Contents

SSARLARL A ANNUALNNUAL R REPORTEPORT 2008 2008

2008 C2008 Chairman Reporthairman Report

General Manager ReportGeneral Manager Report

ARL Affiliated States Development Officer ReportARL Affiliated States Development Officer Report

ARL National Development Officer ReportARL National Development Officer Report

Executives & StaffExecutives & Staff

CommitteesCommittees

Club Achievements Club Achievements

2009 Club Contact List2009 Club Contact List

Acknowledgements Acknowledgements

PPLEASELEASE NOTENOTE ONON COVERCOVER

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SARL ASARL ANNUALNNUAL R REPORTEPORT 2008 2008

Same as last year

Business

1. Same as last year

(no items 2 and 3 for 2008)

Chairman General ManagerMark Siaosi Bruce Walker

Directors John O’Rourke Mike Lester Jenni Howard Chris Kourakis Lindsay Power Rex Terp Richard Ryan

Solicitors Auditors Andersons Solicitors Genders and Wishart

BankersCommonwealth Bank of Australia

Henley Beach RoadTorrensville SA

Chairman

2008 has been a challenging year. The goals outlined in 2007 are still our focus for 08 and 09.

The board is made up of dedicated individuals from business and Rugby League backgrounds, with the common goal of furthering Rugby League in South Australia.

The three main objectives of the board of the South Australian Rugby League are:

1. Grow participation rates in South Australia2. Be financially responsible and independent3. Provide elite pathways for junior and senior rugby league players

The South Australian Rugby League in 2008 has achieved all three. This year, our Tier-A High School Competition has increased. With support from our clubs, the Adelaide club competition has continued to grow and the primary school competition is increasing. Our total participation numbers have grown in schools and we look to have a new pathway to increase school conversion to club membership for 2009.

It is with great pleasure that I report that the South Australian Rugby League will enter 2009 in a sound financial position.

Our club competition is becoming solid.The Central Venue has had its share of challengers for not only the parents and players but also the SARL. We will be in a better position to overcome and create a better playing arena for our junior competition in 2009.

The highlight for me for 2008 was our Grand Final day.All of the games were of high quality and it was encouraging and uplifting to watch our young men take the field.The finals for the seniors Premier Grade South VS Eels were fantastic. Great football was on show with our Seniors. Playing finals at football atHindmarsh Stadium is great for everyone.

As we close the door for another year in Rugby League 2009 brings new challengers and exciting beginnings.On behalf of the SARL, I would like to thank Bruce Walker for his time in SA and wish him well in his new venture with the West Rugby League Academy in Sydney as he co-ordinates the media channels with his new role and the West Tigers, Parramatta and Penrith NRL clubs.

We have the first of our 3 game ventures with Cronulla Sharks in April 17-19 2009, which we want to have every Rugby League supporter available there.

We look at aggressively campaigning for club membership in the beginning of 09.Schoolboy Australian Under 15’s, Under 18’s are also here in Adelaide for 2009 plus the Junior British Lions will be playing in Adelaide, against a combined SA/NT side.

Please remember. To get all the information on SARL go to our website: http://sarl.leaguenet.com.au

I thank all the clubs and schools for their tireless work in helping to promote this wonderful sport of Rugby League.

Yours in Rugby LeagueMark Siaosi

South Australian Rugby League Annual Report 2008.OverviewThe South Australian Rugby League has had an exciting year with continued growth in both schools and club numbers.In 2008 The Hon. Mr. M. Rann, MP, Premier of South Australia has become the Patron of the SARL, the Minister for Sport The Hon Michael Wright unveiled the Centenary Plaque at Hindmarsh Stadium, the three State of Origin games and the NRL Grand Final were shown live, the SARL Grand Finals were held at Hindmarsh Stadium with the first grade played under lights and the Cronulla Sharks are to play a competition game in Adelaide for the next three years.The game is getting more exposure which will assist the local clubs with more recruitment opportunities. Next year the SARL, together with the Office for Recreation and Sport, Channel 9 and station Triple M will launch a campaign Combating Childhood Obesity. In addition the Cronulla Sharks game will give great exposure for Rugby League in SA so 2009 will be a significant growth year.Local ClubsThe local competition comprised six clubs in 2008 and the season commenced with a 8s one day competition for under 18s and seniors.A great central venue was secured at West Beach comprising three fields where juniors up to under 14s played on Sunday mornings. Friday nights became a weekly highlight with the SARL running under 16s and under 18s competition at Dry Creek with two fields – a great atmosphere under lights.The season ended in grand style with all Grand Finals played at Hindmarsh Stadium. The first grade played under lights on Saturday night with the under dogs, South Adelaide Rugby League, victorious over last years premiers, the Eels.School Development / Representative FootballThe 2008 season was a very busy one for the development unit. The Tier A and Tier B competitions were very successful with record numbers in both Primary and Secondary Schools. The Primary School competition commenced in 2007 with 6 schools and increased to 19 schools with 42 teams in 2008. The Secondary schools comprised 19 schools with 18 senior teams and 15 junior teams.More teachers are completing coaching, refereeing and strength and conditioning courses.The SARL Schoolboys competed at the National Schoolboy Championships and although outclassed by superior opposition, gave wholehearted performances and were proud to represent SA at the championships.Scott Merriman from Gawler High School was appointed coach of the under 18s and as a developing coach we see Scott as a role model for more teachers to become involved in state teams.Four players from the under 18 squad were selected in the CAS team which competed in Pool A. They were James Newbury, Toby Hook, Blair Young and Luke Waiti.With the evolvement of the Primary School competition and the continued improvement in the standard of the Secondary Schools Tier A

competition, South Australia is confident of competing at a higher level in years to come.The senior state team played in the National Champions in Alice Springs where John Geeves gained selection in the Australian Affiliated States Team which travelled to Fiji and Tonga.High PerformanceThe High Performance program again provided 40 athletes with the opportunity to improve their skills, speed and strength with the SARL gym based in the north at Ross Smith High and at the southern gym at Aberfoyle Park.2009 is shaping as a major growth year and with club recruitment becoming a priority, we look forward to a much stronger club competition developing over the next 2 – 3 years.I wish to thank those members of the CMC who supported the SARL in its endeavours to grow the game in SA. I have said before that in a struggling competition it is difficult to expect growth if everyone is not committed to the common good.Thank you to the Chairman of the Board, Mark Siaosi and members of the Board who have given me their full support. The Board is well structured and with good guidance and assistance, the new General Manager will no doubt be in for an exciting year in 2009.Thank you also to the Referees Association, once again led by Bob Burgess and Chris Williams, for supplying the officials at games throughout the year. With more referees on board for next year we hope to see more competition for the top games.The judiciary had a good year with few send offs. Thank you to the members of the judiciary, Chairman, Richard Ryan and Committee – Mike Lester and Mark Siaosi.I would further like to thank my staff, Dave Cohen, Damon Rudolph and Dennis Phillips and our trainee, Michael Holland who have once again enhanced the reputation of Rugby League in school sport. Dianne Grant has once again been a fantastic employee and volunteer for the SARL.A special thanks to Dave Cohen for his assistance in heading the development unit and for being a close friend.And last of all, many thanks to the volunteer who have again given their time generously to the SARL when called upon.For those of you who don’t know I will be returning to work in Sydney in 2009. Thank you to all who have given me support in my time as General Manager over the past four years.The Board and Management of the South Australian Rugby League is forever grateful of the support provided by the ARL as it continues to grow the great game of Rugby League in South Australia.Bruce WalkerGeneral ManagerSouth Australian Rugby League

Australian Rugby LeagueAffiliated States Development OfficerANNUAL REPORT 2008Tier A Arrive Alive CupThe fourth year of Tier A High School competition commenced with great success. 19 schools took part in an 8-week competition in four divisions (north, south, east and central) and two age groups (15/18 years). There were 32 teams in total competing on a regular basis during term 1 and 2. Each team played a minimum of 5 games before the top teams from each division played against each other to decide the winner. Grand Final day was held at Hindmarsh Stadium with the U15 and U18 games played under lights. Freemont Elizabeth and Aberfoyle Park were the 18’s divisional winnersand played an entertaining final match. Aberfoyle Park emerged as the winners and will now have the opportunity to play in the 2009 Arrive Alive Cup for Eastern States Schools. Gawler and Henley Beach played out the 15’s grand final with the game going into extra time befor Gawler won in aexciting game.Subsequent meetings have reinforced the success of this competition with as many as three Tier B schools (one day tournaments) interested in joining the Tier A program for 2009. With the inclusion of a Tier A primary schools competition similar to the high school one this will also help to boost numbers in the future. The South Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Council (SASSRLC) hope to field 36 teams from 20 schools next year in four Divisions (north, south, west and east). Talks will be held to discuss the possibility of having two divisions so games are more competitive. We look forward to nominations for Tier A 2009 being completed by December.Tier B (one day tournaments) has been an important nursery for the development of school based rugby league. Many of those schools are now nominating to join next years’ extended competition (Tier A). Coaching and refereeing courses have been organised for teachers and students early Term 1 2009 to assist in the preparation of school teams for the commencement of the 2009 season. This year has seen the introduction of an Education Week for teachers, which include basic and advanced coaching days with ex Development Officer Rex Wright facilitating a Strength & Conditioning course over two days. High School students completed their touch judge course in February this year. Many schools have purchased their own jerseys and now prepare their grounds for rugby league matches.

High Performance SquadThe High Performance Squads will trial at the end of this month for positions in the Northern or Southern teams. We are targeting boys 14 –17 years who display a commitment to training and playing rugby league. This age is an excellent period in their physical development to instruct the basics of weights, speed and skills training. A gymnasium has been set up at Ross Smith High School, where the Northern Squad will train. The Southern Squad will be based at AberfoylePark High School, where there is already an established Gymnasium. Physical and skills testing will be conducted to establish which players will join the groups. Training will take place three times per week until the end of June. The squads will revert to twice a week training leading up to the National Championships. Workouts will consist of weights, speed and skills training. Each player will conduct physical conditioning in their own time. The squads will be educated in lifting techniques, nutritional requirements, advance skill development, tactical planning, recovery techniques, professional preparation for training and competition. More emphasis will be on developing Core Stability strength which, in turn, will help with lifting techniques.The SARL would like to see the younger members of the squad remain in the program for up to four years, assisting in their development to senior rugby league.A Strength and Conditioning Level 1 course will be completed this month by our teachers in the Tier A / Tier B and club coaches. The course will be lectured by Rex Wright and is nationally accredited. We hope to fully utilise these coaches in high performance training next year. Representative TeamsThe 18 years state team travelled to Alice Springs for the Affiliated State trials. The team didn’t win a game but were fairly competitive. As a result 4 players, James Newbury, Blair Young, Toby Hook and 16-year-old Luke Waiti were chosen in the Combined Affiliated State team to compete in Pool B at the National Championships. Unfortunately, South Australia had lost four key players to travel to Darwin for the National Championships and at least 4 other players pulled out. Coach Dennis Phillips was chasing players a couple of days out just to have a team. This was topped off with several players getting injured, which depleted the team even more. Not surprising, minimum preparation, players pulling out after Alice Springs and injuries were obvious in results on the field. Talks are in place to look at assisting players with levies, which should lessen the burden of raising funds. The 15 years team travelled to in Brisbane for their National Championships. They did not record a win but there were some good individual performances from Bradley Gurr and Peter Markovanovic. Next year, in preparation for the championships, it is hoped that the two squads will again play more lead up matches against quality opposition. The opportunity to play games against the other affiliated states at Alice Springs in 18’s this year was invaluable in their training for the Nationals Titles. A key next year is to have as many players as possible competing for positions and the right training attitude for us to be competitive and game ready.

OverviewA lot of work is still needed to rebuild player numbers within our clubs, in both junior and senior grades. This can only be done if the clubs continue to work with the SARL. The South Australian Rugby League supports the clubs and the game in South Australia, however without the support of the clubs the SARL would be unable to continue this commitment to the game.

Finally, the biggest thank-you of all goes out to Bruce Walker for his vision and tireless dedication to promoting the game of Rugby League in this state. Bruce has been a great boss to work for and will be sorely missed not only for his work & training ethic but his sensational jokes.

Best Wishes, and we look forward to 2009Damon Rudolph

ARLD National Development officer2008 ANNUAL REPORTThis year has once again seen high levels of activity within school programs however the problem of increasing club numbers is still there. The transition from school to out of school hour’s programs continues to be a challenge.Last year’s Tier A Primary school pilot program which involved six schools and 16 teams in the southern region was expanded this year and involved nineteen schools and 48 teams over three venues – south (Hackham sport and social club), lower north (Lindblom Reserve), north (Unley Rd).

The SAPSASA state tackle championship numbers were down slightly down but still attracted 157 teams. The benefit of having access to the West Beach Fields was evidentwhen 32 teams contested the state finals, as, due to the greater number of fields, more teams were able to attend. Over the past five years numbers, in the finals have been restricted as a consequence of playing at Hindmarsh.The 2008 State Tag Champions, were Glenelg PS in the boys division and Willunga PS in the girls.The State Tag Championship were fully subscribed again this year and schools were turned away as we could only handle 40 teams on the day. In a day that offered an extremely high standard of rugby league tag, incredibly, it was the two schools that won the tackle that replicated their success in the tag- an amazing double.The sate primary school team, after extensive preparation over 8 weeks travelled to Darwin to participate in the National Primary School Exchange in August. I believe that we sent up a well prepared and good team and while they probably didn’t perform as well as they may have, when, measured against their team goals they were quite successful against the very strong teams like Queensland.An innovation for 2008 has been Education Week, which is planned for the second last week of school – a time when, in high schools, many students have already finished for the year and teachers can organize some time to attend courses. Four

courses were offered to try and increase teachers knowledge about rugby league - both tackle and tag – so the game can be introduced to students more effectively.

We also serviced the regional areas of the state with programs being conducted primarily in the Riverland and Far West Regions with other events conducted in the Mid North an Eyre Peninsular. There is a perception that these programs, which are important in terms of our relationship with schools and government, weigh heavily on Development staff time. Contrary to that is the is the fact that this in fact takes up less than ten percent of the total workload, but generate good figures an stronger relationships with key partners.The Summer Tag program is underway, and while some regions failed to get underway there are strong competitions in Gawler, Elizabeth and Murray Bridge plus a smaller one inVictor Harbor. Previously established competitions in Willunga and Reynella havestarted and are running successfully.The end of 2008 will also see the departure of Bruce Walker who is returning to Sydney. He has made a significant contribution here in S.A and will be missed by all. Luckily, he will remain in the game in NSW. We have also lost Dennis Phillips, unfortunately, totally from football and he should be recognised for his work in SA this year. My further thanks to Damon Rudolph, Dianne Grant and Michael Holland for their work during this year and of course Gerard Rafferty, Jordan Davis, Wayne Sellars and any other club people who have supported the schools program.With over seven and a half thousand players involved in gala days (both tackle and tag) and another twelve hundred in 5 week or greater competitions plus another five thousand introduced to the game at schools, there is an increasing awareness of how the game is played amongst students in S.ADave Cohen

Executives And Staff

Chairman - Mark Siaosi Board of Directors

Chairman Mark Siaosi Treasurer Richard Ryan

Deputy Chairman John O’Rourke Director Mike Lester Director Lindsay Power

Director Jenni Howard Director Chris Kourakis Director Rex Terp Director / Secondary Schools SA Delegate Leigh Charlesworth General Manager Bruce Walker ARLD National Development Officer Dave Cohen

ARL Affiliated States Development Officer Damon Rudolph

ARL Coaching and Development Officer Damon Rudolph

Office Manager – Volunteer Co-ordinator Dianne Grant

Life Members Peter Clarke Don Priestley Chris Shields Bob Hucker Reg Walters Ted Thompson

Extraordinary Life Members Ron Hall † Paul HowseCraig Baxter Steven MooreMick Brine Andrew UngerIan Goldsmith Mark WhellumBernie Tamakehu Bernie OpbroekAlan Green Anthony GoldsmithBrett Scarpellini Gerard RaffertyDianne Grant Phil Thomas

Club Presidents Central Districts Leah Fatiaki Cougars RLC Jackie Ferreyra The Eels Rugby League Club Gary LatterTigers Rugby League Club Keith Moorman

South Adelaide RLC Wayne Sellars Northern Districts Rugby League Club George Simpson / Matthew Bedgegood South Australian Referees Assoc. Bob Burgess

2008 COMMITTEES

CHAIRMANMark Siaosi

GENERAL MANAGERBruce Walker

DIRECTORSJohn O’RourkeRichard RyanJenni Howard Mike LesterChris KourakisRex TerpLindsay Power

CMCBruce WalkerLeah FatiakiJacqui Ferreyra Gary LatterWayne SellarsKeith MoormanBob BurgessGeorge Simpson / Matthew Bedgegood

CLUB PRESIDENTSLeah FatiakiJacqui Ferreyra Gary LatterWayne SellarsKeith MoormanGeorge Simpson / Matthew Bedgegood

TIER A SCHOOLSAdelaide High SchoolTabor CollegeHenley High SchoolReynella East High SchoolWindsor Gardens Voc. Col.Le Fevre High SchoolRoss Smith Secondary SchoolAberfoyle High SchoolGawler High SchoolFreemont Elizabeth City H. S.Salisbury High SchoolUrrbrae Agricultural High School

Glenunga International High SchoolChristies Beach High SchoolGolden Grove High SchoolBirdwood High SchoolUnley High SchoolVictor Harbor High School

SARL STATE COACHESTony Culkin– OpensScott Merriman- Under 18’sJohn Noye– Under 15’s`John Irwin– SAPSASA

FINANCE COMMITTEEMark SiaosiBruce Walker

COACHING and DEVELOPMENTDave CohenDennis PhillipsDamon Rudolph

APPEALS COMMITTEEMark Siaosi (Chairman)Bruce WalkerMike Lester

JUDICIARY COMMITTEERichard Ryan (Chairman)Mike LesterMark Siaosi

SARL SELECTION BOARDTony Culkin - OpensSean Pearce– OpensDamon Rudolph – Under 18Dennis Phillips – Under 18Dennis Phillips – Under 15

REFEREES Bob Burgess (President)

VOLUNTEERSMary Jarrett - Deirdre and John ElliottLorraine Lindholme – Scott Elliott – Dave Lamin - Anne Simpson – George Simpson Val Hart – Myra Smith – Betty Lewis - Dianne Grant, plus the many volunteers

from clubs, schools and Friends that the SARL could not manage without.

CLUB SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICERSDaniel Kerr David Tyrell Gerard Rafferty Luke Waiti Toby Hook Blair Young Jordan Davis Richard Hall Wayne Sellars and the Uni SA and Flinders Uni Students

Page not needed

CLUB ACHEIVEMENTS

MAJOR PREMIERSHIPS 2008

1st Grade South Adelaide RLC Colts Aberfoyle / DragonsSchool Boys Aberfoyle Park

PAST PREMIERS (1ST GRADE)

Central Districts 1976 South Adelaide 1997Glenelg 1977 Kilburn 1998South Adelaide 1978 Parra Districts 1999-2000Southern Vales 1979 South Adelaide 2001South Adelaide 1980 Parra Districts 2002Northern Districts 1981-1984 Parra Districts 2003Glenelg 1985 Eels RLC 2004Northern Districts 1986-1988 Eels RLC 2005Central Districts 1989-1990 Tigers RLC 2006Northern Districts 1991 Eels RLC 2007Adelaide Jets 1992 South Adelaide 2008Cougars 1993-1994Northern Districts 1995-1996

CLUB OF THE YEARAdelaide Jets 1991-1992 South Adelaide (Snr) 2001South Adelaide 1993 Golden Grove (Jnr)Central Districts 1994 South Adelaide (Snr) 2002Parra Districts (Snr) 1995 Cougars (Jnr)Adelaide Hills Raiders (Jnr) Parra Districts (Snr) 2003South Adelaide (Snr) 1996 South Adelaide (Jnr)South Adelaide (Jnr) Eels RLC (Snr) 2004

Northern Districts (Snr) 1997 South Adelaide (Jnr)Central Districts (Jnr) Eels RLC (Snr) 2005South Adelaide (Snr) 1998 South Adelaide (Jnr)Central Districts (Jnr) Eels RLC (Snr) 2006Kilburn Jets 1999 Cougars RLC (Jnr)

Golden Grove (Jnr) Eels RLC (Snr) 2007 Northern Districts (Snr) 2000 Eels RLC (Jnr) Golden Grove (Jnr) Central Districts (Snr) 2008

Central Districts (Jnr) 2008

PLAYER OF THE YEARHeath Cruze Tigers RLC

COACH OF THE YEARGeoff Murray South Adelaide RLC

2009 Club Contact ListCENTRAL DISTRICTS RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB – Junior and Senior

Acting President: Leah Fatiaki Email: cdjrl_roosters@hotmail.com

MB: 0403993123

Postal Add: 5 Mark Avenue, Craigmore 5114 Training Venue: Uley Road, Uley Road, Elizabeth

COUGARS RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB – Junior and SeniorPresident: Jackie FerreyraPost Add: PO Box 2079 Port Adelaide 5015

Ph: 8341 8804 MB: 0410604808Fax: 8341 8804

Email: jferreyra@bigpond.net.au Training Venue: Baynes Reserve, Langham Place, Port Adelaide

EELS RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB – Junior and Senior

President: Gary LatterPostal Add: PO Box 1129, Golden Grove Village 5125

MB: 0418 683 618 Email: gary.latter@thermalceramics.com

Training Venue: Churchill Road North, Dry Creek

SOUTH ADELAIDE RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB – Junior and Senior

President: Wayne Sellars Ph: 83870096 MB: 0419 853601Postal Add: 16 Hendrix Cres. Woodcroft 5162 Email: wpsell@adam.com.au

Training Venue: Hackham Sports and Social Club, Doctors Road, Hackham

TIGERS RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB – Junior and Senior

President: Keith Moorman Mobile: 0417 851266Postal Add: PO Box 130, Park Holme 5043Club Secretary: Nathan Griffiths Mobile: 0423 412343 Email: vkmoorman@adam.com.au

NORTHERN DISTRICTS RUGBY LEAGUE CLUBPresident : Tyrone GuestSecretary: Matthew BedgegoodPostal Ad: 5 Radcliffe Ave, Klemzig 5087

S.A.R.L. REFEREES ASSOCIATIONContact : Chris WilliamsPostal Ad: PO Box 252 MB: 0428599045Email: williamskc@bigpond.com.au

Training Venue: Sports and Community Centre Cnr Quick Road & Bradley Grove, Mitchell Park

Ph: 0416 285 589 (Secretary)Email: c hocmundine5@hotmail.com Training Venue: Hanson Reserve, Sixth Avenue, Woodville Gardens

List correct at time of printing

The Chairman and Board of Directors of the South Australian Rugby League

wish to thank the following for their supportduring the 2008 Season………

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