SEPTEMBER 2010 ISSUE 66

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE RFL

LEGEND OF LEAGUE RAY’S UP FOR THE CUP

on the inside…

Schooled for Bears learn successs new tricks Growing & growing 6 Legend of league

CONTENTS

5 Media Matters

8 Wembley bound

10 The greatest

11 BARLA take on the MPs

12 Not playing games

14 Taking a bow

16 Schooled 20 Bears 18 Southern success for success learn new tricks 19 Moving forward

21 Heading in the right direction

22 Fully focused

24 Putting down roots

27 All to play for

28 That’s just great

30 The youth of today

 SUNDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER. THE , TICKET PRICES: Adults: £14, £15, £16, £20 Concessions: £7, £8, £10 CALL NOW ON 0844 856 1113 CONFERENCE NATIONAL FINAL 12.30PM 26 Growing & CHAMPIONSHIP ONE PLAY-OFF 15.05PM growing www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk 17.30PM

For Hospitality, call 0844 856 1114. For disabled enquiries, call 0844 856 1113 or e-mail [email protected] INSIDE THIS ISSUE MEDIA MATTERS .... with Rob Wilkinson

Welcome to issue 66 of the Rugby League Bulletin .... The RFL Media Department RL is gearing up for its busiest IN NUMBERS time of the year over the next One of the biggest days in the Rugby League calendar is almost upon couple of months, a period us as the Rhinos and are set to meet in the 2010 Carnegie Final. featuring a host of the game’s As we look ahead to the huge day at Wembley this latest issue showpiece occasions and contains several features ahead of the big game, including an interview announcements .... with the legendary , interviews with players from both sides and a trip down memory lane with a look back at the classic 1985 Cup Final between and Hull FC. First off there’s the historic Carnegie However, whilst plays host to the Cup Final it’s not the only Challenge Cup Final at on action taking place in the nation’s capital. 89,356 Supporters at the round 22 Saturday August 28 when and Twenty four hours earlier a huge weekend of action kicks off with Engage fixtures Warrington Wolves look like selling out the the Carnegie Champion Schools Finals at Hillingdon Sport & Leisure famous venue for a match that represents complex and will see seven eagerly contested games, before the year the very best the game has to offer. What seven boys final brings the 2010 competition to an end as the curtain- bigger game could there be than the Challenge Cup holders versus the reigning raiser at Wembley. Engage Super League champions? On the eve of the cup final there’s also a chance for fans to catch Almost immediately after that we have two other games, as a BARLA side takes on the All Parliamentary the start of the Engage Super League Group’s “Political Animals” ahead of the Co-operative Championship Play-Offs featuring the second ever ClubCall One clash between and at the New River announcement, a feature which proved Here we go again - the coming weeks will see several showpiece occasions Stadium. incredibly popular last year. Since the Other highlights include an interview with coach Steve game’s inception in 1895 Rugby League McNamara, a look at the work done by the down in has been a pioneering force for change in UK sport and innovations such as ClubCall, and also the development activity taking place in , the whereby the highest placed team after the North West and London. 29,769 Children took part in the first round of play-offs get to choose who 2009/10 Carnegie Champion they play to reach the Grand Final, reinforce that reputation. Schools tournament TOM HOYLE At the end of September it’s the Editor turn of the Co-operative Championship, [email protected] Championship One and the RLC National to have their day in the sun with Grand Finals Day. The Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington, plays host to this exciting triple header of games that has firmly established itself within the rugby calendar. Will League Leaders Rovers be crowned top dogs after a fantastic season twitter.com/CommunityRL facebook.com/rugbyfootballleague or can repeat last year’s achievement? Who will join Hawks in gaining promotion to the Championship? One of the highlights of this year’s Super saw off with a dramatic late try from Published by the Community Game Services Department of the RFL. Will triumph yet again in League campaign was the ‘magnificent Alex Brown giving Bulldogs skipper Paul The RFL, The Zone, St Andrews Road, , HD1 6PT. 276 Clubs signed up to the RFL’s the Conference final? seven’ weekend in July when the Handforth the chance to lift the club’s first Tel - 01484 448000 | Fax - 01484 545582, community club partnership One week later Engage Super League competition posted a new record aggregate trophy for over 80 years. Email - [email protected] | Internet - www.rfl.uk.com agreement takes centre stage with the Grand Final at attendance for the seven Round 22 fixtures, Both of these events attracted a lot of on Saturday October 2 in what an achievement aided by a bumper crowd media coverage including previews and will be the culmination of what has to have for the table-topping clash between Wigan reviews on all four regional terrestrial The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the RFL Board of been one of the most exciting seasons of Warriors and Warrington, the first Rugby channels, a first for the tournament. Robbie Directors. all time. League match in this country broadcast in Paul’s role as Northern Rail ambassador The following day we remember and 3D. helped with the Kiwi star fronting up an pay tribute to Garry Purdham, a former RL That same weekend the 20 English entertaining short video on with Contributors - Tom Hoyle, John Ledger, Neil Barraclough, swpix.com, Dave Williams, Nick professional who was so tragically killed Co-operative Championships sides lit up the Batley and Widnes mascots. Boothroyd, Phil Hodgson, Mark Ramsdale, Louise Fildes, Phil Caplan, Chris Westwood, Donna in the Cumbrian shootings in June, with Blackpool and the Fylde Coast with their As the top echelons of the game reach Wilkinson, Nathan Clarke, Steve Manning Steve McNamara taking his England team to own mini version of the Murrayfield Magic their climax the same applies to the many for a poignant fixture against weekend. Fans from 18 sides flocked in summer conferences, both men’s and Cumbria. their hundreds to Fylde Rugby Club on the women’s, up and down the United Kingdom If you are interested in advertising in the Rugby League Bulletin, please contact - Just five days after that Steve takes his Saturday to witness the Northern Rail 9s that will be holding their Grand Finals. [email protected] 24-man squad to New Zealand and and then over 8,000 Batley and Widnes The RFL Media team would like to wish Main Cover Photograph - Ray French (swpix) 18 Teams took part in the Northern for the Four Nations where England will look supporters made their way to Bloomfield every team taking part the very best of © The League Ltd 2010 Rail 9s to maintain the progress they began making Road on the Sunday for the Northern Rail luck and we’d love to hear all about your in the 2009 Gillette Four Nations and Cup. Both were outstanding spectacles initiatives, successes and experiences Designed by - Tom Hoyle continued in this season’s Gillette Fusion with Halifax winning the 9s by defeating during an action packed 2010. Printed by - Redwood Print Ltd Tel - 01484 711111 International. Eagles in the final before Batley

- 4 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 5 - Ray French is a Rugby League legend. We’ve tried, but there is no other way of putting it. A dual code international more than 30 years before the likes of and , he won the Challenge Cup in 1966 before moving into radio and, more famously, television. He was the BBC’s commentator on every Challenge Cup Final between 1982 and 2008. As the Rugby League world focuses on this year’s Wembley showpiece, NEIL BARRACLOUGH could not think of a better time to catch up with the “The one that man who has been there, seen it and got all the T-shirts .... gave me the most satisfaction Asking Ray French about the magic of “The 1966 semi final against finals is perhaps a bit surprising. The 1985 the Challenge Cup is like opening a box of was the most dramatic I’ve played in,” says Wigan v Hull, Kenny v Sterling battle, was St Helens v chocolates: you sense there’s excitement French. “They were a very lowly side, but perhaps? “Memorable,” he says. But not his Catalans in 2007. ahead, but it can be difficult to know where they’d done well with some older characters. favourite. to start. We were still out and out favourites to win, “The one that gave me the most To see a French This year will be the second without though. It was something daft like 1/100 satisfaction was St Helens v Catalans in French’s unique voice broadcasting the odds. 2007. To see a French team at Wembley team at Wembley competition’s climax to the nation’s armchair “But 15 minutes from time, we were was beyond my wildest dreams. French viewers, but his personal love affair with losing 7-2. We couldn’t get in the game. We Rugby League has been battered over was beyond my Rugby League’s oldest trophy is now well couldn’t do anything because we couldn’t the years, but it’s still triumphed. Seeing a into its sixth decade. get the ball. Dewsbury were playing out of French team in the Challenge Cup final was wildest dreams.” “I was a member of St Helens’ Challenge their skins, but then we got an interception one of my biggest ambitions. I’m so glad it’s Cup win back in 1966,” he recalls. “There try and then scored again. We ended up happened.” was a massive crowd - something like winning it in a five-minute spell near the That game was also the first Challenge 92,000 - and we gave Wigan a bit of a end. It was one of the most amazing games Cup final at the “new” Wembley. What does thumping. I’ve ever played in.” he make of it? “I miss the Twin Towers, but “It finished 21-2 in the end, but we had a Having retired in 1972, French’s career I realise they could not have fitted into the team full of great stars; names like Murphy, took an unexpected turn towards local radio. modern architecture,” he says. Bishop, Watson and Van Vollenhoven. That Before long, BBC television came calling. “I “It’s now a wonderful stadium and the year we won four trophies. We did the just got contacted out of the blue,” he says. view is tremendous, but the other thing I league and cup double, as well as getting “They wanted to know whether I’d like to do miss is the lack of a tunnel. One of the great the League and the Western a test to take over from .” things about playing at the old Wembley Trophy. Waring, of course, was one of the most was that it was almost gladitorial. “Mind you, Wigan had some fine players famous names in Rugby League. And after “The players came up from that long too. , Brian McTigue, . appearing on shows such as “Morecambe slope below the ground, then emerged They were all there. The rivalry was intense, and Wise”, his fame had gone well beyond from the darkness in the tunnel into a huge but a lot of the players were the best of the sport. What was it like taking over from roar and bright sunshine. There was then friends with each other and remain so to such an institution? that long walk to the centre. Some players this day. Two of my best friends are Billy enjoyed it, others were nervous. That walk, Boston and Eric Ashton. It was a great “The thing about the Challenge and coming up the tunnel, they gave a real contest between those sides, there’s no Cup final is that it’s a worldwide sense of occasion and ceremony to the final. doubt about that.” event, It’s also got history. For It was so dramatic.” He adds, “I went out of the Challenge Cup that alone, I think it’s our most Regardless, there’ll still be no keener at various rounds with St Helens and then viewer of this year’s final. “The thing Widnes, but knockout rugby is so special. It’s prestigious competition.” about the Challenge Cup final is that it’s a one-off chance. It’s 80 minutes, and you’re a worldwide event,” he says. “It’s also got either in the draw on Monday, or you’re not. “Like carrying coal on your back for 10 history. For that alone, I think it’s our most “You can have lapses and injuries in the years, there’s no doubt about that,” he prestigious competition. league, but you can cope because you’ve says. “But to their credit, the first thing the “Old Trafford is marvellous in its own got 20-odd fixtures. With the play-offs BBC said was, “Ray, we don’t want another right. It’s a Saturday night spectacular, and you’re like racing cars jostling for position on Eddie”. It wasn’t that they were denigrating it’s a fitting finale to the end of the season. the starting grid. Eddie. His era had been great and it had But Wembley is more lasting.” “But with the Challenge Cup, you simply fulfilled everything they wanted it to be, cannot slip up. Some of the greatest players but they now wanted a different style and go through their careers and never play in a a different era. They just said, “Ray, be final. As a player you certainly have an extra yourself.” Ray French’s latest edge when it’s Challenge Cup time.” “You were thrown in at the deep end book, “Ray French... It is that extra edge that makes upsets and you sank or you swam. That was good, and Rugby”, is due LEGEND OF so regular in Rugby League’s most romantic actually, because today there are too for release in mid- competition. Barrow’s win at Castleford many commentators that are just clones of September. ISBN was a prime example this season, but each other. If you’re sitting down to listen 978-0956252692, each year is littered with them. Remember on radio or watch on TV, you want to be published by Huddersfield beating Leeds in the 2006 entertained. You need to develop a rapport Scratching Shed. semi final? Catalans getting the better of with the audience, and you only do that by Wigan 12 months later? And most famously being yourself. You’ve got to be you.” of all, Sheffield’s heroic 1998 triumph at With all those years of experience, his Wembley? choice as one of his favourite Wembley LEAGUE

- 6 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 7 - NEIL BARRACLOUGH catches up with members of both camps ahead of the Wembley showpiece .... The Rhinos had to wait 24 hours before finding out who they would face at admitted to having “shivers down his spine” as he came to Wembley, but Warrington were in emphatic form against misfiring Catalans terms with securing only his second Wembley appearance .... Dragons ....

The veteran Leeds centre was in sensational Leeds trailed 18-8 at half time but Danny grabbed a hat-trick as the As a club we’re trying “ brings out some of his form as the Rhinos edged St Helens 32-28 “We’ve set our sights on McGuire’s double, including the match- Wolves ran in nine tries in a one-sided romp. “ best games in the Cup, but he’s doing been at the Galpharm Stadium. this because it’s been winner six minutes from time, made sure of Clint Greenshields’ tries just before half time to build week by week doing it all year. I also thought it was one The win means Senior, who remains the the Rhinos’ place at the showpiece final. and full time were Catalans’ only high points of Louis Anderson’s biggest and strongest only member of the Leeds squad to have a long time since Leeds Senior said: “Danny’s been our player of in a 54-12 demolition. and year on year, and games for us. won the Carnegie Challenge Cup, will make the year so far. He’s been immense for us.” Anderson said: “It’s good to be going back by getting to the final “There were some outstanding tries all an emotional return to Wembley 12 years have won the Challenge McGuire, who will now fulfil his dream to Wembley after having a taste of it last the way through. There was some really after helping shock Wigan. Cup. It’s massively of representing his hometown club at the year. again we are doing that. good vision, some good risk-taking and Senior said: “I’ve been fortunate to play famous stadium, added: “It’s an awesome “It must be 15 years since I last scored a Hopefully we can come some good judgement.” at Wembley once before, and that’s the only overdue.” feeling. It was a very tough game against hat-trick! The boys were awesome and I just He continued: “Our defence was time I’ve ever been. Just thinking about the St Helens. It was a massive effort from both go on the end of the moves.” back with another win.” outstanding. Catalans asked some questions chance to go to the new Wembley sends teams, and I’m just grateful we got the win. Man of the match Michael Monaghan, of us but we handled it all pretty well.” shivers down my spine. “It was very similar to 2003 (when who was the Trophy winner in Warrington hero Briers, who scored a try “It was an immense game against St “I’ve been fortunate to get four Grand a Leeds-St Helens semi final went into last year’s final, was in superb form. In an early attempt at mind games, Smith just after half time in the semi final victory, Helens. It was end-to-end and it was as Final medals, but I’ve got three Challenge extra time). Nobody was man of the match His combination with , after said: “They’ve been champions for the last was also delighted. He said: “It’s a great exciting to play in as it was to watch. Cup losers’ medals and that’s not very nice. because there were 17 guys on both teams coach Tony Smith elected to start with few years and they definitely deserve the feeling to be going back to Wembley. “We’re fortunate that we’ve got a lot of It’s good that we’ve finally got another that put in 100 per cent effort. Richie Myler on the bench, was at the heart favourites’ tag. We’ll go as underdogs and do “As a club we’re trying to build week by big game players that have played in finals chance. “Wembley is something that’s eluded us of everything Warrington did well. our best.” week and year on year, and by getting to before. You don’t need motivating when “We can cement our position as being a for a long time, but we’ve not done anything Monaghan said: “We knew we had a He added: “I thought we were very good the final again we are doing that. Hopefully there’s the chance to get to the Carnegie superb Leeds team by claiming the Cup. We yet.” tough game ahead of us. We prepared really against Catalans. We were very committed we can come back with another win. Challenge Cup Final.” are a great team, but there are only three Leeds skipper said: “The semi and I’m really happy for the boys. There are defensively and we played out our game- “It’s going to be tough against Leeds, but The 34-year-old ex-England star added: major trophies in Rugby League. We’ve final was a great advert for Rugby League, a couple of boys that missed out injured last plan very well. we’re happy we’re there. They are a quality “We’ve set our sights on this because it’s slipped up in one when Melbourne beat and it could have gone either way. Keith year and they’ll get a crack at it this time. “The boys are very committed to each side and a champion side. They know how to been a long time since Leeds have won the us, but we’ve still go the chance to do the Senior, Danny McGuire and It’s good times.” other, and when they’re in that mode they get up for big games and we need to match Challenge Cup. It’s massively overdue. double.” stood up for us. They were awesome for us.” He continued: “We played a similar game are tough to beat. them and get up to their level.”

“They’ve been WEMBLEYchampions BOUND for the last few years and they definitely deserve the favourites’ tag”

last year against Wigan. We love the Stobart Stadium – hopefully we’ll get a few more games here!” But the Australian was quick to deflect attention from himself. “A few of the boys could have got the man of the match,” he said. “Louis Anderson was unbelievable and we really did a job on them. It was a team effort right across the board.” It will be the first time Warrington and Leeds have met in the Challenge Cup final for 74 years. Wolves captain and coach Smith are sure to feel extra emotion as they come up against their former club.

- 8 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 9 - Uplifting - Wigan Twenty-five years raise the cup BARLA’s ethos since ago, Wembley it’s formation in 1973 witnessed what has always been “Play for BARLA and see the many still regard as World” having spread the greatest ever and developed the Challenge Cup Final. game in all parts of NEIL BARRACLOUGH the world in both the looks back at a Northern and Southern classic Wembley Hemispheres. STEVE encounter .... MANNING looks ahead to Friday August 27 when BARLA will be helping to spread and develop the game

Widely remembered as the v closer to home when Peter Sterling final, 97,801 people piled into the famous old stadium for what was to go the BARLA Chairman’s down as a modern day classic. Select XIII play the It was a fitting way to mark the 50th Challenge Cup final at Wembley, and few Political Animals; a who were there will ever forget the drama and tension of an almost unbearable last 20 side drawn from the minutes. Having led 28-12 with only 17 minutes All Party Parliamentary to go, Wigan fans were then forced to Rugby League Group of Getting shirty - Greg endure an agonising finish as Hull came Mulholland MP with Stevo storming back. The Cherry and Whites held MP’s .... on, eventually winning 28-24, but they had been given an almighty fright. Kenny and Sterling, who were then The game will be played as a curtain Australia’s Test half back partners, lit up the raiser to the London Skolars last home game from the beginning. game of the season in the Co-operative And to mark the 25th anniversary of the Championship 1 against Oldham at White clash, the stars of the two teams will be The greatest Hart Lane Community Sports Centre. guests of honour at this year’s Wembley The Political Animals side will be showpiece. showed classic centre play to draw the last three weeks before the final, he was on captained by Greg Mulholland the Liberal Despite falling well behind, it was Hull man and send Henderson Gill racing clear. hand to gather Paul Rose’s short pass in the Democrat MP for Leeds North West who BARLA take who started the game in brighter fashion. Gill was left with only Kemble to beat 64th minute. is delighted that the game represents the Only a thunderous tackle stopped Lee and opted to use speed as his weapon, By the time he pierced Wigan’s ranks second year of the side. Crooks crashing through from Sterling’s eventually wriggling free of the Hull full from deep with a 65-metre effort four “This is great news for the Animals. Being inside ball, but the Airlie Birds sensed their back’s despairing tackle 20 metres away minutes from time, Hull fans were beginning a part of BARLA brings us in line with a long chance. from the line. Dane O’Hara’s chase stopped to believe the impossible was coming true. Rugby League heritage, and I am delighted Sterling was involved twice as his side Gill from going under the posts, and the Gary Divorty had crashed on to Sterling’s that a team of politicians can play its part. spread the play from left to right on the resulting conversion was missed. pass in between Leuluai’s brace, meaning I look forward to us working more closely on the MPs next tackle, before ’s inside But that looked to be only a minor detail the gap was now just four points. But time with BARLA and being much more involved “Since the General Election, at the right level and making sure that there pass opened up enough space for Kevin when Wigan extended their lead three ran out for Hull. over coming years. are no injuries to both sides.” James to cross untouched. minutes after the break. Kenny’s dummy “This game represents the start of the we’ve been joined by a range “The side are travelling down to London Crooks’ earlier penalty meant Hull were caused plenty of doubt in the Hull ranks and Animals’ second year and I’m delighted of MPs and Councillors from on the Friday for the game and staying gave the Australian maestro enough time THE TEAMS six points clear but Wigan needed only six that we’re growing on the first season’s all parties and I am sure that for a couple of nights. As well as playing more minutes to level the scores. to send a young scampering foundations with a game against BARLA. in the curtain raiser they are being given Brian Dunn’s half break was halted by under the posts. Hull FC: Gary Kemble; Kevin James, Steve BARLA have been supporters of the All- this match will demonstrate tickets for the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final some good defence, but ’s offload By now Hull were 22-8 down. They Evans, James Leuluai, Dane O’Hara; Fred Ah Party Parliamentary Rugby League Group to all newcomers just how at Wembley when the Leeds Rhinos play to Ian Potter gave the Wigan loose forward were given some hope when Steve Evans Kuoi, Peter Sterling; Lee Crooks (c), Shaun for many years and it’s great that we can holders Warrington Wolves.” enough time to pick out John Ferguson with finished Sterling’s break - Evans even Patrick, Neil Puckering, , Paul now take that mutual respect onto the field. good our sport is on, as well “I am sure that the players and coaching a stunning long pass. throwing the ball at Dunn after scoring for Rose, . Subs: , “Since the General Election, we’ve been as off, the field of play.” staff will enjoy the experience and will And Wigan scored twice more before what he viewed as a late tackle - but Wigan Gary Divorty. joined by a range of MPs and Councillors have an enjoyable weekend and once again the interval to leave Hull’s chances looking responded in suitable fashion. from all parties and I am sure that this lads and administrators to play the MP’s and become involved in the development of bleak. ’s pass fed Kenny, who When the Black and Whites lost Wigan: Shaun Edwards; John Ferguson, match will demonstrate to all newcomers see how they go and how the far the Rugby our great game but this time in our own split the Hull line on halfway and then possession on halfway, Ferguson was quick , Steve Donlan, Henderson just how good our sport is on, as well as off, League skills of our politicians have come country.” glided past Kemble to reach the corner in to snap up the loose ball and race past Gill; Brett Kenny, Mike Ford; Neil Courtney, the field of play.” on.” The curtain raiser should be a fascinating spectacular fashion. Kemble for his second try. Nicky Kiss, Brian Case, Graeme West (c), BARLA Great Britain International “The Political Animals were elected as experience for all concerned as both sides If that wasn’t enough, Wigan then However, James Leuluai, father of current Brian Dunn, Ian Potter. Subs: Nick Du Toit, Manager Mick Turner said, “It is going to be Associate Members of BARLA at June’s AGM put their bodies on the line on what will be launched another long-range raid on the Wigan star Thomas and uncle of Leeds prop Danny Campbell. great for BARLA to send our BARLA Bulldogs and it will be their first game since becoming another first for a BARLA representative stroke of half time. Kenny’s miss pass Kylie, had other ideas. Despite a shoulder side down to London to play the Political members and it gives us a great honour to side against the MP’s in a competitive game found David Stephenson on the left, and he injury keeping him out of action for the Referee: Ron Campbell (Widnes) Animals. We are taking some of our older play them. It’s a case of pitching the game of Rugby League.

- 10 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 11 - It’s been all very well, kind of cosy in fact for Rugby League clubs to bask in the glow that their place in their local community gives Media Manager CHRIS them. It certainly has added to the Hooves advert zeitgeist that a lot of people like to WESTWOOD tells bestow on the game and its culture. Rugby League has over the last the Rugby League fifteen years or so completely reversed that concept and a good thing too. Other Bulletin about the sports have become pro-active in their communities and in a big way: but Rugby community work done League, because of that culture, has had to put its learning centre where its mouth is by The Co-operative and actually mean it. Featherstone Rovers is a classic example Championship club .... of the genre. The little town with the big club, a team brim full with local lads and all the rest. It’s symbolic therefore that Rovers, with its three level approach to community involvement has taken the concept and driven it forward with determination, “lifelong learning for children and adults”. imagination and a lot of hard work. The key Sport is woven into the programmes but not to success as you will see, is not that you (I tightly and not exclusively. hate this term) “tick boxes”, or get brownie Study Rovers main missions Barbara points from the big noises at Red Hall, but Wilford tells me are; “Healthy lifestyle that you actually believe in it. You have to programmes for secondary school students do it and mean it. and young offenders within the Wakefield All three facets of Rovers’ community Metropolitan Area and Lincolnshire. Part of strategy cross fertilize, support each other, this initiative is Rovers fitness coach Dave and complement each other. “Featherstone Downs who is also an anger management Improvers”, the Rovers Playing For Success counsellor. Students can attain the Sports centre, “Study Rovers” and the “Players’ Leader’s Award or The Young Leader’s team” cover most of the bases and they do Award.” it together. Barbara emphasised Study Rovers “Improvers” headed up by Tina Dransfield commitment to ‘life-long learning’, by works with local schools. It has its own adding; “We run a healthy living programme structure, but is closely integrated with for Primary Schools: even including healthy those schools. Tina outlined where the eating sessions, fitness and co ordination facility was at saying; skills work-outs. We have primary days “We have the latest IT facilities; we involving music (a recent African drumming work during after school hours and during session with a group of musicians from the summer holidays. A child that comes Harrogate almost literally brought the house to us will take part in a three hour session down), drama, literacy-a recent visit by poet, each week for ten weeks. All aspects of writer and broadcaster Ian McMillan was the curriculum are covered in tandem with unforgettable not least for McMillan himself, the child’s own school, but there has to be numeracy and science. a certain amount of flexibility, since each But there’s more: High School science child has a programme designed to fulfil its students can work on their GCSEs, staff individual needs.” and players can gain qualifications useful At the end of term like other playing to them in their subsequent careers or for success centres we hold a celebration: current skill sets. We work in conjunction a graduation to recognise achievement with the GMB Union’s conversion to learning and progress made. Parents, children and initiative.” especially children so we demonstrate teachers get together and this is important, Study Rovers also works with adults with the meaning of food as for instance an because it helps to build relationships and learning disabilities, with their “sporting energy provider – many children go to NOT PLAYING forge links. The club stages the celebration fun for adults” courses and collaborates school without breakfast. We were the first providing star players and other leading with Oak Hill Children’s’ Sure Start centre sports club to come up with the concept of personalities, food and a disco. Local providing a programme for fathers and their providing children with pedometers. During businesses are involved in what we do and children. As well as enjoying activities with our activities they can measure and quantify are generous. Our day to day practical needs their children, dads get to meet other dads, the work their bodies have done taking part are well looked after,” she enthused. share their experiences, ideas and thoughts. in say circus skills or dance with Laura Beth It’s an impressive place with a relaxed, The “player’s team” are a vital part of the Jagger, sports activities with the players, or but purposeful vibe. But it’s down to people mix, with assistant coach Ryan Sheridan in simply just moving around. It ties in neatly GAMES power to make it work as Dransfield points charge. with the stage of their development they out; Sheridan is an innovator and an enthusiast. are at. Each successive session is recorded “At the centre, Brooke Wilson our Higher He’s also very shrewd. He sees the value of and tabulated. This is currently being Level Teaching assistant works alongside players developing their own skills through developed into a diary that each child will me, then there are the learning support Rovers’ community work, as well as the keep, monitoring the energy they burn, staff from the individual schools and an importance of what they do in itself, saying; the amount of fuel they take on board, the indispensible cadre of volunteer mentors. “Whilst a player is involved in our community nature of, and their general well being.” We are also part of a wider group of six projects, he will have qualified at least Did I mention corporate training? centres which act as a network support as a level two gym instructor, level three conferences? social events including group and are overviewed by a government personal coach, level two Rugby League weddings? Never mind. I’ll finish off with appointed critical friend.” coach and will arguably more importantly BEST. You’ll see BEST at the Bigfellas on a “Study Rovers” is headed up by teachers have developed as a person, with more day to day basis. They are an organisation Doug and Barbara Wilford, and is the longest confidence, inter personal skills, empathy, that teaches practical skills to long term standing part of the triumvirate, having and certain standards and values. unemployed adults. They use the entire been set up in 2003. Its central concept is “It’s no good preaching to people, stadium as a teaching aid.

- 12 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 13 - Taking a bow Volunteers are the life-blood of any sport “The Carnegie Challenge Cup Final is The stars of the and Rugby League is certainly no different. one of the biggest games in the Rugby To help reward the many helpers who put League calendar and gives us the perfect Leeds Rhinos and their own time into working within the opportunity to thanks the award winners for game the RFL has annually run the National their efforts. I’d like to congratulate them on Warrington Wolves Volunteer Awards and this year’s winners their achievements and hope that they have are once again set to receive their prizes at a great day at Wembley.” won’t be the only the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final. After gaining their respective accolades The 2010 winners are - people taking to at a regional level the seven were then YOUNG VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR selected by an independent panel and were Gemma Taylor (Jarrow Vikings) recognised for their efforts throughout the VOLUNTEER CO-ORDINATOR OF THE YEAR the Wembley turf course of the year. Andrew Quirke (Northampton Casuals) “Without the hard work of the thousands IN LEAGUE TOGETHER AWARD at the end of the of volunteers our game would certainly not Steve Beaty () be able to function,” said David Gent, the VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR month. TOM HOYLE RFL’s Director of Participation and Strategic Philip Bartlett (Queensbury Juniors) Partnerships. COACH OF THE YEAR introduces seven “There are so many people who devote Karl Fearnley (Bristol Sonics) their time to help the sport thrive at grass TEACHER OF THE YEAR more individuals roots level and holding the awards gives us Danny Iacona (Brentwood County High) a chance to celebrate their achievements. UNSUNG HERO Past years have seen some remarkable Joan & Roger Blair ( League) who are set to take a examples of volunteering within our game and this year has certainly proved to be no bow .... different.”

- 14 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk Carnegie Champion Schools Finals 2010

It’s not just the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final that takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend. DONNA WILKINSON looks ahead to the Carnegie Champion ORDER OF PLAY Schools Finals which take place on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 August.... Friday August 26 At Hillingdon Sport & Leisure complex

GIRLS YEAR 7 Castleford High (Wakefield) v Settle Middle (North ) Touchdown - Tomkins is KO 11.15am now a Wigan regular GIRLS YEAR 8 Castleford High v Feltham (London) KO 12.15pm

BOYS YEAR 8 Brentwood County High (Essex) v Outwood Grange (Wakefield) Refs compete for Wembley glory KO 1.10pm GIRLS YEAR 9 The finalists won’t be the only ones competing for glory at Castleford High (Wakefield) v Holy Cross (Chorley) Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Complex on the Friday before the KO 2.15pm Carnegie Challenge Cup Final. BOYS YEAR 9 Brooksbank (Halifax) v St Benedicts The junior match officials, selected to referee the seven finals, are all competing (Whitehaven) with each other to be selected to referee the Year 7 boys’ final at Wembley the KO 3.10pm next day. The other six referees will make up the rest of the officiating team for the Carnegie Champion Schools final at Wembley. GIRLS YEAR 10 The seven referees selected for the finals have performed to a high standard Castleford High (Wakefield) v Settle throughout the competition and many have officiated various national games and High (North Yorkshire) even junior international matches. KO 4.25pm The match officials are Jaime Reed, Nathan Walker, Ian Scott, Ryan Collins, Ellis McCarthy, Ben Patey and Tom Hudson. They are all under 18 years old and have BOYS YEAR 10 been chosen as the top seven match officials from across the country. Castleford High (Wakefield) v St Peter In preparation for the Carnegie Champion Schools Finals, all of the junior referees and St Paul (Halton) involved will take part in an all-day training session with the full-time referees. KO 5.20pm Many referees that have been involved in the Carnegie Champion Schools Tournament have progressed to the Co-operative Championship and even been match officials in the Engage Super League. These include Warren Turley, Tim Roby Saturday August 27 SCHOOLED FOR SUCCESS and Andy Sweet. At Wembley Stadium BOYS YEAR 7 Temple Moor (Leeds) v Dowdales (Barrow) to see the big match the next day.” “Physically, Sam was small but he had such Current Engage Super League KO 12.35pm Young Player of the Year Sam For Sam, the 2009 season was good skills. He controlled games against the sensational. He established himself as bigger players and he was never hindered Tomkins played in the Champion a regular in the Wigan side and won an by his size.” Call up - Schools Tournament six years England call up for the Four Nations, after “Sam was also an intelligent boy and he has gone on to play for ago, representing various age taking his opportunity with both hands did well academically too. He was a pleasure England groups for St John Fisher School following an injury to Tim Smith he made to teach and received an A* at GCSE Physical the stand off position his own. Education. He remains in contact with in Wigan. His meteoric rise is no surprise to his the school and has been a guest at award former St John Fisher Physical Education evenings where he has presented trophies teacher Andy Unsworth, who was among to current students.” Both Sam and his brother Joel featured the first to spot his immense potential. “I always sensed Sam had what it took to in Champion Schools Finals and have Commenting on the early coaching of go all the way. Now I can enjoy watching his now progressed to Super League and both Tomkins brothers, Mr Unsworth said, career develop and the success he still has international level. “Both players showed a real flair for Rugby to come.” Sam was captain of the St John Fisher League.” team and joined Wigan Warriors, making “As a schoolboy, Sam showed similar his debut first team appearance on May 12 skills as he does now – great speed, the 2008 against Whitehaven and scoring five ability to make breaks and bags of natural tries. ability. His leadership qualities were great “I was part of the St John Fisher school and he captained the school for five ro six team that won the Champion Schools years.” tournament two years on the trot,” said Tomkins. “He controlled games against “We went to play our finals in on the day before the Challenge Cup Final at the bigger players and he was the and then we went never hindered by his size.”

- 16 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 17 - Carnegie Champion Schools Finals 2010

Made the final - Feltham Year 8 Girls Since its inception in 2003, the Carnegie Champion Schools Competition has become firmly embedded in the South of England as the competition structure continues to grow with significant momentum on an annual basis.

The 2009-2010 initiative saw over 190 boys and 40 girls teams go head-to-head in their local festivals and fixtures, all vying for a place in the coveted London and the South East regional finals. Notably, over the past seven years 1003 boys teams (and 70 girls teams since 2008) stemming from over 100 schools across 10 County Sports Partnerships have been engaged in the Carnegie Champion Schools scheme in the region. “This is an exciting The developments of the schools game opportunity for Rugby has been attributed to many factors over the past decade, namely passionate teachers, League and we will now move forward to the next stage of a fully integrated playing structure within SOUTHERN SUCCESS our sport.” local development staff and volunteers end of the social and economical scales of nature of the Carnegie Champion Schools who aspire to give their players a chance deprivation in London. Competition has been received as a great to experience a school sport that has been Carnegie and the RFL offer out the success in the South. unfamiliar to South of the heartlands for all Carnegie Champion Schools system to all “The popularity of the competition has but recent years. secondary schools, boys and girls, year’s dictated that looking forward to 2011 the Moving forward It is however, the values and core 7-11 who wish to take part regardless of structure will aim to increase from eight The Community Board makes policy and responsibilities of both the governing body knowledge and experience of the game. sub regional preliminary rounds to 12, strategy for the whole Community Game and The Rugby League Community Board is to consult and Carnegie themselves that has made Now with over 65% of all schools that accommodating over 280 boys and 60 girls is made up of representatives of the RFL, the product so attractive to not only new enter the London and South-East regional teams. BARLA, Combined Services, English Schools with regional leagues, clubs and players to and emerging schools, but firmly instils festivals putting forward two or more year For the first time in the history of Rugby League and Student Rugby League. the competition in many of the Southern groups, Rugby League’s days of being a the south we have a national finalist in The Board is chaired by Richard Lewis, determine what the structure of the sport should institution’s annual sporting curriculums. ‘development’ sport in the South are all but Brentwood County High at Year 8, and with Chairman of the RFL, also on the Board The open and inclusive ethics of the coming to an end. the continued development of the schools is non-executive member, Peter Moran, look like to give optimum playing opportunities competition is reflected at all stages of the Steve Davis the regional co-lead on the game, we hope this will be a permanent President of the National Conference League. to the greatest number of players in one league regional structure, with sub-regional festivals Carnegie Champion Schools Tournament fixture for our region.” At a meeting of the Community Board on taking place in the likes of Richmond and and RFL’s Development Officer for the East Brentwood Head of Physical Education, July 16 it was agreed that full consultation pyramid for a March to November playing Lambeth, boroughs that are at the opposite said, “Once again the diverse and inclusive Daniel Iacono said, “Brentwood County High with all stakeholders will take place to ensure School has been playing Rugby League the implementation of the changes to the season. NICK BOOTHROYD looks at the latest for the past five years and the rise of the community game season is successful. profile of the game in those five years has Richard Lewis, Chairman of the Community developments in the new season structure .... The pride of Essex - Brentwood been incredible, when I first started at the Board said, “There was full acceptance that School school only a handful of students even this historic process must continue to take knew the game existed and no one at the into account the wishes of all the people forward for the sport. The Community The Community Board also accepted that school played now we have more than 130 who want to play in summer or winter and Board has reviewed the findings of the some leagues will continue to play during the students boys and girls who train weekly the new structure will only be finalised after formal consultation which indicated strong winter months and that there are a number and who cannot stop talking about teams further consultation.” preference for a March-November season in of detailed issues to work through. like the Leeds Rhinos, St Helens, Wigan and Previously at a meeting on July 1 the particular from the players involved in the The new timetable will be in place no Harlequins.” Community Board unanimously accepted winter game.” earlier than 2012, giving the Community “Now we find our little school from Essex the findings of a formal consultation and “This is an exciting opportunity for Rugby Board the opportunity to create a structure going to the National Finals, it is really report into proposed changes to the season League and we will now move forward to that works for players and clubs at every surreal. This tremendous achievement is due structure that will see the bulk of the the next stage of a fully integrated playing level of the sport. to the hard work from the students and the community game move to a season which structure within our sport.” The new proposals on the season support from all of the staff who give up kicks off in March and climaxes in November. The formal consultation or “big debate” structure will be formulated over the next their time to coach.” The Community Board agreed at this involved both a telephone survey of 1,265 two months and put forward for public “The icing on the cake would be to win and meeting that it indicated a clear desire to players currently playing in the winter consultation from September 20 until become the first team from London and the work towards a March-November season months and an online survey across the November 15. South to win the Carnegie Champion Schools and structure for the bulk of the community whole community game. The surveys were The findings of that consultation process Final, however we know we are coming up game. conducted by Vision Twentyone, a leading will conclude with the Community Board against a very good team from Outwood After this meeting on July 1 Richard independent research company using agreeing final details of the new structure at Grange, we hope it is a great final.” Lewis said, “This is a significant step recognised industry standards. a meeting scheduled for December 3.

- 18 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 19 - Since being formed in 2005 by Phil Abbott – a native of Batley, where his father Eric was a director at Mount Pleasant for many years – and Tom Greenard with a single BEARS LEARN NEW TRICKS Under 11s side, Brentwood have gone from strength to strength and now boast teams at Under 7s, Under 9s, Under 11s, Under The Wigan Warriors Community Foundation have continued to develop 13s, Under 14s and Under 16s. That extraordinary rate of expansion is their partnership with the by spending a day’s coaching in likely to continue, with plans to launch an Coventry last month. TOM HOYLE explains .... Under 18s side in 2011 and, perhaps a little further down the line, an open age team. It’s a phenomenal story, although one The partnership between the two clubs was hour coaching the clubs U14’s and U16’s “It’s been a great opportunity for the firmly in keeping with the inroads Rugby forged in February this year following an teams. players both here at the club and in the League has made in the last decade or so in RFL initiative to link Engage Super League The intense session concentrated on the schools to work with the Warriors coaches London. clubs with community clubs in the Midlands players’ defensive play and used some of today and it’s clear to see that they have Ironically, Brentwood Elvers have and has been cemented over recent months the practices and drills employed by Michael learned a lot that will help them to develop emerged from the corpse of a failed venture with both clubs visiting their respective Maguire and when coaching their game.” in Essex Eels, with whom Abbott became counterparts. the Warriors first team. “This partnership is going from strength involved on taking up a teaching post in the In June, The Bears’ U14’s team The RFL’s Midlands Development Officer to strength and we are delighted to work area. participated in the Wigan Festival of Rugby Alan Robinson, who also coaches at the with a club of Wigan’s calibre.” Determined to build on the remnants of and watched the Warriors defeat the Coventry Bears was delighted to welcome Despite the distance between the two that effort, Greenard – who subsequently 38 – 22 at the DW Stadium the Warriors team to Coventry. clubs, both parties are determined to make emigrated to Australia to sample, as Abbott later that day. the most of the partnership and provide puts it, the “finished product” and Abbott The Warriors visit to Coventry saw the “It’s been a great opportunity the youngsters in Coventry with excellent formed Brentwood Elvers, the suffix to the Foundation coaching team visit both Bishop opportunities. for the players both here at name, meaning a young eel, offering more Ullathorne High School and Coundon Court “The players in Coventry are relatively than a passing nod to the preceding club. High School for some specialised coaching the club and in the schools new to the game and we will offer our Says Abbott, “From that start, we’ve with the school’s Rugby League teams. to work with the Warriors support and experience to get more people prospered and the original Under 11s have Warriors Development Officer Amanda playing Rugby League,” said Warriors Wilkinson said, “The standard of the players coaches today and it’s clear Development Manager Mike Watson. here today has been excellent and their to see that they have learned “We’d like to thank both of the schools attitude has been even better.” and the club for their hospitality today, and The coaches then made a visit to the a lot that will help them to especially the hard work Alan Robinson has home of the Coventry bears to spend an develop their game.” put in prior to us arriving.” HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION The success story of the growth of grassroots Rugby League in recent years in and around the capital is epitomised by Brentwood Elvers who, after five seasons of steady growth, are firmly entrenched in the ancient southwest Essex market town. PHIL HODGSON finds out about a club that is developing fast ....

now passed through the Under 16s, and side that played their South counterparts “Without such fantastic we’ve enjoyed some success on the playing last year (four of whom, including Joseph front. Keyes as captain, were selected for the support from volunteers “Our Under 13s won the 2010 London London & the South squad). Brentwood, and parents, what we have League Grand Final, and the Under 14s were boosted by that contribution, hoped to have achieved would, quite simply, runner-up in their own decider. 12, across the board, in the 2010 teams. “We’re proud of their progress, but for “We got 21,” enthuses Abbott, “So we not have been possible.” all that this club doesn’t gauge success by have to be delighted. In addition, we’ve the number of trophies gained. We’ve made enjoyed a 300 per cent increase in our often after having brought their children to a conscious decision that we’ll monitor our volunteer number, and a 25 per cent rise in us for the summer after closes progress by representative honours, which membership. down. They can’t believe that there are no we feel is a more accurate reflection of how “We have a very able coaching staff, at all politics involved in our club.” Brentwood Elvers are developing.” age levels, and we have a couple of young The Elvers, meanwhile, contributed the The figures suggest that the Elvers are match officials on board. core of the Brentwood High School side heading in the right direction. Brentwood “What’s very gratifying is that we have a that has performed so well in the Carnegie had seven lads in the North of the Thames mix of “ex-pats”, including me, and people Champions Schools competition and which who are native to Brentwood and the will be playing in the finals surrounding the surrounding area. Without such fantastic Carnegie Challenge Cup Final at Wembley. “We’re proud of their progress, support from volunteers and parents, what “There’s a bit of a conveyor belt in place but for all that this club we have achieved would, quite simply, not now,” says Abbott. “We aim to go from have been possible. strength to strength, continuing to add a doesn’t gauge success by the “It’s a real family environment, with team at the higher age levels each year, number of trophies gained.” parents getting on board very willingly, aiming at Under 18s as the next stage.”

- 20 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 21 - “I think there is real merit As the national team prepares to head Down Under for the Four in playing a Rest Of The Nations, NATHAN CLARKE catches up with England coach Steve World-type team and I McNamara and finds a man fully focused on achieving international think it could be in the success .... best interest of everybody involved in and around the game but also provide Steve McNamara is making no bold at Super League clubs get the credit them,” said McNamara. “Willie has been in a very intense game and predictions about England’s prospects in the they deserve for nurturing the talent outstanding form this season and he’s been Four Nations in New Zealand and Australia that’s coming through and encouraging one of the best players in his position in the vital experience for the this autumn. a professional type of attitude amongst competition. In my opinion that makes him With the painful memories of the 2008 the players,” said a man who himself came worthy of a place in the squad and again the English players.” still fresh in his through the youth system with Hull FC. acceptance of the group is there.” mind, the England coach is acutely aware of “Along with an exciting crop of young “I’ve said it’s very important for me that the difficulty of meeting the expectations players, I also expect to see some very good, any person fits in along with the chemistry of a nation which has been starved of astute English coaches emerge in the next of the rest of the squad and Willie has done international success for four long decades. few years. It’s vital that the RFL continue that.” But as the man who took over from Tony to work very hard at the coaching system Despite the wealth of top quality players Smith earlier this year approaches his first to help and assist English coaches along such as Manu at his disposal, McNamara is overseas trip as national coach, McNamara’s the way and provide support mechanisms all-too aware of the need for improvement enthusiasm for the role is refreshingly for them so they don’t become lost to the within the England squad after too many infectious. game.” occasions when the national side failed to “This is a very exciting time to be With the 2010 season approaching its reach their potential and he is confident he involved with England Rugby League,” said decisive climax, a lack of first-class Test can be the man to kick-start the progression. McNamara, who took on the role on a full matches during the season is something “We need to build on the progress we time capacity just a month ago after parting else that McNamara feels passionately made in the 2009 Four Nations and what company with Bulls. about. we did in the mid-season international Since then, the former Hull FC, Bradford The success of the against France,” said the McNamara. Bulls and loose forward in Australia, not just as an entertainment “It’s a huge ambition amongst players, staff admits he has been surprised by the spectacle, but as a development tool and all the administrators at the RFL to demands of the job he recently combined for Australian players to prepare for the continue to improve and that’s what the with the daily rigours of coaching a Super pressure of Test match Rugby League is Four Nations is about for us this year, we League club. something McNamara wants to see utilised want to go out there and enjoy ourselves “Whilst I was doing both jobs I probably in England, with a game between England and play well and if we get the first bit right didn’t realise just what the England job fully and a Rest Of The World representative side the second will follow.” entailed,” said the Hull-born coach, who particularly appealing to the coach. “There’s a very good team spirit and held the top job at Bradford for four years. “It’s vital that we enhance our chemistry within the squad at the moment “On a full-time basis this job is demanding, international competition wherever we and that is the biggest factor for me, to especially with the Four Nations looming at possibly can,” he said. “I think there is real encourage that and help it flourish amongst the end of the season. merit in playing a Rest Of The World-type our group and really get the players of “Being a head coach at a Super League team and I think it could be in the best England looking forward to a Four Nations club really engulfs most of your life, so it’s interest of everybody involved in and trip at the end of the year.” great having the opportunity to sit back in a around the game but also provide a very “That is of paramount importance, if you more relaxed manner and properly study the intense game and vital experience for the get a camp that is very happy and want players available to us without the week-to- English players.” to do well for England then you will be week pressures of the Super League.” Some of those inexperienced young successful.” With an increasing depth of promising players who would benefit from such a young talent emerging to challenge the game will be hoping to impress during established international players for upcoming crunch Carnegie Challenge Cup England shirts, McNamara has plenty of Final and Engage Super League play-off players to analyse and will face some games as they vie for a spot on the trip selection headaches ahead of the Four Down Under, but McNamara is equally Nations but he feels now is an exciting time delighted with the performances of his more to be involved within the national team. senior players this season. “I’ve said for a while that there’s a new “There are some very good experienced breed of player starting to come through the players who have got the bit between their ranks and it’s very encouraging to see,” said teeth at this moment in time as well and McNamara, who gained four caps for Great I think there is a lot of debate about who Britain during his own playing career. should be picked for England and that’s “Not too long ago the England squad great for the game,” he said. FULLY was much easier to predict than it is now. “When there are people talking and There’s a whole force of players who could writing about why a player has or hasn’t quite rightly say they have produced the been picked, it shows we’re in a healthy performances to be picked this year and situation.” that’s a healthier position than we’ve been McNamara certainly got the media talking in for a long time.” recently when he announced the inclusion McNamara can’t help but show his of Hull FC’s former Tonga international delight when asked about those young Willie Manu in his provisional training squad, players coming through in the game but he something which upset many traditionalists is quick to extend his appreciation to the who feel there are English players who are club coaches who work so hard to bring more deserving of the spot. FOCUSED promising youngsters through. “Whether Willie is deemed English or not Dividing opinion - Willie Manu “It’s important that the staff involved is irrelevant, I don’t make the rules, I play by

- 22 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 23 - The Crusaders moved to North Wales earlier this year and since then have carried on their development work within the local community. LOUISE FILDES went over the border to see what was happening ....

Rugby League is a sport that is not afraid of venturing out and trying new things, be it on a small or large scale. The introduction of a Welsh Engage Super League team in 2009 was a huge landmark for the sport and has meant that the well known rugby union country is slowly but surely turning towards Rugby League as well. PUTTING DOWN Due to funding issues, the newly named Crusaders uprooted from Bridgend and found a new home in Wrexham, North Wales at the start of the 2010 season. Their challenge now is to replicate all that hard work, that was put into community ROOTS development down in Bridgend, up in Wrexham and Matt Pritchard, Community Development Manager for Crusaders, is vital to this move. “We want Rugby League to stay strong Champion start - the Crusaders opened in South Wales and not to leave them with their Wrexham account against Leeds nothing. Our Primary School programme has now gone across all of the amateur clubs and is delivered to 154 schools down there. It’s a new sport for the children and they got really excited about it.” In South Wales there are now 13 amateur clubs, thanks to the introduction of Celtic Crusaders in 2009. Many other programmes have been a success down in South Wales, including “Street Rugby League” which tackles anti social behaviour, The Scorpions Cup, along with various Primary and Secondary Schools tournaments. “It is a bigger task in hand up here in North Wales because at least the awareness was building in South Wales. The Crusaders Academy is based down in South Wales too and now the South Wales Scorpions have formed because of our move to North Wales which is a full Welsh feeder team to The children play in festivals before Engage However, having started from scratch in Crusaders. Super League games. The Super League South Wales, Mark knows that it will be just “So the task was to make sure that players are fantastic and help with this. as hard to spread the word of Rugby League everything was still developing down there They are always out in the community; our in North Wales. in terms of what we have put in place last coaches back the community side 100%. “But the idea is quality not quantity, year, which it has. Rugby League is thriving They do question and answer sessions with Wales is a massive country, we could say down there now. This year in North Wales the children and they get involved with the “do this do that” but we really haven’t we are generating awareness but also sessions.” got the staff to do it. So what The Sports it is fantastic that we have already got Mark Jones, Development Manager for Council want us to do is concentrate on the “Street Rugby League” in three anti-social , “We will now have ten Wrexham area and build it slowly. We have behaviour awards.” to twenty secondary schools taking part in learned from the mistakes that happened These programmes also act as ticket the Carnegie Champion Schools tournament down in South Wales so we are trying to initiatives, as schools are invited to games in North Wales and in terms of development make sure that they don’t happen again. down in Bridgend when the Crusaders are this is our next step, to increase that We’ve got a great set up down in South playing there. number. We are putting plans together to Wales now and we want to replicate that “We have been into Primary Schools start amateur and junior clubs and they will now up in North Wales.” in Wrexham and Bangor and now those link to those schools.”

- 24 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk Already, at the beginning of August, regional crowns have been handed out in Scotland, where Carluke Tigers showed tremendous spirit and resilience to defeat reigning holders Eagles 18-10, Ross Bryan crossing for two tries in Growing and growing a thriller. ALL TO PLAY FOR In the new Welsh Championship, Neath Port Talbot Steelers proved too strong for gallant Torfaen Tigers, triumphing 42-10; skipper Lee Jenkins leading the way with a brace of touchdowns. In the South West, East Devon Eagles defeated Devon Sharks 37-32 in a tremendous, compelling contest at Tiverton and face the Tigers from the Principality in the first of the inter- divisional play offs. The RLC South East semi finals saw fourth placed Greenwich Admirals show why they are the regions champions when they became only the second side all season to beat Elmbridge and the only side to do so in the Eagles back yard. The all London clash saw the Admirals victorious 36-18 and they now travel to Guildford Giants who defeated 36-34 in one of the games of the season that went to the final play. In the North East, old foes Peterlee Pumas, who finished the regular season eight points clear and unbeaten, take on last season’s runner’s up in the Regional Grand Final, Jarrow Vikings. In the newly inaugurated North East Plate, debut side Wallsend Making the grade - Eagles face rejuvenated Northallerton Stallions. 2010 has seen yet another year of growth for McCarthy-Scarsbrook Defending RLC Regional Champions Northampton Demons will have to overcome the mini, youth and junior program in London neighbours Bedford Tigers if they are to have the chance to retain their overall crown while and the South East. Regional Development Mancunians, in their first season, face Blackpool Sea Eagles in the North West decider. Officer ANDY GILVARY updates the Rugby Shaw Cross Sharks and Parkside Hawks, who League Bulletin on what’s been going on .... finished level on 24 points after the regular season rounds, contest the Yorkshire crown; Leamington Royals, in their inaugural campaign, facing competition stalwarts Telford Raiders in the Midlands. At RLC Premier level, West London Sharks will Around 1300 young players in total have collective achievements within the regional have to do it the hard way if they are to retain the been active within the region, representing game. Harry Jepson Trophy. First up in the Southern semi a diverse array of clubs such as Brixton Take for example the Youth, Junior and finals is a trip to one of the teams of the season, Bulls and Richmond Warriors, who are at the Mini League Board who meet every first Hammersmith Hill Hoists, who have been superb opposite ends of the social and economical Monday of each month and have done so in their first campaign. Favourites in the division scale of deprivation in the nation’s capital. A for the past two years. The volunteer led are St Albans Centurions who were defeated only just reflection on not only the cosmopolitan assembly highlights, confers and actions the All smiles - Who can stop once in the regular rounds and are at home to nature of the South of England, but also challenges and opportunities available to Bramley retaining their crown Colchester-based Eastern Rhinos. the inclusive and diverse ethics of the sport the league and within the region, ensuring a synonymous link between the clubs, In the Midlands, Birmingham Bulldogs were which endeavours to make Rugby League the development of the game in the the league, the title sponsors and the desperately unlucky to lose out on a play off spot such an attractive product to those regions South is transparent, ethical and above all investment in the community which reflects In a phrase so famously coined on point’s difference to much improved Leicester outside of the heart lands. encompassing of all clubs. The benefits of the 14 players (including Michael Worrincy, Storm, who face Bristol Sonics away for the right On route to the 2010 Youth and Junior such conferences include the qualification Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook) who have been by Sir Alex Ferguson, it is to go to Coventry Bears. League Grand Finals at the Twickenham of over 110 club Touchline Managers along present in the first grade system since the In Wales, finished top of the Stoop, over 240 games of were contested, with parent recruitment workshops, the leagues inception in 2004. standings just ahead of Bridgend Blue Bulls with engaging 14 clubs and 42 regional sides development of a parents Touch league and Rugby League continues to develop, getting round to “squeaky bum Cardiff Demons taking the other play off berth. across five age groups. Compare this to numerous successful funding bids. expand and captivate in the South of East Leeds were top in the Yorkshire Premier the fledgling competition of 2004 – with Robbie Marr (Youth Volunteer Coordinator England, offering a firm, fair and inclusive time” in Co-operative Rugby and take on second placed Scarborough Pirates, 12 teams went head to head across the for London & South East) commented on the set of sporting values to all communities, the winners facing either Widnes West Bank – the U14’s and U16’s bandings – and Rugby board’s progression asserting that, “Not only clubs, teams, players, volunteers and League Conference XII Regional and only hundred per cent side in the Premier – or League’s days of being recognised as a is the board a key driver in the development supporters who wish to associate their another candidate for team of the year, Wirral “development” sport in the South of England of our Youth, Junior and Mini system, but interest towards the sport. Premier, as “play offs” and Grand Warriors in quarter final. are all but coming to an end. the fact that it is volunteer led ensures we The past five years has witnessed a At RLC National level, Bramley Buffaloes have The success of the program has been have the opportunity for the game to be chronological leap in development as young Finals shape up; with all roads again shown remarkable consistency, picking up attributed to many factors over the self sustaining in the near future whilst also players from all across the Southern regions their fifth consecutive Minor Premiership while the past half decade, namely the solid base vying for Leaguemark accreditation.” emerge with regularity to take some stake again leading to Haslams, Derby on battle for play off positions and places looks set to of volunteer led clubs who are firmly Couple with the emergence of the board in the Youth, Junior and Mini competition. go to the last weekend. embedded in the region, passionate the support of the Mini, Youth and Junior With all clubs working towards the coveted September 12. PHIL CAPLAN looks Warrington Wizards have pursued the volunteers, local development staff and the League sponsors, Walker Crisps Asset ClubMark status, the ambitions of the region Yorkshiremen all season with explosion of the development in coaching Managers (WCAM), the future of the game are anything but moot, with preparation ahead to the climax of the RLC and Huddersfield in their and match officiating. However, behind the looks set to progress with significant already outlined for 2011, the game seems slipstream. New boys Kippax Knights have had week night club session and systematic momentum looking forward to 2011. set to stay in the Southern territory for the season .... an excellent first season at this level and either Saturday fixture, there have been some The investment of Engage Super League foreseeable future and continue to do so in or will make notable outstanding individual and club Harlequins RL has also aided in creating the most positive of manners. up the top six.

- 26 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 27 - Working together - the RFL & Greater Sport

That’s just great! TOUCH RUGBY LEAGUE The RFL currently employs 204 development staff across the entire UK and one of the biggest regions is the North West where NATIONAL FINALS DAY there is a 45-strong workforce in place. TOM HOYLE found out how the team are working closely with their local County Sports 18TH SEPTEMBER, DONCASTER TOLL BAR, STARTS 10AM Partnerships (CSP) to help spread the word .... Since the publishing of the Community “One of the first things I did was organise targets and spreading the game, Regional Strategy earlier this year there is more onus to meet up with Greater Sport officer Craig Manager Matt Birkett. than ever on development staff to increase Anthony,” said Parkinson. “Partnership working is becoming ever HAVE YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN? the number of participants in their area “Craig is the lead officer when it comes to more important, so engagement days across all versions of the game by the end dealing with Rugby League and once we sat like this are crucial for developing strong of 2012. down and worked out how best we could relationships with partners who can help Despite an increase in personnel, the work together to achieve our aims, it was support Rugby League activity in their area,” ENTER A TEAM NOW! North West is no different to any other agreed staff from both organisations should he said. region in that it needs to actively encourage meet up to break the ice.” “County Sports Partnerships are a key more people to play Rugby League, whether “After thinking of what we could do partner within the sport and physical that be full contact, Touch, Tag, Wheelchair we decided a taster session of Wheelchair activity sector, therefore accessing their or Masters. The region currently has a Rugby League would be good and it networks and utilising their expertise can Two competitions: Prize money large percentage of the national total of certainly proved to be the case. The main only be of benefit to the RFL and the wider > > participants but the strategy target of purpose of the day was for both sets of Rugby League community.” Men’s game £200 for winners 52,000 will not be achieved without a lot of staff to find out about each other’s roles “I hope this engagement day will lay the hard work and dedication from the staff. and key duties, whilst ultimately looking at platform for the coming months and years, > > One of the many ways in which the ways of supporting each other.” to enable both partners to gain the mutual Mixed game (3:3) ratio £50 for runners up target could be achieved is by working Parkinson’s thoughts were echoed by benefits that will come from working closely closely with the local County Sports Anthony. together.” Partnerships; a group of agencies committed “It was good to catch up with the RFL and to providing a high quality single system for the Wheelchair Rugby League was great fun people to benefit from sport. and certainly worked in breaking the ice.” For more information on development With this in mind members of the NW “I know that everyone of us has come activities in the North West contact the TO TAKE PART team have acted as relationship managers away with one or two actions and ways we RFL regional and worked closely with the lead officer at may be able to assist or add value to the office on 01925 NEW TO RUGBY LEAGUE each CSP in their region, a great example RFL’s work.” 494619 and for Call Tony Miller: 07595 520172 being Development Officer Danny Parkinson The great work done by the group was more information linking up with the also recognised by the man ultimately on Greater Sport group named “Greater Sport.” charged with the North West hitting their visit www.greatersport.co.uk or email tony.miller@rfl.uk.com £30 to enter a team

- 28 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk With the start of the new season just weeks away West Cumbria will be going all out to defend their Gillette National Youth League title. TOM HOYLE ** looks ahead to another season of the elite under 18s competition .... NEWNEW BOOKBOOK NOWNOW Since its formation back in 2005 the November. As the time schedule is tight the LIMITEDLIMITED Gillette National Youth League has proven Gillette National Youth League 2010 20 teams will be split into two groups where to be one of the great success stories of they will play just eight weekly rounds FORFOR 20102010 AVAILABILITYAVAILABILITY the community game, and from early next Barrow Laikers and then all sides results will feed into month its sixth instalment is set to carry on one league table. At the end of the weekly the mantle. rounds the top four sides will enter the This season sees seven new teams Dewsbury Celtic plays offs and the final is scheduled for the enter the fray with Bradford Dudley Hill, East Leeds weekend beginning Friday November 19.” Dewsbury Celtic, Holderness Vikings, Leigh Featherstone Lions One of the main positives of the new East, , Milford Marlins season will be the re-introduction of the CONCESSIONCONCESSION TICKETSTICKETS and all looking to Hemel Stags “Friday night lights” encounters, with at make an impression in the flagship league. least one weekly round game taking place £8 Holderness Vikings £8 The coming year is a major one for the under the floodlights at clubs who are able FROMFROM NYL as following the research into the Cougar Cubs to host such games. seasonal structure the league will play Leigh East Several of the clubs will fancy their a truncated season from September to Leigh Miners Rangers chances with West Cumbria one of the November, before making the move to a Milford Marlins favourites as they seek to defend the title March to November arrangement – the first they won in dramatic fashion back in May, playing league to make the move following Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks however a host of clubs – including last the debate. Leeds seasons finalists Leeds Stanningley – will “It’s been a long and thorough process Thatto Heath Crusaders be desperate to stop the Cumbrians from but after taking into account all the research West Cumbria winning back to back titles. and listening to our players and clubs we Widnes West Bank Bears Central to Wests chances will be have decided to make the switch,” said Andy influential half back Callum Phillips. Harland, the RFL’s National Development Recently named player of the season, Manager who is the lead officer for the Phillips is again eligible to play under 18s league. rugby and the England Community Lions “Ahead of starting the new structure in star will have to be watched very carefully March next year we’ll be operating a shorter by opposing defences. transition season that will conclude in

THETHE MOSTMOST HIGHLYHIGHLY CHARGEDCHARGED GAMEGAME OFOF THETHE SEASONSEASON JUSTJUST GOTGOT EVENEVEN MOREMORE AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE Super League. Super In League. a league of its own ENGAGE TICKETS ADULTS: £16 - £61 16 & Under, SATURDAY 2ND OCTOBER. OLD TRAFFORD, K.O. 6PM CONC: £8 - £31 Students, 65 & Over THE YOUTH OF TODAY Book now, 0844 856 1113 or www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk For Hospitality, call 0844 856 1114. For Disabled enquiries, call 0844 856 1113 or email [email protected] *Junior tickets must be purchased with an adult ticket. - 30 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk What does the Carnegie Challenge Cup mean to you?

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