Balmain District Junior League

2010 101 st Annual Report 1 COATESHIRE proud PRINCIPAL Sponsor of the Balmain District Junior (BDJRL) for 2010 and 2011

COATESHIRE became the principal sponsor With over 200 branches and satellite locations, of the Balmain District Junior Rugby League our own maintenance and transport capability, commencing in 2010 for a period of two years. Coates Hire is well positioned to satisfy the equipment hire needs of an ever increasing Coates Limited is ’s largest equipment customer base. hire company with over 120 years experience in industry, supplying to a wide variety of markets Greg Parfitt, Executive General Manager said including Engineering and Building Construction “our local branches and Coates Hire NSW are & Maintenance, Mining & Resources, proud to support the Balmain District Manufacturing, Government, and Events. Junior Rugby League” www.coateshire.com.au General Manager’s Report

In reporting on the 101st Annual report as Acting General Manager it gives via Tigers Five Dock & Markets, Coateshire, Griffin me great pride as a former player, volunteer and coach to be associated Air, Mannings (Mick & the team), McDonalds Inner West Stores, Wests with the Balmain District Junior Rugby League. We welcomed our 11th Tigers, Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club & Australian Power and Gas without Club, the Enfield Federals who kicked off with 5 teams for our 2010 season your generous support life would be a lot more difficult. but it also saw us as the fastest growing junior rugby league district in To John Robertson & the crew at JJ Robertson, X-Blades, Il Piave NSW with 602 new players to the game. Congratulations to all the Clubs restaurant (Rob & Vanessa) my sincere thanks for your valuable support on this remarkable achievement. in 2010.

Mighty thanks to Coateshire as our principal sponsor & we also secured I would like to welcome James Myatt & his Australian Power & Gas team Sydney Markets as Grand Final day partner. Kids loved the fruit! on board as our Balmain Tigers Junior Reps major sponsor in 2011 To all the wonderful volunteers at all Clubs who unselfishly give up their along with Griffin Air-Sleeve sponsor & NSW Bricks as Shorts sponsor. time to help in some capacity a huge vote of thanks. Importantly our development programs in 2011 will now be referred to as the “Balmain Ryde Eastwood Tigers” with the wonderful continued support I have experienced first hand the fantastic work Jennie Webster achieves of our State Cup partners Ryde Eastwood Club. in her role as Operations Manager & considering the personal setbacks she experienced in 2010 it is testament to her dedication & commitment to I acknowledge our BDJRL Board & delegates, the respective Clubs the Junior League. committees, volunteers & the parents the support their kids in our great game. Initiatives • McDonalds Tray Mats across 22 stores promoting registration for I urge all Mums & Dads to keep encouraging their children & importantly Balmain DJRL for the month of February. to “Be a -Just Support” in 2011. • Ongoing involvement in Good Program • Registration banners across the Junior League district in high traffic To former Balmain Junior League players David Gower & Jarred Farlow visible areas including Balmain, Leichhardt & Gladesville congratulations on your selection in the successful NSW Residents team • Continuation of award winning Behaviour Management Policy & & to for his progress from the Dundas Shamrocks club to “Be a sport-Just Support” as recognised by the NSW Sporting Injuries NYC team. Committee resulting in reduction in anti social behaviour based reports in 2010 Last & by no means least my personal thanks to Jennie Webster, David • Constitution Review Committee ongoing work. Kelly, Lyn Phillis, John Stapleton, Tony Aston & Tyrone Collins for your support & dedication to the rookie GM. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in 2010 & look forward to continuing with all for a successful 2011 for the Tigers.

Paul Sironen Acting General Manager - BTFC & BDJRL

Season Launch - With a of sadness we launched our 2010 Tigers & BDJRL season in line with the temporary closure of our Club at the Rozelle site. Well attended by many past greats, officials & junior league clubs.

Awards Night - Our State Cup partners hosted our Annual Awards night at the Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club where over 300 people from players, parents, volunteers, officials & sponsors attended a wonderful night to acknowledge the Tigers contributors for 2010.

Balmain DJRL 2010 Sportsman’s Lunch - Over 360 people enjoyed a day on the harbour on board the beautiful All Occasion Cruises “Bella Vista”. In excess of $25,000 was raised for the attending Junior League Clubs & the BDJRL. Thanks again to Australia Power & Gas for generously partnering with the Balmain DJRL for the event.

Referees - I would like to thank the Balmain Referees Association & its Board & members for season 2010. I would also acknowledge Intrec in their support of the Referees & congratulations to Adam Sirianni on his awarding of the Cliff Brown scholarship and tour of the North Coast.

Conclusion and Thanks- To our Major Sponsors & Supporters for 2010 in 3 Office Bearers 1908 - 2010

Secretaries Chris Kenny 1983-84-85-86 Directors Kathleen Hughes 1987 Dave Butchart 1908-09-10-11-12-13 John Carrington 2006-2010 Pat Hegarty 1988-89-90 (Retired) Pat McQuade 1908-09 Debbie Chalmers 2006 Cliff Madgwick 1990-91-92-93-94 Frank Savage 1914-15-17-18-19-22 John Critchley 2006-08-09-10 Graham Simmons 1995-96-97-98-99-2000-01- Robert Savage 1916 Warwick Hilder 2006-07-08 02-03 Leo Mason 1920-21-23-24-25 Gary Hinchliffe 2006-07 Lyn Phillis 2004-05 W L Young 1926-27-28 Steve Lavers 2006-07 Bill O’Connor 1929-30-31-32 Peter Mortimer 2006 C H ‘Micky’ Roberts 1933-34 Treasurers Mick O’Keefe 2006-2010 L Crawley 1934-35 Frank Savage 1914-15-16-17-18-19-20 Bob Siemsen 2006-2010 J Burnicle 1936-37 Harold Matthews 1921-22 Philip Taylor 2006-2010 Sid Jenkins 1938-39-40-41 W L Young 1923-24-25-26 David Wilson 2006-2010 J Griffith 1942-43 M Cooney 1927-28 Chris Raheb 2006-2010 R Rourke 1944-45-46 B Curran 1929-30-31 Chris Annison 2007-08-09 Harry Addison 1947-48-49-50 D Cooksey 1932 Ian Gibbeson 2007-08-09-10 George Lee 1951-52-53-54-55 L Crawley 1933-34 Jon Monroe 2007-08 (deceased) Danny Clifford 1956-57 Allan Slarke 1935 Robert Gerrie 2008 Bill Ballard 1958-59-60 J Connor 1936-37-38-39-40-41-42-43 John Stapleton 2008-2010 Joe Hayes 1961-62 H McLeod 1944-45 Brian Johnston 2008-2010 Don Graham 1963-64-65-66-67-68-69- J Donovan 1946 Chris Woods 2008 70-71-72-73-74-75 Harry Chalk 1947-48-49-50-51-52 Brett Wheelhouse 2009 Mick Ko’Cass 1976-77-78-79-80 A Harding 1949-50-51 Frank Dunne 2009-2010 (Resigned) Bob Jones 1953-54-55 Con Veneziano 2009 Bill Brown 1980-81-82 Arthur Robinson 1956-57-58-59-60-61 Aida Catalano 2010 Bob Carroll 1983-84-85-86-87-88-89- Ron Pursehouse 1962-63-64-65-66-67-68 Paul Jenson 2010 90-91-92-93-94 Reg Patterson 1969-70-71-72-73-74-75-76 Richard Jones 2009-2010 Paul Egan 1995-96-97-98-99-2000-01- Phil Lloyd 1977-78-79 02-03-04 Doug Vitnell 1980 Patron Myles Kennedy 1981-82-83 Mick Manning 2006-2010 Presidents Tony Newell 1984-85-86 Kathy Palmer 1986-87 Arthur Ballerum 1908-09-10-11-12-13-14- Sid Coghlan 1988-89-90-91 15-16 Ernie Baldwin 1992-93-94-2002-03 Frank Savage 1917-18-19 Tony Bietola 1995-96-97-98-99-2000-01 James N Walsh 1920-21-22-23-24-25-26- Chris Annison 2004-05 28-29-40-41 J McCarry 1927-1930-31-32-33 J Shaw 1934-35 Junior League Administrators Bill O’Connor 1935 Frank Delaney 1937 A S Cochrane 1936-37-38-39 J Galvin 1937 L Crawley 1942-43 A Dawes 1944-45-46 Vice Presidents Bert Hampstead 1947-48-49-50-51-52-53-54 Austin Hoyle 1955-56-57-58t Tom Prescott 1924 Robert McKinney 1959-60-61 Richard Baker 1930-31-32-33 Bill Evans 1962-63-64-65-66-67-68- 69-70 Senior Vice Presidents Bob Waterson 1971-72-73-74-75-76-77 Arthur McIlveen 1978-79 John Jackson 1978-79-80-81-82 Ted Hellsten 1980-81-82 Ted Hellsten 1983-84-85-86-87-88-89- Maurie O’Brien 1983-84-85-86 90-91-92 Ken Brownlee 1988-89-90-91 Sid Coghlan 1993 Sid Coghlan 1992 Robert Henderson 1994-95-96-97-98-99-2000 Bob Barnett 1993-94-95-96-97-98-99- Bob Barnett 2001 2000 Bill Wise 2002-03-04 Bill 2001 John Culbert 2005 (deceased) John Culbert 2002-03-04 (deceased) Allen Carling 2005 Assistant Secretaries Harold Matthews 1913-14-15-16-17-18-19- Operations Manager 20-21-22 Darren Mooney 2004- 2006 M Cooney 1927-28 Jennie Webster 2007 – 2010 B Curran 1929-30-31-32-33-34 J Burnicle 1935 General Manager RLFC W L Young 1936-37-38-39-40 E Whitford 1941-42-43-44 & Junior League J Burnet 1945-46 Michael Keech 2007-2010 (resigned) Harry Chalk 1947 2010 Arthur Robinson 1948-49-50-51-52-53-54-55 Bill Ballard 1956-57-58-59-60 Development Manager Arthur McIlveen 1961-62-63-64-65-66-67- David Kelly 1997- 2010 68-69-70-71-72-73-74-75- 76-77 Ron Wilson 1978-79 Chairman Ray Dalton 1980-81 Robert Henderson 2006-2010 (resigned) Bob Carroll 1982 Balmain Junior League Board of Directors

Chairman Life Members Committee Rules Committee Bob Henderson (resigned) Robert Henderson (Chairman) Peter Mortimer (Chairman) Jennie Webster (Operations Manager) Jennie Webster (Operations Manager) Patron Mick Manning David Wilson John Carrington Mick Manning Behaviour Balmain PCYC Mick O’Keefe NSW Combined Competitions Management Panel Carlingford Cougars Ian Gibbeson Committee David Wilson (Chairman) Concord Burwood Aida Catalano Jennie Webster (Operations Manager) Mick Manning (resigned) Peter Mortimer Mick O’Keefe Dundas Shamrocks Bob Siemsen John Georges Enfield Federals Danny Khoury National LeagueNet Committee Bob Siemsen Five Dock RSL John Critchley Holy Cross Rhinos Richard Jones Jennie Webster (Operations Manager) representing NSW Leichhardt Juniors Philip Taylor Frank Dunne North Ryde Hawks Brian Johnston Strathfield Raiders Chris Raheb

Sub Committees Finance Committee Paul Sironen (General Manager) Jennie Webster (Operations Manager) Chris Annison

Judiciary Committee Tony Beger (Chairman) Mick Manning Sam Gebrael

Balmain Junior League Life Members

Jim Acheson, Fred Alexander*, Kathy Annison, Jeff Aplitt, Keith Bailey, Mick Manning, Peter Mortimer, Harold Matthews*, Chris Karas, Myles Bill Ballard, Allan Barber, Bob Barnett, Ernie Baldwin, Ken Bell*, Kennedy*, Jack King, Mick Ko’Cass, Arthur McIlveen*, Tom Middleton*, Ray Barclay, Tony Bietola, Des Booler, George Bowden*, Bill Bradshaw*, Leo Neylon*, Tony Newell, Maurie O’Brien, Reg Patterson, Lyn Phillis, Bill Brown, Ken Brownlee*, Bill Burke, Harold Chalk*, Alan Carling, Ron Pursehouse, Roy Rawson, Eric Richardson*, John Robertson, Arthur John Carrington, Bob Carroll, Sid Coghlan*, Brian Coleman, Bob Cooper, Robinson, George Robinson*, Martin Ritter, Bob Siemsen, John Critchley, John Culbert*, Charlie Day, Ray Dalton, Phil Dore, Dennis Simmons, Graham Simmons, H. Skinner, John Stanton, John Doyle, Max Davis, John Dunlea, Gary Dickson, Paul Egan, Jack Tagg*, John Stapleton, Ken Stapleton, Jack Taylor*, Kevin Thatcher*, Terry Evans, Bill Evans*, Bill Fender*, G Frederick*, Jim Fitzgibbons, Colin Thew*, Ian Todd, Doug Vitnell*, Alan Watts, Bob Waterson, Mal Finnigan*, Gino Fogliati, Dennis Fowler*, Ray Gerrie, Don Graham*, A Waterson, Athol Webster, Paul Wheelhouse, Ron Wicks, Billy Wise, Fred Bert Hampstead*, Harry Hannaford, Pat Hegarty, Ted Hellsten*, Austin Woodbridge*, Stan Woodbridge* Hoyle, Les Heath, Bob Henderson, Peter Hunter, J Hughes*, Wally Houghton*, Keith Jacobs*, John Jackson*, Steve Leslie, Cliff Madgwick* *Deceased

Chris Karas CHRIS KARAS is a long-serving Sports Editor of The Weekly Times newspaper at Ryde and author of thebook “From Fraser to Farah: The History of Balmain Junior League 1908-2008” that was published during the rugby league Centenary season. He is also a life member of both the Balmain Junior League and Leichhardt Wanderers JRLFC. The Weekly Times has covered junior league matters in the Balmain district since 1921 with Chris coming on board in1985.

Chris started his junior football career as an 8 year old with Glebe Police Boys JRLFC in 1969 before capturing premierships with Leichhardt Juniors (E Grade U/15s in 1976) and Balmain Police Boys (D Grade U/18s in 1978) – a team skippered by legendary Tigers’ lock . He ‘retired’ as a player at the age of 21 before making a brief comeback with the Leichhardt Wanderers club in 1984-85 and ’86.

Along the way, Chris represented Balmain as a centre in the Harold Matthews, S.G Ball, and U/23 competitions. Chris is also the author of the book “The History of Ryde Eastwood Hawks Football & Leagues Clubs1963-2004.” He is currently writing another book: “The History of Leichhardt Rugby League 1911-2011” that recognises 100 years involvement in Balmain Junior League for the proud Leichhardt Wanderers club. 5 Operations Report

The Season Launch for 2010 was one of the communication tool allows Clubs to receive among other things, instant last events held at Leagues Club in Rozelle updates to Draws and access to all news within the NRL. The Junior and was very well attended by our Junior League website hits for 2010 were 867,868 being 192,614 hits more than Clubs, State Cup players, many guests in 2009. The website is continually updated keeping it current, informative and past and present greats of the Club. and interesting. It was a great day but tinged with sadness knowing that the Leagues Club will be gone Although wet weather and cold conditions played a part in our Grand for a period. Final Weekend at , nothing could dampen the enthusiasm of our players and supporters. There were some tremendous matches The “resurrected”, Enfield Federals rejoined played which also included Mini League and a State Cup match. The the District and our 2010 competition Junior League was extremely fortunate to have two wonderful sponsors attracted 132 teams. We continue to grow throughout the grand finals - steadily each year - 126 teams in 2009 and 116 teams in 2008. Tigers Sydney Markets who provided an enormous amount of fresh fruit which was distributed to every participant throughout the weekend. The Once again we will be featuring our “Watch our Benji, I am coming to get fruit was very gratefully received by the players you in 2016” campaign as well as the McDonalds Tray Mats which will be highlighted through the 22 Inner Western Suburbs Stores from January Coateshire the Principal Sponsor of the Junior League provided every through to the beginning of March. McDonalds have been tremendous participant competing in the grand finals an “enviro” bag which included a supporters of the Junior League and the tray mats are a fantastic tool to cap, pen, notepad and sunscreen. assist our registration program. Look out for the VFX Building in Flood Street Leichhardt for the massive registration banner throughout the The 2010 Awards Night was held on 13th November at the Ryde Eastwood month of February. Leagues Club bringing together the Junior League Clubs, Junior Reps and the State Cup Team as well as our volunteers. The evening was a sell out Although wet weather played a part in the rugby league season throughout and an outstanding success. Congratulations to all of the winners and in , we were able to make the best of it only losing 3 rounds. particular to our Volunteer of the Year, Helen Williams from Holy Cross. Well done to Leichhardt Wanderers named Junior Club of the Year and to The NSW Inner City Combined Competition expanded again in 2010 to Dundas Shamrocks being named Senior Club of the Year. include another District - Canterbury Bankstown who competed from the U17s through to A Grade. It is a testament to the Districts involved, The season had many more highlights and you will read about them Balmain, St George, South Sydney and Canterbury Bankstown that throughout the pages of the Annual Report. all administrators were able to work together to develop good strong competition for our up and coming players. A sincere vote of thanks is In June of 2010 Robert Henderson tendered his resignation from the extended to Martin Meredith and Stuart Stanton of the NSW Rugby League Junior League as Chairman and I would like to extend my personal Academy for facilitating our meetings and giving the competitions a real thanks to him for assistance over the past 4 years. Robert has achieved sense of validity It was particularly pleasing that Dundas Shamrocks many things in the Junior League with one highlight being awarded Life and Carlingford Cougars were able to enter teams into the A Reserve Membership of the NSW Junior League in 2009. We all wish Bob well in Competition with the Shamrocks going on to win the Grand Final. his retirement.

The Junior League administration continues to focus on the growth of our My sincere thanks go to Mr. David Trodden (Balmain Football Club District in the areas of playing, coaching and refereeing. To truly grow as Chairman) and Mr. Mick Manning (Patron) for their tremendous support, a league, development must occur in all areas and we are always looking encouragement and faith in me. to encourage new coaches and referees to join our ranks. We are really pleased that the Referee’s numbers grew significantly in 2010 allowing To the Referee’s Association President, David Wilson and Referee’s extra grounds to open on a number of occasions. Allocator & Judiciary Chairman Tony Beger, I thank them for their support.

Congratulations to all of our Junior League Clubs who trained on the new Thanks go to St George President, Mr. Chris Brooks, from South Sydney Sportzware online registration system and who were incredibly diligent Mr. Rod Gorman and Mathew Demetrios, the Canterbury Bankstown JL with their registrations. Balmain received many compliments on the CEO, Mr. Kevin Shanahan and Draws Official, Mr. Mitch Sim for ensuring integrity of the data entered and the amount of information captured. In a successful NSW Inner City Combined Competition. My sincere and November 2010 all Club Administrators attended a workshop on the 2011 personal thanks go to Mrs. Cathy Crowe Secretary of St George who has registration process and will attend a further workshop on 23rd February become more than a colleague but a good friend. for Website Training. To my colleagues, David Kelly, Tony Ashton and Tyrone Collins I thank The Red Vest Program “Be a Sport, Just Support” in which all Clubs them for their support, friendship and assistance throughout the year. undertook to assign one adult member from every team to wear a Red Last, but not least I would like to take this opportunity to particularly thank Vest was a great success and has been adopted by a number of other the acting General Manager, Paul Sironen who stepped into the role at District Leagues. Each Club’s Red Vest co-ordinator is responsible for his/ the beginning of the year and has done an outstanding job. Paul has been her own club supporters. All Clubs participated and it certainly helped a pleasure to work with and I look forward to a strong and successful lighten the burden on Officials and Ground Managers. The program season 2011. resulted in a reduction of anti-social behaviour and enhanced peoples’ enjoyment in attending and watching games.

The Junior League administration won an award from the NSW Sporting Injuries Committee for “Outstanding Safe Sport Practices” for this initiative.

The Balmain Junior League, small compared to its neighbours, Penrith and Parramatta, was consistently in the top 5 performing Websites and Jennie Webster on a number of occasions was number 1. Clubs are strongly encouraged Operations Manager to have their members register for www.myrugbyleague.com which Balmain District Junior Rugby League allows them to link to their favourite club competition and be on a mailing list of information from the Junior League. Using a website as the main Great support from Wests Tigers players, Bryce Gibbs with Ronald Shamrocks minis with his award from Patron, Mick Manning McDonald, , Patron Mick Manning &

2010 Rep Secretary’s Report

As always, recognition must go to the many people who Results make it possible for the teams to take the field every week. Round 1 vs. WA Reds lost 28-8; Round 2 vs. North Sydney lost 20-10; Thank you to the Balmain Tigers Football Club, the Junior Round 3 vs. Illawarra won 30-6; Round 4 vs. Central Coast won 24-6; Round 5 vs. lost 23-22; Round 6 vs. lost 54- League Board, our major sponsors Balmain Leagues Club, 20; Round 7 lost 42-14; Round 8 vs. Parramatta lost 46-8; Round 9 vs. Ryde Eastwood Football & Leagues Club, DTS, Blades, Griffin Canberra lost 34-28. Air Conditioning for the outstanding support provided during the 2010 Representative season. As always, I hope that the players take the knowledge and experience they have gained working with such an experienced staff and use it in the Harold Matthews future to reach their full potential as players. Congratulations to all of the Unfortunately the results we expected did not come our way at crucial Balmain players who gained selection in NSW Schoolboy representative times, losing some games by narrow margins. Injuries to a number of key teams, Wests Tigers NYC, and the Wests Tigers CUBS at the conclusion of players did not help our cause, narrowly missing out on the finals. Even the Junior Rep. competition. though the season didn’t entirely go the way we expected, I think that there were some very goods signs for the future. Thank you to all the people who make it possible for the boys to train and play every week, I really don’t know how to thank you all enough. I would like to thank the all boys for the way they performed on and off the field. Brian Murtagh, Allan Charters, Paul Fletcher, Tony Wignell, John Dunlea, Charlie Nelson and all the NSW Cup staff, our wonderful Leichhardt Oval I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Ken Stapleton, Peter Duffy, voluntary staff (Barry Maguire, June Maguire, Colleen Kelly, Helen Bryde, Chris Braumann, Danny O’Neill, Peter Mortimer, Dave Patman, Josh Maureen McKeon, Shane Losurdo, Norma and Les Walters) and our loyal Stevens and Bruce Hammond for the unwavering dedication and parents and supporters for their incredible encouragement throughout commitment you all showed during the year. the season.

Results I would also like to extend my condolences to those who have lost loved Round 1 Bye; Round 2 vs. North Sydney won 22-0; Round 3 vs. Illawarra ones during the year. lost 30-20; Rounds 4 vs. Central Coast won 50-0; Round 5 vs. SWAS won 34-6; Round 6 vs. Sydney Roosters lost 28-12; Round 7 vs. Penrith Finally, a special thank you, as always to Paul Sironen, David Kelly and lost 22-14; Round 8 vs. Parramatta lost 26-20; Round 9 vs. Canberra John Stapleton for the never ending help, support and guidance they give lost 22-18. at all times.

S G Ball Lyn Phillis Unfortunately 2010 was again a season of ups and downs for the S G Ball. District Rep. Secretary The team played some good football at times but didn’t win the crucial games. At times they showed they were capable if they wanted to play the type of football their coach wanted them to play.

Thank you to David Brooks, Balin Cupples, Bob Cooper, Wally Carpenter, Rob Whyte, for the dedication and effort shown during the year, you all did a wonderful job, once again and your commitment never waivered even though at times it was difficult. I would also like to thank Josh Stevens and Bruce Hammond for their assistance when the Ball was short staffed.

7 Balmain JRL Judiciary • Inner West Catholic Schools Tiger Tag: A massive 108 teams nominated to compete in this year’s non competitive competition.

2010 Season • Harvey Norman Backyard League: A new In School program that was implemented in 2010 which aims to teach children to co-operatively play safe and modified games of “backyard” or REPORT “playground” Rugby League. Our Year 3 – 6 Gold Program which Another successful season has ended and congratulations to all those culminated in the school playing an Intra School Gala Day recorded who participated during the 2010 season. the highest number of participants within any district in Sydney. From this program 20 schools received their own HNBYL School Pack of The Judiciary met on 9 occasions during the 2010 season and heard 23 footballs and markers for their sports shed and 2500 students received matters broken down as follows: their own HNBYL football to practice their skills.

Kicking - 2 charges 2010 has been a tremendous year for the 40 High Schools in the Striking - 6 charges Balmain district. Although once again the weather played havoc Offensive or obscene language - 5 charges with many planned events, the majority of them were able to go ahead. Dispute decision of referee or touch judge - 4 charges This allowed, for the third year in a row, an increase in the number of Contrary behaviour - 6 charges participants across clinics, gala days and education programs.

2010 saw a decrease in send-offs across all age groups however some Some of the 2010’s highlights include: players did not appear before the Judiciary after being sent from the field - Balmain School Blitz: A record 9 High Schools participated in the and remain suspended from participating in rugby league until such time Blitz which has traditionally only been held for Primary Schools. as their case is heard. Close to 1000 High School students were visited by Wests Tigers players participated in Harvey Norman Backyard League clinics The safety of all participants in the game of rugby league is paramount and were presented the NRL’s Eat Well Play Well Stay Well message. and anyone breaking the laws of the game will be dealt with by the - Holy Cross College participated in the reformatted School Boy Cup match officials or, in severe cases, by the junior league officials. Every (formerly Arrive Alive Cup) while Hunters Hill HS represented Balmain club member and/or supporter is bound by the ARL Code of Conduct in the School Boy Trophy (for general schools). Despite coming and failure to comply with the Code will result in harsh penalties being up against some very tough opposition both schools represented delivered to any offenders. themselves and the district with great distinction. - After holding the Shield for the first time this year and 14 My sincere thanks are extended to my fellow judiciary members, Mick teams participating, Sydney Secondary College Leichhardt represented Manning and Sam Gebrael and to reserve members Peter Mortimer and Robbie and Balmain at the annual Captain’s Cup NSW Finals Day. John Harris. Hunters Hill HS also participated in the girls division on the day, making it through to the Semi Finals. My thanks and appreciation are again extended to the members of the - This year 3 different schools represented the area at the NSWRL Balmain Junior Rugby League Board for their ongoing support, to the All Schools Carnival. Strathfield South HS represented in the 14s, Balmain Referees Association for their professionalism and dedication Epping Boys HS in the 16s and Holy Cross College in the 13s and 15s. to the job at hand, to David Trodden for his counsel and particularly to Holy Cross College 13s went all the way, winning a lopsided Final 32 – 0 Jennie Webster, Michael Keech [prior to his departure] and Paul Sironen against Fairfield Patrician Brothers College. for their dedication to the junior league, patience and unwavering support - Schools such as The John Berne School, Sydney Adventist College, throughout what can be a somewhat difficult and stressful season. Arden Anglican College, SSC Leichhardt, St Patrick’s Marist College taking up clinic offers in 2010. This was the first time these schools My sincere thanks also to the unsung heroes of our Association namely have participated in clinics. the Ground Managers who each week are there from early morn til late - Hunters Hill HS, Dulwich HS of Visual Arts & Design, Homebush afternoon ensuring that grounds are ready for games of football and Boys HS, Holy Cross College, Domremy College, Santa Sabina College, dealing with any problems arising during the day. Riverside Girls HS and Strathfield Girls HS continuing their involvement in school programs. I wish everyone a safe and healthy off season and hope everyone returns in 2011 for another season of footy. Rugby League in the Balmain district High Schools continues to grow and 2011 promises to be another big year. I would like to thank the schools, Tony Beger students and teachers for their participation in 2010. Also a huge thank Judiciary Chairman you to the Balmain Tigers, Wests Tigers and NSWRL for their support during the year as well as casual staff and volunteers that helped at various stages throughout the year. .

Tony Ashton Balmain Primary National Development Officer Phone: 8741 3312 Schools Report Email: [email protected]

2010 saw another year of growth in all our programs with 75 Primary Schools within our District participating in one of our programs. Our 2010 highlights were: • Wests Tigers Blitz: 52 Primary Schools received an assembly visit from an ARL Development Officer and Wests Tigers players. These assembly visits promoted playing Junior Rugby League in the Balmain District and the NRL Eat Well Play Well Stay Well message. As part of the blitz over 11 000 students each received a Wests Tigers show bag.

• Paul Sironen Sevens: This year saw another increase with 19 schools and 55 teams nominate for the Siro 7’s. Once again after 4 washed out Gala Days we finally played our Siro 7’s at Holy Cross College. 400 children enjoyed the day with saw St Charles P.S Ryde win the Paul Sironen Sevens for the first time. The Wayne Pearce Shield (Yr 3/4 Division) was won by St Martha’s P.S Strathfield and the Steve Roach Shield (Girls Division) saw Putney P.S win the title for the fourth year in a row. - This year 3 different schools represented the area at the NSWRL All Balmain High Schools Carnival. Strathfield South HS represented in the 14s, Epping Boys HS in the 16s and Holy Cross College in the 13s and 15s. Holy Cross College 13s went all the way, winning a lopsided Final Schools Report 32 – 0 against Fairfield Patrician Brothers College. - Schools such as The John Berne School, Sydney Adventist College, Arden Anglican College, SSC Leichhardt, St Patrick’s Marist College 2010 has been a tremendous year for the 40 High Schools in the Balmain taking up clinic offers in 2010. This was the first time these schools district. Although once again the weather played havoc with many planned have participated in clinics. events, the majority of them were able to go ahead. This allowed, for - Hunters Hill HS, Dulwich HS of Visual Arts & Design, Homebush the third year in a row, an increase in the number of participants across Boys HS, Holy Cross College, Domremy College, Santa Sabina College, clinics, gala days and education programs. Riverside Girls HS and Strathfield Girls HS continuing their involvement in school programs . Some of the 2010’s highlights include: Rugby League in the Balmain district High Schools continues to grow - Balmain School Blitz: A record 9 High Schools participated in the and 2011 promises to be another big year. I would like to thank the Blitz which has traditionally only been held for Primary schools, students and teachers for their participation in 2010. Schools. Close to 1000 High School students were visited by Wests Tigers players participated in Harvey Norman Backyard League clinics Thank you to the Balmain Tigers, Wests Tigers and NSWRL for their and was presented the NRL’s Eat Well Play Well Stay Well message. support during the year as well as casual staff and volunteers that helped - Holy Cross College participated in the reformatted School Boy Cup at various stages throughout the year. (formerly Arrive Alive Cup) while Hunters Hill HS represented Balmain in the School Boy Trophy (for general schools). Despite coming up Tyrone Collins against some very tough opposition both schools represented National Development Officer themselves and the district with great distinction. Email: [email protected] - After holding the Robbie Farah Shield for the first time this year and 14 teams participating, Sydney Secondary College Leichhardt represented Robbie and Balmain at the annual Captain’s Cup NSW Finals Day. Hunters Hill HS also participated in the girls division on the day, making it through to the Semi Finals.

Balmain Junior League Season Launch

BALMAIN Football Club chairman David Trodden officially launched the 2010 Balmain Junior League season on March 20 at Balmain Leagues Club.

He is pictured with Mini and Mod League juniors, Tigers’ legend and BDRLFC General Manager Paul Sironen, Balmain-Ryde Eastwood coach Paul Fletcher and captain Lee Bennett, Balmain Development Manager David Kelly and BJL Operations Manager Jennie Webster.

Balmain Junior League Life Members Reunion

ROZELLE CODOCKS legend Jim Fitzgibbon recalled the club’s halcyon days at the annual Balmain Tigers’ Foundation Members & Life Members luncheon held on November 18 at TIGERS Five Dock.

Long serving stalwart Jim is pictured with standing l to r Jeff Aplitt, Peter Hunter, Paul Wheelhouse, John Doyle, Tony Bietola, Bill Brown, Bob Henderson, John Critchley, Ray Gerrie, Ray Dalton, Brian Coleman, Jack King, Les Heath, John Stanton, John O’Brien, Mick Manning, Chris Karas; seated Martin Ritter, Peter Mortimer, Billy Wise, Alan Carling, Steve Leslie and Austin Hoyle.

9 Tigers Awards Night

John Kelly Club Person of Year Memorial Trophy Awards RYAN CARR is the winner of the John Kelly Memorial Quiet Achiever BALMAIN Junior League’s hardest working officials were recognised with Award for 2010. the 14th annual Club Volunteer of the Year Awards.

The wily Balmain-Ryde Eastwood is pictured receiving the trophy Patron of Balmain Junior League Mick Manning presented the 2010 from Balmain Coaching & Development Manager David Kelly – son of the awardees with their plaques at the Tigers’ annual Awards Night at Ryde late John Kelly, a popular Tigers official, who died tragically in 2003. Eastwood Leagues Club on November 13.

This year’s recipients were: Tony Bignold (Balmain PCYC); Tylana Booby (Carlingford Cougars); Prue Ibrahim (Concord-Burwood); Steve Doherty (Dundas Shamrocks) accepted by his wife Jenny; Stephen Elias (Five Dock RSL); Helen Williams (Holy Cross Rhinos); Ron Ford (Leichhardt Juniors); Natalie Schroder & Noella Merrick (Leichhardt Wanderers); Rob Ward (North Ryde Hawks) and Tony Rosato (Strathfield Raiders).

The award is the brainchild of former Balmain Junior League secretary Paul Egan and wife Kim and salutes the behind-the-scenes work of industrious club members.

George Thompson Memorial Trophy This Award perpetuates the memory of George Thompson, a great Tigers’ administrator, who died of cancer in 1997.

Helen Williams from Holy Cross is the thirteenth recipient of this prestigious award in 2010 and she was absolutely surprised and delighted.

Helen has been a tireless volunteer for the Rhinos over the past 10 years. For the past 5 years she has held the role of Club Treasurer a role which she carries out meticulously.

Since 2007 Helen has been the Canteen Organiser at all home games; the Canteen is spotless and without a doubt she is the creator of the best Bacon & Egg Rolls in the District!

Helen like many volunteers freely gives her time to Holy Cross and to the League and quite often misses watching her son’s games because of her commitment to her club. She is held in the highest regard by all at Holy Cross and this is the second time her Club has nominated her for this prestigious award.

Helen is a wonderful example of the contribution women make to rugby league. Congratulations don Graham Memorial Kevin O’Keefe Trophy Memorial Trophy Tigers HOLY Cross warrior Marcel Ferris (pictured) is this year’s recipient of the Don Graham Memorial U/19 Player of the Year Award. Club Person of Year RETIRING Balmain-Ryde Eastwood captain Lee Bennett is the winner When it comes to sheer grit and determination they don’t come any of the 2010 Kevin O’Keefe Memorial Balmain Tigers Club Person of the tougher than the versatile Ferris - a driving force behind the Rhinos’ finals Year Award. charge in the NSWRL Combined Inner City U/19 Div 2 competition. He is pictured with Maureen McKeon – partner of the late Kevin O’Keefe, The crafty hooker was a key figure as Holy Cross qualified for the big end- the Tigers’ long serving sin bin attendant who died in 2007 – and former of-season matches, only to bow out in the elimination final after a narrow Balmain DRLFC president George Stone – a half brother of Kevin – at 18-16 loss to Greenacre Tigers. the Tigers’ Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club. Bennett, an inspirational utility back, guided the Tigers to the NSW Cup finals and Ferris, a busy number nine who can fill in capably at half back, impressed showed outstanding leadership both on-and-off field. A Renown product, keen judges with his tough-tackling, high work rate and clever passing Bennett played his junior football along side Kangaroos’ and St George- against quality opposition. Illawarra premiership centre Mark Gasnier before establishing himself with the Balmain Premier League and NSW Cup teams. Marcel has given the Rhinos yeoman service since U/12s and helped the club win the U/14 Div 2 and U/15 premierships in the combined Balmain- St George competitions in 2006-07.

He was also an important senior player for the Holy Cross College Ryde Open schoolboy team that has undergone a re-building phase.

Ferris joins previous winners Patrick Walsh and Paul McInerney (Holy Cross), Paul Tutt (Gladesville Sports), David Rose (Wanderers), Ian McCann and Shane Williams (Cricketers Arms), Gordon Rytmeister (North Ryde), Marc Webber (West Ryde-Denistone), Billy Long (Pyrmont Colts), Luke Long (Balmain United), Jason Thompson (Wanderers), Joe Hawach and Paul Owens (Ryde Eastwood), Anthony Golder (Annandale Waratahs), Dean Hutchison and Clint Woods (Leichhardt Juniors), Shadi Haddad (Five Dock RSL), Corey Lee and Hugo Duarte (Leichhardt Juniors), Matthew Olsen (Wanderers), Ali Musri and Dylan Theuerjahr (North Ryde) and Ajay Vaivaka (Concord-Burwood) on the U/19s honour roll.

11 Jack King Trophy John Stapleton Memorial NUGGETY Leichhardt Wanderers hooker Andrew Kazzi is the Balmain Junior League Under 16 Player of the Year for 2010. Trophy

The hard working cub was awarded the Jack King Trophy after powerful DUNDAS Shamrocks’ ball playing five eighth Michael Basan is the 21st displays for the all conquering Wanderers in the combined Balmain-St recipient of the John Stapleton Trophy for the Balmain Junior League A George competition and with the Balmain junior Grade Player of the Year. representative team. The clever back was the lynchpin in a well-drilled Dundas team coached Kazzi capped a memorable year with a strong performance for Leichhardt by Chris O’Toole that peaked at the right time to capture the NSWRL in their U/16 Grand Final victory over Dundas Shamrocks at Leichhardt Oval. Combined Inner City A Reserve Grade premiership title.

He also made an impact in Ken Stapleton’s Matthews Cup squad – Basan proved the architect of the Shamrocks’ 22-4 Grand Final win over shining in the hooker role or back row during the 2010 NSWRL U/16 Berala Bears, inspiring team mates with his attacking skills to spearhead Junior Cup series. a memorable triumph and earn the official Player of the Match award.

Andrew started his rugby league career in the Canterbury-Bankstown He created the only try of the first half with a deft pass out wide to winger Juniors before switching to the Holy Cross Rhinos as a precocious Jayson Wilson then showed his strength and skill to score a vital try after 13 year old. the interval as the Dundas side took full control.

He was sidelined for a long period with a broken leg before returning to The premiership win capped a big year for Basan, who turned in solid force his way into the Tigers’ U/14 and U/15 Junior Development squads performances each week in the crucial position of five eighth against as a tough and skilful utility player. quality opponents from the Balmain, St George, South Sydney and Canterbury districts. Kazzi made every post a winner when he linked with the Wanderers and helped the club secure back-to-back premierships. He follows in the steps of veteran North Ryde Hawks centre Paul Wallace, who won the prestigious award for a second time in 2009. Past winners of the Jack King Trophy include: Balmain A Grade Player of the Year recipients include Graham Pearce John Kaho (Burwood United), Grant Benjamin (Ryde Eastwood), Gary Braams (Sawdust), Grant Thomas (Balmain United), (Leichhardt Juniors), Abe Allamaddine Peter Bingham (West Ryde-Denistone), Jason Banfield (Concord United), (Leichhardt Juniors), Ben Critchley (Five Dock Frank Dunne, Craig Barnett, Robert Gerrie (Leichhardt Wanderers), Aaron RSL), Josh Jeffery (Wanderers), Willie Tupou Brown and Nathan Donato (Balmain United), Cameron Liddle and James (Wanderers), (Wanderers), Harradence (West Ryde-Denistone), Jason Tutt (Sawdust Storm), Joel Ewen Cameron (Wanderers), Nick Tice (Leichhardt Juniors), Daniel Casa Lacey (West Ryde-Denistone), Paul Wallace and Justin Williams (North (Holy Cross), Nathan Plummer (Holy Cross), Tim Bennetts (Carlingford Ryde), Damien Braumann (Leichhardt Juniors), John Kaho (Leichhardt Cougars), Drew Laing (Holy Cross), Brodie Monroe (Five Dock RSL) and Wanderers) and Kelvin Weir (North Ryde). Curtis Sironen (Dundas Shamrocks). George PiperTrophy

RUGGED North Ryde Hawks forward Ali Musri has joined a select band of players to win the George Piper Trophy twice as the best and fairest Under 21 player in the Balmain Junior League competition.

The fearless Musri turned in powerhouse performances for the Hawks in this year’s NSWRL Combined Inner City U/21 competition that featured clubs from the Balmain, St George, South Sydney and Canterbury districts. He was North Ryde’s best player during the 2010 campaign and impressed BJL officials with his high work rate and ability to bust tackles.

The 20 year old enforcer has come under the scrutiny of Balmain-Ryde Eastwood selectors who will monitor the tough forward’s progress before announcing their squad for the 2011 NSW Cup series.

It is the third major league award for the quietly-spoken Musri, who also received the Don Graham Memorial Trophy as the Balmain district’s top 17 year old player in 2007.

Strong-running Ali has come a long way since joining the Hawks as a raw- boned 13 year old schoolboy and forcing his way into the Balmain S.G Ball Cup representative squad.

A dedicated trainer, Musri leads by example with his positive attitude and is never far from the action – menacing rivals with powerful running or keeping rivals at bay with bruising defence.

Ali joins previous winners: Keith Cook (Dundas), Mario Pace (Birchgrove), Adrian Murray (Leichhardt Wanderers), Peter Murphy (North Ryde), Ken Nichols (Wanderers), John Dimento (Ryde Districts), Steve McCarthy (Wanderers), Neil Massey (Ermington), Adam Brown (Wanderers), Stephen Jeffrey (Balmain Police Boys), Michael Bourke (Holy Cross), Michael Moujalli (Holy Cross), Frank Mooy (Birchgrove), Jamie Alexander (Holy Cross), Luke Simmons (Ryde Eastwood), John Clark (Ryde Eastwood), Marc Webber (West Ryde-Denistone), Aaron Brown (Balmain United), Damien Hansen (Ryde Eastwood), Jason Pearce (Balmain United), Shane Hunt (Ryde Eastwood), Craig Aldridge (Sawdust), Dean Hutchison and Lee Manning (Leichhardt Juniors), Shadi Haddad (Holy Cross), Michael Page (Wanderers), Ben Critchley (Five Dock RSL), Steve Bortolussi (North Ryde), Dean Murray (North Ryde), Trent Touma (Concord-Burwood) and James Cameron (Holy Cross) on a distinguished honor roll. Jan Carroll Memorial Trophy DUNDAS Shamrocks’ workhorse forward Daniel Vasek (pictured) has taken out the Jan Carroll Memorial U/17 Player of the Year trophy.

Vasek was a deserved recipient after turning in powerful displays for the Shamrocks in the NSWRL Combined Inner City U/17 Div 1 competition. The hard working back rower – who toured New Zealand with the Wests Tigers CUBS U/17 squad - was a tower of strength for Dundas during the 2010 season where he led by example with his strong running and punishing defence.

Vasek, a capable goalkicker, has blossomed into a versatile forward under the coaching of Mani Edmonds and former Tigers star David Brooks. He figured prominently in the Shamrocks’ premiership-winning U/14, U/15 and U/16 teams that dominated the combined Balmain-St George competition from 2007-2009.

Balmain officials rewarded Vasek for his tireless displays with selection in the Tigers’ U/18 representative squad for this year’s S.G Ball Cup series. He also shone for the CUBS on their end of season tour across the Tasman where they recorded victories over Wellington Orcas (48-12) in Wellington and Canterbury U/18s (50-22) in Christchurch.

Previous winners of the Jan Carroll Trophy include Solomon Haumono (Concord United), Chad Lee and Rhys Stevenson (Leichhardt Juniors); Josh Jeffery, Damien Braumann and Richard Ngawini (Wanderers), Matthew Mizzi and Sebastian Vourlos (Holy Cross) and (Leichhardt Juniors).

13 Adam Gardiner Award George Thompson RUGGED Balmain-Ryde Eastwood prop David Gower is the fifth recipient of the Adam Gardiner Memorial Best Forward Trophy. Scholarship Award

The award commemorates the life of former Tigers’ assistant Jersey Flegg AUSTRALIAN U/15 schoolboy representative Salesi Funaki is the George and Premier League coach Adam Gardiner who lost a brave battle with Thompson Scholarship Award recipient for 2010. amyloidosis in 2006 at the age of 35. The strong running back rower showed why he is rated one of the best Gower, who was judged the Tigers’ best forward and named in the 2010 forward prospects in the Tigers’ nursery after dynamic displays at junior NSW Cup Team of the Year, is pictured with Adam’s father Terry Gardiner representative and schoolboy level. at the Tigers’ Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club. Funaki was judged the most outstanding junior player for his age in the The hard-working utility forward has signed with NRL premiers district and impressed Tigers’ officials with skilful performances for St George-Illawarra for the 2011 season. Balmain in the U/16 Harold Matthews Cup series.

He was one of three Tigers’ players to help NSW Residents defeat A student at Westfields Sports High, Funaki earned selection in the Queensland in this year’s inter-state challenge - joining club mates Jarred Australian Under 15 Merit Team after starring for NSW Combined High Farlow, Sean Meaney and Matt Ryan in a jumper. Previous winners Schools at the national U/15 Championships in Canberra. include former Jersey Flegg half back Marc Russell and State Cup forwards Luke McInnes, Alan Schirnack and Jarred Farlow. The Tigers’ young gun turned in top performances for the powerful NSW CHS outfit during the Carnival including a super effort in the Championship final where he scored two tries in the Blues’ 44-10 victory over Queensland White.

Salesi is pictured receiving his award from Eileen Thompson, wife of the late Balmain administrator George Thompson and their daughter Raelene.

Junior Club Championship LEICHHARDT Wanderers secretary Ray Gerrie receives the BDJRL Junior Club Championship Trophy from Balmain-Ryde Eastwood Football Club stalwart Keith Aggett. Harry Quinlan Memorial Trophy SKILFUL Balmain-Ryde Eastwood forward Jarred Farlow took out the He is pictured third from left with Ryde-Eastwood Football Club chairman Harry Quinlan Memorial Trophy for the best and fairest Tigers player in the Malcolm Chapple, Tigers’ NSW Cup Coach of the Year Paul Fletcher and 2010 NSW State Cup competition. other award recipients Rhys Curran (Coach’s Award); Sean Meaney (Best Back and Leading Points Scorer Award); Matt Ryan (Boys Farlow, who was named lock and skipper of the NSW Cup Team of the on the Hill Award) and David Gower (Adam Gardiner Memorial Best Year, also received the Players’ Player award. Forward Trophy). He was one of four Tigers’ players that helped the NSW Residents’ rep side defeat Queensland at ANZ Stadium and led the Tigers in action during this year’s finals series.

Senior Club Championship BALMAIN District Football Club deputy chairman Dr Leslie Glen presents Dundas Shamrocks president Bob Siemsen with the BDJRL Senior Club Championship Trophy.

15 Matthews Cup Awards Keith Barnes Leading Point Scorer Award BALMAIN Harold Matthews Cup manager Peter Mortimer with U/16 Junior Sean Meaney was the leading point scorer in 2010 amassing 212 points Cup award recipients Mason Farrell (Best Back); Dayne Horne & Nick Paul (Coach’s Award); (WJ Hallmark Jewellers Best & Fairest Sean was also presented with a special award for scoring a record Award); Tony Bazouni (Best Forward) and Alex Vlahos (Players’ Player). 30 points in a single match (3 tries and 9 goals) against Canterbury Bankstown at Leichhardt Oval on 22nd May 2010

Scott Gale Leading Try Scorer Blake Lazarus was the winner of this award for 2010 scoring 19 tries in 24 games.

S.G Ball Cup Awards George Thompson EMERGING cub Curtis Sironen (far left) was named Balmain’s Rookie of the Year for 2010. The talented utility, who picked up the Best Back award in Balmain’s S.G Ball Cup campaign, is pictured with Tigers’ assistant U/18 Memorial Trophy coach Balin Cupples, Greg Lewis of sponsors WJ Hallmark Jewellers and other S.G Ball trophy recipients Hayden Crockett (Best Forward); Michael Graham (Players’ Player); Ben Saunders (Coach’s Award) and (Best & Fairest). Calling the shots from half back, Nicholls struck up a fine partnership Rising Star Award with the talented Lui as the Tiger cubs came within an ace of clinching the premiership title. PLAYING second fiddle to the likes of superstar and rookie halves Tim Moltzen and has resulted in a move to France for Wests Tigers led for most of the game before a dubious late try by current talented Tigers’ five eighth Darren Nicholls. England five eighth snatched victory for the Storm in controversial fashion. Twenty one year old Nicholls – winner of this year’s Ryde Eastwood Rising Star Award – will line up for Toulouse Olympique in the That Tigers’ U/20s class – coached by Grant Jones - were rich in talent. Second Division competition during 2011 after signing a one year deal with Lui and forwards Simon Dwyer, , Ben Murdoch-Masila and the French based club. Jason Schirnack graduated into the Tigers’ NRL squad this season while Nicholls, forward Rhys Curran (Balmain-Ryde Eastwood) and hooker Chris It is an opportunity that the Tigers’ playmaker has grabbed with both Corby (Western Suburbs) showed their wares in NSW Cup. hands and the perfect springboard to securing a contract with an English Nicholls won’t feel too homesick when he pulls on the Toulouse jumper Super League club in the immediate future. in 2011 – he’ll play alongside another ex-Tigers junior in half back Josh Lewis who also featured in a Grand Final in 2009 with the Balmain-Ryde Nicholls was a shining light for the Balmain-Ryde Eastwood team in this Eastwood team. year’s NSW Cup competition – forming a potent halves combination with number seven Blake Lazarus as the Tigers roared into the finals series. His slick passing, pin point kicking, sleight of hand and vision were a feature and helped the Tigers post 20 victories at the end of the preliminary rounds.

Balmain-Ryde Eastwood and Canterbury both finished on 40 points with the Bulldogs claiming the minor title on percentages before going on to capture the premiership.

But with the abundance of backline talent in the Wests Tigers NRL squad, the skilful Nicholls has been forced to try his luck abroad. A Holy Cross junior product, Nicholls starred in several junior premiership sides and pitted his skills against the likes of New Zealand utility back Chase Stanley (Hurstville United); NSW State of Origin half and Wallaby back Kurtley Beale (North Ryde Hawks).

Darren, the only Holy Cross cub to have served 15 years, went on to captain the Balmain Harold Matthews (U/16) and S.G Ball (U/18) Cup teams before stamping his mark in the Tigers’ Jersey Flegg ranks. The classy colt came under the scrutiny of Wests Tigers’ coach and assistant when he skippered the U/20 Toyota Cup side to the 2009 Grand Final against Melbourne. Rookie of the Year Award PROMISING utility Curtis Sironen is the Balmain Tigers’ Rookie of Dundas Shamrocks and leading the club to premiership victories in U/15s the Year for 2010. The talented 17 year old lock/five eighth is pictured and U/16s. receiving his award from Balmain-Ryde Eastwood captain Lee Bennett at the Tigers’ Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club. After making an impact in the Toyota Cup, the strapping Sironen toured New Zealand with the all conquering Wests Tigers U/17 CUBS - turning Young gun Curtis continued his rapid development with skilful in strong displays to help the side trounce Wellington Orcas (48-12) in performances in the schoolboy and junior representative ranks this Wellington and Canterbury U/18s (50-22) in Christcurch. season.

He starred for Holy Cross College Ryde at schoolboy level and the U/18 Balmain S.G Ball side before making an impact with both the Wests Tigers CUBS U/17s and U/20 Toyota Cup teams.

Curtis – who shows the same physical attributes and potential that made his famous father Paul Sironen a sought after commodity at a similar age – is determined to ‘make it on his on’ after signing a three year deal with Wests Tigers.

Paul Sironen may be a Tigers’ legend and ex-Kangaroo forward but he is proud of his eldest son’s achievements during the 2010 season. “I thought he handled himself very well in the U/20s”, said Sironen senior. “He is certainly doing all the right things at this stage of his career.” “I give him a few words of advice from time to time but he is finding his own way,” Paul said.

Curtis made league pundits sit up and take notice when he scored two tries and booted five goals for a personal haul of 18 points in Wests Tigers’ 34-12 win over Parramatta at .

It was just his third game of Toyota Cup and his second as starting five eighth and underlined his enormous potential.

Curtis played his early football with North Ryde Hawks before joining 17 Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior Leauge Grand Finals

Under 9 Div 1 Grand Fioal EXCITING prospect Mason Ward stamped his mark for Leichhardt Wanderers Red team in the U/9 age group during 2010.

Ward played starring roles as the Wanderers lifted the Robbie Farah Challenge Shield and Arthur McIlveen Memorial Trophy double for a second successive season.

The talented cub starred in Wanderers’ 36-22 win over Five Dock RSL in the U/9 Div 1 decider - scoring two tries and causing havoc with his tricky step and pace out wide.

Five Dock RSL opened the scoring after three minutes with a try by forward Melvyn Semu before Ward – the official Player of the Match - crossed twice as Leichhardt gained the upper hand. The Reds led 20-12 at the break and absorbed plenty of pressure in the second half before wrapping up the title with tries by strong running forward Joshua Fineisaloi and Bailey Caldwell.

Fineisaloi and Caldwell, half back Max Barnett, Jon Whitehead and centre U/9 Div 1 champions Leichhardt Wanderers Red Tiger Perkins were other Leichhardt cubs to shine. The Dockers were best served by centre Ngalu Ikani, forwards Melvyn Semu, Ben Kain, Lachlan Parison and half James McEwen.

LEICHHARDT WANDERERS RED 36 (M Ward 2, J Fineisaloi 2, M Barnett, J Whitehead, B Caldwell tries; M Barnett, J Whitehead, T Perkins, D Quinn gls) d FIVE DOCK RSL 22 (M Semu 2, N Ikani 2 tries; N Ikani, M Steen, B Kain gls).

LEICHHARDT WANDERERS RED – Mason Ward, Ross Triulcio, Tiger Perkins, Nick Iocco, Michael Coleman, Jonathan Whitehead, Max Barnett (captain), Mitchell Gigg, Bailey Caldwell, Makayla Ward, Joshua Fineisaloi, Daniel Quinn, Louis Moloney, Ben Mackenzie. Coach: Craig Barnett; Manager: Leoni Barnett; Trainer: Jeremy Barnett.

FIVE DOCK RSL – Nick Doherty, James Pateman, Ngalu Ikani, Lachlan Parison, Tristan Parkinson, James McEwen, Connor Monroe, Matthew U/9 Div 1 Player of Match Mason Ward Tigers’ legend Paul Sironen and BJL Steen, Melvyn Semu (captain), Kayne Sanki, Sebastian Trovato, Flynn (Wanderers). director Frank Dunne with Wanderers Taylor, Alessio Valastro, Daniel Georgopoulos, Ben Kain. Coach: Darren Red U/9 Div 1 captain Max Barnett. Steen; Manager: Elias Sanki; Trainers: Christian Lilo & Warren Doherty.

Under 9 Div 2 Grand Final STRATHFIELD Raiders edged out North Ryde RSL 20-18 in the U/9 Div 2 Grand Final with classy half back Billy Papas the stand out. Papas inspired team mates with his attacking skills – turning in a slick performance to earn the Player of the Match award and help the Raiders secure the Mick Manning Trophy.

The elusive playmaker was supported by speedy backs Will McMahon, Chris Georges and Emanuel Saad, Patrick Ibrahim, Joseph Ibrahim and Dylan McDonald.

North Ryde were courageous in defeat and got value from forwards Steve Saba and Nick Marquis, Josephine Bee, Ron Ryan III, Tom Edwards-Moro, Andrew Alexander, Cooper Black and Max Guanta. McMahon (2) and Papas (2) scored tries as the Raiders jumped to a 20-0 U/9 Div 2 premiers Strathfield Raiders lead after 23 minutes before the Hawks staged a spirited revival with four second half tries in the space of 12 minutes.

STRATHFIELD RAIDERS 20 (W McMahon 2, B Papas 2 tries; W McMahon, P Ibrahim gls) d NORTH RYDE 18 (N Marquis 2, M Guanta, C Black tries; C Black gl).

STRATHFIELD RAIDERS – Chris Georges, Emanuel Saad, Cuba Simeti, Will McMahon, Joseph Ibrahim (captain), Sam McMahon, Billy Papas, Charles Kazzi, George Torbey, Patrick Ibrahim, Dylan McDonald, Alex Stournas, Ben Salib. Coach: John Georges; Manager: Tony Kazzi; Trainers: Frank Ibrahim & Fred Ibrahim. NORTH RYDE – Josephine Bee, Tom Edwards-Moro, Aaron Pollard, Ronald Ryan, Koda Thomas, Andrew Alexander, Lachlan Marquis, Nick Marquis, Steven Saba (captain), Cooper Black, Max Guanta, Daniel Ianni, Nick Milevski, Hugh Simpson, Jack Cowmeadow. Coach: Michael Bee; Manager: U/9 Div 2 Player of Match Billy Papas BJL patron Mick Manning with Anthony Guanta; Trainer: Robert Saba. (Strathfield). Strathfield Raiders U/9 Div 2 captain Joseph Ibrahim. Under 10 Div 1 Grand Final DUNDAS Shamrocks and Wanderers produced an epic contest in the U/10 Div 1 decider - with Dundas stars Joshua Rizk and Bradley Doherty scoring tries in extra time to set up a 10-0 victory.

After an amazing 0-0 scoreline at fulltime - that featured superb defence from both sides - the Shamrocks grabbed their opportunities in a thriller to lift the Lawrence Briggs Trophy. Wanderers’ centre Flynn Bower-Ladbrooke could have been an instant hero but lost the ball while attempting to score a try in regular time. It was the second piece of silverware won by the well-drilled Dundas team after capturing the Mark O’Neill Challenge Shield back on March 21. Rizk and Doherty produced outstanding displays with support from forwards Nikola Najdovski and Andrew Azize, sharp backs Ray Ghalloub, Joshua Takchi, Nick Nicholson and Chris Fahey. Najdovski earned the Player of the Match award for his non-stop tackling and bullocking runs. Both sides tackled themselves to a standstill before the dynamic Rizk crashed through tackles to break the deadlock after three minutes of extra time. Doherty sealed victory in the second period with a fine solo try which he duly converted. Wanderers were best served by the skilful Tane Edmed – son of former Balmain U/10 Div 1 champions Dundas Shamrocks Yellow Grand Final prop Steve Edmed – who gave the Reds direction; workhorse forward Ben Cody, quicksilver backs Bower-Ladbrooke and Lewis Parfitt, Anton Ferguson, Will Cornish and fullback Lachlan Ilias.

DUNDAS SHAMROCKS YELLOW 10 (J Rizk, B Doherty tries; B Doherty gl) d LEICHHARDT WANDERERS RED 0.

DUNDAS SHAMROCKS YELLOW – Joshua Takchi, Ray Ghalloub, Joshua Rizk, Nick Nicholson, Connor Tannous, Bradley Doherty (captain), Adrian Khattar, Mason Douglass-Hanna, Chris Fahey, Harrison Kilby, Andrew Azize, David Azize, Nikola Najdovski, Mark Khattar, Lachlan McKenzie. Coach: Steve Doherty; Manager: Phil Azize; Trainers: Paul Kilby, George Tannous & Tony Khattar.

LEICHHARDT WANDERERS RED – Lachlan Ilias, Griffin Taylor, Flynn Bower-Ladbrooke, Lewis Parfitt, Kayleb Cantali, Sebastian Ladogna, Tane Edmed (captain), Marco Micalizzi, Louis Tanner, Anton Ferguson, Ben Cody, Will Cornish, Ryan Musillo. Coach: Steve Edmed; Manager: Tamena Brown; Trainers: Arthur Ilias & Anthony Cornish. U/10 Div 1 Player of Match Nikola BJL patron Mick Manning and BJL Najdovski (Shamrocks). director Chris Raheb with Tigers’ legend Paul Sironen and BJL Shamrocks Yellow U/10 Div 1 captain director Frank Dunne with Wanderers Bradley Doherty. Red U/9 Div 1 captain Max Barnett. Under 10 Div 2 Grand Final DUNDAS Shamrocks - spearheaded by centre Rakena McMillan and forward Dallas King - shattered the Balmain PCYC fairytale with an 18-4 victory in the U/10 Div 2 Grand Final.

Coppers’ playmaker Samuel Bignold was outstanding in a beaten side and picked up the Player of the Match award. Hard working forward Dylan Simkin, fullback Hilal El Hage and centre Lachlan Allan also shone for Shamrocks who led 6-0 at the break. Bignold, who toiled like a trojan, kept PCYC in the hunt after bursting through the Dundas defence to score a determined try in the 23rd minute. Shamrocks clung to a 6-4 lead until the strong running McMillan and King posted late tries to secure the Austin Hoyle Trophy.

Forwards George Moore, Alessandro Patrielli, Liam Janson, skipper Abe Joannou and backs Samuel Zammit, Jack Arve and Anthony Dobson tried hard for the vastly-improved Coppers. It was a gutsy effort by the young U/10 Div 2 premiers Dundas Shamrocks Green Coppers to reach the Grand Final – the club’s first in over 20 years. They were the only team to inflict defeat on the Shamrocks during 2010 when they stood up to be counted in the major semi final – registering a classic 24-18 victory.

DUNDAS SHAMROCKS GREEN 18 (H El Hage, R McMillan, D King tries; R McMillan, D King, D Simkin gls) d BALMAIN PCYC 4 (S Bignold try). DUNDAS SHAMROCKS GREEN – Hilal El Hage, Ahmad El Hage, Lachlan Allan (captain), Rakena McMillan, Charlie Aubert, Tarahauaitu Houia, Will Spackman, Tim Potter, Sam Ferguson, Dallas King, Ryan Joynes, Dylan Simkin, Ryan Downer, Jacob Poole. Coach: Richie Houia; Manager: Stuart Allan; Trainers: Sinclair King & Andrew Ferguson.

BALMAIN PCYC – Sam Zammit, Michael O’Brien, Anthony Squadrito, Jack Arve, Liam Cassar, Anthony Dobson, Sam Bignold, Abe Joannou (captain), George Moore, Alessandro Patrielli, Liam Janson, Jack Roddy, Daniel U/10 Div 2 Player of Match Samuel BJL life member Austin Hoyle with BJL patron Mick Manning with Reynolds, Nick White, Harley Hopwood. Coach: Tony Bignold; Manager: Bignold (Balmain PCYC). Shamrocks Green U/10 Div 2 captain Strathfield Raiders U/9 Div 2 captain Caroline Arve; Trainers: Troy Zammit & Charlie Arve. Lachlan Allan. Joseph Ibrahim. Under 11 Div 1 Grand Final LEICHHARDT Wanderers were crowned U/11 Div 1 premiers after posting an upset 12-10 victory over the previously unbeaten Holy Cross Gold in spectacular fashion.

A try after the bell from winger Aiden Prowse and subsequent conversion by James Hill snatched victory for Leichhardt in a gripping encounter. The Rhinos, who had a Scott Brooks try disallowed in the 37th minute, looked set to claim a third successive title when they led 10-6 via a late try by Ethan Higgin. From the ensuing kick-off, a flying Prowse swooped on the ball in the in-goal to notch a stunning try. It was the Rhinos’ first loss since U/9s. Billy Stapleton starred for Holy Cross with support from Lachlan Camroux, Bennett Wheelhouse, Jarod Sabat, Mateo Tatola, Curtis Wilson and Brooks while 10 year old whiz Ben Stevanovic, Sosaia Talivakaola, Bobby Nader, Simone Sullivan, Hill and Prowse turned in strong games for Leichhardt. Both sides defended stoutly in the first stanza with Wheelhouse opening the scoring right on half time when he U/11 Div 1 champions Leichhardt Wanderers Red burrowed over from dummy half with Camroux converting for a 6-0 lead. Sosaia kept the Wanderers in the hunt when he crashed over for a try after 32 minutes. Skipper Stevanovic, who displays a maturity far beyond his years, added the extras to level the scores at 6-all and spark a thrilling finish. Stapleton was the best player on the field – tackling himself to a standstill and making inroads with his strong running in attack.

LEICHHARDT WANDERERS RED 12 (S Talivakaola, A Prowse tries; B Stevanovic, J Hill gls) d HOLY CROSS 10 (B Wheelhouse, E Higgin tries; L Camroux gl)

LEICHHARDT WANDERERS RED – James Hill, Aiden Prowse, Matthew Wilkie, Patrick Kairouz, Saul Lewis, Nick Kairouz, Ben Stevanovic (captain), Simone Sullivan, Sosaia Talivakaola, Jackson Still-Oram, Billy Duckworth, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Bobby Nader. Coach: Nick Stevanovic; Manager: Rebecca McNally; Trainer: Alan Hill.

HOLY CROSS GOLD – Scott Brooks, Ethan Higgin, Bailey Smith, Luke Jones, Joshua Bass, Lachlan Camroux, Billy Stapleton (captain), Matthew U/11 Div 1 Player of Match Billy BJL patron Mick Manning with Taylor, Mateo Tatola, Curtis Wilson, Jarod Sabat, Bennett Wheelhouse, Will Stapleton (Holy Cross). Wanderers Red U/11 Div 1 captain Bradley. Coach: Brad Wilson; Manager: Mick Bradley; Trainers: Graham Ben Stevanovic. Bass & John Sabat.

Under 11 Div 2 Grand Final DUNDAS Shamrocks captured the U/11 Division 2 Trophy with a resounding 38-12 victory over Leichhardt Juniors.

Promising half back Anthony Sakr was the best player on the ground – steering the Shamrocks to a deserved title with his punishing defence, sharp running and guile around the rucks. He was supported by forwards Jack Langford, Jake Grabham, Michael Mollica and centres Alex Seyfarth and Carl Azar. Dundas led 16-6 at the break via first half tries by Seyfarth, Sakr and Langford and reaffirmed their dominance with another four tries after the interval. Leichhardt were best served by fullback Tamyka Laws, hooker Laurence Zarounas and centres Symeon Despinidis and Jason Doric.

DUNDAS SHAMROCKS 38 (J Langford 2, A Seyfarth, A Sakr, A Sahyoun, J Rizk, M Mollica tries; A Sakr, J Langford, M Mollica, J Khalil, C Azar gls) U/11 Div 2 premiers Dundas Shamrocks. d LEICHHARDT JUNIORS 12 (L Zarounas, S Despinidis tries; R Serhan, A Nies gls).

DUNDAS SHAMROCKS – Jacob Innes-Afitu, Jusdys Tewhare, Alex Seyfarth, Carl Azar, Michael Mollica (captain), Jeremy Nichols-Hancock, Anthony Sakr, Jake Grabham, Jack Langford, Jacob Manu, Joseph Ramlawie, Alfred Sahyoun, Jacob Khalil, Joshua Phillips, Josh Rizk. Coach: Tony Sakr; Manager: Mary Mollica; Trainer: Sam Afitu.

LEICHHARDT JUNIORS – Tamyka Laws, Will Corbett, Symeon Despinidis, Jason Doric, Joshua Haggar, Nick Scully, Roy Serhan, Stamati Tsiamis, John Mavrakis, George Papadopoulos, Laurence Zarounas (captain), Alex Nies, Griffyn Williams-Brooks, Tom Baldacci. Coach: George Tsiamis; Manager: Moshoula Mavrakis; Trainer: Matthew Mavrakis. Cassar, Anthony Dobson, Sam Bignold, Abe Joannou (captain), George Moore, Alessandro Patrielli, Liam Janson, Jack Roddy, Daniel Reynolds, Nick White, Harley Hopwood. Coach: Tony Bignold; Manager: Caroline Arve; Trainers: Troy Zammit & Charlie Arve. U/11 Div 2 Player of Match Anthony Wests Tigers stars Bryce Gibbs and Sakr (Shamrocks). Liam Fulton with Shamrocks U/11 Div 2 captain Mick Mollica. Under 12 Div 1 Grand Final LEICHHARDT Wanderers retained the Frank Walsh U/12 Division 1 Trophy with a hard fought 12-4 victory over Dundas Shamrocks.

Emerging forward Mataele Taupeaafe and pocket dynamo Daniel Carmody inspired the Wanderers to a deserved premiership title with powerful displays in an absorbing tussle between two evenly matched sides. Best player on the ground was Shamrocks’ talented half back Adam Rizk who made an impact with his attacking skills and copybook defence. Dundas forward Eddie Abraham scored the only points of the first half with a determined try in the 16th minute after busting through tackles out wide.

Wanderers dominated field position after the interval but were kept at bay by resolute Shamrocks defence. Carmody turned the match in the 35th minute when he dashed over to score Leichhardt’s first try and converted for a 6-4 lead. Wanderers sealed the title when strong running forward Tafa Felaugaiga crashed over for a try with 60 seconds left on the clock. Other Leichhardt cubs to impress were Tyrell Wikaire, Jackson Parfitt, U/12 Div 1 champions Leichhardt Wanderers Red Noah Sunderland and forwards Felaugaiga, Albert Nawaqanitawase, Brock Pardey, Keanu Tuhetoka and Nic Christian. Elusive centre Angelo Panambalan, five eighth Nick Tutil and forwards Abaham, Adam Durkin, Justin Frain, Anthony Rizk and Tyler Fenney also impressed for a gutsy Dundas unit.

LEICHHARDT WANDERERS RED 12 (D Carmody, T Felaugaiga tries; D Carmody, M Taupeaafe gls) d DUNDAS SHAMROCKS 4 (E Abraham try).

LEICHHARDT WANDERERS RED – Daniel Carmody, Ray-Dean Bowden, Tyrell Wikaire, Noah Sunderland, Sean Kelly, Jackson Parfitt (captain), Albert Nawaqanitawase, Karl Bucher, Nic Christian, Hal Titmarsh, Brock Pardey, Mataele Taupeaffe, Tafa Felaugaiga, Edwin Taranto, Keanu Tuhetoka, Jack Gerrie. Coach: Levi Tuhetoka; Manager: Harry Christian; Trainers: Ian McNab, Greg Parfitt, Craig Barnett & Rob Gerrie.

DUNDAS SHAMROCKS – Ali Dunia, Adulla Matar, Angelo Panambalan, Daniel Elnachar, Abe Dunia, Nick Tutil, Adam Rizk (captain), Justin Frain, U/12 Div 1 Player of Match Adam Rizk BJL director Chris Raheb with Adam Durkin, Eddie Abraham, Tyler Fenney, Brad Davoren-Whereat, (Shamrocks). Wanderers Red U/12 Div 1 captain Anthony Rizk, Bara Ayad, Mathew Wahbe, Tariq Zreika. Coach: Steve Jackson Parfitt. Hanson; Manager: Ravin Panambalan; Trainers: George Abraham & Michael Frain.

Under 12 Div 2 Grand Final NORTH RYDE captured the Charles ‘Chook’ Fraser U/12 Division 2 Trophy with a deserved 10-6 victory over Five Dock RSL - the team’s maiden title. Spring-heeled fullback Zac Allen starred for the Hawks with a brilliant attacking display to earn the Player of the Match award.

Allen scored the opening try in the 3rd minute after slicing through the Dockers’ defensive line and proved a constant thorn with his sharp running out wide. He was supported by forwards Josh Condon, James Macri, skipper Jordan Gernhoefer, Harry Hillier, Michael Chand and centre Andrew Bowman. Talented Five Dock centre Joshua Dixon scooted over for his team’s only try in the 15th minute which was converted by crafty hooker Alex Michas as both sides went to lemons at 6-all. Hawks’ centre Josh Taylor broke the deadlock in the 24th minute when he crossed for a vital try out wide – the only points in an absorbing second stanza. U/12 Div 2 premiers North Ryde Five Dock got value from the promising Dixon, Michas, fullback Luke Hodge, half back George Elias, centre Tony Ruggiero and props Maylee Semu and Christian Poniris.

NORTH RYDE 10 (Z Allen, J Taylor tries; J Gernhoefer gl) d FIVE DOCK RSL 6 (J Dixon try; A Michas gl).

NORTH RYDE – Zac Allen, Brannen Owen, Josh Taylor, Andrew Bowman, Patrick Rice, Jacob Panteli, Mitchell Puke, James Macri, Josh Condon, Michael Chand, Jordan Gernhoefer (captain), Yoshi Han, Sean Woods, Harry Hillier, Robbie Campbell, Tyson Roche. Coach: Graham Condon; Manager: Glenn Hillier; Trainers: Liam Roche & Geoff Bowman.

FIVE DOCK RSL – Luke Hodge, Wilson Savage-Phillips, Joshua Dixon, Tony Ruggiero, Joel Shapiro, Isaac Lewis, George Elias (captain), Christian Cataldo, Joseph Lombardo, Hendrix Leslie, Maylee Semu, Alex Michas, Christian Poniris, James Burton, Neville Georgiades, Eddie Valastro. Coach: Stephen Elias; Managers: Rose Elias & Dora Michas; Trainers: Craig Hodge & Adam Phillips. Kevin Fraser – nephew of Balmain U/12 Div 2 Player of Match Zac Allen immortal Charles ‘Chook’ Fraser – (North Ryde). with North Ryde U/12 Div 2 captain Jordan Gernhoefer. 21 STRATHFIELD RAIDERS – Ruben Marques, Kostas Stefanou, Louie Under 13 Grand Final Touma, Youssef Iqbal, McLean Rowley, Leon Christodolou, Sam Khalifeh (captain), Jordan Roberts, Brendan Koutantos, Lucas Kulen, Ryan Trainor, UNBEATEN Dundas Shamrocks staved off a spirited Strathfield Raiders Joseph Fayad, Faddy Faddoul, Jason Lee, Max Duckworth. Coach: Charlie challenge to clinch the U/13 premiership with a nail-biting 22-20 triumph. Khalifeh; Manager: Anita Rowley; Trainers: Tony Rosato & Michael Rosato. A try by fullback Lachlan Knight off a clever Bradley Cincotta kick in the dying moments sealed victory for the well drilled Dundas team, who led 18-4 at one stage.

The last gasp try helped the all conquering Shamrocks secure the John Stanton Trophy and cap a memorable season under the coaching of former Australian touch football representative Barry Gibson.

With hard working forward Cameron Dow leading the way, the Shamrocks skipped to a handy 18-4 lead after 28 minutes following tries by centre Cincotta, forward Mehmet Savas, Dow and prop James Yang.

The Raiders – spearheaded by five eighth McLean Rowley – mounted a spirited comeback with three tries in the space of six minutes to grab a shock 20-18 lead.

Rowley’s 60 metre solo try in the 39th minute was a gem and he followed it up with another spectacular four pointer soon after to give Strathfield the U/13 champions Dundas Shamrocks Yellow upper hand.

But Cincotta and Knight saved the day for Dundas with their late Houdini act. Dow turned in a powerhouse display for the Shamrocks with support from co-forwards Savas, Yang, Liam Petsas, Sammy Mollica, hooker Brendan Robertson and Lachlan Bell and talented backs Cincotta, Knight, Brad Gibson and Malcolm Cheney.

DUNDAS SHAMROCKS YELLOW 22 (B Cincotta, M Savas, C Dow, J Yang, L Knight tries; B Robertson gl) d STRATHFIELD RAIDERS 20 (M Rowley 2, R Trainor, S Khalifeh tries; L Christodolou, M Rowley gls).

DUNDAS SHAMROCKS YELLOW – Lachlan Knight, Mark Segreto, Bradley Cincotta (captain), Mitchell Bruce, Matt Gordon, Brad Gibson, Malcolm Cheney, Lachlan Bell, Liam Petsas, Cameron Dow, Joshua Karakhania, Brendan Robertson, James Yang, Mehmet Savas, Daniel Van Ostayen, U/13 Player of Match Cameron Dow BJL life member John Stanton with Sammy Mollica, Noah Innes-Afitu. Coach: Barry Gibson; Manager: Rob (Shamrocks). Shamrocks Yellow U/13 captain Bradley Cincotta. Cincotta; Trainer: John McNiven.

LEICHHARDT JUNIORS - Kayne Kirby, Elias Dagher, Dwayne Peters, Brett Under 14 Grand Final Davis (captain), Ryan O’Keefe, Jesse Elmasri, John Hogan, Tarjshay Dufty, HOLY Cross Under 14s had too many big guns for Leichhardt Juniors - Robert Tuhetoka, Jayden Pardey, Haemasi Manitisa, Myles O’Keefe, Zach recording an emphatic 28-8 victory to lift the Richard Baker Shield. Rae, Luke Johnston, John Ward, Jordan Woodward, Anatasi Tsiamis, Jamie Luscombe, Daniel Sparrey. Coach: Ricky Gallagher; Manager: Jaana Promising forwards Tevita ‘Junior’ Tatola, Jack Wheelhouse, Pifeleti junior Hogan; Trainers: Joshua Reilly-Quoy, Daniel Gianesi & Dean Smith. and classy backs Josh Nohra, , Daniel Moscaritolo and Matt Elias & Dora Michas; Trainers: Craig Hodge & Adam Phillips. Vatuinaruku turned in powerful displays for the Rhinos who dominated from the outset.

Tatola was a deserved recipient of the Player of the Match award – making an impact with his strong running and rugged defence. He scored tries in the 3rd and 22nd minute to help the Rhinos establish a 16-4 lead at half time.

The Rhinos added three more tries after the break with centre Vatuinaruku, Pifeleti junior and forward Drew Manley all crossing after clever lead up work. Holy Cross coach Damien Kennedy was proud of his charges, who produced outstanding football during the 2010 competition.

The majority of the squad represented Balmain in Junior Development challenge matches.

Lock forward Tarjshay Dufty, back rower Jayden Pardey, utility Luke U/14 champions Holy Cross Rhinos Johnston, half back John Hogan and centre Brett Davis played strongly for Leichhardt.

HOLY CROSS 28 (J Tatola 2, J Nohra, M Vatuinaruku, Pifeleti jnr, D Manley tries; D Moscaritolo 2 gls) d LEICHHARDT JUNIORS 8 (J Pardey, T Dufty tries).

HOLY CROSS – Daniel Moscaritolo, Sam Dessent, Brad Zammit, Matt Vatuinaruku, Zach Simpson, Bayley Sironen (captain), Josh Nohra, Tevita ‘Junior’ Tatola, Jye Jarvis, Drew Manley, Pifeleti junior, Jack Wheelhouse, Shawn Vainga, Finley Kidman, Mason Doueihi, Tyrone Papandony, Daniel Deeb, Ben Ainis, Edward Omeissah, Sailusi Lua. Coach: Damien Kennedy; BJL directors Richard Jones and Bob Siemsen U/14 Player of Match Junior Manager: Brennan Simpson; Trainer: Luke McColl. with Holy Cross U/14 captain Bayley Sironen. Tatola (Holy Cross). Dominic Dagher, Bradley Zalloua, Adrian Jack, Jackson Canning, Luke Under 16 Grand Final Brooks (injured). Coach: Damien Braumann; Manager: James Ellender; Trainers: Jay Stapleton, Liam Burke & Lee Stapleton. ALL conquering Leichhardt Wanderers toppled Dundas Shamrocks 34-12 to bring home the U/16 Mal Fallon Trophy. DUNDAS SHAMROCKS – Rabih El Hage, Ben Moon, Paul Ramondino, Mark Daoud (captain), Shae Jarvis, Te-Jay Priest, Todd Palmer, Paul Hanna, Inspired by a pre-match talk from Wests Tigers’ skipper and Wanderers’ Scott Graham, Alex Apps, Nathan Bechara, Cameron Moshref, Michael local product Robbie Farah, the classy Leichhardt outfit overcame an 8-0 Yap, Mohamed Alameddine, Joshua Siddle, Billy Katsiris, Meli Katia, deficit to register a second consecutive premiership. Ishaq Nasi. Coach: Brett Angelini; Manager: Joe Palmer; Trainer: Phil With young guns Alex Vlahos, Scott Bunch, Andrew Kazzi, Daniel Gianesi, Ramondino. Luke Georgas, Dayne Horne, Matty Nicholls, Michael Mouawad, Taylor Bennett and Jordan Tuhetoka leading the charge the Wanderers ran in six tries to overpower their rivals and hand coach Damien Braumann a first up title.

Utility player Tuhetoka was a stand out with his bullocking runs and robust defence to earn the official Player of the Match award.

The Shamrocks jumped to an early 8-0 lead after 19 minutes following tries by winger Ben Moon and half back Mark Daoud before Wanderers hit back before the break with a try by hooker Kazzi. Leichhardt hit their straps after the interval with Tuhetoka, Vlahos and half back Bennett guiding the premiers to a deserved title. The strapping Vlahos proved almost unstoppable with his diesel-powered runs while the tireless Nicholls tackled himself to a standstill in one of his best displays of the season. U/16 champions Leichhardt Wanderers Wanderers’ premiership triumph was the more meritorious when you consider they were without the services of star half back Luke Brooks, who missed the majority of the 2010 season after breaking his ankle while representing Balmain in a NSWRL Harold Matthews Cup fixture in Canberra. Play maker Daoud, centre Paul Ramondino and forwards Nathan Bechara and Alex Apps shone for Dundas, who finished the season strongly under experienced mentor Brett Angelini. LEICHHARDT WANDERERS 34 (A Vlahos 2, A Kazzi, A Zarounas, S Bunch, M Min tries; M Mouawad 5 gls) d DUNDAS SHAMROCKS 12 (B Moon, M Daoud, P Ramondino tries).

LEICHHARDT WANDERERS – Mason Farrell, Michael Min, Shaquile Tuaeola, Michael Mouawad, Billy Moisidis, Alex Zarounas, Taylor Bennett, Matt Nicholls, Dayne Horne, Daniel Gianesi (captain), Luke Georgas, BJL’s oldest life member Jack King U/16 Player of Match Jordan Tuhetoka Andrew Kazzi, Scott Bunch, Jordan Tuhetoka, Alex Vlahos, Ryan Hezlett, with Wanderers U/16 captain (Wanderers). Daniel Gianesi.

BERALA BEARS – Fadey Jebara, Ahmed Aassar, Ibrahim Assaad, Matt A Reserves Grand Final Reupena, Taha Hamze, Walid Assaad (captain), Nadeem Aassar, Maaunga Tafa, Amanaki Ofa, Rabeeh Karaali, Salah Jawad, Abe Kalal, Bernie DUNDAS Shamrocks took out the NSW Combined Inner City A Reserve Millynn, , Konrad Ilolahia, Mohamed Allam, Moustafa Grade title with a resounding 22-4 win over Berala Bears. Sankari, Henry Taufaao. Coach: Geoff Sharpe; Manager: Bob Bates;

Ball playing pivot Michael Basan engineered the victory with a clever display as the Shamrocks took full control after the break. He set up the only try of the first half with a neat pass out wide to winger Jayson Wilson then showed his strength and skill to score in the 47th minute and give the Shamrocks a 10-0 lead. Wilson added a penalty goal in the 56th minute before the Bears chalked up their only points when centre Matt Reupena scooted over for a try. In a fiery second stanza, Bears five eighth Walid Assaad was sent from the field while centre Ibrahim Assaad and Dundas forward Sam Stanford were sin binned after a melee. With Basan calling the shots, the Shamrocks overpowered their rivals with winger Brad Ayrds collecting two tries in the final ten minutes. Strong running backs Mitchell Krahe, Wilson and Ayrds and forwards Stanford, lock Lawrence Basbas, Sam Raffoul, Sandy Ratu and hooker Paul Howash also left their mark for Shamrocks while centre Reupena, fullback Fadey Jebara and forward Amanaki Ofa tried hard for the Bears. NSWRL Combined Inner City A Reserve Grade champions Dundas Shamrocks

DUNDAS SHAMROCKS 22 (B Ayrds 2, J Wilson, M Basan tries; J Wilson 3 gls) d BERALA BEARS 4 (M Reupena try).

DUNDAS SHAMROCKS – Lee Malkoun (captain), Jayson Wilson, Mitchell Krahe, Grant Bottfield, Brad Ayrds, Michael Basan, Scott Heap, Lawrence Basbas, Sam Raffoul, Claude Douoihy, Sandy Ratu, Paul Howash, Chris Nicholaou, Nathan Brown, Scott Palmer, Will Scully, Andrew Daoud, Peter Susau, George Bousaid, Sam Stanford, Chris Raffoul, George Raffoul. Coach: Chris O’Toole; Managers: Bob Siemsen & Joe Palmer;Trainers: Ian McNab, Brad Heath & Michael Frain.

St George JRL stalwart Cathy Crowe and BJL patron A Reserve Grade Player Mick Manning with Shamrocks A Reserve Grade of Match Michael Basan captain Lee Malkoun. (Shamrocks). 23 Ryde 16 on countback; Holy Cross Maroon 16 Wanderers Black 12; Robbie Farah Challenge Wanderers Red 56 Shamrocks Yellow 4; Concord-Burwood 28 Cougars 8; LEICHHARDT Wanderers clinched the 4th annual Robbie Farah Challenge Shamrocks Green 20 North Ryde 8; Five Dock RSL 16 Wanderers Black 8; Shield for U/9 juniors at Blackmore Oval on March 28. QUARTER FINALS: Wanderers Red 32 Cougars 0; Five Dock RSL 32 Pictured with Farah, the Wests Tigers skipper and Kangaroo hooker, are Shamrocks Green 20; Enfield Federals 20 Wanderers Black 12; Concord- the all conquering Wanderers Red cubs that trounced Concord-Burwood Burwood 12 d Holy Cross Gold 12 on countback; Wolves 48-8 in the Shield final. Coached by club stalwart Craig Barnett, the Wanderers’ whiz kids played an exciting brand of rugby league SEMI FINALS: Wanderers Red 40 Five Dock RSL 12; Concord-Burwood 28 throughout the Challenge - running in 52 tries in a strong team effort. d Enfield Federals 28 on countback; CHALLENGE FINAL: Wanderers Red 48 Concord-Burwood 8. Promising cub Mason Ward, who notched three tries in the final, was judged Player of the Series. It was the third major trophy in two years for this talented Wanderers squad that captured the Junior and Benny Elias Shield during the 2009 season. They emulated the deeds of Ben Stevanovic’s mighty 2009 Wanderers side that claimed the club’s first Challenge title and later showed their supremacy by adding the U/9 Div 1 Arthur McIlveen Memorial Trophy to their list of achievements after downing Five Dock RSL 36-22 in the Grand Final.

Wanderers Reds’ U/9 winning squad was: Max Barnett (captain), Mason Ward, Josh Fineisaloi, Tiger Perkins, Bailey Caldwell, Nick Iocco, Ben McKenzie, Daniel Quinn, Michael Coleman, Mikayla Ward, Jon Whitehead, Mitchell Gigg, Ross Triulcio; Craig Barnett (coach), Leonie Barnett (manager); Tony Iocco & Jeremy Barnett (trainers). Robbie Farah played his early junior football with Enfield Federals before linking with Leichhardt Wanderers as a 12 year old. He was graded with Balmain from the Wanderers club as a teenage hooker - straight out of the Tigers’ Jersey Flegg ranks and Wests Tigers’ CUBS squad. POOL GAMES: Leichhardt Wanderers Red 32 Holy Cross Gold 0; Enfield Federals 16 d Dundas Shamrocks Green 16 on countback; Concord- Burwood 24 Carlingford Cougars 4; Five Dock RSL 32 Holy Cross Maroon 8; Holy Cross Gold 24 Shamrocks Yellow 12; Enfield Federals 16 d North

Eastern from Souths Juniors 20-12 to claim the U/19 Div 1 premiership. Combined Inner City Proud South Sydney clubs La Perouse and Mascot contested the U/21 Grand Final at Erskineville Oval with La Perouse clinching the title with a hard fought 26-20 victory. At Leichhardt Oval, St George clubs Penshurst Grand Final RSL, Hurstville United and Earlwood Saints collected premierships along with Balmain clubs Leichhardt Wanderers and Dundas Shamrocks. CANTERBURY Junior League clubs dominated this year’s NSWRL Combined Inner City competitions involving teams from the Balmain, St Hurstville edged out Earlwood 22-18 in the U/15 Div 1 Grand Final after George, South Sydney and Canterbury districts. Penshurst RSL downed Brighton Seagulls 18-14 in the U/15 Div 2 decider. Auburn Warriors were crowned A Grade champions after toppling Wanderers recorded a 34-12 victory over Shamrocks in U/16s while Bankstown Bulls 26-22 in the Grand Final at Hammondville Oval. Earlier Earlwood hammered Hurstville 56-18 to lift the U/17s trophy. Revesby Heights trounced Greenacre Tigers 48-4 in the U/19 Div 2 decider Shamrocks eclipsed the Berala Bears (Canterbury) 22-4 to bring home the while at Erskineville Oval the St George Dragons club defeated South A Reserve Grade premiership.

The sharp centre scored two neat tries and menaced the Wolves with his Benny Elias Shield speed and step and copybook defence to earn the Player of the Series HOLY CROSS Junior Rugby League Club celebrated a unique trophy award. trifecta at the 9th annual Benny Elias Shield Carnival at Frank Street Oval Henry O’Kane scored the match-winner for the Rhinos on the full time bell Ryde in August. after cousins Sione and Krystian Mapapalangi kept the Wolves in the hunt with brilliant attacking games and fine cover defence. Pictured are the Rhinos’ all conquering U/6, U/7 and U/8 teams that captured all three age titles for the first time with hard-fought Grand Final The Rhinos led 3-2 at the break before Wolves’ centre Luke Haralambidis wins over rivals Strathfield Raiders and Concord-Burwood Wolves with fooled the defence and dashed 20 metres to score and level it up - setting Tigers’ great Benny Elias, Ryde Eastwood Football Club stalwart Jack King the scene for a dramatic finish. and club officials. Sione, a strapping colt with a turn of speed, was judged Player of the Final. Cooper Wheelhouse continued a family tradition by earning the U/6 Player of the Series award after the Rhinos’ 7 tries to 5 victory over the Raiders. Holy Cross were best served by Besgrove, O’Kane, Max Dominello, Tristan In a fluctuating match, Holy Cross led 4-3 at the break before edging out Farnworth and skipper Jayden Lewandos. the Raiders with top displays from promising cubs Wheelhouse, Charlie Sharp and Zac Bathis who scored two tries each and Keenan Lewandos. Strathfield dynamo John Ibrahim capped a big game by scoring four tries to claim the Player of the Match medallion.

HOLY CROSS U/7s pipped Strathfield 1-0 in a tense final that featured tremendous scrambling defence and a match-winning try by Hugh Bell. Rhinos’ centre Mason Wheelhouse took out the Player of the Series award with exciting Raiders’ prospect Abdul Ghazal named Player of the Final. Other cubs to shine were Geordi Best, Trystian Speers, Joey Nohra, Ben Wainman, Matt Simmons, Brody Howard, Tully Kidman, Gabe Mannering and the strong running Bell (Holy Cross) and Strathfield’s Jean-Paul Boulos, Ahmed Chami and Billy Wahab. DANIEL Besgrove spearheaded Holy Cross to a thrilling 4-3 victory over Concord-Burwood in the U/8s decider. Mark O’Neill - a former Marist boy and St Patricks junior - has proved a Mark O’Neill Shield great ambassador for rugby league DUNDAS Shamrocks JRLFC opened their 2010 campaign in style - MARK O’NEILL SHIELD: Dundas Shamrocks Yellow 48 Concord-Burwood capturing the Mark O’Neill Shield for U/10 juniors in sweltering conditions 8; Five Dock RSL 36 Wanderers Black 0; Strathfield Raiders 16 Shamrocks at St Patricks Oval Dundas on March 21. Green 8; Wanderers Red 16 Bankstown Sports 8; Holy Cross 20 Concord- Burwood 0; North Ryde 16 Five Dock RSL 8; Strathfield Raiders 24 Pictured with O’Neill, the Wests Tigers’ 2005 premiership-winning forward Leichhardt Juniors 12; Bankstown Sports 40 Carlingford Cougars 0; and co-captain, are the triumphant Shamrocks Yellow cubs after a 56-0 Shamrocks Yellow 48 Holy Cross 4; North Ryde 28 Wanderers Black 4; victory over a courageous North Ryde team in the Shield final. Leichhardt Juniors 28 Shamrocks Green 20; Wanderers Red 32 Cougars 0;

Coached by Steve Doherty, the Shamrocks side dominated the Gala Day QUARTER FINALS: Shamrocks Yellow 48 Five Dock RSL 0; North Ryde 28 event and posted resounding wins over Concord-Burwood (48-8), Holy Holy Cross 8; Bankstown Sports 32 Strathfield Raiders 20; Wanderers Red Cross (48-4), Five Dock RSL (48-0) and Bankstown Sports (32-4) in a semi 24 Leichhardt Juniors 4; final. SEMI FINALS: Shamrocks Yellow 32 Bankstown Sports 4; North Ryde 20 Hard-running Shamrocks forward Nikola Najdovski and talented Hawks’ Wanderers Red 8; youngster Billy Flynn shared the Player of the Final awards while exciting prospect Bradley Doherty was named Player of the Carnival. FINAL: Shamrocks Yellow 56 North Ryde 0.

Doherty, Najdovski, Joshua Rizk, Mason Douglass-Hanna and Adrian Khattar turned in strong games for the Shamrocks while the Hawks were best served by Flynn, Jeff Allen, Shannon Condon, Jack Bell, Hamish Nicol and Eli Berghofer.

The well-drilled Shamrocks caught the eye with their pace, mobility and defensive skills and capped an eventful 2010 season by annexing the BJL U/10 Lawrence Briggs Trophy.

North Ryde registered gallant wins over Five Dock RSL (16-8), Wanderers Black (28-4), Holy Cross (28-8) and Wanderers Red (20-8) in the lead-in to the Shield decider.

Pauline Condon’s charges were outclassed in the final but left nothing in the tank - tackling themselves to a standstill.

Dundas Shamrocks’ winning squad was: Bradley Doherty (captain), Joshua Rizk (vice captain), David Azize, Nikola Najdovski, Adrian Khattar, Andrew Azize, Mason Douglass-Hanna, Chris Fahey, Ray Ghalloub, Mark Khattar, Harrison Kilby, Lachlan McKenzie, Nick Nicholson, Conner Tannous, Joshua Takchi; Steve Doherty (coach); Phil Azize (manager); Paul Kilby, George Tannous, Tony Khattar (trainers).

He returned in 1951 to play out his career with the Tigers and retired at the end of the 1953 season. TIGERS HALL OF FAME Stan’s son Michael was a talented centre with the Birchgrove Scorpions FORMER half back maestro Stan ‘Ikey’ Ponchard and hooker Neil during the 1970s - forming a slick combination with a young Wayne Whittaker were inducted into the Balmain Tigers Hall of Fame at the Miranda. annual dinner on May 19 at Star City. NEIL WHITTAKER was a great Tigers’ clubman who gave yeoman service Stan’s widow Hazel Ponchard is pictured on stage with son Michael and from 1979 to 1985 before reaching the top as a rugby league administrator. daughter Donna and the long-serving Whittaker, who went on to become A tenacious hooker, Whittaker overcame a badly broken nose to force his CEO of the ARL and NRL. way into first grade under the coaching of .

‘IKEY’ PONCHARD was a home spun Balmain product who played 105 He played 117 top grade matches before playing second fiddle to an top grade matches and figured in the Tigers’ premiership winning sides emerging superstar in Benny Elias. Neil helped the Tigers win the 1984 in 1944 and 1946. He attended St Joseph’s School Rozelle and was a Reserve Grade premiership before retiring and went on to become a club budding half back/five eighth with Drummoyne Juniors and Shamrocks in director and later President of the Football Club. the Balmain Junior League. In December, 1996 he was appointed CEO of the Stan represented Balmain in the 1942 Presidents Cup competition and and NSW Rugby League and in October, 1997 was appointed CEO of the NRL. was graded the following season where he experienced a meteoric rise to first grade. In 1944, ‘Ikey’ helped Balmain defeat Newtown 12-8 in the Grand Final and represented NSW against the Army. Ponchard’s Balmain team of that era won three premiership titles in five seasons and he played a pivotal role.

Stan was selected in the Possibles v Probables fixture in 1945 and collected another premiership in 1946 - the same year as the touring Great Britain officials labelled Ponchard “the best half back they’d seen for some years.”

In 1947, Stan played the first two games and scored two tries in a competition that introduced Manly and Parramatta into the NSWRL premiership. He suffered a season ending injury when he badly broke his collarbone and sadly missed out on another premiership with the Tigers.

‘Ikey’ was back on field in 1948 and guiding Balmain to another Grand Final where they narrowly lost to Western Suburbs and in 1949 took up a position as captain-coach of Kempsey - steering the club to a title decider.

25 TIGERS Medals BALMAIN Tigers presented ten specially numbered rugby league medals to former top grade stars at the recent Foundation Members and Life Members luncheon at TIGERS Five Dock.

Pictured standing l to r are Tigers’ legends Des Bonner (medal number 640), John Johnston (453), Laurie Fagan (505), Keith ‘Golden Boots’ Barnes (455); front Austin Hoyle accepting for his late uncle Anthony McFadden (30) and cousin Ron Hoyle (206), John O’Brien (480), Sid Ryan (346) and Hilton Kidd (355). TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.

NSW Cup Team of Year BALMAIN-Ryde Eastwood stars David Gower, Jarred Farlow, Matt Ryan All three represented NSW Residents in their victory over Queensland and coach Paul Fletcher were rewarded for excellence with selection in Residents earlier this year. the 2010 NSW Cup Team of the Year. The selection of Fletcher, one of the code’s hardest working and astute It was a fitting honour for the accomplished quartet who played major mentors, is a top choice after his inspirational deeds as head coach of the roles in the Tigers’ Grand Final charge this season. Tigers’ NSW Cup squad over the past three years.

Farlow was named lock and skipper, Gower at prop and Ryan in the second row - a just reward for outstanding performances in the competition proper.

Wanderers’ Luncheon Treat LEGENDARY Balmain forward Wayne Pearce was guest speaker at Leichhardt Wanderers Junior Rugby League Club’s annual Sportsmen’s luncheon on October 15 at their Blackmore Oval clubhouse.

The former international was joined on stage by NSW wicket keeper Daniel Smith and South Sydney’s boom U/20s Grand Final half back , who both starred in the Wanderers’ junior sides before carving out their sporting niche elsewhere.

They are pictured with MC extraordinaire and former Tigers’ five eighth Mick Campbell plus Wanderers stalwarts Frank Dunne, Craig Barnett and Robert Gerrie and Greg Parfitt, NSW General Manager of luncheon sponsor Coateshire.

Hawkes Sports Luncheon WESTS Tigers stars Tim Moltzen and Blake Ayshford were special guests along with Radio 2GB personality at North Ryde Hawks JRLFC Sports Luncheon on August 13 at North Ryde RSL Community Club.

They are pictured with ex-Tigers centre Wayne Wigham, North Ryde Hawks president Brian Johnston, Grand Final-winning prop Paul Clarke, North Ryde RSL Club president Barry Herbert and MC extraordinaire Ron Ryan. North Ryde RSL were successful bidders for a framed Wests Tigers jumper. TIGERS Foundation Scholarships ONE of Australia’s oldest commercial law firms Henry Davis York is supporting junior rugby league talent in the Balmain district through its Community Spirit program.

Balmain Football Club general manager Paul Sironen said the firm - based in Sydney’s Martin Place - has come on board as a sponsor of the Tigers Foundation.

Sironen is pictured with Henry Davis York Pro Bono Co-ordinator/Senior Associate Haley McEwen, Managing Partner Sharon Cook and two of the Tigers’ scholarship recipients Junior Tatola and Pifeleti junior from Holy Cross College Ryde.

Established since 1893, Henry Davis York is known for its Community Spirit and pro bono work. Sharon is currently the only female managing partner of an Australian law firm.

Haley said that in the last financial year Henry Davis York contributed over $2.5 million in services to the community through its pro bono legal work, student mentoring programs and charitable donations. “While participation in these endeavours is entirely voluntary, the firm has a strong culture which supports access to justice and social inclusion with 89% of staff participating in community programs.”

Tatola and Pifeleti starred for the premiership-winning Holy Cross Rhinos U/14 team this season and are two of Balmain’s top forward prospects.

Junior International Challenge Tigers U/16 Cubs v Huddersfield Academy

BALMAIN U/16 rugby league representative team had too many big guns for the touring Huddersfield Academy side in a junior international challenge match at Leichhardt Oval.

Pictured are both squads after the Tiger cubs outclassed the Junior Poms 40-12 with second rower Tony Bazouni (Best Forward) and five eighth Michael Mouawad (Best Back) picking up awards.

27 Life Membership J & J Robertson & Sons Transport have sponsored Balmain’s junior representative teams since 2003; Dundas Shamrocks JRLFC since 2005 for stalwart John and Camden Rams since 2006. “It is a great honor to receive life membership of the Balmain Junior ONE of rugby league’s true gentlemen John Robertson was bestowed with League - the oldest Junior League association in Australia,” beamed life membership at the Balmain Junior League AGM on February 8 at Robertson.” Balmain Leagues Club. “I rate it one of the great experiences of my life - on a par with watching Robertson - a former player, coach, committeeman and long time sponsor Balmain defeat South Sydney in the 1969 Grand Final at the SCG; Wests - was a deserved recipient for his sterling service during a 54 year Tigers winning the 2005 NRL premiership and my sons claiming world involvement with the BJL. water ski race titles.” John, who runs the established J & J Robertson & Sons Transport business, is pictured receiving his life membership pin and a revised edition of the “Fraser to Farah” book from BJL chairman Bob Henderson.

He was a dashing centre or fullback with Drummoyne Juniors E Grade team in 1956 and played two seasons with Glebe Police Boys D Grade in 1957-58 before lining up for Leichhardt CYO in 1959-60.

John first began sponsoring rugby league teams in the early 1970s after watching an U/8 team give their all in a Grand Final at Birchgrove Oval - and come away empty handed.

“I saw the disappointment on those boys’ faces during the presentation ceremony and decided to help out” recalled John.

It prompted Robertson to go out and purchase jackets for the entire squad - thus beginning a long association with Junior League sponsorship that still exists today.

John began his coaching career with the Balmain Police Boys JRLFC in 1976 and took the reins of the U/18 side in 1980 - the same year that a raw boned 17 year old prop named Steve Roach arrived at the club from Wollongong.

Robertson - a life member of the ‘Coppers’ club and former vice president - was Roach’s first Sydney coach.

He later sponsored the Five Dock RSL JRLFC and coached the U/15s before preparing the Cricketers Arms’ A Grade teams during the 1990-91 campaigns.

John’s four sons - John jr (130 games); Barry (60 games); Paul and Steve (50 games each) all served Police Boys with distinction on the football field. But it was in the sport of water ski-ing that they gained international stardom. Paul won the World Water Ski Racing Championship in 1991 as part of the “Firebird” team with brothers John and Barry in the boat before Steve won world titles in 1999 (Spain) and 2001 (Las Vegas).

New Sponsor

We are proud to announce the Balmain Tigers Rugby League Family have a new sponsor! We have been joined by Australian Power & Gas who will support us throughout 2011.

We have been joined by Australian Power & Gas who will support us throughout 2011. Australian Power & Gas is a modern Australian energy company, focused on making their customers happy. They first opened their doors in 2007 and since then, thousands of people have been signing up each month. They believe in honesty, good value rates, making things simple and helping customers however they can. They were also recently recognised as Australia’s fastest growing business in the BRW Fast 100 Awards.

Look out for Australian Power & Gas at at your local grounds throughout the 2011 season. JOHN CULBERT Tributes LEICHHARDT Wanderers Junior Rugby League Club lost two fine ambassadors in life members John Culbert and Barry Laws during 2010. Culbert, a former president of the Wanderers club and the Balmain Junior KEVIN HUMPHREYS League, lost a brave battle with cancer on January 24. KEVIN HUMPHREYS - the former Balmain He was a long-serving administrator and valued club member who held prop who went on to carve out a successful several positions on the Wanderers’ committee from the 1980s through career in the code’s administration - to 2007. In 2005 he was elected chairman of the Balmain Junior League passed away on April 28 at the age of 80 Board of Directors. after a long battle with diabetes. A Leichhardt Wanderers junior, Humphreys JACIN SINCLAIR was a tough forward who played 43 games for the Balmain Tigers during the 1953- RUGBY league fraternity were saddened by the tragic death in December 1956 seasons. of former Balmain and South Sydney centre Jacin Sinclair at the age of 38. All time Balmain forward greats Steve Roach and Paul Sironen paid More importantly, he was a highly regarded and successful administrator tribute to their former team-mate who was described as having “untapped who was the architect of many of the commercial initiatives which ability” and “talent to burn.” benefited the game, including as a founder of the State of Origin concept. Sinclair was an outstanding junior centre in the Balmain Junior League He is the father of current Wests Tigers CEO Stephen Humphreys. - starring in several premiership-winning sides with Leichhardt Juniors Kevin was secretary of the Balmain Tigers from 1965 and was its first and Balmain Police Boys clubs and representing the Tigers in the Harold full time employee. He was in charge of the Tigers when they won their Matthews Cup (1985-86) and S.G.Ball Cup (1987) competitions. famous 1969 premiership against South Sydney. He gave the Leichhardt Juniors club sterling service from the age of seven He went on to become president of the NSW Rugby League and chairman – winning a swag of titles - before linking with the Balmain Coppers in of the Australian Rugby League after the death of Bill Buckley in 1973. 1986 and lifting the F Grade trophy in his first season with the club. In 1976, he became the first full time executive director of the NSWRL and The strong running back was graded by Balmain from the Glebe Police he oversaw many of the changes which the code experienced in the 1970s Boys JRLC and went on to play 44 first grade matches for the Tigers and the 1980s including the introduction of sponsorships, which are now in two stints - from 1991-93 and 1998-99. He also made 28 top grade so critical to the commercial strength of the game; the introduction of appearances for South Sydney from 1994-96 and played seven games with the midweek Amco Cup knockout competition and various rule changes Sydney City Roosters (1997). including increasing the value of a try from three points to four points. A gifted footballer with attacking skills, Sinclair played representative Perhaps his greatest legacy was the introduction of State of Origin football in 1993 for City Origin against Country and was named as a football which celebrated its 30th season in 2010 and which has become shadow player for the NSW Origin squad. perhaps the pinnacle of the game in terms of commercial strength and player aspiration. GREG BROWNLEE Tigers chairman David Trodden said Kevin Humphreys was an absolute FORMER Pyrmont Colts and Balmain junior representative forward Greg administrative giant of the game.“He was a great leader, both of our club Brownlee died suddenly in January 2011 at the age of 39. and also of the game as a whole,’’ Mr Trodden said. Greg, the son of the late BJL life member Ken Brownlee, suffered a fatal “Kevin was a visionary who, as an administrator, was well ahead of his heart attack in South Africa where he was based for work. time. He had the strength of character to make his visions a reality and the game that we have today has a huge debt to the considerable skill, He was a tough prop forward who served the Pyrmont Colts with courage and influence of Kevin Humphreys. distinction and also had stints with the Balmain Police Boys and Balmain United clubs during the 1980s and ‘90s period. “The game and particularly our club are poorer for his passing.” In 1986 he represented Balmain in the NSWRL Harold Matthews Cup Some of the greatest names in rugby league attended his funeral service Carnival that was staged at Macquarie University Sports Complex. in All Hallows Catholic Church at Five Dock. Colleen Kelly BARRY LAWS BALMAIN rugby league and fraternities BALMAIN Junior League are mourning the loss of Barry Laws - a great are mourning the death of much loved sporting mentor for budding rugby league players in the district for over a decade. volunteer Colleen Kelly of Lilyfield, who died Laws achieved plenty of success with both the Leichhardt Coaching Class suddenly in November from a heart attack at the and Leichhardt Wanderers clubs during the late 1960s, 1970s and ‘80s – age of 71. guiding several junior teams to premierships. The ever-smiling Colleen – who was a wonderful He was a life member of the Wanderers club. servant of sport in the Balmain district – was farewelled by her family and friends at a funeral GEORGE WATT service in St Joseph’s Catholic Church Rozelle. BALMAIN lost one of its greatest forwards with the passing of former Her son David Kelly is the Balmain Rugby League Education & international hooker George Watt on February 28 from natural causes in Development Manager and General Manager of Sydney Cricket Club. Hull, England. Colleen was an avid supporter of the Tigers for many years and one of He was aged 92. Watt played his junior football with Birchgrove Olympics the ‘Magnificent Seven’ Balmain Lady Volunteers – a regular fixture at all in the Balmain Junior League before he was graded by the Balmain club Balmain and Wests Tigers games and countless other events and functions. in 1938. Colleen loved the Tigers and volunteered her services all the time with A fierce competitor, George played 74 matches for Balmain and figured in that customary smile of hers. the club’s premiership wins in 1939 and 1944 before linking with Eastern Suburbs the following season. In addition, Colleen was a great help to the Sydney Cricket Club in recent seasons – assisting on numerous days, most notably at matches at In an ironic twist, Watt helped his new club defeat the Tigers in the Drummoyne Oval over the beginning of the current season. 1945 final. He made 27 top grade appearances for Easts and in 1946 achieved the honour of representing Australia in all three Tests She was pre-deceased by husband John, a popular Tigers against Great Britain. official who died in 2003. His memory is perpetuated with the John Kelly Quiet Achiever Award – George was the nephew of former Australian Test hooker Horrie Watt, a trophy presented annually by the Balmain who was a product of the Balmain Iona club. Football Club. Colleen will be sadly missed by everyone in the Tigers’ rugby league and cricket families. 29

108 - 110 Lilyfield Road LILYFIELD NSW 2040 P.O. Box 1213 Rozelle NSW 2039 Phone : (02) 9818 1011 Fax: (02) 9818 1182 Email : [email protected] www.jjrobertson.com.au

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31 108 - 110 Lilyfield Road LILYFIELD NSW 2040 P.O. Box 1213 Rozelle NSW 2039 Phone : (02) 9818 1011 Fax: (02) 9818 1182 Email : [email protected] www.jjrobertson.com.au

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