MAGAZINE JUNE – JULY 2004

Proudly supported by Proudly Sponsored by The Australian and The AMP Financial Planning

Presidents Message It seems incredible but we are fast approaching our third annual Men of League Ball. This year the ball will be held on the 29th of September at the Convention and Exhibition Centre. If you would like information on the ball please contact the offi ce on (02) 9339 8507 and speak to Jenny or Peter and they will get the Ball details out to you. This year’s ball will pay tribute to Wally O’Connell ’s oldest living Kangaroo Captain, and Kel O’Shea. We will also have as our guests the winning Grand Final Captains from the past 50 years. Once again the ball promises to be a very special evening and a night not to miss. I think it is time we changed the name of our publication from newsletter to the Men of League Magazine. Most people I speak to refer to it as a magazine and with each edition now averaging 12 pages it seems a more appropriate name. Since the last newsletter we have formed offi cial Men of League branches in the Illawarra, Brisbane and Tweed/ Gold Coast (see branch’s page for more information). I’m sure before the year is out there will be additional branches formed. We have also started our associates membership drive (see the article in the newsletter). Associates are those people who want to be involved with the Men of League but have never participated in the sport or who have not played since leaving school. It is sad to see a number of former players, referees and offi cials who are in poor health. We are all victims of the aging process but it is gratifying to know that we have now built an organisation that can help those in need. With a developing branch structure I’m confi dent we will be better situated to fi nd these people. Everything is still word of mouth so if you know of anyone who needs support call the offi ce. In the last newsletter we talked about our tax issue. I would like to thank all of those people who called offering suggestions and help. We continue to move forward on this issue and are most appreciative of the work Blake, Dawson & Waldron have offered to do on our behalf. I would also like to advise you they are doing this work free of charge. A big thank you to Matthew May and his team. On the front cover you will see a photo of Roy Masters, Jimmy Sharman (Wests fullback in the 1930’s) and myself. Roy, a great supporter of the Men of League, invited me over to meet Jimmy when he did a recent interview for the Sun Herald. Many of our older readers will remember Jimmy and his boxing troupe at the Royal Easter Show. Jimmy shared some great sports stories with Roy and myself. Finally I’m pleased to announce the appointment of Brad Clyde and to the committee. They replace Darrell Bampton (mentioned in the last newsletter) and Graeme Hughes. Graeme’s work commitments with his “talkin’ sport” radio program on 2SM each weekday afternoon has made it impossible for him to attend meetings. Graeme will continue to be involved in organising major events for the Men of League and will consult with the sponsorship committee. We very much appreciate Graeme’s efforts in the start up of the Men of League particularly with the organisation of our fi rst Ball. I hope you enjoy this issue of the Men of League Magazine. President

Page 1 INFORMATION REGARDING BRANCH’S AND ASSOCIATES

Men of League Branch’s We now have branches in Brisbane, Illawarra and Tweed/Gold Coast, and of course the main Sydney Branch. It is very important that before a branch is constituted it needs the approval of the National Committee. (This is for leg