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Official Magazine of ’s Former Origin Greats

Queenslander Magazine Edition 23 Autumn 2014

TON OF HISTORY celebrates 100 games Pictures courtesy: News Queensland Pictures courtesy: MANY THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS

FOUNDING CHAIRMAN RSA Turner

EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

Gene Miles

DEPUTY CHAIRMEN -De-Bresac

DIRECTORS , , , Mike McLean, , , Greg Oliphant, Don Jackson, ,

CONTACT US FOGS LTD Locked Bag 3, Milton, Qld 4064 Ph: 07 3331 5062 Fax: (07) 3331 5051 Email: [email protected] : www.twitter.com/QLD_FOGS Facebook: Queenslander Magazine, the official www.facebook.com/FOGSQueensland magazine of the Former Origin Website: www.fogs.com.au Greats, is proudly printed by: Sponsorship and advertising: John Crane 0411 249 325 [email protected] T 07 3356 0788 E [email protected] A Unit 7 / 36 Windorah Street, Stafford, QLD, 4053 www.crystalmedia.com.au MANY THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS Picture: News Queensland Picture:

COMING into State of Origin time those 100 games for the next generations It is a journey everyone in again, with the Maroons gunning for their to build upon. longs to see. ninth straight series wins, it is sometimes Certainly, there have been other These words are not meant to be a easy for us Queenslanders to feel like we instances already this year that should downer, or cast a pall over what will again are 10-foot tall and bulletproof. reinforce the idea of appreciating what be one of the highlights of the sporting It almost seems incredible that this you have, while you have it. year. amazing wave of success that Mal Inside this edition of Queenslander Just a reminder that when you’re Meninga’s Maroons have been riding Magazine, you will read about how one are busy climbing towards a goal, it is since 2006 is approaching a decade in of our own, Gary Larson, faced up to his sometimes important to stop, look around, duration. own mortality after he was diagnosed with and see how far you’ve come. In any sporting sphere, what they have prostate cancer. Here at the FOGS, our organisation done is an incredible achievement. Thankfully his story is a happy one, with continues to climb, with the success of When you put it into the context of tests now fully clearing him of cancer. our ARTIE Academy and Indigenous Origin being the best of the best in one of But it is also a cautionary tale for all of Employment and Careers Expos, as well the most demanding and brutal contact us about the true value of something most as the planning and construction of our sports in the world, where the previous of us take for granted every day – our new headquarters in Castlemaine St, winning streak stretched only as far as health. across from Suncorp Stadium. three, it truly is remarkable. Gary was lucky, but this year’s other This was a major plank in Tosser That is why now is as good a chance as rugby league sermon about appreciating Turner’s vision for the FOGS, having a any, before the series begins for another what we have did not come with much home of our own, and is a major step year, to take a step back and really savour luck at all. forward for the organisation’s future. what has been accomplished. Alex McKinnon has only just turned For all of us this year, on and off the This is by no means an early concession 22, and was a star on the rise. field, there is plenty to achieve and to that maybe this magical run is at an end. Now, due to a highly publicized but no aspire to. Far from it. less tragic accident, he has been diagnosed But there is also the chance to be But, as we approach State of Origin’s as a quadriplegic. thankful for what we have, and proud of 100th game in this year’s series, it is fitting Impressively though, Alex to has vowed how far we’ve come. that we take a minute to appreciate the to dig deep and fight on, setting himself great team that we have representing us, the challenge of walking his new fiancée and carrying the traditions built up over down the aisle. Executive Chairman

www.fogs.com.au 3 BALANCE OF POWER

Honouring the past, concentrating on the present, preparing for the future.

CELEBRATION, recognition and valuable lesson for the young guys to learn. preparation – that is the delicate balance Hopefully the guys that aren’t in the that the Queensland team must master team yet, the future players, will pay ahead of State of Origin’s 100th match to attention to what it all means, listen and launch this year’s series. learn so that they will be up to speed It is a great occasion, and there will be when the time comes for them to be called a huge celebration involved, particularly into camp. early in the week. I know that our players will really relish I believe they are getting the 1980s guys being around that sense of occasion, and together for a reunion, and that will be a that sense of history. wonderful thing. But they also know that the best way The significance of the occasion will to acknowledge what those guys achieved is help remind us of the reasons that Origin to be successful with their own efforts started, and that is an important thing – this year. not just for the current team, but for As has been the case with us for a future players. number of seasons now, one of the bigger To understand what Queensland players challenges we will face is keeping the went through before Origin started is an players mentally stimulated after eight important part of what we are about, and a series wins in a row.

Original 1980 Queensland State of Origin team. Pictures: Courtesy News Queensland

4 www.fogs.com.au We need to make sure the week is an It has been a critical ingredient enjoyable one, and refresh them mentally to our preparations – how we and physically as much as we can. conduct ourselves and the I want them to enjoy the week, and standards we hold ourselves to. make sure they are fully relaxed and To relax those standards, make focused on game day. exceptions to rules or to turn That has been the secret of our success, a blind eye to behaviour or that balance in our preparation. attitudes that are in opposition There is no question that it is getting to what is expected is when harder every year for us to come up with cracks start to appear. challenges and motivation to ensure we Where there are cracks, are mentally switched on for the job at erosion and the failure of hand. the integrity of the unit We haven’t started all that well in the cannot be far behind. past few years, and all of the players are We need strong aware of that as well. leadership from everyone Particularly in Game I of a series, it is involved for us to be at our really important part of our preparation best, and that is where we we need to get right. need to be to win. It comes down to the attitude that we Origin demands it. carry into the start of the game. We have If you can’t hold yourself to those to make sure that we don’t take our foot standards, then there is no room for you. off the pedal at any stage. Even the smallest percentage of We can’t sit on our heels for a bit until change in the standards we demand we find ourselves in the situation where we means we reduce our chances of need to do something and then switch on, winning. like we have done on occasions in the past. That is unacceptable. We have to be on the front foot, and This team cares too much about take the advantage away early in the the legacy it will leave, and the respect game. shown to those who have gone before, Part of keeping that mental edge to be damaged by attitudes that do sharp is maintaining our standards and not meet or conform with the team disciplines within the team and our standards. environment. I think the Queensland players from There is no relaxation on standards. that first Origin game back in 1980 Ever. would back that stance to the hilt. www.fogs.com.au 5

NATURAL SELECTION is back for the Maroons, but it’s a whole new ball game.

NEVER satisfied. It was the “I’m really excited by the “It wasn’t a difficult decision mantra that former Test cricket mentoring role with the under-20s,” including Darren with the three other captain Steve Waugh adopted said Lockyer, Queensland’s most competent selectors we have already in his relentless desire to install capped player with a record 36 Origin got,” Moore said. as the kingpins of world appearances. “There’s no doubting the current cricket. And now the Queensland “Having been a part of the ups and selectors’ knowledge of the game and rugby league hierarchy is taking on downs at Origin level for a long time, their enthusiasm for Queensland. a similar mentality as they look to I think I can bring those experiences “What Darren brings is currency continue their Origin dominance to the table. more than anything else, as well as over the embattled Blues for another “I really enjoyed working with being a former player involved in so generation. the under-20s squad at their camp many Origin series wins. Not content with eight consecutive in January. There’s a lot of talented “There is the value in really series victories, Maroons hierarchy young guys coming through and it can knowing what it is like to play have turned to Origin icons Darren benefit them if they have a former through that many series and have so Lockyer, and Origin player they can talk to about many successes. to help mentor the their experiences. “You have to look at the selection next generation of Queensland stars. “It’s all about attitude. Any junior panel as a team and Locky helps us Lockyer has been appointed Queensland squad will have talent cover every aspect of the game.” to oversee the development of but the key is building the right Lockyer, who retired at the end of the Queensland under-20s, while attitude to be successful and then 2011, said maintaining Queensland’s Civoniceva (under-18s) and Crocker maintaining it. The good kids are health at Origin level is important (under-16s) will also play key roles at willing to learn and I’ll really enjoy to him. interstate grassroots level. helping them out.” “I don’t want to be a passenger, I In conjunction with the Queensland Lockyer worked with a number of want to help make a difference and Academy of Sport, former Broncos emerging stars at the January camp, it will be great to have some input in and Maroons coach Wayne Bennett including Storm rookie selecting the side,” he said. helped establish the Emerging , ’s “I feel very fortunate to be in this Origin program in the early-2000s to brother John and Broncos trio Ashley mentoring role, plus working among help combat NSW’s dominance of Taylor, Jordan Drew and . the existing selectors. interstate football. As well as having a formalised “It was driven by the current The elite camp has had a profound mentoring role, Lockyer will also join coach and Mal indicated he wanted effect on Queensland’s revival as Queensland’s senior selection panel me to stay heavily involved with the an Origin force. Now the Maroons this season. Origin family. are solidifying their structures QRL Chief Executive Rob Moore “I always said I would do whatever under Mal Meninga’s regime, with said Lockyer’s role as a Channel I could to help Queensland out. Lockyer, Civoniceva and Crocker to Nine commentator gives the former “Mal does a wonderful job not only educate rising Queensland talent on Maroons five-eighth the ability to with coaching on the field but the the principles to succeed at rugby assess the form of current and peripheral stuff around the team and league’s highest level. potential Queensland stars. it’s great to be a part of the process.” Pictures: News Queensland Pictures: www.fogs.com.au 7 THE KIDS ARE Why Queensland has nothing to fear from the coming ALRIGHT end of an era. QUEENSLAND know Father Time is hopefully one day I get that chance.” fast approaching. Mbye underlined his class with a man- Star duo and Billy of-the-match performance in Canterbury’s Slater may now be thirty-somethings, but 20-10 pre-season trial defeat of the Storm Maroons hierarchy are confident they have at Suncorp Stadium. But there has been no readymade replacements in young guns magic carpet ride to the NRL. Moses Mbye and Cameron Munster. As a teenager, Mbye was overlooked While Thurston and Slater don’t plan by the Broncos and Titans before on checking out of Camp Maroon anytime the Bulldogs took a gamble. soon, the pair can’t go on interminably and “It’s been a long road,” that’s where Mbye and Munster enter the he said. “I didn’t make equation. any junior-rep sides Still just 19, Munster was added to at Noosa, I was Queensland’s under-20s Emerging Origin overlooked quite a squad in January, just eight weeks after few times but that being handed a full-time NRL deal by was only fire in the Storm. belly to prove a few A fullback or five-eighth, Munster people wrong. has already made waves down south, “I had a stint impressing coach Craig Bellamy so much in the Titans he was handed the injured Slater’s No.1 development jumper for a pre-season trial against squad for a . year or two, but Mbye has had a similar impact at the nothing came Bulldogs. The 20-year-old playmaker of it, then the idolised Thurston as a rising star at the Bulldogs spotted me Noosa Pirates and is on the cusp of at a schoolboys carnival (in 2010). becoming one of the few players of African “It never got me down. You can descent to appear in the NRL. either put your head down and kick The product of a Gambian father, Mbye stones or you can get on with it and wore the Queensland No.6 jumper at carry on with your dream. under-20s level last year and one day hopes “My dream was always playing to walk in Thurston’s legendary footsteps. in the NRL. I’m so close now and I’m “I’ve played league since I was eight so working hard to get there.” State of Origin is the dream,” Mbye said. Munster, meanwhile, is learning from “I’m playing five-eighth so my long- the master at close range. Most days, he term goal is to become like Thurston. is a metre away from Slater in the Storm “He’s the benchmark of the halves gymnasium. nowadays, in my eyes he is the best And while the product is player in the world so if I can be half too humble to compare himself to Slater, as good as him I’ll be doing quite good judges believe it is only a matter of well. time before Munster reaches NRL stardom. “Growing up, I’ve watched The 185cm flyer set the Intrust Super Darren Lockyer and Cup alight last season. Thurston. They are really At 18, he clinched rookie-of-the-year talented players and honours after a superb season at Central big-game players, I’ve Capras, which included a blistering watched them win so 70-metre solo try against Burleigh in which many Origin and he beat seven defenders. Test matches “I can’t believe I’m here in Melbourne and having a joke with boys like Billy and Cam Smith. It’s a big stepping stone, it’s not everyday you get to train with guys of those calibre,” Munster said.

8 YOUNG GUNS: Canterbury sensation Moses Mbye wants to follow in the steps of his hero Johnathan Thurston, and (inset) Cameron Munster is learning all he can from at the Storm. Pictures: News Queensland.

“I can’t be happier here. I thought it would be a lot harder to settle, but guys like Cam and Billy have taken me in and treated me really well.” Munster recently met Darren Lockyer at the Queensland under-20s camp and dreams of wearing Maroon. “Darren Lockyer was my idol growing up, I got picked for the Queensland under-20s Emerging squad and he was there talking to us which was good,” Munster said. “He was telling us what it was like to play for Queensland and “I don’t think anyone can ever succeed to fill. But it’s always been a big dream of how it felt to put the jersey on. Billy, it will be hard to do what he did, but mine to play fullback and it would be great “It feels good to know a coach like Craig it would be an honour to wear his jersey to have to chance to do it one day. Bellamy thinks I’m up to NRL standard. I one day. “I try hard to do the things he does but have to keep working hard, I have heaps to “I feel for the next person who wears the it’s very hard to repeat it. It takes a lot of work on, but it’s nice to know the Storm are No.1 jersey because it will be huge shoes hard work and experience to get to his level. giving me every chance to succeed.”

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www.fogs.com.au HOME GROUND FOGS continue to build for the future with new admin base.

PART of “Tosser” Turner’s vision for “We have a number of bold plans that the Former Origin Greats was for the have been discussed, which are quite organisation to one day stand on its own exciting for us as an organisation, but there two feet, and have its own place to call are a lot of processes to go through and we home. are still a long way down the track. The founder’s great vision has taken “We have a lease here at Suncorp another step forward with the acquisition of Stadium until the end of next year anyway, a new commercial property on Castlemaine so we are in no great hurry. St that the FOGS will eventually call home. “We have a lot of boxes to tick over the The 1093sqm building sits on 1207sqm next 12 months, but certainly we have some of prime rugby league real estate – directly Pictures: Courtesy James Ralph, Wright Property Corp plans to do some very special things out of across the road from Suncorp Stadium. the new building as well.” The new FOGS HQ is a massive step part of our long term plans, but the fact is Gene said the building was not only an forward for the organisation, and will with the organisation growing as rapidly as operational necessity, but a part of the further entrench its reputation as a leading it is, we have just run out of room here at FOGS’ charter to leave a lasting legacy for Queensland charity. Suncorp Stadium. the generations to come. It is also a cornerstone of the long-term “Ultimately we didn’t have any other “Having assets was always something that vision Tosser, the inaugural chairman, had option but to find somewhere else to go. Tosser was very big on for the organisation’s to see the FOGS not only survive but thrive “The best thing about it is that we as an future, and he always envisioned having a on their own. organisation will now own something. “We home for us,” he said. Executive Chairman Gene Miles said the were just incredibly lucky that we were able “When we hand the baton over for future new building would help FOGS cement to find something that suited our needs so State of Origin players to continue on the their identity as a stand-alone entity, with well, just across the street from the greatest work of the FOGS, they will at least know the organisation’s administration staff to place in the world.” that they will always have a home across the make the transition to their new home Gene said a number of options were road from Suncorp Stadium. gradually over the next 12 months. being explored as to what layout and design “When Mal Meninga decides to hand “This is the little empire that Tosser built, the new headquarters would take. over the reins of the Queensland team, he and this new property, which will eventually “We have a number of great ideas that will have left an incredible legacy for the become the new headquarters for the are being looked at, but it is far too early next generation and future generations to FOGS, was without doubt a part of the to be getting excited about what might be work from. vision that he had for the organisation very done,” he said. “We will be doing that as well with early on,” Gene said. “This is a longer term project, the next the next generation of players who will “Branching out and getting a home of 12 months at least I would think, and one eventually take over the running of the our own was something that was always a that we will have to proceed with cautiously. FOGS.”

10 www.fogs.com.au VISIT THE WEBSITE TO BECOME A FRIEND OF

Keep up to State of Latest news from date with FOGS Origin programs and Queensland Coach history and events www.fogs.com.au information Mal Meninga

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Wake up to Call 1300 730 959 or visit canon.com.au/wakeup WORK 3.0 Follow us on Twitter @CanonBusinessAU LEADERSHIP CAMPS SHOW YOUNG LEADERS HOW TO HELP CLOSE THE GAP WHEN the Queensland State of Origin team gets ready for a big performance, the Maroons go into camp to help them focus on their task and ensure their preparation is spot- on to achieve success. It is a lesson that is now being applied to assist in the FOGS indigenous education programs, with the ARTIE Academy Leadership Camp the new addition to the initiatives aimed at improving attendance and engagement among indigenous students at ARTIE schools. Two camps were held this year to introduce the program. The first, held in , was attended by 45 students from Years 9-12 who are the Young Indigenous Leaders at Kirwan State High School. The second camp, in south east Queensland, saw over 50 students from years 11 and 12 across eight ARTIE schools attend. Both camps challenged the students and their abilities as school leaders across the following areas: 1. Individually - Reflecting on self, shedding negativity, strong belief in a range of practical and theoretical Indigenous Affairs Minister, Nigel systems, goal setting, being the best activities focussed on challenging thoughts Scullion, attended the second camp, and that you can be, overcoming self- and beliefs about themselves as individuals said the work of the ARTIE Academy was doubt; and how that relates to leadership. crucial because it utilised the resources 2. “Leadership within, then without” – “We wanted to hold a senior leadership of the front line troops – the students Challenging the process, inspiring a camp to up-skill and motivate our seniors themselves – in the battle in closing the vision, role modelling; because we think that is where the key to gap in indigenous education. 3. Active leadership – Action planning, our success is – trying to get them to believe “ARTIE is a fantastic organisation, and practical skills, working together to that they can make the change,” said I was delighted to be here…seeing these achieve a common goal, closing the ARTIE staff member Hayley Camman. kids doing my work for me – coming up attendance gap at their school. with new initiatives, coming up with new The camp aimed to turn the students ideas, coming up effectively with new into more effective leaders, giving them the policy,” Senator Scullion said. self-belief, and group cohesiveness required “I am going to be very connected with to implement a “peer-to-peer” plan of the outcomes of this forum because it is action to be implemented at their school an insight from the people who are most to close the attendance gap by the end of important, because it is an insight of 2014. people who are at school. On a personal level, by the end of the “Education is absolutely fundamental camp the students had an improved sense to closing the gap. I want to get every of self-determination to succeed. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander to Students were shown their school’s go to school. attendance gap in 2013, and were “I want to get (attendance then directly challenged to take levels at) 90 per cent, which is ownership of the issue and share the same as mainstream right ways they can inspire and across Australia. That is our encourage their poor attending goal, and in fact we have now peers to improve attendance. made it a new closing the gap Participants were involved target.”

12 www.fogs.com.au CHERN’EE PUTS HER ART AND SOUL INTO FOGS

RENOWNED young indigenous artist Chern’ee Sutton has just completed her second artwork for the ARTIE Academy. The stunning, intricate and beautiful piece took more than six weeks to create, and is the second-largest piece Chern’ee has ever undertaken. The piece encapsulates everything about the ARTIE Academy, and features on the new ARTIE website – artie.net.au – and also on the ARTIE rewards for students, including the exclusive hoodies, speakers and shorts. Chern’ee is a prodigiously talented 17-year-old contemporary indigenous artist, whose heritage lies with the Kalkadoon people from the Mt Isa area, and she is a fantastic role model for her people and all Queenslanders. The FOGS are once again very thankful for Chern’ee’s continued support and generosity.

JHARAL SHOWS ARTIE STUDENTS HOW TO GO FOR GOLD

THERE are few people as well placed about the challenges of overcoming hurdles than , so he was the perfect choice to talk to two high-performing Gladstone schools that are kicking goals within the ARTIE Academy. This year, the ARTIE Academy introduced a new system of attendance and academic goal challenges, based on gold, silver and bronze. JT HELPING For Semester 1, students awarded a bronze level will have maintained a minimum C grading for ARTIE STUDENTS effort and behaviour in Maths and English. Students at the silver level will have maintained STAY AHEAD a minimum C grading for effort and behaviour in Maths and English, while also achieving an 85 per OF THE PACK cent record for physical attendance. data and are working hard to close the attendance NOW there is even more reason for ARTIE student The students rated at gold level will have gap at their schools. to use their heads! maintained a minimum B grading for effort and This is a fantastic achievement and the students, Queensland five-eighth and Cowboys captain behaviour in Maths and English, while keeping a 90 teachers, parents and wider community should be Johnathan Thurston is behind an incredible reward per cent physical attendance record. extremely proud. for ARTIE students who achieve a “gold” level by Students who achieve a gold, silver or bronze To congratulate them on their achievements, Yow maintaining a B grading for effort in Maths and level are entitled to awesome rewards. Yeh – the former Broncos, Origin and Test winger – English plus 90% physical attendance. The two ARTIE schools in the Gladstone region visited the schools delivering a message to maintain Successful students will receive a specially have been standouts in the program, with over 80 their hard work and support each other through the designed ARTIE headgear, personally signed by JT. per cent of indigenous students at both schools program. This is a truly special item that is exclusive to the earning bronze, silver or gold. Jharal encouraged students to overcome ARTIE Academy, and will only be distributed to gold Both schools have improved their attendance obstacles and barriers that are currently stopping ARTIE students. them from coming to school and working hard in Thurston himself will wear his version of the Maths and English. headgear in the NRL – during the Closing the Gap He was able to draw on his own personal round when the Cowboys play Penrith in in experiences in battling to overcome his horrific leg Round 23. injury to encourage the students to never give up. Not only that, but four lucky gold ARTIE students Jharal was rightly lauded for his courage earlier will be selected to attend the match against the this year for the way he fought back from his broken Panthers in Sydney, travelling with a parent or leg to restart his rugby league career with guardian, and will get an exclusive meeting with JT Norths and in a pre-season trial with the Broncos, himself on the day of the game. and he said students should be able to similarly It is an incredible reward for gold ARTIE students, work their way through setbacks and obstacles to and reason enough to keep their heads down and reach their goals. work hard at school! www.fogs.com.au 13 SIX STRAIGHT IN KICKS OF ANOTHER BIG YEAR FOR EXPOS Another year, and the start of another successful series. While the Maroons will be going all out to achieve a ninth consecutive win this year, the Former Origin Greats have just started the 2014 series of the incredibly successful FOGS Indigenous Employment and Careers Expos. And the FOGS kicked off this year’s series with a winning streak of their own, getting underway in March with the sixth consecutive Expo for the Cairns district. The first event for the year began with the FOGS “Closing the Gap” forum that provides essential information for local employers, education and training providers about closing the unemployment gap between Indigenous and non- . More than 100 guests were in attendance for the forum, which helps local community stakeholders to connect with those looking to help improve employment outcomes for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders. Deputy State Manager of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Helena Wright, was on hand to deliver important information regarding Indigenous Employment, specifically changes within Government that may affect stakeholders. Generation One, an organisation striving to end the disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in one generation through employment, assisted in the forum’s proceedings. FOGS returned two weeks later to hold the FOGS Corporate Networking event, which saw over 120 guests in attendance. The FOGS used the event to thank the Australian Government for its on-going support of the organisation and series of events, as well as the event’s principal sponsor for the sixth consecutive year, Construction Skills Queensland, and event partner Queensland Fire and Emergency Services. Celebrating the Expo’s sixth straight Around 3400 job-seekers came through Kerrod Walters, Michael Hancock, year in the community, the FOGS also the door to peruse 55 exhibits from , Petero Civoniceva, Steve thanked all of the key stakeholders, prominent Queensland employment, Price, and including Indigenous community education and training providers were joined by Bronco to help members and exhibitors, for their including Woolworths, Accor, Sea attendees navigate their way through a contribution and ongoing support. Swift, Uniting Care Community, Cairns huge range of try’a’trades/skills for a The busy Cairns program concluded Regional Council and James Cook hands-on go at careers like surveying, with the Expo itself that, six years on, University. floor-laying, landscaping, plumbing, continues to be an incredible success story FOGS , Gene Miles, carpentry, beauty, hairdressing and wet in the region. Colin Scott, , , tropic management.

14 www.fogs.com.au CSQ KEEPS TEAM SPIRIT ALIVE Construction Skills Queensland back again as principal sponsor of the FOGS Indigenous Employment and Careers Expos. QUEENSLAND’S best performances has provided the FOGS Indigenous on the State of Origin field of battle are Employment and Careers Expos since the always delivered when the entire team is partnership commenced back in 2009,” working together towards the one goal. said Executive Chairman, Gene Miles. Off the field and in all walks of life, the “At that time it was an unknown recipe for success is no different. Being venture we undertook together however able to work with teammates you can through collaborative work and a strong rely on makes it so much easier to attain vision, a longstanding partnership has the goals that may have remained out of materialised” he said. reach working alone. Construction Skills Queensland That is why the Former Origin Greats is an independent industry-funded are proud to have Construction Skills body supporting employers, workers, Queensland on their side once again apprentices and career seekers in the as the principal sponsor of the FOGS building and construction industry. Indigenous Employment and Careers The organisation provides the Expos. construction industry with strategic CSQ’s sponsorship ensures the insights and data to help plan workforce continued growth of the Expos, now held needs well into the future. annually in Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville, Mr Miles said working together Rockhampton and Mount Isa. with CSQ to create a better life for Construction Skills Queensland CEO Queenslanders had been the driving force Brett Schimming said his organisation behind the success of the Expos. was proud to be returning as the principle “There is a lot of hard work that sponsor of the important initiative. with career seekers about our programs goes into making the Expos the terrific “We are very pleased to have the that can help them find a pathway into the success they have been, and to have CSQ opportunity to work alongside the Former construction industry.” alongside us every step of the way as the Origin Greats on such a worthwhile Mr Schimming said the teamwork principal sponsor has made that hard road initiative,” Mr Schimming said. between the two organizations had seen much easier,” Gene said. “The FOGS are to be commended for the Expos blossom from its early days into “The FOGS are tremendously proud their ongoing commitment to helping a genuine driver of opportunity and social to be involved with CSQ, and to work people in Indigenous communities gain change within indigenous communities alongside them as a team in making the employment. across the state Expos happen every year. “The expos provide the ideal platform “The FOGS greatly appreciate the “We hope it is a partnership that will for CSQ representatives to speak directly support Construction Skills Queensland continue long into the future.”

NEW MOTIVATIONAL features indigenous men and women currently WORKSHOP engaged in roles across a number of different industries such as construction, retail, education, health, and the armed forces. KEEPS Each individual shares their personal story of success and the individual journey they have HOPEFULS experienced to help motivate attendees for their ON RIGHT TRACK own journeys to a satisfying career. The DVD presentation made its debut at the THE famous Queensland spirit is defined by year’s first Expo in Cairns, and received a great characteristics like never giving up, and finding the response from attendees. strength of character to keep working towards your FOGS believe that the presentation delivers the goal no mater what hurdles come your way. critical message that regardless of your background This motivation has driven plenty of our state’s of personal struggles, achieving your goals greatest rugby league players, and now the ultimately comes back to having the right attitude same principles are being used to help motivate and never giving up. indigenous students and job-seekers. By exposing future employees to these real life After the success of last year’s “movie workshop”, Hosted by Michael Hancock, the 25-minute success stories, attendees will be provided with which received overwhelming accolades from both presentation helps groups of attendees at the FOGS not only motivation but also industry role models teachers and students, the FOGS were looking to Indigenous Employment and Careers Expos find who prove the road to success is not always a build upon that success in 2014. the right attitude and tools required for success. straightforward process, and each individual’s From that, the Motivational Workshop was born. At the heart of the presentation is a DVD that journey is different. www.fogs.com.au 15

J M Kelly (Project Builders) Pty Ltd QBSA 24025 of , SPIRITLarson s QLD biggest battle

GARY LARSON FOG No: 70 Clubs: North Sydney, Parramatta Queensland: 24 Origins (1991-1998) Australia: 4 Tests (1995-1997) Picture: News Queensland Picture:

18 www.fogs.com.au FOR decades, Billy Moore’s significantly. His PSA went from 1.6 unforgettable rendition of the famous to 2.3. According to Larson’s doctor, “Queenslander” chant personified the given his age, there was no question he Maroons’ love for State of Origin. had prostate cancer. Moore’s passionate war-cry was used “We had a biopsy and it showed up to inspire his teammates on their way a few worrying patterns on the down the tunnel in that unforgettable prostate. The doc said let’s do 1995 series. something before something really But now it is the source of serious happens,” recalls Larson, who inspiration for a greater deed - helping has a 19-year-old daughter Poppy and fellow FOGS legend Gary Larson a 17-year-old son Jack. through his battle with prostate cancer. “I feared the worst. Last November, Larson, the snowy- “Thankfully, it wasn’t aggressive, we haired workhorse who played 24 got it in the early stages. consecutive Origin matches between “I could have lived six weeks or six 1991-98, was rocked by the diagnosis months, who knows? You don’t know he never saw coming. my ordeal and he said, ‘Gary, just hang with cancer how quickly it sets in. The If you watched Larson terrorise in there mate, we’ll be there for you other organs around your prostate are NSW opponents in his pomp, the every step of the way’. your bowel, you colon, your testicles Maroons’ muscular tackling machine, “That’s the type of brotherhood and if it had seeped into those, I would you would appreciate he’s hardly a that sums up rugby league and the have been in real trouble. typical candidate for the illness. bond that underpins the FOGS “I don’t think a lot of men realise Prostate cancer can be hereditary, organisation.” what function the prostate performs but Larson knows of no other victims As Larson points out, cancer does until they get it. I didn’t realise just in his family. The average age at the not discriminate, and it has targeted how important it was. It controls a lot time of diagnosis is 70. Larson turned other members of the Queensland of things. 47 in January. Origin family. “Without my prostate, I’ve had to Men with high-blood pressure are In 2009, , currently learn by using my pelvic floor muscles more susceptible, but Larson doesn’t the Maroons’ assistant coach, was how to urinate again. smoke and, at 91kg, still looks fit found to have prostate cancer, and “The other problem is erectile enough to pack into the Maroons’ 12 months later, former Queensland dysfunction. I’m going OK in that back row. forward Darryl Brohman received an department, I have about 40 per cent So when doctors mouthed the identical diagnosis. back, but when the prostate comes out, dreaded “C” word, Larson was shaken Thankfully, both survived. Having you lose a lot of nerves around the to his core. His life flashed before successfully undergone surgery to region. his eyes. remove his prostate, Larson has also “For a while, I felt like I’d lost my In his darkest hours, he found solace lived to tell his story, but he is speaking manhood and some people struggle not only in the medical fraternity, but out to alert men to an often secret with that concept. Some men suffer the FOGS family. cancer that can be lurking within. depression. He says he was inundated with “It came out of the blue,” Larson “I spoke to Hages and he said just calls from former teammates. Not said from his home in Gladstone in follow the instincts you had in football surprisingly, Moore was one of the first Central Queensland. and I had no hesitation getting it out. to call, promising Larson’s fight would “To hear the words from the doctor “My wife is doing OK. We had a few be FOGS’ collective fight. ... prostate cancer ... I went numb. arguments about which direction to go, Today, Larson has won the battle. “Whatever the doc said, all of a but she was supportive of the direction Blood tests show he is free of cancer. sudden went in one ear and out the I wanted to take. Go you good Queenslander. other because you don’t comprehend “After the surgery, the pathology tests “I’m so thankful to the footy family what will happen. came back and I was in the clear. who were there for me and the great “I had no symptoms whatsoever. “There were no signs of any cancer surgical team, including Dr Peter Some people take prostate cancer to cells around the prostate, so it’s a huge Heathcote, who was just magnificent the grave without knowing, for others, relief.” the whole way through,” Larson said. they can be dead within months. By speaking out, Larson hopes he “Going through this made me “I didn’t see any signs. Generally, can raise awareness ... and save a life. appreciate just what rugby league gives you experience pain or see blood when “As men, we like to think we are you and how a fraternity like FOGS urinating, but I felt fine. There’s no macho and unbreakable, but we aren’t can band together to help in a time of history of it in my family, and I’ve 10 feet tall and bulletproof,” he says. need. never had a single issue with bodily “We don’t take care of our health “ (Souths and Easts) functions. enough. from the Men of League was just an “I’ve also led a fit and healthy “I hope I can be a lesson for all men inspiration, but I also had so many lifestyle, but three years ago I decided to to have their prostate checked, because calls of support from Queensland get tested as part of routine check-up.” when we do get signs of something, it mates and identities. People like Steve Soon, alarm bells rang. His latest is usually too late. Walters, Darryl van de Velde, Steve Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) “It was a huge scare but I’m back at Calder, Tony Hearn and Billy Moore reading – the test which helps work and feeling on top of the world. ... they were all there. determine whether the prostate “I say every day, ‘I’m here. I’m alive “I remember talking to Billy about has cancerous activity – spiked ... I’m on top of the ground’.” www.fogs.com.au 19 CCC_FOGS_Ad_2014_OUTLINE.indd 1 11/04/2014 4:42 pm

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EACHAM S JUNIOR HISTORY IMMORTALISED IN PRINT IMMORTALISED IN PRINT A NEW book about junior rugby league while some of the older clubs faded away. State of Origin for Queensland. in the north gives an insight into the daily The book includes a section on Eacham Johnson, who played his junior footy battles facing grassroots footy, and the players who have played in NQ and with the Herberton Magpies, helped clubs that have generated generations of Queensland representative teams, and Grandelis launch the book in Atherton. the game’s biggest stars. includes photographs of many NQ junior In a passionate address, Johnson spoke A History of the Eacham Junior Rugby rugby league teams from the last 30 years of the many hours that volunteers, League 1969 -1999 The First Thirty Years of the 20th century. parents, team officials and supporters gave was launched in Atherton in December One of those players was former to make junior rugby league what it is by author Martin Grandelis, a former Storm and Cowboys lock Dallas Johnson, today. President of the Eacham JRL. who was the first Eacham junior to play “Like any youngster I never thought The book was compiled on the back much about the issues that are necessary of decades of records, newspaper articles for junior rugby league to take place week and interviews with over 500 past officials, after week,” he said. players and supporters, covering the highs “If it wasn’t for these special people, I’m and lows the game has experienced in the not sure if the competition would still be district during those three decades. going to this day.” The Eacham JRL district in far north While the book focuses on the history of Queensland was originally comprised of the Eacham JRL, it also gives a grassroots the Atherton, Malanda, Millaa Millaa, insight into the changing values and Mareeba East, Mareeba West and attitudes in the administration of junior Mossman JRL clubs, and was formed in rugby league in Queensland. 1969. The book, which is over 600 pages in It was one of the last districts in NQ to length and includes 825 photographs, is set up a separate administration for junior available at bookstores across the Atherton rugby league and “break away from the Tablelands. seniors.” Those outside the Atherton Tablelands By the mid-80s, Ravenshoe and can email [email protected] to Herberton had joined the Eacham JRL, purchase the book and have it sent by post.

Trevor Gillmeister takes a head- on look at the big issues ONE in the NRL

THIS year we will be going for a bit of a change of pace with my column for Queenslander Magazine. For the past few years, we have been looking at way to help get guys back into a bit of shape. But after all this time – and I am looking at you here, Mark Coyne – if you’re not fit now, you’re probably never going to be. So from now on, this little spot up the back of the magazine will be dedicated to talking about the big issues in rugby league, and my take on them. First cab off the rank is one that is very close to my Pictures: News Queensland heart – tackling. More specifically, I’m talking about bloke around the legs lifting, but from Introducing laws to ban lifting in tackles lifting tackles and the uproar that erupted additional defenders hanging off the involving more than one defender just after the terrible injury suffered by attacking player’s shoulders, driving in the don’t seem feasible to me. Newcastle’s Alex McKinnon. other direction. When you have players running at full Let’s get something out of the way The end result is that the bloke around speed, there is just no time to make those first – like everyone in rugby league, I was the legs no longer has control of the decisions. shocked and saddened by what happened tackle, the bloke carrying the ball is swung Back in the old days, you had one bloke to young Alex, and I wish nothing but the like a pendulum, and you end up with a in low and one up high and you would best for him and his family as he works dangerous tackle. knock them over. down a very hard road towards recovery. When I was at the Broncos, I used to But the game is so fast these days, there But I think the shocking injury that say to guys that I had played with for a just is not enough time to set the defensive Alex suffered did generate a bit of while: “If I get in under a bloke, just leave line like there used to be. hysteria in certain sections of the game me. Don’t try to give me a hand, just take I am all for the rule changes that have about lifting tackles, and talk about the support runners”. rubbed out the third man in around the banning it from the game. By doing that, I knew that I would keep knees tackles, and got rid of a lot of the For a start, not all lifting tackles are the control of the tackle, and there was less wrestling. same. chance of things going wrong. We’re all pretty quick to put the boot On some occasions you have tacklers It is hard enough maintaining that into the league bosses when they’re not putting hands between the legs and lifting control when you’re trying to bring down getting things right, so it’s only fair we upwards. a big rooster, but it becomes impossible give them a wrap over this. To my mind, that is not on, and in when you have a couple of mates trying I think they’ve got it right. most instances that will draw a penalty or to help and adding another couple of In general the footy has been better, suspension anyway. hundred kilos to the equation. and more enjoyable to watch because it is But when you have an 85kg What happened to Alex was a genuine not getting bogged down in the wrestling trying to roll a 120kg prop onto his back tragedy, but also a terrible accident. stuff like it was for a few years. in a tackle, he is going to lift the attacker’s When you put it into the context of They need to fid the happy medium so leg off the ground to slow that play the the thousands of tackles that are made it doesn’t become too quick, but I think ball down. every weekend in the NRL over so many the new laws have been a success.. In those instances, most of the time seasons, you can appreciate what a freak But trying to make a blanket ban for where things go wrong is not from the set of circumstances it was. lifting tackles just won’t work.

22 www.fogs.com.au 1692-LION-SoO 2014 FOGS Ad A5 Press.indd 1 15/04/2014 10:01 pm

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