Club President Nick Souvlis and Jenni Quibell Manager of Chemist Warehouse with Innisfail Leps A grade players Rob Haren, Joel Lokotui, Lata Fakalelu, Timothy Ambrum, Lachlan Biondi-Odo and Derome Mafi who modelled the new jerseys.
Close to $15,000 raised at Innisfail Leprechans Jersey Auction and Season Launch
MARIA GIRGENTI
INNISFAIL Leprechauns held their annual season launch and jersey auction at the club last Friday where interested parties bid for 17 jersey numbers in all three grades with the successful bidder winning the right to exclusive privileges, as well as having their business name endorsed at all home games throughout the season. This season is shaping up to be an exciting one for Innisfail with the introduction of a team in the new NRL women’s touch competition and the club has employed Lachlan Biondi-Odo for junior development. Players in all grades will also be sporting a new playing strip which incorporates the traditional red V and green and blue of Leprechauns. Club President and MC Nick Souvlis paid homage to the loyal support from all major and minor sponsors and was excited to welcome on board new sponsors for the women’s touch team Mamu Health Service. Mamu Health will also be working closing
with Innisfail Leprechauns junior and senior clubs and running Deadly Choices activities throughout the year. Player numbers are strong and it has been a great start to pre-season in all grades with players showing a high commitment to training sessions, there is a good vibe around the club and it is shaping up to be a good season in all grades. Licenced auctioneer Peter Greven started the bidding and the most sought after jerseys which attracted the highest bids of $1,500 were number 10 and 17. The number one jersey received the second highest bid of $1,200 while number seven and nine jerseys each went for $1,000. A number of jerseys generated great interest and close to $15,000 was raised from the auction on the night. Head coach for A grade Leon Hallie said the numbers and attitude has been very positive so far and this year was about getting back to basics such as discipline.
While A grade has lost the experience of Matt Healey, Adam Fichera and Anthony Perkins, Fred Koraba and Dan Sagigi have stepped up, captain Rob Haren provides good leadership, Lata Fakalelu, Lachlan Biondi-Odo and Timothy Ambrum have returned while Ben Reuter is also a possible inclusion to the squad. There are some new players which will bolster the playing ranks including Derome Mafi who previously played last year in CQ Capras Under 20s team in Gladstone and Joel Lokotui from New Zealand. Major sponsors of the Under 18’s for the third year are Lance and Diane Law from Innisfail Carrying Company, Ron & Dan’s Butchery who have sponsored the club for over 25 years will continue with Reserve Grade side while A grade major sponsor is Chemist Warehouse. The three major sponsors were given with a jersey as a token of appreciation from the club. Former Leps player Ryan Stepanoff is the new
Under 18’s coach, Ken Laza returns for his third year as Reserve Grade coach while Leon Hallie returns for his third year as A Grade coach. Reserve grade coach Ken Laza said there had been strong numbers at training and already there is fierce competitions for positions with a good balance of players across the park. Lisa Sue San said she was very excited about the girls NRL women’s touch competition with 12 girls signed up and a few more expected to register. There have been just over 20 ladies at training and it is hoped the new competition will attract more spectators to games. Innisfail will travel to Townsville this Saturday for a trial game against Norths. The season officially kicks off on Saturday, March 30 when Innisfail have a home game first up against defending premiers Mossman at Callendar Park.