NOTICE BOARD This page in the newsletter will be dedicated to general information, humour, club events and late breaking news. If you have any items you would like included please contact the Men of League office

HEARD IN THE SCRUM GRANT ELIGIBILITY

• Recently a number of clubs have been selecting To be eligible for a grant from the Men of League, beneficiaries their greatest teams of all time. One Men of League must belong to the following categories. member has figured out if you have made it or not before they make the announcement on the big night. a) Players and Referees. He reckons if they send a limousine for you then you A minimum of (Five) First Grade games or 20 minor grade are on the team. If they send a taxi you just missed games (including trials) in the National or the cut and if you have to make your own way there its equivalent predecessor competitions which include the then you were never considered. , and Brisbane Club Competition.

• The morning before he had to see the doctor about b) Officials. his serious health issues (see Men of League Greats) A minimum of one season as a committee member of one of Harry Eden was seen pounding the sand hills of the clubs referred to in a) above. Cronulla. Such is Harry’s commitment to his fitness. c) Other. A certain Men of League Member who had a • It shall be open to the committee of Men of League by ordinary distinguished career in the police force was well resolution to extend the class or eligible beneficiaries to known for his very slow computer skills. After players, referees or officials who have participated in the game spending about five hours producing the report he of Rugby League in Australia in a recognised competition was just about to save when a young constable conducted by A body affiliated with the Australian Rugby walked behind the computer and disconnected the League. Such resolution may be for a specific beneficiary or power cord with his foot. All the information was lost For a class of beneficiaries who shall remain eligible to apply and I’m reliably informed that the constable was last until such time as the resolution is rescinded or altered. seen at a small police station beyond Bourke. The committee is most anxious to hear about or from players/ • Maureen Kearney has reported that she and Ken officials in need of help. If you know of anyone please contact have been test driving his new wheel chair around a committee member or the M.O.L. office. We will provide a the streets of Broadbeach Waters where they live in grant application form to be filled in and returned to the office Queensland. Ken is looking forward to being among for committee review. the Great Grand Final Captains at the Men of League Ball.

• A couple of the older members of the Men of League NOTICES believe one way referees could solve the problem of players pretending they are hurt is to bring back • An up date of Graham Wilson. Graham is now living smelling salts. They say that players who are totally in the St. George Aged Nursing Home in Bexley. He out to it have risen from the dead when that stuff was does not enjoy good health. stuck under their nose. If they don’t react then they must be hurt. • Denis Flannery is currently in hospital but hopes to be out soon. Dennis can be contacted at the Ulster Hotel, 25 Brisbane Street, Ipswich Qld 4305. Telephone (07) 3281 2873. He would love to hear from his old How to contact the Men of League; mates. Address: Fox Studios Australia Lang Road • We hear Bob Grant is now out of hospital. MOORE PARK NSW 1363 Postal Address: GPO Box 3498 • Jack Coyne who played for South’s in the 50’s and NSW 2001 60’s is now recovering at home following a heart Phone: (02) 9339 8507 attack. Fax: (02) 9339 8508 Email: [email protected] Website: www.menofleague.com Hon. Secretary: Peter Simons Assistant: Jennifer Drysdale Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 10am-6pm Wednesday 10am-3pm

Page 1 Page 2 Knee Problems in Footballers By Merv Cross

The knee is the largest joint in the body and consists of 3 bones; the femur (thigh bone), Tibia (shin bone) and patella (knee cap). The joint is considered to be somewhat of a biomechanical phenomenon as it allows greater than 135 degrees of flexion during activities such as running, jumping and climbing.

Because it is at the centre of two long lever arms it is subjected to large forces during movement. In particular, when a person attempts to twist or turn suddenly (such as during a sidestep manoeuvre in football) large forces are transmitted to the ligaments in the knee. Hence, the knee is most commonly injured joint during these sidestepping movements.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) guides the knee during this manoeuvre with the support of the surrounding muscles. During such movements if the muscles supporting this fine control are out of sync the ACL is put under excessive strain and a tear of this ligament will usually occur. The ability to twist and turn on the knee will subsequently be lost as any attempts to do so will result in a “giving away” or subluxation of the knee joint.

When the knee twists in an uncontrolled way, the menisci (or “cartilages”) can be caught between the femur and tibia resulting in a tear. Over the time, the torn meniscus is like a piece of metal in a gear box that will cause damage to the delicate lining of the knee (the articular cartilage). Both the menisci and articular cartilage are unable to heal due to the lack of blood supply in the tissue.

The longer the knee is continuously unstable following injury, and the torn meniscus left un-repaired, continual damage will occur in the knee with the eventual development of arthrosis. Most people incorrectly refer to this as arthritis (which indicates a disease or inflammation) but the correct term is arthrosis due to the wearing nature of the condition. Arthrosis will usually take 15-20 years to develop into a severe case of damage.

Clinically, this arthrosis will cause deformity of the knee (either knock knee or bow leg) and cause pain, stiffness, decreased movement and severe disability. When this occurs, surgery is usually indicated.

Operations on the Knee Arthroscopy Arthroscopic surgery is a method of viewing the inside of the knee through a minimally invasive technique. With the use of the arthroscope it is possible to see every aspect of the knee joint through a small keyhole. When the problem has been located another small hole is made and surgical cutters, knives, scissors, punches or motorised shavers are used to repair or remove the damaged area. The menisci are treated this way by repair or excision with very successful results. This method or surgery is used to treat other conditions such as removing loose bodies and repairing damage to the articular cartilage.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction As mentioned, the ACL controls the twisting mechanism of the knee and if torn one cannot sidestep or turn with confidence for fear of their knee giving way. The recurrent instability can also cause damage to the other structures in the knee and requires a ‘knee reconstruction’. In order the “reconstruct” the ACL, a substitute ligament must be used and a graft is taken from another part of the body. The most common grafts that are used are the middle third of the patella tendon (at the front of the knee) or part of the hamstring tendon (at the back of the knee) as they most resemble the properties of the ACL.

Total Knee Replacement A number of retired players as a result of previous injuries and other factors have developed arthrosis in their knees and hips. The development of pain, deformity and loss of function can cause considerable disability and will drive the patient to seek advice. Conservative treatment in the form of exercises and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the first stage of treatment and can often help to postpone the need for surgery for a number of years.

Recent developments in technology combined with improved surgical technique and surgeon experience help with the decision to proceed with surgery. Many patients obtain enormous benefits from total knee replacement surgery and are able to resume a productive, active, life that is pain free.

The advancement of technology that deals with the development of cementless techniques combined with engineering developments concerning manufacturing and polishing has meant that the current knee replacements will last longer than previous models.

Care must be taken that the symptoms indicating the surgery are severe enough to risk the problems that can arise as a result of the surgery. Possible complications that patients should be warned against prior to surgery include the risk of thrombosis, infection and joint stiffness. These complications are kept to a minimum by taking precautions to prevent them.

The operations that are outlined above are some of the most successful operations in orthopaedics, but should always be undertaken with good advice and consideration. Further information regarding conditions related to the knee can be found at www.kneeclinic.com.au

Page 3 PARROT Peter Mortimer Story by Martin Pickup

Peter Mortimer had an outstanding first grade career with Canterbury that is quickly being mirrored by his post- football pursuits. With brothers Steve and Chris, Peter was a key member of the Bulldogs team known as “The Entertainers”, the golden era in the club’s history that delivered premiership success in 1980, 1984 and 1985, and six Grand Finals overall. Now, Peter and his family are proud owner/operators of Mortimer’s Vineyards of Orange. The man affectionately known as “Parrot” took some time out of his busy schedule to tell us what he is up to and where he has been during his colourful working life. Like a lot of great Rugby League stories, this tale begins in the Riverina. Discovered by Arthur Summons like his brother Steve before him, Peter and his Harden- Murrumburra team-mate, Greg Bretnall packed their bags for Belmore after being drafted by Peter “Bullfrog” Moore and the Bulldogs. “When I got to Belmore, straight out of school, I wanted to be a teacher, so I spent three years at Teacher’s College at Milperra. I was trained for Primary School, because I love being around kids, yet I never taught a day. Once my studies were finished I worked as a builder’s labourer, before getting a job with one of our sponsors – Rothman’s, where I was a merchandising rep for three years. So any sport that had any kind of Winfield promotion, I’d be there with a couple of girls dressed in stupid red and white gear, handing out cigarettes – and I never, ever smoked! It was around 1983 when I finished there and jumped into another venture with Steve, buying two Athlete’s Foot franchises, at Bankstown Square and Roselands Shopping Centre. We were still playing the three years we ran them, and ultimately it just became too much work. We sold the stores when Bullfrog offered me the role of Marketing Manager of the Bulldogs. Peter at last harvest That position started in 1987, and I was there until 1992. I took on that position in my final year as a player, which definitely made the transition into retirement easier. I thoroughly enjoyed the marketing job, and sometimes wish I was back there. I left there in 1992 when I was offered the role of CEO at Cronulla. I only lasted eight months at the Sharks. I tried to introduce a few of the successful schemes that had worked at Canterbury over the years, but they weren’t going for it. Without bagging them, they weren’t ready for it. They probably saw me as a threat and not an advantage, so after eight months, Peter Gow and I agreed that we should occupy opposite ends of the planet, and I resigned in July 1992. The experience taught me to be more sceptical, although I’m a much better person for it. From there it was out to Orange to visit my parents. I had always wanted to bring my kids up in the country, but was waiting for the right time, and that came when I dropped into Prime TV and basically sold myself on what I had done and had been doing. Two weeks later I had a job, and was there for nearly ten years until another opportunity came up at WIN TV. It was a great period for, without getting into it, I built the business up and running into what it is today, and it also allowed time to start the vineyard, which we established in 1995”. Mortimer’s of Orange is the epitome of the family business. Peter is helped by lovely wife Julie, who runs accounts and distribution and their five sons – Michael – 21, James – 20, Tim – 18, Daniel – 15 and the youngest, Rob, at 11. Peter relates how he was drawn into the wine industry, and some of the tasks involved in getting him and the family through the final process: Page 4 PARROT Peter Mortimer Story by Martin Pickup

Peter Mortimer had an outstanding first grade career with Canterbury that is quickly being mirrored by his post- football pursuits. With brothers Steve and Chris, Peter was a key member of the Bulldogs team known as “The Entertainers”, the golden era in the club’s history that delivered premiership success in 1980, 1984 and 1985, and six Grand Finals overall. Now, Peter and his family are proud owner/operators of Mortimer’s Vineyards of Orange. The man affectionately known as “Parrot” took some time out of his busy schedule to tell us what he is up to and where he has been during his colourful working life. Like a lot of great Rugby League stories, this tale begins in the Riverina. Discovered by Arthur Summons like his brother Steve before him, Peter and his Harden-Murrumburra team-mate, Greg Bretnall packed their bags for Belmore after being drafted by Peter “Bullfrog” Moore and the Bulldogs. “When I got to Belmore, straight out of school, I wanted to be a teacher, so I spent three years at Teacher’s College at Milperra. I was trained for Primary School, because I love being around kids, yet I never taught a day. Once my studies were finished I worked as a builder’s labourer, before getting a job with one of our sponsors – Rothman’s, where I was a merchandising rep for three years. So any sport that had any kind of Winfield promotion, I’d be there with a couple of girls dressed in stupid red and white gear, handing out cigarettes – and I never, ever smoked! It was around 1983 when I finished there and jumped into another venture with Steve, buying two Athlete’s Foot franchises, at Bankstown Square and Roselands Shopping Centre. We were still playing the three years we ran them, and ultimately it just became too much work. We sold the stores when Bullfrog offered me the role of Marketing Manager of the Bulldogs.

Peter and family at the Men of League Race Day That position started in 1987, and I was there until 1992. I took on that position in my final year as a player, which definitely made the transition into retirement easier. I thoroughly enjoyed the marketing job, and sometimes wish I was back there. I left there in 1992 when I was offered the role of CEO at Cronulla. I only lasted eight months at the Sharks. I tried to introduce a few of the successful schemes that had worked at Canterbury over the years, but they weren’t going for it. Without bagging them, they weren’t ready for it. They probably saw me as a threat and not an advantage, so after eight months, Peter Gow and I agreed that we should occupy opposite ends of the planet, and I resigned in July 1992. The experience taught me to be more sceptical, although I’m a much better person for it. From there it was out to Orange to visit my parents. I had always wanted to bring my kids up in the country, but was waiting for the right time, and that came when I dropped into Prime TV and basically sold myself on what I had done and had been doing. Two weeks later I had a job, and was there for nearly ten years until another opportunity came up at WIN TV. It was a great period for, without getting into it, I built the business up and running into what it is today, and it also allowed time to start the vineyard, which we established in 1995”. Mortimer’s of Orange is the epitome of the family business. Peter is helped by lovely wife Julie, who runs accounts and distribution and their five sons – Michael – 21, James – 20, Tim – 18, Daniel – 15 and the youngest, Rob, at 11. Peter relates how he was drawn into the wine industry, and some of the tasks involved in getting him and Page 5 BRANCH INFORMATION

• Mike O’Donnell the ball boy in the photo was just 6 years old • The Men of League are pleased to announce the when Junee won the Eric Wisell Cup in 1947. formation of the Brisbane and the Tweed Heads/ Gold Coast branches. In addition the Illawarra have elected a committee for their branch. The committees are:

BRISBANE BRANCH President: Steve Calder Vice President: Greg Veivers Treasurer: Paul Burton Secretary: Angelo Venardos Committee: , Rod Morris, Kelly Egan, Trevor Gillmeister, Tom Duggan, Mark Murray, Shane Webcke

Contact Details: Steve Calder PO Box 1217 Milton Qld 4064 Mike went on to play for Mob: 0419 658 886 Junee and Port Kembla who at the time were coached by Kevin Smyth. Mike is shown here enjoying a ILLAWARRA BRANCH beer with Ron Costello at the Illawarra Branch’s Golf President: Peter Fitzgerald Day at Kiama. Vice President: Hal Brown Secretary: Jack Graham Treasurer: Noel Yeomans Committee: Alan Fitzgibbon, Barry Harle, Bryan Milthorpe, Peter Newell

Contact Details: Peter Fitzgerald PO Box 642 Wollongong NSW 2500 Mob: 0412 263 733

TWEED/GOLD COAST BRANCH Patron: Michael Cahill President: Keith Campbell Vice President: Wayne Huxley The Bottle Shop was out of VB so the Men of League Sect/Treasurer: Tom Cassin settled for an ice cream. Committee: Peter Langmack, John Strong, Gary Murphy, Ken Bray

Contact Details: Keith Campbell 13 Tattler Court Tweed Heads NSW 2485 Ph: 07 5536 3694 Mob: 0431 747 677

Tom Cassin 36 Tringa Street Hal Brown congratulating Tweed Heads NSW 2485 Andrew Farrar at the Mob: 0407 457 661 Kiama Golf Day Email: [email protected] Men of League tour trips can be exhausting

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