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Tiaan Strauss joins Megapro

Tiaan Strauss joins MegaproBizcommunity.com, South AfricaHe played 15 tests for South Africa and spent two years playing rugby league for the Cronulla Sharks in Sydney. Strauss then played 42 games for the NSW Waratahs over three seasons and, finally, played 13 tests for the Wallabies. ...

Source: http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/423/36420.html

Tiaan Strauss joins Megapro
29 May 2009 07:06

The former Western Province captain and Springbok rugby player Tiaan Strauss has joined the sports marketing agency Megapro, the agency announced earlier this week.

Tiaan Strauss will be assisting with the 2015 Rugby World Cup bid.
The well-known and highly respected double rugby international has joined Megapro to take up the position of GM: Rugby. Strauss will also be responsible for sponsorship and advertising sales in the Western Cape region.

“I am looking forward to the challenge of working at Megapro in the sport sponsorship and advertising industry. There are many great sporting events coming to us over the next few years and it is a real privilege to be given the opportunity to be a part of this exciting chapter. Sport has been good for me over the years and I am pleased that I can make a contribution from the commercial side,” said Strauss.

Distinguished career

During his rugby career Strauss played 158 games for Western Province, including 95 as captain over 10 seasons. He played 15 tests for South Africa and spent two years playing rugby league for the Cronulla Sharks in Sydney. Strauss then played 42 games for the NSW Waratahs over three seasons and, finally, played 13 tests for the Wallabies. He was part of the World Cup-winning Australian squad in 1999.

2015 World Cup bid

In his new role at Megapro, Strauss will be liaising with SA Rugby on numerous levels. He will be assisting with the 2015 Rugby World Cup bid and the sponsor-acquisition process. Strauss' background places him in a strong position to advise on new rugby opportunities and competition structures.

Megapro represents several provincial rugby unions, namely the Cheetahs, Golden Lions and Western Province. As a vital addition to the Megapro team, Strauss will be managing all of the company's rugby rights-holder services and assisting the unions in maximising commercial opportunities.

 

[sharkafar]

What a great player he was. I can remember (like yesterday), the 5th place playoff with Brisbane (I think it was 89'). I remember him running across the filed, holding the ball out with one hand as if he was going to pass and then running straight through the defence without being touched. His combinatons with ET, McGaw and Dock where unforgetable.....
Intersting how footy has changed. Back then players stayed with one club (Miller, Russel, Dock, ET, McGaw, Sorenson Bros, Lee, Speachly etc). NRL today has no more loyalty. It is certainly more professional as a game (and administration)....not sure if the game is better off?!?!
...nonetheless, these memories make this season all the more painful!!!!! the club is currently in the nevernever, and after so many years of supporting the club I do not remember such tough times (both on and off the filed)

You're right Great White. It was 1989 and the playoff for 5th with the Broncos. Miller had a great game but what I remember most about that night was Docking had a blinder. I was watching it in the common room at Uni (QLD) with a bunch of Bronco fans and they were all getting more and more irate as the Broncs continued to kick it straight down Johnny's throat all night long. I just sat in my chair and rocked with laughter as he continually cut them up for the full 80 mins. Great fullback. I think it was 38-12 at the finish or something like that. Happy days.
Mind you, Big Mal and the green machine carved us up the following weekend.

 

[Google News]

Two-country Tiaan gets third rugby wind

Two-country Tiaan gets third rugby windThe Times, South AfricaA year later, Strauss moved to Australia to take up a two-year contract with a league side, Cronulla Sharks. “The first year was quite interesting, defence-wise. I learnt a lot of new things, like your body positioning going into contact. ...

Source: http://www.thetimes.co.za/PrintEdition/Sport/Article.aspx?id=1013366

Two-country Tiaan gets third rugby wind
Simnikiwe Xabanisa
Published:Jun 06, 2009

When he arrives for this interview, Tiaan Strauss is sporting a nick just under his right eyebrow.

It is courtesy of an encounter with a red hartebeest at the weekend, the animal having demonstrated its objection to Strauss jumping on its back by trying to gore him.

In addition to playing for the Springboks and the Wallabies, the former No8 was legendary for hunting in this manner.

It’s a “grab the hartebeest by the horns” technique that might come in handy in his new job as sports marketing company Megapro’s general manager of rugby.

Strauss, who was appointed to the job last week, is charged with overseeing harmonious relations between SA Rugby, its sponsors and its rights holders.

With the South African game in robust health, it sounds a simple enough job. But numerous headlines over the years suggest he will be working with an organisation mired in a self-serving culture.

“I was frustrated as a player because there wasn’t enough communication to all the related parties,” he says. “We need to set up a system of clear communication where everyone’s needs are taken into consideration.

“A lot of the provincial guys have made decisions based on their own needs. I’d like to see us work together to make the Springboks the most important thing when we make decisions. Ultimately they must be a No1 brand to the outside world, something the All Blacks do well.”

Strauss, 43, comes armed with a law degree and extensive experience in business working for a company that provides wholesale mortgage products to brokers in Australia.

Crucially, he has been exposed to South African and Australian rugby cultures, which he found to be poles apart. He played for both national teams in the 1990s — 14 Tests for the Boks and 11 for the Wallabies.

“When I left, South Africa was still amateur, whereas the Australians were fully professional. The one thing the Aussies had as an advantage was that they had rugby league and Aussie Rules football, so they could incorporate that into their training methods.

“Also, they went to great lengths, scientifically, to improve performance. And because they don’t have many players, they spent a lot of time improving individual players and were very patient.”

The new job is a third wind of sorts for Strauss’s rugby career, which has seen him represent South Africa, emigrate to Australia and return home after 10 years Down Under.

His has been an interesting journey. He missed out on representing the Boks at the 1995 World Cup, but won the 1999 tournament with Australia.

His missing out on playing in the 1995 World Cup was seen as a controversial issue at the time. Coach Kitch Christie was reported to have not only chosen Francois Pienaar as his captain ahead of Strauss, but he is also said to have axed Strauss because the Bok squad was not big enough for the two of them.

“I’m not sure it’s something I want to go over again, but for me it was not about the captaincy,” he says. “I was happy to accept Francois as captain. Not being in the squad was a big disappointment.”

A year later, Strauss moved to Australia to take up a two-year contract with a league side, Cronulla Sharks.

“The first year was quite interesting, defence-wise. I learnt a lot of new things, like your body positioning going into contact.

“Your running lines also had to be good because the defences were so good. But in the second year it all became monotonous and boring.”

After negotiations to go back to Western Province fell through, Strauss was offered a deal by New South Wales, which saw him play for the Wallabies in 1999.

“While playing for the Waratahs, somebody approached me and asked if I was aware that I qualified to play for the Wallabies. It was never in the back of my mind but the opportunity to play in the World Cup helped me make my decision.”

Strauss negotiated the potentially tricky hurdle of playing against the Boks in 1999, before going on to win the World Cup, under coach Rod Macqueen, with one of the greatest Australian teams ever assembled.

“The build-up to playing the Boks was quite emotional,” he says. “The coach said I’d better learn the national anthem because the camera would be on me. I ended up singing both anthems.

“Winning the ’95 World Cup would have been first prize, but ’99 made up for the disappointment.”

Strauss came back to South Africa in 2006 with his wife Flolinda and three daughters, Liani, Rosanne and Amé, mainly because he missed the lifestyle.

It’s a good move for the stakeholders in SA rugby, but the red hartebeest are not impressed.

 

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Former NRL winger bobs up with Breakers

Former NRL winger bobs up with BreakersQueensland QRURichards was intrigued by the selection of 33-year old Albert, who played for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, the Newcastle Knights and English Super League ...

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.qru.com.au/library/news/2009/090717_breakers_v_easts,69149.html/section/62576&usg=AFQjCNGfDynCIDeUvQr8h6BpOL7_RYJKZw

Former NRL winger bobs up with Breakers
17 July 2009

Former Newcastle Knights NRL winger Darren Albert will turn out for the Gold Coast Breakers in their top four clash against third placed Easts at Albert Park in Round 16 of Queensland Premier Rugby on Saturday (kickoff 3pm).

The fourth placed Breakers have named a strong side for the match, with QR Reds prop Ben Daley at loosehead and rising young QAS Reds Academy tighthead prop James Slipper on the other side of the scrum.

Academy back Ben Tapuai slots in at flyhalf, while his older brother Rex, a former Waratahs and Australian 7s player, will play at outside centre. Rugby novice Albert has been named on the bench.

Easts coach Pat Richards said with home ground advantage the Breakers will be a tough nut to crack as they will provide a similar challenge to the one posed last week by a similarly muscular Souths, who ran out 38-17 winners over the defending Premiers.

"They'll (Gold Coast) be very hard to beat. They've probably picked the best team they've got available so they'll be real tough: a big test on Saturday," Richards said.

"It all depends on how we go at containing their attack; they've got some pretty big boys and we've obviously got to improve on the way we played last week against Souths we're we failed a little bit to control Souths' bigger players.

"We need to prevent them from getting that go-forward and then capitalise on opportunities when they arise for ourselves."

Richards was intrigued by the selection of 33-year old Albert, who played for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, the Newcastle Knights and English Super League side St Helens, and famously scored the winning try for the Knights in the dying seconds of the 1997 NRL grand final.

"I saw that (Albert's name on the Breakers' bench)," Richards said.

"Whether he's still got it or whatever I'm not sure, but we'll find out on Saturday."

Albert retired from the NRL at the start of 2007 but has been playing some occasional Sevens rugby to keep fit.

England Sevens specialist Ben Gollings caught up with him when Albert moved back home to the Gold Coast recently and persuaded him to try his hand at the 15-man game.

Albert said coming off the bench against the Tigers will be a big test of his limited rugby experience but he's looking forward to it.

"It should be a good initiation - Easts are going pretty well. But the Breakers forwards look like they're big enough to look after me so I'm happy with that."

 

[Google News]

Albert's still up to speed - Gold Coast News

Albert's still up to speedGold Coast News - goldcoast.com.auThe winger, whose blinding pace entranced followers of the Knights, St Helens in the English Super League and Cronulla, will make his debut off the bench ...and more »

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2009/07/18/99251_gold-coast-sport.html&usg=AFQjCNFseQLrWyvVBrz3BDqpEzXXRbXCTw

Albert's still up to speed
David Lewis
July 18th, 2009

RUGBY League cult hero Darren Albert is the latest addition to the Gold Coast Breakers dream team as it cranks up its Premier Rugby title push.

The scorer of the memorable 1997 Australian Rugby League grand final-winning try against Manly which still sends shivers of ecstasy through Newcastle Knights fans, is latest to swap league for union -- at the ripe age of 33.

Having moved to the Gold Coast two years ago, Albert was lured to the Breakers by their resident Englishmen Ben Gollings after spending the past 18 months playing Sevens exhibition matches for the NSW-based Country King Browns.

The winger, whose blinding pace entranced followers of the Knights, St Helens in the English Super League and Cronulla, will make his debut off the bench for his new team against Easts at Albert Park this afternoon.

"It will be my first competition game of union so it should be interesting," he said.

"I was looking for something regular to get involved in and I'm happy to give it a go because I want to stay fit."

Albert, who has been working as a labourer and an electrician, will run out for Colleges earlier in the day by way of a tune-up, with the Breakers director of coaching Garrick Morgan saying of the club's latest signing: "It's a bit of a coup for us and I can tell you he's looked superb at training over the past few days.

"He might be in his 30s but his pace is still incredible."

Former NSW State of Origin representative Albert scored 88 tries in 124 appearances for St Helens between 2002 and 2005 and could be a telling factor in the Breakers' bid to become the omnipotent Premier Rugby force.

Albert, who spent six seasons with the Knights, was last sighted in the NRL back in 2007 when he left the Sharks with a year of his contract still to run.

The Breakers have also snapped up former Waratahs sevens specialist Rex Tapuai, 25, brother of teenage Queensland Reds prodigy Ben Tapuai.

He will make his début, following a spell in Japan, at No.13 against second-placed Easts.

IN Gold Coast Premier competition today, Scotty Barnes -- coach of fourth-placed Colleges -- believes his side can further clip the wings of the Eagles, who lost for only the second time this season against Bond Pirates two weeks ago.

"We believe they are there for the taking," he predicted. "We were unlucky the last time we played them."

Surfers travel to take on second-placed Palm Beach while the Pirates will expect to get the better of the rock-bottom Helensvale Hogs.

 

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Andrew Voss under fire for Origin indiscretion

Andrew Voss under fire for Origin indiscretionMelbourne Herald SunWe hear new Cronulla board member Damien Irvine is trying to lure Treister into sponsoring the embattled club next year. And Irvine is a chance . . . the ...

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/nrl/story/0,27074,25810294-14823,00.html&usg=AFQjCNG0DqPeQQkiAnpKp7P4Uiy3ne2yQw

Andrew Voss under fire for Origin indiscretion
By Josh Massoud
July 20, 2009 07:59pm

<EDITED>

FORMER Sharks hooker Dean Treister caused quite a stir at Shark Park on Saturday night when he was outed as a multi-millionaire. Some of Treister's former teammates were shocked to learn the former hooker has made a mint in the carpet business since retiring in 2001.

The former Shire surfer runs the biggest carpet sampling business in the US and flew from New York to be at the players reunion at Toyota Park for the Sea Eagles clash.

We hear new Cronulla board member Damien Irvine is trying to lure Treister into sponsoring the embattled club next year. And Irvine is a chance . . . the pair have known each other for years and remain close friends.

<EDITED>

 

[Dalos]

Sh*t eh? Tricky's the Trump of the carpet world. Good on him!

Let's hope Damo can get in his ear and make the sponsorship work! Exciting news!

 

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Japan rugby is a goldmine in more ways than one

Japan rugby is a goldmine in more ways than oneMelbourne Herald SunAccording to Cooper, who played for Melbourne, Newcastle and Cronulla, every NRL club boss should be nervous. The lifestyle in Japan can be just as ...

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/nrl/story/0,27074,25833937-14823,00.html&usg=AFQjCNEmKoAYhsftI4zBmdDPmcFqcsFR3w

Japan rugby is a goldmine in more ways than one
By David Riccio
July 25, 2009 05:55pm

THIS is the first look at the lifestyle of a professional rugby player in Japan. It involves training by translation, Bullet Train rides to away games, ringside seats at Sumo wrestling and Tokyo shopping sprees.

Craig Wing's defection from Souths continues a path already travelled by former NRL players Sean Rudder, Fraser Anderson and Dustin Cooper.

Next on the Japanese hit list are Karmichael Hunt, Benji Marshall, Billy Slater and Johnathan Thurston.

According to Cooper, who played for Melbourne, Newcastle and Cronulla, every NRL club boss should be nervous.

The lifestyle in Japan can be just as appealing as the million-dollar pay cheques on offer from clubs owned by multi-national companies such as Sanyo, Coca-Cola, Toshiba and Toyota.

Cooper, 27, signed with Toyota Verblitz for the next two years and has given The Sunday Telegraph an exclusive snapshot of life i n Japanese rugby.

"I went to London last week (for a break) and although I've never snowboarded before, that's definitely part of my plan, to hit the amazing snowfields here (in Japan),'' Cooper said.

Cooper lives in his own "quality'' apartment just five minutes from Toyota's training base. His team-mates are a cultural melting pot of talented Kiwis, South Africans and Japanese.

He still eats Special K for breakfast and the only media he receives is his daily fix on the internet. He can drive five hours to Tokyo's tourist mecca or he can pay "just over 100 aussie dollars'' and catch the Shinkansen (Bullet Train), which takes just 90 minutes.

But sensing the sigh from critics, Cooper claimed this was far from a Contiki tour for rich footballers. "Anyone who comes over here thinking that is doing the wrong thing by themselves and their club,'' Cooper said. "In the NRL, training sessions were short and sharp. But here you have to work harder for a lot longer."

"It's a lot more detailed here. We could be out there for hours and hours until we get it right. The Japanese work ethic is the longer you work, the harder you work, the better you are for it.''

While the competition only runs for 13 matches - from September to February - teams are required to play a stack of trial games.

With less demands on the body, Japan's brief season through winter is considered a major carrot for the ageing bodies of Wing and company.

However, according to Cooper the possibility of up to 10 trial matches before pre-season refutes suggestions of a life on easy street.

"People talk about how short our season is, being only 13 games long, but I've already played half a dozen trial games,'' Cooper says. "And I'm still another month and a half out from the season. So if I were lucky enough to play all the trials and every game, I'd be up around the 22, 23-game mark.''

Cooper stressed the respect that is ingrained within the Japanese society ensured anonymity to the players. And the lack of public glare or media scrutiny is one of the major lures for NRL players.

"I never had that big a profile in the NRL, but I can see why people are doing it,'' Cooper said of the exodus. "The money is obviously a good carrot but just getting out of the spotlight, too."

"We talk about who is coming over next a fair bit. We were talking about Wingy the other day and a few of the Kiwi boys who had played with him at a schoolboy level were saying how well he would go here."

"He and Karmichael would kill it, I reckon. They'd be unreal.''

 

[peachey]

lol Dustin Cooper, japanese rugby knows where the talent is..you're only talking up roog beh because you couldnt make it in the NRL because you're rubbish

 

[brad]

lol Dustin Cooper, japanese rugby knows where the talent is..you're only talking up roog beh because you couldnt make it in the NRL because you're rubbish

bit harsh. was awfully injury ridden.

but i shouldnt be defending him with the sh!t he is talking in this article.

 

[Megashark]

What I want to know is how was Japanese rugby union even aware of Dustin Cooper's existence? I guess his agent must have been doing a pretty fair sales job!

 

[sharks195]

What I want to know is how was Japanese rugby union even aware of Dustin Cooper's existence? I guess his agent must have been doing a pretty fair sales job!

Well by now everyone has heard of our club. Dustin probably said he played for us, but wasn't involved with any off-field incidents, so they thought he was the only one from our club who wasn't facing charges of some sort and one thing led to another...

 

[Google News]

Former Wallaby hands Springboks their jerseys

Former Wallaby hands Springboks their jerseysRugbyweek.comApart from his 14 Tests and 156 games for Western Province, Strauss also played two seasons of rugby league for the Cronulla Sharks before switching back to ...

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.rugbyweek.com/news/article.asp?id=21982&usg=AFQjCNGW8fHGQdWoANqVl28InX_UZrd4YA

Former Wallaby hands Springboks their jerseys
4 September 2009

Tiaan Strauss, who represented both South Africa and Australia in Tests, told the Springboks on Friday they need to show character if they are to remain at the top of the rugby world.

Strauss, who played in 14 Tests for the Boks between 1992 and 1994, handed over the match jerseys in preparation for South Africa's crucial Tri-Nations clash against the Wallabies in Brisbane on Saturday.

Two log points are needed for the Springboks to take their third TriNations crown, but they will be aiming to beat the Wallabies for a third time this season.

"It is very special when a team comes together as you have. You are privileged to be part of this group," said Strauss.

"There is a lot of talent throughout this team and you must appreciate being part of it. There are great players in each position and a lot of experience.

"You are in a tough position because the more games you win the harder it gets to motivate yourselves to the same level.

"Ability has taken you to where you are but it's character that will keep you at the top of your game."

Strauss said each Springbok should concentrate on doing his job right, after which the results will follow.

"With the right attitude, you can make a big difference. If each guy can do the little things right, the result will come," he said.

"This team is on the verge of achieving great success, you have the ability and are well on track."

Apart from his 14 Tests and 156 games for Western Province, Strauss also played two seasons of rugby league for the Cronulla Sharks before switching back to rugby union.

He represented New South Wales and earned 11 caps for the Wallabies, forming part of their squad which won the Rugby World Cup in 1999.

 

[Google News]

Courier MailGold Coast Titans a quiet finals threatCourier MailAnd there are also league's true believers such as former Cronulla legend Tommy Bishop, who lives just around the corner from the club at Robina. ...and more »

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/nrl/story/0,26746,26027837-5003409,00.html&usg=AFQjCNH-ECk59E9-zovQaGb_fIV9lj_uYg

Gold Coast Titans a quiet finals threat
By Robert Craddock
September 05, 2009 12:00am

<EDITED> Full article can be found here

And there are also league's true believers such as former Cronulla legend Tommy Bishop, who lives just around the corner from the club at Robina.

The Titans journey has Bishop reliving his early days with Cronulla when they first joined the Sydney premiership in 1967 and he hopped on board as a livewire playmaking halfback two years later.

"When Mat Rogers plays well they are almost unbeatable. He's a fine player though I can't put him ahead of his father Steve who I played with – Steve was very special to me," Bishop said.

"They remind me a lot of where we were in 1973 when we made the grand final and lost 10-7 to Manly because of Bob Fulton's brilliance. We could have won it in 1973."

But they didn't and 36 years later the Sharks are still to bag their first title, a subtle reminder to the Titans not to waste an ounce of this precious chance.

 

[Google News]

Sharks circling

Sharks circlingMackay Daily MercuryMoranbah coach Ben Anderson expects to inject the former Cronulla, Broncos and Storm NRL player from the bench. The clash will feature two teams of the ...

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.dailymercury.com.au/story/2009/09/10/Souths-Moranbah-Mercury-Qup/&usg=AFQjCNGDAhWR464zwLt03EDXnPwV3I8WCQ

Sharks circling
Charlie Payne
10th September 2009

SOUTHS are set to be boosted by the return of three of their QLD Cup contingent for the Mercury Cup grand final showdown with Moranbah.

SOUTHS are set to be boosted by the return of three of their Queensland Cup contingent for this Sunday's Mercury Cup grand final showdown with Moranbah.

Hooker Luke Srama and forwards Regan Hyde and Jerome Iakimo were named by coach Nathan Doyle yesterday in an extended 19-man squad for the JRL grounds clash.

The STM Mackay Cutters trio missed the major semi-final win over Sarina with injury, and it had been feared they could also be out for the grand final.

Their expected inclusion sets the scene for a high-quality clash with the Miners, who will also be boosted by the return of rampaging forward Cliff Manu'a, who missed last Sunday's preliminary final win over Sarina due to unavailability.

Moranbah coach Ben Anderson expects to inject the former Cronulla, Broncos and Storm NRL player from the bench.

The clash will feature two teams of the highest quality, with Souths boasting no fewer than six regular Q Cup players, and the Miners fielding a team which includes three former Queensland Rangers and seven with either NRL or Queensland Cup experience.

Sharks half Craig Chapman is looking forward to the clash with Moranbah's classy backline combination of Justin McKay, Jim Ahmat and fullback Daniel Sorbello, who hit top form over the past two weeks in semi-final wins over Wests and Sarina.“They're key players, (halfback) McKay and Sorbello,” Chapman said.

“They've also got big forwards; they've finally got their team together.

“It's going to be a cracker of a game.”

Chapman, 21, played the last three matches of the Q Cup season for the Cutters, kicking the winning field goal in the dying minutes of his debut match against Northern Pride, who play Sunshine Coast in the grand final this year.

“I thoroughly enjoyed it,” he said.

“Hopefully if they (the Cutters) give me the opportunity next season, I'll give it a go.

“If the opportunity comes of a callup (to the Cowboys) I'll take that, too.”

 

[Google News]

A Knockout: Yass Valley's showpiece eventYass Tribune... Stefan's Kebabs Wollongong, City of Orange, Fabric Warehouse Canberra, Melbourne Thunder, Alacrity Brisbane, Tewhanau Manly, Shark Attack Cronulla, ...

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.yasstribune.com.au/news/local/sport/general/a-knockout-yass-valleys-showpiece-event/1728787.aspx&usg=AFQjCNEBWS8X-L-ffAHDsCMUfRlP_QPpTg

A Knockout: Yass Valley's showpiece event
ROD WISE
20 Jan, 2010 04:00 AM

The Yass Touch Knockout commenced in 1989 with 39 teams competing. For the last decade, 80 plus teams have participated each year after a record number of 102 teams in the early noughties.

Teams from NSW, ACT, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland have participated and players from New Zealand, Japan and England have played in the Knockout.

The Yass Knockout is the largest of its kind in Australasia and is regarded as a tournament that produces a high standard of touch as well as being a great social event.

Some of the best players in Australia like Mark “Bus” Boland, Shane “Mabo” Fredrickson, Joel Willoughby, Tony Eltakchi, Gary Sonda, Jason Stanton, Ron Wall, Ray “Bullet” Lawrence, Bo De La Cruz, Louise Winchester, Rachel Addison, Giselle Tirado, Judy Malcolm, Nicole Beck, Gabrielle and Katrina “Kitty” Maher and Yass’ own Kellie Smith, Julian Buckmaster, Marc Bingham and Ben Webster have showcased their skills at this event.

Peter Walters - regarded as the best player produced by New Zealand - travels from Auckland each year to play at the Knockout and at 47 years of age still holds his own in open company.

Another great Kiwi to play at the Knockout was Remus Gentles, whose attacking ability reportedly bought about the introduction of “shut down” defence.

***

Current and former rugby league stars like PJ Marsh (Parramatta, Broncos and New Zealand Warriors), David Hatch (Cronulla), Ian Russell (Illawarra Steelers), Joe Williams, Eric Ferguson (South Sydney), Nick Kouparitsas (Sydney Roosters), Mark Bell and Jamie Soward (St George) and current NSW Waratahs’ fly-half Daniel Halangahu have played in the Knockout over the years.

***

The Leeton Zonks, who played in the Knockout for a decade in the 90s, are known as one of thr great social teams to have competed.

The Zonks were a team formed around ex-students from the Leeton High School and were led into battle by the likes of Bruce Washington, Greg Reberger and ex-Sydney rugby league players Chris Houghton (Parramatta) and Larry Kelly (North Sydney). All the players had to meet at the Leeton Post Office at 6am on Saturday morning of the Knockout to travel by bus to Yass. They had to wear their famous white and black uniform which included the “Z” cap for the whole weekend and were only allowed to bring a tooth brush and toothpaste to Yass.

Other legendary teams were the Culburra Legends, Spunky Love Machine Young, Bowral Boys, Milky Lickers Umina, Nye Bros Mogo, Central Thoroughbreds Cootamundra, Hookies Heroes Temora, Tequila Slammers Mittagong, Albury Mojo, Redbacks Yass, Coastal Tyres Central Coast, Rip ‘Em Out’ Gosford. Wollongong Cellars, Stefan’s Kebabs Wollongong, City of Orange, Fabric Warehouse Canberra, Melbourne Thunder, Alacrity Brisbane, Tewhanau Manly, Shark Attack Cronulla, St George, Parramatta, Sydney University, UTS Lizards, XBlades, Chosen Few, Good Things, Cookie Monsters, Mr Walker, Suns of Beaches, SR 2002 and the Ol’ 55s led by former Dalton schoolboy Noel ‘Condor’ Donoghue.

***

Some of the game’s top referees have officiated at the Knockout including Gary “Mouse” Mournehis, Steve Pike, Dave Baggio, Rex Smith, Mick Medlin and Richard “Tickets” Lawry, who played for St George in the 70s.

Since the Knockout’s inception, Kenny Bell is the only person who has officiated every year either as a referee or tournament official.

***

The Knockout has produced some memorable moments. What about when the sprinklers came on in the middle of the night. It caused a lot of angst for one particular camper, Brent Perkins from the Central Coast, who was in a deep sleep when a sprinkler came up in the middle of his one man tent.

One of the Knockout’s highlights occurred in the late 90s when the second and third Tests of the Youth Trans Tasman Series between Australia and New Zealand were played at the Knockout.

***

The Yass business community has been great supporters of the Knockout through sponsorship which has allowed $12,000 prizemoney for the event.

The profits from the Knockout have been used to keep the registration fees for the local competitions low, support local players to play at a higher level and make improvements to the facilities at Walker Park the Knockout venue.

 

[Rapture_Shark]

danny lee is now living near lismore..he coaches my little brothers footy team....im pretty jealous...but im lucky because ive talked and threw a footy around with him, hes a really good bloke

 

[Gil]

danny lee is now living near lismore..he coaches my little brothers footy team....im pretty jealous...but im lucky because ive talked and threw a footy around with him, hes a really good bloke

He was a true work horse.
A great player watch, always giving 100%.
Say G'Day next time you see him.
Cheers Gil

 

[Google News]

Broncos legends to play in game
Sunshine Coast Daily
Steve Zemek
12th February 2010

Allan Langer is among the former Broncos lining up to play for the Men of League All-Stars side.

The Caloundra Sharks are used to taking on some stiff opposition, but they have probably never come up against a team boasting half the backline of the 1992 and 1993 Brisbane Broncos grand final winning sides.

The Sharks have announced the line-up for the Men of League All-Stars side, which will take on the Caloundra RSL Cup premiers in a charity match at Shark Park next month – and it is a squad brimming with Broncos talent.
Allan Langer, Chris Johns, Michael Hancock, Steve Renouf, Kerrod Walters and Andrew Gee have all been named in the side for the March 6 match.

Noel Goldthorpe, who played for the St George Dragons’ 1992 and 1993 grand final losing sides, has been named on the bench.

Caloundra coach and former Cronulla Shark Nick Paterson said the club had decided to once again stage the All-Stars match after it proved a smash hit last year.

“It’s going to be minimal cost and we’re lucky enough to have Allan Langer and most of the Broncos backline,” he said.

“We had a heap of fun last year and it helped raise a heap of funds.”

All proceeds from the match will go towards Currumundi Special School.

Also, jerseys from the game will be auctioned at a post-match function.

Paterson said the match would be as family friendly as possible.

“There will be games throughout the day – a reserve grade match, an under-18 match, a women’s match,” he said.

“The children from Currumundi Special School will also play a match and we’ll introduce them.

“We’ll hopefully have Sam Backo as a special guest. We’ll auction off eight jerseys that the players have played in and then another two jerseys fully signed by all the team.

“We’re also going to have raffle tickets for a raffle in the club afterwards. All the players are going into the leagues club afterwards for a feed and a beer.

"It’s going to be huge.”

ALL-STARS
1. Paul Bell, 2. Michael Hancock, 3. Chris Johns, 4. Steve Renouf, 5.Marcus Bai. 6. Scott Hill, 7. Allan Langer, 8. Andrew Gee, 9. Kerrod Walters, 10. Dan Stains, 11. Danny Nutley, 12. Kevin Campion, 13. Tonie Carroll, 14. Clinton O’Brien, 15. Craig Greenhill, 16. Craig Polla-Mounter, 17. Noel Goldthorpe, 18. Wayne Marshall.

Summary: Caloundra coach and former Cronulla Shark Nick Paterson said the club had decided to once again stage the All-Stars match after it proved a smash hit last ...

Source: http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2010/02/12/broncos-legends-to-play-in-charity-game/

 

[Google News]

Success comes off the field

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=...ague/success-comes-off-the-field/1927703.aspx

Success comes off the field
BY NICK MCGRATH
31 Aug, 2010 08:06 AM

THE success of the Orange CYMS 2010 premier league outfit has been well documented.

They’ve gone through the season only losing two games, won their first minor premiership in 22 years and will host the city’s first grand final since 1997.

However, driving the club has been the work of the green and gold faithful and they’re a major reason the club is heading towards its first taste of premiership glory since the all-conquering side of 1988.

With a 20-strong committee behind him, president Ray Agland said after being on the brink of extinction six years ago CYMS were now stronger than ever.

“I think the key is everyone is doing their job. Michelle (Farrell) at secretary, Tony Ford, all of those guys. And we have a lot of people who help out on game day and want to be here,” Agland said.

“But the big thing is we’re all volunteers. We get out there and do this because we love it. We don’t get a drink out of it, we don’t get paid anything. We enjoy it and we all enjoy the success the club is having at the moment.”

After not fielding a first grade side in the 2004 premier league competition, CYMS regrouped in ‘05 and under the guidance of Mick Ostini, then Brad Donald in 2006, began to build.

But, if you ask Agland, 2008 was the year in which the green and golds began to believe they could challenge for a title.

In the game’s centenary year CYMS signed former Cronulla Sharks rake Pat Gibson.

“With Pat (Gibson), Scoot (Scott Sullivan in 2009) and then Mick (Sullivan in 2010) we really brought back the interest in the club. We’ve locked in our juniors and we’re building from that base now,” he said.

“We’ve now got that support in our junior base and it started with Pat. He was the first to every game, sang the team song the loudest and clapped on every team.

“We’re no longer fighting off all of the other codes which is what we have to do to hold on to everyone in the past.”

In doing so, participation has been the key for the CYMS board.

Joining the fold has been former junior committee members Dave and Joe Penny.

Senior players Kurt Beahan and Riley Law coach two of CYMS’ junior sides and the inclusion of Sullivan at the club has not only helped keep the green and golds’ young talent but boosted their numbers too.

Club secretary Michelle Farrell said having so many people involved was important for the club’s future.

“We all enjoy watching the kids coming through,” Farrell said.

“I think the reason we’ve worked so well is because we’ve had the same committee for a while now. We’re all focused on the same thing. And we compliment each other, we’re all good at different things.

“We’ve got the right people talking to the players, sponsors, it’s just a great atmosphere here at the moment.”

And Agland predicted it was just the beginning of things to come for CYMS.

“I think there is more success still to come. We know where we are at, we’ve signed Mick for two season’s so he’ll be around again,” he said.

“Just the atmosphere at the club is great at the moment. And I suppose in a way that falls back on us, the committee. If we’re not doing our job then who would want to play for us?”

WANT to send Orange CYMS well wishes for the Group 10 grand final? Send them to sport.cwd@ruralpress.com and we’ll print them in the lead-up to Sunday’s big game.