Offi cial Magazine of ’s Former Origin Greats

EDITION 29 | SUMMER 2017

GUTS AND GLORY Maroon legend grows after another remarkable year

Picture: Courtesy News Queensland MANY THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS

FOUNDING CHAIRMAN RSA Turner EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN DEPUTY CHAIRMEN -de-Bresac DIRECTORS , , , , , , Greg Oliphant, Don Jackson,

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

This edition of Queenslander Magazine acts as a bookmark for the Former Origin Greats, marking 2017 as the year a massive stake was put into the ground to build a future around.

THE successful completion of, and the most famous and desirable precincts Origin, as and his players relocation to, our new headquarters on in the state, just metres away from conjured another miracle with one of the Castlemaine Street is without doubt one Queensland’s most hallowed piece of turf, most inspired fi ghtbacks we have ever of the biggest accomplishments in our Suncorp Stadium. seen to win the series. organisation’s history. While the new building begins an exciting There was plenty against the Maroons It is also an achievement that fulfi lls next chapter for FOGS, we have been very this year: a massive injury list, a transition the vision that our founder Dick “Tosser” fortunate to have called Suncorp Stadium period that saw some long-serving players Turner saw for the FOGS so many years our home for the past decade or more. make way for a new generation, and that ago. Through Harvey Lister, AEG Ogden and awful drubbing in Origin I at Suncorp Tosser always had grand plans for the of course Alan Graham, Suncorp Stadium Stadium. FOGS. has always been very supportive of us, and But Queenslanders produce their best While the chance to keep the bonds tremendous landlords. under adversity, and especially when other linking every FOG and pay respect to the I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to people tell them something is impossible. past were important, the idea of using Harvey, Alan and everyone at AEG Ogden Kevvie and his Maroons not only came those traditions to build a better future and Suncorp Stadium for their amazing out the other side victorious, but just as was imperative. support over the years. incredibly, stronger than Queensland has Having our own base and our own Because of their support, we have been ever been. source of income to do that work was the able to implement our various and very It was a lesson in how hard work and foundation stone of Tosser’s dream, and successful programs, which continued to resilience are the building blocks of a our new building has made that a reality. grow and prosper in 2017. successful future. We have been operating out of the new As you will read inside the magazine, It is a template the FOGS will follow as building since September, but will have the diff erence that is being made to the we begin our new era in 2018. an offi cial opening early in the new year lives of young Queenslanders through our My many thanks to all FOGS members, to celebrate this major milestone for the ARTIE Academy continues to inspire. our staff , sponsors and supporters. organisation. Similarly, being able to support very We hope you have an enjoyable Christmas Aside from giving us a place to call home, worthwhile causes and charities through and New Year, and join us again in 2018 the new building will also provide ongoing our donations and major fundraising for what will be another great year to be a revenue streams for the organisation to events like the FOGS Annual Charity Lunch Queenslander. help make FOGS fi nancially self-suffi cient. is something to be proud of. We have two-and-a-half fl oors of offi ce There was also a change of era on the GenǪ ɄǯǰeȤ space now available to lease in one of fi eld this year with Queensland in State of EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

FOGS wish all our members, staff, sponsors and supporters all the very best for a wonderful Christmas and exciting New Year!

www.fogs.com.au | 3 FROM THE COACH’S DESK WITH KEVIN WALTERS

UEENSLAND’S It was certainly a lot tougher faces to rebuild around the than last year’s series. “That emotion nucleus of the squad. success has always Game I was tough, seeing Those fresh faces stood up been built on as we were beaten so has always been to be counted, and kept the emotion. convincingly, which hadn’t series alive for us in Game II in Right from happened in my previous three . the moment the games as coach. what sets Origin This year, we had eight Qgreat trundled Immediately after that game, apart, and what players make their Origin down the tunnel in 1980, that we knew that we were going debuts for Queensland: emotion has always been what to have to make some tough , , sets Origin apart, and what decisions around the selection makes the special , Jarrod makes the special moments of the team for Game II. Wallace, , Tim just so special. While it was a real joy to be moments just Glasby, and This year’s series win took able to ring to tell , so the process of us through just about every him that he was back in the so special.” regenerating our team for the emotion you can think of, from side, there were also the tough future is well and truly under the devastation of the loss in calls to make to the guys that way. Game I to the joy and relief of had missed out. For me, the highlight of the Game III, the sadness at saying These guys were serious entire series was Johnathan farewell to some loyal servants Origin players – guys like Sam Thurston kicking that goal to the excitement and pride Thaiday, , Nate in Game II to get us into the of handing so many talented Myles, – guys decider. young players their fi rst who had given so much to We got so much momentum Maroon jerseys. Queensland for so long. off the back of that kick to get It was a very exciting series That also includes a guy us into a decider and put us in for me. like , who I felt a position to win the series. I just love the challenge didn’t do a hell of a lot wrong I have said this to John so of what Origin brings from a in Game I, but I had to ring many times, but I just can’t coaching point of view, and I him and explain why we had thank him enough for what have to say all of my coaching gone in a diff erent direction for he did for the team and our staff should be commended Game II. state in Game II. for the terrifi c job they did this We had to make those tough It was above and beyond. year, as well as the players. calls and bring in some fresh It was a little sad that injury

2017 QLD DEBUTANTS

ANTHONY JARROD MILFORD WALLACE FOG #186 FOG #189

DYLAN NAPA FOG #187 VALENTINE HOLMES FOG #188

4 | www.fogs.com.au prevented John from playing in go back out there was just It was a really special feeling me to do that by coaching with Game III, and getting a proper incredible. watching him land that goal, in them every day, so I can keep send-off at Suncorp Stadium. There was no way anyone his fi nal act as a Queensland learning and improving to help But in a way, it was so fi tting could have stopped him from player. Queensland. and representative of his whole going back out there, and he Next year, we will start My main priority is still the Origin career that his last game kept himself in the game. He all over again. For me, I am Queensland Origin side and for Queensland will be forever wasn’t hiding out wide or just heading back to the Broncos getting them to peak at the remembered for his bravery making up the numbers. as an assistant coach to right time and to achieve that, and his brilliance. He gave everything he had. continue my education and I think I need to be coaching at You get used to expecting it And then, when the entire improvement as a NRL level on a more consistent from these guys, from these series was on the line, it comes coach. basis. elite players. But after seeing down to him – and there is not To get better as a coach, I After the year we have had, him at halftime in Sydney, and any other person in the world feel I have to coach, rather than I can’t wait to see what is in seeing how badly damaged you would want taking that kick just sit around thinking about store for the Maroons in 2018. his shoulder was, for him to but John. it. The Broncos are allowing

Pictures: Courtesy News Queensland

COEN HESS CAMERON FOG #190 MUNSTER FOG #192

TIM BEN GLASBY HUNT FOG #191 FOG #193

www.fogs.com.au | 5 Pictures: Courtesy News Queensland

WE WILL NEVER SURRENDER

Queensland spirit delivers another Origin Series Victory for the ages

IF RUGBY league was an American sport, got the job done in Walters’ fi rst series Steven Spielberg would have already win in 2016. bought the movie rights to Queensland’s But with Slater overlooked, and Johnathan incredible 2017 win. Thurston, Matt Scott, and already With their 11th win in 12 years, it was unavailable because of injury, the core of easy to suspect we had seen everything Queensland’s decade of dominance was from the Maroons since Origin’s greatest suddenly and worryingly missing. dynasty began under Mal Meninga in 2006. In the game that was supposed to be Rebuild they did. For Origin II, Slater But under Kevin Walters this year, the a celebration of captain was back. Not only that, the brilliant Maroons somehow managed to go to their becoming the fi rst player in history to play Thurston, who had missed Game I with bag of tricks and not only conjure another 40 Origin matches, the Maroons imploded his troublesome shoulder, was back in the series win, but one of the greatest series on the launchpad. No.6. wins of them all. In front of a shocked Suncorp Stadium Rookies Valentine Holmes, Jarrod Spielberg may have created movies like crowd, the Maroons were humiliated 28-4 Wallace, Coen Hess and were Jurassic Park and E.T., but it is unlikely even by a rampant Blues side. handed Origin debuts and Hollywood’s legendary director could have The result was unexpected. The reaction was recalled as the Maroons issued an come up with a script as fanciful as the one in NSW was not. SOS to the next generation that their time that played out in the 2017 Origin series. As usual, the Blue rhetoric fl owed thick was now. The emotional rollercoaster began and fast, hailing the dawn of a new dynasty Even then, some of Queensland’s new before the teams had even had their fi rst for a team that would dominate Origin for faces were derided – ridiculed even – in training session, with Walters fi ghting back a decade, riding on the shoulders of man the Sydney media. tears as he spoke of the personal pain at of the match Andrew Fifi ta, who was being With the series on the line and the world having to leave the great Billy Slater out of compared to the great Arthur Beetson. against them, the Maroons had to go to the team. And as usual, the Queenslanders said Sydney to to fi nd a miracle. The Maroons showed their traditional nothing, but quietly picked up the pieces The signs were not good. Queensland loyalty, standing by the men who had to begin rebuilding again. trailed 16-6 at halftime, and Thurston was

6 | www.fogs.com.au While Queensland had avoided the But the Maroons proved their depth knockout punch at ANZ Stadium, the runs much deeper than a core group Maroons were still very much against the of champions, and more importantly, ropes and on wobbly legs heading back to showed once again that the Queensland Suncorp Stadium for the series decider. spirit burns brightest when times are Incredibly, after being battered from toughest. pillar to post every step of the way, the The Maroons never say die. Maroons were again forced to make Queenslanders are never beaten. changes with Thurston and both ruled out with injury for Game III. After Anthony Milford in Game I and Thurston in Game II, Queensland called in rookie Cameron Munster to make his Origin debut as the Maroons’ third fi ve-eighth in three games. Michael Morgan’s shift to centre to a passenger after a direct hit destroyed replace Boyd saw Broncos utility Ben Hunt his injured shoulder, and meant he had to called onto the bench. play out the game in pain. Hunt, adding to the drama, would be Hope seemed lost. But just three making his Origin debut just weeks after minutes before NSW’s coronation as series being dumped back to the Intrust Super champions, found his way to Cup with Ipswich by Broncos coach Wayne the line to level the scores. Bennett. Up stepped Thurston with a diffi cult kick And just like in the fi nal act of a Hollywood to win the match, and save the series. blockbuster, the Maroons returned to Despite his injured shoulder, made Suncorp Stadium re-energised, and reborn. more painful with the realization that They blew the Blues away on the his season and Origin career were over, scoreboard, but the mental scars will take Thurston once more delivered when we a lot longer to heal. needed him the most. NSW had gone into the series with How fi tting that Thurston’s fi nal act in a motto of “no excuses”, knowing a Maroon jersey was to deliver one last Queensland had been weakened with the piece of brilliance under pressure with so loss of so many greats, and the blooding much on the line. of so many new faces. NEW HOME SIGNALS A NEW ERA FOR THE FOGS

give the FOGS a revenue stream to safeguard the A new era for the Former organisation’s future. Origin Greats will begin in The building is the culmination of a vision dreamed up by the FOGS’ inaugural Chairman Dick “Tosser” early 2018 with the offi cial Turner, who could see from the very fi rst days how great the organisation could become. opening of the organisation’s “That was always Tosser’s dream for us to have a new headquarters in home of our own,” said FOGS Executive Chairman Gene Miles. Castlemaine St. “When we were fi rst starting out at the FOGS, we looked around at a number of licensed clubs that AFTER years of planning and construction, FOGS were struggling at the time, as potential places for us staff moved into the new building in September, and to make a home. once the last of the fi nal fi t-out is completed a public “We just couldn’t aff ord them at the time, or fi nd the unveiling will take place in the new year. one that was exactly what we were after. The new building is a signifi cant step forward for “So we ended up at Suncorp Stadium, and ended up the FOGS, fi nally having a home of their own after staying there for a decade. Really, for us, there was no leasing offi ce space at Suncorp Stadium for over a better place to be because the place means so much decade. to all of us. But the new building represents more than real “But certainly the goal was to always have a place of estate. For the fi rst time, the new offi ce building will our own.

8 | www.fogs.com.au “It has been a long road and a lot of work, but here we are now with our own building literally metres from the playing fi eld at Suncorp Stadium.”

“This new building had been badly damaged in the fl oods of 2011, and it had sat dormant here for a number of years. “When the chance came up for us to grab it, we made an off er and they accepted. “It has been a long road and a lot of work, but here we are now with our own building literally metres from the playing fi eld at Suncorp Stadium. “We will offi cially open the building early in the new year, scheduled around a game at Suncorp Stadium across the road. “We have our entertaining area here which we will be able to utilise, then walk our guests across the road to take in some footy.” With three levels of space available in the new building, Gene said the opportunity to invite tenants to share the new building was a major part of the attraction in the location. “It was always Tosser’s ambition that the FOGS should be able to fund itself, and leasing the rest of this building will ensure that there is a revenue stream coming in for the organisation for the years to come,” Gene said. “We were heavily reliant on government funding up until about fi ve years ago, and while we still do receive government funding with our Indigenous programs, this is a big step forward in the plan of owning our own building and having tenants to provide that regular revenue stream. “We are only occupying half of one fl oor, so we will be looking to lease out the remaining two and a half fl oors. “That has been diffi cult with the building not being completed and tenants wanting to know about time frames around when they could move in and take up residency. “That hasn’t been possible until now, and we will up the ante on fi nding tenants now for what is around 2,000 sqm of offi ce space.” Gene said the support of Suncorp Stadium in helping the FOGS achieve this new milestone would never be forgotten. “I’d like to pay tribute to Suncorp Stadium, for their many years looking after the FOGS as great landlords,” he said. “Through Stadiums Queensland, Harvey Lister, AEG Ogden and of course Alan Graham, they have always been very supportive of us. “What better place for us to be than at the best stadium in the world? “Now we have a place to call our own, and we are a 10-metre walk from the front entrance to the stadium.” www.fogs.com.au | 9 Pictures: Courtesy News Ltd THURSTON: FAREWELL TO A QUEENSLAND LEGEND

Johnathan Thurston celebrates his conversion to put the Maroons in front

the Queensland No.6 jumper was his. JT’s Origin career ended prematurely Walters opened the door for an -style comeback. But Thurston fi rmly with injury, but not before one last act closed it, content with his remarkable Origin story. of brilliance to save the Maroons’ series “It’s obviously going to be sad,” says Thurston of the reality he will never wear his cherished Maroon jumper again. “There is no doubt it’s going to be tough, admits he has He planned to exit a winner after Origin but I’m at peace and at ease with the shed a tear or two. III, only for his busted shoulder to scupper decision I’ve made. But amid the heartache and bittersweet his farewell to the Queensland faithful at “There were a few tears – it was just the emotions surrounding his State of Origin Suncorp Stadium in the decider. reality of the situation, the injury and the fi nale, Thurston has found peace. Thurston watched from the stands as fact I wouldn’t play Origin again. But I had On the night of June 21, 2017, Thurston the Maroons overcame the odds to seal an to face up to that. became a Maroon hero – yet again – when 11th series win in 12 years, aware he had “At the end of the day, each Queensland he landed a booming sideline conversion been denied the Origin fairytale farewell player is just a caretaker of the jersey. with a battered shoulder to clinch an epic enjoyed by his one-time teammates We’ve got a great crop of halves coming 18-16 victory for Queensland in Origin II at , and through that have been biding their time ANZ Stadium. . for a while. It kept the series alive, and reinforced Maroons coach Kevin Walters, mindful “I have no regrets at all. I’ve been so Thurston’s greatness in the Queensland this was not the ending Thurston had lucky in my Origin career. It’s their turn to jumper, but it wasn’t the script the craved, had a simple solution. take over in the Maroons jersey.” champion playmaker had envisaged. If Thurston wanted to play on in 2018, Thurston’s 37th and fi nal Origin game

10 | www.fogs.com.au will be fi rmly etched in the annals of interstate football. For almost an hour, he soldiered on with an arm as limp as old lettuce after NSW forward cannoned into him on the Maroons’ tryline. At halftime, Thurston could barely lift his shoulder. But he returned for the second stanza and when Dane Gagai crashed over to level scores match-winning kick and the ill-fated at 16-all with two minutes remaining, the “I have no regrets incident that would end his Origin career. stage was set for Thurston. “Frizell was running the ball and it Bang. Through the pain of a shoulder at all. I’ve been might have been an elbow that had direct that required season-ending surgery, contact with my shoulder. Thurston was never going to miss. “It felt like a dead arm... like I’d been “You just don’t want to let your so lucky in my punched in the arm. That’s all it felt like. teammate down. That’s the Queensland “I could still lift my arm and pass. I got way,” says Thurston as he recounts his Origin career” through the game, but once we got the scan back it wasn’t good. “When the surgeon went in there, he said it wasn’t like a tear – it was like the joint had exploded. “It (his shoulder ligament) was all frayed and not like a clean tear. “The scary thing is, if the tear had have been any bigger, they wouldn’t have been able to repair it. “If I had have played on and done more damage to it, doing everyday things in life, like picking your kids up, would have been a struggle. “It was a no-brainer to get the surgery done.” Thurston departs Camp Maroon in the same playmaking stratosphere as Queensland greats Lockyer and Wally Lewis. Of his 37 games since his debut in 2005, he won 24, including fi ve man-of-the- match awards. He is the greatest point-scorer in Origin history with 220 from fi ve tries and 99 goals. Asked how he wishes to be remembered, Thurston says: “That’s a hard one to answer. “I guess that I always put the team fi rst and did everything possible to win for the team and the state. “When I started in 2005, I never thought I’d go on to have the career I’ve had in the Origin arena. “I’ve been very blessed and lucky to play alongside some of the greats to have ever laced up a boot. “It’s always been a team-fi rst mentality that we’ve had. None of the egos have ever been a problem. We have all gotten on. “I’m most proud of the whitewash in 2010, and our series win in 2006. We were staring down the barrel of being the fi rst team to lose four consecutive series and we turned it around to become the most dominant team in Origin history. “To think I played a part in that, I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.” www.fogs.com.au | 11 Tosser’s heart and continues his charter of helping the game “Once again, as at the grassroots. “We will continue Tosser’s legacy forever,” Gene said. a result of the “Cyclone Debbie caused a huge amount of damage up north, proceeds from and sometimes junior sport gets forgotten about in the big this year’s event, scheme of cleaning up after such an event. “Mick McLean is involved we will be making with the local junior footy up there which is a great cause, some valuable and we were more than happy to help out there. “Because of the support that donations to the the clubs in that area received they, and the game, were able charities that we to get back on their feet pretty quickly, which is great.” identify come the HeartKids, which helps children and their families dealing with congenital and lunch next year.” CHARITY LUNCH childhood heart conditions, was another worthy recipient this year, with CEO Mark Brooke accepting a $20,000 donation from FOGS. As if that wasn’t good separation continue to reduce. DELIVERS AGAIN enough, the team at Virgin “Once it was friends of Money then stepped in with a friends dying from lung pledge to match every dollar cancer. Now it is guys that you donated by FOGS, meaning took the fi eld with or worked foǶ QǻȥeȡsǰǧȡdȥǶȤ in dzǪȥȨ HeartKids accepted a total alongside. It is a very sobering of $40,000 to help young thought.” Queenslanders and their The success of the 2017 families. FOGS Charity Lunch means Queenslanders hit by natural disasters A REGULAR and much- Debbie was the most The Lung Cancer Research more worthy Queensland anticipated part of every Origin destructive cyclone to cross Foundation received a $10,000 causes will be in line for and personal tragedies were the series, the FOGS Annual Charity the Queensland coast since donation, which resonated in a donations next year. Lunch combines celebrating Yasi in 2011 when it made personal way with the FOGS. “There was a lot of money recipients of some much-needed heart- everything that is great about landfall near Airlie Beach, with Accepting the donation on given away this year, and the warming donations at this year’s FOGS Queensland, while helping sustained winds of 195km/h behalf of the Foundation were same thing will happen again to support Queenslanders in and gusts of up to 260km/h – Jackie Crane, wife of John, and next year too,” Gene said. Annual State of Origin Charity Lunch. need of a bit of help. resulting in 14 deaths and $2.4 Terry Butler’s brother, Dwayne. “The simple formula we use It was a mandate created billion worth of damage. Both John and Terry were is, whatever is raised on the by the FOGS’ founding father While the north continues to very close to the FOGS, and day is donated to worthwhile Dick “Tosser” Turner when he rebuild, the FOGS are helping both sadly lost battles with charities the following year. started the organisation. to ensure rugby league in the lung cancer in recent years. “This year was another Using the power of area remains strong. “Causes like lung cancer very successful lunch. It Queensland’s passion for the LNP Member for the and brain cancer research are was a fantastic day, a great Maroons, Tosser wanted the Whitsundays and former always deserving of any money atmosphere and terrifi c FOGS to strengthen rugby league commentator Jason we can raise for them so that guests. Des Dowling was the league in the state, and make Costigan accepted a $7,500 we can do our part towards comedian this year, who came a diff erence to the lives of donation on behalf of the fi nding a cure for these rotten highly recommended by Alfi e everyday Queenslanders. Proserpine Whitsunday Junior diseases,” Gene said. Langer. The money raised at every Rugby League Club, while FOG “Unfortunately, as the years “Des is a Victorian and a FOGS Charity Lunch does just #69 and Bowen local Mick go on, these diseases really former television journalist. that, and the funds collected McLean accepted a donation start to hit home when we are But despite both of those from the 2016 lunch went to of $7,500 on behalf of the losing people close to us, like things, he was a really funny some very worthy causes this Bowen Seagulls Junior Rugby we have done with Craney and guy and did a great job for us. year. League Club. Terry. “Once again, as a result of Two donations were made FOGS Executive Chairman “I think at some stage the proceeds from this year’s to junior rugby league clubs Gene Miles, who presented all everyone has known of event, we will be making some in the Whitsundays that were of the donations at the lunch, someone who has lost the valuable donations to the devastated by Cyclone Debbie said supporting junior clubs fi ght with cancer, but as we charities that we identify come in March of this year. in need was a cause close to get older, the degrees of the lunch next year.”

12 | www.fogs.com.au Tosser’s heart and continues his charter of helping the game “Once again, as at the grassroots. “We will continue Tosser’s legacy forever,” Gene said. a result of the “Cyclone Debbie caused a huge amount of damage up north, proceeds from and sometimes junior sport gets forgotten about in the big this year’s event, scheme of cleaning up after such an event. “Mick McLean is involved we will be making with the local junior footy up there which is a great cause, some valuable and we were more than happy to help out there. “Because of the support that donations to the the clubs in that area received they, and the game, were able charities that we to get back on their feet pretty quickly, which is great.” identify come the HeartKids, which helps children and their families dealing with congenital and lunch next year.” childhood heart conditions, was another worthy recipient this year, with CEO Mark Brooke accepting a $20,000 donation from FOGS. As if that wasn’t good separation continue to reduce. enough, the team at Virgin “Once it was friends of Money then stepped in with a friends dying from lung pledge to match every dollar cancer. Now it is guys that you donated by FOGS, meaning took the fi eld with or worked HeartKids accepted a total alongside. It is a very sobering of $40,000 to help young thought.” Queenslanders and their The success of the 2017 families. FOGS Charity Lunch means The Lung Cancer Research more worthy Queensland Foundation received a $10,000 causes will be in line for donation, which resonated in a donations next year. personal way with the FOGS. “There was a lot of money Accepting the donation on given away this year, and the behalf of the Foundation were same thing will happen again Jackie Crane, wife of John, and next year too,” Gene said. Terry Butler’s brother, Dwayne. “The simple formula we use Both John and Terry were is, whatever is raised on the very close to the FOGS, and day is donated to worthwhile both sadly lost battles with charities the following year. lung cancer in recent years. “This year was another “Causes like lung cancer very successful lunch. It and brain cancer research are was a fantastic day, a great always deserving of any money atmosphere and terrifi c we can raise for them so that guests. Des Dowling was the we can do our part towards comedian this year, who came fi nding a cure for these rotten highly recommended by Alfi e diseases,” Gene said. Langer. “Unfortunately, as the years “Des is a Victorian and a go on, these diseases really former television journalist. start to hit home when we are But despite both of those losing people close to us, like things, he was a really funny we have done with Craney and guy and did a great job for us. Terry. “Once again, as a result of “I think at some stage the proceeds from this year’s everyone has known of event, we will be making some someone who has lost the valuable donations to the fi ght with cancer, but as we charities that we identify come get older, the degrees of the lunch next year.” www.fogs.com.au | 13 THE old adage suggests that nothing can prepare a rookie for the high-octane intensity of State of Origin. Somebody should tell Dane Gagai. For a man who is a relative newcomer to rugby league’s toughest arena, the Maroons ace is making Origin football look as easy as a stroll in the park. KING In just seven matches, Gagai has twice entered the interstate record books. Last year, in his fi rst full series, the of ǹǭǪ fl ying winger equaled the record for most tries in an Origin game when he scored a hat-trick in Queensland’s 26-16 victory in Game II at Suncorp Stadium. And this season, Gagai stepped up again, becoming the fi rst winger in Origin’s 37-year history to win the Wally Lewis Medal as the player of the series. WING In an arena in which playmakers and Gagai makes forward tough men tend to steal the newsprint, Gagai is bucking the trend, Picture: Courtesy News Queensland utilising his pace, energy and work rate to history as fi rst become a dominant force at Origin level. When the Maroons were under the And while he fell short of Sailor’s all- pump in an enthralling 2017 series, Gagai time record of 737 metres, set in 1998, winger to win was invariably there to answer the call, it was Gagai’s two-try heroics in Origin II, fearlessly charging the ball deep out of including his crucial 77th-minute eff ort Origin’s Wally Queensland territory. which leveled scores at 16-all, that kept Without him, it is fair to question Queensland’s series alive. whether the Maroons could have “I couldn’t have been happier with how Lewis medal mustered the enthusiasm to overturn a I played in the three games,” said Gagai, 1-0 defi cit and clinch an epic series victory. who was rewarded for his Origin form “It was a bit of a surreal feeling,” Gagai with his maiden Australian jumper at the says of winning the Wally Lewis Medal. World Cup. “I didn’t go into the series with the “You’re never perfect, there’s always mindset of trying to get any individual something you can do better. accolades. “I don’t go into any “I was going into each game with the intention David Clark, AAP game as an outside of making metres. back just trying to “He is fearless, he I’m not motivated by Picture: get my carries up. My statistics. But I don’t like mentality is if I do that, is a team player. All letting my teammates it takes the pressure off down, and I can’t thank the forwards who are of the qualities you Kevin Walters (coach) already doing most of enough for showing the work in the want in a player, faith in picking me after middle. we lost the fi rst game.” “I just did Former Maroons whatever Dane has got it.” coach Mal Meninga, it takes now in charge of to get the win. You have to , was responsible for blooding pull your weight for the Gagai in the Origin arena in 2015. man beside you. That’s The kid from Mackay has responded by the Queensland way.” scoring seven tries from as many games Statistics don’t and, at age 26, could be Queensland’s always paint a proper No.1 winger for the next fi ve years. picture, but in Gagai’s “Dane loves the game, he has a great case they make passion for the game,” Meninga said. compelling reading. “I’m really proud of how far he has In 2017, he come. produced the “He is a great person, he does most dominant everything he possibly can to enhance the performance by an game which is fantastic. He is great around Origin winger in almost the group and plays damn good footy. two decades. “He is fearless, he is a team player. All When the fulltime siren of the qualities you want in a player, Dane sounded on Queensland’s has got it. 22-6 win in the Game III “How hard is it to win the Wally Lewis decider, Gagai had amassed Medal from the wing? That’s an incredible 566 running metres – the achievement. But it doesn’t surprise me most since former Maroons because Dane is such a competitor. juggernaut charged “He hates letting the jersey down, and for 550m in 1999. that’s what I like about him.” THE old adage suggests that nothing can prepare a rookie for the high-octane intensity of State of Origin. Somebody should tell Dane Gagai. For a man who is a relative newcomer to rugby league’s toughest arena, the Maroons ace is making Origin football look as easy as a stroll in the park. KING In just seven matches, Gagai has twice entered the interstate record books. Last year, in his fi rst full series, the of ǹǭǪ fl ying winger equaled the record for most tries in an Origin game when he scored a hat-trick in Queensland’s 26-16 victory in Game II at Suncorp Stadium. And this season, Gagai stepped up again, becoming the fi rst winger in Origin’s 37-year history to win the Wally Lewis Medal as the player of the series. WING In an arena in which playmakers and Gagai makes forward tough men tend to steal the newsprint, Gagai is bucking the trend, Picture: Courtesy News Queensland utilising his pace, energy and work rate to history as fi rst become a dominant force at Origin level. When the Maroons were under the And while he fell short of Sailor’s all- pump in an enthralling 2017 series, Gagai time record of 737 metres, set in 1998, winger to win was invariably there to answer the call, it was Gagai’s two-try heroics in Origin II, fearlessly charging the ball deep out of including his crucial 77th-minute eff ort Origin’s Wally Queensland territory. which leveled scores at 16-all, that kept Without him, it is fair to question Queensland’s series alive. whether the Maroons could have “I couldn’t have been happier with how Lewis medal mustered the enthusiasm to overturn a I played in the three games,” said Gagai, 1-0 defi cit and clinch an epic series victory. who was rewarded for his Origin form “It was a bit of a surreal feeling,” Gagai with his maiden Australian jumper at the says of winning the Wally Lewis Medal. World Cup. “I didn’t go into the series with the “You’re never perfect, there’s always mindset of trying to get any individual something you can do better. accolades. “I don’t go into any “I was going into each game with the intention David Clark, AAP game as an outside of making metres. back just trying to “He is fearless, he I’m not motivated by Picture: get my carries up. My statistics. But I don’t like mentality is if I do that, is a team player. All letting my teammates it takes the pressure off down, and I can’t thank the forwards who are of the qualities you Kevin Walters (coach) already doing most of enough for showing the work in the want in a player, faith in picking me after middle. we lost the fi rst game.” “I just did Former Maroons whatever Dane has got it.” coach Mal Meninga, it takes now in charge of to get the win. You have to Australia, was responsible for blooding pull your weight for the Gagai in the Origin arena in 2015. man beside you. That’s The kid from Mackay has responded by the Queensland way.” scoring seven tries from as many games Statistics don’t and, at age 26, could be Queensland’s always paint a proper No.1 winger for the next fi ve years. picture, but in Gagai’s “Dane loves the game, he has a great case they make passion for the game,” Meninga said. compelling reading. “I’m really proud of how far he has In 2017, he come. produced the “He is a great person, he does most dominant everything he possibly can to enhance the performance by an game which is fantastic. He is great around Origin winger in almost the group and plays damn good footy. two decades. “He is fearless, he is a team player. All When the fulltime siren of the qualities you want in a player, Dane sounded on Queensland’s has got it. 22-6 win in the Game III “How hard is it to win the Wally Lewis decider, Gagai had amassed Medal from the wing? That’s an incredible 566 running metres – the achievement. But it doesn’t surprise me most since former Maroons because Dane is such a competitor. juggernaut Wendell Sailor charged “He hates letting the jersey down, and for 550m in 1999. that’s what I like about him.”

www.fogs.com.au | 15 BOYS IN GREEN SHOW TRUE MAROON SPIRIT

QUEENSLAND’S remarkable through their offi ces,” says State of Origin series win this team trainer Mark Stokes. year ticked a lot of the boxes “I knew about the work required in a rugby league that the FOGS do helping fairytale. out disadvantaged kids and “They hadn’t But the Maroons may have helping them get a start in been trumped in the feel-good rugby league. won a game in footy story of the year by the “We’re not an Aspley or a outstanding success of the Redcliff e. We don’t have a three years, and Pine Rivers Under-9s rugby leagues club, we don’t have league team. poker machines, we don’t have this year they These heroes wear emerald a bistro or anything like that, fi nally broke green instead of Maroon, but so it is always a struggle to their story of perseverance, come up with the money to through for persistence and never giving help the kids. up has all the hallmarks of “We didn’t have any fi rst aid their fi rst win.” some of Queensland’s most kit or anything for our team, famous Origin wins. so I knew the right people to raise money to give the kids a “They don’t keep score at These boys have been reach out to when we needed bit of a special day out at the that age, because it is more playing alongside each other a bit of help. end of the year, which was about just getting out there for three years, starting out in “All of our water bottles fantastic.” and having some fun. But kids the Under-6s. For three long were old and broken, you That small but signifi cant are kids – they know when seasons they went without a couldn’t shut the lid on most of donation from FOGS put they have won or lost. “They single win. them and the straws were all a spring in the step of the were very, very excited. Coming into 2017, the chewed and broken. team, and before they knew “They ended up winning six team needed some help, “They looked about 10 years it, something special was games this season, so they and reached out to the FOGS old. Geno and the FOGS not beginning to unfold. have gone from three years through Executive Chairman only donated a fi rst aid kit for “This year has been without one win to six wins in Gene Miles. us, but kitted us out with new unbelievable,” Mark said. one season. “I have known Geno for a water bottles as well. “They hadn’t won a game in “FOGS have made an while, I used to work at the “Suncorp Stadium donated a three years, and this year they absolutely amazing contribution Stadium and we gave them a couple of tickets as well which fi nally broke through for their to our team and our little club. hand when all the fl oods came we were able to auction off to fi rst win. We can’t thank them enough.”

16 | www.fogs.com.au Pictures: Gracie A Photography

THERE are not many times when Queenslanders will cheer on a blue jersey, HAPPY TO BE but exceptions can be made for a worthy cause. And the annual 9-11 Memorial Rugby League Game played out between teams from the Queensland Police Service and the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service more than fi ts the bill for our OF SERVICE support. The match has been held every year FOGS help out as police and fi ries since 2011 to pay tribute to the police, fi refi ghters and emergency service square off to honour the fallen personnel who lost their lives trying to save people in the World Trade Centre terrorist attack in New York on September 11, 2001. Aside from honouring those that died in the line of duty, the day also raises money for the Children’s Hospital Foundation, to fi nance research and equipment at the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital. This year’s event was held at Dolphin Oval at Redcliff e on September 9, and for the fi rst time, women’s teams from the QPS and QFES squared off on the fi eld for bragging rights between the two forces. But the girls in blue did have a fair dose of star power in their ranks, with play the game and fl ew back again on the Queensland legend and Jillaroos World “There is always a Sunday, which was a huge eff ort.” Cup co-captain Steph Hancock turning out The FOGS also played their part, and for the QPS team. not just with Steph Hancock inheriting her QFES spokesperson Janine Taylor said great rivalry between rugby league ability from proud dad and the event had been a massive success. FOG #11, Rohan Hancock. “It was a great day. It was the fi rst time the two forces.” “The FOGS made the very generous that women have had teams in so that was donation with a ‘Decade of Dominance’ a great occasion,” she said. police also won. Then fi nally, there was football, which helped us a lot with our “There is always a great rivalry between the main game between the men’s teams, fundraising,” Janine explained. the two forces, and it was extra special which the fi ries won 18-16. “The winner was just gobsmacked when that the women were able to be involved. “One of the biggest eff orts on the day he saw the prize. When his name was The offi cials were all women as well, which was from one of our fi refi ghters from drawn, he came up looking like ‘oh, I’ve added to the occasion, and we had a Mt Isa who basically fl ew in for two days won a football’. healthy crowd in attendance. because she had the fi nals of her soccer “But when he was able to get up close “The girls played fi rst, then there was a tournament on the Friday. and actually see what it was he was blown game of masters, which the “She came down on the Saturday to away. It was pretty amazing to see.” www.fogs.com.au | 17 SHAUNE SHARES THE LOVE QUEENSLAND State of Origin players are often held up as fi gures of inspiration for everyday Queenslanders. But sometimes it is the everyday Queenslanders that are the most inspirational of all. Shaune Watts is one such Queenslander. Shaune was inspired to devote himself to raising funds for two terrifi c Queensland causes after coming through two harrowing events that changed his life forever. The fi rst was in 2008, when he almost lost his mother to leukaemia. The second was in 2011, when his son “I certainly Noah was born 10 weeks premature, weighing just 2.4lbs – or 1090g. But that was just the start of Noah’s believe we battles. As Shaun describes on his website: are one of the “Noah was born with Severe Chronic Lung Disease and spent fi ve days on a ventilator. lucky ones” “He was fed through a line through his belly button and then through a central line through his leg to his stomach. He developed a chest infection within two days of being born. “He was connected to the CPAP machine for four weeks to support his breathing. We were not able to hold him until he was nine days old. “He spent six weeks in special care. Then, just when we thought this journey was over, it was discovered that he had a hernia in his left groin. “This required surgery and the doctors decided to operate on both sides by doing a bilateral hernia operation. breathing, so he had to go home on “But I certainly believe we are one of “He was fi nally released from hospital oxygen 24/7. He remained on oxygen until the lucky ones, so why not use that luck on 31 March 2011... however his lungs 15 September 2011.” in a way that supports the charities that were not strong enough to support his It is the type of story that would knock supported us through our diffi cult times? the wind out of most people. Instead, it “Because of them, we were able to come energised Shaun Watts to give something out the other side of those things very back. well.” Shaune’s mother and son are now both Shaune holds a golf day every year and doing well, but only thanks to the eff orts an annual Charity High Tea to raise money of the Leukaemia Foundation and the for the organisations. Mater Little Miracles organisation – who This year FOGS donated a commemorative gave Shaune and his family the help piece of memorabilia; a limited edition and support they needed in their most Johnathan Thurston signed headgear, to desperate hours. help Shaune’s cause. “My mum is still alive today, and our The headgear raised $2,000, part of an third child may not have made it were it incredible $45,471.81 raised at the high not for the support that we got from the tea, with another $34,000 raised at the golf Leukaemia Foundation and the Mater day in March. Little Miracles organisation, so for me it “The FOGS donated items for both days, was a very easy decision to help out how I which was just fantastic. I think the FOGS could,” Shaune said. have been supporting us for a good six or “Not everyone makes that decision, seven years now,” he said. because going through things like that “Every year I reach out hoping they will aff ects people diff erently. help, and every year they deliver for us.”

18 | www.fogs.com.au

ARTIE STUDENTS SHOW THATceǰǪǩrȜǹiȢȡ IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS

“It really helps us with

FORMER South African president Nelson coming to school knowing Mandela understood the importance of celebrating your victories. that there’s support Mandela, one of history’s greatest fi gures, overcame enormous adversity in his life to make a diff erence to the lives of and great rewards like millions of people in his own country and around the world. this available to us.” Mandela spent 27 years in prison because he stood up for what he believed in. On his release in 1990, Mandela standards are rewarded with an invitation oversaw the end of apartheid in South to celebrate their success at an exclusive Africa and four years later became the Fun Day event. country’s fi rst black president, unifying This year in central Queensland, more the country and becoming a champion of than 200 students were invited to attend human rights around the world. the ARTIE Beetson Fun Day, Mandela was responsible for many which included a day at Sizzler and the famous quotes during his time as one of Rocky Bowl and Leisure Centre with special the world’s great spokesmen, but there guests Corey Oates and . is one in particular that should resonate One of the ARTIE Academy students, this summer with more than 500 ARTIE Tennechiah from Rockhampton State Academy students: “Remember to High School, said the Fun Days helped celebrate milestones as you prepare for to keep students motivated and to keep the road ahead.” performing to their best so that they Business leaders, life coaches and would be invited back again next year. sports psychologists all subscribe to the “I just want to thank ARTIE and all the theory that celebrating victory is crucial staff for putting on this day,” Tennechiah to achieving and maintaining success said. because it reinforces the positive message “Not a lot of kids get to experience a day that hard work and sacrifi ce are worth it like this, and it really helps us with coming when successes can be enjoyed. to school knowing that there’s support and The ARTIE Beetson Fun Days were great rewards like this available to us.” created for just that purpose. In southeast Queensland, eligible Each year, ARTIE Academy students who ARTIE Academy students were invited achieve a 90 per cent school attendance to Dreamworld’s WhiteWater World to benchmark and maintain their academic celebrate their achievements.

20 | www.fogs.com.au Their day was shared with a host of the students who had earned a spot at the Former Origin Greats: Darius Boyd, Corey Fun Day named in his honour. Oates and Anthony Milford, and there was Sadly, Arthur died while out on a morning also a special address from Brad Beetson, bike ride, just hours before he was to be who is continuing his famous father’s the guest of honour at the Fun Day. tremendous legacy through the Arthur Like Mandela, Beetson was a champion Beetson Foundation. for his people, and an inspiration for In Term 4 this year, the ARTIE Academy everyone in the country he loved and students had participated in a dance represented with great pride. workshop delivered by the Yerongpan A strong advocate for Indigenous Aboriginal Dancers to learn the “Death education, Arthur spent his life teaching CONTINUING Adder Snake” dance. young Indigenous children about the As a special treat to mark the day of importance of staying in school and celebration, the students then performed getting an education. ARTHUR’S their dance at the ARTIE Beetson Fun Day, While Arthur may no longer be with delivering their routine as a united force us, his legacy will carry on with the ARTIE in front of their teachers, community Academy helping young Indigenous LEGACY members and special guests. Queenslanders prepare for the road The ARTIE Academy is of course named ahead with better education. The FOGS ARTIE Academy will in honour of the late Arthur Beetson, with With the annual ARTIE Beetson Fun continue to deliver outcomes the 2017 southeast Queensland ARTIE Fun Days, those students will celebrate their for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Day marking six years to the date since the milestones and achievements, and Islander students in 2018 with great man passed away. hopefully one day go on to inspire the a continuation of the program On December 1, 2011, Arthur was due people around them as well. funded by to enjoy lunch at WhiteWater World with Government Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet under the Indigenous Advancement Strategy. The program will support over 1000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students attending schools from Rockhampton, Caboolture, , Ipswich and Logan. We thank the Australian Government for their continued investment in the next generation of First Nations youth.

www.fogs.com.au | 21 FOGS AND QUT PUT ARTIE ACADEMY STUDENTS ON ROAD TO SUCCESS

DRIVING Queensland students PCYC volunteers to achieve to new heights has always been the minimum driving hours the goal of the FOGS ARTIE required to get their driver’s Academy education program. licence. But in 2017, that drive for Azhar Potia, a PhD candidate success became literal with a at QUT, said the idea for the unique research collaboration research program was born between FOGS and the QUT out of the years of success School of Economics (QuBE). enjoyed by the ARTIE Academy, QuBE and FOGS have using a rewards program received an Australian Research to generate improvement Council grant to undertake in school attendance and an Individualised Driver academic results. Licence program for eligible “In previous years, there was participants in the study. a research project that took Under the research program, place where the team looked participating students will into the FOGS’ ARTIE Academy undergo a learner licence test program – which at that time and 10 hours of driving lessons was using smaller rewards with a qualifi ed instructor, with like sports equipment to all associated costs covered by encourage greater attendance the ARC grant. and performance at school,” From there, the students Azhar said. have the option to transition “The discussion that came to the PCYC “Breaking the out of it was whether a highly Cycle” program, gaining valued reward could impact on extra driving experience with how students perform. Shaylah Grimmett

BREAKFASTEndless VALUE Students at Department of Transport and Main Roads obtaining their Learner Licences

Morayfi eld Students at Department of Transport and Main Roads

Successful students from Bundamba SSC who passed their Learner Licence test

“It is a very strong collaboration between the Endless PCYC, FOGS and QUT. Even BREAKFAST though it is a research project, VALUE it is also something that is highly practical because we are directly able to help these kids improve their lives. “There are two stages to the project. The fi rst will be to look at short-term outcomes like attendance rates. The second phase will look at longer- term outcomes, and could potentially take another two years to complete.” Students participating in the Over 50 students Community Driver’s Licence from Rockhampton and Program Workshop Rockhampton North State High Schools in central Queensland, and Morayfi eld State High take part in completing 10 FOGS and QUT had provided. School and Bundamba “Having a program hours of driving instruction “It makes it a whole lot Secondary College in the before moving onto the PCYC easier,” Shaylah said. “Having south-east, are participating in like this helps “Breaking the Cycle” program a program like this helps me a the research. to help them build up their 100 lot because you don’t have to Students who achieved their me a lot because hours of experience behind go through everything alone. Challenge goal of 90 per cent the wheel before sitting for “It is worth coming to school Physical Attendance for Term their driver’s licence in 2018. to get a reward like this and it 3 were eligible to take part in you don’t have Shaylah Grimmett, one of means I have an opportunity Stage 1 – the Learner Licence the ARTIE Academy students now that I didn’t have before. workshop and test – with a to go through participating in the research, “A lot more students would 100 per cent success rate of said the students were happy come to school more often students passing. everything alone.” to embrace the opportunity if this program was always The students will now the collaboration between available.”

www.fogs.com.au | 23 LITTLE VISITORS HAVE A GREAT BIG ADVENTURE

THERE were wide eyes and remote communities,” Jess said. involved with everything. Aside from an amazing even wider smiles when a “Having that initial interaction “They took to the Marsden experience that included lunch group of young students from with the students and staff State School students as well. at Sizzler, each of the Aurukun Aurukun State School in far will help open the discussion There was plenty of hugging students and staff went came to about how FOGS and the ARTIE and swapping names in their home with a gift bag from the Brisbane to see the ARTIE Academy can work together notebooks at ARTIE Academy and plenty Academy at work. with Indigenous students in the end of of stories to tell their Nine Aurukun students remote communities and the day.” schoolmates from Year 1 to Year 4 who throughout Queensland. when they got achieved a 100 per cent school “They were a little back home. attendance record were invited overwhelmed with the size and to attend a visit to Marsden the number of students that State School. went to the school. They were joined by three “They really enjoyed of their teachers to see how playing on the the ARTIE Academy is making playgrounds, and they an impact on primary school were blown away by students. the size of the library and ARTIE Academy Program the number of books Manager Jess Cuthbertson said available inside. the Aurukun students, aged “Students from both between fi ve and nine-years of schools played some age, were blown away by the traditional games experience. with one of our ARTIE “It was a nice entry for FOGS Academy alumni, and the ARTIE Academy into Jacob Johnson, Aurukun State School as we while they were lookFOGs toMagazine expand Advert.pdf the program 1 to 24/11/17 there 2:19and reallypm got ARTIE ACADEMY HELPS TAFE STUDENTS LEARN TO TEACH The Former Origin Greats organisation has always been about Queenslanders helping Queenslanders.

NOW, with the ARTIE Academy’s TAFE Tutor Partnership, we are seeing Queenslanders helping Queenslanders helping Queenslanders. Under the new partnership, TAFE students studying Community Service, Youth Work or Education Support are providing support in literacy and numeracy to ARTIE Academy students. This not only helps the school students improve their academic performance, but helps the TAFE students enhance their skills for their future careers and work through their 100-120 hours of volunteer work required as part of their learning. “We partner them with our schools, so they can go in there and improve their knowledge base and put the theory of what they are learning at TAFE into practice,” said ARTIE Academy Program Manager Jess Cuthbertson. “The program is the perfect way to ease yourself into working with children”

“It is a win-win for both organisations. “The role that they do is very similar to the role that they will go on to do in their professional careers – especially in education support. “Their role within the school is mentoring and assisting in class work. We are very fortunate we have been able to get this partnership. It has been a benefi t “As much as the TAFE students are there yourself into working with children. to the program this year.” to build their own skill base, they connect “The young people that I was dealing So far more than 100 students have with the students, building rapport. They with were just so respectful, and had a been involved in the program, which are invested.“ laugh. But we also got the work done, equates to over 5000 hours of in-class The impact on the TAFE students has and it helped to instill the work ethic that support, and Jess said the response to been just as impressive. they should have and helped with their the ARTIE Academy students had been Caroline Duncan, who has been tutoring organisation. phenomenal. in the program at Cavendish Road State “I found that they were loving coming “We have had a wonderful reaction to High School, is studying youth work at to school while I was there, which was an the program from the students and the TAFE and said working with the ARTIE awesome thing as well. teachers,” she said. Academy had been a perfect precursor to “It was really terrifi c to be able to support “There are always questions like: ‘When her future career. these young people while they were in such are they coming back? Are we getting “The program is totally amazing,” a stressful environment and to help them another tutor in class?’ Caroline said. “It is the perfect way to ease learn that education can be fun.”

www.fogs.com.au | 25

NEW FRONTIER

JUSTIN HODGES IS AIMING HIGH IN HIS NEW CAREER AS A COACH – FOR HIMSELF, THE GAME,

JUSTIN Hodges can now appreciate the AND HIS PEOPLE pain he once put his coaches through. After so many years working his magic on the fi eld for the Broncos, Roosters,

Queensland and Australia, Hodges has Picture: Courtesy News Queensland turned his hand to coaching. And he’s learning it’s not easy. “Look at all these grey hairs,” Hodges laughs, pointing to the side of his head. legend Wendell, whom Hodges played at The long-term vision is becoming the “I might look like Wayne Bennett in fi ve the Broncos with. fi rst Indigenous coach to win an NRL years.” It was a tough initiation. The Maroons premiership, but his immediate focus is It may come as a surprise to some, were beaten 30-16 by their NSW under- addressing the cultural inequities in the but Hodges, seen as a fun-loving larrikin 20s counterparts. But rather than deter coaching sphere and proving Aboriginal during his decorated playing career, is Hodges, the experience has only galvanised people can be equally as gifted with the dead serious about succeeding in the cut- his desire to succeed in coaching. clipboard as a football. throat world of top-level coaching. “It’s made me realise and appreciate Of Queensland’s 193 Origin players, Down the track, he dreams of emulating how tough coaching can be,” Hodges said. more than a third are Indigenous. Bennett and coaching the Broncos. But “It was torture sitting there in the Twelve per cent of the NRL’s registered right now, he is taking baby steps and coaching box. As a player, you have players today possess Aboriginal or Torres learning on the run. some control out Strait Islander heritage, but the conversion He has just on the fi eld, but in rate from playing to coaching is alarmingly completed his fi rst “I don’t want to walk the coaching box, low. year in the coaching you can be pretty Hodges believes it is time for change. realm holding dual away from the game. helpless. His journey is underway to cultivate a roles. “You give the generation of Aboriginal NRL masterminds. There was an I want to stay involved guys some advice, “I’d love to try and break the mould assistant’s role guidance and game there,” Hodges says. at the Broncos, and make a di erence.” plans, but once they “I spoke to the Broncos a while ago running water for kick off , there’s not about my ambitions with coaching and the under-20s, and a more challenging much you can do. what I want to achieve for my people. task – coaching the next wave of Origin “I was a nervous wreck. It has certainly “There has never been an Indigenous superstars in the Queensland under-20s. been an eye-opener.” coach in the NRL. Why? We have so many With former Origin duo and Ultimately, Hodges hopes to change the great Indigenous players. They love the helping out, Hodges learned landscape of NRL coaching, admitting he game. They play the game so well... but some harsh realities in charge of the is saddened by the dearth of Indigenous then they leave the game. young Maroons. coaches at rugby league’s highest “I don’t want to walk away from the At age 35, Hodges found himself echelons. game. I want to stay involved and make mentoring Storm sensation , Two years after hanging up his boots, a diff erence. I want to show Indigenous rated the next , and Tristan Hodges is determined to be a coaching players there is a pathway to coach at the Sailor, the son of Origin and Test wing poster boy for Aboriginal people. highest levels in rugby league.” www.fogs.com.au | 27 GOLD SMITH 2017 WAS THE YEAR THAT KING CAM CONQUERED THE LOT

28 | www.fogs.com.au CAMERON Smith remembers his rookie season at Melbourne. He was 18, an ill-disciplined teenager learning the hard way in AFL heartland. “My fi rst winter at the Storm, I thought: ‘What have I done? This is ridiculous’,” Smith recalls with his trademark disarming grin. “When it got to fi ve degrees and I was out on the training fi eld, I thought: ‘How long can I do this?” It turns out Smith has done it longer and better than anyone. Fast forward 15 years and Smith is the Melbourne, Queensland and Australia captain who is basking in the glory of the 2017 season, which will be remembered as the fi nest campaign of his decorated career. No-one in the NRL has the Midas touch quite like Smith. In a head-spinning six-month period this season, Smith became the fi rst man to play 40 Origin games, broke Darren Lockyer’s record of 355 NRL matches, led Queensland to another series win, claimed “Being a 300-gamer his second Dally M Medal and skippered Melbourne to premiership glory. at the Storm and Oh, and just for good measure, Smith was named captain of Australia’s World Cup squad. going past Locky’s Smith labelled the series his greatest Earning his 52nd Test in the World challenge as a leader, and when the Cup opener against , Smith is record, never ever Maroons were fl ogged 28-4 in the series closing in on another milestone owned by opener at Suncorp, it was heralded as Lockyer, who amassed a remarkable 59 did I think that in NSW’s time to celebrate a changing of the internationals in the green-and-gold. guard. When Smith chalked up his 40th game With the series on the line in the for Queensland in the series opener my wildest dreams” decider, Smith produced one of his most against NSW, many believed it was the dominant displays at any level, tormenting moment that rubber-stamped him as a But the Maroons genius truly treasures NSW to orchestrate a 22-6 triumph. future Immortal. his NRL playing record. It was Queensland’s 11th series win in “That (surpassing Lockyer) has to sit 12 years. For Smith, it was his fi fth series at the top doesn’t it?” muses Smith, who win from six attempts as skipper. fi nished the 2017 NRL season with 358 “It was truly special for me,” he said. games. “There was no doubt that series tested “To have the record for the most games me as a captain more than any other. played by any player in the history of the We blooded eight new faces and ‘Kevvie’ game, it’s a fairly signifi cant milestone. (coach Kevin Walters) had to make some “It’s really hard to take in the signifi cance brave selection calls. of it entirely because I’m still playing. I’m “But I was always confi dent in the group contracted for next year as well, so I’d like of men we had. to think I can play a few more games yet. “There was talk (after Game I) that this “I was very proud and humbled to go was NSW’s time, which annoyed me a bit. past someone like Locky. I played Origins “I don’t ever talk about Origin in terms and Tests with him and he was a guy I of domination or dynasties, I just want looked up to as a teenager. our players to be the best we can be “Looking back when I was a teenager, each match, and play for the people of never did I think I would be playing in Queensland. Melbourne. The team only came into the “To come from behind the way we did, it comp in 1998, and they were two years old showed the character of this Queensland when I signed. team and why I’m so proud to be their “Being a 300-gamer at the Storm and captain.” going past Locky’s record, never ever did I Former Maroons coach Wayne Bennett, think that in my wildest dreams. who handed Smith his Origin debut way “No-one thought the record would be back in 2003, explained why the champion broken by someone playing the game in will be irreplaceable when he retires. an AFL city like Melbourne.” “He’s like an on-fi eld coach,” Bennett said. While Smith will forever savour his “I’ve never felt so comfortable in the personal record, Queensland’s epic come- coaching box than when Cameron is out from-behind series win in July will always there in charge. resonate in terms of team achievements. “As a coach, you don’t have to send out On the eve of Origin I, the Maroons were messages because he’s already a step rocked by the loss of injured trio Johnathan ahead. Cam is such a smart footballer, he Thurston, Matt Scott and Greg Inglis. is a dream to coach.” www.fogs.com.au | 29 Pictures: Courtesy News Queensland GRAND DESIGNS

STORM AND COWBOYS FINAL HELPS BUILD FUTURE FOR MAROONS

INTERSTATE rivalry dictates into one of the great NRL that when there is no NSW coaches. team in the NRL grand fi nal, Green’s success in delivering Queensland wins. the Cowboys their maiden Passionate Maroons never title in 2015 was proof enough want to see NSW win anything. that FOG #113 had what it Knowing Sydneysiders takes to be a successful coach, would be nursing wounded following an apprenticeship pride because none of their that delivered two clubs made the “big dance” premierships with Wynnum makes grand fi nal day just Manly in the Intrust Super Cup, that little bit more special for and another as assistant coach Queenslanders. at the Roosters. We saw it in 2015, when But even without the the Cowboys and Broncos silverware to show for it, 2017 played out the fi rst-ever all- may have been Green’s best Queensland grand fi nal. coaching performance yet. The added bonus on that Just getting the Cowboys occasion was that North to the grand fi nal was Queensland and Brisbane considered a miracle, given delivered an absolute epic – North Queensland were an extra-time thriller many without their two best players declared to be the best grand and co-captains in Johnathan fi nal of all time. Thurston and Matt Scott for This year’s grand fi nal most of the year. between Melbourne and the The Cowboys only qualifi ed Cowboys was not in the same for the fi nals by sneaking into class as the 2015 decider in eighth spot when the Bulldogs terms of being a thriller. beat the Dragons in the last But the “added bonuses” round of the NRL. will be appreciated by The Cowboys lost fi ve Queenslanders for many years of their fi nal six games in to come. the regular season, but At the top of the list will be Canterbury’s victory allowed the continued evolution of North Queensland to leapfrog Cowboys coach Paul Green the Red V into eighth spot.

30 | www.fogs.com.au That charmed run was not expected to last long, with the Cowboys meeting defending premiers Cronulla in a sudden- death fi nal in the fi rst week of the play-off s. The Cowboys got home 15- 14 in extra time, then beat the Eels 24-16 before meeting pre- season favourites the Roosters in the preliminary fi nal. With all the momentum now behind them, North Queensland steamrolled the “2017 may have Roosters 29-16, becoming the fi rst team since Parramatta in been Green’s 2009 to make the grand fi nal from eighth spot. best coaching Green being able to extract so much from his under- performance yet.” strength squad, and taking the performances and standards Medal to a of some of his players to new remarkable comeback season highs, spoke volumes about after two years wrecked by his own performance and injury. his connection to his playing Slater must have only group. beaten Cameron Smith in a Michael Morgan, Scott photo fi nish for the Churchill, Bolton and were with the skipper sublime in among the players to stand up everything he did, and Cooper with impressive seasons when Cronk as ruthlessly effi cient the Cowboys needed them to as ever at halfback in his last take more responsibility. game for Melbourne. While Morgan has been Maroons , a mainstay of recent Origin Cameron Munster and Tim campaigns, the eff orts of Lowe Glasby all played their roles and Bolton during 2017 will for the Storm, while Felise remind Queensland selectors Kaufusi was able to use his try- of the tremendous depth scoring performance against available should opportunity the Cowboys to vault into Mal arise. Meninga’s World Cup squad. Similarly, Green has made Kaufusi was 18th man for no secret of the fact that he the Maroons in Game III of this harbours ambitions to one year’s Origin series, and will day coach the Maroons in the join Cowboys Lowe and Coen Origin arena, having served Hess as part of Queensland’s Queensland as a player on next wave of Origin forwards. seven occasions between 1999 So while there is satisfaction and 2001. to be had from the fact the On the other side of the Provan-Summons Trophy will grand fi nal fi eld, Melbourne live in Melbourne instead of too had a number of Sydney for the next 12 months, standout performances from Queensland’s real reward Queenslanders on their way to came with the experience and another NRL premiership. success gained by the men The mercurial Billy Slater who will carry the Maroons shone again, winning the into the next generation. www.fogs.com.au | 31 JUST FIN-TASTIC Mighty effort from Redcliffe sees the Dolphins claim the FOGS Colts Challenge and FOGS State Cup double

REDCLIFFE coach Scott Murray said the “We were really confi dent without being Suncorp Stadium scoreboard did not too arrogant. We thought we were in a tell the true story of his team’s stunning pretty good place before the game. victory in this year’s FOGS Colts Challenge “We were fi t and healthy, we weren’t grand fi nal. carrying any injuries which is quite TRAIN FOR YOUR GAME The Dolphins thrashed Norths Devil 56- uncommon at that stage of the year. 18 in a thrilling prelude to the Intrust Super “It was a really hot day and we thought SAMMY BREMNER Cup grand fi nal on September 24. Norths being a bigger team may struggle To all who watched the game, it seemed in those conditions. We knew they would like a stroll in the park for Redcliff e. start well, which is what they did. It is a massive eff ort to win a grand fi nal, “So we had to wait for our opportunities. let alone to do so by 38 points. We converted them into the points.” But Murray said it is only now, months What made the win even more satisfying after the fulltime whistle, that the Dolphins however was that the Dolphins had also have started to really appreciate the claimed the inaugural FOGS under-20s magnitude of their achievement in what statewide fi nal earlier in the year. he said was a truly tough match against Murray, who was in his fi rst season with the Devils. Redcliff e after previously coaching with “We can sit back now and think that, the Bulldogs, Roosters and Rabbitohs to put on 50-odd points in a grand fi nal, it under-20s teams, said when they won the doesn’t happen too often,” Murray said. fi rst title in May, they knew it would be a #CommittedToTheGame 32 | www.fogs.com.au CANTERBURY, , and COMMITTED TO THE GAME are registered trade marks of Canterbury Limited. © Canterbury Limited 2017. All rights reserved. tough feat to score the double. But his side persevered and, while it was a long and tough season, they proved many of their doubters wrong. “Winning those competitions... we went through that FOGS State Cup undefeated. It’s not easy to keep consistent throughout the year but we did that pretty well,” he said. “We had a couple of losses (in the FOGS Colts Challenge) but we had to put that into perspective that it was going to happen.

Pictures: Dave Clark, AAP

“To keep the consistency we did, it was competition in the Queensland Rugby really pleasing.” League, because it continues the vision Murray will next year join the Intrust of our founder Dick ‘Tosser’ Turner to do Super Cup coaching ranks, as an assistant what we can to improve rugby league in to Redcliff e coach . Queensland,” Miles said. But he will still do what he can to “The FOGS Colts Challenge and the develop the under-20s and younger FOGS State Cup help provide pathways players coming through the ranks at the for the next generation of players to Dolphins. reach their dreams of one day playing for FOGS Executive Chairman Gene Miles Queensland at State of Origin level. said the Dolphins were deserving winners “We congratulate Redcliff e on their of the dual FOGS Colts titles because of the incredible success this season, and thank quality and consistency of their football. all teams for creating a quality competition “The FOGS are very proud of our to strengthen the foundations of rugby long-term association with the colts league in Queensland.”

TRAIN FOR YOUR GAME SAMMY BREMNER

#CommittedToTheGame CANTERBURY, , and COMMITTED TO THE GAME are registered trade marks of Canterbury Limited. © Canterbury Limited 2017. All rights reserved. Sampson, Justin Hodges, Kevin Walters, Mal Meninga and Mal Walters, Queenslanders Corey Parker, Yvonne Yvonne Parker, Queenslanders Corey Walters just happened to be in the Walters just happened “It certainly keeps you in touch with the “Rugby league is a game I love anyway, “It’s not as easy as it might look. There’s Growing up in Logan, Parker dreamed He is one of Fox’s most versatile “The best way to learn is by doing it,” “It’s a bit like playing footy – you can do “It’s been challenging and it’s obviously Darwin commentary box with a bird’s- Darwin commentary Two days eye view of Hess’ destruction. was handed his later, the Cowboys rookie maiden Queensland jumper. game, that’s what I enjoy about it,” Walters says. so to be able to get paid to talk about it and assist me in my role as Queensland coach, it’s a win-win situation really. a lot of study and research that needs to be done away from the camera. so it’s Rugby league fans know their stuff important you treat the role with respect.” of one day being a Bronco, but never imagined his glittering career would steer him into commentary. performers, featuring on panel shows as well as co-commentary and sideline-eye stints at NRL venues. Parker says. all the preparation, which you need, but the only way you get better is by doing things yourself. out of my comfort zone, but it helps to have played the game. There are moments in games where you know how players are feeling because you have been in that situation yourself.” Kevin Walters Kevin Walters speaks at an event in Mudgeeraba When the drums were beating that Coen were beating the drums When “It certainly in you keeps with the touch that’s game, what I enjoy about it.” sits on their three-man selection panel, sits on their three-man Walters to be meaning it is crucial for well and which aware of who is playing their Origin Queenslanders are pressing claims. Hess was a possible bolter for Origin II this year, the Cowboys forward sensation ort against produced a barnstorming eff the Eels in Darwin. show had good “I’ve really enjoyed my role with Fox this enjoyed my role with “I’ve really wall think we knocked the “I honestly “The Queenslanders Only bring some “The Queensland guys and the light “While I like the banter For Walters, his media commitments are While he is Maroons coach, he also , Kevin Walters and Billy Kevin Walters Tallis, Gorden League Fox on the set of Moore Tallis Gorden and Origin priest summoning the masses, to summoning the masses, Origin priest show in daily advertisements. promote the says. year,” Meninga to the this year when it comes down a bit market for importance of the Queensland the NRL. Queensland people content and good fun. and I like the are light-hearted by nature a good laugh. fact that we can have also some normality tongue-in-cheek, but to media commentary. think we bring some entertainment, I also just isn’t played realism. Rugby league Wales) and down south (in New South it’s important to have that Queensland avour.” fl vital in keeping him at the coalface of the NRL’s development. www.fogs.com.au Whether it was anchoring NRL 360, uential Meninga was a popular and infl The 46-Test icon loved the role so Tallis, Justin Hodges, Billy Moore, , and current Maroons coach Kevin Walters were poster boys for ’ unprecedented 24-7 coverage of the NRL in 2017. providing cutting-edge comment on magazine-style shows or delivering xtures, blow-by-blow analysis at live NRL fi Queensland’s commentary crew brought another dimension to Fox’s coverage. voice on the new Queenslanders Only show. much he had no problem slipping into all-Maroon garb, looking like a Queensland While he is not ready to give up his Indeed, Fox Sports’ new Meninga, Ben Ikin, Corey Parker, Gorden MAL Meninga never imagined he would swap a Steeden for a suit, but the Queensland Origin legend is relishing his new role in the rugby league media. coaching role with the Australian side just yet, Meninga is at the vanguard of former stars who are bringing a avour to the NRL unique Queensland fl commentating fraternity. channel, introduced this year, could have easily been coined “FOGS League” as Meninga led a squadron of no less than nine former Queensland Origin servants onto the pay-TV network.

34 | experts shine saw our Maroon Maroon our saw league channel FOGS LEAGUE rugby New WelțȢȩȥ to Pictures: Courtesy News Queensland Origin priest summoning the masses, to promote the show in daily advertisements. “It certainly “I’ve really enjoyed my role with Fox this year,” Meninga says. “I honestly think we knocked the wall keeps you in down a bit this year when it comes to the importance of the Queensland market for touch with the the NRL. “The Queenslanders Only show had good game, that’s content and good fun. Queensland people are light-hearted by nature and I like the what I enjoy Kevin Walters fact that we can have a good laugh. speaks at an event “The Queensland guys bring some in Mudgeeraba tongue-in-cheek, but also some normality about it.” to media commentary. “While I like the banter and the light sits on their three-man selection panel, Walters just happened to be in the entertainment, I also think we bring some meaning it is crucial for Walters to be Darwin commentary box with a bird’s- realism. Rugby league just isn’t played aware of who is playing well and which eye view of Hess’ destruction. Two days down south (in ) and Queenslanders are pressing their Origin later, the Cowboys rookie was handed his it’s important to have that Queensland claims. maiden Queensland jumper. fl avour.” When the drums were beating that Coen “It certainly keeps you in touch with the For Walters, his media commitments are Hess was a possible bolter for Origin II game, that’s what I enjoy about it,” Walters vital in keeping him at the coalface of the this year, the Cowboys forward sensation says. NRL’s development. produced a barnstorming eff ort against “Rugby league is a game I love anyway, While he is Maroons coach, he also the Eels in Darwin. so to be able to get paid to talk about it and assist me in my role as Queensland coach, it’s a win-win situation really. Gorden Tallis, Kevin Walters and Billy “It’s not as easy as it might look. There’s Moore on the set of Fox League a lot of study and research that needs to be done away from the camera. Rugby league fans know their stuff so it’s important you treat the role with respect.” Growing up in Logan, Parker dreamed of one day being a Bronco, but never imagined his glittering career would steer him into commentary. He is one of Fox’s most versatile performers, featuring on panel shows as well as co-commentary and sideline-eye stints at NRL venues. “The best way to learn is by doing it,” Parker says. “It’s a bit like playing footy – you can do all the preparation, which you need, but the only way you get better is by doing things yourself. “It’s been challenging and it’s obviously out of my comfort zone, but it helps to have played the game. There are moments in games where you know how players are feeling because you have been in that situation yourself.”

Gorden Tallis and Yvonne Sampson

Queenslanders Corey Parker, Yvonne Sampson, Justin Hodges, Kevin Walters, Mal Meninga and Ben Ikin

www.fogs.com.au | 35 A CHAMPION IN MAROON, BLACK AND RED The unparalleled career of the great has begun another incredible chapter, as the new coach of rugby union’s

Pictures: Courtesy News Queensland

BRAD Thorn is in the unique Thorn’s experiences in against bigger guys. position to compare just how Origin, with the Kangaroos and “In rugby, Richie McCaw was tough it is at the coalface of an in 200 games for the Brisbane phenomenal for the All Blacks. intense State of Origin battle Broncos shaped his view For 15 years or more, he was and a full-blooded rugby union that “toughness” is not one over the ball giving opposition Test for the All Blacks. shuddering hit, a trampling forwards of 110-115kg almost Thorn would be a rich man run or a fl urry of fi sts that gets a free shot to do damage with with a dollar for every time a player on the nightly news head and shoulders to clean that question has been asked, highlights. them out.” even before he fi nished his “Just guys who show up Thorn’s journey from the decorated top-tier career every time to play and no Broncos to living his Kiwi across two decades at quarter is given,” Thorn, 42, childhood dream to represent of 40 in 2015. said. the All Blacks will live on in “I’d put State of Origin in “They are not necessarily folklore because he made the league on the same level as an feisty but machine-like jump into the great unknown All Blacks-South Africa Test in because it’s always a hard day when code hops to rugby rugby union,” Thorn said. against them. were rare and almost never “They have the same “Some of the toughest guys attempted by someone as ingredients with a natural I know in league were smaller senior or with so little rugby enemy, capacity crowds that players like and experience. want blood and just a warzone Trevor Gillmeister, because No player had ever knocked mentality to the way the every game they had to play back an All Blacks tour jersey, games are played.” tough to win the collisions yet Thorn did because he did

36 | www.fogs.com.au not think he was ready. ever seen doesn’t come down BRAD THORN It says everything about one to the Darren Lockyer-Dan of football’s most principled Carter grand fi nal many might fi gures that he did learn expect. FOG #94 the tough arts of rucking, “I’d still say Alf,” Thorn said the rugby scrum and all of league’s little big man Allan RUGBY LEAGUE the technical diff erences to Langer. POSITION: Prop / second row become a 2011 Rugby World “If he decided to score on CLUB: (1994-2000, Cup winner. his own, he would, or he’d 2005-2007) A three-codes lunch in 2018 do something special with a PREMIERSHIPS: 3 (1998, 2000, 2006) would be a treat. grubber, a pass or a step so The new coach of the someone else did. ORIGIN: 11 games for Qld (1996-2005) Queensland Reds in Super “That was week after week, TRI-SERIES: 3 games Rugby played beside Maroons year after year, to win games. for Qld (1997) coach Kevvie Walters in the “Dan was a bigger, stronger “If you care about the mate TESTS: 3 Tests for Australia (1998) Broncos’ 2000 premiership win man than Locky and very beside you, you are going to SUPER LEAGUE TESTS: 5 Tests for over the and strong defensively. Both were put your body on the line and Australia (1997) in numerous club and Origin country guys. do the extras. battles. “Dan was quieter, but didn’t “I’m massive on that, Thorn still has a passion for mind a party like Locky either.” because talent is not enough.” RUGBY UNION rugby league and does appear Team culture can work Standards are important to POSITION: Lock in the stands at Suncorp wonders when it ferments the Thorn. Disruptive off -fi eld acts Stadium with his sons to soak right way. litter the codes, but Thorn also CLUBS: Crusaders, Canterbury, Tasman, Sanix Blues, Leinster, Highlanders, up NRL games when he can. Thorn has felt it from the understands that players make Leicester, Queensland Country Thorn had the privilege to inside in the best teams he’s mistakes. play with some of the greats, played for and knows that “Standards are very PREMIERSHIPS: NPC with Canterbury but the best playmaker he’s strong bonds surface most important but you need to 2001, 2004; Super 14 with Crusaders of all in defence, not fl ashy remember we were all young 2008; Heineken Cup with Leinster 2012 attack. guys once who sometimes TESTS: 59 Tests for Young Reds forwards talk made poor decisions,” Thorn BLEDISLOE CUP: 2003, 2008, 2009, of Thorn’s standards to drag said. 2010, 2011 out better eff orts in the gym, his accent on stretching and TRI-NATIONS: 2003, 2008, 2010 preparation and getting better “I played in Broncos : 2011 every day as was his creed at the Broncos. teams with a good “I played in Broncos teams with a good culture, and it’s culture, and it’s what you want to build as a what you want to coach,” Thorn said. build as a coach,”

“You have to want to make sacrifi ces to do things better though. I gave up alcohol for six years and it was good for me to man up socially. “I compare it to Steve Waugh taking the hook shot out of his game. I got rid of drinking. “Good teams have good senior players as a real strength.” You keep your standards in training and preparation wherever you end up – just like Thorn did late in 2011 when he dabbled in Japanese rugby with Sanix Blues, a world away from his Aspley upbringing in Brisbane and rugby league. “It’s a funny story. The Japanese couldn’t get the ‘Th’ in my name right, so I was always ‘Sorny’ to them,” Thorn recalled with his gravelly laugh. After one of the greatest careers in Australian sports across two codes and reaching the pinnacle in both, everyone wishes Thorn well in his new career as coach of the Reds. And thanks for the memories, Sorny. www.fogs.com.au | 37 ONE WITH TREVOR GILLMEISTER

Pictures: Courtesy News Queensland

We all knew Queensland was in big trouble after the fi rst game of this year’s series. Already missing Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott and Greg Inglis, the Maroons were thrashed at Suncorp Stadium and it was hard to fi nd too many positives at the time. There was unbelievable pressure on the team, and unfortunately, a number of changes had to be made. We all know what happened next. The point is, because of going through that adversity, Queensland will go into next year’s series stronger than ever. Scotty and GI will be back, and so will Dylan Napa, , Anthony Milford, Cameron Munster, Valentine Holmes, Tim Glasby, Coen Hess and Ben Hunt. And next year, they all come with Origin experience, and knowing what is required to win in the Maroon jersey. The Cowboys went through a similar “In the tough process this year. So often we have heard the phrase “no Thurston, no Cowboys”. times, all we have Well, North Queensland coach Paul Green got the double-whammy this year to do is keep with his co-captains Scott and Thurston fi ghting, keep moving forward, and wait for our FOOTY ALWAYS DELIVERS chance to come.” BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE missing for most of the year with injury. addressing the players in a meeting, and As far as the critics were concerned, when he was done, Morgs took over and RUGBY league is a bit like life. You have how it could possibly be a positive. the Cowboys were done. Their odds of had a fair bit to say as well. to make sure you keep your eye out for But here’s the thing: If I hadn’t been winning the premiership blew out to 150-1 It was impressive to watch. He has opportunity, and be ready to take it when sacked from the Broncos, I would never at one stage. No one gave them a hope. thrived under the extra responsibility. it comes. have captained Queensland in 1995. So the Cowboys just worked harder. And we saw it on the fi eld as well during Sometimes opportunities come in the If I had seen out my playing career with They believed in themselves and ignored the fi nals. Morgan played like it was his places you least expect them, and they can Brisbane, I would have been just like the everyone else. team, not like he was holding the fort until be hard to spot because you only realise rest of the Broncos players and been Most importantly, Michael Morgan JT got back. they are opportunities with the benefi t of ineligible to be selected for that series. challenged himself to step up and lead the So, from the hard times, the Cowboys hindsight. Well, every Broncos player except “Jed” way for his team. now go into 2018 with a team good I often tell people that the best thing Allen. But he’s always been a bit diff erent. Now we all know Morgs is a good player. enough to make the grand fi nal, with the that ever happened to me was getting So what I thought was the worst He’s won a comp with the Cowboys, and addition of Scott, Thurston, Jordan McLean sacked by the Broncos. But at the time, moment of my playing career turned out played Origin and Test football. and the bloke rated the best halfback in it was one of the hardest things I’ve had to be something that needed to happen But it was only when he was forced the NRL in 2017 – Morgan – on top. to cop. for me to experience the greatest moment to get out of Thurston’s shadow that we Queenslanders always produce their We were a good side at the Broncos, of my career. really got to see how good he could be. best when their backs are to the wall. We we had won the competition in 1992 and I was reminded of that life lesson a few Playing out of position at halfback know this. 1993, and I felt like I was playing the part times this year watching the footy with the instead of fi ve-eighth, Morgan came into But it doesn’t hurt to occasionally see it I was asked. Everything was going along Queensland team in Origin and with the his own and evolved as a player and a in action like we did with the Maroons and well, and I was enjoying playing alongside Cowboys in the NRL. person. He was suddenly a senior player, Cowboys this year. my mates. Both of those teams went through some and he acted like one. It’s a reminder to all of us that, in the To then be told by the club that I was massive adversity this year, and not only I saw it fi rst-hand in camp with the tough times, all we have to do is keep no longer wanted, it was tough to take. came through it, but came out stronger on Kangaroos before the fi rst game against fi ghting, keep moving forward, and wait It hurt, and it was hard to see at the time the other side. England. Captain Cameron Smith was for our chance to come.

38 | www.fogs.com.au We all knew Queensland was in big trouble after the fi rst game of this year’s series. Already missing Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott and Greg Inglis, the Maroons were thrashed at Suncorp Stadium and it was hard to fi nd too many positives at the time. There was unbelievable pressure on the team, and unfortunately, a number of changes had to be made. We all know what happened next. The point is, because of going through that adversity, Queensland will go into next year’s series stronger than ever. Scotty and GI will be back, and so will Dylan Napa, Jarrod Wallace, Anthony Milford, Cameron Munster, Valentine Holmes, Tim Glasby, Coen Hess and Ben Hunt. And next year, they all come with Origin experience, and knowing what is required to win in the Maroon jersey. The Cowboys went through a similar “In the tough process this year. So often we have heard the phrase “no Thurston, no Cowboys”. times, all we have Well, North Queensland coach Paul Green got the double-whammy this year to do is keep with his co-captains Scott and Thurston fi ghting, keep moving forward, and wait for our chance to come.”

missing for most of the year with injury. addressing the players in a meeting, and As far as the critics were concerned, when he was done, Morgs took over and the Cowboys were done. Their odds of had a fair bit to say as well. winning the premiership blew out to 150-1 It was impressive to watch. He has at one stage. No one gave them a hope. thrived under the extra responsibility. So the Cowboys just worked harder. And we saw it on the fi eld as well during They believed in themselves and ignored the fi nals. Morgan played like it was his everyone else. team, not like he was holding the fort until Most importantly, Michael Morgan JT got back. challenged himself to step up and lead the So, from the hard times, the Cowboys way for his team. now go into 2018 with a team good Now we all know Morgs is a good player. enough to make the grand fi nal, with the He’s won a comp with the Cowboys, and addition of Scott, Thurston, Jordan McLean played Origin and Test football. and the bloke rated the best halfback in But it was only when he was forced the NRL in 2017 – Morgan – on top. to get out of Thurston’s shadow that we Queenslanders always produce their really got to see how good he could be. best when their backs are to the wall. We Playing out of position at halfback know this. instead of fi ve-eighth, Morgan came into But it doesn’t hurt to occasionally see it his own and evolved as a player and a in action like we did with the Maroons and person. He was suddenly a senior player, Cowboys this year. and he acted like one. It’s a reminder to all of us that, in the I saw it fi rst-hand in camp with the tough times, all we have to do is keep Kangaroos before the fi rst game against fi ghting, keep moving forward, and wait England. Captain Cameron Smith was for our chance to come. www.fogs.com.au | 39 FORMER ORIGIN GREATS

1. ARTHUR BEETSON 50. ALLAN LANGER 99. JAMIE GODDARD 148. JOHNATHAN THURSTON 2. COLIN SCOTT 51. TREVOR GILLMEISTER 100. NEIL TIERNEY 149. CASEY MCGUIRE 3. 52. 101. JEREMY SCHLOSS 150. DANNY NUTLEY 4. MAL MENINGA 53. GARY SMITH 102. STUART KELLY 151. 5. CHRIS CLOSE 54. ALAN MCINDOE 103. CLINTON O’BRIEN 152. GREG INGLIS 6. BRAD BACKER 55. 104. DARREN LOCKYER 153. 7. ALLAN SMITH 56. 105. SHANE WEBCKE 154. 8. GREG OLIPHANT 57. SCOTT TRONC 106. 155. MATTHEW SCOTT 9. WALLY LEWIS 58. MICHAEL HANCOCK 107. PETER RYAN 156. DALLAS JOHNSON 10. ROD REDDY 59. DAN STAINS 108. STEVEN PRICE 157. 11. ROHAN HANCOCK 60. KERROD WALTERS 109. MARTIN LANG 158. 12. JOHN LANG 61. 110. TONIE CARROLL 159. 13. ROD MORRIS 62. GARY COYNE 111. 160. ADAM MOGG 14. NORM CARR 63. KEVIN WALTERS 112. CHRIS MCKENNA 161. JACOB LILLYMAN 15. BRUCE ASTILL 64. MARK COYNE 113. PAUL GREEN 162. 16. 65. ANDREW GEE 114. RUSSELL BAWDEN 163. ANTONIO KAUFUSI 17. ROSS HENRICK 66. WILLIE CARNE 115. PAUL BOWMAN 164. 18. CHRIS PHELAN 67. STEVE JACKSON 116. LOTE TUQIRI 165. 19. PAUL MCCABE 68. PAUL HAUFF 117. DANIEL WAGON 166. DARIUS BOYD 20. PAUL KHAN 69. MIKE MCLEAN 118. JOHN DOYLE 167. DAVE SHILLINGTON 21. GREG CONESCU 70. GARY LARSON 119. JOHN BUTTIGIEG 168. COOPER CRONK 22. MARK MURRAY 71. 120. PETERO CIVONICEVA 169. DAVE TAYLOR 23. JOHN RIBOT 72. GAVIN ALLEN 121. KEVIN CAMPION 170. 24. 73. 122. CHRIS WALKER 171. 25. BRUCE WALKER 74. ADRIAN BRUNKER 123. CHRIS BEATTIE 172. JHARAL YOW YEH 26. JOHN DOWLING 75. BILLY MOORE 124. 173. 27. BOB KELLAWAY 76. DARREN SMITH 125. BRADLEY MEYERS 174. BEN TE’O 28. GENE MILES 77. 126. 175. CHRIS MCQUEEN 29. GRAHAM QUINN 78. JULIAN O’NEILL 127. DANE CARLAW 176. DALY CHERRY-EVANS 30. GREG HOLBEN 79. BRETT DALLAS 128. CLINTON SCHIFCOFSKE 177. 31. TONY CURRIE 80. DARREN FRITZ 129. SHAUN BERRIGAN 178. AIDAN GUERRA 32. STEVE STACEY 81. ADRIAN VOWLES 130. JUSTIN HODGES 179. WILL CHAMBERS 33. DAVE BROWN 82. GORDEN TALLIS 131. PJ MARSH 180. JOSH MCGUIRE 34. BRYAN NIEBLING 83. ROBBIE O’DAVIS 132. TRAVIS NORTON 181. MICHAEL MORGAN 35. DARRYL BROHMAN 84. DANNY MOORE 133. CHRIS FLANNERY 182. DANE GAGAI 36. BRAD TESSMANN 85. 134. BRENT TATE 183. COREY OATES 37. BRETT FRENCH 86. 135. 184. JUSTIN O’NEILL 38. WALLY FULLERTON SMITH 87. TONY HEARN 136. 185. GAVIN COOPER 39. TERRY BUTLER 88. WAYNE BARTRIM 137. 186. ANTHONY MILFORD 40. GAVIN JONES 89. BEN IKIN 138. 187. DYLAN NAPA 41. 90. TERRY COOK 139. JOSH HANNAY 188. VALENTINE HOLMES 42. 91. CRAIG TEEVAN 140. CAMERON SMITH 189. JARROD WALLACE 43. 92. JASON SMITH 141. 190. COEN HESS 44. PETER JACKSON 93. WENDELL SAILOR 142. BILLY SLATER 191. TIM GLASBY 45. IAN FRENCH 94. BRAD THORN 143. SCOTT PRINCE 192. CAMERON MUNSTER 46. CAVILL HEUGH 95. ALAN CANN 144. 193. BEN HUNT 47. GARY BELCHER 96. CRAIG GREENHILL 145. WILLIE 48. 97. OWEN CUNNINGHAM 146. COREY PARKER 49. GRANT RIX 98. CRAIG SMITH 147. TY WILLIAMS