Rugby News Issue 21 September 7, 2013 by Rugby News

Rugby

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 21 $5.00 (INC GST) Saturday September 7th & Sunday September 8th

NEWS Sydney University captain, Tim Davidson.

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY V SOUTHERN DISTRICTS

Southern Districts captain, Steve Fualau.

PRELIMINARY FINALS EASTWOOD V MANLY Eastwood captain, Hugh Perrett.

Manly captain, Ed Gower.

EXCLUSIVE Q & A WITH WARATAHS COACH, MICHAEL CHEIKA – PAGES 5, 7 & 9

COLTS GRAND FINALS (Page 21) DEWET ROOS

- Feature Page 17

TOM HILL

- Feature Page 27

RUGBY NEWS 90th BIRTHDAY YEAR

BARFLYBUZZ by Terry Smith

When it comes to a representative player supporting his club, Parramatta’s Wallaby hero Tatafu Polota-Nau stands alone. After completing his re-hab work with the ARU staff last Saturday morning, he raced to Pittwater Rugby Park to put the girls through their warm-up for the women’s grand final against Warringah. Tatafu then spent the rest of the day as their water boy. More than fifty Warringah players were joined by John Hopoate in cheering the Ratettes to victory when they toppled the Lady Two Blues 20-11. Playing for Warringah was Lisa Fialoa, forty-two and a grandmother in waiting. A dual international who has represented Australia in rugby and rugby league, Lisa once donned a headguard and took the field when Warringah’s fifth grade male team was short. The referee and Southern Districts players only realised they were playing a female when Lisa shouted for the ball. “It was the biggest adrenalin rush,” is how Lisa describes her run with the boys. Her daughter Taela is due to give birth in February. “The other girls call me Nanna, so now I guess it’s official,” says Lisa, who took up rugby at the age of 29. Rohan Saifoloi might be on top of the Shute Shield scoring list with 276 points to date, but the slick Southern Districts fly-half hasn’t received a single offer since spurning a bid from Narbonne in France at the start of the season. “I’m happy to stay here and try to crack it for a Super Rugby contract,” he says. As well as his normal training, Rohan practises his kicking for half an hour three days a week. Now the season is over for Randwick coach Wade Kelly, he switches to his other sporting passion of surfing. He soon will be off with his board to Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka and in the first week of November he’ll head a group of 35 Randwick players on a trip of Hawaii’s surfing spots. Published by: Eric Spilsted Publishing PO Box 848, Lane Cove NSW 2066 Publisher/Editor: Jim Davis T: 9427 8879 | M: 0411 242 535 jim.davis@rugbynews.org

Parramatta’s big second-rower Adam Coleman is off to play with the Western Force. On the positive side for the Two Blues, they have signed a nifty flyhalf currently playing in the ITM Cup in New Zealand and word is that the club is poised to make a major announcement. Sydney University coach Chris Malone is getting his rugby boots out of mothballs to play for Australian Barbarians against Classic England in London on October 20 to celebrate the tenth anniversary of England’s World Cup victory in Sydney. It will be held at the Twickenham Stoop, where he played for Harlequins. The Aussie team will include such notables as Stirling Mortlock, Richard Harry, Owen Finegan and Warwick Waugh. Will he or won’t he? Explosive Waratah centre Tom Carter (he’s the one in the yellow boots) says he is quitting at the end of the season, but his Sydney University colleagues say he will be back playing for Uni in 2014. “He loves the club too much,” says one of them. The Waratahs are out. After all, you can hardly top scoring two tries against the British and Irish Lions or captaining your State. Well, why was Ricky Stuart watching the reserve grade semi-final between Sydney University and Gordon? As soon as it was over, the former Australian and NSW and now Parramatta coach and his manager John Fordham left their seats in the stand and walked out of Coogee Oval. . How many businesses have tripled their profits this year. Take a bow, Donna Bell, who cheerfully runs the canteen at Parramatta’s home games. Donna stays up to midnight on Friday preparing the delicious Two Blues chicken schnitzel burgers which are cooked the next morning and served with a fresh salad. They sold 220 at the Eastwood game. Remember Murray Cox, who coached Easts for a season? He now is assistant coach of Portugal’s national team as well as coaching the Agrononia first division club in Lisbon.

Photography: Paul Seiser 0412 168 959 paul@seiserphotography.com www.seiserphotography.com Stats Assistance: Steve Johnson

Features Writer: Terry Smith 0416 101 137 sybillas@bigpond.com Artwork: Jodie Holmes.

I S A P RO UD S P ON S O R O F

- N o r t h s R u g by C lub R a n ke d a m o n g t h e w o r l d ’ s t o p 1 0 0 M BA P RO G R A M S ( T h e Economist Which MBA 2012), and MGSM Master of Business A d m i n i s t rat i o n ( M B A ) i s a l e a r n i n g e x p e r i e n c e t h at i s b o t h i nv i g o rat i n g – a n d I N VAL UA B L E . L e ar n mo re ab out s t udy at MGSM go t o :

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TIM DAVIDSON: A Leader, A Winner and a Bloody Good Bloke! by Paul Cook Within the Sydney University bubble, Tim Davidson is understandably held in almost iconic regard; by those who’ve coached him, played alongside him and particularly by those who look up to him as a standard bearer for what Uni aspires to be as a club. But speak to supporters, players and coaches from rival teams and the reverence is just the same – he’s a damn fine player and one of the nicest guys you could hope to meet. In an era where the Students don’t exactly win popularity contests amongst their competitors, Davidson transcends the animosity. He plays his final game at his beloved Uni Oval No.1 this weekend, his 165th in 1st Grade, as he attempts to lead his side into yet another Grand Final and add to his record haul of seven Premierships as captain before sailing into the sunset and hanging up the boots. It would be a fitting finale to a career that has seen Davidson guide Uni to an extraordinary 90.16% winning ratio. Understandably, walking away from something that has formed such a large part of his life on and off the field hasn’t been easy. “You forget that you’ve spent quite a bit of time down at No.1 Oval and that away from the actual rugby, you hear about your team mates getting engaged, getting married or having kids or somebody’s parent passing away – so much happens in your life and the lives of those around you while you’re in that space that it just becomes a part of you and you make lasting friendships as a result,” he reflects.

lights of Super Rugby, they have taken every step of their rugby journey together but while Tim has the respect of all and sundry, Tom courts opinion perhaps more than any rugby player I’ve known. Naturally, by people who have never actually met him. “A lot of people write Tom off on how he carries on during a game but I’m fortunate enough to have known him for 30 years and he is the most loyal person and friend that I’ve ever had,” says Davidson. “I’d say that he’s the real reason why we’re successful at Uni because his passion and his drive is unparalleled to anyone I’ve ever met in my life. I just find a way to channel it into other players on the field.” However this season pans out, the loss of such stalwarts to the Uni cause will be keenly felt. Head coach Chris Malone puts it in perspective. “I hope that the standards they’ve set and the demands that they place on themselves will provide a great education for the younger guys coming through because their passion, their energy, their enthusiasm and their absolute commitment to this club are irreplaceable.”

In terms of lasting friendships, it would be churlish to pay tribute to Tim, without talking about his other half. No, not Mrs Davidson, but his de facto rugby partner, Tom Carter. From a childhood in Young, in rural NSW, to the bright

Above: Today: Great and loyal friends. Left: Tom Carter and Tim Davidson played together as kids. 3

Q&A with Waratahs head coach Michael Cheika by Jim Webster Q: Before this, the first and last times I interviewed you was in the Randwick dressing sheds, as a player (he made 212 first-grade appearances for them at No. 8) then as coach. For the sake of our readers, could you fill us in briefly on where rugby has taken you in recent times? A: Through the influence of David Campese, I became a coach in Italy with Petrarca Rugby Padova in 2000, then returned to Randwick (head coach, second grade 2002; 1st grade 2003-05), had five years at Leinster (head coach, 2005-2010) and then in Paris with Stade Francais (head coach, 2011-2012). My stay in Dublin was probably my most successful as we won Europe’s Heineken Cup for the first time ever. And I came back and took over as head coach of the Waratahs in October last year. Q: And along the way you have assembled your own small team? A: Yes, my wife and I now have four children all less than four years of age, including boy and girl twins and an eight-month old baby. I might add that three of them have Irish passports. Q: By the way, how long remains in your contract with the Waratahs? A: My contract is for three years and I’m just going into my second year. Q: And after that? A: I think we’ll do a good enough job in 2014 and hope to continue building the Waratahs, the same as what happened with Leinster. Q: Having seen so much international rugby of late, what do you think needs changing as far as the laws are concerned? A: It’s much too difficult to think of making major changes, but there are little things that can improve the game. For example, the scrumhalf should not be allowed to come around the scrum and harass his opposite number. If you win the contest for the ball then you should have a clean start at playing 5 with it. The other more obvious thing is that much too long is being taken for the scrums. There should be a time limit on the attacking side feeding

Waratahs Head Coach, Michael Cheika.

the scrum, or else the time clock should even be stopped. But scrums are taking far too long and wasting too much precious game-time. Q: Looking at the Shute Shield, which is the main nursery for your Waratahs, how would you like that altered, if at all? A: I wouldn’t like to see too many changes made to the way it functions. But I do think the Australian Rugby Union and NSW Rugby Union have to give more help to the administration of the clubs, because a few of them are really struggling. Also, I feel that our rugby should be played on rectangular fields. I know that many people will find that very hard to comprehend, but a rectangular field helps create a much better atmosphere because they bring spectators so much closer to the playing field. What I’m saying is that the close-up atmosphere attracts crowds and that would occur using rectangular grounds. I might add that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the quality of rugby we’re seeing here at present and all the clubs have good coaches who are assisting us in developing players. (continued on page 7) 5

(continued from page 5)

Q: Will you be inviting club players to join the Waratahs’ training? A: Let me answer by saying that we took a dozen club players away with us on our recent two-match tour to Argentina and as a result at least three of them will receive contracts with the Waratahs. As well, other club players and those from our academy programs will be invited along to our training sessions, so we can introduce them to our coaching methods and, at the same time, we can scrutinise them.

Former Wallaby (35 Test caps) and Waratah (94 NSW caps) Nathan Grey, renowned for his crunching defensive skills, joins the Waratahs as an assistant coach.

Q: Choosing your three quarters is going to be a very difficult task indeed, with the likes of Israel Folau, Kurtley Beale, Bernard Foley, Adam AshleyCooper, Rob Horne, Cam Crawford and Peter Betham to choose from, as well as halfbacks Nick Phipps and Brendan McKibbin. Do you agree?

Former Easts player Tala Gray is returning from Japan to join the Waratahs.

A: By having such an array of talent, it means the internal competition between players will be very fierce and each of them will need to play extremely well to keep his spot. It will be much more competitive than ever before and that’s clearly the ideal way to bring out the best in any player. If your position is under threat then you’ll be trying your hardest whenever you run onto the field.

Q: What changes will we see to the Waratahs personnel in 2014? In other words, who has gone and who has been added or retained?

Q: And which position best suits Israel Folau?

A: For various reasons, about a third of our playing squad has turned around. We’ve said goodbye to Lopeti & Sitaleki Timani, Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell, Ollie Atkins, Tom Kingston, Tom Carter, Grayson Hart, Lachie Turner, John Ulugia and Damien Fitzpatrick. On the other hand, we’re picked up Kurtley Beale, Nick Phipps (both Rebels), Tala Gray (Japan), Jono Lance (Reds) and Jacques Potgieter 7 (Bulls) and at least four or five others who we haven’t yet announced. Also, Nathan Grey has come onto our coaching staff, with Alan Gaffney moving on.

Q: Someone who has made an incredible impression this season has been the backrower Michael Hooper, who was voted Australia’s Super Rugby player of the year. What do you think is his future in the game?

A: No doubt in my mind. Fullback, because it gives him so much more space.

A: There’s no saying where he’ll finish up in representative terms, he’s simply that good. As for the Waratahs, we see him being a future captain of our team. Remember that he has only just turned 22 and he’s just refining the role of openside (continued on page 9)

(continued from page 7)

done a very good job at Manly, as well as Cameron Blades at Southern Districts. Q: So, you still see club rugby as the third tier, from where players can climb into the Super Rugby teams and then the Wallabies? A: Absolutely. No doubt club rugby is the third tier. It’s just that the governing bodies have to provide better administration that can assist both the players and supporters. We’re seeing a lot of talented players in the club ranks and everyone has to work harder to bring them through. Personally, I see a really great future in club rugby.

Waratahs flanker Michael Hooper is seen as a future Tahs captain.

breakaway where running and ball-carrying are such important issues. Q; You have made fans much happier with the running style you have adopted with the Waratahs. I’m presuming we’ll see a continuation of that? A: Most definitely. With our running style of play there are maybe a few little things that we can add into the mix. But the most important thing of all is learning how to win matches playing that style of game. In other words, being able to finish off with tries everything you have started and, just remember, no-one in the Waratahs has yet won a championship. Q: Which team do you think is going to win the Shute Shield this year? A: I was at Coogee Oval last weekend, where I enjoyed watching the semi-finals while the family enjoyed the jumping castles they had along the touchline. It has now got to a very interesting stage, with three of the four teams that remain having a lot of Super Rugby players, Eastwood being the exception. Then again, Eastwood are very well coached by John Manenti and they’ll be very dangerous. But Sydney University are still my 9 favourites to win. Let me add that all of these top teams are now playing a lot more open rugby and our thanks for that must go to Phil Blake, who has

Israel Folau’s commitment to the Waratahs and Australian rugby is a tremendous boost to the game.

Q: And, finally, what about the Wallabies v Springboks tonight in Brisbane? A: Australia should win. What Ewen (McKenzie) is trying to do with the Wallabies takes time. The team has maybe not implemented his ideas at this point in time. Some guys are taking the opportunity he has given them; some aren’t. But give them all time. 9

REPRESENTATIVE TEAM COACHES 2014 New South Wales Junior Rugby Union and Sydney Junior Rugby Union invite applications for the following Coaching positions for their teams for the Representative season of 2014. SYDNEY JUNIOR TEAMS

NEW SOUTH WALES JUNIOR TEAMS

Under 14s

Under 15s

Under 17s

Under 16s Under 17s Sydney teams are chosen from the NSWJRU State Championships held over the June long weekend and the NSWJRU teams are selected from the City V Country tournament traditionally held late July. Applicants must meet the following criteria: • Accredited Level 2 or 3 coach • Smart Rugby compliant • Proven coaching record. Applicants must be able to attend all required tournaments pertaining to selection and create a disciplined but relaxed environment whilst encouraging team members to continue their Rugby career. It is expected that the successful applicant will implement training regimes to ensure the teams are competitive whilst maintaining the players links with their Village Club teams. Applications are invited from a Coaching team as well as from individuals. Applications in writing with resume to: SJRU COMPETITION MANAGER kbrady @ nswrugby.com.au

SYDNEY PREMIER RUGBY

MATCH PREVIEWS Can the venerable Sydney University be stopped in their remorseless surge to a ninth premiership victory in ten years? Perhaps Eastwood will pick up their second Shute Shield title to go with four successive minor premierships. Or maybe Southern Districts will gain revenge for their grand final loss to University by 15-14 last year after leading 14-3 midway through the second half. What appeared to be a fairytale story had a nightmare ending. This weekend Manly, desperately unfortunate to lose 25-23 when University flyhalf Bernard Foley potted a drop goal on the fulltime bell, join these three clubs in the preliminary finals to determine who will contest next Saturday’s grand final at Concord Oval. University are at home to Southern Districts at University in the Saturday game this weekend and Eastwood clash with Manly at TG Millner on Sunday. Stay-at-homes can see both matches thanks to the ABC TV cameras. Can any of the other three wrest the Shute Shield from University’s treasure chest of Wallabies and Super Rugby players? Of course they can, but it will take a superhuman effort, a bit of luck and

by Terry Smith

the Students being a bit below par. There have been some marvellous games in recent weeks, prompting the thought that there are still a lot of awfully good things still happening in Sydney club rugby.

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY V SOUTHERN DISTRICTS At University Oval Previous matches: University 18-13; University 48-6 The selection of the University team was delayed until the announcement of whether Bernard Foley and Ben McCalman were required for the Australian squad to play South Africa in Brisbane on Saturday. If they were not needed, Foley would pull on the No 10 jumper for the Students and McCalman play in the back-row of a pack that includes Wallabies Dave Dennis, Jeremy Tilse and Paddy Ryan. Coach Chris Malone is ignoring the two University victories over Souths earlier in the season. “They’ve got big, abrasive forwards and guys like Rob Horne and Rohan Saifoloi in the backs,” he said. “They’re a lot

Dave Dennis’ clash with the Timani’s could shake the grandstand.

winger Alex Gibbon, who swept in for a hat trick of tries against Randwick. This pair are worth watching. Tip: University

Talented Paul Asquith replaces the injured Apo Latunipulu.

better than the team that played in the Grand Final last year. It’s going to be very tough. It’ll be a crackerjack of a game.” Souths have lost their dashing centre Apo Latunipulu for the rest of the season with a rotator cuff injury and he will be replaced by Paul Asquith, a lively youngster who has been playing with the Australian Sevens. They also had flanker Jono Hayes undergoing a fitness test on Friday. However, Sita and Lopeti Timani will be in the thick of things, where they’ll clash with University’s Liam Winton and Dave Dennis. A key man for Souths will be slick flyhalf Saifoloi, whose 22 point haul against Randwick took his season’s tally to 276. Souths are coming off a 57-25 eclipse of Randwick, who fell apart in the second half. Coach Cam Blades only saw fit to give his players 7 out of 10 and says they will have to lift their play still further against the Students, whose winger Greg Jeloudev, tops the try-scorers with 20 five-pointers. This is one better than Souths 12

Ben Batger is one of the danger men for Manly.

EASTWOOD V MANLY At Millner Field Previous games: Eastwood 43-15; Draw 26-26 “We have to match their physicality,” says Manly coach Phil Blake. “If we don’t, we won’t win.” They were flat in scraping home 22-15 against Easts last Sunday thanks to a couple of late tries by Jordy Reid and Ed Gower, but put that down to a hangover from the heart-breaking loss to Sydney University through a drop goal on the fulltime bell a week earlier. “I don’t expect Manly

row. However, Manly again will be without prop Tim Fairbrother and their other front-line prop Eddie Aholelei had to survive a late fitness trial. Nevertheless, Blake was delighted with the play of Dave Porecki, Pat Leafa and Jim Gentle in the frontrow against Easts, especially Gentle, who was having his first game for six weeks.

Caderyn Neville could wreak some havoc for the Marlins.

to play like they did against Easts,” predicts Eastwood coach John Manenti, whose team is unchanged after a week off. He points to the big Manly forwards, with Jordy Reid, who plays with a furious energy, and Dylan Sigg in top form in the back-

NEXT WEEK

GAME

GRAND FINALS CONCORD OVAL

Blake admires the tough, well-drilled Eastwood forwards as their strength, especially in the set pieces, and adds, “James Stannard is a very good halfback and their fullback Ben Batger has a lot of points in him.” Wearing the No 1 for the Woodies is Benn Robinson, who is fighting to regain his Test spot, while Hugh Perrett, shamefully shunned for years by the representative selectors, is worthy of a Super Rugby jumper at flanker.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 14

ABC TV LIVE BROADCAST

WINNER OF SYDNEY UNIVERSITY V SOUTHERN DISTRICTS V WINNER OF EASTWOOD V MANLY SEE AD ON IFC FOR GRAND FINAL GAME TIMES.

Tip: Eastwood

TIPSTERS PANEL Sean Maloney Fox Sports

Dilip Kumar Former ARU Chairman

Gordon Bray TEN Rugby Commentator

Terry Smith Sports Journo

Jim Webster Rugby Journo

Brett Papworth ABC TV

Kerry Chikarovski

SOUTHS

SYDNEY UNI

MANLY

EASTWOOD

EASTWOOD 13

PRELIMINARY FINALS 3.10 PM

UNIVERSITY OVAL

Saturday September 7

Referee: Andrew Lees Assistant Referees: Michael Hogan, Matt Kellahan TMO: Peter Redwin

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS

Blue and Gold

Red, White, Sky Blue and Black DUNCAN CHUBB 1. (C) STEVE FUALAU 2. TIM METCHER 3. ANDREW LEOTA 4. SITA TIMANI 5. LOPETI TIMANI 6. JONO HAYES 7. LUKE SMART 8. DEWET ROOS 9. ROHAN SAIFOLOI 10. ALEX GIBBON 11. ROB HORNE 12. PAUL ASQUITH 13. BEN CONNOLLY 14. BEN VOLAVOLA 15. Coach/es: BLADES / BARR

1. JEREMY TILSE 2. TOLU LATU 3. PADDY RYAN 4. TOM BOIDIN 5. LIAM WINTON 6. DAVID DENNIS 7. DAVID HICKEY 8. TIM DAVIDSON (C) 9. NICK PHIPPS 10. STEFANO HUNT 11. GREG JELOUDEV 12. TOM CARTER 13. TOM ENGLISH 14. LACHLAN MITCHELL 15. TOM KINGSTON Coach/es: MALONE / AVERY / PLAYFORD / VICKERMAN 2ND GRADE – COLIN CAIRD SHIELD: 1.15 PM

Referee: Richard Goswell Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, Brendon Farrar

RANDWICK

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY Blue and Gold 1. Alasdair King 2. James Willan 3. Sam Talakai 4. Tom Heslop 5. Byron Hodge 6. Benn Melrose (C) 7. Stuart Goodman 8. Hugo Dessens

Myrtle Green 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Richard Draper Stuart Dunbar Alex Rokobaro James McMahon James Dargaville Fetuli Talanoa Nathan Trist Coach/es: Stumbles/Hovey/Roberts

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

3RD GRADE – HENDERSON SHIELD: 11.40 AM

Zeb Holmes-Baer Patrick Hodgetts Christopher Baumann Bryce Speechley Lai Vatadroka Nathan Paila David Vizer David Parsons

James Helliwell Cayden Matehaere Calum Fryer Alfred Paea Lepani Waqa Toese Vou Siutu Charlie Wakim Coach/es: Jayson Brewer

Referee: Jamie McGregor Assistant Referees: Dominic McCarthy, Charles Hartson

EASTERN SUBURBS

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY Blue and Gold 1. Alistair Ryan 2. Elliot Messara 3. Rhys Brodie 4. Harry Marples 5. Oliver Gresham 6. James Nonu-Carling 7. Josh Ellice-Flint 8. Hugh Frazer (C)

9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Red, White and Blue 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Jock Merriman Jack Macklin John Rudd Ben Murray Oliver L'Estrange Levi Dodd Trent Lake Coach/es: Hudd/Allardice

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

4TH GRADE – HENDERSON CUP: 10.15 AM

Adam Fullgrabe Sam Palmer Rory McMullen Harry Hosegood Digby Colley Ben Willis Nick Tooth Lachlan Pigott

9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Steve Shapland Jeremy Raftos Rohan Jones Jack Denning (C) Tom Mathers Warwick Percival Blake Boulton Coach/es: Rutherford

Referee: Tim Wills Assistant Referees: Darren Bradley, Nick Hannon

RANDWICK

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY Blue and Gold 1. Scott Cameron (C) 2. Tim Reid 3. Matthew Mafi 4. Kurt Larsen 5. Charlie Boyce 6. Michael Pollastri 7. Michael Widdup 14 8. Anthony Pohlen

Myrtle Green 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

David Fong Cameron Mason Jack Sullivan James Swan Jack Marples Sam English Cameron Lawrence Coach/es: Cameron/Pope

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Drew Ferguson Jarrod O'Hara Sam Lolo Matthew Mackay Todd Martin Jonathon Ellis Nicholas Kaspareck Christopher Barron

9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Sam Bartlett Samuel Muller Scott Malone Keith Masima Thomas Joseph Elliot Rechtin Ben Allard Coach/es: Matt Buckland

PRELIMINARY FINALS 3.10 PM

T.G. MILLNER FIELD

Sunday September 8

Referee: Angus Gardner Assistant Referees: Ed Martin, Jamie McGregor TMO: Peter Redwin

MANLY

EASTWOOD

Red and Blue

Blue and White

DAVE PORECKI 1. PAT LEAFA 2. JIMMY GENTLE 3. (C) ED GOWER 4. CADEYRN NEVILLE 5. DYLAN SIGG 6. JORDY REID 7. LUKE JONES 8. MATT LUCAS 9. MARSHALL MILROY 10. JACOB WOODHOUSE 11. BRIAN SEFANAIA 12. MALIETOA HINGANO 13. RICHARD HOOPER 14. BJ HARTMANN 15. Coach/es: BLAKE / CUMMINS

1. BENN ROBINSON 2. TODD PEARCE 3. MARTY PLOKSTYS 4. JARED BARRY 5. ANDREW CLYNE 6. HUGH PERRETT (C) 7. HUGH ROACH 8. LOCKY MCCAFFREY 9. JAMES STANNARD 10. JIMMY HILGENDORF 11. NICK BATGER 12. MICHAEL MCDOUGALL 13. CAM MITCHELL 14. TOM HILL 15. BEN BATGER Coach/es: MANENTI / WOODHOUSE 2ND GRADE – COLIN CAIRD SHIELD: 1.15 PM

Referee: Ian Smith Assistant Referees: Brendon Farrar, Matt Kellahan

EASTWOOD

MANLY Red and Blue 1. Tyron Rota 2. John Wunder 3. Tom Mooney 4. Ryan Melrose 5. Dave Shotton 6. Harry Bergelin 7. Mitch Daniel 8. Andrew Davis (C)

Blue and White 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Adam Crerar Tom Chesters James Arnold Joe Christie Damien Reti Lui Siale Cameron Pyne Coach/es: Brown / Wilson

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

3RD GRADE – HENDERSON SHIELD: 11.40 AM

Ferro Faalago Tannous Ferris Robert Lagudi James Neale George Kent Chris Dan Kyle Shewan Joey Afualo

9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Shanin Proctor Jai Ayoub Tim Williams Blake Sutton Jack Hammond Nathan Powyer Brad Curtis Coach/es: Nilan/Harrison

Referee: Michael Hogan Assistant Referees: Charles Hartson, Dominic McCarthy

EASTWOOD Blue and White 1. Daniel Minto 2. Sam Needs 3. Sam Behan 4. Nick Johnson 5. Jackson Larkin 6. Dave Piukala 7. Tom Ellem 8. Jordan Goddard

MANLY 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Max Page Ben James Alex Del Moro Dave Sutton Fili Pinono Mark Frost James Martin Coach/es: Moore/Ahearn

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Dave Hart Takashi Tokuyama John Baranyi Jack Wesson Carrick May Brad Meaney Vaughan Hay Harry Edwards

4TH GRADE – HENDERSON CUP: 10.15 AM

Max Wood Jack Brisby Pete Squires Anthony Bergelin (C) Harry Mountain Josh Carolan Anthony Calavassy Coach/es: Murphy / Donkin

Referee: Darren Bradley Assistant Referees: Tim Wills, Nick Hannon

EASTERN SUBURBS

EASTWOOD Blue and White 1. Days Siaosi 2. Luke Ferris 3. Tim Stephenson 4. Chris Hickey 5. Matt Prestipino 6. Murray Johnson 7. Dave Rose 8. Lachie Parker

9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Red and Blue

Red, White and Blue 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Pat O'Connor Alex Maguire Tim McDonald Shane Collins Richard Casali Ben Coady Nathan Brecht Coach/es: Tyler/Blacker/Kirkby

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Rhys Ward Elijah Carlin Thomas Kolo Charlie Thompson Conor Keane Jack Harris Ivan Luteru Gavin Grace

9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Hugh Brownhill (C) Dick Windle Sean Robertson James Field Eddie Paea Rhys Pirie Sam Devlin Coach/es: Frawley/Dontoh

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9899 7645

A SEASON IN FRANCE HONED THE SKILL-SET FOR THIS TALENTED HALFBACK

DEWET ROOS Southern Districts halfback Dewet Roos has the rare distinction of being singled out for higher rugby honours by no less than a World Cup winning coach. Two years ago, the Southern Districts junior was selected in Bob Dwyer’s Sydney Representative side and was so impressive the former Wallabies mentor set him up with a contract at Pro-D2 club Narbonne in the south of France. “It’s a great part of the world and was an experience of a lifetime. I’d recommend it to anyone if they have the opportunity,” said Roos, who moved to Australia from South Africa when he was 12. In his first experience of the professional rugby set-up, the 23-year old says there were striking differences between the game in France and in Australia. “Over there it’s all about the set-piece and physicality and it’s very strategic from week-to-week while over here it’s a much quicker game – especially at Southern Districts where we play expansive, running rugby. I learnt a lot about game management and organisational skills which was the main aspect of my game that improved.” In his two months back in the Shute Shield, Roos has been an integral part of the Southern Districts line-up, especially since the departure of Grayson Hart. At 1.70 metres tall, it’s fair to say he isn’t the biggest player on the paddock, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for in sheer speed and a childhood of wrestling in South Africa. “I’m not the biggest guy on the field, so I’ve got a couple of techniques from wrestling to take the big boys down,” he laughed. “My explosiveness from the take-off over the first twenty metres was something I really worked on while I was in France and it hopefully gives me a bit of an edge. I want to secure a Super Rugby contract over the next two years but if nothing comes up I’d definitely think about going back to Europe if the opportunity is there.” With a busy schedule training, completing a construction management degree and working in construction, he takes his mind off things by hanging out with friends and family or going for a spin on his café racer-style motorbike that he built from scratch. - by Brendan Bradford 17 Photo: www.seiserphotography.com

COLTS RESULTS PRELIMINARY FINALS Saturday August 31

GRADE RESULTS SEMI-FINALS Saturday August 31

Sunday September 1

SHUTE SHIELD

Colts 1 Sydney University

Manly

Southern Districts

Eastern Suburbs

Southern Districts

Warringah

Randwick

Manly

Sydney University

Manly

Gordon

Northern Suburbs

Randwick

West Harbour

Eastern Suburbs

Manly

Eastern Suburbs

Randwick

Northern Suburbs

Colts II

COLIN CAIRD SHIELD

Sydney University

Manly

Eastern Suburbs

Eastwood

Sydney University

Northern Suburbs

Eastwood

Eastern Suburbs

Colts III

J R HENDERSON SHIELD

SHUTE SHIELD LEADING TRY SCORERS END OF ROUND 18 G Jeloudev (SU)

A Gibbon (SD)

C Brown (NS)

N Batger (Ew)

M Adams (Wa)

H Perrett (Ew)

Holmes (Wa)

A Alofa (WH) J

Woodhouse (Ma) 11

Taumoepeau (ES) 11

Smart (SD) Kingston (SU)

SHUTE SHIELD TOP POINTS SCORERS END OF ROUND 18 R B H D J T C G D C

Saifoloi (SD) Batger (Ew) Hudson (ES) Harvey (Wa) Debreczeni (WH) Preston (G) Brown (NS) Jeloudev (SU) Rawaqa (Pa) Matehaere (Ra)

T 6 6 2 3 5 6 11 20 6 5

G 46 49 36 39 30 21 22 3 24 29

P 40 24 30 20 11 15 6 0 8 3

F 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0

Pts 242 200 172 156 118 117 117 106 105 92

ERIC SPILSTED COLTSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP Sydney Uni Manly Norths Eastwood Randwick Parramatta Easts West Harbour Souths Warringah Gordon Penrith*

C1 510 510 348 306 348 270 162 252 270 252 192 0

C2 240 153 204 231 147 132 147 96 93 33 0 15

C3 124 70 118 102 72 84 102 38 16 32 0 0

TOTAL 874 733 670 639 567 486 411 386 379 317 192 0

* Penrith deducted 24 points for late forfeit in Colts 1. Club competition points

calculated thus: SS x 15, Res x 8, 3rd x 5, 4th x 4, Colts 1 x 6, Colts 2 x 3 18 are and Colts 3 x 2.

JR HENDERSON CUP

SHUTE SHIELD SEMI FINALS SCORERS Southern Districts 57 (Alex Gibbon 3, Rohan Saifoloi 2, Lopeti Timani, Rob Horne, Nick Cummins, Andrew Leota tries; Rohan Saifoloi 6 cons) Randwick 25 (Ethan Ford 2, Nathan Paila tries; Marc Koteczky 2 cons, 2 pens) Manly 22 (Ed Gower, Pat Leafa, Jordy Reid tries; Marshall Milroy cons 2, pen) Eastern Suburbs 15 (Elijah Niko, Alex Walker tries; Matt Armour con, Brendan McKibbin pen)

GREGOR GEORGE CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP 1st Res 3rd 4th C1 C2 C3 Total Sydney Uni

1125 608 410 324 510 240 124 3341

Eastwood

1170 600 350 300 306 231 102 3059

Manly

975 624 330 180 510 153 70 2842

Randwick

600 600 345 292 348 147 72 2404

Norths

645 456 155 244 348 204 118 2170

Easts

705 336 280 216 162 147 102 1948

West Harbour

840 208 300 124 252 96 38 1858

Souths

930 208 195 104 270 93 16 1816

Parramatta

540 256

72 270 132 84 1439

Warringah

600 248

84 252 33 32 1324

Gordon

300 288 175 72 192 0

0 1027

Penrith*

60 112

* Penrith deducted 24 points for late forfeit in Colts 1.

270

2013 NSW PREMIER RUGBY COMPETITIONS SHUTE SHIELD – FIRST GRADE Eastwood Sydney Uni Manly Souths West Harbour Easts Norths Randwick Warringah Parramatta Gordon Penrith

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

15 15 13 13 10 9 8 7 7 7 3 0

1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 3 4 5 8 9 10 11 11 11 15 18

Bon For 16 15 11 10 16 11 11 12 12 8 8 4

764 752 579 576 519 474 430 500 517 490 363 252

W McMAHON MEMORIAL SHIELD - COLTS 1 Ag Pts 355 275 386 388 581 459 420 528 578 640 718 888

78 75 65 62 56 47 43 40 40 36 20 4

COLIN CAIRD SHIELD – SECOND GRADE Manly Sydney Uni Eastwood Randwick Norths Easts Gordon Parramatta Warringah West Harbour Souths Penrith

D L

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

16 16 15 15 11 8 6 5 6 4 3 1

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 1

2 2 3 3 7 10 12 13 11 14 13 16

Bon For 14 12 15 15 13 10 12 12 5 10 10 8

715 664 753 797 573 415 464 443 230 402 386 250

Ag Pts 319 260 287 336 429 455 617 726 600 611 537 915

78 76 75 75 57 42 36 32 31 26 26 14

J R HENDERSON SHIELD – THIRD GRADE Sydney Uni Eastwood Randwick Manly West Harbour Easts Souths Gordon Norths Parramatta Warringah Penrith

P 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

W 16 14 14 13 12 11 8 6 5 3 3 0

D 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0

L Bon For Ag Pts 1 16 919 119 82 3 12 813 170 70 4 13 624 328 69 4 12 612 237 66 6 12 549 311 60 6 10 491 247 56 10 7 363 456 39 11 9 354 626 35 12 9 478 464 31 15 5 272 773 17 15 3 191 716 15 18 1 134 1353 1

J R HENDERSON CUP – FOURTH GRADE Sydney Uni Eastwood Randwick Norths Easts Manly West Harbour Souths Penrith Warringah* Gordon* Parramatta

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

16 16 15 13 11 9 6 5 4 5 4 3

D L 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

2 2 3 4 7 9 12 12 14 13 14 15

*Gordon deducted 4 points for late forfeit *Warringah deducted 4 points for two early forfeits

Bon For 17 11 13 7 10 9 7 4 8 5 6 6

901 589 541 396 370 393 258 260 225 164 181 228

Ag Pts

104 169 251 257 223 331 383 565 668 549 507 499

81 75 73 61 54 45 31 26 24 21 18 18

Sydney Uni Manly Norths Randwick Eastwood Parramatta Souths Warringah West Harbour Gordon Easts Penrith*

P 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

W 17 17 11 11 9 8 8 8 7 6 5 0

D 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0

L 1 1 7 7 9 9 10 9 11 12 13 18

Bon 17 17 14 14 15 11 13 8 14 8 7 1

For 979 886 611 595 523 461 549 392 519 386 359 169

Ag 254 269 421 512 499 467 504 625 578 610 552 1138

Pts 85 85 58 58 51 45 45 42 42 32 27 0

*Penrith deducted 4 points for late forfeit

SHELL TROPHY - COLTS 2 Sydney Uni Eastwood Norths Manly Randwick Easts Parramatta West Harbour Souths Warringah Penrith

P 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17

W 16 16 13 9 10 8 9 5 6 2 1

D 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

L Bon For Ag Pts 0 14 823 150 80 1 13 545 199 77 4 16 654 277 68 7 13 521 286 51 7 9 535 463 49 7 13 441 340 49 8 8 438 346 44 12 12 409 580 32 11 7 314 531 31 15 3 212 747 11 16 1 143 920 5

BILL SIMPSON SHIELD - COLTS 3 Sydney Uni Norths Eastwood Easts Parramatta Randwick Manly West Harbour Warringah Souths

P 14 14 15 15 14 15 15 14 16 14

W D 12 0 11 0 10 1 10 0 7 1 7 0 7 0 4 0 3 0 1 0

L Bon For Ag Pts 2 10 497 149 62 3 11 463 181 59 4 9 329 218 51 5 11 324 205 51 6 9 238 246 42 8 8 310 303 36 8 7 289 246 35 10 2 191 446 19 13 5 186 413 16 13 3 143 549 8

Rugby NEWS WEBSITE www.rugbynews.net.au 19

COLTS REPORT by Scott Killingworth

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Today's Grand Final between Sydney University and Manly features the two sides who have without a doubt been the standout teams from beginning to end in the 2013 W. McMahon Memorial Shield. Whilst it could be said that the standard of Rugby throughout the competition this year was the most expansive and innovative we've ever seen in Colts Rugby, it’s the standards displayed by Uni and Manly which were consistently that little bit higher than all of the other sides in all facets of Rugby. Boasting just one loss apiece, It would take only the most novice of Rugby fans to notice the superior strength and cardio these two sides have enjoyed all year round over the rest of the competition but it’s the defensive structures of both sides that have had the largest gap between today's deserved finalists and the rest of the sides in the Colts competition. After 18 rounds of regular season Rugby, the Students had conceded just 254 points: 14.1 points scored against them per match. The Marlins figures were not much more, still under 15 points conceded per game on average and if this statistic is to mean anything at all, it is that today's finale will feature tight, bone jarring, methodical and well drilled defence from both sides, or in layman’s terms – big hits galore. However, as the old saying goes, the best defence is a good offence; and a good offence is exactly what both of these sides possess. Uni's gamebreakers on the wings, the slippery Henry Clunies-Ross and stupendously quick Matt Narracott will rely on the service of their burly inside centre Jim Stewart, who wasn't a part of Uni's round 10 loss to the Marlins because of a promotion to the Student's Shute Shield side. Meanwhile, in the blue and red we have three Australian under 20s in the Marlins backline: Flyhalf Reece Hodge was the goalkicker for the Australian side in France this year but it's his crisp service to centre Lalakai Foketi who is just as skillful as he is physically gifted that could cause the real damage. Finishing the trifecta of Australian U20s in the backline is winger Alex Northam, who

scored one of the most impressive solo tries of the Junior World Cup during Australia's narrow loss to Ireland. Sydney Uni have won eight of the past nine 1st Grade Colts titles but history accounts for nothing during the tense 80 minutes of a Grand Final and we can rest assured that neither side will die wondering over what could have been today. It wouldn't do justice to the immense build up to this match for me to tip a winner and I urge all Rugby fans across Sydney to get to Forshaw Oval and witness the inevitable champagne Rugby due to occur.

PRELIMINARY FINALS MANLY 49 V WARRINGAH 17 Manly's strengths from 1 through to 15 proved too much to handle for their bitter Northern Beaches rivals, putting together a convincing performance last Sunday to book their rightful place in the Grand Final. The size differential in the forwards became paramount to the success of the Marlins, who enjoyed a consistent roll-on over the advantage line throughout the match that laid the platform for quick ball to their danger men out wide. Winger Alex Northam picked up a handful of dazzling tries and left defenders clutching for air in their feeble attempts to contain him whenever the slightest hint of space was revealed. Warringah winger Max Jones acquired two equally magnificent tries of his own late in the match, both being from linebreaks that turned into chip and regathers, however one could forgive Manly for taking their foot off the pedal by that stage in the match. SYDNEY UNIVERSITY 50 V SOUTHERN DISTRICTS 18 Sydney Uni achieved their tenth straight win last Saturday to book their place in today's Grand Final. Hooker Folau Fainga'a and number eight Calum Buckling led the charge for Sydney Uni up the middle and the Students will again need these two men to step up today when they do battle with the very large Marlins forward pack. Could all coaches please submit match reports to Scottkill@outlook.com

COLTS GRAND FINALS Forshaw Rugby Park 1st Grade Colts: 3.00 pm

Saturday September 7

Referee: Ed Martin

Assistant Referees: Anthony Moyes, Rob Nehme

MANLY

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY

Red and Blue

Blue and Gold 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Rory O'Connor Ben Carolan Alex Brand Mathew Philip Karel Lloyd Rhys Dombkins (vc) Ethan Uili Vinnie Baranyi Fabian Natoli (C) Reece Hodge Alex Northam Lalakai Foketi Ryan Squires Benson Fakai Mike Howard

Alex Batho Folau Fainga'a Graeme Wessels Tom Shaw Rohan O'Regan Harry Randell Ethan Thomas Calum Buckling Jake Gordon Finlay McDonald Matt Narracott Jim Stewart Chris Ingate Henry Clunies-Ross Matthew Hood

Coach/es: Haigh / Cowley

Coach/es: Harvey / Mills

EASTwood

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY Blue and Gold

Blue and White

2nd Grade Colts: 1.00 pm 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Ben Lawley Tyne Holmes Vincent Morsello Nick Coaldrake Cameron Skelton James Kennelly Byron Wicken Jack Stanford

Referee: Ben Wawn

9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Angus Pulver Tianua Poto Phil Tuinuku Ben Hughes Eveni Hunt Dylan Vieira Jack Redden Coach/es: Riches/Daley/Partridge/Dillon

Assistant Referees: Aragon Heppel, Colm McCaughan 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Sione Tangi Pat Ferris Tschan Tschan Tim Bartlett Matt Matson Aisea Taufa Angus McCaffrey (C) Connor O'Gorman

9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Taylor Mathieson Nick Tregoning Bryce Steel Daniel De Santis David Konstantopoulos Ben Kaafi Ben Abbott Coach/es: Fairfull/Fangaloka

EASTERN SUBURBS

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY Blue and Gold

Red, White, and Blue

3rd Grade Colts: 11.15 am 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Jack Bliss Mike Van-Diggelen Riley Tasker Callum McIntosh Tinashe Washaya Ben Martin Jack Leger-Ryan George Hudd

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Referee: James Marshall

Chris O'Donnell Tom Harbison Fadi Saad Jason Date Josh King Nick Burden Mesake Tagituimua Coach/es: Gudgeon/Radcliffe/Caterson

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Assistant Referees: Luke Rogan, Charles Guyatt 9. Felix Van De Laak 10. Henry Holden 11. Dave McCathie 12. Harrison Shaloub 13. BJ Edwards 14. Thomas Grunwaldt 15. Jonathon McMennamin Buchan Richardson Coach/es:

Tim Allworth (C) Will Maddocks Nick Stotz Chris Belsey Charlie Tym Henry Tilley Tim Wilson Shields/Brown

WARRINGAH RATETTES 2013 Women’s Rugby Champions

The Warringah Ratettes defeated the more fancied Parramatta side 20 – 11 to win the 2013 Women’s Rugby Premiership in the Grand Final at Pittwater Rugby Park. Both teams put on a dazzling display of rugby in a very tough encounter. Premiers in 2012, the Ratettes are pictured with their retained trophy.

A real speedster, the Ratettes’ Ella Green races away to score the first try. 22

Photos: karenwatsonphotography.com.au

ACTIONPHOTOS www.seiserphotography.com

2013 Shute Shield top points scorer, Rohan Saifoloi scores for Southern Districts in the Semi-final against Randwick last Saturday.

Manly captain Ed Gower scores to seal the Marlins win over Eastern Suburbs last Sunday.

Sydney’s best players vying for KEN CATCHPOLE MEDAL Next Friday will see Sydney’s best club player awarded the prestigious Ken Catchpole Medal at Sydney Rugby Union’s annual awards luncheon. The Ken Catchpole Medal is awarded to the Shute Shield Player of the Year, as voted by the tournament’s referees on a 3-2-1 basis over the course of 18 rounds of pool matches. This year, twelve players from seven clubs have been shortlisted for the top prize. Preliminary finalist Sydney University is the most represented club, with three candidates in Greg Jeloudev, Tim Davidson and NSW Waratahs speedster Tom Kingston. Eastwood duo Ben Batger and Hugh Perrett, who both achieved a top ten finish last season, have again been recognised, as part of a consistently effective Woodies side that has already claimed the 2013 minor premiership. After providing last year’s winner in Hamish Angus, Warringah will be hoping Josh Holmes and Dave Harvey can emulate the former skipper’s feat this season. As well as the Ken Catchpole Medal, the event at the Sydney Boulevard Hotel will honour the senior and colts’ club champions, as well as the

competition’s rising star, who will be awarded with the Rookie of the Year accolade, won last year by Southern Districts’ Jed Holloway. The tournament’s top point scorer will be presented with the Roscoe Fay Trophy, whilst the Coach and Referee of the Year will receive the David Brockhoff Medal and Dick Byres Award respectively. Finally, the 2013 NSW Country Rugby Player of the Year will earn the Will Tanner award. The nominees for the 2013 Ken Catchpole Medal (in alphabetical order by club) are: Andrew Shaw (Eastern Suburbs) Ben Batger (Eastwood) Hugh Perrett (Eastwood) Bill Meakes (Northern Suburbs) Kotoni Ale (Manly) Lopeti Timani (Southern Districts) Rohan Saifoloi (Southern Districts) Tim Davidson (Sydney University) Greg Jeloudev (Sydney University) Tom Kingston (Sydney University) Dave Harvey (Warringah) Josh Holmes (Warringah)

Former Western Force coach Appointed Gordon 2014 Head Coach Gordon Rugby Club has announced the appointment of former Western Fo r c e A s s i s t a n t Coach, Geoff Townsend as Head Coach for 2014. To w n s e n d h a s also coached both Manly and Southern Districts First Grade sides, and a number of Geoff Townsend Japanese clubs as well as25three undefeated seasons as coach of NSW U/19’s. Most recently Townsend spent four seasons with the Western Force where he progressed from Academy

Head Coach to Assistant Coach in the coaching team lead by John Mitchell. As Academy Head Coach he developed numerous players to Super Rugby level and grew the Western Force Academy into a successful breeding ground for Super Rugby players. “I am looking forward to joining forces with Gordon and help develop players from one of Australia’s greatest Rugby nurseries and return Gordon to the top of the Shute Shield” said Townsend. “Geoff’s appointment reinforces our strategic objective to deliver “best in class” coaching and player development for our Grade and Colts players” said Club President – Dr. David McGilvray. Townsend’s appointment (he commences October 1) follows the appointment of former Wallaby and Gordon legend Tony Dempsey as Colts Head Coach for 2014. 25

PLAYED TRIALS WITH THE WARATAHS, THEN A CHANGE OF CLUBS AND NOW POSSIBLY, A GRAND FINAL

TOM HILL An off-season spent training at the ARU Academy gave Tom Hill a taste of professional rugby and spurred a change of clubs as he strives to make it at the next level. A Gordon junior, Hill worked his way through colts and Grade at Chatswood Oval and trained with the Waratahs in the 2012 pre-season before switching to T.G. Millner at the end of last year in search of a premiership and a Super Rugby contract. “I played trials against Samoa and Tonga for the Waratahs last year which was awesome, then trained at the National Academy over summer,” he says. “It was the first time I’d done professional training with fitness in the morning and skills in the afternoon and it was a real eye-opener. I loved my time at Gordon so it was obviously a big deal to move, but after all the effort over the off-season, I thought I’d get the most out of my footy by moving to Eastwood. My family and girlfriend are all really supportive and never miss a game, so that made it easier.” The bold move has paid off handsomely. He copped his fair share of inevitable, good-natured ribbing in his first venture back to Chatswood Oval in Woodies colours, but that’s far from his mind this weekend as he squares-up against a battle-hardened Manly side for a spot in the Grand Final. At 23, Hill has the pace and sizeable fend of an outside-back as well as the footwork and ball-playing skills of a five-eighth. With his distinctive grey headgear, he’s easily able to slot in anywhere across the backline. “I’m playing on the wing at the moment, but I can cover a few positions. Longer term, I’m looking at getting back to the centres, but at the moment I’ve got a job to do on the wing and I’m happy just to be playing in the finals.” Living in Mosman, Hill is completing a post-graduate Law degree at UTS (he’s already done a business degree) and doesn’t need to look far for rugby advice. His neighbours include John Eales, Phil Kearns and Bill Pulver and mates joke that Kearns could practise throwing lineouts to Eales over Hill’s back fence. - by Brendan Bradford Photo: www.seiserphotography.com 27

WILSO’S WHISPERS by Bob Wilson

Former Wallaby captain, George Gregan along with the ARU Development Department are heading to Zambia for a number of coaching clinics in February and March next year. Randwick’s Junior Development Officer, Jim Dubos who is one of the best in the business will be accompanying the group, however, they are looking for a few more experienced coaches. They will be developing the interest in Rugby in Zambia while it will be a great experience to work with the youngsters in this amazing country. So if you have Smart Rugby, Foundation Level 1 or Level 2 Coaching qualifications you may well want to be a part of this venture. Not only will you provide valued hands-on coaching and development but they will also raise funds to assist the schools and each community with much needed supplies and equipment. Add to this the opportunity to go on safari and witness the magnificent Victoria Falls, it will truly be a Rugby tour that you will never forget. And all this is tied in prior to the start of the Junior Rugby season to ensure you are back ready to provide your own club with the knowledge and experience you have gained on tour. For further information please contact Paul Adams at paul@ f2t.com.au or 0405 372 034 Ray Collie, Grafton Rugby and Far North Coast Rugby stalwart played his 400th and last game of Rugby last week. Ray has been around Far North Coast Rugby for more than a couple of years as he started playing back in 1977 and some 36 years later he decided to call it a day, once again. It is a remarkable record unsurpassed in Country Rugby history and equalled by very few in Rugby throughout Australia. He has played in Premiership winning sides in First, Reserve and Third grades and is widely regarded as one of the most technically complete forwards that the Zone has produced. Just ask anyone who has played with or against him. His playing record on its own is remarkable, but he has also served as President, Treasurer and Secretary of the Grafton Rugby Club. On top of 28

helping build the clubhouse he has also been a referee and coach in both Senior and Junior Grades as well as BBQ’s and raffles and the thankless weekly line marking of the ground. Perhaps most importantly, when the Grafton Redmen Juniors folded in the mid 1990s Ray and his wife Sue single-handedly rebuilt them. Rugby always needs strong clubs and clubs need good Rugby people and Ray Collie is most certainly one of them. Lastly, in a unique achievement he celebrated last week by playing with his three sons and brother, that meant five Collies on the field at once. Well done Ray, you can sit back and enjoy your spot on the sideline with your many mates in our great game of Rugby Union. Out in the Central West, four times the population of Greenethorpe packed into the Memorial Hall to farewell Doug Allen who died peacefully in Cowra Hospital at the age of 67. Doug played, represented and administered Rugby over many years with Lane Cove, Gordon, Canterbury (NZ) and Grenfell Rugby clubs. He was the instigator of the Lane Cove Rugby Union Legends who resurrected the Grenfell Picnic Races after a prolonged drought. Doug served with distinction as President of the NSW Picnic Races Association. Doug also captained a NSW Schoolboys cricket side which included international cricketers, Doug Walters and Gary Gilmour. Up on the Central Coast the Kariong Wanderers Rugby Club are looking for coaches and volunteers for next season. They field Senior teams in First, Reserve and Third Grades as well as Junior teams from the Under 7’s through to the Under 17’s and Colts sides. If you want a good time and be involved in Rugby north of Sydney then get to the Wanderers Club, they also have excellent facilities and without doubt the best view of beautiful Brisbane Water from up in Kariong. If you live or are moving up there or know of any rugby people in the area who would like get involved then please c o n t a c t Ti m L a r k e o n 0 4 3 8 - 6 9 2 2 7 6 o r kariongrugby@hotmail.com If you have any stories or news please email to bobw@wireless2way.com.au