The History of the Townsville and District Rugby Union - Part 6 2010 2019
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The History of the Townsville and District Rugby Union – Part 6 2010 – 2019
2010
Office bearers for the season were:
President: Dan Morton
Secretary: Bruce Shepherd
Treasurer: James Doyle
Executive:
Premiership winner: Brothers
Club Champions: Teachers West
Player of the Year: Scott O’Neill (NWOB)
Senior Representative teams:
Junior Representative teams:
Facilities:
Club teams:
1|P age
2011
Office bearers for the season were:
President: Lachlan Bell
Secretary: Bruce Shepherd
Treasurer: Peter Cavallo
Premiership winner: Brothers
Club Champions: Brothers
Player of the Year: J Sullivan (BUR)
2|P age
2012
President’s report – 2012 – Lachlan
Bell
Our Junior Competition kicked off with
Reds and Wallabies star Quade Cooper
invited to launch Season 2012. This
proved to be a highly successful event, as
Quade made himself available for
autographs and photos to all the junior
players on the night. He also took time to
mingle with our sponsors and club
presidents at a small function at Mike
Carney Toyota Park.
The competition has continued to grow,
spanning from Under 10 through to
Under 17. The finals series featured
representation from most clubs, congratulations to the Grand Finalists and Premiers in your respective grades.
Similarly, the senior competition has gone from strength to strength now that the Third-Grade competition is well and truly a
permanent fixture on the season calendar. The continued growth of the younger clubs such as Western Devils and North Ward
Old Boys is a wonderful endorsement for Townsville Rugby and a great example of the rewards for hard work and persistence.
Again congratulations to all the players who participated in the final series and to Brothers – First Grade Premiers 2012.
Season 2012 has proven to be another successful year for Townsville Rugby. From Under 10’s to the Country Heelers our
playing ranks have continued to expand and the success of our players has grown.
The Qld Junior Rugby Union State Championships were contested by our Under 13,14,15,16 & 17 Brolgas in 2012. Not only
did they again, equip themselves admirably on the field, they consistently displayed the professionalism and sportsmanship that
has long been the culture of Brolga Rugby. We are the only Sub Union outside of SEQ that fields teams in every age group –
none of which would be possible without the selfless commitment of the coaches, managers and parents. Well done also to those
players that went on to higher honours in their respective age groups.
The Brolgas had another great year in the U19 and Senior Divisions, with neither team losing a game in the North Queensland Inter-
Regional matches against Cairns and Mackay. This year we took the Brolga’s home game to the country, with the Burdekin Canetoads
hosting the Townsville v Mackay fixtures – a deserved reward for a club that continues to grow.
After a successful Regional Championship, Townsville dominated selection in the North Qld team to play Central Qld and South
Qld. After winning both games in Under 19 and Seniors and being crowned Country Champions, local Players Tom Vinson and
Rikki Abraham were awarded the Best & Fairest Players in the Under 19 and Senior Country Championships respectively. Both
players also won selection in the Country Heelers along with Michael Parker, Sakaio Pakome, Leo Pakome and Paulino Aloisio.
Congratulations also to Terry Shiells, who was awarded with the Country Coach of the Year.
At the end of Season 2012, Townsville was invited to join the ARU’s Junior Gold Program. The Program has been running in over 20
different centres throughout Australia, with Townsville being the newest inclusion. Over 50 players who have shown potential on and
off the field, as well as a desire to play rugby at a higher level, were invited to participate in the program. Ten of Townsville’s Junior
Coaches were also invited to join the program, which will expose them to the ARU’s High Performance Unit. The program will run
through the off season and conclude just before the kick-off of Season 2013.
2012 Executive: Richard Lehmann, Grant Barrie, Bruce Shepherd, Peter Cavallo, Adrian Gabrielli, David Cooper, Anthony
Burke.
3|P age
2012 Representative teams.
Senior Brolgas
Sakaio Pakome, Chris Barlow, Rikki Abraham, Jordon Thompson, Joel Shiells, Joe Taina, Leo Pakome, Ashley Saltner,
Paluino Aloisio, Dan Davis, Kris Neilsen, Seamus Huppatz, Shauin Barclay, Scott O’Neill, Apatia Matalau, Paul Mackin,
Dan Withers, Chris Mann, Jeff Sullivan, Ross Rickards, John Alford, Tom Robertson, Cameron Rowlands, Alphonse Gima.
Under 19’s
Alick Gaiden, Alex McClymont, Dylan Cummins, Tom Curley, Jeremy Brown, Jim Lord, Callum Smith, Ginau Harry, Jarrod
Killick, Dylan, Carew, Aaron Aguirre, Chris Wellington, Matt Walton, Andrew Kennedy, Tom Butcher, Andrew Beric, Nick
Rowling, Jaiden Yeatman, Michael Parker, Lachlan Miller, Naill Molloy, Isaac Tipene, Tom Vinson.
Players selected for North Qld.
Sakaio Pakome, Leo Pakome, Joel Shiells, Joe Taina, Rikki Abraham, Paulino Aloisio, Seamus Huppatz, Scott O’Neil,
Apatia Matalau, Jeff Sullivan, John Alford, Cameron Rowlands, Alphonse Gima, Tom Vinson.
North Qld Under 19’s
Alick Gaiden, Alex McClymont, Dylan Cummins, Jarrod Killick, Dylan Carew, Aaron Aguire, Chris Wellington, Matt
Walton, Andrew Kennedy, Tom Butcher, Andrew Baric, Michael Parker, Lachlan Miller, Niall Molloy, Isaac Tipene.
Players selected for Qld Country Heelers
Sakaio Pakome, Rikki Abraham, Leo Pakome, Paulino Aloisio, Tom Vinson, Michael Parker.
Junior State Championship teams
U13 U14 U15 U16 U17
Ezekiel Chinfat Allan Moetaua Patrick Burke Zion Reto Beau Forster
Isaac O'Dempsey Karl Raffe Ngatai Campbell Kaleb Toigo Blair Morgan
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Marshall Soa Angus Small Marcus Ryan Jarrod Pickering Patrick Brennan
Toby Morgan Patrick Boniface Matt Cluff Clay Maclean Cade Kovacich
Henry McKinnon Tom Smith George Konik Hugh Huppatz Leonard Heron
Lachlan Buchanan Nick Jenkins Alexander Springall Harrison Phillott Matt Miller
Angus Mussap Flynn Willocks Tom Audas-Ryan Angus Boyd Daniel Carman
Jesse Kyle Patrick Brennan Lachy Dwyer Jack Horton Craig Gabriel
Kyle Howarth Callum Payne Joseph Munro Jack Fletcher Damon Hesp
Jack Nosworthy Josh Dalle Cort Jake Frazer Harri Hibbs Josh Fletcher
Harrison Hughes Liam Orphin Frank Ray Everett Morris Billy-Joe Williams
Ryan Townsend Josh Cocking Jack Soa Callum Brown Brendan Morgan
Dylan Knuth James Dale Kailab Coventry Jack Jenkins Kurtis Cassady
Takumi Kuwajima Nick Dooley Andrew Brennan Mac Flemming Brandon
McConachy
Regan Baker Nathan Cocking Tom Polkinghorne Josh Lamb Kadon Howell
Kane Fuller Brandon Field Brandon Luta Trai Rainford Hayden Gaut
Luke Moran Tyler Roberts Josh Muir Aniello Nastasi Chris Davids
Connor Fahey Jordan Ramm Wes Mooka Dale Bainbridge Rob Gillespie
Jack Dixon Ben Thompson Martin Brennan Josh Pyper Tarrant Clayden
Thomas McCagh Duncan Pickering Mitchell King Spencer Anderson Reade McDonald
Max Skinner Sheldon Brennan Karl Knuth Harrison Lowth Shane Kennedy
Finn Kaesehagen Lachlan Ramm Phil Wallbridge Sam Arnold Rory Palmer
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6|P age
2013
Presidents report – 2013 – Lachlan Bell
guys did a great job engaging with our players and hopefully inspiring them to one day follow in their footsteps. We also
expanded the junior ranks with the introduction of an Under 8 program, which will no doubt continue successfully through
2014.
Once again, all clubs were well represented throughout the Final Series. I would like to give a special mention to the Burdekin
Under 11’s for a breakthrough season and their premiership success and to Teachers West for their strong representation
throughout the finals. None of this is possible however, without the hard work and commitment of coaches parents and
supporters.
It goes without saying that the 2013 Senior Competition was the strongest and most closely contested in many years. Five of the
six A grade clubs were in the premiership mix well in to the closing rounds of the season and the final series was again a great
display of our local rugby talent.
The Burdekin Rugby Club overcame competition favourites Brothers, to secure their first A Grade Premiership since 1994.
Congratulations to all clubs and players that participated throughout the season.
The Qld Junior Rugby Union State Championships were contested by our Under 13, 14, 15 & U16 Brolgas in 2013 which was held in
Albany Creek, Brisbane. Once again Townsville performed exceptionally well on and off the field. We had a total of ten players
selected in the respective Queensland Country team which is a fantastic reward for their hard work. Congratulations to all the coaches
and managers for their tireless effort over the training period and also the competition. Townsville Rugby Union are excited for next
year’s tournament.
The Brolgas had another great year in the U19 and Senior Divisions, with the U19 team not losing a game and the Senior team
becoming North Queensland Inter-State Champions against Cairns and Mackay. This year’s Brolga’s home game was a
tremendous success with Townsville playing Cairns from U12’s all the way to the Senior Grade, the Brolga’s did not lose a game
the whole day. Well Done. The Brolga and Army rivalry continued this year with the two teams facing off twice in the calendar
year. Once again the brutal Anzac Day match took place with the Brolgas overcoming a brave Army side, grabbing bragging
rights for 2013. The Remembrance Day game also was played this year with a Brolga Barbarians team playing the North
Queensland Army side on this very special day. The Brolgas made it two from two in 2013 and everyone is looking forward to
next year’s fixtures.
After a successful Regional Championship, Townsville dominated selection in the North Qld teams to play Central Qld and
South Qld. The U19’s lost narrowly to South Qld in Cairns but the Seniors came back from 36-0 down at half time to snatch an
incredible win. The next game was played in Rockhampton with both teams coming away with wins. Congratulations to all the
coaches involved - Pita Thompson/Clint Bullock (U19), Terry Shiells/Richard Lehmann (Senior).
Fourteen Townsville players were selected to play for Graincorp Queensland Country Heelers and Colts (U20) in 2013.
Townsville hosted the Heelers home game in May, against NSW Country with Rikki Abraham, Shaun McCarthy and Tom
Vinson all selected to play for Heelers. It was great to see such high quality of rugby played at Hugh Street, resulting in a 28 all
draw.
On the back of their outstanding representative season, Shaun McCarthy and Rikki Abraham both won selection in the Australian
Combined Country team to play the British and Irish Lions in Newcastle. Despite a comfortable win by the Lions, this was a
great opportunity for country rugby.
In the return match, the Heelers produced their first victory since 2003 over the NSW Cockatoos 20-15, as a curtain raiser to the Tour
Match
At the end of Season 2013, Townsville hosted trials for the ARU Junior Gold Program for next year’s U15’s and U17’s. The
trial involved 50 players in each team to select a 30 man squad.
The two teams will play in a new competition called the Junior Gold Cup which takes place early 2014. The players are training every
Sunday in the off season with the help and guidance of their coaches. The teams will play against different Junior Gold Programs
around Queensland.
2013 Executive: Richard Lehmann, Grant Barrie, Bruce Shepherd, Peter Cavallo, Adrian Gabrielli, David Cooper, Anthony
Burke.
7|P age
Minor Premiers and Premiers for the 2013 season: Competition Players of the Year 2013:
GRADE MINOR PREMIERS PREMIERS GRADE NAME CLUB
U10 Thomas Carey Brothers
1st Grade Brothers Burdekin
U11 Brock Vasta Burdekin
2nd Grade Brothers Brothers
U12 Thomas Lyons Brothers
3rd Grade Ingham(Two Rivers) Charters Towers
U13 Bailey Tautau Teachers West
Women’s North Ward Old Boys North Ward Old Boys
U14 Bernard Chong Grammar
U19 Brothers Brothers
U15 Callum Payne Teachers West
U17 Teachers West Teachers West
U16 Jack Smith Teachers West
U16 West Suburbs West Suburbs
U17 Aniello Nastasi Brothers
U15 Teachers West Brothers
U19 Blair Morgan Brothers
U14 Teachers West Teachers West
3rds Peter Bishop Ingham
U13 Teachers West Teachers West
2nds Cody Muir West Suburbs
U12 Teachers West Teachers West
1sts Tom Vinson Teachers West
U11 Burdekin Burdekin
U10 Brothers White Teachers West Blue
U8’s No finals for Under 8’s – for participation
2013 Representative teams
Senior Brolgas
Sakaio Pakome, Chris Barlow, Rikki Abraham, Joel Shiells Shaun Barclay, Seamus Huppatz, Tom Vinson, Paulino Aloisio,
Leo Pakome, Lewayne Barrett, Alex McClymont, Tom Curley, Scott O’Neill, Dan Withers, Brett Parker, Ken Innaki, Joe
Taina, Nic Hollecone, Chris Thinee, Shaun McCarthy, Michael Lund, Jeff Searle, Jeff Sullivan, Josh Papale, Ryan Furnell,
Graham Searle.
Under 19’s
Lachlan Miller, Blair Morgan, Brendan Morgan, Malakai Taufu, Will Gallegos, Ayden Pyper, Daniel Wasson, Zac Toigo,
Patrick Brennan, Luke Comben, Steven Daniel, Cody Muir, Scott Geronimy, Dave Saunders, Shane Kennedy, Josh Furnell,
Liam Marshall, Daniel Aherne, Nick Ioannou, Matthew Miller, Daniel Carman, Lance Imo, Beau Forster, Thomas
Narayan.
Players selected for North Qld
Sakaio Pakome, Rikki Abraham,Shaun Barclay, Tom Vinson, Leo Pakome, Scott O’Neill, Dan Withers, Brett Parker, , Nic
Hollecone, Chris Thinee, Shaun McCarthy, Michael Lund, Jeff Searle.
North Qld Under 19’s
Will Gallegos, Ayden Pyper, Malakai Taufa, Lachlan Miller, Blair Morgan, Brendan Morgan, Scott Geronimy, Tom
Butcher, Daniel Carman, Josh Furnell, Dave Saunders, Shane Kennedy, Zac Toigo, Cody Muir, Steven Daniels.
Players selected for Qld Country Heelers
Seniors - Sakaio Pakome, Rikki Abraham, Tom Vinson, Shaun McCarthy, Michael Lund, Jeff Searle
Under 19 – Lachlan Miller, Blair Morgan, Brendan Morgan, Malakai Taufu, Daniel Carman, Steven Daniel, Zac Toigo,
Tom Butcher.
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2013 Junior State Championship teams.
UNDER 13’S UNDER 14’S UNDER 15’S UNDER 16’S
Henry Lyons Adam Betteridge Kyle Caspani Jordan Holmes
Sam Warner Ben Hansen Karl Raffe Lachlan Dwyer
Christian Batic Liam Mulchay Alex Mcdonald Zac Kenway
Dale Whalley Kyle Konnings Tom Smith Alan Tubman
Fabian Menegazzo Connor Fahey Flynn Willocks Frank Ray
Jackson Pearce Michael Kepper-Owens Sam Lillecrap Jack Bullard
Declan Maguire Nathenial Evans Callum Payne Karl Knuth
Dan Conn Henry Mckinnon Callum Mahoney Billy Mitchell
Tom Spinks Mitchel Terz Tom Dixon Martin Brennan
Lewis Chadwick Bernard Chong Joey Cram Matt Cluff
Jack Andreassen Jake Donn Mitchell Clarke Dale Bainbridge
Timor Loban Max Skinner Brett Macelroy Joseph Munro
Hayden Saltner Isaac O'Dempsey Druce Becke Brandon Luta
Francis Jakis Kyle Howarth Liam Orphin Ngatai Campbell
Bailey Tau Tau Tom McCagh Nick Jenkins Marcus Ryan
Zac Flanagan Jesse Kyle Jason Wilkins Kailab Coventry
Joel Gaiden Dylan Knuth Tylo Dempsey George Kaisara
Connor Anderson Lachlan Buchanan Josh Cocking Lawrence King
Clem Stack Jacob Day Nathan Cocking Ousia Carsten
Caleb Knuth Kane Fuller Tyler Roberts Phillip Walbridge
Sam Coffison William Brennan Kurt Sullivan Seth Hunt
Takumi Kuwijima
9|P age2014
2014 Presidents report – Lachlan Bell
Season 2014 was again a year of great success for Townsville Rugby. From the growth of our recently formed Women’s and U8
competitions to the success of the Japan Tour, the strength of Townsville Rugby continues to be a benchmark for all Unions.
This year we fielded a total of 79 teams in our competition, which included our first full season of U8s and the increasingly popular
Women’s Competition. Five of our eleven clubs secured premiership honours this year and all clubs featured in the finals series.
The strength of our competition was evidenced by the five premierships from Under 19 and Open Women through to A Grade being
won by five different clubs. And although a few clubs dominated in the juniors, the level of competition and sportsmanship on display
throughout the finals was exemplary.
After such a closely contested A Grade final in 2013, the floodgates opened up this year when Ross River took on the competition
favourites Brothers. This was a high scoring game, congratulations to Brothers in what was probably the most entertaining final in some
time.
The Brolgas had another successful year in both the U19 and Senior Divisions, as neither side dropped a game all season. This year’s
Brolga’s home game was a massive day of representative rugby with Cairns playing Townsville from U12s through to the seniors. To
add to this big day, Mackay also competed in the U19s and Seniors to compete for the North Queensland Championship, which was
won by the Brolgas in both grades. It was also great to see an increase in representative duties for our Women. The growth of the
TDRU competition can be seen through the Women’s competition as they continue to develop in all aspects of the game.
The Brolga and Army rivalry continued this year with the two teams facing off twice throughout the year. Once again the entertaining
Anzac Day match took place with the Brolgas overcoming a brave Army side in both the 1st Grade and Women’s matches. The
Remembrance Day game was also played this year with the Brolga team playing the North Queensland Army side on this very special
day. The Brolgas made it two from two on the night
The representative honours for the juniors started with the TDRU Japan Tour. The team won all five of their tour games, which is a
great achievement. This then lead on to the selection of brolgas sides from U12s through to U17s. Unfortunately, the TDRU were not
invited to participate in the QJRU State Championships this year, so we participated as part of a North Queensland side selected from
Townsville and Cairns based players. All the boys played exceptional Rugby both in Cairns and in the return leg in Townsville.
Congratulations to those boys who were selected for North Queensland and had the opportunity to play at the State Championships.
After a successful Regional Championship, Townsville dominated selection in the North Qld teams to play Central Qld and South Qld
in the Country Championships in Rockhampton. Both sides were undefeated throughout the weekend and were crowned Country
Champions.
Eighteen Townsville players were selected to play for the Graincorp Queensland Country Heelers and Colts (U20) in 2014. The U20s
had a carnival in February to kick-off the representative season, consisting predominantly of players from last year’s side. The 1st grade
and Colts were then selected after the Country Championships with the senior side touring New Zealand and the U20s chosen for a
development squad.
Special mention must go to Michael and Andrew Parker from Brothers who were then selected to be a part of the Queensland Country
side that competed in the inaugural nation-wide NRC competition. Townsville hosted Country’s game against the Sydney Stars on
October the 11, which was a great showcase of rugby talent in regional Queensland. Country won the main game 52-29, in what was a
big highlight for 2014.
The first ARU Junior Gold Cup competition took place at the start of the year with Townsville competing in the U17 and U15 age
groups. Both sides competed strongly in the competition, especially considering the tough draw due to travel. Special mention must go
to the U17s who came second in their pool.
Executive: Richa Lehmann, Grant Barrie, Adrian Gabrielli, Peter Cavallo, Dan Coonan, Gary Lewis.
10 | P a g e2014 Special message from President Lachlan Bell
Terry Shiells 20 years of Service
It is with great pleasure that I have been given the opportunity to acknowledge the loyal and unwavering service of our Director
of Rugby – Terry Shiells.
Terry has been involved in a lot of changes to the Townsville and District Rugby Union (TDRU) landscape during his tenure.
This all started 20 years ago as the TDRU Development
Officer when we had very little money and a failing rugby
competition. The Brolgas were disjointed, the senior club
competition was failing with just six teams and only three
teams in Under 19. Terry began his employment with his
office under his house.
I doubt whether those that were responsible for his
appointment at the time, could have foreseen the impact
Terry would have on Townsville Rugby over the next 20
years.
His immediate goal was to strengthen the local competition
and to make the Under 19 competition viable. To do that
Friday night rugby started as a cluster night with skills
taught via Walla Rugby. Later the older players were
introduced to contact skills and an Under 17 team was
developed, playing games against touring schools and club
teams from New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Development tours have been at the forefront of Terry’s
efforts to create an environment that has grown
participation in the game. Junior teams have toured many
places in Queensland to participate in the QJRU
championships at locations such as Tieri, Toowoomba,
Rockhampton, the Sunshine Coast and various suburbs in
and around Brisbane.
The major tour for the Junior Brolgas is the biannual
cultural exchange to Japan. This tour was started after the 2003 Rugby World Cup at the invitation of the Chairman of the Japan
Rugby Union, Nobby Mashimo. These tours are a major event in the lives of the participating players and are now a staple of the
TDRU calendar. As a sub union, Terry was the driving force behind tours to New Zealand, Europe and major centres
throughout Australia. There have also been tours to Port Moresby and Darwin for their respective Sevens tournaments.
The development of the senior Brolga team has played a significant role of the history of Hugh Street. During the late 1990’s and
early 2000’s in a partnership with Mick Smith, the Brolgas played 23 consecutive home games at Hugh Street without a loss.
Including in that string of successes was the Queensland Country Rugby Union 2002 Championship Final win against the highly
favoured Gold Coast team.
Other highlights of rugby in Townsville over the past twenty years have been the British Lions tour, Queensland v Otago,
Australia A v Japan, Japan Schoolboys and the Rugby World Cup 2003, all of which have provided leverage for the development
of rugby in Townsville. And all of which, Terry had a hand in, in some way or another.
Townsville and District Rugby has changed, and in the mix has been the influence of Terry Shiells. Terry now has a team of five
staff working with him at Hugh Street. The competition has grown to include eleven rugby clubs with almost 80 teams in the
club competition and competitions in both the primary and secondary schools sports systems.
Thanks Terry, for all your efforts, as I am sure Townsville rugby would not be what it is today without your effort and
stewardship throughout the last 20 years.
Lachlan Bell 2012 President
11 | P a g eGRADE MINOR PREMIERS PREMIERS GRADE NAME CLUB
1st Grade Brothers Brothers U10 Carter Aitken Grammar
2nd Grade North Ward Old Boys North Ward Old Boys U11 Malachi Ware Western Suburbs
3rd Grade Ingham(Two Rivers) Ingham(Two Rivers) U12 Thomas Gillespie Teachers West
Women’s University Western Suburbs U13 Anasta Bharaun North Ward
U19 Brothers Teachers West U14 Zac Flanagan Teachers West
U17 Western Suburbs Western Suburbs U16 James Keating Teachers West
U16 Brothers Brothers U17 Tom Knuth Charters Towers
U14 Brothers Teachers West U19 Daniel Carman Teachers West
U13 Brothers Brothers 3rds Ben McLeay Ingham
U12 Brothers Brothers 2nds Samuel Brodie-Toohey Charters Towers
U11 Teachers West Teachers West 1sts Andrew Parker Brothers
U10 Brothers Blue Brothers Blue Ladies Georgia Smith Western Suburbs
U8’s No finals for Under 8’s – for participation
2014 Representative teams
2014 saw a different playing system for the Senior Representative Season, the Townsville Brolgas, Cairns Storm and
Mackay Stingers all participated in a one day carnival held at Mike Carney Toyota Park in April.
The teams played against each other once with both A - Grade and U19’s coming away as undefeated North
Queensland Champions. As a lead up match to their Rep campaign the A-Grade brolgas played in the annual Anzac Day
game against a very strong Army team. Fit and strong the Army team gave the Brolgas a real go, but in the end the class
of the Brolgas shone through and the boys prevailed winners 57-14. Listed below are the 2014 A Grade and U19 Brolga
Representative Players.
Senior Brolgas
Michael Parker, Andrew Parker, Kieran Willey, Ben Douglas, Cohan Guerra, Nic Hollebone, Dan Purcell, Ayden Pyper, Scott
Doulis, Josh Furnell, Lachlan Gullotta, Adrian Searle, Russell West, Scott O’Neill, Apaitia Matalau, Leo Pakome, Ken Funnaki,
Timoci (Jim) Nawaibalavu, Apenisa Tawake, Scott Geronimi, Joel Shiells, Tom Vinson, Kris Nielsen, Seamus Huppatz, Kit Horwood,
Lewayne Barrett, Shane Shepherd.
Under 19
Brendan Morgan, Todd Cooper, Malakia Taufa, Jack Boevick, Blair Morgan, Aniello Nastasi, Shane Kennedy, Leonard Heron, Daniel
Ahern, Jay Morgan, Damon Hesp, Harry Terry, Morgan Baker , Daniel Carman, Daniel Gaiden, Hugh Huppatz, Patrick Brennan,
Samual Keane, Rob Gillespie, Beau Forster, Josh Fletcher, Josh Lamb.
Players selected for North Qld
Michael Parker, Andrew Parker, Kieran Willey, Cohan Guerra, Ben Douglas, Nic Hollebone, Ayden Pyper, Kris Nielsen, Lewayne
Barrett, Tom Vinson, Seamus Huppatz, Ken Funnaki, Apaitia Matalau, Timoci Nawaibalavu, Leo Pakome, Scott O’Neill.
North Qld Under 19’s
Brendan Morgan, Blair Morgan, Jack Boevink , Todd Cooper, Malakai Taufa, Daniel Carman, Pattick Brennan, Hugh Huppatz, Josh
Fletcher, Beau Forster, Josh Lamb, Shane Kennedy, Leonard Herron, John Salee, Jack Horton.
12 | P a g ePlayers selected for Qld Country Heelers
Seniors - Michal Parker, Andrew Parker, Ben Douglas, Cohan Guerra, Leo Pakome, Apaitia Matalau, Seamus Huppatz, Tom Vinson.
Under 19 – Blair Morgan, Brendan Morgan, Todd Cooper, Malakai Taufa, Shane Kennedy, Leonard Heron, Josh Fletcher, Losh
Lamb, Jack Horton.
NRC – National Rugby Championships
The National Rugby Championship (NRC) was a new
domestic Rugby competition introduced by the ARU as a
development pathway for players into professional Rugby
Union. Each team consisted of Super Rugby players who
were not selected in the Wallabies and also the best club
rugby players in Australia.
The NRC involved nine teams- Brisbane City, Queensland
Country, Sydney Stars, North Harbour Rays, Greater
Sydney Rams, NSW Country, Perth Spirit, Melbourne
Rising and the Canberra Vikings. Townsville were lucky
enough to host a NRC game between Queensland Country
and the Sydney Stars on the 11th October at Mike Carney Toyota Park.
The game was a huge hit with the rugby community with almost 1300 rugby fans coming out to watch some face paced,
exciting rugby. Queensland Country controlled the game very nicely and piled on 52 points to Sydney’s 29 in a very
entertaining game, the crowd also enjoyed watching Sydney Stars and Wallabies players Will Skelton and Paddy Ryan as
well as Reds flyer Jamie Jerry-Taulagi who scored two tries.
We also had two local players invited to train with the Queensland Country Squad, Michael and Andrew Parker who
plays for local club Brothers received the invitation from the Head Coach Steve Meehan after their impressive
performances in the Queensland Country Heelers tour of New Zealand. The two boys were lucky enough to get selected
into the squad to play in Townsville with both of them coming off the bench and providing great impact in front of their
home crowd. The two then cemented their spots in the squad and became regulars playing in the remaining games.
2014 Junior State Championships
2014 saw a new representative pathway for junior rugby players, a North Queensland team would be included into the
State Championships and therefore Townsville would have to play FNQ in trial matches for selection in the North
Queensland Squad. The first trial match was held in Cairns at Barlow Park, Townsville brought 5 very strong teams as
they travelled up North to face their fierce rivals. The U12’s, 14’s and 16’s came away with very strong performances
however the 13’s, 15’s and 17’s were outmuscled and were defeated by a strong FNQ outfit. The results were:
U12 – Townsville 20 def. Cairns 5
U13 – Cairns 10 def. Townsville 7
U14 – Townsville 17 def. Cairns 12
U15 – Cairns 33 def. Townsville 14
U16 – Townsville 41 def. Cairns 0
U17 – Cairns 45 def. Townsville 15
This would mean the return match would be played in Townsville at Mike Carney Toyota Park and a chance to claim a
clean sweep over our Northern rivals. Cairns arrived at Mike Carney Toyota Park ready to take on a very strong and
determined Brolgas team, the day did not start as the local side would have planned with the U12 team going down 19-
12 and the U13’s losing 7-5 in a tough encounter. However from there the Brolgas did not drop a game with the U14’s
winning 15-10 in a close encounter, the U15’s chased revenge and recorded a 7-5 victory, the U16 came from behind to
win 19-12 whilst the U17’s flogged their opponents 50-0! From the results recorded at both games, it came obvious
13 | P a g epicking a North Queensland team would be very difficult. As the Junior Gold Cup happened earlier that year with the
15’s and 17’s only the 13’s, 14’s and 16’s would be travelling to the Gold Coast to play in the State Championships. The
teams were finally selected, and a good contingent of Townsville would represent North Queensland to compete in the
Statewide tournament. The following players were selected:
14 | P a g e15 | P a g e
2015
2015 Presidents report- Lachlan Bell
Through the continued growth of our Junior and Women’s competitions we have again ended the year in
a very strong position. And to end the year with Townsville’s largest ever Sevens Tournament is again
testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers.
The introduction of a Teenage Girls fixture this year will hopefully provide the impetus for greater
participation in 2016, and the popularity of our game will no doubt grow in the lead up to the 2016
Olympic Rugby Sevens in Rio.
In 2015 we fielded 86 teams throughout our 2015 competition, including eight Under 8 teams
represented by six clubs.
While Teachers and Brothers dominated the junior premiership spoils, the senior clubs were well
represented from U19’s through to the A grade and Women’s Finalists.
The Brolga and Army rivalry continued with the teams facing off twice throughout the year. Once again
the entertaining Anzac Day match took place with the Brolgas overcoming a brave Army side in both the
A Grade and Women’s matches.
The representative honours for the juniors started with the Queensland Country Carnival. More than 160
of the TDRU’s finest bussed their way south west to Emerald, taking two teams in U12 and U13, and one
each in U14 and U16 to represent the Townsville Brolgas. Our participation in these respective ages again
ensured the success of the country carnival. All teams trained tirelessly for five weeks, and their efforts
showed on the field.
This then lead to the selection of some players to represent North Queensland in the QJRU State
Championships. Based on the carnivals results, 32 Brolgas players were selected among three North
Queensland Teams, who certainly stamped their mark against ten other regions from Queensland and
the Northern Territory. Congratulations to those boys who were selected for North Queensland and had
the opportunity to play at the State Championships.
Another successful senior campaign ended in an unbeaten Brolgas outfit winning the North Queensland
Championship’s, and 16 Brolgas were selected to represent North Queensland.
After a successful Regional Championship, Townsville dominated selection in the North Qld teams to play
Central Qld and South Qld in the Country Championships in Port Douglas. The U19s squad, which
contained 14 Brolgas, were undefeated throughout the weekend and were crowned Country Champions.
While the senior men’s team, including 16 Brolgas, were beaten in a very close and intense Grand Final
against South Queensland.
A total of 13 Townsville U19 players were selected in the Queensland Country U20’s squad. These players
will train and trial for a spot in the team that competes in the U20s carnival in February next year. Based
on their performance in Port Douglas, 10 Townsville Brolgas players were selected to represent the
Senior Queensland Country Heelers. Congratulations to Andrew Parker for his selection in the
Queensland Country NRC team for the second year in a row. The Under 20 Country Queensland team is
currently in preparation for their Southern States Carnival commencing in February 2016.
The second ARU Junior Gold Cup competition took place at the start of the year with North Queensland
competing in the U17 and U15 age groups. As with the state championships, Townsville players combined
with Cairns as North Queensland. Both sides competed to the best of their ability throughout the
competition, especially considering the tough draw and travel requirements and a lack of training (also
16 | P a g edue to the expenses involved in travelling from Cairns to Townsville). While the program as a whole could
use a little more organisation, the players who had the opportunity to play enjoyed the experience. A
huge congratulation must go to those who were selected and played in the competition.
More than 700 of the region’s best Primary Aged and Teenaged rugby talent turned out at Mike Carney
Toyota Park this year for the Townsville & Districts Junior Rugby 7s tournament. And a big crowd where
on hand to witness Townsville's largest 7's tournament ever. In total, 29 teams competed in four divisions
(Senior Mens, Senior Womens, Under 20 and Masters) for a shot at the $10,000 prize pool. New and
returning teams took to the pitch with some travelling from as far as Charters Towers and Mackay.
Rugby is growing strongly in North Queensland but unfortunately, the ground at Hugh Street is aging,
operating beyond capacity and landlocked for future development. We have worked with local
researchers to investigate possible new locations and contracted Architects Conrad Gargett to prepare a
master plan for the redevelopment.
Through this process we have developed a platform around our masterplan for a new home for
Townsville Rugby. The masterplan outlines how the game can develop and prosper over the next decade
with time to plan for and fund the project through a sustainable and robust development strategy.
Executive: Richa Lehmann, Grant Barrie, Adrian Gabrielli, Peter Cavallo, Gary Lewis, Brett Judge.
MINOR PREMIERS PREMIERS
GRADE NAME CLUB
GRADE
1st Grade Teachers West Teachers West U10 Zachary Olsen Grammar
2nd Grade Teachers West Brothers U11 Lloyd Kennedy Brothers
3rd Grade Charters Towers North Ward Old Boys U12 Hunter Lim Brothers
Women’s University University U13 Yideg Nethery Grammar
U19 Teachers West Teachers West U14 Hunter Zacka Brothers
U17 Brothers Charters Towers U16 Declan Maguire Brothers
U15 Brothers Brothers U17 Ben Thompson Grammar
U14 Brothers Brothers U19 Curtis Rayment Teachers West
U13 Brothers Brothers Ladies Libby Cook-Black Ross River Redskins
U12 Teachers West Teachers West 3rds Russell West Charters Towers
U11 Brothers White Brothers White 2nds Jason Salawagen Ross River Redskins
U10 Brothers Blue Brothers Blue 1sts John Vinson Teachers West
U8’s No finals for Under 8’s – for participation
2015 Representative teams
Senior Brolgas
Russel West, Michael Parker, Kris Nielsen, Josaia Droka, Apaitai Matalau, Kit Horwood, Tevita Mauluulu,
Daniel Wright, Sam Bradley, Brendan Morgan, Chris Wellington, Ashely Rio, Lachlan Gullotta, Nich
Douglas, Shane Kennedy, Lewayne Barrett, Matthew Holland, Matt Fairbain, Leonard Heron, Zach Toigo,
Scott Doulis, Ayden Pyper, Petero Vereakula, Rupeni Seru, Edward Skien, Edward Skien, Paulino Aloisio,
Seamus Huppatz.
Under 19’s
Brandon Luta, Samuel Keane, Aniello Nastasi John Vinson, Hugh Huppatz, Kaleb Toigo, Martin Brennan,
Macciu Vatanitawake, Curtis Rayment, Josh Lamb, Colby Mason, Kailab Coventry, Aaron Coleman, Ngatai
17 | P a g eCampbell, Marcus Ryan, Lachlan Thompson, Jack Horton, Alan Tubman, Jared White, Brendan Moretto,
Jai Blakey, Jayden Cranitich.
Players selected for North Qld.
Kris Nielsen, Lewayne Barrett, Andrew Parker, Seamus Huppatz, Kit Horwood, Tevita Mauluulu, Ken
Funaki, Sam Bradley, Brendan Morgan, Chris Wellington, Paulino Alosio, Lachlan Gullotta, Shane
Kennedy, Apaitai Matalau, Josaia Droka, Nick Douglas.
Under 19’s
Samuel Keane, Samuel Keane, Aniello Nastasi John Vinson, Hugh Huppatz, Tom Audas-Ryan, Jack Horton,
Martin Brennan, Macciu Vatanitawake, Curtis Rayment, Josh Lamb, Aaron Coleman, Colby Mason, Kailab
Coventry, Jack Horton.
Players selected for Qld Country Heelers
Seniors – Paulino Aloisio, Kit Horwood, Seamus Huppatz, Kris Nielsen, Josaia Droka, Tevita Mauluulu,
Brendan Morgan, Ken Funaki, Andrew Parker, Shane Kennedy. Under 19 – Martin Brendan, Hugh
Huppatz, Samuel Keane, Josh Lamb, Colby Mason, Curtis Rayment, John Vinson, Maciu Vatanitawake,
Tom Audas-Ryan, Aaron Coleman, Aniello Nastasi, Jack Horton, Ngatai Campbell.
EMERALD COUNTRY MUSTER
On the June long weekend following a whirlwind preparation and trial process six teams of Junior Brolgas
consisting of close to 160 players, coaches and managers left Mike Carney Toyota Park bound for Emerald
in Central Queensland by bus. The touring party arrived in the early hours of the morning at their base at
Emerald State High School in preparation for games the next day.
Day one of the carnival was a bag of mixed results for the Brolgas with the Players seemingly tired from
the bus travel the night before. Only the Under 16s and Under 12s teams bagged wins with the Under 14s
and 13s losing their matches in dusty dry conditions. Day two was full of better results for the Brolgas
with good wins in the Under 12s, 13s and 16s a vast improvement on Day one with warmer conditions
bringing out the best in the Brolgas.
The final day of the carnival was by far the best for the Brolgas teams with all teams playing their best
rugby against strong opposition. The Under 12s and 13s proved the heroes with come from behind
thrilling wins against much larger sides from FNQ Rugby. The Under 12 won 14-12 with the Under 13s
winning 12 – 5 over their Northern Rivals. Both the Under 14s and 16s had resounding wins over Central
Qld and a Presidents outfit respectively to finish the carnival on a high in third place.
U13 NORTH QUEENSLAND Selected Players
Kobe Marshall - Charters Towers Rugby Union Club,
Harold Mial & Brady Vasta - Burdekin Rugby Union Club,
Tom Gillespie & Makissac Lapworth -Teachers West Rugby Union
Club, Harrison Leavers, Bink Mpofu & Dillon Navin - North Ward
Junior Rugby Club, Sam Schimming & Yidig Nethery Townsville
Grammar School RUC, Declan Taylor and Nick Audas-Ryan -
Brothers Junior Rugby Union Club.
U14s NORTH QUEENSLAND selected players
Connor O'Reilly, Tim Hardy, Jack Cream, Jimmi Thompson and
Nick Stagnitta - Teachers West Rugby Union Club
18 | P a g eZac Thomson, Ryan Kinbacher, Charles Betcher and Hunter Zacka - Brothers Junior Rugby Union Club.
Sam Doyle - North Ward Junior Rugby Union
U16s NORTH QUEENSLAND Selected Players
Jim Burgess, Lachlan Buchannan, Edward Pokary, Michael Kepper-Owens - Teachers West Rugby Union
Club
Thomas Arnold, Clay Malone, Harrison Hughes, Luke Moran – Townsville Grammar School RUC
Jacob Day – Charters Towers Rugby Union
Tyrone Campbell – Western Suburbs Rugby Union
19 | P a g e20 | P a g e
21 | P a g e
2016
2016 Presidents report – Lachlan Bell
As was the case in 2016, our focus throughout the year was very much on the growth of Juniors, Teenage
Girls and our Women’s competitions. Hopefully the success of the Australian women in Rio will be
motivation to increase participation in the women’s ranks next year.
Unfortunately, our Under 19s took a bit of battering this year, so we will be placing an increased focus on
this part of competition in 2017. So, a quick rap on the highs and lows of 2016 are as follows:
2016 saw a total of 83 compete across our Junior and Senior competitions continuing the strength of
previous years. A well contested season resulted in all clubs were well represented throughout the junior
and senior finals. My congratulations to the 2016 Junior Club Champions Brothers and Teachers West the
Senior Club Champions. A special mention must go to Teachers West A grade for securing back to back
premierships. We are looking forward to the continual growth and success of the Junior and Senior club
competition in 2017.
In July, 92 of Townsville and the surrounding district’s finest junior players travelled to the Gold Coast to
take part in the e Queensland Junior State Championships at The Southport School. Brolgas Teams in the
Under 12, Under 13, Under 14 and Under 16 divisions competed fiercely throughout the tournament
against the state’s best young talent. After the tournament three players were selected in the U16
Queensland Country Team, and one in the U13 team. This is truly a great result for our players.
All Senior Brolgas teams remained undefeated at the 2016 North Queensland Championships held in
Cairns. In total, 28 players were selected to represent North Queensland at the QLD Country
Championships.
The support for our annual games against Army was again overwhelming. Games were played on ANZAC
day (senior men and women) and similarly on Remembrance Day we fielded Men, Women and Masters
teams.
Townsville’s strong performance at the NQ championships led to them dominating the selections in both
the men’s and under 19 NQ teams. These NQ teams travelled to Ballymore to compete in the Queensland
Country Championship. The under 19 squad containing 14 Brolgas defeated South Queensland 36-22 to
win the Country Championship. The Men’s side went down in a hard-fought match. A total of nine under
19s were selected in the Queensland Country u20 team. Three senior players were selected in the
Queensland Country Heeler’s whom toured New Zealand and defeated NSW country in a traditional
interstate derby 29-27.
Sevens
Each year our annual Sevens competition continues to grow. This year we featured:
42 teams in the teenage 7’s (u13s, u15s, u17s, Boys and Girls)
21 teams in the primary 7’s (u10s, u11s, u12s, Boys and Girls)
25 teams in the Senior 7’S (u20s, Men’s, Women’s)
This is a great sign of growth for our festival of 7’s. Townsville is proud to hold one of Queensland
strongest competitions and I look forward to how it continues to develop into the future.
Executive: Richa Lehmann, Grant Barrie, Adrian Gabrielli, Peter Cavallo, Gary Lewis, Charles Papale.
22 | P a g eGRADE NAME CLUB
GRADE MINOR PREMIERS PREMIERS
U10 Joshua Carman Teachers West
1st Grade Teachers West Teachers West
2nd Grade Teachers West Teachers West U11 Dominik Arrate Burdekin
3rd Grade Ingham Charters Towers U12 Cody Sadler Brothers
Women’s University University U13 Matthew Mckellar Charters Towers
U19 Brothers Brothers U14 Jye Davies Grammar
U17 Charters Towers Charters Towers
U15 Ryan Kinbacher Brothers
U16 Brothers Brothers
U15 Brothers Brothers U16 Harry Willocks Teachers West
U14 Teachers West Teachers West U17 Bernard Chong Grammar
U13 Brothers Teachers West U19 Flynn Willocks Teachers West
U12 Brothers Western Suburbs Ladies Chloe Davies Teachers West
U11 Brothers White Teachers West 3rds Josh Robins Charters Towers
U10 Brothers Blue Brothers Blue 2nds Brendan Bowring Teachers West
U8 No finals for Under 8’s – for participation 1sts Andrew Kennedy Burdekin
2016 Representative teams
Samuel Keane, Russell West, Lewayne Barrett, Kris Nielsen, Josh Mayhew, Rob McNamara, Seamus
Huppatz, Tubby Heron, Apaitia Matalau, Hugh Huppatz, Kit Horwood, Daniel Carman, Malakai Taufa,
Winiata Barrett, Jeff Sullivan, Ross Rickards, Josh Fletcher, Andrew Kennedy, Colby Mason, Ryan Furnell,
Chris Wellington, Jeff Searle, Shane Kennedy, Hugh Huppatz.
Under 19’s
Ngatai Campbell, Brandon Luta, Marcus Ryan, Trent Owen, Angus Small, Luke Olzard, Connor Morgan,
Chandler Starr, Matthew Huppatz, Joey Cram, Dan Cooper, Flynn Willocks, Martin Brennan, Joseph
Munro, Tom Wells, Matthew Hosking, Billy Bulley, Lachlin Smith, Frank Ray, Jack Bullard, Lachlan Vest,
Ethan Blain, David Niven.
Women’s
Oliva Anderson, Emma Harnes, Jessica Clifford, Clare Lawton, Eleanor Mowle, Ali Cranston, Samille
Pagden, Seini Palu, Gagie Namok, Brianne Rossato, Gabby Carsten, Kristy Bolten, Tianna Fry, Steph
Ullman, Crystal Emile, Aggie Soloman, Rhiannon Busch, Kuramea Vaeau, Fasheena Nevell, Ellie Gray,
Althea Bowden.
Players selected for North Qld
Apaitia Matalua, Colby Mason, Daniel Carman, Jeff Sullivan, Jeffrey Searle, Joshua Fletcher, Kit Horwood,
Kris Neilsen, Malakai Taufa, Ross Rickards, Ryan Furnell, Samuel Keane, Seamus Huppatz, Shane Kennedy.
Under 19’s
Angus Small, Brandon Luta, Connore Morgan, Daniel Niven, Flynn Willocks, Frank Ray, Joseph Munro,
Lachlan Smith, Martin Brennan, Ngatai Campbell, Tom Audas-Ryan, Tom Wells, Trent Owen.
Players selected for Qld Country Heelers
Seniors - Kit Horwood, Kris Nielsen, Shane Kennedy. Under 20’s – Martin Brennan, Angus Small, Brandon
Luta, Tom Auda-Ryan, Daniel Niven, Joseph Cram, Joseph Munro, Lachlin Smith, Ngatai Campbell.
23 | P a g eJunior State Championships teams
Under 12 Blue and Gold Under 13 Blue and Gold Under 14 Under 16
Adam Roveglia Tanner Thompson Sam Schimming Terence Rooney Charlie Betcher Heinrich Schnetler
Andrew Whelan Brayden Collis Bink Mpofu Brock Wright Joel Pegoraro Jim Burgess
Maddox Whitney Hannah Ryan Gabriel Mooka Kobe Marshall Nathan Brown Tyrone Campbell
Sam Harvey Kaden Partland Nick Audas-Ryan Riley Kind Kieren Luxton Lachlan Buchanan
Ty Dowthwaite matthew Mckellar Jacob Golding Tom Greenwood Sean Keogh Clay Malone
Nikolas Mitchell Clancy Blacklock Harold Mial Darcy Miller Jimmi Thompson Hayden Moore
Euan Cram Jervaiius Lapworth Hamish Swindley Jagger Downes Nick Stagnitta Harrison Hughes
Logan Pickering Dallenger Field Makisaac Lapworth Vincent Archie Conor O'Reilly Jacob Day
Luke Pont Macklin Williams Brady Vasta Tristan Evans Zac Thomson Tom Arnold
Hunter Lim Bodene Hinchy Tom Gillespie Liam Cannavan Matt Lorenz Luke Moran
Max Miller Banjo Gifford Clancy Baker Charlie Callan Jack Cream Rhys Doherty
Jake McAuliffe- Fickling Jayk Gwydir Yideg Nethery Harry Keir Sam Doyle Edward Pokary
Harrison Keough josh ferguson Harrison Leavers Jared Heibronn Hunter Zacka Nathaniel Evans
Brock Felesina Bryce Horan Jaiden Penny Bayden Hardy Bryce Saltmarsh Michael Kepper-Owens
Malachi Ware Brock Vasta Dillon Navin Max Balaam Reece Holdsworth Finn Kaesehagen
Jaidyn Wilkins Josh Marquez Declan Taylor Will Laverack Ryan Kinbacher Henry McKinnon
Cody Sadler Noah Rule Latima Huirama Anthony Grech Nicholas Mann Bryce Moyses
JJ Gallego Lewis Roberts Evan Corradini Reegan Gileppa Ishmael Reto Ruan Konik
Elijah Weeks Lochlan Hellmuth-Cook James Honeycombe Jye Davies Brodie Scott Mitchell Terz
Zac Miller Marcus Bell Sean Suk Ethan Woods Taiku Wailu Kruze Barcello
Angus Bell Andrew Hardy George Thomas Bryson James Jordan Blatchford Ben Williams
Matt Dwyer Ryan McCarron Christian De Francisis Connor Gilchrist Tim Hardy Josh Figg
Nick Fotinos Anasta Bharaun Luke Carnes
Players selected for Qld Country
Under 13 – Johnathon Van Aswegan.
Under 16 – Sameul Warner (pictured), Trai McDermontt, Jack Andreassen
24 | P a g e2016 New Life Members Inductees
Dan Morton
Dan Morton’s connection with Rugby began with the Brothers Rugby club where he
built a reputation as a fiery red headed back rower who went on to Represent the
Brolgas and North Queensland in Age Grade and Seniors divisions. Danny joined the
TDRU Executive in a Matches and Grades role in 1997 before a short hiatus serving
his club. Danny re-joined the TDRU Executive in the new millennium in roles of the
Junior Vice President, Senior Vice President and President from mid-2008 until
2010. Danny has also served on the Board of the Queensland Country Rugby Union
for a number of years and has been the president since 2011. The announcement
for Morton came as a shock to him as he was advised he was at the meeting to
discuss other matters, he was taken aback but was extremely humbled to be in the accompaniment of
some of the other life members in the room.
Bruce Shepherd
Bruce Shepherd’s involvement in the TDRU began in 1997 as a secretary
on the Junior Rugby Sub-committee, this was during the very beginnings
of Junior Rugby in Townsville which featured only a handful of teams, in
its current day nearly 20 years on, the Junior Competition has close to
1000 players in over 80 teams. Bruce was also involved heavily in the
Junior Brolgas Representative teams that travelled away to the QJRU
State Championships between 1998-2007 and has served on the TDRU
Executive as Secretary from 2006 onwards. Bruce informed the
constituents at the meeting that he isn’t slowing down and intends to
continue his contribution to Rugby for a few more years.
Townsville & District Rugby Union Patron
Colin Harkness
Col’s contribution to the Rugby Community extends well beyond his role as a
founding father of Townsville’s Modern Rugby era. Col also served as the Vice
President of Queensland Rugby in the late 1960s to the Mid 1970s and as a board
member between 2005 and 2010. He also served as President of Queensland
Country Rugby Union in 1974 and 1984. Col is also a life member of both the TDRU
and the Ross River Redskins club.
Col’s role as Patron of the TDRU will see him act as the champion of the
organisation ensuring its long-term sustainability and profile is strong within the
Townsville and North Queensland community. He will also serve on the Sub-
Committee charged with organising the TDRU’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations in
2017.
25 | P a g e2017
2017 Presidents report – Peter Cavallo
2017 saw the Townsville and District Rugby Union celebrate its 50th anniversary. The first games of the
TDRU were played on 22 April 1967 at the Townsville Sports Reserve. We are proud that the TDRU has
grown today to now have over 1,500 players, over 70 teams and 11 clubs ranging from under 8 boys and
girls through to senior ladies and men’s competitions.
The 50-year celebration also saw five new members inducted to the TDRU Hall of fame that was set up to
coincide with the 2003 Rugby World Cup. The five new inductees were
• Travis Hall
• Brendan Casey
• Rohan Fuller
• Dan McKellar
• Shaun McCarthy
To recognize the contribution of our individual clubs and their volunteers as part of the 50-year
celebrations a club legend was also awarded to each individual club. The club legends were as follows
• Western Dragons Tony Jacobs
• Tsv Grammar School Bill Muller
• Ingham Peter Bishop
• University Peter Beale
• North Ward Richard Lehmann
• Referees Association Bob Spillane
• Charters Towers Ted Vinson
• Brothers John Rauch
• Burdekin Jimmy Young
• Teachers West Terry Shiells
• Ross River Tony Tanzer
• TDRU Mike Carney
• TDRU Adrian Gabrielli
On a rugby front in 2017 Teachers West claimed their 3rd successive A Grade premiership whilst Brothers
claimed both the senior and Junior Club Championship. A special mention to the Brothers Club that
participated in 11 of the 12 grand finals played.
In representative rugby the Townsville Brolgas remained undefeated in both the under 19 and Senior
North Queensland Championship held in Townsville. As a result Townsville dominated the North
Queensland team at the Qld Country Championships and then went on to have 5 players selected in the
senior Qld Country Side (Kris Nielsen, Shane Kennedy, Hugh Huppatz, Joshua Fletcher and Sam Bradley)
and 9 players selected in the under 19 Qld Country Team (Angus Small, Trent Owen, Dan Cooper, Dexter
Anderson, Billy Bulley, Lachlin Smith, Joseph Cram, Jacob Day and Matthew Rauch).
In junior representative rugby Townsville sent teams in the under 12, 13, 14 & 16’s to Qld Junior State
Championships in Albany Creek in June. From this carnival three players Thomas Roberts (Under 13),
Kmani Levi (Under 14) and Tareq Parter (Under 16) were selected to represent Qld Country.
26 | P a g e2017 unfortunately saw the passing of long time TDRU major sponsor Mike Carney. Mike first became a
major sponsor of the TDRU in 1995 and this was extended with the Hugh Street Complex renamed Mike
Carney Toyota Park. Mike was not only a strong contributor to Rugby, but also to the Townsville
Community as a whole and he will be sorely missed.
Executive: Adrian Gabrielli, Lachlan Bell, Terry Fanning, Ian Mintern.
GRADE NAME CLUB
GRADE MINOR PREMIERS PREMIERS
1st Grade Brothers Teachers West U10 William Ross Brothers
2nd Grade Brothers Teachers West U11 Iowani Cavuilati Ross River Redskins
3rd Grade Brothers U19s Brothers U19s U12 Dominic Taylor Brothers
Women’s Brothers Brothers
U13 Thomas Roberts Western Suburbs
U17 Brothers Brothers
U16 Brothers Brothers U14 Matthew McKellar Charters Towers
U15 Burdekin Brothers U15 Harold Mial Burdekin
U14 Charters Towers Charters Towers U16 Ryan Kinbacher Brothers
U13 Western Suburbs Western Suburbs
U12 Brothers Teachers West U17 Declan Maguire Brothers
U11 Brothers White Brothers White Ladies Shaniah Power Brothers
U10 Brothers White Brothers Blue 3rds Matthew Rauch Brothers U19s
U8 No finals for Under 8’s – for participation 2nds Rob Gillespie Teachers West
1sts Michael Parker Brothers
2017 Representative teams
Senior Brolgas
Robert McNanara, Jeff Sullivan, Kris Nielsen, Hugh Huppatz, Keiran Willey, Leonard Heron, Martin
Brennan, Daniel Carman, Sam Bradley, Josh Fletcher, Rodney Seeto, Colby Mason, Brendan Morgan, Keil
Richards, Shane Kennedy, Nathan Papale, Daniel Withers, Josh Mayhew, Emil Grant, Conor Twamley,
Russell West, Chris Mann, Connor Kennedy.
Under 19’s
Angus Small, Jesse Kyle, Trent Owen, Connor Morgan, Chandler Starr, Dan Cooper, Flynn Willocks, Jacab
Day, Dexter Anderson, Matt Rauch, Michael Keper-Owens, Tom Wells, Billy Bulley, Nathaniel Evens,
Lachlin Smith, Terance McCosker, Zack Ultromu, Karl Raffe, Joey Cram, Mitchell Clarke, Ben Williams,
Lachlan Cavallin, Ethan Blaney.
Women’s
Olivia Anderson, Sheph Ullmann, Liz Taina, Amy Mowle, Jess Schwartz, Eleanor Mowle, Ellie Gray, Samille
Pagden, Gagie Carsten, Roxanne Russell, Jesse Steel, Hayley Crawford, Hailee Byles, Hannah Goodwin,
Colleen Bax, Tiana Fry, Emma Harnes, Azaria Henderson, Maddison Liz, Khia O’Brien, Hannah Aisa, Pria
Pabao, Emma Johnston, Julie Skulovskaya, Pia Poid, Sian Roberts, Julia Douglas, Kristy Bolton.
Players selected for North Qld
Robert McNamara, Kris Nielson, Russell West, Seamus Huppatz, Hugh Huppatz, Daniel Carman, Martin
Brennan, Daniel Withers, Kieran Willey, Sam Bradley, Josh Fletcher, Brendan Morgan, Connor Kennedy,
Rodney Seeto, Shane Kennedy.
Under 19’s
Trent Owen, Angus Small, Dan Cooper, Terence McCosker, Jacob Day, Matthew Rauch, Dexter Anderson,
Tom Wells, Billy Bulley, Lachlin Smith, Joseph Cram, Flynn Willocks.
27 | P a g ePlayers selected for Qld Country Heelers
Seniors - Kris Nielson, Shane Kennedy, Hugh Huppatz, Josh Fletcher, Sam Bradley.
Under 19’s – Angus Small, Trent Owen, Dan Cooper, Dexter Anderson, Billy Bulley, Lachlin Smith, Joseph
Cram, Jacob Day, Matthew Rauch.
Junior State Championships teams
Under 12 Under 13 Under 14 Under 16
Will Pascoe Dan Franettovich Siloni Palu Caleb Edmond
Hayden Moore Matt Dyer Drew Whelan Brock Wright
Liam Todeschino Paula Vatanitawake Rolland Geesu Zac Thomson
Malachi Ireland Thomas Campbell Andrew Maher Jack Wearing
Jonathan Cavallo Lloyd Kennedy Tanner Thompson Zac Speet
Kiel Keryk Riley Flute Matt McKellar De Wet Potgieter
Charles Laverack Thomas Roberts Nikolas Mitchell Jack Wheldon
Nelson Kennedy Ethan Morgan Jake Mcauliffe Ryan Kinbacher
Jasper Guy Jeremy Morton Tom Marshall Zach Gough
Dominic Taylor Cody Sadler Hunter Lim Hunter Zacka
Max Gough Izreal Osae Clinton Bridges Todd McPherson
Mitchell Sullivan Jaidyn Wilkins Kalen Reweti Darcy Walters
Ollie Harvey Conor Muldoon Malachi Ware Tom Lyons
Cody Blenheim Daniel Murtha Kmani Levi Jimmi Thompson
Timothy Doyle Mitchell Ross Jayk Gwydir Tareq Parker
Sam Turner Jayce Gallego Jamie-Jon Gallego Leam Naseri
Zachary Olsen Lachlan Morgan Camden Finger Kieren Luxton
Jack Bragg Deegan Woods James Knowles Nathan Brown
Aiden Knowles Luca Yates Brandon Finger Callum Ricca
Vaughn Tully Kuresa Pio Michael Mtanios Zion Osae
Nathan Steel Zac Brown Preston Brown Brayden Yow
Kurt Smith Rory Lynch Brock Vasta Josh Madsen
Nathan O'Neill Scott O'Brien William Sibson Thomas Sherrington
Players selected for Qld Country
Under 13 – Thomas Roberts
Under 14 – Kmani Levi
Under 16 - Tareq Parter
28 | P a g eYou can also read
