season games. The votes then determine the Player's Player for the match as well as the 3-2-1 votes which go towards the overall result.

Hill was Port's tower of strength in the engine room, often playing the full eighty minutes, a remarkable feat in an age where front rowers rarely go the distance in any game. Hill was unlucky not to receive the Illawarra League's Player of the Year award, narrowly beaten to the prize by Collegian's Nathan Lakeman (by one vote).

Jason Sullivan received the main club award (the Bob Fisher Trophy for Clubman of The Year) for his on field service to the club, as well as his help with Port's junior teams, and his overall passion for the Mighty Black's Club. It was a worthy reward for the player who returned to Port after much success with Collegians. Sullivan finished the 2004 season registering his 60th Grade game for the club, having scored a total of 212 points (53 tries) in that time.

Clint Hill also received the coaches award for Best and Fairest Player in First Grade, while likeable rake Johno Johnson got the nod for Best Forward in First Grade ahead of a strong field of contenders including Andrew Bobbin and Grant Roberts. Mark Simon was named Best Back in First Grade while rookie Lulia Lulia picked up the award for Most Improved after a debut year where his on field performances went from strength to strength.

Ben Carr received his second Reserve Grade Player's Player award after having taken out the gong in 2002. Like Clint Hill in First Grade, Carr doubled by taking the Reserve Grade Best and Fairest Trophy also. Mohamad Alchaar was named best forward while the ageless Victor Daly was presented with the Best Back Trophy for his outstanding efforts in the seconds this season. Daly ended the season on 265 games for Port Kembla. Troy Fleming's progression from Under 18's to Grade was completed with the Trophy for Most Improved.

Some of Port's greats were honoured with Perpetual Trophies for Under 18's inaugurated in their names. The Harry Nolan Memorial Cup for Under 18's Player's Player went to Joel Court. Keith Lulia grabbed the Victor Daly Trophy for Under 18's Best and Fairest. The Bob Searl Memorial Trophy for Best Forward was presented to Keiran Jack, while the Ralston Family Trophy for Best Back was awarded to Matthew Michalowski. Richard Velthuis' name is now etched in the Under 18's Most Improved Trophy, the inaugural award going to Oscar Ferreira who stepped up a notch from his efforts in last season's Under 18's squad.

Christian Kupenga's potential was recognised through his acceptance of the Port Old Boys Potential Trophy, while Mark Simon picked up his first Club leading Pointscorer award. Simon topped all scorers with 170 season points, just ahead of Keith Lulia who scored 160 during the 2004 season. Lulia got some "revenge" on Mark Simon by taking out the Leading Club Tryscorer Trophy. Lulia scored 18 regular season tries to go with his two finals series tries to finish the season three ahead of Mark Simon who has now scored 310 points for Port from just 28 games.

In the two final trophies, Andrew Bobbin received the Trainers Trophy for his efforts on the training paddock, and Matt Richards picked up the popular Bert Knuckleport Memorial Water Jug for Living Legend of The Year. The victorious Under 18's Premier team were also presented with their premiership jackets which capped off a great evening.

In all, a great night was had, sponsors were honoured, and the club now looks forward to season 2005 minus Clint Hill (Raiders) and Andrew Bobbin (overseas). The Club would like to thank all who attended and made the night so enjoyable, and in particular Graham Bath and LJ Hooker Warrawong for their kind and continued sponsorship of the Noel Mulligan Memorial Trophy, and Bob and Dianne Mitchell from Fellini's On Wentworth who provided awards for the Player's Player in each of the club's three grades.

The club would also like to wish Clint Hill all the best in Canberra. Hill will be a great asset for the Canberra club and we hope he gets the chance to fill the void left by the departure of Canberra's leading forward, Ruben Wiki. We would also like to wish Juita Suka well as he tours with the Australian University team.

Source: Port Kembla Blacks

 

[Spike]

Milton Ulladulla Bulldogs forward Ben Mackinnon will live his dream when he takes up a position with St George Illawarra's jersey flegg team.

The 19-year-old from Milton tried out for the Dragons on October 2 and after a nervous wait was elated to learn he had been selected.

After a week of guessing the Mackinnon family received a phone call from the St George Illawarra Dragons last Friday and celebrated the good news with family and friends with an impromptu party.

Jesery Flegg is the training ground for the NRL stars of tomorrow and Ben is hoping make it all the way to the top.

With the support of his family, mum Tammy, dad Justine and sisters Samantha 16 and Lauren 8, Ben travelled to Kogarah Oval to trial with the Dragons and came off the field looking worse for wear.

His determination and tenacity on the football field got Ben noticed despite a knock in the eye by an opponent's foot.

Ben's mother Tammy said the injury looked terrible.

"Ben's eye and nose was black and blue after the trial," Tammy said.

"He looked awful but he did enough to impress the selector."

Ben scored two tries in his trial and made a number of tackles.

A move to Sydney is on the cards but Tammy said nothing has been decided yet.

"Ben may have to move because of training but we're waiting to hear more from the club.

"We're all so excited for him.

"It's a wonderful opportunity and I think Ben is thrilled his dream is coming true."

Source: Milton Ulladulla / Sussex Inlet Times

 

[Red Bear]

For ex first grade players, Corrimal Cougars have ex shark Don Tweedle(satrted off a cougar) and are coached by Foundation Steeler Terry Westblade.

 

[Spike]

yeah Don signed with Corrimal last year when he was released by the sharks. I think his brother Peter plays in the same side?

 

[Spike]

To Orange CYMS with Fletch's assistance
By OLIVER MURRAY
Thursday, 14 October 2004

RUGBY LEAGUE

A CONVERSATION with South Sydney captain Brian Fletcher is what led Joel Greg to link with Orange CYMS for the 2005 season.

Greg captain-coached the Paddington Tigers in the Sydney A grade competition this season, but after talking to Fletcher he decided to link with CYMS under new coach Mick Ostini.

"I knew Mick through Fletch and he said I should come and have a game with CYMS," Greg said.

"So I thought I'd come and have a go and play country football for a year."

Ostini and Fletcher know each other from when they both played for the Roosters in the 1990s.

Greg, 25, said he would be in Orange within two weeks to officially sign with CYMS.

Greg played in the Sydney Roosters junior sides up until under 20s and has since been playing in the Sydney A grade league.

Greg could also bring Roosters Jersey Flegg forward Jeff Moate to CYMS next season. Moate was part of the Roosters' squad who won the Jersey Flegg premiership this season, but could sign with CYMS if he does not secure an NRL contract for 2005.

"I was assistant coach for the Roosters (Jersey Flegg) side last year, so I'm mates with Jeff," Greg said. "At the moment he's just waiting to see if he gets a contract with another NRL club, but if he doesn't he'll come to CYMS as well."

Both players can play in the front or second row and will be the first major signings for the Orange club.

In other CYMS news, Ostini said the club was now aiming to re-sign players from this year's first division team.

CYMS competed in under 18s and first division only this season, but are looking to rejoin the top grade for the 2005 season.

Source: Central Western Daily

 

[Red Bear]

yeah Don signed with Corrimal last year when he was released by the sharks. I think his brother Peter plays in the same side?

Yeah don n pete both play for corrimal, and they are corrimal juniors. Corrimal has the highest representation of local juniors in their side of any team in the Tooheys League, at one stage having the top 17 all locals. Pete is also an excellent player as is lock/second rower adam kerr. A couple of class players and they will be a real threat. Terry Westblade is also an excellent coach(he used to teach at my primary school as well )

 

[Spike]

Group 11 not interested in Group 10 link
Wednesday, 20 October 2004

Sorry Group 10, we're not interested.

That was the response all Group 11 Clubs gave when asked about joining a Western Division competition.

Dubbo CYMS president Kevin Walkom summed up the feeling with a simple, "If it ain't broke don't fix it."

All of the clubs were satisfied with Group 11's management, the affordability of the competition and all had reservations about matching Group 10's big spenders.

"Group 11's got a good close comp," Manildra secretary Kim Smith said.

"Some clubs started the year a bit slower than others, but there wasn't much between the top six sides by the end of the season."

In terms of competing on the field against Group 10 clubs, the consensus was that the likes of CYMS would be more than worthy opposition, but when it came to player payments the Group 11 clubs knew they were no match for the likes of Mudgee and Bathurst Panthers.

Of course they were going on mostly hearsay with one Orange player rumoured to be on $30,000 for season 2005 and some clubs spending $80,000 to $90,000 on first grade alone.

Forbes Group 11 runners-up for the past two years, typified the stance of how clubs are paying players.

"Apart from our captain coach we don't really have many players on sign-on deals any more," club president Geoff Acheson said.

Most of the talk around the groups has come from Orange and naturally travel expenses would escalate.

Cobar who battled last year, will be a in stronger position next year according to secretary Chris Brown, but trips to Lithgow, Bathurst and Mudgee wouldn't even be considered and Nyngan were of a similar opinion.

"I know there's been talk about dropping Cobar and letting them find another comp, but the way I see it, that would just hurt us," Nyngan secretary Mitchell Cobcroft said.

"Everybody in Group 11 moans and groans about having to go out to Cobar once a year, but if all of a sudden we were the longest trip then we would be the nuisance club of the competition.

"I reckon a Western Division comp would be strong, but the distance would kill it."

Dubbo Macquarie president Gavin Board was an advocate for merging the groups several years ago, but having given it more thought he agreed it wasn't sustainable.

Source: Cowra Guardian

 

[Spike]

Fahey set to help Jets fire


Former Australian representative Terry Fahey aims to turn Narromine into one of the best defensive sides in Group 11 when he takes over as coach for 2005.

Fahey, who played with Wellington, South Sydney, Eastern Suburbs, Canberra and for Australia and was recently signed up by the Jets, said the defence of teams in Group 11 was a joke.

"I didn't watch a lot of footy last year but when you hear scores of teams being up 41 to 16 then losing 41 to 43, that tells me there's no defence," Fahey said.

"If you score 20 points in a game and don't win then something is crook.

"Everybody blames the 10 metre rule, but nobody tackles any more. We're going to be fit and we're going to tackle."

Fahey was interested in the job last season, but the Jets had already appointed coaches.

He said he had only signed on for one year, but envisaged being in charge for two or three.

Mission one is to make the semi-finals.

"The thing I like about Narromine is that they always put in 100 per cent," Fahey said.

"Other teams might have better players, but they don't try as hard as they do out there.

"They're just so keen and the town's right behind them. If we can get a couple of props and a centre and a couple of older blokes around the place to help out the younger guys then we'll go alright.

"It looks like they've held on to most of their juniors from last year and there's already a lot of young blokes who have a bit of first and reserve grade experience.

"The thing with kids is that they might be good footballers, but it still takes time to adjust to first grade and if we've got some older guys there to help them out then we'll go well."

Fahey brings with him a lot of experience and Jets president Bill Prosser said the former Australian player's appointment had generated significant interest already.

Fahey was an outside back who went on to represent New South Wales.

He had five years at South Sydney, two with Easts and five with the Canberra Raiders after joining them in only their second year in the NSW Rugby League competition.

After his time at Canberra he coached at Wellington and Westside.

"I've been wanting to get back into coaching for a few years but there really aren't a lot of opportunities," Fahey said.

"When the job at Narromine came up I was interested because I knew that the players out there would be keen to give it their all."

Narromine finished with the wooden spoon last year in first grade while their under-18s won the Group 11 premiership.

Source: Daily Liberal

 

[Spike]

One position to fill on Mustangs' board

Nearly all positions were filled on the Macleay Valley Mustangs committee at the Annual General Meeting on Wednesday night.

Only one position was not filled on the evening, but returning club president Jeff Haisell said he expected the position of vice-president to be appointed in coming weeks.

Therese Wilton was also returned by vote to her position as club secretary and Bruce Cumming was made treasurer.

Six people currently comprise the general committee for the club but there is power to accept more during the season.

Gavin Saul, Sheryl Pearson, Matt Hudson, Carol McDonald, Glenda Thompson and Wilf Hannah will comprise the general committee for now but Mr Haisell said he expected more people to join in coming weeks.

He said there was a good turn out for the AGM and they were now looking forward to the season ahead.

Mr Haisell said the report for 2004 showed the club had made a profit of more than $13,000, which is down on previous years, but the club had discussed the reasons for this and are working on future action.

"It was slightly down and we have addressed this issue and will take action,” he said.

"We had one less home game this year because there were only nine teams in the competition and that obviously has an effect because of gate takings.

"The club should perform well in the coming year and we should well and truly be in front.”

Mr Haisell said the club is looking forward to the 2005 season and feels they're ahead of where they were last year.

"The pluses are we're quite ahead of where we were last year,” he said.

"Having resigned Wayne (Bartrim - first grade captain-coach) and Credit Union are staying on for another year as sponsors.”

He said they were focusing on resigning players now to retain the same team from this year.

"The most important thing for the club now is the retention of all players from this year.

"Presently we're negotiating with a number of players and hope to have them stay with the club.

"Andrew Price has resigned with the club for 2005 and will return from the Untied States in January and another couple are in negotiations to stay with the club.”

"There's a lot of young talent coming through and it's important we retain them and not lose them to other clubs.”

Source: The Macleay Argus

 

[Spike]

Hastings League in limbo

MOVES have been made to try and integrate the Hastings District League into the Group 3 rugby league competition.

If successful, the second longest-running league in Australia's history, Hastings District League, will become a third grade competition and some of its clubs merged with Group 3 clubs.

The authors of the recommendations are assured a fight.

The recommendations were penned by Group 3 clubs Port City Cavaliers, Camden Haven Eagles and Wauchope Blues.

Cavaliers spokesman Ken Welsh said they wanted to open negotiations with Hastings League to improve the quality of the local competitions and ensure junior players reached their potential in graded football.

"I'm not sure if anything is going to come of this," he told the Port News.

"It was meant to be a challenge to get them (Hastings League) out of the bunker and talking about this.

"We've never said anything about dismantling the Hastings League - and I want to make this very clear - that has never been the three club's intention."

Instead the clubs propose to integrate the Kendall Blues into the Camden Haven Eagles club as its reserve grade team in 2005.

Port City Cavaliers want to integrate Tacking Point Storm as its third grade side and formalise affiliations with Macquarie Hotel or Boardriders.

The Wauchope Blues would retain affiliations with Long Flat Dragons, Beechwood Shamrocks and Comboyne Tigers and the Port Macquarie Sharks, in Group 2, could retain their existing affiliations with the Port Macquarie clubs.

Welsh said the recommendations made more sense than Group 2's affiliation with the Hastings League, where only the Sharks access the Hastings players.

Hastings League president Geoff Connor is overwhelmed by the proposal.

He said his competition was being jeopardised and players would lose the opportunity to play league.

The Hastings League solicitors have reviewed the proposal.

"The Hastings League is very disappointed in the submission, especially when they've (Group 3) never funded us, or contacted us or our senior body Group 2 in relation to this proposal, which is a takeover," he said. "Basically it's out of order.

"We'll certainly be looking into it and we do not support it in any way, nor would our fans."

Group 3 secretary Barrie Smith has distanced his league from the submission and said it was not looking for major changes. He admitted, some recommendations could improve rugby league in the area if embraced at the negotiating table.

"While we support our clubs and want them as strong as possible, we have to co-exist with other people," Smith said.

"It's a delicate issue and needs to be handled with kid gloves."

Representatives from the Hastings League, the three Group 3 clubs and Country Rugby League are expected to meet on October 30.

Source: Port Macquarie News

 

[Red Bear]

Jason Ferris has quit Collies after originally signing on to captain-coach them in 2005. He will captain coach Asquit in the Jim Beam Cup next season.

 

[Spike]

Jason Ferris has quit Collies after originally signing on to captain-coach them in 2005. He will captain coach Asquit in the Jim Beam Cup next season.

I guess that means his neck has healed up ok?

 

[Red Bear]

Yeah he played iin the Grand Final.

 

[Spike]

BATHURST Panthers have a strong chance of picking up two key signings after the club's first pre-season training session on Sunday., Former National Rugby League centre Andrew Hinson and Riverina under 18s back-rower Wade Judd both attended the short run at Morse Park. , Neither has signed but the pair travelled from Sydney and West Wyalong respectively to attend the get-together, with lunch following at Bathurst Panthers. , Hinson played at Penrith and South Sydney in an eight-season NRL career, last playing in the top grade in 2003 with the Rabbitohs. He is a former team-mate of Bathurst Panthers captain-coach Dave Elvy., The 28-year-old spent 2004 with French club Carcassonne and, with William Kennedy, would give Panthers two former NRL centres., Judd has also represented Group 20 and attended noted league school, Forbes' Red Bend Catholic College.,

Source: Western Advocate

 

[Spike]

The Moss Vale Dragons will re-enter the Group Six First Grade competition in 2005 with a focus on local players.

Club president Grant Russell said the last year's reserve grade coach Matt Burke will be the non-playing first grade coach.

"We have retained most of our side that played in the reserve grade competition last year," said Russell.

"We were shopping for a player/coach and spoke to about 20 players, but what we found is these guys want a lot of money. But in saying that, we wanted to keep Matt involved as a coach."

Russell said that Moss Vale wanted to spend the money that the club has wisely.

"Unlike other clubs who are buying players, we will not take out any loans," Russell said.

"We have saved and invested wisely and are looking towards the future.

"We have a strong coach that the players are happy with, the same committee and some exciting prospects."

Burke, who is unable to play next year due to a severe break in his leg last season, said that he was looking forward to the challenge.

"All our players from last year were local and we hope to build on that," Burke said.

Burke said he was looking to form a competitive side that was aiming to make the semi-finals.

"We had about 25 players for one side and their average age was in their early 20s, so we will be looking to help these players and maybe pick up a couple more," Burke said.

Mick Galvin is the reserve grade captain-coach.

Galvin has played for Bowral, Moss Vale and Albion Park. The prop forward is in his first year as a coach in the senior grade, after having coached juniors at Bowral and Moss Vale in previous years.

Peter Burgoyne will be the coach of the under-18 side. Burgoyne has had a long history with rugby league.

He played for Moss Vale throughout his career, apart from one year when he was captain/coach of Robertson.

He was coach of the under-18 side four years ago, and has also been a referee for 18 years.

There will be a club evening next Tuesday at the Community Oval with all past and present players invited to attend and meet the coaches. The night will start at 7pm.

The Dragons are looking at starting training in mid-January, and are planning a two-day camp on the South Coast soon after.

The Moss Vale Dragons are also still after selectors. For more information, contact a member of the committee.

Source: Southern Highland News

 

[Spike]

A truck load of furniture from Taree heralded the arrival in Cobar last Monday of recently signed rugby league captain coach Mark Gleeson.

The goal kicking five-eighth takes up his new duties with the Roosters next season after successfully coaching Old Bar during 2003 and 2004.

His representative career includes several stints with Groups 3 and 16 as either halfback or pivot.

Thirty-three-year-old Mark Gleeson is a carpenter/painter and is married to Mel.

Meanwhile in further good news for local rugby league supporters, former Cobar Roosters and Group 11 coach Scott Mieni is recovering in Royal North Shore hospital after undergoing a bone marrow transplant last week.

The former St George and Gold Coast centre was diagnosed earlier this year with the life-threatening bone marrow disease myelofibrosis.

Mieni, 39, has had to have regular transfusions to fight the disease which threatens the quality of blood in the body.

When it was discovered his youngest brother Brad was a compatible bone marrow donor, Mieni was able to undergo surgery.

Mieni is in good spirits after the operation and hopes to make a full recovery after his release from hospital in a few weeks.

The coastal city of Coffs Harbour to which he moved from Cobar earlier this year, is now the home of Scott Mieni.

There was also good news last week for Cobar's horse racing fans when locally owned and syndicated mare, Occidental Gold, recorded her maiden win.

After three seconds and a third placing at provincial racetracks in Victoria, the heavily backed Occidental Gold romped home by several lengths.

Unfortunately for Cobar's enthusiastic punters, the short odds reflected her recent improved form and the payouts were slim.

Source: Cobar Age

 

[Spike]

The Cootamundra Bulldogs will kick off preparations for next year's Group Nine Rugby League season on Sunday, January 9.

Newly appointed first grade coach Scott England (pictured) has earmarked that date for a meet-the-players day which will incorporate a training session following by barbecue and drinks.

"We will conduct a pretty casual training run at 11am, but the day is more so for the players and their families to get together," England said.

"All players across the four grades are welcome to attend and any new players are more than welcome."

England said the fair dinkum training sessions will not begin until later in January.

"With the start of the season pushed back, I don't want to start too soon and run the risk of the players becoming stale before the start of the year," England said.

"At a recent Group Nine meeting, it was revealed the 2005 competition will begin on May 1, with the Bulldogs drawn to play Brothers at Wagga.

"It's later than usual and makes it hard to think about playing in the West Wyalong Knock out, but I'm looking at organising a pre-season game against a South Coast Club.

England said he is excited about the prospect of coaching the Bulldogs, a team he believes will improve on this year's results.

"We've retained most players from this year and with a couple of key players retuning from long-term injury, things are looking good," England said.

The Bulldogs have signed Brendan Croker, the brother of 2004 star Michael and he will add more depth to the half/five eighth area.

The clubs remains in discussions with a number of other players.

Source: Cootamundra Herald