Gosford Rugby League: the Eye of the Storm magazine

GOSFORD RUGBY LEAGUE

- Est. 2014 -

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Issue No.47 --- July 2022 ISSN: 2652-4570

HERE COME THE TOWNIES The Early History of Gosford Rugby League Available online from Lulu Publishing

An in-depth look at the history of Central Coast footy.

From its kick off back during the late nineteenth century, through to the modern day competition.

Written & Published by Andrew Stark ISBN: 9780958198035 Published January 2020.

504 page, A4 sized, paperback

THE EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE 2022

MAGPIE MEMOIR MAGAZINE One Man’s Tribute to the Western Suburbs DRLFC Available via 10dollarjpegs@gmx.com

More fanzine than magazine, this labour of love showcases one of the games great foundation clubs.

The latest edition focuses on Wests NSW Cup & Massey Cup campaigns, the return of legendary conditioner – Rob Rowland-Smith, City vs Country U16s & U18s, Tevita Amone, the Fainu boys, and Mason Cerruto.

Written & Published by Andrew Stark Quarterly - ISSN: 2652-4406 Latest edition published July 2022.

20 page, A5 sized, paperback

THE EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE

Vol 47: July 2022

The Eye was covering a recent first grade game at Bateau Bay when Kincumber Colts five eighth Fletcher Berry suffered a mid game cardiac arrest and collapsed. The scenes that followed were truly horrific. Family, friends, team mates and spectators stood by helplessly for over half an hour as the medical staff tried desperately to restart the young man’s heart. The situation was dire and had it not been for the brilliant work of the medical team, a sideline defibrillator, and a liberal dose of luck – the outcome would undoubtedly have ended in tragedy.

The episode highlighted the importance of having a defibrillator at every ground. One that has been regularly checked, is in working order and one that sideline volunteers have been trained to use. I’m happy to report that our club has been way ahead of the curve on this issue. Under the leadership of former President Renee Martin, an experienced nurse, the Storm have had a working heart zapper in place since 2017.

On behalf of the Gosford Kariong club, The Eye would like to wish Fletcher Berry all the best in achieving a full recovery.

Sideline medical staff prepare to use the defibrillator Above right: Fletcher seen labouring during a chase just moments before he collapsed. (Photos – Andrew Stark) Above Left:

THE EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE Photos – Andrew Stark

Great to see popular GK junior Lachie Bell back in action for The Entrance Tigers after a spate of recent leg injuries.

Lachie captained the Tigers first grade team during their round 8 clash with Toukley.

Other familiar faces in the senior ranks these days include three mainstay’s from the Greg Eather coached GK team’s of recent times - Soakimi Aho, Tyson Pagacs and Jake Sutherland – who are all listed at Berkeley Vale.

Two members from our U17s runners up of 2020 - Hayden Doyle & Nathan Cahill are contributing manfully to the Terrigal U19s campaign this season.

While blockbusting prop Tommy Bateup made his Terrigal first grade debut back in early May against competition leaders Erina.

The Entrance Tigers First Grade skipper Lachlan Bell in action against Toukley.

Above

Lachlan Bell & Tom Bateup, teammates in the Gosford Kariong U14s of 2014.

Far Left:

Tommy Bateup tearing into the tough stuff for the Terrigal Ones against ladder leaders Erina Left:

The mighty Gosford Kariong under 15s headed down to Sydney for Origin One in early June. Freddy’s Blues were edged out on the night by some team from up north, however they’ve since made amends via a stirring victory in Perth. Our posse of merry Stormers is pictured right at Olympic Park Station looking fashionably resplendent in their swanky club beanies.

THE EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE

EXCLUSIVE

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Is Marto the man to save the Wests Tigers ?

While all the recent media talk has focused on Penrith assistant coach Cameron Ciraldo, the Eye understands that Gosford Kariong super coach, Shaun Martin is the man most in demand. The Carrington Street favourite is said to be weighing up offers from Wests Tigers, Canterbury Bulldogs and the NZ Warriors as a three way NRL scramble to secure a head coach continues.

Martin has long been touted as the next big thing having etched an enviable win-loss record on the Coast over a number of decades.

Above: Shaun Martin sans clipboard Left & below: Senjay Turner Photos – Andrew Stark

Senjay played in the Storm’s undefeated U13s team of 2014 before swapping his footy boots for a guitar pick. He is pictured above throwing a hapless defender into the grandstand.

Under the guise of – The Sunday Cartoons – an EP is ready to drop any day now.

GK

premiership winning threequarter Senjay Turner is rocking up the music charts with his latest single – clairvoyeur.

Photo - Andrew Stark

Trailblazing Val Continues to Enjoy Her Footy

Back in 2006, Gosford Kariong won the under 11(2)s premiership. So dominant was the Storm team, that they also won the CCDJRL Mod Leagues best attacking team of the year.

Star player in this champion side was a powerhouse young lady named, Vallen Moeke.

Moeke Vallen subsequently won the team’s Best & Fairest Award at the GK presentation day and created history on grand final day when she became the first female to ever be awarded Player of the Match in a decider.

Above:

Vallen in action for Toukley

Two decades on and Vallen is still enjoying her rugby league. For the past few season’s, she has captained the Toukley Hawks Women's Tackle team which competes in the strong Newcastle competition. After a slow start to 2022, the Hawks have won three on the trot. The Blue & Gold Ladies were in such good spirits after the recent 18-12 win over Waratah Mayfield, they turned a canteen shift into an impromptu house party.

Photo - Andrew Stark Above:

THE EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE

The Toukley Women, led by Val (centre) add considerable flair to their canteen shift.

Congratulations go out to former Gosford Kariong try scoring wiz, Benji Keene-O’Keefe on his selection in the 2023 Manly Harold Matthews Cup squad (under 17). The son of our under 11s coach Phil, and brother of 11s skipper Brandon, Sea Eagles bound Benji (pictured right), will be looking to run around Brooky Oval with all the freedom he did at good ole Carrington St a few short years ago. Go get em Benj!

Photo – Andrew Stark

THE EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE

No snippet of news to add here – it was simply a chance to run a photo of popular club secretary Deb Eden enjoying the footy out at Terrigal … along with her bodyguards.

It’s amazing how often life loops back on itself The Godfather of Gosford coaching, Eddie Johnson is this season in charge of our under 7s team which plays in a competition named in honour of the NRL threequarter, Matt Ikuvalu.

Flashback two decades and Eddie was coaching the baby faced Matt Ikuvalu in his Gosford Kariong Storm under 10s team of 2003.

Right: Ed, with his son Michael, catch up with Matt Ikuvalu and his dad, Mateaki - in 2019.

THE EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE

Isn’t it exciting to see the old Townies moniker being resurrected. The GK Townies Masters team began light training during mid-June as they prepare for a tilt at next season’s over 34s competition. Storm President Bede Williams (pictured right) has led the charge and is keen for anyone over 34, who may be looking for a run (and an after game drink or two), to rock up to Townies training.

Speaking of the Townies, we are saddened to report that former Gosford three-quarter Paul Whetnall has passed away.

Pictured below right, in action for the Townies back in 1988, Paul was a regular in Gosford teams of the nineteen eighties.

The sad news shocked a host of old Townies who to a man were full of praise for “Whetty”. Former Gosford captain & coach, Warwick Wright described Paul as a “fantastic bloke and player”.

Condolences to Paul’s family & friends.

© 2022 Opinions expressed in this publication are derived solely from the scattered & random thoughts of the author; none of which are necessarily shared by the GKS club … nor anyone else on the planet really.

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Hey Buddy, You’re Blocking My View

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Purchasing Photos …

It’s Just So Easy!

Sling the guy with the camera a lobster ($20), and within days he’ll email you a couple of photo’s (jpeg files), featuring your little champion (or not so little champion) captured in full flight for the mighty Gosford Kariong Storm.

Simply hand over one, crisp, orangey note, along with your email address, and sit back & marvel as the old bloke goes frantically to work on your order.

Purchases can also be made using Paypal for $22.

Email: 10dollarjpegs@gmx.com

2022 COMPETITION LADDERS As of June 24th

U15(2)s Toukley Berkeley Vale St Eds/Our North Lakes The Entrance Gosford Kariong Terrigal Blue Haven Wyong Warnervale Umina

Pts 14 13 12 11 9 6 6 5 4 3 1

U12(2)s Umina Budgewoi Terrigal The Entrance Warnervale Gosford Kariong North Lakes Erina Wyong

Pts 14 12 11 8 7 6 6 0 0

U11(1)s

Pts

Berkeley Vale The Entrance Kincumber Wyong Woy Woy Terrigal Gosford Kariong Toukley North Lakes

THE EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE JULY 2022

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YIKES!

BLACKBOARD PROPHECY

pictured above at Murgon State High. Responding to his school’s careers advisor, he chalked an ambitious plan to play footy for the Broncos.

Scrawl it on the Slate Kiddies …

Photos: Andrew Stark

Selwyn Cobbo

& Dare to Dream

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‘Gosford Rugby League: the Eye of the Storm’ e-mag compiled, photographed, written & designed by Andrew Stark © 2022