Balmain District Junior

2009 100TH Annual Report CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

The Season for 2009 commenced was represented on grand final day and this is a testament to our on March 9th when our State Cup coaching co-ordinators, our ambassador program and the hard work by players came together with a all Club Coaches for continuing to teach the skills of the game. representation of our young junior Congratulations to Jennie Webster for once again staging an extremely league players to launch the season well organised event. at the Balmain Leagues Club. This year, Balmain enjoyed a 12% growth A highlight of the year is the annual Life Members Luncheon in of its junior league players which is November hosted by the Balmain Leagues Club. It is a wonderful a wonderful return for the hard opportunity for life members to reunite and reminisce. work by our staff and volunteer To our wonderful band of volunteers involved with and the club members in securing new Balmain Junior League, we cannot survive without your assistance; thank players to our competition. you for your wonderful service. The education programs offered to our The Board of Directors continues to meet regularly to discuss the junior league clubs are second to business of the League and to find ways to continually improve. none and there is a wide range from Website training, LeagueNet training, First Aid courses, Coaches, To the District Club, David Trodden and Snr Board Representative, John Managers and Ground Managers Courses. Stapleton, thank you for your ongoing support of the Junior League. Our Vision is to be the best junior rugby league and we are certainly on I extend my sincere thanks to Tim Camiller (Balmain CEO), Michael track and will continue to work hard to improve in all areas. Keech (General Manager), Jennie Webster (Operations) Mick Manning (Patron), and David Wilson (Referee's Chair) for your ongoing support Our Mission is to provide a positive and active environment for the throughout the year. promotion and development of rugby league in the Balmain District. We aim to accomplish this by continuing to strengthen our communication I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate all of the Junior League with all clubs, parents and players and to continue to provide Clubs for their hard work throughout 2009 and 2010 looks to be even opportunities for education for coaches and administrators as well as bigger and better! assistance in seeking funds and grants through fundraising seminars. Robert Henderson For the first time, our Grand Finals Series commenced on Friday Night Chairman with the U19s and U21s and then a full 2 day schedule on Saturday and Balmain District Junior Rugby League Sunday finishing late on Sunday evening. Every Club in our junior league

TIGER CUB GOWER EARNS NSW CUP MVP AWARD

2009 was a year to savour for performances – both on and off the field. Balmain-Ryde Eastwood rugby league workhorse David Gower The apprentice electrician gained selection in the NSW Residents (pictured). representative team that challenged in a curtain-raiser to the final State of Origin clash at Suncorp Stadium. The powerful back rower and local junior product capped a memorable Gower turned in a strong game for the Blues, who were outclassed on season by capturing the NSW Cup the night, and received a further boost when named Apprentice of the Most Valuable Player Award at the Year at the Central & Northern Regional Training Awards held at NSWRL annual presentation dinner. the Mercure Hotel. Gower – one of the toughest warriors Gower is a fourth year apprentice at Raven Electrical in Gladesville – a in the NSW Cup competition – played long standing company owned by legendary Balmain forward Harry a key role as the gallant Tigers Raven who played 97 top grade games for the Tigers between 1959-65 roared into the Grand Final against and seven matches for North Sydney in 1966. Bulls with stout-hearted “Earning selection in the NSW Residents team, winning the NSW Cup performances. MVP award and playing NRL was a huge buzz,” said Gower, who made The mobile forward – who played with Holy Cross Rhinos and Leichhardt his professional debut with Salford in the English at the Wanderers in the Balmain Junior League – turned in non-stop displays age of 20. as Paul Fletcher’s Tigers captured the imagination of the rugby league “But losing the Grand Final was a huge disappointment after the gutsy public with stirring victories in the finals series. victories we chalked up along the way” he confessed. He was rewarded by head coach with first grade selection Harry Raven heaped praise on young Gower, who progressed from the and made his NRL debut for in their crushing 34-12 win Balmain junior rep teams into Premier League in 2004. over the Bulldogs at in September. “We are proud of David’s achievements – he has a good work ethic and Gower, 23, is now reaping the benefits of his tradesmanlike a bright future in the trade,” said Harry. 100 th ANNUAL REPORT

2009 GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT As the dust settles from our 100th REFEREES birthday the junior league continues to I would like to acknowledge the hard work of the Balmain Referees shine with strong growth across Association and thank their members and their Board for their tireless participant numbers and the formation work underpinning our great game. of partnerships within rugby league to provide more competition CONCLUSION AND THANKS opportunities across a longer season. In presenting this report I would like thank all those involved with our The BDJRL has increased sponsorship programs, events and partnership, to the Leagues Club Staff who work through it current and new partners, closely with the rugby league, the Wests Tigers, Balmain Tigers, and along with acquiring grants in support ARLD. of its ongoing initiatives. Thank you to all the people who make it possible for the boys/girls to Congratulations to each of the 10 local train and play each week. As usual we never seem to be able to thank clubs, from the Committee to those them enough. Congratulations to the BDJRL Board, the working wonderful people in the canteen you all committees, the clubs and their parents along with importantly the kids play an important role in making this the and our great volunteers. best junior league in . I would like I would like to thank our sponsors and supporters specifically Balmain to acknowledge everyone involved and supporting the Balmain District Rugby League in 2009. Tigers Leagues Club, McDonalds , Mannings, Ryde Eastwood I would like to acknowledge the tremendous work, commitment and Leagues Club (supporting local clubs through CDSE) along with other achievements that Jennie Webster has achieved again in 2009. In partnerships such as X-Blades and JJ Robertson. In 2010 we welcome recognizing our efforts I would also note a special mention to Ross our new major partner Coates Hire NSW and sponsor SpringFree Hunter for again volunteering time during critical periods in 2009. Trampolines. I would also like to acknowledge and thank the supporters of our local INITIATIVES clubs. • Online Database and new centralized registration system including cards, forms 2010 will be a year of further growth, exciting opportunities including a • Good Sports Program with 2 Clubs achieving Level 1 Status new club, more sponsors, fun and encouragement with our key theme • McDonalds Tray Mats across 22 stores for 4 weeks “BE A SPORT JUST SUPPORT”. • Registration banners across the district including primary sites such as I encourage all those involved with this family game to ensure that the Darling Street, Huntleys Point and Road kids participating in this great game have fun, enjoy the opportunity • Implementation of Behaviour Management Policy and “Be a Sport – through our encouragement and understanding. Let’s make this an even Just Support” better season in 2010. • Review of Constitution and establishment of Constitutional Review Committee To our small football operations team my thanks to you for a wonderful year and taking ownership of our journey into 2009 the team includes, SEASON LAUNCH but is not limited to, John Stapleton, Lyn Phillis, Jennie Webster, David Our Season of both the Tigers and the BDJRL commenced with the Kelly, Tony Ashton and Tyrone Collins. season launch that included past greats, current representative players, officials, junior league clubs and Wests Tigers players and staff. Mike Keech JP FISM AWARDS NIGHT General Manager – BTFC and BDJRL We held the Awards Night in 2009 which brought together over 300 people from players, to parents, officials, volunteers and supporters to the Balmain Leagues Club. REFEREE SCHOLARSHIPS In 2009 the tigers again sent a scholarship holder and a mentor as part TRIBUTE – of the Cliff Brown Memorial Scholarship in conjunction with the referees association to allow for the further development of referees through the COLIN PARDY U15’s, North Coast Tour BALMAIN Junior League lost another great character in Pyrmont COMMUNITY Colts legend Colin Pardy during the 2009 season. All levels of Balmain Tigers participated in many community activities in 2009 including: ‘Fats’ Pardy was a tireless stalwart for the Colts – an ex player who put • State Cup side training at each local club ground and the opportunity so much back into the game as a long serving coach and official during to mix with the kids and coaches, the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s. • A number of meet the players’ functions were held at Balmain Leagues Club, as well as open training sessions, Colin played his junior football with the Glebe Police Boys, Pyrmont Colts • Club presentations, school visits, sponsor events, community festivals and Rozelle Codocks clubs in the BJL where he left his mark as a teak- and alike, tough forward. • Game day events supporting charitable groups such as Rozelle Neighbourhood Centre, Ronald McDonald House, Call to Arms, Men He is the father of ex-Balmain forward Mark Pardy, who helped of League Foundation and Camp Quality. the Tigers win the 1988 trophy before establishing • The provision of over 4,000 junior league NRL passes and 500 himself in the U/21 Presidents Cup squad that qualified for the NSWRL officials passes to those in local league and school competitions. finals series. MORE TRIBUTES pages 29, 30 and 31.

1 OFFICE BEARERS 1908-2009 SECRETARIES 19-20-21-22 VICE PRESIDENT Dave Butchart 1908-09-10-11-12-13 M Cooney 1927-28 Tom Prescott 1924 Pat Mcquade 1908-09 B Curran 1929-30-31-32-33-34 Richard Baker 1930-31-32-33 Frank Savage 1914-15-17-18-19-22 J Burnicle (1935) Robert Savage 1916 W L Young (1936-37-38-39-40) SENIOR VICE PRESIDENTS Leo Mason 1920-21-23-24-25 E Whitford 1941-42-43-44 Arthur Mcilveen 1978-79 W L Young 1926-27-28 J Burnet 1945-46 Ted Hellsten 1980-81-82 Bill O’Connor 1929-30-31-32 Harry Chalk 1947 Maurie O’Brien 1983-84-85-86 C H ‘Micky’ Roberts 1933-34 Arthur Robinson 1948-49-50-51-52-53- Ken Brownlee 1988-89-90-91 L Crawley 1934-35 54-55 Sid Coghlan 1992 J Burnicle 1936-37 Bill Ballard 1956-57-58-59-60 Bob Barnett 1993-94-95-96-97-98- Sid Jenkins 1938-39-40-41 Arthur Mcilveen 1961-62-63-64-65-66- 99-2000 J Griffith 1942-43 67-68-69-70-71-72-73- Bill Wise 2001 R Rourke 1944-45-46 74-75-76-77 John Culbert 2002-03-04 (deceased) Harry Addison 1947-48-49-50 Ron Wilson 1978-79 Allen Carling 2005 George Lee 1951-52-53-54-55 Ray Dalton 1980-81 Danny Clifford 1956-57 Bob Carroll 1982 OPERATIONS MANAGER Bill Ballard 1958-59-60 Chris Kenny 1983-84-85-86 Darren Mooney 2004-05-06 Joe Hayes 1961-62 Kathleen Hughes 1987 Don Graham 1963-64-65-66-67-68- Pat Hegarty 1988-89-90 (Retired) GENERAL MANAGER 69-70-71-72-73-74-75 Cliff Madgwick 1990-91-92-93-94 BALMAIN RLFC & JUNIOR LEAGUE Mick Ko’cass 1976-77-78-79-80 Graham Simmons 1995-96-97-98-99-2000- Michael Keech 2007-08-09 (Resigned) 01-02-03 Bill Brown 1980-81-82 Lyn Phillis 2004-05 OPERATIONS Bob Carroll 1983-84-85-86-87-88- Jennie Webster 2007-08-09 89-90-91-92-93-94 TREASURERS Paul Egan 1995-96-97-98-99-2000- Frank Savage 1914-15-16-17-18-19-20 DEVELOPMENT MANAGER 01-02-03-04 Harold Matthews 1921-22 David Kelly 1997-2009 W L Young 1923-24-25-26 PRESIDENTS M Cooney 1927-28 CHAIRMAN Arthur Ballerum 1908-09-10-11-12-13- B Curran 1929-30-31 Robert Henderson 2006-07-08-09 14-15-16 D Cooksey 1932 Frank Savage 1917-18-19 L Crawley 1933-34 DIRECTORS James N Walsh 1920-21-22-23-24-25- Allan Slarke 1935 John Carrington 2006-07-08-09 26-28-29-40-41 J Connor 1936-37-38-39-40-41- Debbie Chalmers 2006 J Mccarry 1927-1930-31-32-33 42-43 John Critchley 2006-08-09 J Shaw 1934-35 H Mcleod 1944-45 Warwick Hilder 2006-07-08 Bill O’Connor 1935 J Donovan 1946 Gary Hinchliffe 2006-07 A S Cochrane 1936-37-38-39 Harry Chalk 1947-48-49-50-51-52 Steve Lavers 2006-07 L Crawley 1942-43 A Harding 1949-50-51 Peter Mortimer 2006 A Dawes 1944-45-46 Bob Jones 1953-54-55 Mick O’Keefe 2006-07-08-09 Bert Hampstead 1947-48-49-50-51-52- Arthur Robinson 1956-57-58-59-60-61 Bob Siemsen 2006-07-08-09 53-54 Ron Pursehouse 1962-63-64-65-66-67-68 Philip Taylor 2006-07-08-09 Austin Hoyle 1955-56-57-58 Reg Patterson 1969-70-71-72-73-74- David Wilson 2006-07-08-09 Robert Mckinney 1959-60-61 75-76 Chris Raheb 2007-08-09 Bill Evans 1962-63-64-65-66-67- Phil Lloyd 1977-78-79 Chris Annison 2007-08-09 68-69-70 Doug Vitnell 1980 Ian Gibbeson 2007-08-09 Bob Waterson 1971-72-73-74-75-76-77 Myles Kennedy 1981-82-83 Jon Monroe 2007-08 (deceased) John Jackson 1978-79-80-81-82 Tony Newell 1984-85-86 Robert Gerrie 2008-09 Ted Hellsten 1983-84-85-86-87-88- Kathy Palmer 1986-87 John Stapleton 2008-09 89-90-91-92 Sid Coghlan 1988-89-90-91 Brian Johnston 2008-09 Sid Coghlan 1993 Ernie Baldwin 1992-93-94-2002-03 Chris Woods 2008 Robert Henderson 1994-95-96-97-98-99- Tony Bietola 1995-96-97-98-99- Brett Wheelhouse 2009 2000 2000-01 Frank Dunne 2009 Bob Barnett 2001 Chris Annison 2004-05 Con Veneziano 2009 Bill Wise 2002-03-04 John Culbert 2005 (deceased) JUNIOR LEAGUE ADMINISTRATORS PATRON Frank Delaney 1937 Mick Manning 2006-07-08-09 ASSISTANT SECRETARIES J Galvin 1937 Harold Matthews 1913-14-15-16-17-18

2 100 th ANNUAL REPORT

BALMAIN JUNIOR LEAGUE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIRMAN Concord Burwood – Chris Annison Leichhardt Juniors – Philip Taylor Bob Henderson Dundas Shamrocks – Bob Siemsen – Frank Dunne PATRON Five Dock RSL – John Critchley / North Ryde Hawks – Warwick Hilder / Mick Manning Con Veneziano Brian Johnston Holy Cross Rhinos – Brett Wheelhouse / Strathfield Raiders – Chris Raheb Balmain PCYC – Mick O’Keefe Richard Jones Carlingford Cougars – Ian Gibbeson

SUB COMMITTEES FINANCE COMMITTEE COMBINED COMPETITIONS NATIONAL LEAGUENET COMMITTEE Warwick Hilder (Chairman) COMMITTEE Jennie Webster (Operations) representing NSW Michael Keech (General Manager Football) Jennie Webster (Operations) RULES COMMITTEE Peter Mortimer Peter Mortimer Peter Mortimer (Chairman) JUDICIARY COMMITTEE Michael Keech Jennie Webster (Operations) Tony Beger (Chairman) JUNIOR LEAGUE CENTENARY BOOK David Wilson Mick Manning Chris Karas (Author) BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT PANEL Sam Gebreal John Stanton (Chairman) Chairman – David Wilson LIFE MEMBERS COMMITTEE Austin Hoyle Mick Manning Robert Henderson (Chairman) Geoff Large Mick O’Keefe Mick Manning Bill Brown John Georges John Carrington Michael Keech Jennie Webster (Operations)

BALMAIN JUNIOR LEAGUE LIFE MEMBERS Jim Acheson, Fred Alexander*, Kathy Annison, Jeff Aplitt, Keith Jacobs*, John Jackson*, Steve Leslie, Cliff Madgwick*, Keith Bailey, Bill Ballard, Allan Barber, Bob Barnett, Mick Manning, Peter Mortimer, Harold Matthews*, Chris Karas, Ernie Baldwin, Ken Bell*, Ray Barclay, Tony Bietola, Des Booler, Myles Kennedy*, Jack King, Mick Ko’cass, Arthur McIlveen*, George Bowden*, Bill Bradshaw*, Bill Brown, Ken Brownlee*, Tom Middleton*, Leo Neylon*, Tony Newell, Maurie O’Brien, Bill Burke, Harold Chalk*, Alan Carling, John Carrington, Reg Patterson, Lyn Phillis, Ron Pursehouse, Roy Rawson, Bob Carroll, Sid Coghlan*, Brian Coleman, Bob Cooper, Eric Richardson*, Arthur Robinson, George Robinson*, John Critchley, John Culbert*, Charlie Day, Ray Dalton, Martin Ritter, Bob Siemsen, Dennis Simmons, Phil Dore, John Doyle, Max Davis, John Dunlea, Gary Dickson, Graham Simmons, H Skinner, John Stanton, Jack Tagg*, Paul Egan, Terry Evans, Bill Evans*, Bill Fender*, G Frederick*, John Stapleton, Ken Stapleton, Jack Taylor*, Kevin Thatcher*, Jim Fitzgibbons, Mal Finnigan*,Gino Fogliati, Dennis Fowler*, Colin Thew*, Ian Todd, Doug Vitnell*, Alan Watts, Ray Gerrie, Don Graham*, Bert Hampstead*, Harry Hannaford, Bob Waterson, A Waterson, Athol Webster, Paul Wheelhouse, Pat Hegarty, Ted Hellsten*, Austin Hoyle, Les Heath, Ron Wicks, Billy Wise, Fred Woodbridge*, Stan Woodbridge*. Bob Henderson, Peter Hunter, J Hughes*, Wally Houghton*, *Deceased

CHRIS KARAS

CHRIS KARAS is a long-serving Sports Editor of The Chris started his junior football career as an 8 year old with Weekly Times newspaper at Ryde and author of the Glebe Police Boys JRLFC in 1969 before capturing book “From Fraser to Farah: The History of Balmain premierships with Leichhardt Juniors (E Grade U/15s in Junior League 1908-2008” that was published during the 1976) and Balmain Police Boys (D Grade U/18s in 1978) – rugby league Centenary season. a team skippered by legendary Tigers’ lock . He is also a life member of both the Balmain Junior League He ‘retired’ as a player at of 21 before making a and Leichhardt Wanderers JRLFC. brief comeback with the Leichhardt Wanderers club in 1984- 85 and ’86. The Weekly Times has covered junior league matters in the Balmain district since 1921 with Chris coming on board in Along the way, Chris represented Balmain as a centre in the 1985. Harold Matthews, S.G Ball, Jersey Flegg Cup and U/23 competitions. Chris is also the author of the book “The At the age of 48, his ties with the game go back four History of Ryde Eastwood Hawks Football & Leagues Clubs decades. 1963-2004.” A revised edition of “From Fraser to Farah” was released in January 2010. 3 OPERATIONS REPORT

Balmain Junior League launched its Players being attached to junior 2009 Season alongside the Balmain clubs as ambassadors. All Clubs Ryde-Eastwood Tigers at the Leagues were visited by our State Cup team Club on March 9th.Young players who offered coaching and/or mini from each of the junior league clubs games and at the end of sessions, attended and mixed and mingled with there were opportunities for photos, the State Cup Players who are autographs and sausage sizzles. wonderful ambassadors and role This Program was very well received models to the juniors. This was a and will continue in 2010. wonderful way to commence the season. The Balmain Junior League, small compared to its neighbours, Penrith 126 teams competed in 2009 (10 teams and Parramatta, was able to more than in 2008) which is a great consistently be in the top 10 result coming from our registration performing Websites. Clubs are campaign “Watch out Benji, I am coming strongly encouraged to have their to get you in 2016” featuring young members register for Lachlan Camroux from Holy Cross. www.myrugbyleague.com which allows their members to link to their We were able to offer a 13 year and a 14 year stand alone Balmain favourite club competition and be on competition for young players who cannot travel outside our District. It is Lachlan Camroux a mailing list of information from the certainly hoped that this will extend to a stand alone 15 year competition Junior League. Using a website as in 2010. the main communication tool allows Clubs to receive among other things, South Sydney Juniors were included as part of the Combined instant updates to Draws from the Junior League and access to all news Competition with Balmain and St George from U15s through to U21s. within the NRL. The Junior League website hits for 2009 were again Souths teams certainly added interest to the competition with the players outstanding with 675,254 hits some 30,000 more than 2008. The website having the mixture of excitement and trepidation of playing “unknown” is continually updated keeping it current, informative and interesting. teams. North Ryde also entered a senior team in the Manly/Norths A- The Grand Finals were a great success held over 3 days and Balmain Reserve Competition. hosted 17 Grand Final matches as well as the Mini League matches, The growth of our player base in the District is still our strongest focus Bundy Cup and State Cup matches at . Work will and we are continuing to refine the Rules so that they are fair and continue on educating all officials, players and spectators to ensure that equitable and become a strong document upon which every Club and matches are played within the spirit of the game and for the enjoyment of player has faith in. One of the challenges in 2010 will be to increase the all. number of Referees to reflect the growing numbers of our players. The For the second year running, the 2009 Awards Night was held on 14th League would like to open more grounds each weekend to provide more November bringing together the Junior League Clubs, Junior Reps and “home game” opportunities, but to do this, our Referee numbers need to the State Cup Team as well as our volunteers. The evening was a sell out grow and we are seeking support from all Clubs to encourage Referees. and an outstanding success. Congratulations to all of the winners and in In 2009 the ARL introduced a National Registration Form and Balmain particular to our Volunteer of the Year, Peter Mortimer. Well done to was one of the few Districts which undertook to have every player, Dundas Shamrocks being named Junior Club of the Year and to coach, manager and trainer complete a registration form in order to Leichhardt Wanderers named Senior Club of the Year. receive updated information for our database. This was a large task but the up side is that the ARL registration form will last for 4 years which means that returning players to their original club do not have to complete a new form making life easier for Club Administrators. Only new or transferring players will be required to fill out new ARL Registration Forms. Red Vest Program: This season it was decided to trial a new program called “Be a Sport, Just Support” in which all Clubs undertook to assign one adult member from every team to wear a Red Vest. The co-ordinator was responsible for his/her own supporters. The idea behind the Program was to ensure that everyone did their little bit to ensure the most important thing that happened that timeslot was a good game in which the players, officials and spectators could enjoy. With all Clubs committing to participate, it was hoped that it would lighten the burden on Officials and Ground Managers by asking each club to be responsible for their own supporters. We are pleased that everyone supported the Program and we intend to continue with it in 2010. The BDJRL continues to hold Forums and in 2009 the workshops held included Ground Managers, Registrars, Website and LeagueNet. The Ambassadors Program was very successful with 1-2 State Cup

4 100 th ANNUAL REPORT

The season had many more highlights and you will read about them Thanks also to my colleagues, David Kelly, Tony Ashton, Tyrone Collins throughout the pages of this Report. and Ross Hunter for their support and assistance throughout the year. Outstanding News – At the Junior League Conference held in Port Last, but not least I would like to take this opportunity to particularly Macquarie in November, Bob Henderson was afforded Life Membership thank the General Manager, Mike Keech, for his unwavering support and of the NSWJRL. This is an outstanding honour to Bob who has given so faith in me. I look forward to the challenges that 2010 will bring. much of his life to Rugby League and in service to the Balmain District. It came as a complete surprise to Bob and he received his award at the Jennie Webster Volunteer of the Year Award Dinner held in December. Operations Balmain District Junior Thanks go to the Referee’s Association President, David Wilson and Rugby League Referee’s Allocator Sam Gebreal. Sam once again did an outstanding job for the Balmain District in appointing referees on a weekly basis. Thanks also to the Judiciary Chairman, Tony Beger for his services throughout the year. Thanks also go to St George President, Mr. Chris Brooks, Secretary, and Mrs. Cathy Crowe and from South Sydney, Mr. Rod Gorman and Mathew Demetrios and Draws Official, Mr. Mitch Sim for ensuring a successful Combined Competition. My personal thanks go to Mr. Bob Henderson (Chairman of the Junior League) and the Board; Mr. David Trodden (Balmain Football Club Chairman), Tim Camiller (Balmain Leagues Club CEO) and Mr. Mick Manning (Patron) for their tremendous support, encouragement and faith in me.

2009 REP SECRETARY’S REPORT

Recognition must go to the many people who make it possible for Thank you to David Brooks, Gary Freeman, Bob Cooper, Wally the teams to take the field each week. Thank you to the Balmain Carpenter, Rob Whyte, Danny O’Neill and Les Hobbs for the dedication Tigers District Football Club, the Junior League Board, our major and effort shown during the year, you all did a wonderful job, once again sponsors Balmain Leagues Club, Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club, and your commitment never waivered. DTS, Blades, Griffin Air Conditioning and Essential Man for the outstanding support provided during the 2009 Representative Results season. Round 1 vs Cronulla lost 38-12; Round 2 vs South Sydney won 30-16; Round 3 vs Manly lost 24-12; Round 4 vs St George lost 30-16; Round 5 HAROLD MATTHEWS vs Western Sydney Academy won 42-10; Round 6 vs Western Suburbs won 28-26; Round 7 vs Parramatta lost25-18; Round 8 vs Canterbury It was quite a disappointing season for the Harold Matthews as they had Bulldogs lost 42-34; Round 9 vs Newcastle won 28-22; Play-offs vs shown a bit of potential during the trials. I hope that they all learnt from Newtown lost 40-18 Kenny, Peter Duffy and the staff during the season. I hope that all of the players take the knowledge and experience they There were some disappointing results but our job is to develop the have gained working with the wonderful staff and use it to the best of players’ skills on and off the field which I think we have accomplished. their ability in the future to reach their potential as players. If they do it I would like to thank Ken Stapleton, Peter Duffy, Peter Mortimer, Steve will stand them in good stead. Congratulations to all of the Balmain Craig, Nick and Marty Hyde, Matt Dwyer and Allan Jarvis for their great players who gained selection in NSW Schoolboy representative teams, work in preparing the team. It was a pleasure working with such a NYC with the Wests Tigers, NSW State Cup and the Wests Tigers CUBS committed group of people. at the conclusion of the Junior Rep competition. Results Thank you to all the people who make it possible for the boys to train and Round 1 vs Cronulla lost 32-18; Round 2 vs South Sydney won 22-14; play each week. As usual I never seem to be able to thank them enough. Round 3 vs Manly lost 24-18; Round 4 vs St George won 30-18; Round Brian Murtagh, Allan Charters, Eric Goddard, Dave Patman, Dave 5 vs Western Sydney Academy won 38-4; Round 6 vs Western Suburbs Lidster, Jimmy Farlow, our exceptional Leichhardt Oval voluntary staff won 40-14; Round 7 vs Parramatta lost 46-0; Round 8 vs Canterbury (June Maguire, Barry Maguire, Colleen Kelly, Patty Perkins, Helen Bryde, Bulldogs lost 30-16; Round 9 vs Newcastle lost 38-12 Maureen McKeon, Ruby Parnell, Shane Losurdo and Norma Walters) and our loyal parents and supporters for their encouragement throughout S G BALL the season. It was a season of ups and downs for the S G Ball after a reasonable Finally, a special thank you, as always to Michael Keech, David Kelly showing in the trials. The team played some great football at times and John Stapleton for the never ending help, support and guidance they give had some great wins, proving that they had the potential to beat any me throughout the season. team when they actually wanted to play the type of football their coach wanted and knew they were capable of. Unfortunately, they were bundled Lyn Phillis out of the play-offs by a very enthusiastic Newtown. District Rep. Secretary

5 BALMAIN JRL JUDICIARY REPORT 2009 SEASON

Another successful season has ended and congratulations to all My sincere thanks are extended to my fellow judiciary members, Mick those who participated during the 2009 season. Manning and Sam Gebreal and to reserve members Peter Mortimer and John Harris. The Judiciary met on 8 occasions during the 2009 season and heard 10 matters broken down as follows: My thanks and appreciation are again extended to the members of the Balmain Junior Rugby League Board for their ongoing support, to the Tripping, Kicking or Striking – 7 charges Balmain Referees Association for their professionalism and dedication to Offensive or obscene language – 2 charges the job at hand, to David Kelly for his ongoing support, to David Trodden Dispute decision of referee or touch judge – 3 charges for his support and particularly to Jennie Webster and Michael Keech for Contrary behaviour – 3 charges their dedication to the junior league, patience and unwavering support 2009 saw a decrease in send-offs across all age groups however throughout the year. the level of football was just as intense, particularly in the senior I wish everyone a safe and healthy off season and hope everyone age groups. returns in 2010 for another season of footy. The safety of all participants in the game of rugby league is paramount Tony Beger and anyone breaking the laws of the game will be dealt with by the Judiciary Chairman match officials. Every club member and/or supporter is bound by the ARL Code of Conduct and failure to comply with the Code will result in harsh penalties being delivered to any offenders.

2009 BALMAIN PRIMARY SCHOOLS REPORT

ARLD / BALMAIN 2009 CONTACTS • Active After School Programs – 9 programs / 63 clinics / 202 • Yearly School First Contacts 58 participants • Yearly School Contacts 204 • Yearly Student First Contacts 7477 GALA DAYS & COMPETITIONS • Yearly Student Contacts 18030 2009 Balmain Knockout – Primary All Schools • Total Clinics Conducted 653 Competition was washout three times. Following schools were nominated to represent Balmain Districts WESTS TIGERS BLITZ • 9 Holy Spirit Primary • 30 Schools visited / 6565 students • Under 10A St Charles Primary • Under 11 Holy Spirit Primary IN-SCHOOL PROGRAMS / CLINICS • Open B North Ryde Public School & St Paul of the Cross Primary • Intro Clinics – 12 schools / 81 clinics /1977 participants • Open A Holy Spirit Primary & Ryde East Public School • Joey League Programs – 25 schools / 170 programs / 509 clinics / Sevens – Primary School 2014 participants • Year 5 & 6 Paul Sironen Sevens – North Ryde Public School • Year 3 & 4 Shield – Putney Public School • Year 4 - 6 Girls Shield – Putney Public School • 2 Gala Days / 20 Schools / 61 teams / 610 students Inner West Catholic Schools Tiger Tag Gala Days (non-competitive) • 2 Gala Days / 11 Schools / 70 teams / 840 students Ryde PSSA Tiger Tag • Boys – Ermington Public School • Girls – North Ryde Public School • 11 Schools / 21 teams / 252 participants

HOLIDAY CLINICS • Easter K2K Camp – 74 participants • Easter Canada Bay Council Clinic – 40 participants • Easter Sydney Olympic Park Clinic – 37 participants • July K2K / Junior Members Clinic – 197 participants • October All Hallows OSHC Clinic – 30 participants Tony Ashton National Development Officer phone: 8741 3312 email: [email protected]

6 100 th ANNUAL REPORT

2009 BALMAIN HIGH SCHOOLS REPORT

2009 was a very exciting year the High Schools in the Balmain • All girl schools Domremy College, Santa Sabina College, Strathfield District. Although the weather did not allow the annual Balmain Girls HS, Riverside Girls HS and Bethlehem College all taking up High School All Schools Carnival to be held, more students school programs throughout the year. This is a record for Girls Schools participated in Rugby League programs than ever before. in the district. Some of the 2009’s highlights include: • Hunters Hill HS representing the district in Girls Rugby League. Their • Balmain School Blitz: 6 High Schools participated in the Blitz which Year 7/8 team competed at the West Sydney Girls Gala Day and held has traditionally only been held for Primary Schools. 500 High School their own against some very big teams. Girls Rugby League is a students were visited by Wests Tigers players and were presented the growing sector of our sport and this is hopefully the starting point for NRL’s Eat Well Play Well Stay Well message something bigger. • Holy Cross College making it through to the Quarter Final stage of the 2010 is looking even bigger for the High Schools in the district and I Arrive Alive Cup. This is a huge effort considering they came up would like to thank the schools, students and teachers for their against some of the emerging heavyweights of school Rugby League participation in 2009. Also a huge thank you to the Balmain Tigers, Wests such as Bass HS, Illawarra Sports HS and St Dominic’s College. Tigers and NSWRL for their support during the year as well as casual • Strathfield South and De La Salle Ashfield representing the Balmain staff and volunteers that helped at various stages. district and at the annual ARLD Captain’s Cup State Tyrone Collins Finals Day. Strathfield South HS won the Year 9 division on the day National Development Officer against some very stiff opposition. email: [email protected] • Holy Cross College represented the district at the NSWRL All Schools Carnival held at Penrith in all 4 age groups. The college defended its 2008 Under 13s Title with a win in the Under 14s with all other teams unlucky not to reach the Finals.

QUIET ACHIEVER MELINDA – WANDERERS FIRST LADY LIFE MEMBER LEICHHARDT Wanderers Junior Rugby League Club has passed Melinda has managed the Wanderers’ U/6 team – many milestones during its proud 98 year history in the Balmain coached by her 17 year old son Jeremy for the Junior League competition. past three years – and enjoys watching her 8 year old nephew Max compete in the Mini Quiet achiever Melinda Barnett (pictured) is the latest volunteer from the League competition. red-and-blacks to etch her name in the record books. One of her proudest moments came in 2007, The hard-working mum created history in 2009 when she was bestowed when son Jeremy took out the Noeline Barnett with life membership at the Wanderers’ AGM at Balmain Leagues Club. Memorial Club Person of the Year Award. Melinda is the first woman to achieve the feat with the Wanderers club and joins her father Bob and brother Craig on a distinguished honour roll. It is also the first time that three members of a family have received life membership of the famous Leichhardt-based club that has Junior League ties dating back to 1911. JOHN KELLY QUIET The Barnett family are highly respected in the Balmain district with Bob, ACHIEVER AWARD a Wanderers stalwart and long-serving Balmain Junior League executive GAVIN COWAN is the winner member and life member who has given sterling service over a 40 year of the John Kelly Memorial period. Quiet Achiever Award for 2009. Craig, 43, continues to give the Wanderers’ yeoman service as Senior Vice President after a decorated playing career at club and junior The talented Balmain-Ryde representative level. Eastwood utility is pictured receiving the trophy from An emotional Melinda said it was “a nice feeling” to receive a life Jenny Kelly – daughter of the membership badge – especially from a club like the Wanderers that is late John Kelly, a popular steeped in tradition. Melinda has been associated with the Wanderers Tigers official, who died since 1974 when she would help her late mother Noeline (another tragically in 2003. tireless volunteer) in the canteen at Blackmore Oval. The Barnett family have devoted many hours to the Wanderers club with Melinda helping out in so many ways.

7 BALMAIN JUNIOR LEAGUE SEASON LAUNCH

BALMAIN 1969 Grand Final heroes Keith Outten, Dave Bolton and Gary Leo with Mini and Mod League juniors at the 2009 Balmain Junior League launch on March 9 at Balmain Leagues Club.

HONOURS FOR TIGERS’ STALWARTS

CHAMPION half back Laurie DES BONNER – who starred with Balmain Coppers, Glebe Youth Fagan and forward and Leichhardt Wanderers as a junior – was a tireless forward who workhorse Des Bonner played 211 games for the Tigers and figured in Balmain’s (pictured) were bestowed premiership winning Under 23 side (1973) and reserve grade- with life membership at the winning teams in 1978 and 1982. 2009 Balmain District Football Club AGM at A rugged prop or second rower who never took a backward step, Des Balmain Leagues Club. began his career with the Balmain Police Boys JRLFC in the Balmain Junior League U/13 competition. Fagan, who was inducted into the Tigers Hall of Fame during He linked with Glebe Youth the following season and helped the club win the club’s Centenary season successive premierships in U/14, U/15 and U/16s before joining the in 2008, was regarded as one Wanderers. of the finest playmakers in the Sydney competition during his heyday in In 1971 he was graded by the Tigers as a raw boned 17 year old and the 1960s. then figured in Alan Mason’s third grade team that were defeated by St The maestro half back is the greatest footballer to emerge from the George in the 1972 finals series. famous Drummoyne Juniors club in the Balmain Junior League. Bonner shared in a slice of history the following season when Balmain Laurie was the architect of many Drummoyne victories before he was captured the inaugural Under 23 premiership with a 10-7 Grand Final called up to Presidents Cup in 1958 and graded by Balmain in 1959. victory over Newtown at the SCG. He played reserve grade and three first grade matches in his debut It was during 1973 that Des made his top grade debut for the Tigers and season before establishing himself as the top grade half back in 1960 went on to play another 17 matches in the first grade arena. and picking up the Best & Fairest award. He chalked up 100 grade games with the club in 1975. With Fagan leading the way, the Tigers won nine of 11 matches to reach A highlight was helping the youthful Balmain reserve grade team clinch the 1961 finals series but there were more accolades to come the reserve grade titles in 1978 and ’82. following season. Bonner was a first grade selector in 1984-85-86 and served a year on He played over 100 first grade matches for the Tigers and represented the Balmain District Football Club Board in 1987. NSW in 1962 before joining Penrith. Fagan spent four seasons with the Panthers from 1967-70 and later coached Ryde Eastwood to a NSWRL Des later turned his hand to coaching with the Leichhardt Juniors club Second Division title in 1972. and also the Balmain junior representative team. In 1993 he experienced a big thrill when son Dayle, a tough young forward, was graded by Balmain.

8 100 th ANNUAL REPORT

LEGENDS NAMED IN COPPERS’ BEST EVER TEAM TIGERS rugby league greats Wayne Pearce and Steve Roach were named in the Balmain Police Boys Football Club Best-Ever Team at the club’s Reunion Night on March 7 at Balmain Leagues Club. ‘Junior’ and ‘Blocker’ are pictured with fellow inductees Steve Jeffery, Gary Spears, Wayne Innes, Wayne Miranda, Merv Muggleton, Peter Grounds and Graham Pearce and ‘Coppers’ stalwarts George Stone, Frank Borg, Joe Dougal and Don Lawler. Other Best-Ever team members included internationals Fred de Belin, Jack Sinclair, , Lloyd Martin and Norm Pope; Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club president Keith Aggett, ex-Queensland five eighth Norm McLean; Jacin Sinclair, Billy Hutchison and Garry Webster. During the night, George Stone was presented with an Appreciation plaque for 50 years sterling service to his beloved ‘Coppers.’ Over 130 former players and officials attended the reunion – defeated Holy Cross 18-10 to clinch the U/18 premiership which included a 15 minute screening of the 1978 D Grand at Leichhardt Oval. The unbeaten Police Boys team boasted Grand Final between Balmain Police Boys and Holy Cross. ten Balmain Jersey Flegg reps in Pearce, Peter Grounds, Wayne Innes, , Chris Karas, Barry Lennon, The all conquering ‘Coppers’ – coached by ex-Balmain first Mark Smith, Alan Hill, Billy Hutchison and Glenn Pearce. grade mentor John O’Toole and skippered by Wayne Pearce

TRAINER STEVE A FINE AMBASSADOR RETIRING head trainer Steve Leslie (pictured) was competition with Leslie locking horns with a young Garry recognised for 25 years outstanding service at the 2009 Leo up to the age of 14. Balmain District Football Club AGM at Balmain Leagues Club. Steve spent a season with Shamrocks as a 15 year old in the Newtown Junior League before returning to the Balmain A great ambassador for the Balmain Junior League and district to play B Grade for the Balmain Rovers as a 16 year district club, Steve has devoted 56 years to the game of old tyro forward. rugby league as a long-serving player and trainer. He played for Sackville Sharks in the Newtown A Grade Super fit Leslie was a promising forward with Glebe Youth competition and later the Commercial Hotel in the Business and Glebe Police Boys clubs in the late 1950s and ’60s Houses competition before retiring as a player at the age of before stints with Balmain Rovers and Sackville Sharks. 38. He began training the Balmain Junior Cup rep teams in A highlight was representing Combined Sydney Business 1983 and Cricketers Arms in 1984 before graduating to the Houses against Combined University – and scoring the only Tigers’ lower grade ranks and Wests Tigers. try in a 3-0 victory at Sydney University Oval. Steve began his playing career at the age of 10 with a In 1984 when the Balmain Junior League re-introduced an Glebe Youth team coached by Charlie Day that boasted the A Grade competition, Leslie was head trainer of the likes of future Test half back Bobby Grant, Joe Annesley, Cricketers Arms’ Ducks that won the title. Brian Sullivan and Harold Browne. He was head trainer of the Balmain Tigers since 2000 and A hard-working second rower or prop, Steve and many of also involved with the Wests Tigers CUBS representative his team mates then switched to the Glebe Police Boys club squads. where they struck up a rivalry with the Rozelle Codocks. Steve will spend his retirement “surfing and playing golf.” The Glebe Coppers and Codocks dominated the

9 TIGER TALES by CHRIS KARAS

GEORGE THOMPSON MEMORIAL TROPHY TIRELESS Concord- It capped a memorable 2009 for Mortimer, who was Burwood United bestowed with Life Membership of the BDJRL at the AGM stalwart Peter Mortimer Night back in February. is the twelfth recipient of the George “He is one of the hardest working officials in the BDJRL and Thompson Memorial fully deserves the award,” said Jennie Webster of Balmain Trophy. Junior League Operations.

Peter – the manager of “Peter utilises his time effectively between club, district and Balmain’s Harold junior representative commitments and is an asset to our Matthews Cup junior League.” representative squad – is As well as taking on an administrative role with the Wolves, a worthy winner of the Peter serves as the Chairman of the BDJRL Rules award that recognises the Committee; manager of the U/16 Balmain Harold Matthews most outstanding Cup squad; trainer for the Balmain Development and rep contribution by a club teams and was manager of the Balmain U/15 touring team official in the Balmain in 2009. Junior League. He was also on duty at the Balmain Junior League Grand The Award perpetuates the memory of George Thompson, Finals as a First Aid officer. a great Tigers’ administrator, who died of cancer in 1997. Peter has given the Concord-Burwood club many years of Mortimer – who has a long association with the Wolves – outstanding service as a coaching co-ordinator, club received his coveted award from George’s widow Eileen secretary, first aid officer and delegate. Thompson at the Tigers Awards Night in November. He is pictured with George’s daughter Vanessa after the In 2009, Peter also took on the role of assistant trainer of presentation. the Holy Cross U/17 team that finished runners up to Kingsgrove Colts with son Ben playing centre – whilst Peter was also Balmain Junior League’s representative at continuing his support to Concord Burwood. the NSWRL Volunteer of the Year Awards Dinner at Balmain Leagues Club. CLUB PERSON OF YEAR AWARDS BALMAIN Junior League’s hardest working officials were recognised with the 13th annual Club Volunteer of the Year Awards. Senior Board member John Stapleton presented the 2009 awardees with their plaques at the Tigers’ annual Awards Night at Balmain Leagues Club on November 15. This year’s recipients were: Daniel Fowler (Balmain PCYC); Melissa Kelly (Carlingford Cougars); Aida Catalano & Peter Mortimer (Concord-Burwood United); Michael Frain (Dundas Shamrocks); Nick Speranza (Five Dock RSL); Sharon Boyle, Peter Boyle & Chris Woods (Holy Cross); Glenn Tomokino (Leichhardt Juniors); Barbara Fish & David Foster (Leichhardt Wanderers); Liam Roch (North Ryde) and Paul Kulen (Strathfield Raiders). The award is the brainchild of former Balmain Junior League secretary Paul Egan and wife Kim and salutes the behind-the-scenes work of industrious club members.

10 100 th ANNUAL REPORT

DON GRAHAM MEMORIAL TROPHY

CONCORD-Burwood United warrior Ajay Vaivaka junior commitments for the West Harbour club (pictured) is this year’s recipient of the Don Graham on weekends. Memorial U/19 Player of the Year Award. The much-improved Ajay, who has tasted junior The crafty hooker enjoyed a successful 2009 campaign – representative football with Balmain Harold Matthews Cup taking over the captaincy reins and leading the Wolves to an and Junior Development squads, led by example in the U/19s premiership in the combined Balmain-St George Wolves’ Grand Final triumph over Kingsgrove with sharp competition. running and robust defence. Ajay unveiled all his skills to help the Wolves record an He scored the opening try in the 3rd minute after fooling the impressive 38-6 win over Kingsgrove Colts under lights in Colts’ defence from dummy half then backed up for a the Grand Final at Leichhardt Oval. second in the 44th minute as the slick Concord-Burwood outfit ran amok. It was a fifth premiership title in eight seasons for Vaivaka, who has blossomed into a capable young forward under the Vaivaka joins previous winners Patrick Walsh and Paul coaching of Alan Huriwai, George Vaivaka and Nyke McInerney (Holy Cross), Paul Tutt (Gladesville Sports), Zammit since U/12s. David Rose (Wanderers), Ian McCann and Shane Williams (Cricketers Arms), Gordon Rytmeister (North Ryde), Marc Rugged defence, slick service from dummy half and good Webber (West Ryde-Denistone), Billy Long (Pyrmont Colts), positional play are features of Ajay’s game and he showed Luke Long (Balmain United), Jason Thompson (Wanderers), fine leadership qualities in the number nine jumper Joe Hawach and Paul Owens (Ryde Eastwood), Anthony throughout the Wolves’ Grand Final charge. Golder (Annandale Waratahs), Dean Hutchison and Clint Ajay and cousin Taniela Vaivaka, Junior Rogica and John Woods (Leichhardt Juniors), Shadi Haddad (Five Dock Nicholas figured in Concord-Burwood’s BJL premiership RSL), Corey Lee and Hugo Duarte (Leichhardt Juniors), victories in U/12s, U/13s, U/14s and U/15s under the Matthew Olsen (Wanderers), Ali Musri and Dylan Theuerjahr guidance of Huriwai and would juggle rugby league with (North Ryde) on the U/19s honour roll.

BALMAIN JUNIOR LEAGUE LIFE MEMBERS REUNION TALES of yesteryear were discussed at the annual Tigers Life Members luncheon held on November 13 at Balmain Leagues Club. Pictured with Tigers’ legendary half back Laurie Fagan are Balmain Junior League life members standing l to r Paul Wheelhouse, Brian Coleman, John Doyle, Maurie O’Brien, John Critchley, Bob Henderson, Austin Hoyle, Bill Brown, Jeff Aplitt, John Stanton, Chris Karas and seated Allen Carling, Jack King, Ken Stapleton, Peter Mortimer and Bob KEVIN O’KEEFE Cooper. MEMORIAL TROPHY TIGERS CLUB PERSON OF YEAR BALMAIN-Ryde Eastwood coach Paul Fletcher and capable assistant Tony Wignell are winners of the 2009 Kevin O’Keefe Memorial Club Person of the Year Award. The pair are pictured with Maureen McKeon – partner of the late Kevin O’Keefe, the Tigers’ long serving sin bin attendant and Balmain PCYC life member who died in 2007. Fletcher (right) and Wignell did an outstanding job in 2009 – guiding a youthful and inexperienced Tigers’ squad to the NSWRL State Cup Grand Final against premiers Bankstown Bulls.

11 JAN CARROLL MEMORIAL TROPHY WHAT do Wests Tigers rugby league captain Robbie The promising colt is regarded as one of Balmain district’s Farah and emerging cub share in common? top juniors after receiving the George Thompson Memorial Scholarship Award for his outstanding displays in 2008. Both are Balmain junior products who made their debuts for NSW in representative matches against Queensland on Lovett showed his potential as a junior member of the June 3 at ’s Etihad Stadium. Tigers’ Matthews Cup team coached by Balmain Hall of Fame forward David Brooks – picking up the Best Back Lovett, a talented utility player, is a deserved winner of the trophy before leaving his mark in the 2009 series under the Jan Carroll Memorial U/17 Player of the Year trophy after guidance of Ken Stapleton. outstanding displays for Leichhardt Juniors in the Sydney Metro Combined competition. Kyle is a product of the Five Dock RSL Juniors where he led the Dockers to age premierships and Grand Final The skilful lock-cum-centre realised a dream when he appearances before switching to Leichhardt this season. represented the NSW U/16 team in a curtain-raiser to the State of Origin opener in Melbourne. Playing a year above his age group, Lovett was one of the best players on ground in Leichhardt’s 30-12 loss to Lovett, who starred for Balmain in this year’s Harold Arncliffe Scots in the U/17 Division 1 Grand Final at Matthews Cup U/16 series, grabbed his opportunity with Leichhardt Oval. both hands – turning in a strong match as a replacement Kyle Lovett with his U/17 Player of the Year Trophy centre for the Junior Blues in a 30-10 loss to Queensland. Previous winners of the Jan Carroll Trophy include Solomon Haumono (Concord United), Chad Lee and Rhys Stevenson Kyle was rewarded with a State cap after powerful displays (Leichhardt Juniors); Josh Jeffery, Damien Braumann and for the Tigers that earned him the Best & Fairest Award Richard Ngawini (Wanderers) and Matthew Mizzi and trophy. Sebastian Vourlos (Holy Cross). A lanky customer with a big motor and natural ball skills, Kyle is the son of former Leichhardt Juniors centre Ray Lovett who showed tons of potential as a schoolboy in the 1970s.

JOHN STAPLETON TROPHY

EXPERIENCED North Ryde centre Paul a leading back with the Five Dock RSL club - helping the Wallace is the 20th recipient of the John Dockers win five successive premierships in the Balmain Stapleton Trophy for the Balmain Junior Junior League from U/13s to U/17s. League A Grade Player of the Year. After a short stint with South Sydney Jersey Flegg side in It is the second time that 27 year old Wallace has 2002, the speedy Wallace returned to his old stamping collected this prestigious award after top displays ground at E.L.S Hall North Ryde where he has given for the Hawks in the combined Manly-North yeoman service for the past seven years at U/21 and A Sydney A2 Grade competition during 2009. Grade level. The power running back was the lynchpin in a Balmain A Grade Player of the Year recipients include courageous North Ryde team coached by Craig Graham Pearce (Ryde Eastwood), Gary Braams (Sawdust), Ruttley that qualified for the semi finals – Grant Thomas (Balmain United), Peter Bingham (West sparking the attack with his speed and flair out Ryde-Denistone), Jason Banfield (Concord United), Frank wide. Dunne, Craig Barnett, Robert Gerrie (Leichhardt Wanderers), Aaron Brown and Nathan Donato (Balmain Paul started his career as a 5 year old with elder United), Cameron Liddle and James Harradence (West brother Grant in the North Ryde U/8s in 1987 Ryde-Denistone), Jason Tutt (Sawdust Storm), Joel Lacey and is regarded as one of the Hawks’ finest (West Ryde-Denistone), Paul Wallace and Justin Williams Hawks’ centre Paul Wallace receives his products. A Grade Player of the Year award from (North Ryde), Damien Braumann (Leichhardt Juniors), John Tigers’ stalwart John Stapleton But for seven seasons from the age of 11 he was Kaho (Leichhardt Wanderers) and Kelvin Weir (North Ryde).

12 100 th ANNUAL REPORT

GEORGE PIPER TROPHY

NORTH Ryde Hawks enforcer Ali Musri (pictured) is this Ali’s strong performances at prop and second row should year’s winner of the George Piper Trophy for the best hold him in good stead as he pushes his claims for a spot in and fairest Under 21 player in the Balmain Junior the Wests Tigers U/20 Toyota Cup squad for 2010. League competition. Ali joins previous winners Keith Cook (Dundas), Mario Pace The fearless forward was a stand out in Robbie Ward’s (Birchgrove), Adrian Murray (Leichhardt Wanderers), Peter premiership-winning Under 21 outfit during the 2009 Murphy (North Ryde), Ken Nichols (Wanderers), John season. He was named best player on ground in the Hawks’ Dimento (Ryde Districts), Steve McCarthy (Wanderers), Neil 30-22 victory over Dundas Shamrocks in the BJL Grand Massey (Ermington), Adam Brown (Wanderers), Stephen Final at Leichhardt Oval and impressed Tigers’ officials with Jeffrey (Balmain Police Boys), Michael Bourke (Holy Cross), his high work rate and ability to bust tackles. Michael Moujalli (Holy Cross), Frank Mooy (Birchgrove), Jamie Alexander (Holy Cross), Luke Simmons (Ryde 19 year old Musri – a former Balmain S.G Ball Cup Eastwood), John Clark (Ryde Eastwood), Marc Webber representative – turned in a non-stop performance and (West Ryde-Denistone), Aaron Brown (Balmain United), scored a vital try after the break to give North Ryde a 22-18 Damien Hansen (Ryde Eastwood), Jason Pearce (Balmain lead in a hard-fought encounter. United), Shane Hunt (Ryde Eastwood), Craig Aldridge It is the second major league award for the quietly-spoken (Sawdust), Dean Hutchison and Lee Manning (Leichhardt Musri, who also received the Don Graham Memorial Trophy Juniors), Shadi Haddad (Holy Cross), Michael Page as the Balmain district’s top 17 year old player in 2007. (Wanderers), Ben Critchley (Five Dock RSL), Steve Bortolussi (North Ryde), Dean Murray (North Ryde), Trent Strong-running Ali has come a long way since joining the Touma (Concord-Burwood) and James Cameron (Holy Hawks as a raw-boned 13 year old schoolboy. Cross) on a distinguished honor roll. A dedicated trainer, Musri leads by example with his positive attitude and is never far from the action – menacing rivals with powerful running or keeping rivals at bay with bruising defence.

JACK KING TROPHY

EMERGING five eighth is the Balmain Dock RSL. Junior League Under 16 Player of the Year for 2009. A change in clubs and growth spurt has added a The strapping cub was awarded the Jack King Trophy after new lease of life to the versatile Sironen, who has strong performances for Dundas Shamrocks this year in the proved quite adept at , centre, half back, combined Balmain-St George competition and with the five eighth and lock at club and representative Balmain Harold Matthews Cup junior representative team. level. Young Curtis – the eldest son of Tigers’ legend and former Back in 1981, a 16 year old Paul Sironen burst Kangaroo star Paul Sironen – also shone at half back with onto the rep scene to help Balmain reach the the Holy Cross College Ryde open team that reached the final of the S.G Ball Cup against Greg quarter finals of the Arrive Alive Cup national schoolboy Alexander’s Penrith cubs at Sydney Sports rugby league competition. Ground. A tall and powerful playmaker, Curtis guided the Shamrocks Now Curtis is following in his dad’s steps and will to an U/16 Division 1 Grand Final victory over Hurstville line up for David Brooks’ S.G Ball U/18 squad in United at Leichhardt Oval on August 30. 2010. Sironen junior produced a Player of the Match performance Past winners of the Jack King Trophy include: – nabbing three tries and creating opportunities with crisp John Kaho (Burwood United), Grant Benjamin passing as Dundas whipped the Struggos 36-14 to clinch a (Leichhardt Juniors), Abe Allamaddine Under 16 Player of the Year Curtis Sironen with third consecutive premiership. (Leichhardt Juniors), Ben Critchley (Five Dock Ryde Eastwood and Tigers’ stalwart Jack King RSL), Josh Jeffery (Wanderers), Willie Tupou The talented pivot scored twice to set up a 22-0 lead at the (Wanderers), Bronson Harrison (Wanderers), interval then sealed victory with his third try in the 50th Ewen Cameron (Wanderers), Nick Tice (Leichhardt Juniors), minute. Daniel Casa (Holy Cross), Nathan Plummer (Holy Cross), Curtis began his football career with the North Ryde Hawks Tim Bennetts (Carlingford Cougars), Drew Laing (Holy where he was coached by his famous dad Paul and tasted Cross) and Brodie Monroe (Five Dock RSL). early success at Mini League level against fierce rivals Five

13 TIGERS AWARDS NIGHT

HARRY QUINLAN MEMORIAL TROPHY TOUGH Balmain Ryde Eastwood forward David Gower took out the Harry Quinlan Memorial Trophy for the best & fairest Tigers player in the 2009 NSW State Cup competition.

Gower, who represented NSW Residents and also was named the State Cup Player of the Year, is pictured centre with coach Paul Fletcher, Ryde Eastwood Football Club chairman Malcolm Chapple and fellow Tigers’ State Cup award recipients Sean Meaney (Best Back); Jared Farlow (Best Forward); Ryan Carr (Coach’s Award) and Alan Schirnack (Players’ Player).

ADAM GARDINER GEORGE THOMPSON MEMORIAL AWARD SCHOLARSHIP AWARD SKILFUL Balmain-Ryde Eastwood lock RISING Tiger cub is Jared Farlow is the fourth recipient of the George Thompson Scholarship the Adam Gardiner Memorial Trophy. Award recipient for 2009. The award commemorates the life of former The outstanding 15 year old half back Tigers’ assistant Jersey Flegg and Premier prospect enjoyed a bumper season League coach Adam Gardiner who lost a with brilliant displays at club, brave battle with amyloidosis in 2006 at the schoolboy and junior representative age of 35. level. Farlow, who was judged the Tigers’ best Brooks led Holy Cross College Ryde forward during their 2009 NSWRL State to a Metropolitan Catholic Schools Cup Grand Final charge, is pictured with U/15 premiership; represented Adam’s wife Trish and father Terry Gardiner Balmain in the Harold Matthews Cup U/16 series and U/15 at the Tigers’ Awards Night at Balmain Development tour and NSW Catholic Colleges at the Australian Leagues Club. Previous winners include Schoolboys U/15 Championships before spearheading Leichhardt former Jersey Flegg half back Marc Russell Wanderers to an U/15 premiership in the BDJRL competition. He is and State Cup forwards Luke McInnes and pictured receiving his award from Eileen Thompson, wife of the late Alan Schirnack. Balmain administrator George Thompson. CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP AWARDS DUNDAS Shamrocks and Club President Kevin Rooney and Ryde-Eastwood Leagues Leichhardt Wanderers took out Club President Keith Aggett. this year’s respective BDJRL Junior and Senior Club The Shamrocks created a new club record in 2009 by lining Championship titles. up in seven Grand Finals. Dundas won the U/9 Div 3, U/10 Div 2 and U/16 Div 1 premierships and finished runners up Pictured with the spoils are in the U/9, U/12 and U/15 Div 1 age groups and U/21s.? Shamrocks president Bob Siemsen (left) and Wanderers Wanderers figured in six Grand Finals – capturing the U/9 president Robert Gerrie who are Div 1, U/12 Div 1, U/13 and U/15 Div 1 premierships and also holding the U/16 and U/15 collected runners up medals in U/9 Div 2 and U/14s. Combined Metro Club The red and blacks also won the U/8 Junior Championship trophies. They are and Benny Elias Shield plus the U/9 Robbie Farah pictured with Balmain Leagues Challenge to cap a memorable season.

14 100 th ANNUAL REPORT

RISING STAR AWARD

DUAL international is the name on Wests and Concord-Burwood Wolves to an U/19 premiership title Tigers’ supporters lips as he contemplates a return to in the combined Balmain-St George Junior League the NRL in 2010. competition. But Tigers’ officials are also monitoring the progress of Junior scored a try and played strongly in the Wolves’ 38-6 another Fijian flyer in 18 year old Junior Roqica – winner of Grand Final win over Kingsgrove Colts at Leichhardt Oval – the Ryde Eastwood Rising Star Award last season. then stepped up a class when brought into the Tigers’ State Cup squad for the important end of season matches. The strapping utility back was judged the best performing colt in the Balmain-Ryde Eastwood team that roared into Playing on the wing, fullback and at centre, Roqica the 2009 NSWRL State Cup Grand Final. produced a purple patch of form during the finals series as the inexperienced Tigers defied the odds to reach the Grand Playing in the NSW State Cup decider at ANZ Stadium last Final against Bankstown Bulls. October capped a momentous season for Roqica – who starred at schoolboy, Junior League and grade level with the Coach Paul Fletcher labelled Roqica a ‘special talent’ who Rising cub Junior Roqica with Tigers. lifted in the big games. Ryde-Eastwood Football Club Chairman Malcolm Chapple He has come under the scrutiny of both Wests Tigers U/20 Junior was earmarked for higher honors after starring in five and Balmain-Ryde Eastwood selectors, who predict a bright Concord-Burwood premiership teams in the Balmain Junior future for the powerfully-built back. League and with the Australian Schoolboys in 2008. Roqica juggled a hectic schedule last season and showed With his raw power and pace, Roqica has the Tuqiri look amazing endurance to help guide Holy Cross College Ryde about him and may join the former Kangaroo and Wallaby to the quarter finals of the national Arrive Alive Cup series star one day in the Tigers’ top grade squad.

SCOTT GALE MEMORIAL AWARD CONCORD-Burwood flyer Faleula Finau is the winner of the Scott Balmain reaching the S.G Ball Cup quarter finals Gale Memorial Leading Try Scorer Award for 2009. in 2009 – scoring 18 tries in nine games. Finau – who has signed to play with the Wests Tigers’ U/20 Toyota Cup He also starred in the Australian Schoolboys’ squad in 2010 – caught the eye of senior officials with his slick thumping 66-0 and 60-18 victories over the performances at school and junior representative level this season. touring Great Britain Lions – notching a hat trick in the first test at Stadium. The quicksilver back is pictured with Wests Tigers’ CEO and former Balmain utility back Steve Humphreys at the Tigers’ annual Awards The Wolves’ dynamo has figured in numerous premiership triumphs with Night. Concord-Burwood and was one of the young guns in a powerful Matraville Sports High team that was beaten 18-12 by Keebra Park High Finau, a winger blessed with scorching pace, was instrumental in in the final of the national Arrive Alive Cup schoolboy competition.

MATTHEWS CUP AWARDS S.G BALL CUP AWARDS

BALMAIN Harold Matthews Cup coach Ken Stapleton and manager Peter AUSTRALIAN Schoolboys winger Faleula Finau (far right) was named Balmain Mortimer with U/16 Junior Cup award recipients Jake Waugh (Coach’s Award); S.G Ball U/18 team’s Best & Fairest Player for 2009. He is pictured with Tigers’ Kyle Lovett (Best & Fairest); Alex Kerti (Best Forward); Braeden Batiste (Best forward legend Paul Sironen, S.G Ball coach David Brooks and other trophy Back) and Luke Brooks (Players’ Player). recipients Blake Williams (Coach’s Award); (Best Back); Patrick Politoni (Best Forward) and Dean Parata (Players’ Player). 15 CHRIS KARAS AT THE BALMAIN JUNIOR LEAGUE GRAND FINALS

UNDER 9 DIV 1 GRAND FINAL

LEICHHARDT Wanderers Red team Leichhardt extended their lead after 27 minutes when dominated the U/9 age group in 2009 forward Louis Tanner crashed through tackles to nab the by capturing the Robbie Farah Reds’ fourth try that was converted by Patrick Kairouz. Challenge Shield and Arthur McIlveen Memorial Trophy double. Dundas collected their second try in the 32nd minute when elusive centre Joshua Rizk dashed over wide out before The all conquering Reds preserved strong running Wanderers forward Mark Nawaqanitawase their unbeaten record with a 30-12 completed the scoring with a converted try late in the Grand Final victory over rivals Dundas match. Shamrocks at Leichhardt Oval – with whiz kid Ben Stevanovic making an The athletic Stevanovic was the best player on ground – impact. supported by Nawaqanitawase, Tanner, Ryan Musillo and U/9 Div 1 champions Leichhardt Wanderers Red slick backs Lewis, Kairouz, Flynn Ladbrooke-Bower and It was a fifth major trophy for the Lewis Parfitt. talented Leichhardt side that won the 2008 Junior Foundation Cup and Benny Elias Shield titles as U/7s and Shamrocks were best served by skipper Doherty, Rizk, Nick U/8s before adding the Robbie Farah Shield pre-season Nicholson, half Lachlan McKenzie and forward Carl Azar. competition and U/9 BJL premiership to an impressive list of WANDERERS RED 30 (B Stevanovic 2, S Lewis, L Tanner, achievements since forming as a squad in 2006. M Nawaqanitawase tries; B Stevanovic, M Nawaqanitawase, S Lewis, P Kairouz, L Parfitt gls) d SHAMROCKS YELLOW 12 Stevanovic, an outstanding half back prospect, engineered (B Doherty, J Rizk tries; H Kilby, B Doherty gls). the victory with his attacking skills and copybook defence to earn the official Player of the Match award. LEICHHARDT WANDERERS RED – Flynn Ladbrooke-Bower, Griffin Taylor, Saul Lewis, Lewis Parfitt, Mason Ward, Patrick The Shamrocks jumped to a 6-0 lead when young gun Kairouz, Ben Stevanovic (captain), Louis Tanner, Kale Ozluck, Bradley Doherty scored in the third minute after an early Ryan Musillo, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Connor Fisher. Coach: BJL chairman Bob Henderson Nick Stevanovic; Manager: Isobel Taylor; Trainer: Dave Taylor. with Leichhardt Wanderers Red Dundas onslaught. U/9 Div 1 captain DUNDAS SHAMROCKS YELLOW – Bradley Doherty (captain), Ben Stevanovic. With skipper Stevanovic calling the shots, the Wanderers hit back with three first half tries to lead 18-6 at the interval. Harrison Kilby, Joshua Rizk, Nick Nicholson, Connor Tannous, Ray Ghalloub, Lachlan McKenzie, David Azize, Nikola Najdovski, The Reds’ playmaker scored four pointers in the 11th and Carl Azar, Chris Fahey, Andrew Azize, Ben Melling, Dallas King, 16th minutes before centre Saul Lewis finished off a passing Pineaha Houia Tyson. Coach: Stephen Doherty; Manager: rush to give the Wanderers the upper hand. Phil Azize; Trainers: Paul Kilby, George Tannous.

UNDER 9 DIV 2 GRAND FINAL

STRATHFIELD Raiders secured the Mick Manning U/9 Nathan Saede, centre David Youssef, Boulos, Read and BJL patron Mick Manning with Division 2 Trophy with a 22-0 victory over Leichhardt forwards George Latif and Aidan Trainor. Wanderers were Strathfield Raiders U/9 Wanderers at Leichhardt Oval. best served by backs Tane Edmed, Connor Mogan, Ryan Div 2 captain James Romanous. Gigg, Kayleb Centali and forwards Ben Cody and Luke Fleet-footed back Anthony Jabour Florian. starred for the Raiders – scoring the opening try after 11 minutes and STRATHFIELD RAIDERS 22 (J Romanous 2, A Jabour, K Boulos, creating others with his pace and A Read tries; J Romanous gl) d WANDERERS 0. strength to pick up the Player of the STRATHFIELD RAIDERS – Nathan Saede, Anthony Jabour, Match award. David Youssef, Jacob Abraham, Julian Nader, James Romanous (captain), Kristian Boulos, Aidan Read, Phillip Adam, George Latif, Half back Kristian Boulos and forward Aidan Trainor, Jordan Saede, Alex Vu, Charbel Dagher, Isaac Saidi. Aidan Read scored tries in the 17th Coach: Morris Adam; Manager: Steve Saidi; Trainers: Bahige Latif, and 19th minutes to give Strathfield a Gabi Dagher. 14-0 lead at the break before promising five eighth James Romanous LEICHHARDT WANDERERS – Joshua Dolfo, Ryan Gigg, completed the whitewash with two Kayleb Centali, Connor Morgan, Tane Edmed (captain), second half tries to cap a strong game. James Estwick, Ben Cody, Will Cornish, Jackson Coleman, Marco Micalizzi, Luke Florian, Bowie Bruce-Sheik. Coach: Steve U/9 Div 2 champions Strathfield Raiders Other Raiders to shine were fullback Edmed; Manager: Tamena Brown-Edmed; Trainer: David Gigg.

16 100 th ANNUAL REPORT

UNDER 9 DIV 3 GRAND FINAL

DUNDAS Shamrocks Green team lifted the Peter Provan SHAMROCKS GREEN 18 U/9 Division 3 Trophy after rolling Carlingford Cougars (H El Hage 2, P Tyson, 18-10 at Leichhardt Oval. D King tries; D King gl) d CARLINGFORD Hard running forward Dallas King inspired his Shamrocks COUGARS 10 team mates with a powerful performance to set up a (J Mignacca, M Mooney deserved premiership and claim the Player of the Match tries; J Girvan gl). award. DUNDAS SHAMROCKS GREEN – Lachlan Allan, King’s solo try after the interval gave Dundas a 14-6 lead in Oliver Calvert, Tim Potter, an absorbing Mini League tussle. Pineaha Houia Tyson (captain), Hilal El Hage, The Shamrocks jumped to a 10-0 lead after seven minutes Dylan Simkin, Dallas King, when speedy backs Pineaha Tyson and Hilal El Hage Samir Emira, Samuel bagged tries before Cougars’ skipper Jason Mignacca burst Ferguson, Tarahauitu through a gap in the 11th minute to score and bridge the Houia, Corey Wilson, gap. Charlie Aubert, Will Spackman. Coach: Richie U/9 Div 3 champions Dundas Shamrocks Green Cougars’ forward Matt Mooney gave his side a glimmer of Houia; Trainers: Andrew hope with a 26th minute try before El Hage wrapped up Ferguson & Sinclair King. victory for the Greens with a late try after a diagonal 30 CARLINGFORD COUGARS – Patrick Fallance, Bailey Lindsay, metre run. Other Shamrocks players to impress were El Ewan Belgrove, Geordie Pitt, Max Spajic, Jake Girvan, Jason Hage, skipper Tyson, forwards Sam Ferguson, Dylan Simkin Mignacca (captain), Ben Akuila, Jaycob Hazell, Elijah Akuila, and backs Lachlan Allan, Oliver Calvert and Tim Potter. Mark Rimac, Matt Mooney, Nick Caravella, Gavin Waller. Co-coaches: Ross Mignacca, Michael Rimac; Manager: The Cougars got value from halves Mignacca and Jake David Lindsay; Trainer: Todd Girvan. Girvan, centre Ewan Belgrove and forwards Mooney, Ben Akuila, Elijah Akuila, Mark Rimac and Nick Caravella.

BJL chairman Bob Henderson with Shamrocks Green U/9 Div 3 captain Pineaha Houia Tyson.

NSWJRL LIFE MEMBERSHIP FOR BOB

BALMAIN Junior League Chairman Robert Henderson Bob spent 15 years in coaching was bestowed with Life Membership of the NSW Junior and administrative roles with the Rugby League at this year’s NSWJRL Conference held Codocks, Sackville Sharks, at Port Macquarie. Cricketers Arms and Balmain United clubs and served ten Henderson – a Balmain Junior League life member – is a years as a selector with the Balmain boy through and through having grown up in Tigers’ S.G Ball, Jersey Flegg Birchgrove and playing all his junior football with Rozelle and Presidents Cup squads. Codocks. In 2008, Bob was awarded the A talented prop and hooker forward, Bob represented Centenary Medal through the Balmain in the U/15 Oatley Shield, Jersey Flegg and joint initiative of the NRL/ARL Presidents Cup competitions before he was graded with the and was one of 250 volunteers Tigers – forcing his way into the club’s reserve grade squad. throughout the country to Since the early 1980s, Bob has served on the Balmain receive the Volunteers Junior League Management Committee and has given Appreciation of Service Award. outstanding service to the sport of rugby league and Bob’s service and contribution to fostering the game within the Balmain community. rugby League has been nothing Bob is the current Chairman of Directors of the Balmain short of outstanding and we are justifiably proud of his Junior League and has held this position for the past four Bob Henderson receives his NSWJRL life membership years. Prior to this he served as President of the Balmain achievements and to call him our own! certificate at the annual Combined Junior League Junior League since 1994. Volunteers Awards Night at Balmain Leagues Club Henderson has been an active member of the Balmain DJRL as a volunteer in many different capacities since 1965.

17 UNDER 10 DIV 1 GRAND FINAL

HOLY Cross Gold U/10 team for first half tries to set up a commanding 22-0 lead at the maintained its phenomenal break. success by clinching the Lawrence Briggs Trophy after Brooks showed blistering speed to nab a second try shortly thumping North Ryde 38-0 at after the interval before centre Mateo Tatola (28th minute) Leichhardt Oval. and strong running Billy Stapleton (32nd minute) continued the try fest. The talented Rhinos – who have not lost a match in the Balmain Junior Camroux, Brooks, Tatola, Stapleton, Sabat, Luke Gilder, League competition since forming as Curtis Wilson and Bennett Wheelhouse were outstanding for a squad in 2005 – made it back to the Rhinos with lock forward Wheelhouse producing a super back titles with playmaker and defensive effort. captain Lachlan Camroux proving For North Ryde, none tried harder than backs Tom Cross, the architect. Billy Ward, Ryan Price and forwards Nathan Davis, Luke Jeffery and Daniel Greenland. U/10 Div 1 champions Holy Cross Gold Young Lachlan, the son of former Balmain utility and coach Peter HOLY CROSS GOLD 38 (L Camroux 2, S Brooks 2, J Sabat, Camroux, showed his potential as M Tatola, B Stapleton tries; L Camroux, E Higgins, J Bass, the Rhinos ran amok in the Mod League decider. W Bradley, L Jones gls) d NORTH RYDE 0. Camroux scored two of his team’s seven tries and menaced HOLY CROSS GOLD – Scott Brooks, Ethan Higgins, Curtis Wilson, the Hawks with his clever passing and pin-point kicking to Mateo Tatola, Joshua Bass, Lachlan Camroux (captain), earn the Player of the Match award. Bailey Smith, Luke Jones, Billy Stapleton, Jarod Sabat, Luke Gilder, Bennett Wheelhouse, Matthew Taylor, Will Bradley. Coach: Brett Coached by former Balmain junior rep and Eastern Suburbs Wheelhouse; Manager: Michael Bradley; Trainer: Peter Camroux. top grade fullback Brett Wheelhouse, the Holy Cross cubs NORTH RYDE – Jacob Sinclair, Jason Kerr, Billy Ward, Tom Cross, also became the first club to win the U/9 Robbie Farah and Cameron Edwards, Ryan Price (captain), Dominic Easy, U/10 Mark O’Neill Challenge Shields in consecutive Luke Jeffery, Anthony Russo, Nathan Davis, Daniel Maittlen, seasons. BJL life member Paul Daniel Markovtzev, Daniel Greenland, Rhys Hope, Victor Wheelhouse with Holy Cross Casasanta. Coach: Paul Sinclair; Manager: Frankie Sinclair; There was no stopping the Rhinos as Jarod Sabat, Trainers: Anthony Cross, Glen Jeffery. Gold U/10 Camroux (2) and promising fullback Scott Brooks crossed Div 1 captain Lachlan Camroux.

UNDER 10 DIV 2 GRAND FINAL

DUNDAS Shamrocks collected the Austin Hoyle U/10 Nine year old Shamrocks winger Bradley Doherty duly Division 2 Trophy after toppling Holy Cross White 18-12 converted the try to take the Grand Final into extra time. in extra time at Leichhardt Oval. Other Shamrocks players to shine were forwards Langford, The Greens secured the title when Pablo Aguilera burst Michael Mollica and Jacob Khalil, skipper Rangiwhaiau and through to score a try in the second period of extra time to young backs Doherty and Joshua Rizk. break a 12-all deadlock. Holy Cross were best served by forwards Donnan, Lachlan Best player on ground was Shamrocks’ half back Alex Sears, Eddie Poolman, Joe Hinchey and backs Ben Leotta, Seyfarth who masterminded a spirited comeback with his Alex Graffeo, Billy Dodds and Michael Warren. BJL life member Austin Hoyle strong running and slick service to the outside backs. with Shamrocks U/10 Div 2 SHAMROCKS GREEN 18 (J Langford, H Rangiwhaiau, P Aguilera captain Hohepa Rangiwhaiau. Holy Cross raced to a 12-0 lead tries; J Shashati, B Doherty, J Rizk gls) d HOLY CROSS WHITE 12 after seven minutes following (J Kandalaft, C Donnan tries; J Morabito, J Kandalaft gls). quick tries by half Joseph DUNDAS SHAMROCKS GREEN – Anthony Bounasiff, Bradley Kandalaft and impact forward Doherty, Jacob Innes-Afitu, Adriana Bounasiff, Joshua Rizk, Clancy Donnan before Dundas Hohepa Rangiwhaiau (captain), , Michael Mollica, lock Jack Langford scored just Rebekah Blanchard, Jacob Khalil, Jake Shashati, Jack Langford, before the half time break. Alfred Sahyoun, Jeremy Nichols-Hancock, Pablo Aguilera. Coach: James Khalil; Co-managers: Mary Mollica & Yasmin Seyfarth; In an absorbing second stanza, Trainers: Sam Afitu & Sid Bounasiff. both sides didn’t give an inch with scrambling defence a HOLY CROSS WHITE – Nathan Hyland, Michael Warren, Billy Dodds, Alex Graffeo, Nathan Mellino, Ben Leotta, Joseph Kandalaft, feature. Leading 12-6 with two Oliver Doueihi, Lachlan Sears, Joseph Lawandos, Joe Hinchey, minutes left on the clock, the Eddie Poolman, Clancy Donnan, Jacob Morabito. Coach: Peter Rhinos were poised for victory Hinchey; Manager: John Leotta; Trainers: Stephen Sears, Dominic until Seyfarth created a try for Morabito. pivot Hohepa Rangiwhaiau. U/10 Div 2 champions Dundas Shamrocks Green

18 100 th ANNUAL REPORT

UNDER 11 DIV 1 GRAND FINAL

STRATHFIELD Raiders posted a third successive The Wolves got value from premiership after edging out Concord-Burwood 18-16 in Carmody, Lus, Celona, the U/11 Division 1 decider at Leichhardt Oval. fullback Anthony Lopes and centres Matt Mesann and Powerful forward Max Harper starred for the Raiders with a Jordan Kidd. tireless display that featured strong running and punishing defence in a gripping encounter. STRATHFIELD RAIDERS 18 (J Howard, A Doueihi, The Raiders led 18-6 at the interval but had to stave off a A Roumanous tries; A Doueihi, determined challenge by the Wolves after the break. J Howard, G Jabbour gls) d CONCORD-BURWOOD 16 Strapping forward Jackson Howard opened the scoring with (D Carmody 2, L Celona tries; a converted try after two minutes before Concord-Burwood L Lus, A Lopes gls). ace Daniel Carmody burst through tackles to cross in the STRATHFIELD RAIDERS – 9th minute with Luke Lus adding the extras. , Tyler Cotter, Strathfield gained the upper hand when fullback Adam Richard Ibrahim, Anthony James Raheb (captain), Shaun U/11 Div 1 champions Strathfield Raiders Doueihi (12th minute) and five eighth Adam Roumanous Marsh, Adam Roumanous, (20th minute) dashed over for first half tries to set up a Jarrod Potaka, Max Harper, Anthony Boustani, Louis Morrison, handy lead. Jackson Howard, George Jabbour, Omar Wahab, Phillip Nader. Coach: Martyn Howard; Manager: Chris Raheb; Trainers: The Raiders looked poised for a comfortable win before Fred Ibrahim & Rangi Potaka. Concord-Burwood set the scene for a thrilling finish with second half tries to winger Luke Celona (26th minute) and CONCORD-BURWOOD – Anthony Lopes, Luke Pafumi, Carmody (32nd minute). Matt Mesann, Jordan Kidd, Luke Celona, Ben Breen, Daniel Carmody, Jarrad Agliozzo, Luke Lus, Aaron Jeffery, Harper claimed Player of the Match honors and was Tom Abood, Alex Rinaldi, Joshua Voisin. Coach: Tony Agliozzo; supported by centre Anthony James Raheb, Doueihi, Manager: Loretta Schmich; Trainer: Kevin Breen. Roumanous and forwards Omar Wahab, Anthony Boustani, Louis Morrison and Howard.

BJL life member Jack King with Strathfield Raiders U/11 UNDER 11 DIV 2 GRAND FINAL Div 1 captain Anthony James Raheb. FIVE Dock RSL lifted the U/11 Division 2 Trophy with a hard fought 18-16 victory over North Ryde at Leichhardt Oval. The Dockers led 12-0 at the break following tries by fullback Christian Cataldo and forward Christian Poniris before talented North Ryde prospect James Huntington inspired a second half revival by the Hawks. Huntington left his mark as North Ryde produced three tries in the space of ten minutes to grab a 16-12 lead. The bustling centre scored tries in the 24th and 34th minutes and created another for winger Alex Cerrotti (31st minute) to cap a strong display and pick up the Player of the Match award. But a late converted try by forward Joe Lombardo secured U/11 Div 2 champions Five Dock RSL the title for the Dockers who were best served by halves Alex Michas and Isaac Lewis, centre Luke Hodge, Wilson Tony Ruggiero, Wilson Savage-Phillips, Alex Michas, Isaac Lewis, Savage-Phillips and forwards James Burton, Maylee Semu, Maylee Semu, George Elias (captain), Joseph Lombardo, Lombardo and Poniris. Christian Poniris, James Burton, Neville Georgiades. Coach: Stephen Elias; Manager: Rose Elias; Trainers: Craig Hodge, Balmain-Ryde Eastwood Other North Ryde players to impress were forwards Ray Adam Phillips & Tim Georgiades. manager John Dunlea with Five Dock RSL U/11 Saba, Marc Ishac, Blake Kendall and backs Tom Timmins, NORTH RYDE – Mohammad Zreika, Alex Cerrotti, Div 2 captain George Elias. Sayed Rizk and Andrew Kabourakis. Andrew Kabourakis, James Huntington (captain), Sayed Rizk, FIVE DOCK RSL 18 (C Cataldo, C Poniris, J Lombardo tries; Tom Timmins, Lachlan Burn, Christian Knezevic, Blake Kendall, A Michas, C Poniris, J Lombardo gls) d NORTH RYDE 16 Ryan Simpson, Marc Ishac, Dyllan Stevens, Ray Saba, (J Huntington 2, A Cerrotti tries; T Timmins, J Huntington gls). Brandon Chebat, Zac Puglisi-Edwards, Richard Copnall. Coach: Nathan Tulia; Manager: Maria Edwards; Trainer: Rob Saba. FIVE DOCK RSL – Christian Cataldo, Justin Abbott, Luke Hodge,

19 UNDER 12 DIV 1 GRAND FINAL

LEICHHARDT Wanderers posted another four tries after the break to claim their third flexed their muscles to major U/12 title. capture the Frank Walsh U/12 Division 1 Trophy Special mention must be made of Brad Wilson’s brave with a 46-6 win over Shamrocks outfit, who were the only club side to take on the Dundas Shamrocks at vaunted Wanderers in all their fixtures during 2009. Leichhardt Oval. In classy backs Brad Gibson, Matt Wilson and Malcolm The all conquering Cheney – all NSW State champion touch footballers – and Wanderers had too much fearless forwards Bradley Cincotta, Cameron Dow, Lachlan size and class for a Bell and James Yang, the Shamrocks have the nucleus of a courageous Shamrocks team loaded with potential. side that never gave up until LEICHHARDT WANDERERS 46 (J Aboumelhem 2, Pifeleti jnr, the final whistle. K Bramston, A Overton, C Tarabey, B Nader, S Lua tries; A Gerges, J Aboumelhem, S Lua, C Tarabey, B Nader, A Overton, E Adouni Strapping Wanderers’ gls) d SHAMROCKS 6 (B Robertson try; C Dow gl). U/12 Div 1 champions Leichhardt Wanderers forward Justin Aboumelhem deserved the Player of the LEICHHARDT WANDERERS – Anthony Overton, Nick Kairouz, Match award for his powerful attacking game and cover Elie Adouni, Christian Bingham, Bobby Nader, Christian Tarabey defence. (captain), Bernard Kairouz (vice captain), Pifeleti jnr, Andrew Gerges, Keitel Bramston, Sailusi Lua, Justin Aboumelhem, Aboumelhem cut a swathe through the Shamrocks with his John Louis Jones, Evan Patramanis, Albert Nawaqanitawase, strength and pace – scoring two tries and playing a role in Mataele Taupeaafe, Lawrence Bingham. Coaches: Paul Tarabey & another five. John Kairouz; Manager: Georgette Kairouz; Trainers: Moses Nader & John Jones. He was ably supported by giant forward Pifeleti junior, John DUNDAS SHAMROCKS – Lachlan Knight, Matt Wilson, Louis Jones, Keitel Bramston, Sailusi Lua and talented Malcolm Cheney, Matt Gordon, Brad Gibson, Brendan Robertson, halves Christian Tarabey and Bernard Kairouz and centre Joshua Karakhanian, Jack Clinton, James Yang, Lachlan Bell, Elie Adouni. Bradley Cincotta (captain), Cameron Dow, Mehmet Savas, Sammy Mollica, Daniel Van Ostayen. Coach: Brad Wilson; The Wanderers raced to a commanding 22-0 lead and Trainers: Barry Gibson & Rob Cincotta. BJL life member Mick Manning with Wanderers U/12 Div 1 captain Christian Tarabey. UNDER 12 DIV 2 GRAND FINAL

PROMISING centre McLean Jordan Roberts, Brenton Holland, Iqbal and backs Sam Rowley produced another Khalifeh, Rory O’Kane and Angus Shepherd were other Grand Final special to pilot Strathfield players to shine. Strathfield Raiders to an 18-4 victory over Leichhardt Leichhardt’s best were fullback Kirrily Laws, halves Patrick Juniors in the U/12 Division 2 Bezzi and Tom Wilson and forwards Nathan De Palma, decider. Arthur Tsiamis, Milo Ryan, Lachlan Walker and Brock Kinchela-Packer. The elusive Rowley nabbed two tries and created havoc with his STRATHFIELD RAIDERS 18 (M Rowley 2, Y Iqbal tries; J Haralambidis, S Khalifeh, J Gomes gls) jinking runs out wide to help the d LEICHHARDT JUNIORS 4 (S Pascoe try). U/12 Div 2 champions Strathfield Raiders Raiders collect the Charles ‘Chook’ Fraser Trophy. STRATHFIELD RAIDERS – Rory O’Kane, Angus Shepherd, McLean Rowley, Louie Touma, Costa Stefanou, Sam Khalifeh Rowley’s sound performance earned him Player of the (captain), Joao Gomes, Yousef Iqbal, Lucas Kulen, Jordan Roberts, Match honors against a Leichhardt side that pushed the Brendan Koutantos, Patrick Sioud, Ryan Trainor, Raiders all the way. Jeremy Haralambidis, Michael Bechra, Brenton Holland, Faddoul Faddoul. Coach: Paul Abraham; Manager: Anita Rowley; He grabbed tries in the 14th and 17th minutes to give Trainer: Charlie Khalifeh. Strathfield a 12-0 lead before Leichhardt winger Sam Pascoe scored off a kick after the half time siren. LEICHHARDT JUNIORS – Kirrily Laws, Sam Pascoe, James Ford, Lachlan Walsh, Patrick Bezzi, Tom Wilson, Nathan Taylor, A 28th minute try by Raiders forward Yousef Iqbal and Angela Manitisa, Alex Leskiewicz, Nathan De Palma, conversion by Joao Gomes were the only points registered Arthur Tsiamis, Milo Ryan, Matt Jacobs, Breanna Bradley-Azizi, Lachlan Walker, Brock Kinchela-Packer, Bryce Malone. in the second stanza. Coach: Brad Hayes; Manager: Tracey Taylor; Tough tackling lock Ryan Trainor, Brendan Koutantos, Trainers: Adrian Malone & Anson Leskiewicz. Jim Fraser – son of Tigers’ immortal Chook Fraser – with Strathfield Raiders U/12 Div 2 captain Sam Khalifeh. 20 100 th ANNUAL REPORT

UNDER 13 GRAND FINAL

LEICHHARDT Wanderers U/13 super cubs ended Holy by prop Junior Tatola, Tyrone Papandony and backs Joshua Cross’ three year reign with a resounding 40-10 Grand Nohra, , Daniel Moscaritolo and Kurt Final victory at Leichhardt Oval. McIntosh. There was no stopping a rampant Wanderers side that used LEICHHARDT WANDERERS 40 (Pifeleti jnr 3, J Aboumelhem 2, G power and speed to rack up eight tries against the well Mouawad, R Dox tries; J Aboumelhem 3, J Fish 3 gls) d HOLY drilled Rhinos and bring home the John Stanton Trophy. CROSS 10 (B Zammit, M Vatuinaruku tries; K McIntosh gl). Hard working lock forward George Mouawad led the way for LEICHHARDT WANDERERS – Tom Popovic, Shane Connolly, Matt Popovic, Tyrone Sullivan, Damian Ferrari, Jacques Sartor (captain), Wanderers with an impressive Player of the Match Tom Montgomery, George Mouawad, Jarrod Ryan, Chris Giokas, performance. Pifeleti jnr, Justin Fish (vice captain), Robert Dox, Chris Carbone, Leslie Verrell, Gus Tabikh, Kassius Masi, Justin Aboumelhem, BJL life member John Stanton Mouawad was never far from the action – carting the ball up Bernard Kairouz, Christian Tarabey. Coach: Paul Foran; Manager: strongly and off loading to supports while proving a tyro in with Leichhardt Wanderers U/13 Barbara Fish; Trainers: Paul Jacobs & Moses Nader. captain Jacques Sartor. defence. HOLY CROSS – Joshua He was supported by whiz kids Pifeleti junior, Justin Nohra, Daniel Moscaritolo, Aboumelhem, Christian Tarabey and Bernard Kairouz who Kurt McIntosh, Matt backed up after their U/12 Grand Final triumph to taste Vatuinaruku, Drew Manley, further success. Bayley Sironen (captain), Jye Jarvis, Edward Pifeleti and Aboumelhem scored five of the Wanderers’ tries Omeissah, Daniel Deeb, between them and menaced the Rhinos, who sorely missed Shawn Vainga, Mason the services of boom half back Jack Wheelhouse (broken Doueihi, Junior Tatola, arm). Finley Kidman, Bradley Zammit, Zac Simpson, Wanderers led 18-4 at the interval and snuffed out the Ben Ainis, Tyrone Rhinos challenge with second half tries to Pifeleti, Papandony, Jack Wheelhouse (injured). Mouawad, prop Robert Dox and Aboumelhem. Coach: Paul Sironen; Other Leichhardt players to shine were halves Jacques Managers: Brennan & Ursula Simpson; Trainers: U/13 champions Leichhardt Wanderers Sartor and Tom Montgomery. Holy Cross were best served Ray Nohra & Paul Doueihi.

UNDER 14 GRAND FINAL

SPRING heeled five eighth Beau Allen showed his NORTH RYDE 40 (B Allen 2, potential as North Ryde trounced Leichhardt Wanderers A Dey, S Thomas, R Zaccarija, 40-10 to capture the U/14 Richard Baker Shield. N Bell, S Evans, J Unmack tries; B Allen 4 gls) The Hawks had too many big guns for their rivals with Allen d LEICHHARDT WANDERERS and talented back rower Nick Bell proving instrumental in 10 (L Montgomery, L Tosic tries; the premiership win. M Jackson gl). Allen was a deserved Player of the Match award recipient – NORTH RYDE – Jackson Unmack, Matt Whitehouse, turning in a brilliant attacking display to score two tries and Rod Zaccarija, Sam Evans, create several others with his pace and ball skills. Stuart Thomas, Beau Allen, Ben Bury (co-captain), He nabbed the opening try of the match after three minutes Hayden Johnston, Nick Bell when he dashed 40 metres to score – triggering an early (co-captain), Dean Price, points blitz. Steven Segreto, Ankur Dey, U/14 champions North Ryde Josh Cosgrove, Jessie Bell, Wily hooker Ankur Dey, winger Stuart Thomas and centre Matt Sommerville, Arne Rodgers, Daniel Cosgrove, Rod Zaccarija also posted tries as the Hawks jumped to an Kendall Hunt, Cameron Pappas. Coach: Jason Tutt; 18-0 lead before Wanderers hit back with tries by centre Manager: Brian Johnston; Trainers: Matthew Butcharine Luke Montgomery and prop Luke Tosic before the break. & Jamie Bell. North Ryde dominated after the interval with Allen and Nick LEICHHARDT WANDERERS – Rory Brownlie, Bell stamping their mark. Both crossed for tries as the Cooper Ferguson, Luke Montgomery, Hayden Laws, Hawks consolidated their lead and rammed home the Grant Lawarick, Austin Fish, Roman Kerekis-Shaw, advantage when centre Sam Evans and fullback Jackson Anthony Zec (vice captain), Chris Saade, Jake Gedra, Alex McKenzie, Luke Tosic (captain), Miles Jackson, Unmack completed the rout. Cian Lopez, Isaac Vaggs, Jared Comerford, Other Hawks to impress were forwards Dey, Hayden Patrick Verrell; Coach: Greg Lawarik; Manager: Barbara Fish; Trainers: Scott Laws & Dave Gedra. Johnston, Dean Price, Steve Segreto, half Ben Bury, Evans and Unmack. Wanderers got value from fullback Rory BJL patron Mick Manning with North Ryde U/14 Brownlie, halves Grant Lawarik and Austin Fish and co-captains Nick Bell and Ben Bury. forwards Chris Saade, Anthony Zec and Tosic.

21 UNDER 15 DIV 1 GRAND FINAL

After weathering an early Shamrocks blitz, the Wanderers hit back with Brooks creating tries for impact forwards Alex Vlahos and Shaquille Tuapola to give his side an 18-6 lead at the break. It was one way traffic after the interval as Brooks and talented backs Mason Farrell, Michael Mouawad, Jackson Canning and Dayne Horne cut loose. Farrell, a dynamic fullback at club and representative level, scored the try of the match in the 32nd minute after bursting onto an inside pass in a rehearsed move with Brooks and Mouawad. Leichhardt forwards Luke George, Alex Zarounas, Scott Bunch, Daniel Gianesi, Vlahos and tackling machine Matt Nicholls laid the foundations with superb games. U/15 Div 1 champions Leichhardt Wanderers Shamrocks were best served by forwards Alex Apps, David Fangaloso, CRACK half back Luke Brooks demonstrated his array of skills to Meelad Zobair, Todd Palmer, Bechara, five eighth Mark Daoud and spearhead Leichhardt Wanderers to an U/15 premiership. fullback Max Dimarco. Brooks – the hottest prospect in the Tigers’ junior nursery – was at his Wanderers also clinched the Combined Metropolitan title featuring sides potent best as the all conquering Wanderers recorded a 44-6 Grand from Balmain, St George, South Sydney and Eastern Suburbs Junior Final victory over Dundas Shamrocks at Leichhardt Oval to bring home Leagues. the Bill Bradshaw Trophy. LEICHHARDT WANDERERS 44 (S Tuapola 2, A Vlahos, L Brooks, M Birchnell, The NSW Catholic Schoolboys and Balmain M Farrell, J Canning, J Tuhetoka tries; M Mouawad 6 gls) d SHAMROCKS 6 Matthews Cup star engineered the Wanderers’ fifth (N Bechara try; P Ramondino gl). U/15 title since 1981 with a pearler of a game in the LEICHHARDT WANDERERS – Mason Farrell, Billy Moisidis, Jackson Canning, number seven jumper. Dayne Horne, Michael Birchnell, Michael Mouawad (captain), Luke Brooks (vice captain), Alex Vlahos, Bradley Zalloua, Daniel Gianesi, Luke Georgas, His clever passing, sharp running and copybook Alex Zarounas, Scott Bunch, Matt Nicholls, Michael Min, Jordan Tuhetoka, defence broke the spirit of a gallant Shamrocks side. Shaquille Tuapola, Dominic Dagher, Max Chippendale. Coach: Darren McLean; Manager: Steven Moisidis; Trainers: Ricky Gallagher, Alex Gianesi & Les Birchnell. Brooks showed a great turn of speed to score a brilliant 19th minute try that sparked the well-drilled DUNDAS SHAMROCKS – Max Dimarco, Joshua Bridge, Paul Ramondino, Wanderers outfit into action. Reid Tepuke, John Tai, Mark Daoud, Rabih El-Hage Joseph Khalil, Nathan Bechara, Alex Apps, Paul Ngarimu, Todd Palmer, David Fangaloso, Dundas started the game will all guns blazing and Meelad Zobair, Melia Katia, Ishaq Nasi, Lachlan Maloney, Jarrad Malcolm, BJL chairman Bob Henderson shocked their rivals with a second minute try to Ryan McLachlan. Coach: Joe Palmer; Manager: Lee McLachlan; with Leichhardt Wanderers Trainer: Scott Palmer. U/15 Div 1 captain Michael representative forward Nathan Bechara that was Mouawad. converted by centre Paul Ramondino.

UNDER 15 DIV 2 GRAND FINAL

HURSTVILLE United captured the U/15 Division 2 title Salesi Sunaki and the fleet-footed Khoury. with a hard fought 16-4 victory over Holy Cross at Kogarah Oval. Tatola – one of the brightest forward prospects in the Tigers den – lifted the Rhinos with his bumping runs and robust In a crackerjack game, talented centre Alfred Sefo produced defence. a top display for the Struggos to pick up the Player of the Match award. Both sides deserve special mention: as U/14 squads they proved ultra-competitive in the 15 years competition with the He scored two tries and ran with gusto to ignite a second Rhinos the only club to defeat Hurstville in 2009. half revival by the St George club champions. The Grand Final win capped another successful season for In an absorbing tussle, the Holy Cross cubs defended Hurstville, who won their 18th Junior Club Championship stoutly in the opening stanza and led 4-0 at the break title from the past 20 years. following a try to half back Josh Khoury. HURSTVILLE UNITED 14s 16 (A Sefo 2, A Assaf tries; W Atoa, But it was the strong-running Sefo who left his mark after A Sefo gls) d HOLY CROSS 14s 4 (J Khoury try). the interval – grabbing two tries and setting up another for HOLY CROSS – Chris Moana, Josh Camroux, Jayden Wheelhouse, winger Abbas Assaf to inspire a Hurstville win. Rhys Armstrong, Jarrod Smith, Dane Clifford, Josh Khoury, Saxon Marketo, Salesi Sunaki, Chris Zabakly, Sio Tatola (captain), The Struggos kept the Rhinos at bay with rock-like defence. Matt Woods, Hayden Taylor, Jake Temps, Guy Beever. Coach: Holy Cross were best served by skipper and NSW Catholic Tim White; Manager: Narelle Camroux; Trainers: Grant Wheelhouse, Luke Wright, Mike Marketo. Schools prop Sio Tatola, fullback Chris Moana, back rower

22 100 th ANNUAL REPORT

UNDER 16 DIV 1 GRAND FINAL

DUNDAS Shamrocks U/16 cubs secured a third successive title with an emphatic 36-14 victory over Hurstville United in the Division One decider at Leichhardt Oval. Rising prospect Curtis Sironen engineered the championship victory with a superb game at five eighth. Curtis – the eldest son of legendary Balmain forward Paul Sironen – was a rock in defence and used his strength and pace to notch three tries and create opportunities in a Player of the Match display. Shamrocks dominated the opening stanza with Sironen scoring twice along with back rower Jake Waugh and Adrian Moussa to help establish a 22-0 half time lead. Hurstville hit back after the interval with tries by hooker Taylor Teroi-Fepuleai (35th minute), prop Jordan Manna (47th minute) and winger Sunia Sisaro (54th minute) but couldn’t contain the tall and powerful Sironen, who sealed U/16 Div 1 champions Dundas Shamrocks victory with his third try in the 50th minute. Braeden Batiste, Jelal Edmonds, Sean Hawken, Daniel Vasek, Other Dundas players to shine were forwards Ray Bechara, Ray Bechara, Matthew Janes, John Lepai, Jake Waugh, Michael Matt Janes, John Lepai, Daniel Vasek, Sean Hawken, Jelal Nuchanatanon, Andrew Kirwan, Matt Dillon, Adrian Moussa, Edmonds, Waugh, Michael Nuchanatanon, half Braeden Nathan Bechara, Max Dimarco, Mark Daoud. Coach: Batiste and fullback John Dillon. Mani Edmonds; Manager: Glen Hawken; Trainers: Gary ‘Darcy’ Waugh & Silva Shoejae Anaoo. Hurstville’s best were hooker Teroi-Fepuleai, lock Jamie Stanley, five eighth Mark Taute, winger Tikirahi McPherson HURSTVILLE UNITED – Chad Brown, Sunia Sisaro, and fullback Chad Brown. Hayden Fepuleai, Ambrose Tabutoa, Tikirahi McPherson, Mark Taute, Damian Hawe-De Thierry, Jamie Stanley, SHAMROCKS 36 (C Sironen 3, J Waugh, A Moussa, J Lepai tries; Vincent Stowers, Zac Maihi, Kruize Gillies, Taylor Teroi-Fepuleai, D Vasek 5, A Moussa gls) d HURSTVILLE UNITED 14 Jordan Manna, Kaz Kilan, Spiro Mavronas, James Mirceski, (T Teroi-Fepuleai, J Manna, S Sisaro tries; M Taute gl). Robert Ure, Sitiveni Rokoqo, Peter Morunga, Antony Sefo, Jet Yates. Coach: Des McKinnon; Manager: Karla Tatahana; DUNDAS SHAMROCKS – John Dillon, Brendon Pike, Ryan Kelly, Trainers: Richard Hawe-De Thierry, Khan Marshall & Kane Gillies. Luke Liversage, Masoud Orami, Curtis Sironen (captain), Balmain DRLFC chairman David Trodden with Shamrocks U/16 captain Curtis Sironen. UNDER 16 DIV 2 GRAND FINAL

PENSHURST RSL took out the Under 16 Div 2 premiership with a 28-8 Grand Final victory over Kingsgrove Colts at Kogarah Oval. NORTH RYDE – A2 TEAM St George Harold Matthews Cup rep Chris Duncan turned in a strong game for Penshurst RSL to earn the Player of the Match award. PENSHURST RSL 28 (B Manning 3, J Loseby, R Scott tries; B Manning 3, C Tonna-Riley gls) d KINGSGROVE COLTS 8 (D Abihanna, D La Manna tries).

NORTH Ryde Hawks open age rugby league squad that reached the semi finals of the combined Manly-North Sydney A2 Grade competition in 2009. Alotoa Acosta, Daniel Lewis, Chris Raffoul, Shawn Freeburn, Nathan Emms, John Hanna, Steve Ioane, Adam Lewis, Lee Malkoun, Aaron Monks, Bradley Monks, Stewart Adams, Peter Stewart, Liam Thompson, Jeremy Toohey, Mitchell Harding, Shane Lodge, Nawaf Seoudi, Joseph Barter, Daniel Ferraro, Paul Wallace, James Tonna, Luke Wallace Coach: Craig Ruttley Assistant Coach: Billy Piccolo

23 UNDER 17 DIV 1 GRAND FINAL

Lovett, a NSW U/16 rep and one of the Tigers’ best junior prospects, produced an outstanding display but to no avail. He popped a pass for hooker Adam Toutou to score and give Leichhardt a 12-4 lead and proved a handful for the Scots defence with his powerful running on the edge of the rucks. Other Arncliffe players to impress were forwards John Unu, Phil Delfakis, Jackson Fletcher, Dion Harris, Solomon Faingaa, Kosta Cotsonis and fullback Morgan Lei. None tried harder than Lovett, back rower Nathan Brown, fullback Joel Brooks and centre Mark Beggs for a disappointing Leichhardt side. U/17 Div 1 champions Arncliffe Scots ARNCLIFFE SCOTS 30 (A Kepreotes 2, S Wilson, J Unu, ARNCLIFFE Scots upset Leichhardt Juniors 30-12 to K Glymin, J Fletcher tries; J Fletcher 3 gls) d LEICHHARDT JUNIORS 12 (K Lovett, A Toutou tries; J Brooks 2 gls). clinch the U/17 Division 1 premiership at Leichhardt Oval. LEICHHARDT JUNIORS – Joel Brooks, Brendan Garrett, Lloyd Blair, Mark Beggs, Fred Rogers, Chris Williams, Sharp five eighth Adam Kepreotes starred for Scots, who Callum Walker (captain), Kyle Lovett, Carl Williams, Nathan Brown, produced a second half resurgence to claim the title. Luke Fishwick, Adam Toutou, Will Hunting, Brad Fahlbush, Jack Mohan, Alex Kerti, Luke Wilson, Malcolm Nielsen, Leichhardt led 12-8 at the break but couldn’t repel a strong Hami Wihapi, Andrew Manna. Coach: Ricky Gallagher; Manager: finishing Arncliffe side that piled on 22 unanswered points in Rowena Fishwick; Trainers: Ray Lovett & Mark Fahlbush. the second half for a stirring victory. ARNCLIFFE SCOTS – Morgan Lei, Sailosi Waqatirewa, Kepreotes, the official Player of the Match, scored two tries Viliame Ratucaore, Johnson Tuigamala, Scott Wilson, and caused havoc with his pace and tricky sidestep in a Adam Kepreotes (captain), Curtis Calia, Kosta Cotsonis, bruising encounter. Dion Harris, Jackson Fletcher, John Unu, Phil Delfakis, Vili Haunga, Tigers’ legend David Brooks Jordan Baki, Solomon Faingaa, Kadaz Mikaee, Evander Cummins, with Arncliffe Scots U/17 Div 1 Arncliffe winger Scott Wilson opened the scoring with a try Kiti Glymin, Ben Paotama, Sam Berry. Coach: Adam Hellyer; captain Adam Kepreotes. after six minutes before star Leichhardt lock Kyle Lovett Manager: Loretta Fletcher; Trainers: Ben Ters, Darrell Bartlett & burst through to score a converted try in the 11th minute. To ny Te r s.

UNDER 17 DIV 2 GRAND FINAL

KINGSGROVE Colts snared metre solo try. the U/17 Division 2 title with a gripping 24-22 Grand Other Kingsgrove players to shine were half Matt Hartney, Final victory over Holy hooker Terry Rameka, lock Haydar Majzour and Simpson. Cross at Leichhardt Oval. The Rhinos’ best were Williams, Kenjar, half Marcel Ferris In a game of fluctuating and forwards Adrian Tatola, Nick Bligh, Cameron Delmoro, fortunes, the Colts produced Jarryd Clarke, Darcy Ellis and Robbie Terlato. a strong second half display KINGSGROVE COLTS 24 (P Turner 3, T Rameka, B Simpson tries; to pip the Rhinos in a T Rameka 2 gls) d HOLY CROSS 22 (S Williams 2, J Love, blockbuster. G Kenjar tries; G Kenjar 2, M Hayward gls). Kingsgrove prop Elisars KINGSGROVE COLTS – Joshua Scott, Luke Macuh, Malietoa and five eighth Peter Baide Simpson (captain), Rongomai Nukumuku, Jeremiah Parker, Turner inspired the win with Peter Turner, Matt Hartney, Haydar Majzour, Anaru Teina, U/17 Div 2 champions powerhouse games after both Nick Roche, Elisars Malietoa, Terry Rameka, Matiu Davis, Kingsgrove Colts sides were locked 10-all at Tuavale Galoi, Rod Rouhanna, Mohammed Srour, Scott McBridge. Coach: Henare Nukumuku; Manager: Teresa Paku; Trainers: lemons. Henare Nukumuku jnr & Wiremu Nukumuku. Malietoa made an impact with his bustling runs while Turner HOLY CROSS – Mitch Hayward, Josh Love, Sam Williams notched three tries – including a double in the 34th and 36th (captain), Ben Mortimer, Cennan Nwiran, Guy Kenjar, Marcel Ferris, minutes as the Colts surged to a 20-10 lead. Cameron Delmoro, Jarryd Clarke, Todd Stephenson, Jack Horgan, Robbie Terlato, Darcy Ellis, Nick Bligh, Adrian Tatola, Josh Stanton, Holy Cross pivot Guy Kenjar bridged the gap with a Gage Jarvis, John Midghall, Alexei Waughman, Chad Rennie, converted try before Colts centre Baide Simpson scored out James Khoury, Luke Esposito, Justin Ishac. Coach: Mark Campbell; BJL stalwart Jack King with wide to virtually seal the trophy. Rhinos’ livewire Sam Manager: Paul Stephenson; Trainers: Nathan Jobson & Kingsgrove Colts U/17 Div 2 Williams then gave his side a glimmer of hope with a 60 Peter Mortimer. captain Baide Simpson.

24 100 th ANNUAL REPORT

UNDER 19 GRAND FINAL

CONCORD-Burwood captured their sixth premiership in and lock Kyle Mallyon, eight seasons after whipping Kingsgrove Colts 38-6 in centre Alex Furfaro, halves the U/19 Grand Final at Leichhardt Oval. Andrew Sultana and Ray Tourany, prop Nathan Waihi The Wolves saved their best form until last – running in seven and forward Ellie Hannoun. tries to pulverise the Colts and lift the Trophy. CONCORD-BURWOOD Best players on ground were dynamic Wolves’ lock Tim UNITED 38 (A Vaivaka 2, J Toafa and skilful hooker Ajay Vaivaka who led by example in Graham 2, S Delai, J Rogica, D a torrid encounter. Rahim tries; T Toafa 4, S Delai gls) d KINGSGROVE COLTS 6 Toafa destroyed the Colts with his bumping runs and was a (J Russell try; R Tourany gl). popular choice as Player of the Match. CONCORD-BURWOOD From the moment skipper Vaivaka fooled the defence in the UNITED – Bodie Clarke, U/19 champions Concord-Burwood United 3rd minute to score the opening try, the Wolves looked in Sebastian Foged, Junior control. Rogica, James Graham (vice captain), David Rahim, Andrew Laing, Solomone Delai, Tim Toafa, Brendan Adams, Josh The smart rake nabbed two tries, defended like a trojan and Hyland, Kevin Heenan, Ajay Vaivaka (captain), Phil Chand, ignited the attack with his darting runs from dummy half. Patrick Sandiland, Justin Yee, Brandon Lester, David Strathern, Waka Nolan. Coach: Nyke Zammit; Manager: Lana Concord-Burwood led 16-6 at the interval and went on with Zarounas; Trainers: Danny Livoni & Milad Ayoub. the job in the second stanza. KINGSGROVE COLTS – Dion Kelly, Joshua Saide, Mason Gun centre Junior Rogica, fullback Bodie Clarke, winger Griffin, Alex Furfaro, Ben Madden, Andrew Sultana, Ray David Rahim, halves Andrew Laing and Solomone Delai Tourany, Kyle Mallyon (captain), Ellie Hannoun, Vinesh Rao, and forwards Phil Chand and Brendan Adams were other Richie Sawford, Nathan Waihi, Jackson Russell, Bill Rizk, Wolves’ players to impress. Morris Alexander, Corey Brown, Eren Yildirintekin. Coach: Balmain-Ryde Eastwood coach Paul Shae Geiss; Manager: Christian Wilding; Trainers: Mick Fletcher and Tigers’ NSW Cup skipper Kingsgrove were best served by St George S.G Ball skipper Mallyon & George Tourany. Lee Bennett with Concord-Burwood U/19 captain Ajay Valvaka. UNDER 21 GRAND FINAL

NORTH Ryde Hawks won the ‘Battle of the Titans’ after rolling Dundas Shamrocks 30-22 in the U/21 Grand Final at Leichhardt Oval. Ball playing pivot Dane Gernhoefer and teak-tough forward Ali Musri played starring roles for the Hawks in a thrilling contest between the cream of senior talent in the Balmain district. The Hawks jumped to an early 12-0 lead after half David O’Neill and Gernhoefer dashed over for converted tries. But the Shamrocks hit back with 18 unanswered points to lead at the break. Centre Brett Peacock, fullback Chris Cashman and Alex Chaouka scored tries for Dundas, but the lead was shortlived. U/21 champions North Ryde Hawks North Ryde centre Ben Harrison crossed shortly after the A Nichols, T Chant tries; M Carrett 3 gls) d SHAMROCKS 22 resumption with winger Michael Carrett adding the extras. (B Peacock, C Cashman, A Chaouka, M Mizzi tries; M Bergin 3 gls). Musri gave the Hawks a 22-18 lead when he crashed over NORTH RYDE – Chris Scuglia, Tyler Chant, Ben Harrison, for a 43rd minute try before Dundas utility Matt Mizzi Dylan Theuerjahr, Michael Carrett, Dane Gernhoefer (captain), levelled it up with a try off a rebound kick. David O’Neill, Todd Nosti, Troy Adams, Toby Adams, Ali Musri, Michael O’Neill, Michael Quinane, John Woods, Kerry Owens, The Hawks sealed victory when Alex Nichols and Tyler Todd Bridge, Abraham Musri, Alex Nichols, Tom Sarangaya, Chant posted tries in an action-packed second half. Ryan Dalziel. Coach: Robbie Ward; Manager: John Cooper; Trainers: Jason Hurst & Steve Kitchener. Key backs David O’Neill, Chris Scuglia, Harrison, Chant and forwards Troy Adams and John Woods also shone for North DUNDAS SHAMROCKS – Chris Cashman, Blake Turner, Ryde. Brett Peacock, Laurie Basbas, Keiran Gardiner, Matt Mizzi, Tigers’ stalwart John Stapleton Daniel Jeffery (captain), Sioeli Makaui, Mark Abraham, Ken Cheer, with North Ryde Hawks U/21 Dundas were best served by Tigers’ State Cup forwards Lio Vaiga, Mitch Bergin, Chad Grant, Daniel Vidal, Scott Stewart, captain Dane Gernhoefer. Sioeli Makaui, Chad Grant, Mitch Bergin, Lio Vaiga, winger James Menassa, Andrew Daoud, David Fifita, Paul Saba, Blake Turner, Mizzi and Peacock. Jesse Lowe, Alex Chaouka, Matt Armstrong, Stuart McCann, Myles Foster. Coach: Michael Frain; Manager: Bob Siemsen; NORTH RYDE 30 (D O’Neill, D Gernhoefer, B Harrison, A Musri, Trainers: Steve Hanson, Michael Blanchard & Wayne Piper.

25 BENNY ELIAS SHIELD

Blue 12 Shamrocks 8; Wanderers Red 20 Shamrocks 16; North Ryde 12 Cougars Blue 4; North Ryde 20 Wanderers Red 16; Cougars Blue 4 Wanderers Red 4; Pool C: Five Dock RSL 12 Strathfield Raiders 12; Concord-Burwood 8 Five Dock RSL 0; Wanderers White 16 Five Dock RSL 0; Concord-Burwood 16 Strathfield Raiders 0; Wanderers White 20 Strathfield Raiders 16; Concord-Burwood 12 Wanderers White 0; SEMI FINALS: North Ryde 20 Concord-Burwood 8; Holy Cross 12 Cougars Maroon 8; SHIELD FINAL: North Ryde 36 Holy Cross 12. U/8 POOL A: Five Dock RSL 8 Holy Cross Gold 0; Balmain PCYC 8 Holy Cross Gold 8; Holy Cross Gold 28 Shamrocks Yellow 0; Holy Cross Gold 28 Cougars 4; Balmain PCYC 12 Five Dock RSL 8; Five Dock RSL 20 Shamrocks Yellow 0; Five Dock RSL 16 Cougars 8; Balmain PCYC 8 Shamrocks Yellow 8; Balmain PCYC 16 Cougars 0; Shamrocks Yellow 8 Cougars 8; POOL B: Strathfield Raiders 12 Holy Cross Maroon 0; Holy Cross Maroon 12 Wanderers Black 8; Shamrocks Green 20 Holy Cross U/8 Ben Elias Shield winners Leichhardt Wanderers Maroon 8; Leichhardt Juniors 12 Holy Cross Maroon 12; Strathfield Raiders 28 Wanderers Black 4; Shamrocks Green 4 Strathfield Raiders LEICHHARDT Wanderers U/8 Red rugby league team showed 4; Strathfield Raiders 12 Leichhardt Juniors 8; Shamrocks Green 20 champion qualities to clinch the Benny Elias Shield with a thrilling Wanderers Black 4; Wanderers Black 8 Leichhardt Juniors 4; Shamrocks 16-12 victory over Shamrocks Green at Frank Street Green 16 Leichhardt Juniors 8; Pool C: North Ryde 16 Holy Cross White Oval Ryde on August 15. 4; Concord-Burwood 12 Holy Cross White 0; Wanderers Red 24 Holy Pictured with Tigers’ great Benny Elias, trainer Tony Iocco, manager Cross White 4; North Ryde 12 Concord-Burwood 12; Wanderers Red 16 Leoni Barnett and coach Craig Barnett are triumphant Wanderers cubs North Ryde 0; Wanderers Red 12 Concord-Burwood 0; SEMI FINALS: Mason Ward, Joshua Fineisaloi, Bailey Caldwell and front l to r Ross Wanderers Red 12 Strathfield Raiders 8 (golden point); Shamrocks Triulcio, Tiger Perkins, Jonathan Whitehead, Max Barnett (captain), Green 20 Five Dock RSL 12; SHIELD FINAL: Wanderers Red 16 Michael Coleman, Nicholas Iocco, Mikayla Ward and Mitchell Gigg. Shamrocks Green 12 (golden point). Mason Ward scored the winning try in a pulsating final with both sides producing a fine exhibition of Mini League football. It was Wanderers’ second major trophy in 2009 after lifting the Junior Foundation Cup back TOMMY BISHOP SHIELD in February. NORTH Ryde Hawks U/7 rugby league team covered themselves in Strathfield Raiders defeated Wanderers White 24-16 in the U/6 Shield glory at this year’s Tommy Bishop Shield Carnival at Endeavour Final while North Ryde toppled Holy Cross 36-12 in the U/7s decider. Field. Congratulations to Holy Cross Rhinos JRLFC for organising yet another The promising cubs did the Balmain district proud by reaching the semi successful event that featured a record 36 teams. finals of the invitational Gala Day where they were pipped 16-14 by Cronulla-Caringbah. Under the coaching of John Moujalli, the Benny BEN ELIAS SHIELD: U/6 POOL A: Holy Cross Gold 28 Leichhardt Elias Shield winners lost their opening match against Minchinbury (18-6) Juniors 8; Leichhardt Wanderers Red 24 Holy Cross Gold 24; Concord- before posting wins over Penshurst RSL (22-10), St John Bosco (16-6), Burwood Blue 24 Holy Cross Gold 16; Holy Cross Gold 24 Shamrocks Cronulla De La Salle (18-10) and Canley Vale Kookas (16-8) to qualify 12; Wanderers Red 24 Leichhardt Juniors 4; Concord-Burwood Blue 20 for the finals. Leichhardt Juniors 4; Shamrocks 16 Leichhardt Juniors 8; Concord- Burwood Blue 28 Wanderers Red 24; Wanderers Red 28 Shamrocks 20; All the boys proved fine ambassadors and deserve special praise for POOL B: Strathfield Raiders 12 Holy Cross Maroon 0; Wanderers White their never-say-die attitude 20 Holy Cross Maroon 0; Holy Cross Maroon 24 Concord-Burwood and willingness to help each Maroon 0; Strathfield Raiders 16 Wanderers White 12; Strathfield Raiders other out. 20 Concord-Burwood Maroon 0; Wanderers White 32 Concord-Burwood Maroon 0; SEMI FINALS: Strathfield Raiders 28 Holy Cross Gold 20; Coach Moujalli saluted the Wanderers White 32 Concord-Burwood Blue 28 (Golden Point); SHIELD efforts of his Mini League FINAL: Strathfield Raiders 24 Wanderers White 16. cubs who took much bigger opposition head on. Pictured U/7 POOL A: Holy Cross 20 Wanderers Black 4; Holy Cross 16 are North Ryde cubs Tom Leichhardt Juniors 12; Holy Cross 20 Wanderers Stripes 4; Cougars Easy, Brandon Price and Maroon 4 Holy Cross 0; Wanderers Black 20 Leichhardt Juniors 20; Aidan Rice tackling a Wanderers Black 20 Wanderers Stripes 8; Cougars Maroon 16 Cronulla-Caringbah opponent Wanderers Black 8; Leichhardt Juniors 28 Wanderers Stripes 12; in the Shield semi final. Cougars Maroon 16 Leichhardt Juniors 8; Cougars Maroon 12 Wanderers Stripes 0; POOL B: North Ryde 12 Shamrocks 0; Cougars

26 100 th ANNUAL REPORT

WANDERERS LIFT ROBBIE FARAH CHALLENGE SHIELD

LEICHHARDT WANDERERS tuned up for the 2009 POOL C: Dundas Balmain Junior League season by clinching the 3rd Shamrocks Yellow 24 annual Robbie Farah U/9 Challenge Shield on March 29 Wanderers Black 0; at Blackmore Oval. Wanderers Black 28 North Ryde 4; Shamrocks Yellow The Wanderers – the longest established club in the 36 North Ryde 12; POOL Balmain junior nursery – toppled Dundas Shamrocks Yellow D: Strathfield Raiders 12 32-20 in the final to continue their age group dominance (first try scorer) d Five Dock since 2007. RSL 12; Five Dock RSL 20 Pictured with Farah – the Wests Tigers’ skipper, Kangaroos’ Shamrocks Green 12; hooker and Wanderers’ junior product – are triumphant Strathfield Raiders 28 Leichhardt Red cubs Ben Stevanovic (captain), Flynn Shamrocks Green 4; Ladbrook-Bower, Griff Taylor, Saul Lewis, Mason Ward, QUARTER FINALS: Lewis Parfitt, Patrick Kairouz, Louis Tanner, Cale Ozluck, Wanderers Red 28 Ryan Musillo, Mark Nawaqamitawase and Connor Fisher. Wanderers Black 4; Five Dock RSL 28 Holy Cross 8; They topped Pool A with victories over Leichhardt Juniors Strathfield Raiders 24 (52-0) and Balmain PCYC (72-0) before tipping out Concord-Burwood Wolves Wanderers Black (28-4) in a quarter final and Strathfield 12; Shamrocks Yellow 72 Leichhardt Juniors 4; SEMI Raiders (48-4) in a semi final. FINALS: Wanderers Red 48 Strathfield Raiders 4; Shamrocks Yellow 52 Five Dock Exciting Wanderers cub Ben Stevanovic was named Player RSL 4; SHIELD FINAL: Wanderers Red 32 Shamrocks of the Series after outstanding performances in attack and Yellow 20. defence. He led the way with five tries in the final and was supported JUNIOR by Mark Nawaqamitawase, Saul Lewis, Patrick Kairouz, Ryan Musillo, Lewis Parfitt, Mason Ward and Flynn FOUNDATION CUP Ladbrook-Bower. MEET the mighty Leichhardt Wanderers Under 8s rugby Ben – who is ranked the ninth fastest 9 year old over 100 league team that captured the Junior Foundation Cup metres in the State – used his tricky step and pace to score for a second consecutive year on February 21 at a glut of tries and constantly topped the tackle count. Sydney Football Stadium. Team-mate Saul Lewis – a State 100m semi finalist- is Representing Balmain Junior League, the Wanderers cubs another cub with speed to burn. toppled Clovelly Crocodiles (Eastern Suburbs) by one try to It was the team’s fourth major trophy win since forming as nil in a thrilling final. Strong running forward Josh Fineisaloi six year olds in 2006, having already captured two Benny scored the winning try for Wanderers, who earlier defeated Elias Shield titles as U/7s and U/8s and clinching the Junior Concord-Burwood Wolves 6-0 and Campbelltown City Foundation Cup in 2008. Kangaroos (7-1). Wanderers’ Cup-winning squad was: Max Barnett (captain), Mitchell Gigg, Oscar Groth, Ross Triulcio, The team is coached by former Wanderers junior and ex- Nick Iocco, Mason Ward, Michael Coleman, Jon Whitehead, Balmain and Western Suburbs utility back Nick Stevanovic. Josh Fineisaloi, Bailey Caldwell; Craig Barnett (coach); Manager is Izzy Taylor and trainer David Taylor. Leonie Barnett (manager); Tony Iocco (trainer). Shamrocks are an emerging team and were best served by Carl Azar, Bradley Doherty and Joshua Rizk. They recorded fine wins over Wanderers Black (24-0), North Ryde (36-12), Leichhardt Juniors (72-4) and Five Dock RSL (52-4) to reach the final.

ROBBIE FARAH CHALLENGE SHIELD POOL A: Leichhardt Wanderers Red 52 Leichhardt Juniors 0; Leichhardt Juniors 20 Balmain PCYC 4; Wanderers Red 72 Balmain PCYC 0; POOL B: Holy Cross 16 Concord Burwood Wolves 8; Holy Cross 44 Wanderers White 4; Concord-Burwood Wolves 40 Wanderers White 0;

27 MARK O’NEILL SHIELD

ALL CONQUERING as a lead-in to the start of the Balmain Junior League season with Wests Holy Cross Gold Tigers’ premiership-winning forward and ex-Shamrocks junior Mark clinched the second O’Neill presenting the trophy and individual back packs to the winners. annual Mark O’Neill Shield U/10 Wanderers Black turned in encouraging performances to reach the semi competition staged finals with promising cub Mitchell Dunne scoring a neat try against the at St Patricks Oval eventual champions. Dundas on March 29. The day featured 22 matches where all teams showcased their skills and It was the Rhinos’ third had fun at the same time. major trophy in 12 MARK O’NEILL SHIELD Round 1: Holy Cross Gold 24 Concord- months after lifting the Burwood 0; Bankstown Bulls 28 Wanderers Red 0; Shamrocks & Holy Robbie Farah Cross Maroon (byes); North Ryde 20 Holy Cross White 0; Wanderers Challenge Shield and U/9 Balmain Junior League premiership in 2008. Black 12 Leichhardt Juniors 0; Round 2: Shamrocks 12 Concord- They later added an U/10 Div 1 premiership title to their trophy cabinet. Burwood 8; Holy Cross Gold 4 Bankstown Bulls 0; Wanderers Red (bye); North Ryde 8 Holy Cross Maroon 4; Wanderers Black 12 Holy Cross Pictured are the Rhinos’ whiz kids coached by Brett Wheelhouse that White 8; Leichhardt Juniors (bye); Round 3: Shamrocks 20 Wanderers have achieved outstanding results over a three year period in the BJL: Red 16; Bankstown Bulls 28 Concord Burwood 0; Holy Cross Maroon 12 Lachlan Camroux (captain), Scott Brooks, Mateo Tatola, Ethan Higgins, Leichhardt Juniors 0; Wanderers Black 4 North Ryde 0; Holy Cross Gold Bennett Wheelhouse, Matthew Taylor, Bailey Smith, Luke Jones, Billy & Holy Cross White (byes); Round 4: Bankstown Bulls 24 Shamrocks 0; Stapleton, Curtis Wilson and Will Bradley who are joined this season by Holy Cross Gold 36 Wanderers Red 4; Holy Cross Maroon 16 Wanderers Luke Gilder, Josh Bass and Jarrod Sabat. Black 8; Holy Cross White 12 Leichhardt Juniors 0; Concord-Burwood & North Ryde (byes); Round 5: Holy Cross Gold 24 Shamrocks 8; Holy Cross defeated Bankstown Bulls 4-0 in the Shield final with Curtis Concord-Burwood 28 Wanderers Red 12; Holy Cross Maroon 8 Holy Wilson darting over to score the match-winning try. Cross White 8; Leichhardt Juniors 12 North Ryde 0; Bankstown Bulls & Strong running Mateo Tatola was a stand out for the Rhinos – producing Wanderers Black (byes); a non stop performance to earn the Player of the Final award. SEMI FINALS: Holy Cross Gold 20 Wanderers Black 4; Bankstown Bulls 4 North Ryde 0; FINAL: Holy Cross Gold 4 Bankstown Bulls 0. The round robin tournament was hosted by Dundas Shamrocks JRLFC

MURPHY INSPIRES BEETSON CUP WIN

A COMBINED Balmain District A Grade representative side retained Ryde), Chris Casali (North Ryde), Todd Bridge (North Ryde), Brad Monk the Challenge Cup after whipping Eastern Suburbs (North Ryde), Nathan Emms (North Ryde), Ali Musri (North Ryde), Matt 38-10 at Leichhardt Oval. Mizzi (Shamrocks), Accrom Areaiiti (Wanderers), Trent Murphy (Leichhardt Juniors) captain, Chad Grant (Shamrocks); Shane Coppell Under the coaching of Balmain Education & Development Manager (Leichhardt Juniors), Leo Viaga (Shamrocks), Dean Webster (North David Kelly, the Tigers had too many big guns for the Roosters – running Ryde), Ellery Wilson (Wanderers), Mitch Bergin (Shamrocks), David in seven tries. Wright (Wanderers), Peter Stewart (North Ryde), Aaron Monk (North Wily Balmain hooker and team captain Trent Murphy was named Player Ryde), Stewart Adams (North Ryde), Dane Gernhoefer (North Ryde), of the Match after a tireless display with second rower Robbie Williams Todd Nosti (North Ryde), Dylan Theuerjahr (North Ryde), Alex Nichols turning in a strong game for Easts. (North Ryde) and Keiran Gardner (Shamrocks). Half back Brad Monk, centre Paul Wallace, forward Dean Webster and fullback Clint Flanagan scored tries as Balmain opened up a commanding 26-0 lead at the interval. The Roosters hit back with four pointers from Mark Bondfield and Williams before Aaron Monk and Flanagan completed a Tigers rout with neat second half tries. Balmain were best served by hooker Murphy, lock Nathan Emms, props Chad Grant and Accrom Areaiiti, Brad Monk and Flanagan. The Combined Balmain A Grade representative squad was: Clint Flanagan (Leichhardt Juniors), John Jackson (Shamrocks), Brett Peacock (Shamrocks), Paul Wallace (North

28 100 th ANNUAL REPORT

TRIBUTES JIM FRASER – A TIGER TO THE CORE

RUGBY LEAGUE lost an important link to one of the Buffalo Road Ryde for 48 years. sporting code’s all time greats following the death of 85 year old Jim Fraser of Ryde on December 10. Jim was an excellent source for my book “From Fraser to Farah: The History of Balmain Junior League 1908-2008” Jim, the son of former champion Balmain and Australian and proudly participated in the Tigers’ Centenary rugby league Test captain Charles ‘Chook’ Fraser and one celebrations at both Junior League and district club level. of nature’s true gentlemen, died in Royal North Shore Hospital after undergoing heart surgery during November. A golden moment was when he officially kicked off the BJL season on its 100th birthday on April 6, 2008 at Birchgrove Diminutive Jim was a talented footballer in his own right – a Oval – the spiritual home of rugby league. tricky half back who led the Christian Brothers to Balmain Junior C Grade premierships in 1940-41 before playing Balmain Junior League were the first junior league lower grades for the Balmain Tigers. organisation formed in Australia. ‘Chook’ Fraser played in the premiership-winning Balmain Iona team in 1910 before He was a skilful sailor and tasted success as a forward carving out an illustrious career with the Tigers and hand in the 18ft skiffs – winning an Australian title on the Australia. He was the first Balmain junior to represent the River in 1953-54 on JAN plus a world Kangaroos in 1911. championship on Jantzen Girl III in 1957-58 on Sydney Harbour. Jim and I would spend hours talking about Chook’s sporting deeds and his face would light up while recalling a Test or Jim was also a keen lawn bowler at Ryde City Bowling Club, premiership triumph or funny moment on the field. During where he was a long time committeeman and served as this year’s BJL Grand Finals, Jim presented the Chook president in 1999-2000. Fraser Trophy to Strathield Raiders winning U/12 Div 2 side – another honor for the Fraser family. He married wife Elaine on May 19, 1951 in St Augustine’s Church Balmain. Jim was pre-deceased by brothers Charles, Eric, John, Bernard and sister Veronica and a daughter Wendy. During those early years, they lived with Elaine’s parents at the Unity Hall Hotel in Balmain where Elaine and her sister He is survived by wife Elaine; sons John and Paul and ran a very successful dance studio ‘Honeybrook School of daughters Lynne, Susan, Kerry and Cathy; his sisters Gwen, Dancing’. In 1999 Elaine was awarded an OAM for her Elois and Carmel; 16 grandchildren and a great grandchild. services to dance and choreography. The couple lived in

JOHN LEONARD

CARLINGFORD Cougars lost a great stalwart in 2009 St Gerards JRLFC was formed in the 1966 season with with the death of club pioneer John Leonard. John as club president and entered two sides – U/8 and U/9 teams – in the BJL Ryde Schoolboys Division competition. He was the founding president of St Gerards Carlingford JRLFC from 1966-68 and a key figure in those formative In those formative years. Balmain was the only club years in the Balmain Junior League Ryde Schoolboy interested in admitting St Gerards and greatly assisted in Division competitions. forming the club. A former second rower with the Gladesville Sports club, The club adopted the original Australian Test jumper colours John played a pivotal role in the formation of the club nearly of sky blue and maroon after seeking and gaining 45 years ago. permission from Tigers’ supremo Kevin Humphreys. In 2001 the club changed its name to Carlingford Cougars with John St Gerards was a small school run by the Mercy Nuns at maintaining a keen interest in the club’s activities. Carlingford, with no regular sporting activities available for boy pupils. When John’s son Mark brought in a football trophy he received to display at ‘Show & Tell’ it prompted school principal Sister Le Merci to introduce rugby league at the school.

29 JIM FARLOW – A GREAT TIGERS’ MENTOR

BALMAIN Tigers farewelled a great clubman in Jim Balmain Junior League and played lower grades with Farlow before Christmas – after the ‘father figure’ lost a Newtown before supporting the rugby careers of sons Mark short battle with cancer on November 29 at the age of and Rod at the Drummoyne Dirty Reds. 81. He was an official with Leichhardt Wanderers before Jarred Jimmy spent the past nine seasons as a dressing room co- forced his way into the Tigers’ Junior Cup and Premier ordinator with the Balmain Junior Cup, NSW Premier League teams. League and NSW State Cup rugby league teams – volunteering his services for many months of the year. Tigers’ stalwart David Kelly paid tribute to Jimmy in a touching eulogy: “He became a father figure to not only the A real character who was loved by all, Jimmy encouraged players but the entire staff and amazingly over that ten year the young talent in the Tigers den and was proud of the period, he never missed a day of training,” said David. achievements of boom lock Jarred Farlow – his ball playing grandson. “When it was our turn to play in New Zealand the entire staff would offer to miss the trip if it meant that Jimmy Jarred capped a bumper 2009 season with Balmain-Ryde could go. Such was the respect the staff and players all had Eastwood by capturing the Adam Gardiner Memorial Best for him. Fortunately the Balmain Tigers Club would always Forward Trophy at the Tigers’ Awards Night at Balmain find an extra ticket for Jimmy and he loved those days of Leagues Club. touring with the team,” he added. An emotional Jimmy was beaming with pride when Jarred “It seemed like everyone in the district knew Jimmy through accepted his award for outstanding performances in the his work with Ryde Eastwood Touch Footy competition, the NSW Cup competition. Dirty Reds Rugby, the Balmain Tigers Football Club or UTS Balmain Tigers Cricket Club during the summer. He always He also cheered Jarred and his Tigers all the way into the generously gave his time.” NSW Cup Grand Final against the Bankstown Bulls at ANZ Stadium as well as the Wests Tigers’ Toyota Cup U/20 team. Jimmy is survived by wife Beryl; sons Mark and Rod; grandchildren Jarred, Tegan and Scott and daughter in laws Born and raised in Gladesville, Jimmy was a powerful Cassie and Janet. centre with Gladesville Bowling & Sports Club in the

KEN BROWNLEE

BALMAIN Junior League lost a fine character in Ken where he served as Senior Vice President from 1988 to Brownlee during June 2009. 1991. Ken, a distinguished life member and former Balmain Junior Ken was a tough prop forward with the powerful Glebe Representative Secretary, died suddenly at his Leichhardt Police Boys JRLFC during the early 1960s before linking home at the age of 64. He was a great stalwart of the with Pyrmont Colts in 1967. He coached several Colts Pyrmont Colts JRLFC. teams to premiership success before taking over as Club secretary. Some of the biggest names connected with Balmain rugby league including Bobby Grant, Dick Quinn and Balmain After retiring from the football scene, Ken devoted his spare Junior League president Bob Henderson attended Ken’s time to lawn bowling at the Leichhardt Bowling Club where funeral service at Rookwood Gardens Crematorium along he later became a life member. with other BJL life members and associates plus former Pyrmont players and officials. In 2008, Ken was one of a select band of BJL stalwarts to receive a NSWRL Centenary Medal for services to rugby He was a long serving official with the Pyrmont Colts club league. and on the Balmain Junior League executive committee

30 100 th ANNUAL REPORT

TRIBUTES CLIFF BROWN – REFEREE LEGEND

RUGBY league lost a true gentleman in former leading from active duties in 1962 – establishing himself in the top referee Cliff Brown on October 23 after a long illness. echelon of referees behind the likes of Darcy Lawler and Col Pearce. Cliff, a Rozelle boy and product of the Balmain Referees Association, died peacefully at home aged 90. Cliff controlled many lower grade Grand Finals and interstate matches between NSW and Queensland at both His funeral service was held in St Margaret’s Chapel at and the . Dalton Gardens Retirement Village and attended by many league dignitaries. Further honors came his way in 1956 when he refereed representative fixtures involving NSW and the touring New Cliff was a life member of three organisations – the NSW Zealand and Great Britain teams. Rugby League and both the Balmain and NSWRL Referees’ Associations and enjoyed a successful grade career with On retirement, Cliff immediately took to administrative the whistle from 1946 to 1962. duties, becoming the delegate of the NSW Referees’ Association on the General Committee of the NSWRL. During that period he controlled over 100 first grade matches. He was later elected to the Management/Executive Committee, the forerunner to the Board of Directors, where In his youth, Cliff shone at table tennis and was also a he served for ten years. Cliff was also a member of the promising fast bowler who represented Moore Park in the examination board and served as Chairman. In 1966 he A.W Green Shield and Poidevin-Gray Shield cricket was appointed manager of the NSW team in the games competitions. against Queensland and in 1977 managed the Australian He played rugby league for St Josephs Rozelle in the NSW World Cup side on their successful defence of the trophy. Catholic Debating Societies Union where he starred at When the NSWRL decided to appoint a Director of centre but gave the game away as a player after badly Referees with the sole control of all appointments, Cliff was dislocating his shoulder at the age of 17. the obvious choice. He filled the role with distinction until his Brown took up refereeing in the Balmain Junior League retirement in 1982. during the 1944 season and proved a natural. During this time his interest in the Balmain Referees’ So impressed were officials that they appointed Cliff to Association did not wane and at various times he held the referee the A, B and C Grade Grand Finals in his debut positions of president (1958-1961); treasurer (1946-1947) season – a fine achievement. and on a number of committees. Cliff was elevated to the NSWRL grade ranks in 1946 and Balmain Tigers honoured the great man last year when they made a quick impression. introduced the Cliff Brown Scholarship which is awarded to the most promising U/14 referee in the Balmain district. A highlight for Brown that year was controlling the Presidents Cup Grand Final between Manly and North Cliff was pre-deceased by brothers Tony and Bede, sisters Sydney at the SCG – with the Sea Eagles edging out their Molly and Cecilia and survived by his darling wife Gloria, northern rivals 12-8. sister Pat Bourke (wife of the late Tigers’ legendary centre Tom Bourke) and his nephews and nieces. He quickly progressed through the ranks and made his top grade debut in 1947 – a position he held until his retirement

PHIL ‘SPUD’ MURPHY

FORMER leading coach Phil ‘Spud’ Murphy passed ‘Spud’ won numerous premiership titles as a coach but the away on June 22, 2009 after a long battle with kidney all conquering Balmain Coppers U/14s in 1986 – a team led disease at the age of 62. by current Tigers’ official David Kelly and ex-first grade centre Jacin Sinclair – remained the highlight. ‘Spud’ played his junior football in the Eastern Suburbs Junior League with Paddington Colts and lower grades with Phil’s son Trent also captained the Balmain S.G.Ball team the Roosters before starting a long association with the before making a name for himself in the Central Coast first Balmain Juniors. grade competition. Murphy coached Pyrmont Colts, Leichhardt Juniors, ‘Spud’ is survived by wife Robyn, daughters Janene and Balmain Police Boys and the Balmain United clubs to Corrine, son Trent and their partners Todd, Steven and premiership success before relocating to Booker Bay on the Suzy. Central Coast. He had five grand kids who adored him – Taylah, Emily, As well as coaching, he was very generous with his Connor, Bailey and Zac. sponsorship through his business – Anytime Trade Waste.

31 Mannings Funeral Homes

Family operated business

Manager Mick Manning

In your hour of need let us take care of everything for you in the privacy of your home

Pre-arranged funeral plans available

24 Hour Service Phone: 9555 7551 87 Road, Rozelle

32 100 th

108 - 110 Lilyfield Road LILYFIELD NSW 2040 P.O. Box 1213 Rozelle NSW 2039 Phone : (02) 9818 1011 Fax: (02) 9818 1182 Email : [email protected] www.jjrobertson.com.au  

6SHFLDOLVLQJLQ)&/ /&/&DUJRLQ RXWRIDOO:KDUYHVDQG 'HSRWV'DLO\$OO&RQWDLQHUKDQGOLQJIDFLOLWLHV/RFDO &RXQWU\ 7UDQVSRUW6WRUDJH 'LVWULEXWLRQ6LGHORDGHU7UDQVSRUW 4XDUDQWLQHIDFLOLWLHV)XPLJDWLRQ6WHDPFOHDQLQJ7DLOJDWHV &RQWDLQHU8QSDFNLQJHWF

&RQWDFW%$55<52%(57621

 3URXG6SRQVRUVRI 6<'1(<%($56,&(+2&.(< ZZZV\GQH\EHDUVFRPDX

+20(2)),5(%,5':$7(56.,5$&,1*7($0  :25/':$7(56.,5$&,1*&+$03,216 ZZZZRUOGFKDPSLRQVFRPDX

33 SUPPORTING PARTNERS:

Mannings Funeral Homes