Official Magazine of ’s Former Origin Greats

EDITION 31 | SUMMER 2019 FORMER ORIGIN GREATS CONTENTS

A Message From is proudly sponsored by The Executive Chairman 3

Bartons Help Give The ARTIE Academy The Drive To Succeed 4

Cooper-Doodle-Doo! 5

Finally, Our Queensland Girls Get Their Time In The Sun 6

Cam Storms To Immortality 8

formally known as AEG Ogden FOGS Stay Close To The Heart Of Every Footballer In Queensland 11

Maroon Spirit Proves Too Hard For QLD Government To Ignore 12

From The Coach’s Desk With 14

FOGS Origin Lunch Delivers For The Common Good 16

Daly Cherry-Evans 18

Queensland’s Future Is Now As Rookies Answer The Call 20

Holmes Is Where The Heart Is And It’s Great News For Maroons 21

Shaune Celebrates Half A Million Smiles On Queensland Faces 22

Queenslander Magazine, the official magazine of the Goodbye To The Greats Of A Golden Era 24 Former Origin Greats, is proudly printed by: Inspirational Artie Students Pay It Forward Through Prosocial Incentive Program 27

All For Fun, And Fun For All 28

RACQ And FOGS On The Road Again 30

T 07 3356 0788 E [email protected] Where Are They Now FOG #147 Ty Williams 32 A Unit7/36 Windorah St, Stafford QLD 4053 Tackle One www.crystalmedia.com.au With 35

CONTACT US

FOGS LTD FAX FACEBOOK Locked Bag 3, Milton, QLD 4064 (07) 3367 8148 www.facebook.com/FOGSQueensland PHONE EMAIL INSTAGRAM (07) 3367 1432 [email protected] @qld_fogs

2 | www.fogs.com.au A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

f has taught us anything, it is that the hard yards must be done before the rewards can be enjoyed. This is a Ilesson that has resonated with the Former Origin Greats and the Maroons in 2019. While the results on the field were not Similarly, the Former Origin Greats this The State Government haven’t given us what Queenslanders were hoping for this year are celebrating two significant the funding because they’re footy fans. year, with the Blues taking home the Origin victories with the 10th anniversary They have backed us because they can shield again, there is no doubt the Maroons of the ARTIE Academy program, and see the hard work that has gone into will emerge stronger for the experience the terrific news that ARTIE is now the program over the past 10 years, and after some tough times in recent years. being backed by the Queensland the results that are being delivered. Government for the next three years. As glorious as that previous Maroons era That new level of support has led to was, the retirement of four of its greatest As Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said at new levels of responsibility, both to the servants this year highlights the fact that the announcement, the FOGS have students we assist, and in our reporting it has now been consigned to another been knocking on the door of the State and acquittals of our government funding. chapter in Queensland’s Origin history. Government for a long time now. I am pleased to welcome Troy , Matt Scott, The ARTIE Academy has been backed Collins and Marty Rowan as new and all walked away by the Federal Government since Directors on the FOGS Board. from the game after being part of the beginning, and we have been that incredible core of players that able to build and grow the ARTIE We are looking to make some additional carried Queensland through that Academy because of that support. appointees in the future, creating a unprecedented decade of dominance. Board of Directors that will better Now with the Queensland Government reflect modern rugby league, and the I am sure all FOGS, and all Queenslanders supporting the program as well, we work being done by the FOGS within for that matter, will join me in are able to expand into another 20 the game and the wider community. congratulating these men on wonderful schools throughout Queensland, careers, and their outstanding which is a great result. Like the Maroons, for the Former service to the Maroon jersey. Origin Greats, a new era has begun. Wishing you and your family all the best for a safe and happy Christmas and New Year,

ExecutiveGene Miles Chariman

www.fogs.com.au | 3 BARTONS HELP GIVE THE ARTIE ACADEMY THE DRIVE TO SUCCEED

n rugby league, we pass the ball backwards, but we pay our favours forward. Recently, the Former Origin Greats were able to Iuse the success in one part of the organisation to benefit one of our key sponsor partners, as a way of saying “thank-you for the support”, but also as a direct example of the benefits that come from being a corporate partner of the FOGS. The incredible success and rapid “We approached Bartons around our the acquisition of the five new vehicles growth of the ARTIE Academy Program, need for five new cars for the ARTIE will help the ARTIE Academy achieve which is now backed by both the Academy, and they looked after us very better results for future growth. Australian Federal Government and well as they always do,” Gene said. the Queensland State Government, has “With more cars, we are able to be much seen the ARTIE Academy expand into a “Since they have come on board as more efficient in our delivery of the further 20 schools across Queensland. partners of the FOGS, our partnership programs, ensuring less time is being and relationship with Mark and the lost in travel, and more time is being To properly service those schools, and team at Bartons has been outstanding. devoted to these students and their to ensure the standards and success It is easy to see why their dealership has education,” Gene said. “Less time in cars, of the program were maintained, had so much success and expanded so and more time inside the school gates. our ARTIE Academy Coordinators rapidly in the past couple of years. needed access to more vehicles to “This is a perfect example of the FOGS cover the miles they were travelling “Because of the results that our students sponsor family at work – helping each delivering this life-changing initiative. and staff have been achieving in the other to create success stories for both program, the ARTIE Academy has now parties, and create more opportunities So when the FOGS decided to upgrade expanded, and has a giant geographical and better lives for Queenslanders.” by buying a fleet of five new vehicles for footprint across Queensland. the ARTIE Academy Coordinators, they did not have to waste time shopping “We can’t have coordinators trying around for the best prices – they to service two separate schools in went straight to corporate partners, the one car, there is just too much Bartons Motor Group at Wynnum. valuable time going to waste.

Bartons joined the FOGS family of

THE CARS WILL ENABLE sponsors last year after being long- “ “OUR COORDINATORS TO MAKE “ time supporters of rugby league in SURE THEY ARE AT SCHOOLS Queensland, particularly of the Wynnum AT 9AM Manly Seagulls in the Intrust Super Cup. Bartons Managing Director Mark “It is important for the company to Beitz is a passionate league man and ensure that the standards we demand Queenslander through and through, from the ARTIE Academy are being and FOGS Executive Chairman Gene maintained by allowing us to service Miles said it was a heartwarming feeling these schools when we need to.” to have a sponsor so ready to make a contribution above and beyond to the The success of the ARTIE Academy organisation and the game at large. was directly responsible for the need for the new cars. Now in turn,

4 | Pictures: News Courtesy Queensland

COOPER-DOODLE-DOO! Why Cronk will be the gift that keeps on giving for the Roosters

e delivered them two premierships in two years, but Queensland coach Kevin Walters says Cooper Cronk’s greatest Hcontribution to the Roosters may not be felt for another decade. Cronk enjoyed the ultimate fairytale both parties – the player leaving a “The influence that he has had on farewell to rugby league, steering the successful system at the Storm where the young players at that club is Roosters to back-to-back premierships he was part of the furniture, and for the something that will continue to serve with their 14-8 win over the Canberra Roosters punting on a player with only the Roosters for many years to come. Raiders in the 2019 NRL Grand two years left in his playing career. Final at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. “The young guys in their system While the premierships prove the move that have been around him, The Roosters created a slice of history and was a success, Walters says the legacy been able to learn from him, buried one of the game’s longest-standing Cronk will leave behind for the Roosters’ learning how much work goes hoodoos, becoming the first team since the young players – like and into being so professional Broncos of 1992-1993 to win consecutive young Queenslander Sam Walker, who – they are lessons that will premierships in a united competition. joins the club in 2020 – will make the make all of those kids decision to sign Cronk one of the best better players, and But Cronk was rewriting record investments ever seen in rugby league the Roosters will books on his own. for delivering long-term dividends. get the benefit of that.” In his final game, Cronk walked away “He had had success for a long time with his third-straight premiership at Melbourne, but he took the hard – having won the 2017 decider with road moving to Sydney because Melbourne before joining the Roosters it was important to him – and he for their two success titles. came up trumps,” Walters said.

Cronk also became the first player since

Ron Coote in 1975 to play in nine grand IT IS A CREDIT TO HIM “ finals, winning six. Only Norm Provan and “AND THE PEOPLE AROUND HIM “ Brian Clay, with 10 each, played in more. FOR THE WAY HE FINISHED FOG No.168 finished his career with the HIS CAREER incredible haul of 375 NRL games with the Storm and Roosters, 22 games for “It was the type of career that not many in the Maroons between 2010 and 2017 rugby league get to experience, but one – including the FOGS Tosser Turner that Cooper most certainly deserves. Medal, 38 Tests for , two Dally “The Roosters need to be congratulated M Medals, and the 2016 Golden Boot as well. They took a massive chance as the best player in the world. bringing Cooper in, and they copped Cronk was at his influential best again for a lot of backlash for it when they the Roosters in the 2019 decider, steering moved on. his team around the park as the highly- “But they have been more than fancied Roosters held off sentimental justified now, not just because there favourites the Raiders, who had Maroons are two premierships in the trophy giant in the front row. cabinet, but because Cooper leaves Walters says Cronk’s move to Bondi the Roosters in a much better place at the end of 2017 was a gamble for than where it was when he arrived. www.fogs.com.au | 5 Pictures: News Courtesy Queensland

FINALLY, OUR QUEENSLAND GIRLS GET THEIR TIME IN THE SUN

ormer Origin Greats Executive Chairman has revealed that plans are underway for Queensland’s Women State Fof Origin players to be officially honoured and recognised with selection numbers and an honour board like their male counterparts. After a long history of interstate matches, the games Now, our ladies in Maroon are set to be between the Queensland and NSW Women’s teams have honoured in the same way, with the FOGS now been granted full Origin status. working with the greatest Queensland Women’s player of them all, Karyn That, along with the popularity of the Jillaroos Murphy, to acknowledge at international level, the advent of the all who have served Women’s NRL Premiership, and booming the Maroon jersey. participation numbers among females across all levels have been wonderful developments for the rugby league world. With the Queensland Women’s team becoming a fully-fledged Origin side, the time is right to honour the history of the women’s game, and in particular the contribution of the women who helped build the game to get it to this new, exciting era. At the heart of FOGS HQ at Milton is the Queensland Honour Board, outlining every player to have worn the Maroon jersey into Origin battle – from FOG No.1 , all the way through to our latest member, FOG No.203 .

6 | www.fogs.com.au “That work is currently underway,” Gene “For too long the achievements of The FOGS remain active supporters said. “We have been in discussions the Queensland Women’s team of the Queensland Women’s team, with Karyn Murphy to recognise the has sailed under the radar, or who are coached by FOG No.106 contribution of all the women who not been celebrated enough. , with FOG No.51 have represented Queensland in Trevor Gillmeister as his assistant. rugby league over so many years. “We know how special it was when the men’s team won eight series in a “We are very proud to lend our “It is obviously a fairly sizeable task, and row. Well, between 1999 and 2014, the support to the Queensland Women’s one that needs to be done properly Queensland Women’s team beat NSW 16 team, and our assistance whenever and with the respect it deserves. years in a row. That is just incredible. it is required,” Gene said. “We want to ensure all of the women “They are officially Maroons now, so THERE IS A VERY RICH who have represented Queensland the girls come under the umbrella and

“HISTORY OF WOMEN’S RUGBY over the years are recognised for their responsibility of the Queensland Rugby

LEAGUE IN QUEENSLAND, AND IT IS contribution to rugby league in our League, just like the men’s team – which

TERRIFIC TO SEE THE WOMEN’S GAME state, and their outstanding service to is incredibly satisfying for the girls “ NOW GETTING THE EXPOSURE AND “ the people of Queensland, by having who have worked so hard to wear that THE TOP-LEVEL COMPETITION THAT their names and selection numbers jersey, and exciting for the game itself. IT HAS BEEN CRAVING acknowledged, just like the blokes.” “We are still heavily involved with them, and very proud that two FOGS in Jason and Gilly are contributing to the development of the women’s game as coaches for the Queensland girls. “However we can assist, through the provision of expertise or facilities, hotels, food, all the little things that have to be done to make sure a team is prepared to play – we are always available to them. “They are Queenslanders, part of our family as Maroons and part of the FOGS family as well. I know our Founding Chairman Dick “Tosser” Turner would be so proud to see these girls out there living up to the Queensland spirit and adding to the history and legacy of that famous Maroon jersey we all love so much.”

www.fogs.com.au | 7 CAM STORMS TO IMMORTALITY

ugby league Immortality awaits for – but it will have to wait just that little bit longer, with the record- Rbreaking former Queensland captain to play on again with the in 2020. There is no doubt that Smith will join fellow “I would be thinking the same thing if Queenslanders Arthur Beetson, Wally I was in his shoes,” Meninga said. Lewis and in rugby league’s most exclusive club – the Immortals “It’s Australian tall poppy syndrome. – once his playing days are over. We build them up, and because he has been up there for so long and But after speculation Smith was set to been so successful, someone feels walk away from the game, particularly it’s their job to bring them down. as criticism from south of the border began taking on a sinister, personal “I think it’s stupid. Very un-Australian.” tone at the back end of the year, it now But Queensland coach Kevin Walters appears certain that FOG No.140 will run said he expects Smith to bounce back out for his 19th season with the Storm. to his best again for the Storm in 2020 Over perhaps the greatest career after a summer break to clear his head. of them all, there is not much “Cameron over the last couple of months that Smith has not achieved. in the season, you could see it in his face Smith is a FOGS Statesman Medal and – his disappointment at a lot of things FOGS Tosser Turner Medal recipient, that were going on around him in rugby four-time Medallist, four- league that had very little to do with what time Ron McAuliffe Medallist, two-time happens on the footy field,” Walters said. Golden Boot winner, two-time Dally “But Cameron still has a way to go M Medal winner, eight-time Dally M before he plays his final game of rugby of the Year, five-time Dally M league, but there is no doubt at all Captain of the Year, and four-time Dally that he will be remembered as one

M Representative Player of the Year. of the all-time greats of the game.

He has played in seven NRL grand “ finals, winning five. He has played HE IS THE ALL-ROUND “ more State of Origin games than “PERFECT SPECIMEN FOR A NO.9 anyone – with 42 appearances for the IN RUGBY LEAGUE Maroons, 17 of those as captain. He has more Origin wins than anyone “It is a credit to him and his family for the with 27, more series wins than way he has gone about his career.” anyone with 11, and the second-most Origin Man of the Match awards with seven – one behind Wally Lewis. He played 56 Tests for Australia, 33 as captain, and was skipper of the Kangaroos’ World Cup wins in 2013 and 2017. But in 2019, he became a rugby league pioneer – the first man to plant a footstep on the previously untouched surface of 400 NRL games. Smith was rightly lauded by the game for his incredible achievement, with a special celebration to mark the milestone game against the Sharks at AAMI Park in Melbourne. But some ugly negativity around the celebrations threatened to sour the season for Smith, who was contemplating walking away from the game as a result. Meninga, who appreciates better than most Smith’s position of being criticised despite being one of the game’s best ambassadors, said he could understand if Smith gave football away completely because of the backlash.

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FOGS STAY CLOSE TO THE HEART OF EVERY FOOTBALLER IN QUEENSLAND

very Queensland kid grows up wanting to be a Maroon. Now, thanks to the Former Origin Greats’ sponsorship of grassroots Efooty, every young rugby league player in Queensland gets to hold that dream close to their heart every weekend. Under a three-year deal with the stronger still, and the FOGS are very happy “He wanted to use the power of , every to be playing our part in making sure the the Queensland jersey to improve football used in every competition junior system, pathways, and lower-grade the lives of Queenslanders, and to from juniors all the way to the senior competition are being supported. better rugby league in our state. Rugby League A-Grade competition will feature the FOGS logo. “This deal means that the FOGS are

reaching every player across Queensland BY SUPPORTING

The only competitions run by the QRL that from the Under-7s, all the way through “GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL THOUGH will not carry the FOGS logo on the football to the BRL A-Grade competition.” OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE “ are the top-level Intrust Super Cup, and QUEENSLAND RUGBY LEAGUE, “ the Hastings Deering Colts competitions Gene said the deal also ensured the work BOTH OF THOSE IDEALS ARE of the FOGS remained in line with the BEING REALISED It is a significant sponsorship and vision of Founding Chairman Dick “Tosser” a significant statement, with the Turner, who created the FOGS to benefit “I think that Tosser would be very happy, influence of the FOGS touching all rugby league in Queensland, and to create but also very proud of the fact that the levels of rugby league in Queensland a better life for young Queenslanders. FOGS and our State of Origin players are from juniors, all the way through to giving directly back to the rugby league our elite Maroons in State of Origin. “This relationship is at the heart of what Tosser envisaged for the FOGS when he nursery that produces our great Maroons.” “Symbolically, this is a very important got the organisation started so many partnership,” said FOGS Executive years ago,” Gene said. Chairman Gene Miles. “It means that every Queensland kid that grows up playing rugby league will literally be in touch with the FOGS every time they hold the ball. “Every time a player takes the ball up, the FOGS logo will be beside the heart of the boys and girls who will be the Maroons of the future. “Directly and pragmatically though, the relationship is also important because the FOGS are contributing to the growth of rugby league, and the development of the kids and adults who play it. “State of Origin represents the absolute top of the tree for every Queensland rugby league player. But for the top of the tree to be strong, the roots of the game need to be www.fogs.com.au | 11 MAROON SPIRIT PROVES TOO HARD FOR QLD GOVERNMENT TO IGNORE

ueenslanders never give up. Never have, never will. The never-say-die philosophy that has carried the Maroons to so many QState of Origin victories over the past four decades has also paid off for the Former Origin Greats, who have landed a three- year funding partnership from the Queensland Government for the ARTIE Academy program. “As Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said the students involved, who would be is not the fault of the student at the announcement, we have been exposed to better learning habits from themselves,” Steven said. knocking on the door of the State the start of their academic careers. Government for a long time now,” “So our mentors are working with said FOGS Executive Chairman Gene “It is all about early intervention,” the students, their family and the Miles. “Finally, they have answered.” Steven explains. “If you learn good community to make sure these students habits in anything, they are lessons are getting to school and getting The new deal with the State Government you carry with you for life. the most out of their education. is a huge vote of confidence for the FOGS and the ARTIE Academy, and deserved “If these students from the age of four OUR BIGGEST CARROT AT recognition for the outstanding results the are learning to love education and

understanding how important it is for their “ PRIMARY LEVEL IS HAVING program has delivered over a decade now.

futures as part of the ARTIE Academy, A BIG STAR FOR A MENTOR “ With the Queensland Government joining it has the power to change lives. THAT THE STUDENTS TRUST, “ Federal Government as SO THEY WANT TO BE A PART OF funding partners, the ARTIE Academy “A lot of our rewards and our THAT ENGAGEMENT Program will now take in another 20 program might be the hook that changes a student’s future. schools across Queensland, and extend “That means they want to get to school the benefits of ARTIE’s early-intervention “It might not happen now, or next year. more, then there are rewards for them approach to Indigenous education by being It might be well down the track. But when they increase or maintain those introduced to primary schools as well. developing that love of education, and attendance levels. The rewards program works so well on the younger students, so “We have always been funded by the learning important lessons about discipline it is easy to see results being achieved.” Federal Government with the ARTIE and diligence could set Program, and that is a relationship that them up for the future.” goes back to when Kevin Rudd was The ARTIE Academy Prime Minister,” Gene said. “We have program will be adapted been able to build and grow the ARTIE specifically for the younger Academy because of that support. students, focusing on the “Now with the Queensland Government support of mentors to supporting the program as well, encourage an early we are able to go into another 20 love of education, schools throughout Queensland, and the which is a great result. engagement of the “They now fund the primary schools – students’ so every primary school that is in the support ARTIE program is funded by the State networks. Government, and they feed into the high schools, which are funded by the “It can be that Australian Federal Government.” the reason a student is According to ARTIE Academy Program not attending Manager Steven Page, the entry of school the program into primary schools regularly would have life-changing effects on in primary

12 | www.fogs.com.au Primary School Expansion EARLY INTERVENTION

20 SCHOOLS 2,000+ STUDENTS

ATHERTON STATE SCHOOL 2 MAREEBA STATE SCHOOL

TOWNSVILLE 2 INGHAM STATE SCHOOL AYR STATE SCHOOL

CRESCENT LAGOON STATE SCHOOL BERSERKER STREET STATE SCHOOL 2

BRAY PARK BRIBIE ISLAND STATE SCHOOL STATE SCHOOL INALA MORAYFIELD STATE SCHOOL STATE SCHOOL BUNDAMBA MORAYFIELD EAST STATE SCHOOL STATE SCHOOL REDBANK PLAINS TULLAWONG STATE SCHOOL STATE SCHOOL DECEPTION BAY NORTH STATE SCHOOL

MARSDEN STATE SCHOOL CABOOLTURE WATERFORD WEST 9 STATE SCHOOL EAGLEBY STATE SCHOOL EAGLEBY SOUTH STATE SCHOOL 5 BRISBANE BEENLEIGH STATE SCHOOL FROM THE COACH’S DESK WITH KEVIN WALTERS

ueensland’s players started their for the future by soaking up the heritage and legacy of the Maroon Qjumper, and acknowledging their place in rugby league history. This year the Maroons gathered team this year showed we have a view that we again did not bring at FOGS Headquarters to prepare group of men who will fulfil their the shield home to Queensland. for the Origin series ahead. duty and make all Queenslanders proud over the years ahead. But I also know that we have made It was something we haven’t done a massive investment in a successful before, but I know it meant a great It is hard to look back on the series now future for the Maroons. deal to the players to recognise they and not feel like this was a series that were a part of this wonderful Maroons really got away from Queensland. The result in Perth was the biggest tradition, and a part of the FOGS family. disappointment, given we were so far Looking back and analysing each below our best in a game where we had an Visiting FOGS HQ helped to reinforce game individually, I thought we were opportunity to put a foot on NSW’s throat. how special it is to represent Queensland absolutely terrific in the first game. in rugby league, and the incredible You can always find reasons, when you difference that famous jersey can make The second game at Perth was a long way look back, why all the pieces of the puzzle to the lives of the people that wear from our best, and with the third game didn’t come together as we expected it, and the people it represents. in Sydney, I was really proud of the way they would in Game II in Perth. the team played, even though we didn’t More than just the history of the Maroons, achieve the result that we set out to reach. I have certainly learned a lot about visiting FOGS HQ was a reminder of the team, and the individual players, how Tosser Turner was able to channel Ultimately, we were 30 seconds because of what happened in Perth. away from winning the series. Queenslanders’ love of the Maroons into a I was really proud of the way we force of unimaginable good, with the great Could we have won Game reassembled ourselves in Game III, work the FOGS are doing in the community III? Yes, we could have. and produced such a wonderful, all a result of the goodwill the people of spirited fightback from the guys. Queensland feel towards the men who are Could we have been smarter in the fortunate enough to play for their state. way that we played the game in the Everyone learned a lot about the Perth late stages of the match? Yes, we could situation – players and staff – and that is It is a powerful legacy to inherit, and have been smarter – and we have to only going to put us in a better position a lot of responsibility. But that is what be smarter and we have to do better when we face a similar situation again being a Queenslander is all about. It is for us to improve again next year next year with the first game in Adelaide. about more than yourself, or merely and turn those results around. playing well in a game of footy. We learned a lot from what But there is no doubt that the experience we didn’t get right. It is about living up to the expectations that this squad has gained over the past of all Queenslanders, and living up two series – 2018 and 2019 – has given us a And while those lessons will continue to the standards set by the men great foundation on which to build in 2020. to hurt until we get the chance to who wore the jersey before us. rectify the situation in the 2020 series, We know we have the players to create they are the types of painful lessons I am pleased to say that none of that a great team, and we know they now Queenslanders have learned well from emotion or history was lost on the men have the experience to ensure they go for generations in State of Origin. who represented Queensland this year. out and perform to their best in every game they wear the Queensland jersey. Once they are learned, they Unfortunately, we didn’t reach our goal are never forgotten. of winning the series. But I think the Yes, the results this year were performances from the Queensland disappointing from the point of

14 | www.fogs.com.au GAME I GAME II GAME III

QLD 18 - NSW 14 NSW 38 - QLD 6 NSW 26 - QLD 20

GAME II GAME III GAME I NSW 38 NSW 26 QLD 18 ( 3, Josh Addo- ( 2, Paul ( 2, Carr 2, tries; James Vaughan, Damian Cook tries; tries; 3 goals) Maloney 5, Nathan Cleary 2 goals) James Maloney 5 goals) defeated defeated defeated NSW 14 QLD 6 QLD 20 (Josh Morris, ( ; (, Josh McGuire, Josh tries; Nathan Cleary 3 goals) Kalyn Ponga goal) Papalii tries; Ethan Lowe 4 goals) Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Optus Stadium, Perth ANZ Stadium, Sydney Crowd: 52,191 Crowd: 59,721 Crowd: 82,565

www.fogs.com.au | 15 FOGS ORIGIN LUNCH DELIVERS FOR THE COMMON GOOD

tate of Origin time is all about supporting your team. A new partnership with The Common Good at the Prince Charles SHospital will see the annual FOGS Origin Charity Lunch support some of Queensland’s best medical research teams find treatments and cures for conditions and diseases affecting Queenslanders – including a couple very close to home. “The relationship with The Common lung disease, arthritis, or dementia. If “We were so proud to be able to make Good was formed through , there is a condition that has affected The Common Good the designated and the issue he went through with you or someone in your family, you charity for this year’s Origin lunch, and to his heart and the transplant, and then can contribute directly to research present them with a cheque for $44,000. again recently with Trevor Gillemeister to find cures for those problems. and his cancer diagnosis,” said FOGS “That equates to 1000 hours of Executive Chairman Gene Miles. “Obviously, with the issues that Gavin research the team at the Prince and Trevor have been through in recent Charles Hospital will use to create “The Common Good is a terrific charity times, we have a couple of big causes better lives for Queenslanders. where by donating just $44, you can pay close to our heart here at the FOGS. for an hour of medical research, and

IT IS A GREAT CHARITY, you can actually choose the medical “But, beyond that, we thought a

partnership with The Common Good was “AND EVERY DOLLAR DONATED team that you want to donate to. “ a perfect fit for us because they deal with GOES STRAIGHT TO THE CAUSE, AND “ “You can donate an hour – or more if you medical issues that affect men all across IS NOT LOST ALONG THE WAY IN want to – of research into heart disease, Queensland. ADMINISTRATION COSTS

The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation’s CEO Michael Hornby was on hand at the Origin lunch to accept the cheque from the FOGS, and said the chance to spread the message about the work being done by The Common Good would be a boost for the organisation. “The FOGS are so generous, giving us this opportunity to talk about the life- saving work of our researchers and directly funding 1000 hours of their time,” he said. “This is a milestone moment for The Common Good. “We would like to thank the FOGS board, led by Gene Miles, general manager Marty Rowan, event organiser Christine Budd, and most importantly, The Common Good Ambassadors Gavin Allen and Trevor Gillmeister. “Thank you for your incredible support and for funding precious research time that will save and change lives.”

16 | www.fogs.com.au The donation to The Common Good was the highlight of yet another successful FOGS Origin Charity lunch, with a capacity crowd of Maroons fanatics coming together to share an afternoon of footy, fun and Queensland pride. “The Lunch has really established itself now as a part of the State of Origin ritual in Queensland,” Gene said. “It is at the stage now where we have a large group of regulars that come every year – the repeat offenders who come along and have a great time every year, kick up their heels a little bit and help support some very worthy causes at the same time.

WE ARE VERY PLEASED WE HAVE

“SO MANY OF THESE LOYAL SUPPORTERS

WHO REALLY BUY INTO THE ORIGIN “ ATMOSPHERE AND TURN UP “ EVERY YEAR TO SUPPORT THE FOGS WITH THIS EVENT

Gene said anticipation for the 2020 event was already high, with the Maroons only playing one game at Suncorp Stadium next year – for the third game of the series on Wednesday 8 July. “We have to wait a little longer for the lunch in 2020, because Suncorp is hosting Game 3 of the series next year – so the lunch will not be until Tuesday July 7,” Gene said. “Hopefully we all walk into the lunch pumped up about Queensland already having the series in the bag at two games up. But if we have to settle for a 1-1 all result going into Game 2, I guess we will be ok with that too, because that will only make the interest in the lunch even higher.”

www.fogs.com.au | 17 GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY. AN INITIATIVE OF THE FORMER ORIGIN GREATS AND QUEENSLAND RUGBY LEAGUE Pictures: News Courtesy Queensland

DALY CHERRY-EVANS Finally, Daly gets his chance to stand among Maroons greats

Don’t try to tell Queensland coach Kevin “I don’t see it as a redemption story,” “To me, it reminded me how committed Walters that the ascension of Daly Walters says of making Cherry- he is to the Queensland cause – and why Cherry-Evans to the captaincy of the Evans Queensland captain. he was such a good choice as captain. Maroons in 2019 was one of the great

rugby league redemption stories. “People talk about the time that DCE

spent out of Origin and try to find some THIS IS HIS TEAM. The FORMER ORIGIN GREATS and QUEENSLAND RUGBY LEAGUE

Walters will waste no time in telling you sinister motive for it, or some conspiracy “ HE IS THE CAPTAIN OF IT, “ DCE’s captaincy was not about redemption, theory why he wasn’t a part of that team. AND HE DID A GREAT JOB IN ALL “ wish to acknowledge the support of the following organisations as part of but a classic story of resilience, patience THREE GAMES THIS SERIES AS THE and commitment to the Queensland “The fact of the matter is that he had CAPTAIN OF THE SIDE cause, clouded by speculation created and Cooper Cronk THE 1980 INITIATIVE ahead of him for the best part of a by those searching for answers that The man himself describes the greatest decade, and it just wasn’t possible to were right in front of their faces. part of being named captain of Queensland fit all of those guys in together. was the opportunity to learn and develop Cherry-Evans joined an elite club more as a leader by working together with this year by becoming Queensland’s “Normally in Origin, you see guys the Maroons’ experienced campaigners. 15th State of Origin captain. get an opportunity through injury or suspension, and they are able to “The opportunity I had to lead the As Origin rolls into its 40th anniversary get in and establish themselves. Queensland team out this year was in 2020, Cherry-Evans joins an exclusive R E A L E S T A T E C A I R N S something I will never forget,” he said. list of our greatest rugby league names “Johnathan played 36 consecutive games – that’s 12 Origin series in a PH: 40 444 888 who have led the Maroons onto the “Queensland have a lot of quality guys row where he didn’t miss a game for field of battle, including Arthur Beetson, like , Will Chambers, Queensland, so it was impossible Wally Lewis, , Mal Meninga, and Matt Gillett, and I picked for anyone to break in there. Trevor Gillmeister, , Adrian their brains on how they go about their Lam, , , “But Daly’s opportunity arrived when those rugby league and that’s where I got , Cameron Smith, Greg two guys retired, and we called him for the most out of Origin captaincy. Inglis, and Walters himself. Game 3 of last year’s series, and I thought “Those key conversations with other elite he did an outstanding job.” But a seat at this prestigious table seemed players opened my eyes to the game a bit a long way away when Cherry-Evans was Walters said Cherry-Evans’ more and how I can improve as a player.” unable to force his way into the Maroons commitment to the Queensland team for three years, stuck behind some cause was exemplified this of the greatest playmakers the game has year, when the Manly skipper ever seen who had steered Queensland had to work around the to its greatest winning dynasty. clock to rehabilitate a While those outside the inner-sanctum severe ankle injury and speculated about why Cherry-Evans was be ready for Origin I. missing from the Queensland team, the “Again in this year’s man himself went to work on improving series, I thought his game – maturing as a playmaker and his commitment to a leader, making himself ready to answer Queensland, and the if Queensland selectors made the call. leadership he provided, It was the commitment and resilience that were really amazing,” Walters convinced Walters to not only recall DCE said. “He didn’t play for four or at the end of the 2018 series, but to hand five weeks leading into Origin I, him the Maroons leadership in 2019 as a but he got himself there and living testament to Queensland’s fabled was among our top two “never give up, never say die” philosophy. or three players.

18 | www.fogs.com.au AN INITIATIVE OF THE FORMER ORIGIN GREATS AND QUEENSLAND RUGBY LEAGUE

The FORMER ORIGIN GREATS and QUEENSLAND RUGBY LEAGUE wish to acknowledge the support of the following organisations as part of THE 1980 INITIATIVE

R E A L E S T A T E C A I R N S PH: 40 444 888

www.fogs.com.au | 19 Pictures: News Courtesy Queensland & QRL

QUEENSLAND’S FUTURE IS NOW AS ROOKIES ANSWER THE CALL

ueensland’s “transition period” is officially over. The Maroons’ next generation has officially arrived. That is the verdict Qof Queensland coach Kevin Walters, who has slowly but surely rebuilt the Maroons with a group of new faces to lead us through another generation. The family of the Former Origin “The same goes for too But we have a good young side here that Greats continues to grow. really. He only has four games we will enjoy a lot of success with.” to his name over two series. As unbelievable as it may seem, in Walters said the current group would 2019, we welcomed our 200th FOG into follow the template of Queensland’s golden

the fold, when teenage wrecking ball WE HAVE INTRODUCED eras in the 1980s and post-2006, when

David Fifita earned his first Queensland “20 PLAYERS OVER THE LAST FOUR a core group of long-term Origin players “ jersey in Game 1 of the series. YEARS TO MAKE THEIR ORIGIN “ became the foundation stones for success. DEBUTS. THE TRANSITION PERIOD IS Alongside him that day were FOGs FINISHED, FOR MINE In the 1980s, it was names like Lewis, #198 Moses Mbye and #199 Joe Miles, Meninga, Belcher, Dowling Ofahengaue, while a further three new and Lindner. More recently, it was “We have got a really strong squad of faces – (#201), Christian Lockyer, Smith, Slater, Cronk, Inglis, good, young Maroons, with a couple of Welch (#202) and Ethan Lowe (#203) Thurston, Scott and Civoniceva. experienced guys as well, that will take – made their debuts in Game 3. Queensland to some great heights – which Walters says Maroons fans a decade from By comparison, in Game 2 of the 2019 we will see in the next two or three years. now will look back with the same fondness series, became the 287th of this current group around which he “Sure, there will always be new guys Origin player selected for NSW. plans to build a new Queensland empire. coming into the side. But I think That disparity will not narrow anytime everyone is aware of what we have been “I see them as all long-term Origin soon, with Walters expecting the bulk of through in the past two or three years players,” he said. “That is what you need his young Maroons to carry Queensland’s with the transition of the side. It is a for success – you need that stability in hopes through the next decade. different looking Maroons team now. key positions, and you need long-termers who have been there and absorbed “But it is one that we feel – and I know – “You could probably throw Kalyn everything there is to learn about Origin. Ponga into that list of rookies as well,” can remain to be the successful team that Walters says. “Kalyn has only played we have been over the last 20 years. “There are a lot of parts that go into three Origin games, and people being a good Origin player, and these “We can’t win Origin every year. We know are quick to forget about that. guys are learning that along the way.” that. We understand that. That’s Origin.

MosesMBYE OFAHENGAUEJoe DavidFIFITA FOG #198 FOG #199 FOG #200

NORMANCorey ChristianWELCH EthanLOWE FOG #201 FOG #202 FOG #203 20 | www.fogs.com.au Pictures: News Courtesy Queensland

HOLMES IS WHERE THE HEART IS AND IT’S GREAT NEWS FOR MAROONS

OG #188 is set to return to the NRL after a stint in the NFL with New York, and Queensland State of Origin Fcoach Kevin Walters expects the former Cronulla winger to press for an immediate recall to the Maroons. Walters’ selection stocks will receive an , struggled to get back to his at and on the wing, so it will unexpected but welcome boost with best on his return to the NRL, Walters just be a matter of working out where the news that Holmes is preparing said he expects Holmes to make an easy it is that he best fits into the side. to return to rugby league after a transition back to the 13-man game. 12-month tilt at cracking America’s “He is one of those guys that covers NFL with the . “He has only missed 12 months of the NRL a couple of positions, so that is really, so I would expect him to hit the just invaluable when it comes Holmes is expected to turn out for the ground running in respect to readjusting to to representative footy.” in 2020, life as a rugby league player,” Walters said. bringing a massive dose of strike-power

to the club based in his home town,

I DON’T THINK IT WILL TAKE

but also delivering Walters one of the

“TOO MUCH TIME AT ALL BEFORE greatest finishers in Origin history for “ HE IS BACK TO BEING THE PLAYER “ next year’s campaign against the Blues. THAT HE WAS BEFORE HE In just five games for the Maroons between LEFT OUR GAME 2017 and 2018, Homes has scored a remarkable eight tries – a strike rate “For him, with the success he was of better than one per game – and has enjoying in rugby league as an Origin kicked six goals for a haul of 44 points, player for Queensland, a Test regular and will still be only 24-years of age when and a premiership-winner with the 2020 Origin series gets underway. Cronulla, to walk away from that to challenge himself in a new game was Walters said Holmes would be welcomed a very big and brave move and we all back into the Maroons fold with open applauded his courage for doing it.” arms on his return to rugby league. Dane Gagai and Corey Oates were “He has obviously proven himself to Queensland’s wingers during the be a great player at State of Origin unsuccessful 2019 series, and level for Queensland, and we most Cameron Munster and Kalyn certainly look forward to welcoming Ponga played fullback. him back into the side,” Walters said. Walters is unsure “Val is one of those players that suits where Holmes will the Origin model, and he has been fit in Queensland’s since the moment he ran out for his selection jigsaw, but first game. He knows what is required said his class would at that level, and his try-scoring strike always be welcome rate was really unbelievable. somewhere in the “He left a massive void for us this year, with Maroons line-up. him being unavailable. But we are certainly “Position wise, it delighted that he is returning to rugby really is either league and we all look forward to seeing or,” he said. him in that Queensland jersey once again. “He is a world It will be great to welcome him back.” class player While rugby league’s most recent NFL defector, former NSW player

www.fogs.com.au | 21 Pictures: Shaune Courtesy Watts

SHAUNE CELEBRATES HALF A MILLION SMILES ON QUEENSLAND FACES

haune Watts never played a single State of Origin game for the Maroons – but it is unlikely you will ever meet a more Sinspirational Queenslander. Shaune is a one-man fund-raising powerhouse. In just short of 11 years, he has raised there every year – and the parents “There are occasions where I see the more than half a million dollars supporting and families that affects – it gave me families when I have gone through the the Leukaemia Foundation and the Mater more determination because it was neo-natal critical care unit,” he said. Little Miracles organisation that supports that much closer to home,” he said. seriously ill children and premature babies. “They don’t know who I am, but I get to see “When you see what they do in there, them sitting in the recliner chairs there Hosting two major events every year – a it is quite amazing. If you can raise 10 to make them a bit more comfortable golf day and a high tea – Shaune has or 20 grand – whatever you can do – it – we bought 16 of them one year. raised an extraordinary amount of money all goes to that cause to help those to buy much-needed equipment that babies and the families in there come “There is a brain monitoring machine not only changes lives, but saves them. out the other side much stronger.” there that we paid $57,000 for, which doubled the number they had. “When you start out, you have no idea of While Shaune’s fundraising efforts

where it will lead to,” Shaune said. “It was have had a direct influence on the lives

SEEING THOSE MACHINES

all born out of the ambition to support of thousands of Queensland families,

“ WE HAVE BOUGHT, AND THE the community the best way we could. most of them would not recognise him, “ MEMORIES THAT COME BACK “ or realise the work he is responsible WITH IT AS WELL, IT CAN BE “Now here we are at $532,000 later in 11 for. And he couldn’t be happier. years or thereabouts. It is hard to fathom A BIT CONFRONTING sometimes where we have got to. “We made $15,000 from the first golf day I ever did. At the time, I thought that was a lot of money. Because it was so successful, it just powered me on to want to do more.” Shaune began his fundraising work when his mother was diagnosed with leukaemia, but his beneficiary of choice changed when his son Noah was born dangerously early – at 10 weeks premature. “When you see that side of things, with the 2000 babies that go through

22 | www.fogs.com.au “The big-ticket items like the brain “They have always been so generous with monitoring machine, or the $30,000 donations of jerseys and memorabilia heart monitoring machine – just to that we have been able to turn into know you are contributing in some way money to help these families. makes you get a bit emotional about it. “Dealing with Queensland audiences like To see those babies being helped by those we do at our events, anything to do with machines that we were able to buy for the Maroons is always highly sought-after. the hospital, it is a pretty special feeling.” The FOGS have always been fantastic. Every year, Shaune politely reaches out to “Every time that I reach out to the the FOGS for auction items to raise money FOGS for one of these events, I have at his events, and every year he says he absolutely no expectations. feels even prouder to be a Queenslander. “But they always offer us such wonderful “The FOGS have been terrific supporters support, and I am so grateful for the of both our events for many years now, support that Deb and the FOGS show and I can’t thank Debra and Gene Miles us. Their support makes it so much enough for the way they help us,” he said. easier to do the job that we do.”

a great performance in every cup. #merlocoffee

www.fogs.com.au | 23 merlo.com.au GOODBYE TO THE GREATS OF A GOLDEN ERA

our giants of Queensland rugby league walked into retirement at the end of 2019 – one with a fairytale finish, and three Fwhose battle-weary bodies surrendered before their hearts and minds were ready to call it a day. But all of them leave the game they loved, idolised as true ambassadors for rugby league, and will be embraced by the Queensland family, like so many before them, as Former Origin Greats. Cooper Cronk, Greg Inglis, Matt Scott scrutiny that brought with it, that just I remember his first game for and Matt Gillett represent another big tells you about the character of the guy. Queensland, he was so young, and part of Queensland’s golden Origin era he got absolutely clobbered. that we will never get to enjoy watching GREG INGLIS on a rugby league field again, and the So he went back and got to work – game is undoubtedly poorer for it. working on the areas of his game As a physical specimen of what the that he needed to improve, until he All four players not only represented ultimate rugby league player should look was at the level he wanted to be. Queensland with distinction, but all like, there are very few who can compete achieved the honour of receiving the with Greg Inglis when he was at his best. All that hard work got him a premiership with the Cowboys, Origin successes FOGS Tosser Turner Medal for wearing the Not everyone gets to go out with the Maroon jersey on 20 occasions or more. with Queensland, Test matches for fairytale finish, and Greg deserved a Australia, and a FOGS Tosser Turner Beyond that, Inglis also received the better end to his career than the one Medal for his amazing service to FOGS Statesman Award for reaching that was dealt to him through injury. Queensland over so many years. the 30-game milestone and, in his final I still remember his performance for He played 22 Origins, the same number Origin campaign in 2018, became just Queensland in Melbourne, in Game I of the 13th man to captain Queensland of Tests and was co-captain of North 2018. He was the captain of Queensland Queensland’s first ever premiership. in a State of Origin game. for the first time, and he single-handedly Queenslander Magazine asked Maroons tried to drag every one of those It was a fantastic career, and he earned and coach Kevin Walters to share his thoughts players across the line that night. deserved everything that came his way. on four of the greatest players of their It was just an outstanding example MATT GILLETT generation, and four of the greatest to of captaincy at its finest. have worn the Queensland jersey. I am very thankful that Greg got the Gillo was an exceptional player but COOPER CRONK opportunity to captain Queensland more importantly, a great Queenslander in his last year of Origin. who never let his state down. I really loved my time working with He is the type of player we don’t get Players loved having him as a teammate, Cooper at the Melbourne Storm to see very often. Just a rare talent, and coaches loved having him in their and also with Queensland. who was able to find the very best of teams. He always had a selfless attitude People talk about his talents, and himself and be a class above, even at to his football. The team came first. the very highest levels of the game. he had plenty. But it was his work At training, he always set the example ethic that was the thing that set him He had extraordinary passion and with his effort and attitude. apart from most other players. pride in that Maroon jersey. I will never forget Matt’s efforts in Right up until the last game of his career, He had enormous influence on my first series as Head Coach of he was the ultimate professional. the game – with the blokes he was Queensland in 2016. He was at the How many players have been able to leave playing with, and the guys who were peak of his powers, rightly talked about the game with three straight premierships out there trying to stop him. as the best forward in the world. – at two different clubs mind you? MATT SCOTT He put everything he had into every team He just knew how to win. He was the he played for, but especially Queensland. guy who would always find the right A lot of names get mentioned when For him to come back from a broken neck play, the right pass or the right kick you talk about that great period of and play two Origin games for Queensland to win. He was the one who would success that Queensland had for so this year was an incredible achievement. kick the field goal to get you home. many years, but no one should ever The fact he did so and kept his usual He also has an extraordinary amount underestimate just how much of a role high standards was a real credit to him. of courage. Probably one of the that Matt Scott played in that success. Playing those two games meant he reached things he will be best remembered He started off at such a young age 20 games for the Maroons – meaning he for is playing the 2018 for Queensland, fought his way back received the FOGS Tosser Turner Medal. with a broken shoulder blade. after a rough start, and just kept I remember the night he received the He was courageous in another way as well. growing and growing until he finished award – there were plenty of tears For him to talk away from the Melbourne up as the best prop in the world. because it meant so much to him. It was Storm system, where he was a major He transformed himself into a fantastic reward for a tremendous cog in a very successful machine, to join a great player, but was more decade of service to Queensland. the Roosters with all the pressure and importantly a great team man.

24 | Pictures: Courtesy News Queensland www.fogs.com.au CooperCRONK FOG No. Origin Games Tests NRL Games 168 22 (2010-2017) 38 375

GregINGLIS FOG No. Origin Games Tests NRL Games 152 32 (2006-2018) 39 265

MattSCOTT FOG No. Origin Games Tests NRL Games 155 22 (2006-2016) 22 268

MattGILLETT FOG No. Origin Games Tests NRL Games 173 20 (2012-2019) 12 202 IMMORTALISE YOUR FOOTY MEMORIES

HAVE YOUR KEEPSAKES PROFESSIONALLY FRAMED BY THE OFFICIAL PICTURE FRAMERS OF THE FOGS

JERSEYS · BOOTS · BATS · BALLS 25% OFF FRAMED JERSEYS FOR FRIENDS OF FOGS Unit 1/25-27 Ereton Dr Arundel, Gold Coast 4214 Ph: (07) 5500 5521 s ad! mentii thi e: offi[email protected] INSPIRATIONAL ARTIE STUDENTS PAY IT FORWARD THROUGH PROSOCIAL INCENTIVE PROGRAM

fter 10 years of the ARTIE Academy program, you would think there would not be too many surprises for the team at the AFormer Origin Greats. But in 2019, a collaborative research “In the context of our study, this be involved in a program like this, or project with the ’s involves offering students a choice when receive the rewards they do. There was Institute for Social Science Research they achieve a set school attendance an opportunity to pass that reward on. delivered a jolt of inspiration and target, in which they can chose to selflessness above and beyond the decade keep an incentive for themselves, or “We sent up a box of donated rewards of feel-good stories that have come off donate it to another student from a to the Aurukun Community, and the ARTIE Academy production line. more disadvantaged background. the school then used those items as rewards to deliver a similar sort of Rewards for ARTIE students who achieve “This concept is similar to the reward program into that school. their targets in academic performance idea of paying it forward. and school attendance have always SO WHILE WE DON’T HAVE been at the heart of the program – “Participating students are randomly

assigned to one of two groups: The “THE FUNDING TO ACTUALLY BE IN driving results out of under-performing

THAT SCHOOL, WE WERE ABLE TO students by showing them the correlation choice, or the control group. “ PROVIDE THE REWARDS AND THE “ between hard work and reward. “Students in both groups have the INSPIRATION TO GET A PROGRAM But this year, the Prosocial Incentive opportunity to receive an incentive STARTED FOR THEMSELVES program run in conjunction with UQ if they achieve the given attendance target. But only students in the choice explored what would happen if the Steven said the response of the students, group had the option to donate the students who did the hard work and then and their willingness to give away their incentive to students at a remote earned their reward were given the chance reward to those more in need had and highly disadvantaged Indigenous to give that reward away – by donating it been an eye-opening experience. to a student they had never met, in a more community in Far North Queensland.” “I was really surprised by the disadvantaged situation than themselves. ARTIE Academy Program Manager response of the ARTIE students to the Steven Page said the overwhelming and The Prosocial Incentive program gave concept, particularly in Term 1, when inspirational success of the trial would randomly selected ARTIE students, the reward on offer for the ARTIE lead to the Prosocial Incentive being who achieved their goal of 90 per cent students was the hoodie,” he said. attendance, the choice of keeping their expanded across more schools next year. “It was going into winter, everyone loves reward, or handing it to a student in “It is inspirational, and full the hoodie, and we had a new design more need in a remote Indigenous credit to the students who did this year as well. There were students community – in this case Aurukun. donate their prize,” he said. in Year 7 who had never received a The result was as inspirational as any “When you dangle an ARTIE hoodie in hoodie before who wanted to give act of selflessness seen on a footy field, front of a student, it is the reward that it away to another student they had with over 50 students giving up their every student in the program wants. never met who was in more need. hard-earned reward by donating to students at Aurukun State School. “To give them that choice – to give It wasn’t because they didn’t want it, away a highly sought-after reward or they didn’t need it. It was because Dr Azhar Hussain Potia, from UQ’s ISSR that they have had to work hard to there was someone who needed it program, said the Prosocial experiment achieve – that is something that can more, who couldn’t get it otherwise. with ARTIE students had been the only come from within them. ultimate example of “paying it forward”. “The success of the “For them to want to give away their concept means that we “Together, we have looked at new and reward to someone in more need now look at expanding somewhat unconventional ways we can shows an extraordinary amount of that option across all frame incentives to motivate students leadership, and incredible selflessness. of the high schools to apply themselves academically and involved in the ARTIE increase school attendance rates,” he said. “We have been wanting to become Academy, and I think engaged with the Aurukun the students who “One such strategy is based around community for quite some time. have been involved the notion of Prosocial Incentives This gave us the opportunity. in the program – whereby people are motivated for a while would to do something that will benefit “This was a way to show the students all jump at the someone other than themselves. in our program that there are students in remote communities that may not chance to be able get the opportunities that they did to to give back.” www.fogs.com.au | 27 ALL FOR FUN, AND FUN FOR ALL Artie Fun Days celebrate and inspire success

o often we hear of “peer pressure” being a negative thing for young people. But students participating in the ARTIE Academy Sprogram have turned it into a force for good. Once again this year, the students “It is a way to finish off the year on a Steven said the trial of the Fun Days in who successfully met their attendance high, and to celebrate meeting their and Cairns had both been challenges during the past 12 goals in their incentive challenges. massive success stories, ensuring months were invited to participate they would be back on the calendar in the ARTIE Academy Fun Days. “It is our big-ticket reward. All of the again in 2020 to keep the North students know it is coming around each Queensland ARTIE Academy cohort For the first time, the Former Origin Greats year, and they all look forward to it. focused on meeting their goals. hosted four Fun Days – the existing ones in Southeast Queensland and Rockhampton, “The students were really engaged with IT IS A GREAT DAY OUT, and two new ones in Townsville for North the Fun Days, with all the activities,

“ AND THEY ALL WANT TO BE

Queensland schools, and in Cairns for celebrating with their friends, and having

A PART OF IT, SO IT IS A GREAT the Far North Queensland schools. the ARTIE Academy Ambassadors on hand “ MOTIVATOR FOR THEM TO “ to help them enjoy the day,” he said More than 400 students from the MAINTAIN THE STANDARDS ACROSS southeast Queensland area celebrated THE WHOLE YEAR “The students are already looking the end of the year at White Water forward to next year’s event, so that World at Dreamworld on the Gold “It works on another level as well, seed has already been sown. Coast, with another 250 students because the students want to go “They all know how enjoyable the from six schools spread among the together with their friends and their Fun Days are, so they will start the three regional ARTIE Fun Days. groups, so that makes them all work new school year determined not to harder and work as a team to meet their ARTIE Academy Program Manager miss out and get back there again. goals, and they help and encourage the Steven Page said the popularity of others in the group along the way to the Fun Days was helping to drive “And the students that missed out will make sure they can all go together. even more success among students have heard all about what they missed out on, so they will be working extra hard to participating in the program. “So it is rewarding to see when the make sure they are not left out of it again. students themselves are driving other “To get an invitation to one of the Fun Days, students to meet their goals within students in the ARTIE Academy program “It is not only a celebration of the the program to make sure they all must maintain an attendance record of successes of the last year, it is also a attend the Fun Day together.” 90 per cent or more,” Steven explained. major motivation for them to back up those results again in the new year.”

28 | www.fogs.com.au www.fogs.com.au | 29 RACQ AND FOGS ON THE ROAD AGAIN Drivers Licence Program puts Artie Academy students on road to success

he Former Origin Greats are on track in 2020 to put 160 young Queenslanders in the driving seat for their futures as part of Tthe ARTIE Academy Driver Licensing Program, run in partnership with RACQ. The ARTIE Academy Driver Licensing “RACQ joined us at the end of last year. “We now run the program from Program provides the opportunity and We had 60 students complete the Beenleigh all the way up to the Atherton support for students in Year 10, 11 program across the first two years. in Tablelands in Far North Queensland.” and 12 to gain their driver’s licence. 2019, with RACQ on board, we doubled that number to 120 students participating The Program delivers big benefits “The Driver Licensing Program has in the program, and that expansion for successful participants, with the been going for three years,” said ARTIE has been geographically as well. independence offered by being able to Academy Program Manager Steven Page. drive oneself around opening up a world of opportunity – both socially, and through Together, we can do more for Queenslanders

Find out more at 30racq.com/more | www.fogs.com.au

925d2100d42e568980b6ae05e7f900b0_20191107064702.indd 1 19/11/19 9:40 am the ability to cover the distance required to attend further education or employment. But nothing good comes easy. The students are expected to achieve and maintain high standards in their schooling and attendance to participate in the ARTIE Academy Driver Licensing Program. “The Drivers Licence Program is a high- incentive program,” Steven said. “They have to work really hard to participate. “They must attend school at over 90 percent, they must have good behaviour, they have to provide a character reference from a teacher.

THERE ARE A FEW BOXES “THEY HAVE TO TICK OFF TO BE

A PART OF THAT PROGRAM.

ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE

PROGRAM, THEY HAVE TO KEEP “ THEIR ATTENDANCE HIGH, KEEP “ THEIR BEHAVIOUR HIGH TO STAY IN THE PROGRAM

“That instils leadership in them. If they can achieve that, they will earn their P-plates and a whole new world will open up to them, and employment opportunities as well.” Steven said the partnership between FOGS and the RACQ in delivering the program was the perfect fit for two iconic Queensland organisations. “RACQ really align with the work that we are doing in the ARTIE Academy and, like the FOGS, are an organisation for all Queenslanders,” he said. “They are focused on the message of road safety, getting these students on the road and helping them get into employment or further education. “When you are talking about the regional parts of Queensland where the ARTIE Academy program is operating, especially around Atherton, Ingham and Ayr, they are all a good hour away from the nearest university. “So the ability to get their licence, and drive a car directly impacts their ability to chase employment or further education, and that can have a huge impact on the lives and futures of these students.” www.fogs.com.au | 31 Pictures: News Courtesy Queensland

WHERE ARE THEY NOW FOG #147 TY WILLIAMS

Think of Innisfail’s finest rugby league products and the name Billy Slater immediately springs to mind.

Before Billy, you mind invariably would For all the backfield genius of Slater and I ACTUALLY SPENT SIX “ have gone to the other “kid” – the great Boustead, the try-scoring wizardry of “ WEEKS AT THE BRONCOS “ , who became the youngest Ty Williams must not be forgotten. BEFORE I SIGNED WITH Test player in history when he played in THE COWBOYS the green and gold in 1978 aged 18. From the moment he scored a staggering 42 tries in a single season playing But there is another backline flyer to for the Innisfail Leprechauns, it was “I was down in Brisbane doing emerge from the far north Queensland clear Williams had the talent, passion my apprenticeship at TAFE and town who left a lasting legacy at and single-minded focus to carve out every afternoon I would go and NRL and State of Origin level. a successful career in the NRL. train with the Broncos. But what few know is that, well before “That’s when Craig Bellamy (future Storm he helped awaken the sleeping giant that super coach) was the assistant to Wayne was the North Queensland Cowboys, Bennett. I thought I was going to be Williams had his heart set on fame and allocated to one of Brisbane’s feeder fortune at the . squads (in the ), but then the Cowboys showed interest and I “It was always the plan for me to play could see a pathway there to the NRL. NRL,” said Williams, who made his top- grade debut for the Cowboys in 2002. “At the time, the Broncos had Darren Lockyer, and “I did a lot of extras back home with as their back three and they were the training, and once I got a look in, I all-star Australian fullback and wingers, so wasn’t going to let my opportunity I thought my best chance of playing NRL slip. It was my main goal in life. was going back home to the Cowboys.”

32 | www.fogs.com.au “It all flowed on from 2004, we had “Playing with guys like Locky and Thurston made the semis for the first time ... it was just a massive thrill and I didn’t TY that year and we had that famous want to let those guys or the state down.” win over the Broncos (10-0 before a 24,989 sell-out crowd in Townsville). Williams played another five years WILLIAMS of NRL before pulling the pin at “To finish in the grand final was mind- the end of the 2010 season. blowing. The build up to the game FOG #147 was crazy and the whole of north He was just shy of his 30th birthday, Queensland was in a frenzy. relatively young in retirement terms, but NRL: 151 games is forever proud of a nine-season NRL “While it was disappointing to lose, career that netted 151 games and 85 tries. (North Qld Cowboys, 2002-2010) I felt we put our footprint on the competition that night and said: ‘The The 38-year-old is now giving back to QLD: 3 Origin games Cowboys are here to stay, we’re having the game he loves as head coach of a red-hot crack moving forward’.” Northern Pride in the Intrust Super Cup. (2005) The 2005 campaign was also Williams’ “This is my fourth season crowning moment as an individual. with the Pride,” he said. Still only 21, Williams rolled the dice, Five months before the grand final, he “I love watching young guys develop – not accepting a basic two-year Cowboys was called up to make his State of Origin only as players but people. It’s pretty contract worth a meagre $5000 a season. debut for Queensland alongside Cowboys rewarding when you get to assist guys away from football with finding work. For the first seven years of their teammates Bowen, Paul Bowman, existence, the Cowboys were and Johnathan Thurston. “I was more than comfortable with premiership whipping boys. In his maiden outing in Maroon, my decision to finish up. I dreamed of playing one NRL game and I ended But ’s appointment as Williams, wearing jumper No.2, scored a try at Suncorp Stadium and watched up with 151 games for a club that is coach for the 2002 season ushered in a in my backyard and I love seeing the bold new era for North Queensland. on in delight as Bowen intercepted a pass to snatch a Cowboys succeed the way they do now. Murray, who had steered the Sydney 24-20 victory in the series opener. “To see them win the NRL Roosters to the 2000 grand final, premiership in 2015, it’s nice to injected credibility and self-belief. The Blues managed to hit back to win the series – and Williams know I helped create a pathway He fast-tracked the careers of local did not survive for the 2006 for future Cowboys players. juniors such as , Williams, campaign. But the Cowboys “I have no regrets at all. If anything, and Nathan Fien. ace will always treasure his I am overjoyed with what the game three-game stint in Maroon. “Muzz came in and shook the place has given me.” up and gave us young blokes an “It still gives me goose-bumps when I think opportunity,” Williams said. about it,” he said of his Origin memories. Williams flourished under Murray. In his “You get picked in the best 17 first three seasons, Williams scored 40 tries for Queensland and I made from 68 games, carving out a reputation lifelong friends out of it. as a fleet-footed winger who combined brilliantly with fullback Bowen and could “To debut at Suncorp and have my family score from anywhere on the park. and friends there was pretty cool. Then came his dream season in 2005. I WAS PART OF THE

Williams set the Cowboys’ flanks alight, “GAME WHERE MATT BOWEN producing a career-best seasonal haul of SCORED THE MATCH-WINNING “ 18 tries from 23 games to propel his side INTERCEPT IN EXTRA-TIME. “ to their maiden grand final appearance. THE CROWD ERUPTED. IT DIDN’T GET ANY BETTER And while North Queensland were beaten 30-16 by the in the “Origin is another two levels up on decider, Williams scored three tries in the NRL. The whole 80 minutes is so two finals games to catapult the Cowboys intense. You have to be constantly on to their historic night at Homebush. your game or the best players expose “The grand final was a massive you. I found it really mentally draining. year for us all,” Williams recalls.

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his column was one I never thought I would have to write. This is the column about how I got prostate cancer. Sorry, I should Tsay, this is the column about how I BEAT prostate cancer. If I haven’t caught up with you I took a couple of minutes to But the number of guys that have said personally in recent times, no doubt think about things, and I asked: to me “thank God you told me, my you saw the stories in the media “So what’s the process?”. numbers were high” makes me feel about me finding out I had cancer. better about driving people mad. The decision was up to me about Sometimes you don’t want everyone whether I had the surgery or not. So here’s what you have to do: Once knowing your business. But I knew a year, book in for a full check-up me going public might encourage One of the nurses at the hospital said to with the your GP. Get your blood some other blokes to go and get a test me: “I love working with you footballers, tested, your blood pressure tested, done, and that might save a life. because you process everything.” your skin checked. The works. So here we are. She’s right. That is how we operate. Make it routine. Do it on your birthday, your anniversary, whatever. Let’s start at the beginning. Some blokes that haven’t played sport in their life might not have that. If you’re not worried about yourself, that’s I was booked in for a general check-up fine. But what about your wife and kids. with my family doctor, something I have Footy helps you so much in life. What done every year since I turned 50. we go through on the field helps us Think about them. deal with pressure better. It teaches Every year, I go in and get a full you how to handle adversity. Your life is not just about you. check-up – get the blood tested, and get my skin checked. I interviewed four doctors to see what The thing about prostate cancer their thoughts were. I decided to go with is that there are plenty of good Every year it has been fine. Dr Geoffrey Coghlan at the Wesley. stories out there, just like mine. Then this year, it wasn’t. I spoke to a couple of old Queensland It doesn’t always end up with a colostomy Something about my blood test teammates in and bag for the rest of your life – or worse, caught my doctor’s eye. Gary Larson, who have both had it carking it. and come out the other side. And I should add, here is another way I am The key is to so lucky with this story: Having a regular I decided to get the surgery. catch it early family doctor, who knows your history, enough for what your normal levels are, and who I got the news at the end of March, it to be a knows when something is not quite right. and had the surgery on August 5. good story. My levels weren’t even that high. I had the operation, and a recovery game-plan to work to – catheter out Maybe a doctor who didn’t know my after a week, six weeks of walking, and history would have looked at the visiting a prostate physiotherapist to numbers and thought they weren’t teach you about using muscles down high enough to be concerned. there you never knew you had. But the difference was enough I saw the surgeon three months later, had for my doctor, who knew my another blood test, and the results came history, to ask the question. back really good. He said: “I’ll see you in 12 months unless you have any dramas”. He said to me: “I don’t like the way your PSA levels bounce around. There have been no dramas. I will just They’re up, then they’re down.” go back to having my full check-up once a year like I have been doing. It was the smallest difference, but enough for him to send me off to a urologist And now? You would never at Chermside, Dr David Hussey. know I had cancer. Dr Hussey said: “I don’t like that either, It takes me a little longer to take a Gilly. It’s not extremely high, but I’ll leak than it used to, but all things send you for a scan anyway”. considered, I can handle that. He called me up a couple of days The reason my cancer story is so later, and said: “I need to see you”. successful is because I was in the driver’s seat the whole way along. He had the results of the scan and It never had control of me. there was a spot of cancer there. I drive my mates mad about getting I couldn’t believe it. I asked him the blood tests done. Next time I see if he had the right scan. you, I am going to drive you mad too. I was feeling that good. I had been training that morning, and I’d never felt better. I had no symptoms, no history in the family. It hit me like a ton of bricks. www.fogs.com.au Pictures: Courtesy News Queensland | 35 Bartons Hyundai DrivingFOGS

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