Pickers winger, Hayden Crouch is the toast of the town after a try in the final two minutes of regulation time got them into the golden point and when he crossed in the second period of extra time he sealed his place in Pickers folklore.

The conditions at Maitland Sportsground made it difficult for both teams and it took 25 minutes for the scoreboard attendants to be required. A shift from one side of the field to the other strecthed the Rosellas defensive line who found Gavin Quinn too difficult to handle as the Pickers opened the scoring. The Pickers again went on the attack deep in the Rosellas half but chanced their hand once too often with Nathan Hinton snatching an intercept to post Wests first points in an 80 metre effort handing the Rosellas a 6 points to 4 lead.

Another try against the run of play, this time to Rosellas winger Steve Gordon in the 38th minute sent the parochial Maitland crowd back to their seats as Wests went to the break with a 12 points to 4 advantage.

Another shift to Quinn after the break gave Maitland an opportunity which they seized with big Willy Poleo scoring in the corner to narrow the gap but all that good work was undone when Wests returned serve through Brian Clarke. Clarke was the danger man all afternoon for the Rosellas and his solo try was a great reward for his tireless efforts taking the score out to 16 points to 8.

Luke Matheson was handed the uneviable task of replacing Peter Ellis at hooker for the back half of the season and has made the position his own in recent weeks. He was without doubt the best on the ground in a brilliant display out of dummy half and when he barged over in the 68th minute he gave his side a sniff of victory. In a typical occurance for the day the Rosellas again hit back through a penalty goal to Todd Hurrell for what looked like an unassailable 18 points to 12 lead with only 5 minutes left on the clock...unassailable until Hayden Crouch stepped up to score his double sending Maitland into raptures, himself into the history books and the club into their first grand final appearance since the 80's...

Western Suburbs will now have to regroup as they prepare to take on a confident Cessnock at Kurri Kurri next Sunday afternoon.

MEDIA RELEASE

The Executive Committee of the Country Rugby League of NSW along with Holiday Inn Potts Point and Morgan Imports and Special Guest Ricky Stuart have announced the Top 5 finalists of its annual CRL Holiday Inn Volunteer of the Year award at a gala event in Sydney over the weekend.

Congratulations to the following volunteers: -

Col Wright                   Group 10

Michael Tierney          Group 7

Erika Lampe               Barwon Darling

Justin Loxley               Group 20

Henry Louie                Group 11

Chairman Jock Colley spoke about the importance of volunteers to bush football.

Jock said “It is difficult to thank all the volunteers in our game but that’s what this program is designed to do.”

Special Guest Ricky Stuart remembers his father as one of the most influential volunteers that stuck in his mind as he grew up in Queanbeyan. “My father Les gave up many hours to coach and transport junior footballer’s in the group and taking phone calls to all hours of the evening to make sure the operation facets of Junior Rugby League in Queanbeyan were conducted correctly.”

The CRL Volunteer of the Year Program was conducted over the duration of the 2010 season.

The Top 5 Finalists will go onto compete in the NRL’s One Community National Volunteer of the Year Awards Night to be held at Sydney’s Town Hall on Monday 27th September 2010.

Tuesday, 31 August 2010

MEDIA RELEASE

The following players have been selected to represent the Country Rugby League in their upcoming international fixture against the Cook Islands.

Two-time Country Rugby League player of the year, Grant Wooden, will captain the side for the third consecutive year.

“I am honoured to have the chance to captain Country again.” Wooden said.

“The boys and I are thrilled to be given an opportunity to challenge ourselves against an International opposition.”

Country Rugby League Chief Executive Officer, Mr Terry Quinn, said the match will be a fitting end to a weeklong celebration of country Rugby League.

“The Cook Islands weren’t far away from competing in this year’s Four Nations tournament so our guys will have their work cut out for them in Tamworth,” Mr Quinn said.

“Both teams will be in Tamworth for the majority of the week so I hope the local community really gets behind the event and supports our boys in what should be a terrific match.”

The match will be held at Scully Park, Tamworth, on October 16 with kick-off scheduled for 5.30pm.

Country Rugby League Squad in alphabetical order:

Player Club
Chris Bamford Warialda
Mat Cooper Nelson Bay
Mick Dodson Goulburn
Blake Dureau Wests Illawarra
Nathan Dureau Wests Illawarra
Jimmy Grehan Wests Illawarra
Jay Lasscock Queanbeyan
Josh Mantellato Wyong
Bodaniel O’Connell Wyong
Simon Osborne Mudgee
David Pangai Wests Newcastle
Daniel Ritter Scone
Joel Ruskin Thirroul
Chad Sharp Wyong
Derek Short Thirroul
Mitch Williams Wyong
Grant Wooden (C) Scone
Sam Wooden Wests Newcastle

For further information call the Country Rugby League on (02) 9232 5867.

ONE talented young footballer is carrying on the legacy left by his father on the Group Nine competition.

Fourteen-yea r-old Sam Keast was awarded the Rick Keast medal for best on ground after Saturday's under-14 grand final at Parramore Park.

An air of emotional pleasure could be felt among the large crowd at the finals as young Sam took to the stage to accept the medal bearing his father's name.

Kangaroos under 14 coach Troy Ryan said he felt honoured to be presenting Sam with the medal.

"This is a very special day for young Sam," Ryan said during the presentation.

"Rick was Sam's dad and I know he would have been so proud of Sam to be up here today (Saturday) being given the best-on-ground award.

"Sam has been a terrific player since he started playing and today he showed the tremendous skill he has.

"Congratulations Sam, you deserve it mate."

The 14-year-old was a standout for the entire game, making continuous breaks down the sideline and proving relentless in defence in centre for the Roos.

"This is the first year I've won best on ground," Sam said after the presentation.

"The whole team played pretty good today so it was a team effort really."

Sam's father Rick was one of the greatest stalwarts of the Group Nine competition.

Born and bred in Junee, Rick went on to play two seasons with South Sydney before bringing an end to his distinguished career by captain-coaching Brothers to its only Group Nine premiership.

Keast passed away in July last year after a long battle with cancer.

Sam captained Kangaroos to the grand final after a successful home-and-away season, and was able to lead his team to victory at Parramore Park on Saturday.

During his nine-year playing career the up-and-coming talent has already begun to fill his father's shoes, having represented Group Nine twice as well as the Riverina.

"I'd love to play in the NRL one day," he revealed.

"Hopefully I can play for the Roosters in the centres."

Kangaroos fought hard against Turvey Park on Saturday to take out the premiership.

Coach Ryan says he believes his team deserved to take home the trophy after a dominant year in the under 14 division.

For the first time ever the women took to the Rugby league paddocks of the outback in the Inaugural Outback Rugby League Women’s Cup. 
It was a fantastic first season for the girls with big crowds turning up each week to watch the games which were hotly contested by the four clubs, Menindee Yabbies, Broken Hill Saints, Wilcannia Wildcats and the Broken Hill Geebungs.

But in the end it was the Yabbies and the Saints who made it through to the Grand Final and what a game it turned out to be. Saints Captain Lowra Koraba and Menindee’s Renay Williams featured heavily in this game both scoring hat tricks while Saints half back Tarnee Tester and the Yabbies Kerri- Lee Briar put in sterling efforts in defence to make this one memorable game.

The Saints went in at the half in front by only four points but the Yabbies soon closed the gap after the break through some crafty ballwork by Jeda Sloane and Tayla Newman. It was neck and neck as the big hits kept coming with Saints enforcer Corinna Flentjar and Menindee’s Pearl Ferguson facing off in some heated clashes with the Yabbies Captain being sent for ten after a high tackle. Taunoa Bugmy got the Saints back in front pushing her way over the line for four, but a try to Menindee’s Tenille Williams soon after kept her girls in the hunt with only ten minutes left on the clock.

With the trophy in her sights Saints Lock Kulaii Reynolds produced a sensational solo effort, carrying three girls over the line to score giving the Saints an eight point advantage.  Menindee kept working hard putting Kerrie-lee Briar over the white stripe but time was not on their side with the Saints holding on for the win 34 points to 30.

The Saints pint sized dynamo Tarnee Tester was named Woman of the match through her tough defence and lightning quick runs out of dummy half.
 It was a fantastic result for the people at the Outback Rugby League with the league being inundated with calls from women who are keen to play in next years competition. Congratulations goes out to all teams who played this years women’s competition and it looks like its only going to get better in season 2011.

MEDIA RELEASE

The Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council has today announced the appointment of Laurie Daley as coach of the Indigenous All Stars for the 2011 Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars.

Honoured in League’s Centenary season as the Indigenous five-eighth of the Century and named in the top 100 players of League’s first century, the former Australian and NSW captain takes over the reins from Neil Henry, who coached the Indigenous All Stars to a gripping 16-12 victory in the historic game at Skilled Park, in February this year.

“Neil Henry did an outstanding job for the inaugural All Stars game and also for the Indigenous Dream Time team in 2008,” ARL Indigenous Council Chairman, William ‘Smiley’ Johnstone, said.

“He has made a unique contribution to Indigenous Rugby League and has built a strong platform for the All Stars in the years ahead.

“I know that Laurie and the Indigenous Council would like to thank him for his efforts.

“It is hard, though, to imagine a person more qualified to succeed him than Laurie Daley.

“Laurie is a proud Indigenous man who can share both his football knowledge and his experiences in a way that will help inspire Indigenous communities and Indigenous athletes.”

A three-time Premiership winner with the Raiders, Daley played 21 Tests and 23 Origin matches. He has been an assistant coach with the Blues and this year coached NSW Country to victory over City at Port Macquarie.

“It’s a great honour to be asked to coach the Indigenous All Stars,” Daley said.

“It’s a tremendous concept and we saw earlier this year how much people embraced it.

“I know first-hand the opportunities that Rugby League can create for people and the difference it can make to people’s lives and the All Stars is a big part of that.

“Everyone associated with the All Stars is committed to putting on a great game of Rugby League and a real celebration of Indigenous communities.”

The Indigenous All Stars will face the NRL All Stars at Skilled Park on the Gold Coast on February 12, 2011, in what has become a blockbusting opener to the Telstra Premiership season.

The 2011Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars will next year be played on the eve of the third anniversary of the Federal Government’s National Apology to the Stolen Generations and will be the culmination of a two-day Indigenous Bumehla Festival on the Gold Coast.

Once again, all Rugby League fans will have the opportunity to vote for the two teams through NRL.com with details to be made available in the coming months.

Tickets for the 2011 All Stars are on sale now and are available through Ticketek outlets, on 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au. New Zealand customers can call 0800 842 538 or +61 132 849.

Already, more than 11,000 tickets to the game have been sold.

Red Bend Catholic College Forbes has defended its Country Cup Rugby League Open Schools title defeating Maitland All Saints 16-8 in the decider at Jubilee Park Dubbo yesterday.

Following continual heavy rain the match was moved from the city’s premier venue Apex Oval to Jubilee Park, which had turned into a mud pool following the four earlier matches on played on the surface.

Clever dummy half Ethan Williams was named man of the match while winger Cameron Clarke displayed his brilliant finishing ability scoring all three tries for Red Bend.

In the under 15s final Holy Spirit Wollongong made light work of Maitland All Saints with a comprehensive 38-16 win.

While Brisbane Waters Umina thumped Picton High 32-4.

Meanwhile Oberon enjoyed an easy victory in the under 16s Small Schools Knockout final thrashing Braidwood 40-4.

Oberon’s Jackson Brien took man of the match honours.

And led by dominant lock forward Grant Hughes St Anne’s Temora edged out St Raphael’s Cowra 20-14 in the Small Schools under 13s final.

Country Cup Opens

Red Bend Catholic College Forbes 16 (Cameron Clarke 3 tries; Blake Baxter 2 goals) defeated Maitland All Saints 8 (Lachlan Shipard, Kori Barber tries)

Ethan Williams man of match

Country Cup under 15s

Holy Spirit Wollongong 38 def Maitland All Saints 16

Man of match Josh Simmons (Holy Spirit Wollongong)

Country Cup under 13s

Brisbane Waters Umina 32 Picton High 4

Man of match Rhys Kearns Brisbane Waters

Small Schools Knockout under 16s

Oberon 40 Braidwood 4

Man of the match Jackson Brien (Oberon)

Small Schools Knockout Under 13s

St Anne's Temora 20 def St Raphael's Cowra 14

Man of match Grant Hughes Temora

MEDIA RELEASE

The Country Rugby League of NSW today announced the finalists of its annual CRL Holiday Inn Volunteer of the Year award.

Five of these finalists will now be chosen by the CRL to advance to the One Community National Volunteer of the Year awards, to be held at Sydney Town Hall on September 27 2010.

The CRL Volunteer of the Year Program was conducted over the duration of the 2010 season and will conclude at a gala dinner to be held at the Holiday Inn Potts Point on Saturday, 4th September 2010.

Congratulations to the following volunteers from across Country NSW who have been selected as finalists from those nominated during the season:

Lyn Corr   Group 3
Brendan Summerfield  Group 3
Todd Mitchell    Group 4
Mark Knight    Group 6
Vicki OMullane  Group 6
Michael Tierney  Group 7
Mark Mcleish   Group 10
Col Wright   Group 11
Michael Hart    Group 11
Henry Louie   Group 14
Robert Quinell   Group 19
Chris “Butch” Willis  Group 19 
Justin Loxley    Group 20
Glenn Pennell   Group 21
John Wilson    Newcastle
Terry Rule   Central Coast
Virgina Peppoloni   Illawarra
Barb Pfeifer   Canberra
Joe Bellgardt   Castlereagh Cup
Erika Lampe    Barwon Darling

The CRL will announce the top five finalists at the annual CRL Holiday Inn Volunteer of the Year Program dinner on September 4.

MEDIA RELEASE

Rugby League fans have only days left to ensure the game’s most inspirational grass-roots volunteers receive the recognition they deserve, with nominations for Rugby League’s One Community Awards closing this Friday, August 6.

 
For the first time, the annual event will be a central feature of NRL Grand Final Week, bringing people from the heart and soul of Rugby League together for awards including the Toyota National Volunteer of the Year, Harvey Norman Women in League achievement awards and five prestigious community awards.

From mid-August, fans will also be able to vote for the major award of the night – the Telstra Ken Stephen Medal, presented to the NRL player who has demonstrated outstanding service to the game both on and off the field.

The One Community Awards are an opportunity for the game’s unsung heroes – volunteers, coaches, community workers, referees, development officers and teachers – to receive recognition for their tireless work as well as rub shoulders with some of the NRL’s biggest stars.

This year the event will take place during NRL Grand Final Week, at Sydney Town Hall on Monday, September 27.

To nominate a grass-roots hero for one or more of the 2010 One Community Awards categories, log on to www.rloc.com.au and follow the links. Nominations close this Friday, August 6 at 5pm AEST.

Voting for the 2010 Telstra Ken Stephen Medal will open on Friday, August 13, once the list of finalists is confirmed.

2010 One Community Awards Categories:

• Telstra Ken Stephen Medal – Telstra will provide $5,000 to the winner and $5,000 to the winner’s favourite charity

• Toyota National Volunteer of the Year – Toyota will provide $5,000 to the winner and $5,000 to the winner’s club

• Harvey Norman Women In League Achievement Award (Paid) – winner receives a $5,000 Harvey Norman gift voucher

• Harvey Norman Women In League Achievement Award (Volunteer) – winner receives a $5,000 Harvey Norman gift voucher

• Telstra One Community NRL Club of the Year – Telstra will provide $10,000 towards the winning club’s community program and/or staff development training for community relations staff

• Telstra Grassroots Club of the Year – Telstra will provide two Telstra Assistance Packs valued at $3,000 each plus $2,000

• AAMI Service to the Community Award – AAMI will provide $5,000 towards the winner’s community program

• AAMI Service to Refereeing Award – AAMI will provide $2,500 to the winner

• ARLD Teacher of the Year (Primary) – ARLD will provide $2,500 to the winning teacher and a $500 equipment pack for their school

• ARLD Teacher of the Year (Secondary) – ARLD will provide $2,500 to the winning teacher and a $500 equipment pack for their school

After kicking off in a blaze of glory yesterday with the primary schools component of the 66th NSWRL Integral Energy All Schools Carnival, attention will turn today to the secondary schools section of the carnival.

And undoubtedly the highlight on day two will be our first ever girls division. Endeavour Sports High, Narrabeen Sports High, Ashcroft High, Jamison High and James Busby High School will all battle it out in the 16 Years Girls section of the draw to see who will be crowned state champions.

The NSWRL Integral Energy All Schools Carnival brings together the school junior league community from across the state for three days of competition starting today, Monday 2 August to Wednesday 4 August.

Teams have travelled from as far as Dubbo, Tamworth, the Tweed Coast and Bomaderry, accompanied by more than 200 volunteers, referees, first aid officers and ground managers.

 “This year we have the first ever division for girls in the under 16’s which a real positive,” NSWRL Coaching and Development Manager Mr. Martin Meredith said.

“For these young girls to be here battling it out for a state championship on equal footing with the boys is a real positive for the carnival and provides yet another pathway for these girls to go on to bigger and better things,

“This year will be our biggest year yet because we have had another 10% increase in entries, and to have the girls competing as well is wonderful for everyone involved.”

On Tuesday over 70 secondary schools will take to the fields with more than 1400 children expected to take part, before Wednesday features eight ‘elite’ schools such as Endeavour and Illawarra Sports High.

The NSWRL Integral Energy All Schools Carnival is run with the support of the Integral Energy, Blacktown City Council, ARL Development and the NSWRL.
Support from western Sydney junior league clubs such as St Mary’s JRLFC, Rooty Hill JRLFC, Brothers JRLFC, Mount Druitt Colyton JRLFC as well as the army of volunteers is integral to its success.

WHAT: 66th NSWRL Integral Energy All Schools Carnival

WHEN: Monday 2 August to Wednesday 4 August, 2010

WHERE: Whalan Reserve (Debrisket Ave, St Mary’s)
The Kingsway (The Kingsway, Werrington)

St Mary’s League’s Stadium (Cnr Forrester & Boronia Rd, St Mary’s) – FINALS VENUE with games played from 3.30pm onwards.

TIME: Matches from 9.00am

WHO: Secondary Schools from all over NSW including our first ever Girls Division (Girls pool games will be played at Whalan Reserve with the Final to be played at St Mary’s League’s Stadium)

Further information: Brad Preston 0419 463 277(m) 9237 0760(w) or Jamie Anderson 0417 478 820(m) 9237 0760(w).