rugby news gf issue 20
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Rugby News GF Issue 20TRANSCRIPT
RugbyNEWS
VOLUME 26 ISSUE 20 $5.00 (INC GST)
Saturday, September 15, 2012
2012 SHUTE SHIELDGRAND FINAL
SOUTHERN DISTRICTSV
SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
Sydney University captain, Tim Davidson.
Southern Districts captain, John Ulugia.
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Published by: Eric Spilsted Publishing PO Box 987 Spit Junction NSW 2088Publisher/Editor: Jim Davis
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Photography: Paul Seiser 0412 168 959
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Brendan Bradford 0416 838 391
On behalf of the Sydney Rugby Union I welcome everyone to Concord Oval for the Grand Finals of the 2012 Premier Rugby competitions. I
look forward to strong crowd support for all of the Grand Finalists with 4 Clubs represented throughout the Grades. I take this opportunity to congratulate all those involved with the competition over the last 6 months. Things are not easy at club level and a special thanks to all team officials and players. The introduction of a 16 round competition in 2012 was always going to be a talking point throughout the season and it certainly has promoted discussion. With the representative rugby season expanding, the format of the competition was designed to meet the needs of the Premier Clubs and the changing Australian Rugby landscape. The competition set out to provide competitive and entertaining matches throughout the 16 rounds and we have certainly seen that continue through the 4 week finals series. Congratulations must go to the 1st Grade Minor Premiers Eastwood. Whilst not progressing through to defend their title today the Woodies certainly set the bar for all Clubs during the competition rounds and can be proud of their season.Our Grand Finalists today are all very deserving of their positions. Sydney University will contest 3 grades as a result of their form throughout the season and during the finals. The consistency through all grades has seen them awarded the Gregor George Trophy as Club Champions in 2012 and congratulations on again winning this prestigious title.Their opponents in 1st Grade Southern Districts have qualified for their first ever season decider after finishing 4th in the premiership competition. Excellent finals form saw victories over defending premiers Eastwood and 2nd placed Manly to secure today’s date with Uni. In 2nd Grade West Harbour have advanced from
7th on the table to take on Uni today, and in 3rd Grade Manly have progressed from 4th place during the finals.Today’s 4th grade final for the JR Henderson Cup between Northern Suburbs (2nd) and Manly (8th), has both teams carrying very good finals form into today’s match.Also congratulations to the 3 winners of last week’s Colts Grand Finals, Sydney University secured the 1st and 2nd Grade titles whilst Randwick 3rd Grade Colts were successful over the students in the Grand Final. Sydney University were also awarded the Eric Spilsted Trophy as Colts Club Champion in 2012.I would also like to congratulate the Sydney team led by Phil Mathers on their win over the NSW GrainCorp Country Cockatoos on the long week end. The return of this game as a representative fixture has proven popular with players and is an excellent pathway to future representative selection.Australian Rugby is at a very unique position as we stand today. With 5 Super 15 franchises there needs to be a strong breeding ground of up and coming players. The only two places these players can come from are Sydney and Brisbane competitions. All franchises’ players should be playing in these competitions not as we have this year with the Brumbies playing in a 3rd or 4th tier competition and also being coached by some standard coaches. Our two main opponents have their players playing hard competitive matches week in and week out.The SRU board has made the point through meetings that Bruce Worboys and I have had with the ARU.The SRU has no employees so the structure is that Lisa Kane and Bruce Worboys from NSWRU do the day to day running of the competition. I would like, on behalf of all of us, to thank them for a wonderful effort throughout the year.Also I would like to thank the board for their time and energy.
Rob MillneRPresident/Chairman Sydney Rugby Union
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Excitement and despair accompanies this article, for the grand final always means great happiness for the winner, as well as tragedy and disappointment for the loser.We only hope the grand final provides the same level of excitement we experienced 12 months ago when Eastwood wiped Sydney University by 19-16 and joined the many famous teams to have held aloft the Shute Shield since 1923.But with that comes the agony of losing and one of today’s teams will walk off with heads lowered and a whole year’s worth of training and playing cut off in the last few strides. It’s like missing a medal by the narrowest of margins at the London Olympics or Paralympics, which have held so much of our attention lately.My disappointment for them is extended by the announcement that Greg Growden is officially retiring from The Sydney Morning Herald as its chief rugby correspondent.You might not have agreed with all his comments, but he was dynamic, colourful and never pulled punches when attacking anybody or anything.Greg’s a long-time friend. Indeed he succeeded me as the Herald’s rugby writer. An extraordinary fact is that the Herald, first published in 1831, has only had five rugby writers, which says something about the employer and rugby.Like many senior Fairfax editorial staff, Greg has accepted redundancy and his last Test for the Herald will be the Rugby Championship match, Wallabies v Argentina, in Rosario on October 6. He retires six days later.Thanks, Greg, for everything. You can now enjoy more time with the family and concentrate even harder on trying to make Australia’s lawn bowls team.The writer thought he would be full of even more despair today with the imminent closure of Rugby News after 89 long years.But happily, this is not to be.Our publisher/editor Jim Davis was hit with an avalanche of support after he announced publicly that he was stopping Rugby News for financial reasons.
What followed were phone calls, text messages and emails from countless rugby people, not wanting it to cease publication and with some promising financial support.Among them were many prominent rugby and business figures, including one from Hong Kong. Leading this massive rescue charge was Randwick’s Wallaby hooker Adam Freier.“What has occurred absolutely astounded me,” says Davis. “I have been overwhelmed at the support I’ve received and the immediate action that has followed.”The clear message was that Rugby News is an institution and the public lifeline of club rugby. Its disappearance would have been the beginning of the end of the club scene as we’ve known it for so many years.With some of these promises turning into financial assistance Davis has made the big decision to continue into 2013. Yippee….But let us not see that support end.I know we’re inundated with Super Rugby and Test matches and don’t see our Waratahs and Wallabies appearing for their clubs like they used to before the professional era, which has tended to squeeze club rugby out of our lives.But you can help keep club rugby going, and Rugby News being published, by heading more regularly to Shute Shield games and grabbing your copy of it at the gate before buying your meat pie and coldie and finding a seat.This also means that Jim Davis will be back to working day and night from mid-April till mid-September, producing the high-quality Rugby News that he has for so long.You could not conceive the hours he gives to each issue in the planning, sub-editing, writing, arranging photography/artwork, having couriers deliver the programs to clubs and grounds and, finally, organising sales on match day. And each Friday night Jim will again be scouring the weather charts, hoping for a clear Saturday afternoon because, if it rains, then sales drop.So now I’ll continue to read what Terry Smith has to say in BarflyBuzz (where else would you find all that gossip?), as well as what Bob Wilson has penned in Wilso’s Whispers and those interesting features by the younger staffers.My biggest problem is my huge stock of old Rugby News will now continue to grow.
by Jim Webster
eCStAtiC WinneRS, SAD loSeRS – Interesting News and Good News.
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bARFlyBUzzby Terry Smith
We hear Chris Malone and Dan Vickerman will take over the coaching at Sydney University from Todd Louden, who steps down after today’s grand final. It’s a logical step. With Wallaby hero Vickerman’s input to the forwards and Malone’s ten year experience in the UK, they represent a formidable duo. Southern Districts? Cam Blades will be back in 2013.
We all know Tony Abbott played first grade as a prop for Sydney University, but are you aware that his Coalition deputy Joe Hockey figured in 60-odd games from lower grades for the Students? In fact, they figured in a famous punch-up one night at training. Result? Tony won.
When Southern Districts entered the competition in 1989, the club song was written by a Polynesian player in the Colts to a reggae beat. Shock, horror, the words included some X-certificate stuff but the players loved it and kept singing it even when club officials banned it. And it’ll be sung with gusto at Concord today if Souths are successful in their first first-grade grand final. When the amalgamation came about, it was decided the red and white of St George and blue, black and white of Port Hacking should figure in the jumper. Club president Neville Shooter, who played for Port Hacking, recalls that when officials again mooted change, an impassioned speech by captain Steve Talbot saved the day for the original jumper which will be worn today.
Barring Craig Hawkings’ way to the first grade No 10 spot when the Southern Districts general manager was playing at Randwick were two chaps named Mark Ella and David Knox.
Statisticians rushed for their record books after Sydney University’s domination of the lineouts by 24-5 over Norths last Sunday, six of them from the opposing throw. Has there ever been such a figure in first grade?
A woman to organise the 2015 World Cup in England. Why not? Debbie Jeavons, who did such a marvellous job organising the London Olympics, has been appointed by English Rugby 2015 to the job. The World Cup pool allocations and draw will be made in London on December 3.
John Martin, the life and soul of the Viking Longhorns Golden Oldies of Wollongong, has celebrated his 80th birthday by swimming eighty laps of the pool at Woonona. One of his presents was a gorilla suit, which he dons before sitting down to play honky tonk piano. Now Storky has hooked Wendell Sailor to be guest speaker at the Longhorns’ long lunch on September 21.
It is 23 years since Chris Hickey spent a summer in which he didn’t prepare to coach a team in the ensuing season. However, the former Waratahs and Eastwood mentor won’t rule out a return to coaching at some stage.
When Rugby News started in 1923, the nine teams in the competition were Easts, GPS Old Boys, Glebe-Balmain, Manly, Norths, Randwick, Sydney University and YMCA. Stats man Steve Johnson adds that Southern Districts has had 18 head coaches since the club’s first year in 1989.
His brow heavily bandaged, Northern Suburbs’ veteran front-row warrior Scott Podmore was asked last Sunday if he would be back for another season. “If Scotty (coach Scott Fava) calls, I’ll be there” he replied.
Craig Fear, ex-St George halfback and now stats whiz for Sydney University, has a franchise for Jim’s Mowers, cutting up to thirty lawns a week in the summer months. At the drop of a hat, he can advise on the best lawn food or that Tim Davidson has won 93 out of 102 games as captain of University.
Which Waratahs Rugby staff member has won 27 caps playing rugby for England? Give up? It’s Nicki Drinkwater, the Media and Communications manager. Now a mum of two, she took up rugby after injury brought an abrupt halt to a promising career as a pentathlete.
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Q & A interview with Roger Davis, Roger Davis was last month appointed the new
chairman of the Waratahs Rugby Board after Edwin zemancheff stepped down after more than two years at the helm. Davis had joined the board in June. It’s doubtful if anyone could bring such a playing and business background to the position of leader of the Waratahs. In this exclusive interview, he details his representative playing career below. In business, Davis has attained an equally high status. He is former managing director of ANz Banking Group and managing director of Citigroup, where he spent 20 years in senior executive positions. He remains consulting director of Rothschild Australia Limited, past chairman of Charterhall Office Management and currently sits on a number of other boards, including the Bank of Queensland, Argo Ltd, Trust Company Ltd and Ardent Leisure Ltd and is chairman of Chartis Australia Ltd.
Q: As the new Waratahs Rugby chairman, what influenced you to become as involved in the game’s administration?A: To start with I’ve always had a great passion for the game. I learned my rugby at The King’s School, Parramatta, then Sydney University and my love and involvement has continued ever since then. More recently I was part of the Australian Rugby Union’s career training scheme, where we looked way beyond the tryline for the players. We tried to help them move from a sports degree to a higher degree. The base salary for many of them – after their playing days – was about $30,000 and so our aim was to get them moving toward a higher career path.
Q: For those who might not be aware, could you summarise your own playing career?A: I played much of my rugby at University under Dave Brockhoff’s coaching. Then I made my way through the Sydney and NSW sides before being picked in the second-row for Australia in 1974, when I played all three Tests against New zealand. At the end of that season I won a Rhodes Scholarship and entered Pembroke College, Oxford where I did my Master of Philosophy degree. I also have a Bachelor of Economics (Hons) degree from my years at Sydney University. I played for Oxford in the 1974-75 season, then came back here and made a brief appearance in representative football before retiring to concentrate on my business career.
Q: Do you still follow Sydney University closely?A: Absolutely. I’m involved with the club on its federation board, which aims at helping players through their playing careers before putting them on the right career paths. I work on that alongside fellow business personnel like Michael Hawker, David Mortimer and Cameron Clyne.
Q: What do you see as the main issues confronting the game in NSW and the Waratahs board?A: First and foremost, those of us on the board are determined to ensure that the HSBC Waratahs and NSW Rugby have a successful culture that is rewarding for fans, players and partners alike and the appointment of a new head coach is the key to achieving that result. We’ve got to get a high calibre coach for the Waratahs who will lead us on a winning path. Then our priority will be engaging with the community game.
Q: In the long run, crowd appeal and retaining sponsors all amount to winning more matches, correct? A: Exactly right. In the end, it’s all about the product you provide and with rugby it’s about providing people with entertainment, which means exciting and attractive rugby. Everybody likes to see their side win. We don’t function in the same context as the AFL in Melbourne, where tribalism is such an over-riding issue that match results can almost be secondary. Followers of rugby in Sydney want to see their side winning. Otherwise they will stay at home, or choose to watch it on television.
Roger Davis, new Chairman of Waratahs Rugby.
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Q: As a former Waratahs and Wallabies player, what do you think needs to change for Australian Rugby and the Waratahs to be more competitive on the world stage?A: For a start, the playing talent’s definitely there at both levels. So it’s not a talent issue. Initially it’s about fitness, leadership and drive. Then it’s a matter of bringing that together collectively and that applies to both the Waratahs and the Wallabies. And, might I add, the sooner we do that the better.
Q: The Waratahs Rugby Board is in the process of appointing a new head coach to replace Michael Foley. At what stage is that at and is there any likelihood of that person coming from another State or country?A: The Waratahs Rugby Board is hoping to announce the name of the new Waratahs head coach either this or next week. We’ve looked closely at everyone who has put their hand up for the job. The applicants have come from NSW, interstate and overseas. It has been an extensive and interesting process, as it gives a clear indication to the board as to what the future holds. And I might add that we’ve been most impressed with the quality of the applicants we’ve interviewed.
Q: Does having Super Rugby matches on weekend afternoons appeal to you and, if so, can we expect to see more of them at Moore Park in 2013?A: Most definitely. The board would like to stage as many matches on Sunday afternoons as we possibly can because of the added appeal they have for families and young people. We are controlled in those numbers by Fox Sports, but in 2013 I can tell you now that we’ll have two Super Rugby matches in the afternoon at Moore Park, plus hopefully the much-anticipated match against the British & Irish Lions on 15 June. We’ve just got to hope that the Waratahs are well positioned on the ladder and we’re up against top opposition. We’re fully aware that going to the rugby has become expensive and that it’s too late being out at 10.30 at night for many families. So we have Jason Allen (CEO) working hard at getting two matches being played on Sunday afternoons, along with the Lions fixture.
Q: Can we expect to see many, if any changes to the Waratahs playing squad in 2013?
A: Yes, we’ve got a few exciting additions, including young Wallaby flanker Michael Hooper and some
promising local youngsters in Sydney Uni wing Michael Hodge and fulllback Cam Crawford, who comes home after two years in Canberra. Plus we’ve got high expectations this year for the talent that’s coming through our ranks with the likes of Bernard Foley, Tom Kingston and Lopeti Timani. Q: Your wider umbrella must embrace club and suburban rugby as well. It has clearly changed since your playing days and how would you like to see it improved to increase both playing numbers and attendances?A: I can go back to my own playing days in the 1970s when we had a string of representative players in our University lineup and Norths had almost a whole pack of Test forwards. While we mightn’t see those numbers on a regular basis nowadays, our grassroots rugby still produces very good football. We might read a lot of negativity in some parts of the media, but club rugby is still of an exceptionally high standard and Robbie Deans, for one, fully supports the idea of seeing as many Wallabies as possible playing for their clubs when they’re not selected for Australia. His approach is that if they’re not in the 25-man Wallabies playing squad, then they’ve got to get out on the paddock elsewhere. All the applicants that we have interviewed for the Waratahs head coaching position support that idea as well.Q: Finally, your pick to win today’s grand final?A: Jim, what a silly question... Of course my money’s on University, but let me say that two years ago the best match I watched all season was that against Southern Districts at University Oval. It was an absolute cracker of a match. Mark my words, they’re a very good side and it’s so good having them there in the grand final. Good luck to them!
by Jim WebsterWaratahs Rugby Chairman.
Roger Davis (right) beside Garrick Fay in the New South Wales team photo prior to playing New Zealand at the SCG in May 1974.Fay and Davis were Australia's second-row in two Tests against the All Blacks in 1974.
MADMAR1166 - Sth Districts Rugby mag.indd 1 16/04/12 10:23 AM
SuPEr rugBy At 20, u20 WOrld ChAmPiONShiP WiNNEr, WArAtAhS
Full CONtrACt FOr 2013.
GRAYSON HART Only a tiny portion of the countless Kiwi kids who aspire to play professional rugby actually achieve this dream. Fewer
still achieve it as young as grayson hart did.
hart signed his first professional contract straight out of school and by the age of 20 had made his Air NZ Cup debut
for Auckland, played Super rugby for the Blues and was starting halfback in the New Zealand side that won the
inaugural u-20s World Championship in 2008.
But, hart says, success may have come too fast and too soon.
“i debuted with the Blues when i was pretty young and after that season, i probably took things for granted and
didn’t train as hard as i did earlier to get to that stage.”
On the outer in Auckland, hart moved to Sydney in 2011 to make a fresh start.
it was a huge decision for the former New Zealand representative but he was encouraged by his Auckland,
North harbour and u-20s teammate mike harris who had gained success at the Queensland reds.
hart’s 2011 season was curtailed by injury but the enforced lay-off ignited a passion to play and
train harder than ever before.
“there were some days i was working down at the club mowing lawns,” the 24-year old remembers.
“it really made me appreciate how lucky we are to be full time professional rugby players. it’s pretty much the dream job.”
An invigorated hart finished the 2011 season strongly with Southern districts, earned an EPS contract with the Waratahs
and completed the comeback by making his run-on debut in round 17 against the Brumbies – an experience he rates
next to winning the u-20s World Championship and playing alongside dan Carter in an All Blacks trial match as career
highlights.
loving Sydney and living in Bondi, hart’s decision to leave New Zealand has been completely vindicated. he is studying
personal training, just finished a business diploma (“my mum will be happy about that!”) and was recently awarded a
fulltime Super rugby Contract with the Waratahs for 2013.
But for now at least, hart – who still receives regular advice from his uncle John, the former All Blacks coach – has his
focus squarely on the rebels.
“it’s exciting for the club to make its first ever grand Final but we’re hoping we can go one better and make it an even
bigger milestone.”
– Brendan BradfordPhoto: www.seiserphotography.com
Call it what it really is
Sydney Premier Rugby
With more than 65% of Test and Super Rugby players in Australia coming from Sydney Premier Rugby competition clubs, this really is the Premier Rugby competition.
And what better way to enjoy Premier Rugby than at the grounds, supporting your local team.
SYDNEY RUGBY UNION.
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It’s an intriguing scenario. A famous old club formed in 1863 that has won 28 first grade premierships since 1900 and produced almost 100 Test Wallaby players attempting to capture their eighth title in nine years against a group of whipper snappers who joined the premiership in 1989 after St George and Port Hacking fell on hard times. Today is their first appearance in a first grade grand final.
Southern Districts love their underdog status against Sydney University, the aristocrats of the competition. They have won a host of admirers with their bold, attacking play under Cam Blades, the 18th man to take the challenge of the first grade coaching job. He lives locally and gets up at 3am on weekdays to drive the truck he owns. When this former Wallaby prop learned his big gun Kane Douglas would be required for Test duty against Argentina on Saturday, he was on a highway to Taree.
Although statistics show the two grand finalists at Concord are the best attacking teams in the competition, rival coaches Blades and Todd Louden agree that defence will be the key factor. Louden, who is stepping down from the job at University to spend more time with
his young family, says: “The game will go from open to tight and from tight to open, but the big thing is who’ll defend best.” Blades concurs, saying, “Both teams know how to attack, so the defensive presence will win it.”
A cynic might claim that the result was determined when Souths’ inspirational second-rower Kane Douglas was chosen to win his first Test cap against Argentina tonight on the Gold Coast. This young giant has lifted the Rebels with his powerful presence. Of course, they’ll struggle without him (Andrew Leota will take his place) but in his debut year as a first grade coach, Blades has developed a fighting spirit within his young players.
Perhaps with an eye to the grand final, Wallaby coach Robbie Deans has freed a potential reserve to each club - prop Paddy Ryan to Sydney University and centre Nic Cummins to Southern Districts. With Wallaby Rob Horne laid low by a hamstring injury in the impressive 41-22 disposal of Manly last Saturday, Cummins wil l take his No 13 jumper. In the other preliminary final, University eclipsed Northern Suburbs 28-13.
While Blades describes University as a team without a weakness, Louden nominates
GRAnD FinAl PREVIEW by Terry Smith
University second-rower Ollie Atkins is on the radar for a Super Rugby contract.
Andrew Leota replaces Kane Douglas.
SYDNEY PREMIER RUGBY
TIPSTERS PANEL
12
Dilip Kumar Former ARU Chairman
73
Sean Maloney
Fox Sports
65
Gordon Bray ESPN Rugby
Analyst
76
Terry Smith Sports Journo
72
Jim Webster Rugby Journo
72
Brett PapworthABC TV
79
Kerry Chikarovski
67
SOUTHS SYDNEY UNI SYDNEY UNI SYDNEY UNI SYDNEY UNI SYDNEY UNI SYDNEY UNI
halfback Grayson Hart, curly-topped Nic Cummins and Atieli Pakalani, a constant threat as he roves from the wing. Hart’s clash with Nick Stirzaker will be a game within a game.
However, such big games are won and lost up front. Look at the Uni pack, with such campaigners as skipper Tim Davidson, a Super Rugby front-row in Jeremy Tilse, Nathan Charles and Paddy Ryan and up and comers Trent Dyer and Ollie Atkins. Still, young Souths forwards Jed Holloway and Lopeti Timani unquestionably both carry a future Wallaby tag.
Previous matches - Round 5: Souths 26-23 (at Forshaw Park); Round 16: University 45-17 (at University Oval).
tip: Sydney University
Speedster Atieli Pakalani is one of Souths backline danger men.
Dan Kelly returns at flyhalf after a pre-game warm up injury last week .
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SeConD, thiRD AnD FoURth GRADeGRAnD FinAlS
ConCoRD ovAl Saturday 15th, September
Sam TalakIaISam RobeRSoNGuy mIllaRbyRoN HodGeTom HeSlopolIveR GReSHamJaCk deGuINGaNdHuGo deSSeNSdavId FoNGSTu duNbaRWIllIe dupleSSISJameS mcmaHoN (C)daNe mcCaRTHyNaTHaN TRISTdave dIlloN
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Coach/es: maloNe/HICkey/Hovey
JameS HoRRoCkSWIll HaNNam
adam NIxoNSCoTT STeveNSbRadFoRd kapa
daN CoRRy(C) daNIel mIdGHall
maTT ColeSbaRToN JoNeS
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GRaeme kolomalumaCquIRe TaTola
Joe TuvITukIWI kapeNe-belCHeR
1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.12.13.14.15.
Coach/es: SImpSoN/aGaH/GudmuNSoN
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
Tyrone RotaJohn Wunderdave Hart lee GriffithsRyan melroseHarry bergelinmitch Gibsonvaughan Hay
adam Creraranthony bergelin (C)marty mcNamaraJarrod murphyluke Hansonmark WatsonCam Cole
murphy/ donkin
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Coach/es:
aldy kingdan Simpsonmatt mafiHugh Frazerkurt larsen (C)Harry marplesmichael pollastriGeordie mcSullea
duncan boyd-JonesJack macklinmark o'dareJack marpleslevi doddJohn Ruddalex Rokobaro Hudd/Roberts/Tehera
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Coach/es:
Tom mooneyTim CollinsJon baranyiChris SodermanNick CarolanSam Collinsmark maloney dan boland (C)
mike ellisJack brisbyduncan Simpson luke perryShem GrieveJosh CarolanJoe metuisela ellis/kelly
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Coach/es:
James atwillash HallJames knightkeith CoassinTom manganTom CameronJoe mcelhoneJames Fitzgerald
James StokesSam palmerpat Nakkanandrew StannardJames NakkanNick marshallScott barnes Crowe/Fitzgerald
Coach/es:
WeSt hARboURRed, White and Black
SyDney UniveRSityBlue and Gold
NOrthErN SuBurBSRed and Black
SyDney UniveRSityBlue and Gold
mANlyRed and Blue
mANlyRed and Blue
Referee: Jamie McGregorAssistant Referees: Michael hogan, tim Wills
Referee: brendon FarrarAssistant Referees: Charles hartson, buddy Kyle
Referee: ian SmithAssistant Referees: ed Martin, Richard Goswell
2nD GRADe – Colin CAiRD ShielD12.50 PM
3RD GRADe – henDeRSon ShielD11.00 AM
4th GRADe – henDeRSon CUP9.15 AM
CCC_Teamwear_RugbyNews_OUTLINE.indd 1 27/03/12 3:52 PM
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“once he finds his feet, he really finds his feet!” - this was Sydney University coach todd louden’s
description of the accomplished performance of stand-in fly-half Angus Roberts in last week’s
preliminary final against northern Suburbs.
the 21yr old’s composed display in a game of such magnitude was impressive,
particularly given he was only told of his move from full-back to pivot in the warm-
up, following an injury to Dan Kelly.
After an edgy and physical opening, Roberts continued to blossom the longer the game
went on. “When it’s that close to kick-off, you’ve just got to get on with it and focus on
what you’ve got to do.” he says. “i didn’t think i was going that well
in the first half but once you get the confidence, you can kind of roll with it.”
hailing from Gunnedah in the north east of new South Wales, he made the move to the big city for an education at St ignatius’
College, Riverview, playing his rugby predominantly as a half-back. he then played
a year’s colts with norths before being wooed to the Students. it was a perfect fit. “i
now go to college at Sydney Uni and live on campus so it was a lot more convenient and
the facilities and coaches are amazing.”
After breaking into the first grade squad at the end of 2011, his rise to prominence this year has been so rapid that he’s bagged himself a
Super Rugby contract. louden isn’t surprised. “he’s played virtually every position in the
back line so the guy’s a talent and he’s got a lot of tricks. the Rebels have just signed him up for two years and i think he’s going
to be a fantastic acquisition for them.”
having sat on the bench for last year’s nail biting Grand Final loss to eastwood, he’s
keen to help make amends this time around, whether it’s at ten or fifteen. “i’m really enjoying
playing full-back at the moment, being able to counter attack and insert yourself when and
where you want but as long as i’m playing good footy, i’m happy to play wherever.”
by Paul Cook
Photo: www.seiserphotography.com
21 yR olD’S SUPeR PeRFoRMAnCeS hAve ReSUlteD in A
SUPeR RUGby ContRACt.
ANGUS ROBERTS
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from multi-storey office buildings to
commercial and domestic installations.
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46 yeARS oF RUGby
Join the Resources and Support Industry Boom.
Applications are invited for 1st grade Coaches and 1st grade Players
Located in the heart of the Coal Mining Industry, Singleton is the ideal place to start your career in
Australia’s highest paying industry and continue playing rugby in Regional Australia’s highest standard competition.
See our website: www.singletonrugbyclub.com.auEmail applications to [email protected]
Or phone Michael Barrett 02 6573 1145
19 1919
2012 SYDNEY RUGBY UNION AWARDS
hAMiSh AnGUS WinS 2012 Ken CAtChPole MeDAl
Warringah captain Hamish Angus has been voted Shute Shield player of the year for the 2012 season, with Southern Districts’ lock Jed Holloway taking out the Shute Shield Rookie of the Year award and his club coach, Cameron Blades, receiving the David Brockhoff Medal for Coach of the Year.Rats’ fly half Angus was awarded with rugby’s top individual prize, the Ken Catchpole Medal, at the Sydney Rugby Union Awards lunch held on Friday at the Manly Pacific Novotel. Having scored eight tries and kicked 31 goals and 29 penalties for his team, he also picked up the Roscoe Fay Trophy for the Shute Shield’s highest points scorer with 189 points over the regular season.The 22-year-old former Australian Sevens representative became the 31st player to claim the title since the award’s inception in 1981. St George legend Peter Lucas won the award in 1983 and was part of a three-way tie with teammate David Niu and Eastwood’s Sione Tahaafe in 1986; Mark Catchpole won
the award for two different clubs in 1994 (Warringah) and 1998 (Sydney University); and Eastwood’s Scott Fava was victorious in 2002, 2003 and 2004.Despite placing just 14th overall after the first six rounds, Angus was joint top after round 11, earning points in all but one of the intervening matches, including a maximum three in the round nine clash against Souths to sit equal with West Harbour fullback Shaun Treweek on 12.
Further maximum points efforts in round 13 against Gordon and the final regular season match, where he scored a try in the 46-7 win over Penrith, took his final points haul to 18,
Ken Catchpole Medal winner Hamish Angus.
Shute Shield Rookie of the Year winner, Jed Holloway.
Coach of the Year, Cameron Blades. (continued page 21)
21
2012 SYDNEY RUGBY UNION AWARDS (continued)
edging him ahead of Parramatta pair Iese Leota (17) and Andrew Cox (15), who finished second and third respectively, and early contender Treweek whose 14 points saw him finish fourth overall.
Voting for the Ken Catchpole medal was conducted over all 16 rounds of the regular season by the referees on a 3-2-1 basis for the players who most impressed them in each match, giving a maximum possible individual total of 48.Angus polled points in eight out of a possible 16 matches, an achievement matched only by second-placed Leota. Seven of the 12 Shute Shield clubs were represented by the top 12 players. Also recognised at the annual Ken Catchpole Awards Lunch were referee James Leckie, who picked up the Dick Byres Medal for Shute Shield Referee of the Year, and Eastern Suburbs’ lock Phil Mathers, who was voted Sydney Rugby Union Representative Player of the Year for his efforts in leading Sydney to victory in the annual fixture against the GrainCorp NSW Country Gold Cockatoos. • For the second year running, Sydney U n i v e r s i t y w a s p re s e n t e d w i t h t h e Gregor George Trophy for the 2012 Club Championship and the Eric Spilsted Shield for the Colts Club Championship; and Josh Steward from Tamworth Pirates was recognised as the NSW Country Player of the Year with the Will Tanner Award.
Ken CAtChPole MeDAlShute Shield Player of the year
18 Hamish Angus (Warringah)
17 Iese Leota (Parramatta)
15 Andrew Cox (Parramatta)
14 Shaun Treweek (West Harbour)
12 Hugh Perrett (Eastwood)
11 Sione Tau (West Harbour)
10 Trent Dyer (Sydney University)
10 Richard Hooper (Manly)
10 Miles McCaffrey (Eastwood)
9 Ben Batger (Eastwood)
9 Matthew Swann (Southern Districts)
ShUte ShielD RooKie oF the yeARJed Holloway (Southern Districts)
DAviD bRoCKhoFF MeDAlShute Shield Coach of the yearCameron Blades (Southern Districts)
DiCK byReS MeDAlShute Shield Referee of the yearJames Leckie
Sydney Rugby Union Representative Player of the yearPhil Mathers (Eastern Suburbs)
RoSCoe FAy tRoPhy Shute Shield highest Points Scorer Hamish Angus (Warringah)
2012 SyDney RUGby Union AWARDS WinneRS
Sydney Rugby Union Representative Player of the Year, Phil Mathers.
COAChiNg POSitiONS 2013
Eastern Suburbs Rugby Union Football Club seeks expressions of interest for Coaching/Management
positions for the 2013 season.
• 2nd-4th Grade Coaches• Assistant Coaches 1st – 4th Grades• Managers for all teams• Colts Coaches (all grades)• Colts assistant coaches (all grades)
All applicants must have the relevant credentials and current CV.
Current staff wishing to apply for these positions need only reply to the contact via email.
New applicants please submit a current CV via either email or post.
mark Bakewell - head Coach
PO Box 11, rose Bay 2029
23
GRAnD FinAlS PhotoGRAPhSPhoto images of all Grade Grand Finals will be available at:
www.seiserphotography.com
RugbyNEWS
The response since announcing Rugby News would cease publication with the 2012 Grand Final issue has been, as Jim Webster said, overwhelming.
Phone calls and emails flooded in, aghast at the notice of RN discontinuing. The warmth of comments, emotion and requests for Rugby News to carry on
stunned me. I still am catching up in responding, so apologies to many in the very busy Finals timeline.
Rugby News will continue due to the commitment of financial support by new advertisers and our current ones.
A special note of thanks to Adam Freier. The former Randwick and Wallaby hooker, who played club rugby with the same intensity as a Test match, rang from Melbourne
and said, “Rugby News can’t die, it is part of club rugby life.” Within three days he rang back with contacts for support he had spoken to.
My thanks also to Harry Peters, Allen Stutchbury, Ken Grover and Dilip Kumar.
I should stress that the advertising support of Waratahs Rugby, NSWRU and Sydney Rugby Union has been the basis for Rugby News’ existence.
That wonderful rugby man, Eric Spilsted (the eighth anniversary of his passing this week), would be happy at the good news I give you.
Jim davisRugby News Publisher/Editor
Eric Spilsted Pty ltd.
TO CONTINUE INTO 2013
AND CELEBRATE ITS 90TH BIRTHDAY!
24
Ollie Atkins, of Sydney University, and Jed Holloway, an up and comer from Southern Districts, get a chance in today’s grand final to push their claims for one of the two contracts still available for the Waratahs squad in 2013.
With another back considered an unnecessary luxury, the selectors are understood to be looking for a second-rower and a No 6 who can play in the second-row. Apart from Holloway and Atkins, players whose performance is known to have been closely monitored by selectors in recent weeks are Mitch Lees, of Eastwood and Ben Matwijow, of Northern Suburbs. Richard Stanford, of Eastern Suburbs, is not entirely out of the reckoning either.
Holloway is only 19, a big chap from Yamba who went to Waverley College and carried Australia’s colours in this year’s World Under 20 competition. He is strong and aggressive, the type who makes the shaving mirror take a backward step in the morning. Surely he will wear Wallaby gold before he is finished. His dad Graham once played for Port Hacking.Atkins, unwanted this year by the Waratahs, was
plucked from Sydney club rugby in mid-season to be on the bench for the Western Force against the Blues in Auckland. When skipper Nathan Sharpe was a late dropout, he was in the game and did well.
Second-rower Lees is a surprisingly quick for a big man, while Matwijow, a great grand-nephew of the legendary Dally Messenger who gave rugby league a kick start by defecting from rugby union, is a genuine workhorse.
With the Waratahs coach yet to be announced, new faces already named in the 30-man squad are Michael Hooper and Cam Crawford from the Brumbies, Michael Hodge and Peter Betham from Sydney University and Grayson Hart and Lopeti Timani, who could hardly be ignored after pulse-quickening games for Southern Districts in the 41-22 eclipse of Manly last Saturday.
The Waratahs will have their first get together on October 15 with assistant coach Scott Bowen promising lots of good old-fashioned hard work. Another lesson learned from the season which winds up today is not to rush the Wallabies en masse into the side too quickly. “We must do it
WARAtAhS 2013 SQUAD.
Jed Holloway Michael Hooper
Ollie Atkins Cam Crawford
25 2525
2012 Grand Final could decide final two contracts. by Terry Smith
gradually,” said Bowen. “We also have to learn from the way the Brumbies work so hard for each other.”
Now for the appointment of the coach. That will be the icing on the cake.
inCam Crawford – Brumbies, Norths Michael Hodge – Sydney UniversityMichael Hooper - BrumbiesPeter Betham – Sydney University Grayson Hart – Extended Playing Squad, SouthsLopeti Timani - Extended Playing Squad, SouthsoUtChris Alcock – Western ForceRocky Elsom – N/A Brackin Karauria-Henry – NTT Docomo, JapanDaniel Halangahu – zebre, ItalyDean Mumm – Exeter Chiefs, EnglandSarel Pretorius – Cheetahs, South Africa
Dan Vickerman – retired
Michael Hodge
Grayson Hart
Peter Betham
Lopeti Timani
2013 hSbC WARAtAhS SQUAD1 Adam Ashley-Cooper (Nor thern Suburbs)2 Berrick Barnes (Sydney University)3 Peter Betham (Sydney University)*4 Tom Car ter (Sydney University)5 Cam Crawford (Nor thern Suburbs)*6 Dave Dennis (Sydney University)7 Kane Douglas (Southern Distr icts)8 Damien Fitzpatr ick (Eastwood)9 Bernard Foley (Sydney University)10 Grayson Har t (Southern Distr icts)*11 Michael Hodge (Sydney University)*12 Michael Hooper (Manly) *13 Rob Horne (Southern Distr icts)14 Sekope Kepu (Randwick)15 Tom Kingston (Sydney University)16 Pat McCutcheon (Sydney University)17 Brendan McKibbin (Eastern Suburbs)18 Drew Mitchel l (Balmain)19 Wyclif f Palu (Manly)20 Greg Peterson (Manly)21 Tatafu Polota-Nau (Parramatta)22 Benn Robinson (Eastwood)23 Paddy Ryan (Sydney University)24 Jeremy Ti lse (Sydney University)25 Lopeti Timani (Southern Distr icts)*26 Sitaleki Timani (Southern Distr icts)27 Lachie Turner (Eastwood)28 John Ulugia (Southern Distr icts)29 TBC30 TBC *New additions to the 2013 HSBC Waratahs 30-man squad.
26
ColtS REPORTby Hamish McCathie
Last weekend’s colts Grand finals have been completed with Sydney University winning First and Seconds colts whilst Randwick turned their form around to upset Uni in Thirds colts. Congratulations to all teams on a great effort and especially to all players that won their Grand Finals.
Good luck to all the colts players that are going to Grade in 2013. I hope your time in colts will give you memories and friendships for life. I will look with interest to see how you go and what grade you end up playing.
1st Colts: SyDney UniveRSity 27 v noRtheRn SUbURbS 15
Sydney University started strongly and held a 20-3 lead after 30 minutes of the game. Two of those early tries came from lineout drives and short side overlaps. The Students number 6 James Nonu-Carling suffered an ankle injury which saw him taken from the field. Norths were able to control the game from this point and bounce back with a pick and drive try to prop Max Jones. Right on the half time whistle Norths centre Jack Cameron scored after a solid run to take the score to 20-15 in Uni’s favour. The second half was dominated by bruising defence from both teams which resulted in a number of forced turnovers. University scored a penalty try from a scrum infringement which proved a crucial decision as Northern Suburbs were pressuring the Uni try line in the final 20 minutes. The Students deserved their 27-15 victory.
Sam Jeffr ies, Benn Melrose and Stuart Goodman had impressive games for the Students. Norths outside centre Jack Cameron and flanker Sam Figg were dangerous threats with every involvement.
2nd Colts: SyDney UniveRSity 41 v eAStWooD 7
Eastwood started strongly with flyhalf Matthew Parkinson scoring a try in the opening 5 minutes to take a 7-0 lead. Eastwood were looking to play with width in attack and were looking dangerous with strong offloads across the team. Sydney University regained control on the back of some turnovers and played some solid rugby
to take a 31-7 lead into halftime. Sydney Uni’s Jack O’Connor was impressive from fullback and capitalised on solid team attack with 3 tries. The second half was much tighter with strong defence form both teams. The damage was done in the first half and Uni ran out victors 41-7.
3rd Colts: SyDney UniveRSity 5 v RAnDWiCK 17
Sydney University controlled territory and possession in the first half although they made too many errors and led 5-0 at half time. After the amount of possession in the first stanza Uni would have been disappointed with this slender lead. Randwick returned from the half time break and controlled the game very well. Randwick’s scrum half Cameron Terry was impressive with a strong kicking game and organisation of the Randwick forwards pick and drive game. Randwick were able to convert pressure into points and played strongly to record a 17-5 victory.
Sydney University colts first grade captain, Benn Melrose celebrates their Grand Final win.
27 2727
2012 ColtS GRAnD FinAl WinneRS
Sydney University First Grade colts celebrate their Premiership win.
Sydney University Second Grade colts - very happy 2012 champions.
Randwick Third Grade colts were ecstatic Premiers.
28
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP 1st Res 3rd 4th C1 C2 C3 TotalSydney Uni 870 560 315 268 456 204 118 2791Eastwood 990 528 185 152 276 180 88 2399Manly 915 408 220 152 372 111 30 2208Norths 660 344 270 256 360 156 80 2126Randwick 420 384 270 208 306 165 114 1867West Harbour 495 336 220 204 390 141 60 1846Warringah 570 296 200 76 252 138 22 1554Souths 765 272 120 72 90 96 50 1465Easts 480 376 215 152 162 39 40 1464Gordon 405 296 75 244 228 45 0 1293Parramatta* 720 112 140 36 0 0 0 996Penrith* 300 80 25 60 72 0 0 495
C1 C2 C3 TOTALSydney Uni 456 204 118 778Norths 360 156 80 596
West Harbour 390 141 60 591
Randwick 306 165 114 585
Eastwood 276 180 88 544
Manly 372 111 30 513
Warringah 252 138 22 412
Gordon 228 45 0 273
Easts 162 39 40 241
Souths 90 96 50 236
Penrith* 72 0 0 30
Parramatta* 0 0 0 0Club competition points are calculated thus: SS x 15, Res x 8, 3rd x 5, 4th x 4, Colts 1 x 6, Colts 2 x 3 and Colts 3 x 2.
COLTS CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
t g P F Pts
H angus (Wa) 8 31 29 0 189
R Saifoloi (Sd) 4 39 22 0 164
T Woods (pa) 5 39 19 0 160
b batger (ed) 4 31 18 0 136
S Treweek (WH) 13 15 10 0 125
a Sinclair (eS) 0 25 23 0 119
T browne (Ra) 1 29 15 0 108
d Harvey (NS) 2 15 16 0 88
d kelly (Su) 1 28 9 0 88
T Hill (G) 6 12 9 0 81
SHUTE SHIELD TOP POINTS SCORERSEND OF ROUND 16
C brown (NS) 14S Treweek (WH) 13R Hooper (ma) 11I leota (pa) 10T mapesone (pn) 9m mcdougall (ed) 9
o Ngungutua (WH) 9a Roberts (Su) 9H angus (Wa) 8d Feltscheer (Wa) 8S latunipulu (Sd) 8p Samu (Ra) 8
SHUTE SHIELD LEADING TRY SCORERSEND OF ROUND 16
*parramatta deducted 12 points for late forfeit in Colts 1. *penrith deducted 42 points for forfeits in Colts 2.
*parramatta deducted 12 points for late forfeit in Colts 1. *penrith deducted 42 points for forfeits in Colts 2.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 8
Colts I
Sydney university 27
Northern Suburbs 15
Colts II
Sydney university 41
eastwood 7
Colts III
Randwick 17
Sydney university 5
ColtS ReSUltS GRAnD FinAlS
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 8 SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 9
Shute Shield
Southern districts 41 Sydney university 28
manly 22 Northern Suburbs 13
Colin Caird Shield
Sydney university 35 West Harbour 27
eastwood 27 manly 25
J R Henderson Shield
Sydney university 20 manly 18
Northern Suburbs 17 Randwick 10
JR Henderson Cup
Sydney university 10 Northern Suburbs 35
manly 18 Randwick 5
GRADe ReSUltS PReliMinARy FinAlS
Southern 41 (John Ulugia, Jed Holloway, Grayson Hart, Rohan Saifoloi, Apo Latunipulu, Atieli Pakalani tries; Ben Volavola 4 cons, pen) Manly 22 (Cadeyrn Neville, Kotoni Ale, Scott Daruda, Lui Siale tries; Lui Siale con)
Sydney University 28 (Nathan Charles, Nathan Trist, Angus Roberts, Tom Carter tries; Angus Roberts 2 pens, con) Northern Suburbs 13 (Ben Matwijow try; Dave Harvey 2 pens, con)
SHUTE SHIELD PRELIMINARY FINALS SCORERS
02 9323 3412
DONT MISS OUT ON THE BEST SEAT IN 2013!
THE BEST SEAT iN THE HOUSE
