Skilful Cub to NRL Spearhead - balmainjuniorleague.com.au · challenge at Centrebet Stadium. Brooks...
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2016 107th Annual Report Skilful Cub to NRL Spearhead
Transcript of Skilful Cub to NRL Spearhead - balmainjuniorleague.com.au · challenge at Centrebet Stadium. Brooks...
2016 107th Annual Report
Skilful Cub to NRL Spearhead
Online Funeral Quote please visit
www.mannings.com.auor phone (02) 9555 7551
Where your
Loved onegoes from your
Familyto ours
Contents
Chairman’s Report | 04
Aaron Woods | 05
Office Bearers 1908-2015 | 06
Balmain Junior League Board of Directors | 07
General Manager's Report | 08
Major Sponsors | 10
2015 District Rep. Secretary's Report | 12
NRL Game Development Report | 13
John Chalk | 15
Events | 16
Tigers Annual Awards Night | 20
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals | 27 - Under 9 Div 1 Grand Final - Under 9 Div 2 Grand Final - Under 9 Div 3 Grand Final - Under 10 Div 1 Grand Final - Under 10 Div 2 Grand Final - Under 10 Div 2 Cougars Girls - Under 11 Div 1 Grand Final - Under 11 Div 2 Grand Final - Under 12 Div 1 Grand Final - Under 12 Div 2 Grand Final - Under 13 Div 1 Grand Final - Under 14 Div 1 Grand Final - Under 16 Div 1 Grand Final - Under 16 Div 2 Grand Final
Accredited Events | 41
Tributes | 47
032016 107th Annual Report
Online Funeral Quote please visit
www.mannings.com.auor phone (02) 9555 7551
Where your
Loved onegoes from your
Familyto ours
Contents
Chairman’s Report | 04
Aaron Woods | 05
Office Bearers 1908-2015 | 06
Balmain Junior League Board of Directors | 07
General Manager's Report | 08
Major Sponsors | 10
2015 District Rep. Secretary's Report | 12
NRL Game Development Report | 13
John Chalk | 15
Events | 16
Tigers Annual Awards Night | 20
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals | 27 - Under 9 Div 1 Grand Final - Under 9 Div 2 Grand Final - Under 9 Div 3 Grand Final - Under 10 Div 1 Grand Final - Under 10 Div 2 Grand Final - Under 10 Div 2 Cougars Girls - Under 11 Div 1 Grand Final - Under 11 Div 2 Grand Final - Under 12 Div 1 Grand Final - Under 12 Div 2 Grand Final - Under 13 Div 1 Grand Final - Under 14 Div 1 Grand Final - Under 16 Div 1 Grand Final - Under 16 Div 2 Grand Final
Accredited Events | 41
Tributes | 47
032016 107th Annual Report
Chairman’s Report
As we finalise our BDJRL books to wrap up the 2016 season I can truly say that much was achieved. Once again our season results were achieved through the dedication of General Manager Jennie Webster, our Board and the band of club volunteers who work tirelessly week after week for the love of the sport. Those volunteers covered functions, training, ground setting, canteens, training courses and fund raising.
Much of this time is away from the family home so therefore the whole family commits.
It is a well-known fact that to survive year after year it would not be possible without the generous support of our many sponsors who I am sure Jennie will outline in her report.
Our team numbers remained steady at 121 ranging from U/6s through to A Grade. Four of our teams made it to the Grand Final of the Sydney Combined Competition which was a great achievement.
Our Balmain Grand Finals were run over two days with the mod games on Saturday and seniors on Sunday. I am sure those who attended would agree, we witnessed some exciting junior rugby league and we could not have asked for better weather.
Our Balmain Junior League was once again strongly supported at the Sportsman's Lunch as we cruised on Sydney Harbour, we also had a strong club attendance at our yearly Presentation night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club in September.
Our 2016 season was slightly affected by the weather but overall we managed to get most rounds played.
Congratulations to all of our juniors who trained hard, played hard and persevered throughout the year. Some made it to the development squad as well as the junior rep squads. To those who missed out - don't give up, work harder and follow your dream. By the same token it is important to have a good "life balance".
Throughout the season it was always my aim to strengthen the connection with all of our stake holders be it the junior clubs, sponsors, supporters and the wider community.
Each season brings with it some difficult challenges and this season was no exception. More often than not it is with adults and not the kids, however, thank goodness we have a National Code of Conduct to guide us along the way not forgetting that we are all volunteers.
Plans for 2017 are well underway and all indications are that our team numbers will be boosted with a request from Sydney Roosters to join our competition. We could possibly see another fourteen teams come across ranging from U/9s to U/12s.
In finishing I would like to express our gratitude for all of the support provided by Elias Nassar from painAWAY Australia, Sydney Markets, Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club, Balmain Tigers, Patron Mick Manning, Lyn Phillis, the Balmain Referees Association and Wests Tigers.
Next to our kids, I would have to say that Jennie Webster is our greatest asset and due to her professional performance throughout the season we are once again in a healthy financial situation.
Thanks to everyone for your support of our Junior League throughout the season and we hope to see you back on the park in 2017.
John CritchleyChairmanBalmain District Junior Rugby League
FROM the age of five, Wests Tigers' skilful playmaker Luke Brooks was destined to play in the National Rugby League.
As a promising cub in his formative years with Holy Cross Rhinos and Leichhardt Wanderers, the gifted Brooks stamped himself as a special young talent.
Running around in the Balmain Junior League Mini and Mod Football ranks, his natural ability was evident as he did the Rhinos proud with dashing performances in the maroon and gold jumper.
Thirteen years ago as an 8 year old pocket dynamo he left his mark at the 2003 Balmain Junior League Grand Finals at Leichhardt Oval.
Sporting pundits jotted down Brooks' name after he guided Holy Cross to a premiership victory over Leichhardt Juniors in the U/9s Grand Final with a best-on-ground performance.
Those at the ground marvelled at Luke's sharp turn of speed, vision, attacking skills and no-nonsense defence with officials predicting a bright future for the talented cub.
In years to come, the fresh-faced Brooks would spearhead the Rhinos to more premierships in U/10s, U/11s, U/12s and U/14s before linking with Leichhardt Wanderers and bagging a premiership double in the Combined Inner City U/15s and U/16s competitions.
Brooks overcame crippling leg injuries to make an impact with Balmain's Harold Matthews Cup sides and the Tigers' 2012 S.G Ball Cup premiership-winning team that were also crowned National U/18 Champions.
He teamed with another golden cub in five eighth Mitchell Moses with the duo engineering an S.G Ball championship before starring for the Australian Schoolboys in Test wins over the British Schoolboys Academy and later joining the Wests Tigers NRL squad.
League fans watched the young maestro produce smart displays for the Tigers in the Holden Cup U/20s and NSW Cup in 2013 to push his claims for a top grade berth.
Luke was rewarded for his skilful efforts with selection in the NSW U/20s team that defeated Queensland in the Junior State of Origin challenge at Centrebet Stadium.
Brooks - now regarded as one of the game's most promising half backs – made a spectacular NRL first grade debut for the Tigers in 2013 against St George-Illawarra on the hallowed SCG turf.
The rookie half produced a crafty performance - nabbing a try, two try assists and controlling the attack in the Tigers' 34-18 triumph over the Saints.
Legendary Western Suburbs and Kangaroos half back Arthur Summons presented Brooks with his first grade jumper - a gesture that left the Tigers' rookie beaming with pride.
Cool hand Luke described playing alongside one of his childhood heroes in Benji Marshall as a "dream come true."
How did the quietly-spoken Brooks prepare for his top grade debut on the eve of the SCG clash?
Luke turned up to Morrison Park Putney to give some coaching tips to the Holy Cross U/12 Div 1 side that contested the Balmain Junior League Grand Final against eventual premiers Strathfield Raiders.
The Tigers' golden boy put the young Rhinos through their paces - much to the delight of the players and coaching panel of Allan 'AJ' Jarvis, Rod Farlow and Glen Smith.
And that best sums up the Wests Tigers' half – a dedicated sportsman who enjoys giving something back to grassroots rugby league whenever possible.
In his spare time Luke can be found mentoring young footballers in the Balmain district on the fundamentals of the game.
He is only too happy to help prepare the next generation of Junior League talent for the rigours of club and junior representative football.
Now saddling up for his fourth season in the NRL, a much wiser Luke is ready to fulfil the promise he showed as a fresh-faced teenager.
Having earned the Dally M Rookie of the Year and Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) Rookie of the Year Awards in 2014, Luke is searching for consistency in 2017 after serving his top grade apprenticeship in the world's toughest league arena.
Brooks and Moses form part of one of the game's most exciting backlines along with superstar fullback James Tedesco and powerful winger David Nofoaluma.
With over 70 first grade appearances under his belt with the Tigers, the classy number seven can hold his own against the likes of all time great Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Mitchell Pearce and co.
LUKE BROOKS
04 2016 107th Annual Report 052016 107th Annual Report
Skilful cub to NRL spearheadBy CHRIS KARAS
Chairman’s Report
As we finalise our BDJRL books to wrap up the 2016 season I can truly say that much was achieved. Once again our season results were achieved through the dedication of General Manager Jennie Webster, our Board and the band of club volunteers who work tirelessly week after week for the love of the sport. Those volunteers covered functions, training, ground setting, canteens, training courses and fund raising.
Much of this time is away from the family home so therefore the whole family commits.
It is a well-known fact that to survive year after year it would not be possible without the generous support of our many sponsors who I am sure Jennie will outline in her report.
Our team numbers remained steady at 121 ranging from U/6s through to A Grade. Four of our teams made it to the Grand Final of the Sydney Combined Competition which was a great achievement.
Our Balmain Grand Finals were run over two days with the mod games on Saturday and seniors on Sunday. I am sure those who attended would agree, we witnessed some exciting junior rugby league and we could not have asked for better weather.
Our Balmain Junior League was once again strongly supported at the Sportsman's Lunch as we cruised on Sydney Harbour, we also had a strong club attendance at our yearly Presentation night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club in September.
Our 2016 season was slightly affected by the weather but overall we managed to get most rounds played.
Congratulations to all of our juniors who trained hard, played hard and persevered throughout the year. Some made it to the development squad as well as the junior rep squads. To those who missed out - don't give up, work harder and follow your dream. By the same token it is important to have a good "life balance".
Throughout the season it was always my aim to strengthen the connection with all of our stake holders be it the junior clubs, sponsors, supporters and the wider community.
Each season brings with it some difficult challenges and this season was no exception. More often than not it is with adults and not the kids, however, thank goodness we have a National Code of Conduct to guide us along the way not forgetting that we are all volunteers.
Plans for 2017 are well underway and all indications are that our team numbers will be boosted with a request from Sydney Roosters to join our competition. We could possibly see another fourteen teams come across ranging from U/9s to U/12s.
In finishing I would like to express our gratitude for all of the support provided by Elias Nassar from painAWAY Australia, Sydney Markets, Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club, Balmain Tigers, Patron Mick Manning, Lyn Phillis, the Balmain Referees Association and Wests Tigers.
Next to our kids, I would have to say that Jennie Webster is our greatest asset and due to her professional performance throughout the season we are once again in a healthy financial situation.
Thanks to everyone for your support of our Junior League throughout the season and we hope to see you back on the park in 2017.
John CritchleyChairmanBalmain District Junior Rugby League
FROM the age of five, Wests Tigers' skilful playmaker Luke Brooks was destined to play in the National Rugby League.
As a promising cub in his formative years with Holy Cross Rhinos and Leichhardt Wanderers, the gifted Brooks stamped himself as a special young talent.
Running around in the Balmain Junior League Mini and Mod Football ranks, his natural ability was evident as he did the Rhinos proud with dashing performances in the maroon and gold jumper.
Thirteen years ago as an 8 year old pocket dynamo he left his mark at the 2003 Balmain Junior League Grand Finals at Leichhardt Oval.
Sporting pundits jotted down Brooks' name after he guided Holy Cross to a premiership victory over Leichhardt Juniors in the U/9s Grand Final with a best-on-ground performance.
Those at the ground marvelled at Luke's sharp turn of speed, vision, attacking skills and no-nonsense defence with officials predicting a bright future for the talented cub.
In years to come, the fresh-faced Brooks would spearhead the Rhinos to more premierships in U/10s, U/11s, U/12s and U/14s before linking with Leichhardt Wanderers and bagging a premiership double in the Combined Inner City U/15s and U/16s competitions.
Brooks overcame crippling leg injuries to make an impact with Balmain's Harold Matthews Cup sides and the Tigers' 2012 S.G Ball Cup premiership-winning team that were also crowned National U/18 Champions.
He teamed with another golden cub in five eighth Mitchell Moses with the duo engineering an S.G Ball championship before starring for the Australian Schoolboys in Test wins over the British Schoolboys Academy and later joining the Wests Tigers NRL squad.
League fans watched the young maestro produce smart displays for the Tigers in the Holden Cup U/20s and NSW Cup in 2013 to push his claims for a top grade berth.
Luke was rewarded for his skilful efforts with selection in the NSW U/20s team that defeated Queensland in the Junior State of Origin challenge at Centrebet Stadium.
Brooks - now regarded as one of the game's most promising half backs – made a spectacular NRL first grade debut for the Tigers in 2013 against St George-Illawarra on the hallowed SCG turf.
The rookie half produced a crafty performance - nabbing a try, two try assists and controlling the attack in the Tigers' 34-18 triumph over the Saints.
Legendary Western Suburbs and Kangaroos half back Arthur Summons presented Brooks with his first grade jumper - a gesture that left the Tigers' rookie beaming with pride.
Cool hand Luke described playing alongside one of his childhood heroes in Benji Marshall as a "dream come true."
How did the quietly-spoken Brooks prepare for his top grade debut on the eve of the SCG clash?
Luke turned up to Morrison Park Putney to give some coaching tips to the Holy Cross U/12 Div 1 side that contested the Balmain Junior League Grand Final against eventual premiers Strathfield Raiders.
The Tigers' golden boy put the young Rhinos through their paces - much to the delight of the players and coaching panel of Allan 'AJ' Jarvis, Rod Farlow and Glen Smith.
And that best sums up the Wests Tigers' half – a dedicated sportsman who enjoys giving something back to grassroots rugby league whenever possible.
In his spare time Luke can be found mentoring young footballers in the Balmain district on the fundamentals of the game.
He is only too happy to help prepare the next generation of Junior League talent for the rigours of club and junior representative football.
Now saddling up for his fourth season in the NRL, a much wiser Luke is ready to fulfil the promise he showed as a fresh-faced teenager.
Having earned the Dally M Rookie of the Year and Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) Rookie of the Year Awards in 2014, Luke is searching for consistency in 2017 after serving his top grade apprenticeship in the world's toughest league arena.
Brooks and Moses form part of one of the game's most exciting backlines along with superstar fullback James Tedesco and powerful winger David Nofoaluma.
With over 70 first grade appearances under his belt with the Tigers, the classy number seven can hold his own against the likes of all time great Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Mitchell Pearce and co.
LUKE BROOKS
04 2016 107th Annual Report 052016 107th Annual Report
Skilful cub to NRL spearheadBy CHRIS KARAS
Office Bearers 1908-2015
Junior League AdministratorsFrank Delaney 1937J Galvin 1937
Vice PresidentsTom Prescott 1924Richard Baker 1930-31-32-33
Senior Vice PresidentsArthur McIlveen 1978-79Ted Hellsten 1980-81-82Maurie O'Brien 1983-84-85-86Ken Brownlee 1988-89-90-91Sid Coghlan 1992Bob Barnett 1993-94-95-96-97-98-99-
2000 (deceased)Bill Wise 2001John Culbert 2002-03-04 (deceased)Allen Carling 2005
Operations ManagerDarren Mooney 2004-2006Jennie Webster 2007-2014
General Manager RLFC &Junior LeagueMichael Keech 2007-2010 (resigned)Paul Sironen 2010 (Acting) 2011-2013Jennie Webster 2014-continuing
Development ManagerDavid Kelly 1997-2010Yvette Downey 2012-2013Mitch Lewis 2014
ChairmanRobert Henderson 2006-2010 (resigned)John Critchley 2011-continuing
Patron Mick Manning 1997-continuing
Balmain Junior League Board of Directors
Balmain Junior Rugby League Life Members
Chris Karas
Jim Acheson, Fred Alexander*, Chris Annison, Kathy Annison, Jeff Aplitt, Keith Bailey, Bill Ballard, Allan Barber, Bob Barnett*, Ernie Baldwin, Ken Bell*, Ray Barclay, Tony Bietola, Des Booler, George Bowden*, Bill Bradshaw*, Bill Brown, Ken Brownlee*, Bill Burke, Harold Chalk*, Alan Carling, John Carrington, Bob Carroll, Sid Coghlan*, Brian Coleman, Bob Cooper, John Critchley, John Culbert*, Charlie Day, Ray Dalton*, Max Davis*, Phil Dore, John Doyle*, John Dunlea, Frank Dunne, Gary Dickson, Paul Egan, Terry Evans, Bill Evans*, Bill Fender*, G Frederick*, Jim Fitzgibbons*, Mal Finnigan*, Gino Fogliati, Dennis Fowler*, Sam Gebrael, Ray Gerrie, Don Graham*, Bert Hampstead*, Harry Hannaford*, Pat Hegarty, Ted Hellsten*, Austin Hoyle, Les Heath, Bob Henderson, Peter Hunter, J Hughes*, Wally Houghton*, Keith Jacobs*, John Jackson*, Geoff Large, Steve Leslie, Cliff Madgwick*, Mick Manning, Peter Mortimer, Harold Matthews*, Chris Karas, David Kelly, Myles Kennedy*, Jack King, Mick Ko'Cass, Mick O'Keefe, Arthur McIlveen*, Tom Middleton*, Leo Neylon*, Tony Newell, Maurie O'Brien, Joe Palmer, Reg Patterson, Lyn Phillis, Ron Pursehouse, Roy Rawson, Eric Richardson*, John Robertson, Arthur Robinson, George Robinson*, Martin Ritter, Ron Ryan, Bob Siemsen, Dennis Simmons, Graham Simmons, H Skinner, John Stanton, Jack Tagg*, John Stapleton, Ken Stapleton, Jack Taylor*, Kevin Thatcher*, Colin Thew*, Ian Todd, Doug Vitnell*, Alan Watts, Bob Waterson, A Waterson, Athol Webster, Paul Wheelhouse, Ron Wicks, Billy Wise, Fred Woodbridge*, Stan Woodbridge*
*Deceased
Sub CommitteesFinance CommitteeJennie Webster (General Manager)
Life Members CommitteeJohn Critchley (Chairman)Jennie Webster (General Manager)Mick ManningJohn Carrington
Sydney Combined Competition CommitteeJennie Webster (General Manager) – Balmain Representative
Rules CommitteeJennie Webster (General Manager)
Behaviour Management PanelJohn Critchley (Chairman)Richard KellyCharlie KhalifehMick ManningBrian JohnstonBob Siemsen
ChairmanJohn Critchley
PatronMick Manning
Balmain PCYC Tony BignoldCarlingford Cougars Richard KellyConcord Burwood David DurbinDundas Shamrocks Bob SiemsenEnfield Federals Wes GebaraFive Dock RSL Nick SperanzaHoly Cross Rhinos Ryhs ProvanLeichhardt Juniors Amenatave RokomaqisaLeichhardt Wanderers Leoni BarnettNorth Ryde Hawks Brian JohnstonStrathfield Raiders Charlie KhalifehBalmain Referees Assn Scott Todd
is an accomplished Sydney sporting journalist and author who is entering his 32nd year as Sports Editor of the award-winning suburban newspaper The Weekly Times.
He is the Balmain Tigers rugby league historian and a life member of both the Balmain Junior League and Leichhardt Wanderers Junior Rugby League Football Club.
At the age of 55, Chris has had a lifetime involvement with the game – representing the Balmain Tigers where he still has strong ties and chalking up over 40 years experience in the Balmain Junior League as both a player and writer.
Chris is the author of the book “From Fraser to Farah: The History of Balmain Junior League 1908-2008” that was published during the rugby league Centenary season.
In 2011, he wrote the book “Friends for Life – The Leichhardt Wanderers Story” – a detailed history of one of Australia’s longest-established sporting clubs.
Chris has also written the “History of Ryde Eastwood Hawks 1963-2013” – a proud club that recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
072016 107th Annual Report06 2016 107th Annual Report
SecretariesDave Butchart 1908-09-10-11-12-13 Pat McQuade 1908-09Frank Savage 1914-15-18-19-22Robert Savage 1916-17Leo Mason 1920-21-23-24-25W L Young 1926-27-28Bill O'Connor 1929-30-31-32 C H 'Micky' Roberts 1933-34L Crawley 1934-35J Burnicle 1936-37Sid Jenkins 1938-39-40-41J Griffith 1942-43R Rourke 1944-45-46Harry Addison 1947-48-49-50George Lee 1951-52-53-54-55Danny Clifford 1956-57Bill Ballard 1958-59-60Joe Hayes 1961-62Don Graham 1963-64-65-66-67-68-
69-70-71-72-73-74-75Mick Ko'Cass 1976-77-78-79-80
(resigned)Bill Brown 1980-81-82Bob Carroll 1983-84-85-86-87-88-
89-90-91-92-93-94Paul Egan 1995-96-97-98-99-
2000-01-02-03-04
Assistant SecretariesHarold Matthews 1913-14-15-16-17-18-
19-20-21-22M Cooney 1927-28B Curran 1929-30-31-32-33-34J Burnicle 1935W L Young 1936-37-38-39-40E Whitford 1941-42-43-44J Burnet 1945-46Harry Chalk 1947Arthur Robinson 1948-49-50-51-52-53-
54-55Bill Ballard 1956-57-58-59-60Arthur McIlveen 1961-62-63-64-65-66-
67-68-69-70-71-72-73-74-75-76-77
Ron Wilson 1978-79Ray Dalton 1980-81Bob Carroll 1982Chris Kenny 1983-84-85-86Kathleen Hughes 1987Pat Hegarty 1988-89-90 (Retired)Cliff Madgwick 1990-91-92-93-94Graham Simmons 1995-96-97-98-99-
2000-01-02-03Lyn Phillis 2004-05
PresidentsArthur Ballerum 1908-09-10-11-12-13-14-
15-16Frank Savage 1917-18-19James N Walsh 1920-21-22-23-24-25-26-
28-29-40-41J McCarry 1927-1930-31-32-33J Shaw 1934-35Bill O'Connor 1935A S Cochrane 1936-37-38-39L Crawley 1942-43A Dawes 1944-45-46Bert Hampstead 1947-48-49-50-51-52-53-
54Austin Hoyle 1955-56-57-58Robert McKinney 1959-60-61Bill Evans 1962-63-64-65-66-67-68-
69-70Bob Waterson 1971-72-73-74-75-76-77John Jackson 1978-79-80-81-82Ted Hellsten 1983-84-85-86-87-88-89-
90-91-92Sid Coghlan 1993Robert Henderson 1994-95-96-97-98-99-
2000Bob Barnett 2001 (deceased)Bill Wise 2002-03-04John Culbert 2005 (deceased)
TreasurersFrank Savage 1914-15-16-17-18-19-20Harold Matthews 1921-22W L Young 1923-24-25-26M Cooney 1927-28B Curran 1929-30-31D Cooksey 1932L Crawley 1933-34Allan Slarke 1935 J Connor 1936-37-38-39-40-41-42-
43H McLeod 1944-45J Donovan 1946Harry Chalk 1947-48-49-50-51-52A Harding 1949-50-51Bob Jones 1953-54-55Arthur Robinson 1956-57-58-59-60-61 Ron Pursehouse 1962-63-64-65-66-67-68Reg Patterson 1969-70-71-72-73-74-75-
76Phil Lloyd 1977-78-79Doug Vitnell 1980Myles Kennedy 1981-82-83Tony Newell 1984-85-86Kathy Palmer 1986-87Sid Coghlan 1988-89-90-91Ernie Baldwin 1992-93-94-2002-03Tony Bietola 1995-96-97-98-99-2000-
01Chris Annison 2004-05
DirectorsJohn Carrington 2006-2010Debbie Chalmers 2006John Critchley 2006-08-09-10Warwick Hilder 2006-07-08Gary Hinchliffe 2006-07Steve Lavers 2006-07Peter Mortimer 2006Mick O'Keefe 2006-2012David Wilson 2006-2011 (resigned)Chris Raheb 2006-2012Chris Annison 2007-08-09Ian Gibbeson 2007-08-09-10
Jon Monroe 2007-08 (deceased)Robert Gerrie 2008John Stapleton 2008-2012Chris Woods 2008Michael Benson 2011-2012Brett Wheelhouse 2009Frank Dunne 2009-2012 (resigned)Con Veneziano 2009-2012 (resigned)Aida Catalano 2010Paul Jenson 2010Gabriel Georgy 2010-2011Joe Bainou 2012Philip Taylor 2006-2014Richard Jones 2009-2014
Michael Jorgensen 2014-2015 (resigned)Tony Bignold 2013-David Durbin 2013-Richard Kelly 2011-Bob Siemsen 2006-Wes Gebara 2013-Nick Speranza 2013-Ryhs Provan 2015-Amenatave Rokomaqisa 2016-Leoni Barnett 2012-Brian Johnston 2008-Charlie Khalifeh 2012-Scott Todd 2011-
Office Bearers 1908-2015
Junior League AdministratorsFrank Delaney 1937J Galvin 1937
Vice PresidentsTom Prescott 1924Richard Baker 1930-31-32-33
Senior Vice PresidentsArthur McIlveen 1978-79Ted Hellsten 1980-81-82Maurie O'Brien 1983-84-85-86Ken Brownlee 1988-89-90-91Sid Coghlan 1992Bob Barnett 1993-94-95-96-97-98-99-
2000 (deceased)Bill Wise 2001John Culbert 2002-03-04 (deceased)Allen Carling 2005
Operations ManagerDarren Mooney 2004-2006Jennie Webster 2007-2014
General Manager RLFC &Junior LeagueMichael Keech 2007-2010 (resigned)Paul Sironen 2010 (Acting) 2011-2013Jennie Webster 2014-continuing
Development ManagerDavid Kelly 1997-2010Yvette Downey 2012-2013Mitch Lewis 2014
ChairmanRobert Henderson 2006-2010 (resigned)John Critchley 2011-continuing
Patron Mick Manning 1997-continuing
Balmain Junior League Board of Directors
Balmain Junior Rugby League Life Members
Chris Karas
Jim Acheson, Fred Alexander*, Chris Annison, Kathy Annison, Jeff Aplitt, Keith Bailey, Bill Ballard, Allan Barber, Bob Barnett*, Ernie Baldwin, Ken Bell*, Ray Barclay, Tony Bietola, Des Booler, George Bowden*, Bill Bradshaw*, Bill Brown, Ken Brownlee*, Bill Burke, Harold Chalk*, Alan Carling, John Carrington, Bob Carroll, Sid Coghlan*, Brian Coleman, Bob Cooper, John Critchley, John Culbert*, Charlie Day, Ray Dalton*, Max Davis*, Phil Dore, John Doyle*, John Dunlea, Frank Dunne, Gary Dickson, Paul Egan, Terry Evans, Bill Evans*, Bill Fender*, G Frederick*, Jim Fitzgibbons*, Mal Finnigan*, Gino Fogliati, Dennis Fowler*, Sam Gebrael, Ray Gerrie, Don Graham*, Bert Hampstead*, Harry Hannaford*, Pat Hegarty, Ted Hellsten*, Austin Hoyle, Les Heath, Bob Henderson, Peter Hunter, J Hughes*, Wally Houghton*, Keith Jacobs*, John Jackson*, Geoff Large, Steve Leslie, Cliff Madgwick*, Mick Manning, Peter Mortimer, Harold Matthews*, Chris Karas, David Kelly, Myles Kennedy*, Jack King, Mick Ko'Cass, Mick O'Keefe, Arthur McIlveen*, Tom Middleton*, Leo Neylon*, Tony Newell, Maurie O'Brien, Joe Palmer, Reg Patterson, Lyn Phillis, Ron Pursehouse, Roy Rawson, Eric Richardson*, John Robertson, Arthur Robinson, George Robinson*, Martin Ritter, Ron Ryan, Bob Siemsen, Dennis Simmons, Graham Simmons, H Skinner, John Stanton, Jack Tagg*, John Stapleton, Ken Stapleton, Jack Taylor*, Kevin Thatcher*, Colin Thew*, Ian Todd, Doug Vitnell*, Alan Watts, Bob Waterson, A Waterson, Athol Webster, Paul Wheelhouse, Ron Wicks, Billy Wise, Fred Woodbridge*, Stan Woodbridge*
*Deceased
Sub CommitteesFinance CommitteeJennie Webster (General Manager)
Life Members CommitteeJohn Critchley (Chairman)Jennie Webster (General Manager)Mick ManningJohn Carrington
Sydney Combined Competition CommitteeJennie Webster (General Manager) – Balmain Representative
Rules CommitteeJennie Webster (General Manager)
Behaviour Management PanelJohn Critchley (Chairman)Richard KellyCharlie KhalifehMick ManningBrian JohnstonBob Siemsen
ChairmanJohn Critchley
PatronMick Manning
Balmain PCYC Tony BignoldCarlingford Cougars Richard KellyConcord Burwood David DurbinDundas Shamrocks Bob SiemsenEnfield Federals Wes GebaraFive Dock RSL Nick SperanzaHoly Cross Rhinos Ryhs ProvanLeichhardt Juniors Amenatave RokomaqisaLeichhardt Wanderers Leoni BarnettNorth Ryde Hawks Brian JohnstonStrathfield Raiders Charlie KhalifehBalmain Referees Assn Scott Todd
is an accomplished Sydney sporting journalist and author who is entering his 32nd year as Sports Editor of the award-winning suburban newspaper The Weekly Times.
He is the Balmain Tigers rugby league historian and a life member of both the Balmain Junior League and Leichhardt Wanderers Junior Rugby League Football Club.
At the age of 55, Chris has had a lifetime involvement with the game – representing the Balmain Tigers where he still has strong ties and chalking up over 40 years experience in the Balmain Junior League as both a player and writer.
Chris is the author of the book “From Fraser to Farah: The History of Balmain Junior League 1908-2008” that was published during the rugby league Centenary season.
In 2011, he wrote the book “Friends for Life – The Leichhardt Wanderers Story” – a detailed history of one of Australia’s longest-established sporting clubs.
Chris has also written the “History of Ryde Eastwood Hawks 1963-2013” – a proud club that recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
072016 107th Annual Report06 2016 107th Annual Report
SecretariesDave Butchart 1908-09-10-11-12-13 Pat McQuade 1908-09Frank Savage 1914-15-18-19-22Robert Savage 1916-17Leo Mason 1920-21-23-24-25W L Young 1926-27-28Bill O'Connor 1929-30-31-32 C H 'Micky' Roberts 1933-34L Crawley 1934-35J Burnicle 1936-37Sid Jenkins 1938-39-40-41J Griffith 1942-43R Rourke 1944-45-46Harry Addison 1947-48-49-50George Lee 1951-52-53-54-55Danny Clifford 1956-57Bill Ballard 1958-59-60Joe Hayes 1961-62Don Graham 1963-64-65-66-67-68-
69-70-71-72-73-74-75Mick Ko'Cass 1976-77-78-79-80
(resigned)Bill Brown 1980-81-82Bob Carroll 1983-84-85-86-87-88-
89-90-91-92-93-94Paul Egan 1995-96-97-98-99-
2000-01-02-03-04
Assistant SecretariesHarold Matthews 1913-14-15-16-17-18-
19-20-21-22M Cooney 1927-28B Curran 1929-30-31-32-33-34J Burnicle 1935W L Young 1936-37-38-39-40E Whitford 1941-42-43-44J Burnet 1945-46Harry Chalk 1947Arthur Robinson 1948-49-50-51-52-53-
54-55Bill Ballard 1956-57-58-59-60Arthur McIlveen 1961-62-63-64-65-66-
67-68-69-70-71-72-73-74-75-76-77
Ron Wilson 1978-79Ray Dalton 1980-81Bob Carroll 1982Chris Kenny 1983-84-85-86Kathleen Hughes 1987Pat Hegarty 1988-89-90 (Retired)Cliff Madgwick 1990-91-92-93-94Graham Simmons 1995-96-97-98-99-
2000-01-02-03Lyn Phillis 2004-05
PresidentsArthur Ballerum 1908-09-10-11-12-13-14-
15-16Frank Savage 1917-18-19James N Walsh 1920-21-22-23-24-25-26-
28-29-40-41J McCarry 1927-1930-31-32-33J Shaw 1934-35Bill O'Connor 1935A S Cochrane 1936-37-38-39L Crawley 1942-43A Dawes 1944-45-46Bert Hampstead 1947-48-49-50-51-52-53-
54Austin Hoyle 1955-56-57-58Robert McKinney 1959-60-61Bill Evans 1962-63-64-65-66-67-68-
69-70Bob Waterson 1971-72-73-74-75-76-77John Jackson 1978-79-80-81-82Ted Hellsten 1983-84-85-86-87-88-89-
90-91-92Sid Coghlan 1993Robert Henderson 1994-95-96-97-98-99-
2000Bob Barnett 2001 (deceased)Bill Wise 2002-03-04John Culbert 2005 (deceased)
TreasurersFrank Savage 1914-15-16-17-18-19-20Harold Matthews 1921-22W L Young 1923-24-25-26M Cooney 1927-28B Curran 1929-30-31D Cooksey 1932L Crawley 1933-34Allan Slarke 1935 J Connor 1936-37-38-39-40-41-42-
43H McLeod 1944-45J Donovan 1946Harry Chalk 1947-48-49-50-51-52A Harding 1949-50-51Bob Jones 1953-54-55Arthur Robinson 1956-57-58-59-60-61 Ron Pursehouse 1962-63-64-65-66-67-68Reg Patterson 1969-70-71-72-73-74-75-
76Phil Lloyd 1977-78-79Doug Vitnell 1980Myles Kennedy 1981-82-83Tony Newell 1984-85-86Kathy Palmer 1986-87Sid Coghlan 1988-89-90-91Ernie Baldwin 1992-93-94-2002-03Tony Bietola 1995-96-97-98-99-2000-
01Chris Annison 2004-05
DirectorsJohn Carrington 2006-2010Debbie Chalmers 2006John Critchley 2006-08-09-10Warwick Hilder 2006-07-08Gary Hinchliffe 2006-07Steve Lavers 2006-07Peter Mortimer 2006Mick O'Keefe 2006-2012David Wilson 2006-2011 (resigned)Chris Raheb 2006-2012Chris Annison 2007-08-09Ian Gibbeson 2007-08-09-10
Jon Monroe 2007-08 (deceased)Robert Gerrie 2008John Stapleton 2008-2012Chris Woods 2008Michael Benson 2011-2012Brett Wheelhouse 2009Frank Dunne 2009-2012 (resigned)Con Veneziano 2009-2012 (resigned)Aida Catalano 2010Paul Jenson 2010Gabriel Georgy 2010-2011Joe Bainou 2012Philip Taylor 2006-2014Richard Jones 2009-2014
Michael Jorgensen 2014-2015 (resigned)Tony Bignold 2013-David Durbin 2013-Richard Kelly 2011-Bob Siemsen 2006-Wes Gebara 2013-Nick Speranza 2013-Ryhs Provan 2015-Amenatave Rokomaqisa 2016-Leoni Barnett 2012-Brian Johnston 2008-Charlie Khalifeh 2012-Scott Todd 2011-
Mitch the Cougar
Report to come...
Jennie WebsterGeneral Manager Balmain District Junior Rugby League
General Manager’s Report General Manager’s Report
092016 107th Annual Report08 2016 107th Annual Report
Esan Marsters and sisters Attaria and Siriah Marsters
Adam Lees 1 minute silence
Tina MarstersVolunteer of the Year Mateo Tatola
Origin U16s
WT Awards
Mitch the Cougar
Report to come...
Jennie WebsterGeneral Manager Balmain District Junior Rugby League
General Manager’s Report General Manager’s Report
092016 107th Annual Report08 2016 107th Annual Report
Esan Marsters and sisters Attaria and Siriah Marsters
Adam Lees 1 minute silence
Tina MarstersVolunteer of the Year Mateo Tatola
Origin U16s
WT Awards
10 2015 106th Annual Report
RYDE EASTWOOD Football and Leagues Clubs have been loyal sponsors of the Balmain Junior League for over 50 years.The Hawks, who celebrated their Jubilee in 2013, are a club steeped in tradition and were regarded as the 'undisputed kings of semi-professional football.'
The original 1963 Ryde Eastwood Hawks competed in the inaugural Inter District first grade competition and in 1964 were part of the re-named NSWRL Second Division.
In 2005 the club began a partnership with the Balmain Tigers in the NSW Premier League and NSW Cup up until the 2014 season.
For five decades they have supported local junior clubs participating in the Balmain Junior League.
In 2014 The Leagues Club became a Major Sponsor of the entire Balmain Junior League by sponsoring the District for the cost of the Gow Gates Insurance Program.
The generosity of the Football Club and Leagues Club towards the children and families in the District has been nothing short of outstanding and we look forward to a long and rewarding relationship into the future.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. USE ONLY AS DIRECTED. IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, SEE YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.
K WNO PAIN
K WNOGAIN
Major Sponsors
112016 107th Annual Report
Keith Aggett - President
NEW ADVERT
10 2015 106th Annual Report
RYDE EASTWOOD Football and Leagues Clubs have been loyal sponsors of the Balmain Junior League for over 50 years.The Hawks, who celebrated their Jubilee in 2013, are a club steeped in tradition and were regarded as the 'undisputed kings of semi-professional football.'
The original 1963 Ryde Eastwood Hawks competed in the inaugural Inter District first grade competition and in 1964 were part of the re-named NSWRL Second Division.
In 2005 the club began a partnership with the Balmain Tigers in the NSW Premier League and NSW Cup up until the 2014 season.
For five decades they have supported local junior clubs participating in the Balmain Junior League.
In 2014 The Leagues Club became a Major Sponsor of the entire Balmain Junior League by sponsoring the District for the cost of the Gow Gates Insurance Program.
The generosity of the Football Club and Leagues Club towards the children and families in the District has been nothing short of outstanding and we look forward to a long and rewarding relationship into the future.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. USE ONLY AS DIRECTED. IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, SEE YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.
K WNO PAIN
K WNOGAIN
Major Sponsors
112016 107th Annual Report
Keith Aggett - President
NEW ADVERT
2016 District Rep. Secretary’s Report
12 2016 107th Annual Report
HAROLD MATTHEWS
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Jarred Farlow, Louie Rizk, Rod Farlow, Gavin Cowan, Billy Callaway, Joey McNicholas and Peter Mortimer for the never ending dedication, commitment and effort you all showed during the year. You all did a wonderful job and your commitment never waivered.
Results:
Round 1 Penrith draw 18-18; Round 2 vs Parramatta lost 22-18 ; Round 3 vs South Sydney won 26-10; Round 4 vs Newcastle won 30-18; Round 5 vs Canberra lost 25-24; Round 6 vs WSAS won 36-26; Round 7 vs Cronulla lost 48-16; Round 8 Bye; Round 9 vs Illawarra lost 26-24.
S G BALL
Thank you to Michael Frain, Brett Wheelhouse, Glenn Smith, Wally Carpenter, Liam Roach, Michael Abdennour, Aaron Zimmerman and Bob Cooper for the unending dedication and effort shown during the year. You all did a wonderful job and your commitment never waivered.
Results
Round 1 vs Penrith lost 36-16; Round 2 vs Parramatta won 26-24; Round 3 vs South Sydney lost 24-8; Round 4 vs Newcastle lost 42-20; Round 5 vs Canberra won 36-28; Round 6 vs WSAS won 36-22; Round 7 vs Cronulla draw 20-20; Round 8 Bye; Round 9 vs Illawarra lost 28-14
I would personally like to thank the all boys, Harold Matthews and S G Ball, for the way they conducted themselves throughout the season, it was an absolute pleasure. I would also like to thank the ballboys for their assistance each and every week. It was a pleasure to get to know you all.
As always, I hope that all of the players take the knowledge and experience they have gained working with such wonderful, experienced staff and use it in the future to reach their full potential as players and young men. Good luck to you all and I hope you reach all of your personal goals in the future.
Congratulations to all of the Balmain players who gained selection in NSWRL Representative Teams, Schoolboy Representative teams, Wests Tigers NYC train-on, and the Wests Tigers CUBS at the conclusion of the Junior Rep. competition.
Thank you to all the people who make it possible for the boys to train and play every week, I really don't know how to thank you all enough. Brian Murtagh, Dilhan our Physio who kept the boys on the field each week, our wonderful Leichhardt Oval volunteer staff (Barry Maguire, June Maguire, Norma Walters and Renee Simpson) and our loyal parents and supporters for their incredible encouragement throughout the season.
I would also like to extend my condolences to those who have lost loved ones during the year.
Finally, a special thank you, as always to Paul Sironen, John Stapleton and the Balmain Football Club Board al well as Jennie Webster and th Balmain Junior League Board for the never ending help, support and guidance they give at all times.
Another great season for our wonderful Club!
Lyn PhillisDistrict Rep. Secretary
Back in February we took the Wests Tigers First Grade players to 13 schools in the area to talk about the NRL's initiative of “Wellbeing”. We received some fantastic feedback on the way the players conducted themselves and the thought put into their responses. They were a credit to the club.
Primary Schools
The Paul Sironen Shield continued to grow in 2016 but unfortunately we lost some teams as we had to reschedule the event due to the wet weather. In the end we had 14 boys' teams across the Stage 2 and 3 competitions. As a part of Women in League round, the Stage 3 girls played the final of the Steve Roach Shield during halftime of the Wests Tigers VS Cowboys game at Leichhardt Oval. Congratulations to Putney PS who won the Stage 3 Boys competition in extra time, Abbotsford PS in the Stage 2 boys and Holy Spirit in the Stage 3 girls competition. Congratulations to all schools who participated and again I must thank Tim White and Holy Cross College, Ryde for hosting the day.
The backbone of our programs the NRL's Backyard league continued to grow in 2016 and we also introduced a Fundamental Movement skills program in line with the school curriculum. The program which targets the K – 2 school years was well received and has been a great way for the NRL to get into some of our more cold schools.
We held 3 Balmain League Tag Gala Days during Term 4 at George Kendall Park, Timbrell Park and Wentworth Park with 135 teams participating in the 3 events. These days were non - competitive with each team playing at least 5 games on the day.
High Schools
In 2016, The Braith Anasta Cup saw 10 teams enter the 9 a side competition. It was a wonderful day of Rugby League and it was great to see some students participating in Rugby League for the first time.
This year, the GIO Trophy was held at Leichhardt Oval with some
outstanding Rugby League skill on show. Congratulations to Ashfield Boys High School who were eventual winners on the day.
The All Schools Carnival was held at Centennial Park and this year was divided into 2 divisions Under 14s and Under 16s. All games were played to a very high standard with Homebush Boys High School taking out the Under 14's division and Strathfield South High School winning the Under 16's division.
This year we ran over 20 Backyard League programs in High Schools within the Balmain district as well as 5 Beyond the Goal Post programs, teaching High School students about coaching and refereeing Rugby League. A big thank you must go out to the students from Strathfield South High School who assisted the NRL at the State Legends Finals Day.
Education
In 2016, the Development team ran a number of Coaching Courses for the Balmain Junior League including the Club Coach Course as well as two Modified Club Coaching course with 130 people being serviced. A level 1 Sports Trainer course was also conducted. Brett Kimmorley hosted the Balmain district update that was well received by all attendees.
All students participating in any of our NRL programs received a Wests Tigers show bag comprising of a Rugby League Ball, NRL Sticker, and letter to the parents explaining the program we've run. Included are also details of the nearest junior league club as well as a host of small items from the Wests Tigers and NRL.
2016 has been very successful for the Balmain region across the board. I look forward to seeing some of the students who participated in a school program representing a Balmain Junior League club in 2017
Cheers,
Ryan Dunlop and Adam Hellyer
132016 107th Annual Report
NRL Game Development Report
As always, recognition must go to the many people who make it possible for the teams to take the field every week. Thank you to the Balmain Tigers Football Club, the Junior League Board, our major sponsors Tigers Five Dock and Sydney Markets, Ryde Eastwood Football and Leagues Clubs, J J Robertson Transport, Kimi Kimi Cleaning, Griffin Air Conditioning, Mojo Power for the outstanding support provided during the 2016 Representative season.
2016 District Rep. Secretary’s Report
12 2016 107th Annual Report
HAROLD MATTHEWS
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Jarred Farlow, Louie Rizk, Rod Farlow, Gavin Cowan, Billy Callaway, Joey McNicholas and Peter Mortimer for the never ending dedication, commitment and effort you all showed during the year. You all did a wonderful job and your commitment never waivered.
Results:
Round 1 Penrith draw 18-18; Round 2 vs Parramatta lost 22-18 ; Round 3 vs South Sydney won 26-10; Round 4 vs Newcastle won 30-18; Round 5 vs Canberra lost 25-24; Round 6 vs WSAS won 36-26; Round 7 vs Cronulla lost 48-16; Round 8 Bye; Round 9 vs Illawarra lost 26-24.
S G BALL
Thank you to Michael Frain, Brett Wheelhouse, Glenn Smith, Wally Carpenter, Liam Roach, Michael Abdennour, Aaron Zimmerman and Bob Cooper for the unending dedication and effort shown during the year. You all did a wonderful job and your commitment never waivered.
Results
Round 1 vs Penrith lost 36-16; Round 2 vs Parramatta won 26-24; Round 3 vs South Sydney lost 24-8; Round 4 vs Newcastle lost 42-20; Round 5 vs Canberra won 36-28; Round 6 vs WSAS won 36-22; Round 7 vs Cronulla draw 20-20; Round 8 Bye; Round 9 vs Illawarra lost 28-14
I would personally like to thank the all boys, Harold Matthews and S G Ball, for the way they conducted themselves throughout the season, it was an absolute pleasure. I would also like to thank the ballboys for their assistance each and every week. It was a pleasure to get to know you all.
As always, I hope that all of the players take the knowledge and experience they have gained working with such wonderful, experienced staff and use it in the future to reach their full potential as players and young men. Good luck to you all and I hope you reach all of your personal goals in the future.
Congratulations to all of the Balmain players who gained selection in NSWRL Representative Teams, Schoolboy Representative teams, Wests Tigers NYC train-on, and the Wests Tigers CUBS at the conclusion of the Junior Rep. competition.
Thank you to all the people who make it possible for the boys to train and play every week, I really don't know how to thank you all enough. Brian Murtagh, Dilhan our Physio who kept the boys on the field each week, our wonderful Leichhardt Oval volunteer staff (Barry Maguire, June Maguire, Norma Walters and Renee Simpson) and our loyal parents and supporters for their incredible encouragement throughout the season.
I would also like to extend my condolences to those who have lost loved ones during the year.
Finally, a special thank you, as always to Paul Sironen, John Stapleton and the Balmain Football Club Board al well as Jennie Webster and th Balmain Junior League Board for the never ending help, support and guidance they give at all times.
Another great season for our wonderful Club!
Lyn PhillisDistrict Rep. Secretary
Back in February we took the Wests Tigers First Grade players to 13 schools in the area to talk about the NRL's initiative of “Wellbeing”. We received some fantastic feedback on the way the players conducted themselves and the thought put into their responses. They were a credit to the club.
Primary Schools
The Paul Sironen Shield continued to grow in 2016 but unfortunately we lost some teams as we had to reschedule the event due to the wet weather. In the end we had 14 boys' teams across the Stage 2 and 3 competitions. As a part of Women in League round, the Stage 3 girls played the final of the Steve Roach Shield during halftime of the Wests Tigers VS Cowboys game at Leichhardt Oval. Congratulations to Putney PS who won the Stage 3 Boys competition in extra time, Abbotsford PS in the Stage 2 boys and Holy Spirit in the Stage 3 girls competition. Congratulations to all schools who participated and again I must thank Tim White and Holy Cross College, Ryde for hosting the day.
The backbone of our programs the NRL's Backyard league continued to grow in 2016 and we also introduced a Fundamental Movement skills program in line with the school curriculum. The program which targets the K – 2 school years was well received and has been a great way for the NRL to get into some of our more cold schools.
We held 3 Balmain League Tag Gala Days during Term 4 at George Kendall Park, Timbrell Park and Wentworth Park with 135 teams participating in the 3 events. These days were non - competitive with each team playing at least 5 games on the day.
High Schools
In 2016, The Braith Anasta Cup saw 10 teams enter the 9 a side competition. It was a wonderful day of Rugby League and it was great to see some students participating in Rugby League for the first time.
This year, the GIO Trophy was held at Leichhardt Oval with some
outstanding Rugby League skill on show. Congratulations to Ashfield Boys High School who were eventual winners on the day.
The All Schools Carnival was held at Centennial Park and this year was divided into 2 divisions Under 14s and Under 16s. All games were played to a very high standard with Homebush Boys High School taking out the Under 14's division and Strathfield South High School winning the Under 16's division.
This year we ran over 20 Backyard League programs in High Schools within the Balmain district as well as 5 Beyond the Goal Post programs, teaching High School students about coaching and refereeing Rugby League. A big thank you must go out to the students from Strathfield South High School who assisted the NRL at the State Legends Finals Day.
Education
In 2016, the Development team ran a number of Coaching Courses for the Balmain Junior League including the Club Coach Course as well as two Modified Club Coaching course with 130 people being serviced. A level 1 Sports Trainer course was also conducted. Brett Kimmorley hosted the Balmain district update that was well received by all attendees.
All students participating in any of our NRL programs received a Wests Tigers show bag comprising of a Rugby League Ball, NRL Sticker, and letter to the parents explaining the program we've run. Included are also details of the nearest junior league club as well as a host of small items from the Wests Tigers and NRL.
2016 has been very successful for the Balmain region across the board. I look forward to seeing some of the students who participated in a school program representing a Balmain Junior League club in 2017
Cheers,
Ryan Dunlop and Adam Hellyer
132016 107th Annual Report
NRL Game Development Report
As always, recognition must go to the many people who make it possible for the teams to take the field every week. Thank you to the Balmain Tigers Football Club, the Junior League Board, our major sponsors Tigers Five Dock and Sydney Markets, Ryde Eastwood Football and Leagues Clubs, J J Robertson Transport, Kimi Kimi Cleaning, Griffin Air Conditioning, Mojo Power for the outstanding support provided during the 2016 Representative season.
NRL Game Development Report
14 2016 107th Annual Report
Mick Manning
152016 107th Annual Report
Young Hawks soar from footy field to your TV screenA BATCH of North Ryde Hawks rugby league juniors have risen from anonymity to starring in a new multimedia campaign for the National Rugby League.
After a successful 2016 season running around in the Balmain Junior League U/8s competition, the young Hawks were invited by the NRL to film a TV commercial for Play Junior League, a new campaign which hit screens around the country in late November to coincide with the launch of registration season.
The North Ryde cubs starred with Channel 9 Footy Show personality Erin Molan, Fox Sports' Nathan Hindmarsh and Canberra Raiders star Blake Austin, simulating a post game interview which goes a little haywire when interrupted by enthusiastic junior players.
The commercial features Amos Roberts Junior (as Dylan) along with a host of junior players including Jeremy McQuillen, who praises the speed of “Jimmy” (played by Issaq Karhani) and with in-game footage of Isaac D'Arrigo, Luca Guerrara, Chris Moala and Holly Toms.
Many of the other Hawks players will find themselves in newspaper advertisements, online at NRL.com/play and in YouTube promotional adverts.
The campaign was devised by the NRL to highlight the differences in the rules played at the junior levels to the game we all know and love.
To view the commercial visit: www.NRL.com/play
2016 proved a bumper year for the North Ryde Hawks Junior Rugby League Club.
Many of the above Hawks' players featured in The Footy Show's “Small Talk” segment back in June with team sponsor – legendary Australian rock band The Angels.
So it's probably no surprise they are taking all this fame on board with little interruption to their daily lives.
The changes are all about more game time, increased opportunities with the ball and a positive learning environment, where players are rewarded for effort, rather than penalised for mistakes.
It is part of a wider review of junior rugby league, with a focus on improving the under six and under seven years of age game experience, whilst continuing to develop the overall game involvement for all levels both on and off the field.
STALWART Balmain Junior League official Mick Manning (pictured) has been bestowed with Life Membership of the NSW Junior Rugby League.
Generous Mick, who has served 20 years as Balmain Junior League patron, was honoured for his outstanding contribution to the game at grassroots level.
It is deserved recognition for the Principal of Mannings Funerals, who has devoted a life time to fostering junior rugby league.
Mick's motto has always been: “As long as the kids are happy playing rugby league and enjoying themselves, I'll support them every day,” he revealed.
“Just to see them playing matches with a smile on their face is what our great game is all about.”
Mick's involvement with the Balmain Junior League spans over 40 years as a player, coach and administrator.
He played his junior football with the Leichhardt Coaching Class from Under 10s to Under 18s with twin brother John during the 1960s and early 1970s before taking on an administrative role with the Leichhardt Juniors club.
Mick was a tireless committeeman and Junior League delegate and served ten years as Club president – shaping the early careers of former top graders Jacin Sinclair, Ben Kusto, Chad Halliday and Troy Perkins as well as current Wests Tigers skipper and NSW and Kangaroos prop Aaron Woods.
For his sterling service, Mick received Life Membership of the Balmain Junior League and an Australian Sports Medal in 2000 for his enormous contribution to rugby league.
Life Membership For Popular Junior League Patron Mick Manning
Mick, who sits on the Balmain Junior League Board of Directors, devotes countless hours to grassroots football and can be found most weekends encouraging youngsters from all age groups.
Each year he donates medals to all the district's Mini League cubs in the Under 6, Under 7 and Under 8 ranks on Junior League Grand Final Day after participating in exhibition matches.
Modest Mick has always been a quiet achiever and does things with a minimum of fuss.
A loyal servant, he can be spotted during the autumn/winter months at sporting grounds such as Birchgrove Oval, Blackmore Oval, Frank Street Oval, King George Park, St Patricks College Dundas, Five Dock Park and Goddard Park on ground management duty giving encouragement to the next generation of Tigers' talent.
NRL Game Development Report
14 2016 107th Annual Report
Mick Manning
152016 107th Annual Report
Young Hawks soar from footy field to your TV screenA BATCH of North Ryde Hawks rugby league juniors have risen from anonymity to starring in a new multimedia campaign for the National Rugby League.
After a successful 2016 season running around in the Balmain Junior League U/8s competition, the young Hawks were invited by the NRL to film a TV commercial for Play Junior League, a new campaign which hit screens around the country in late November to coincide with the launch of registration season.
The North Ryde cubs starred with Channel 9 Footy Show personality Erin Molan, Fox Sports' Nathan Hindmarsh and Canberra Raiders star Blake Austin, simulating a post game interview which goes a little haywire when interrupted by enthusiastic junior players.
The commercial features Amos Roberts Junior (as Dylan) along with a host of junior players including Jeremy McQuillen, who praises the speed of “Jimmy” (played by Issaq Karhani) and with in-game footage of Isaac D'Arrigo, Luca Guerrara, Chris Moala and Holly Toms.
Many of the other Hawks players will find themselves in newspaper advertisements, online at NRL.com/play and in YouTube promotional adverts.
The campaign was devised by the NRL to highlight the differences in the rules played at the junior levels to the game we all know and love.
To view the commercial visit: www.NRL.com/play
2016 proved a bumper year for the North Ryde Hawks Junior Rugby League Club.
Many of the above Hawks' players featured in The Footy Show's “Small Talk” segment back in June with team sponsor – legendary Australian rock band The Angels.
So it's probably no surprise they are taking all this fame on board with little interruption to their daily lives.
The changes are all about more game time, increased opportunities with the ball and a positive learning environment, where players are rewarded for effort, rather than penalised for mistakes.
It is part of a wider review of junior rugby league, with a focus on improving the under six and under seven years of age game experience, whilst continuing to develop the overall game involvement for all levels both on and off the field.
STALWART Balmain Junior League official Mick Manning (pictured) has been bestowed with Life Membership of the NSW Junior Rugby League.
Generous Mick, who has served 20 years as Balmain Junior League patron, was honoured for his outstanding contribution to the game at grassroots level.
It is deserved recognition for the Principal of Mannings Funerals, who has devoted a life time to fostering junior rugby league.
Mick's motto has always been: “As long as the kids are happy playing rugby league and enjoying themselves, I'll support them every day,” he revealed.
“Just to see them playing matches with a smile on their face is what our great game is all about.”
Mick's involvement with the Balmain Junior League spans over 40 years as a player, coach and administrator.
He played his junior football with the Leichhardt Coaching Class from Under 10s to Under 18s with twin brother John during the 1960s and early 1970s before taking on an administrative role with the Leichhardt Juniors club.
Mick was a tireless committeeman and Junior League delegate and served ten years as Club president – shaping the early careers of former top graders Jacin Sinclair, Ben Kusto, Chad Halliday and Troy Perkins as well as current Wests Tigers skipper and NSW and Kangaroos prop Aaron Woods.
For his sterling service, Mick received Life Membership of the Balmain Junior League and an Australian Sports Medal in 2000 for his enormous contribution to rugby league.
Life Membership For Popular Junior League Patron Mick Manning
Mick, who sits on the Balmain Junior League Board of Directors, devotes countless hours to grassroots football and can be found most weekends encouraging youngsters from all age groups.
Each year he donates medals to all the district's Mini League cubs in the Under 6, Under 7 and Under 8 ranks on Junior League Grand Final Day after participating in exhibition matches.
Modest Mick has always been a quiet achiever and does things with a minimum of fuss.
A loyal servant, he can be spotted during the autumn/winter months at sporting grounds such as Birchgrove Oval, Blackmore Oval, Frank Street Oval, King George Park, St Patricks College Dundas, Five Dock Park and Goddard Park on ground management duty giving encouragement to the next generation of Tigers' talent.
John Stapleton and Keith Barnes
172016 107th Annual Report
Events Events
RETIRED Kiwi international forward Bronson Harrison has fond memories of his formative years with the Leichhardt Wanderers Junior Rugby League Club.
The Five Dock native was a budding star in the Balmain Junior Development teams when he struck up a friendship with another promising cub named Robbie Farah.
After serving his Wanderers' apprenticeship, Harrison went on to establish himself in the NRL with Wests Tigers, Canberra and St George-Illawarra - playing 196 top grade matches and also figuring in 12 Tests for New Zealand including the 2008 World Cup Final triumph over the Kangaroos.
Harrison returned to his old stamping ground on March 12 to participate in the Battle of Leichhardt Rugby League Festival at Blackmore Oval.
The powerhouse Kiwi lined up for the Wanderers against Leichhardt Juniors in the eagerly anticipated Old Boys clash for the 2040 Cup – and rugby league was definitely the winner.
Close to $50,000 was raised on the day for the Leichhardt clubs as well as the Fiji Cyclone Appeal.
For the record, the charity match finished in a 22-all draw – the perfect result after a wonderful day of rugby league, said event organiser Adam Thompson.
“It was actually a humbling experience to have the whole community come together like they did,” he said.
Wanderers led 22-6 at the break before the Juniors rallied in the second half to snatch a draw.
Another former NRL star who participated on the day was Josh Lewis, a talented half back/five eighth who played 25 first grade matches for the Sydney Roosters and Gold Coast.
Lewis played for both Juniors and Wanderers as a youngster and
like Harrison believes the event is a wonderful opportunity for ex-players to reconnect and support grass roots rugby league.
Wanderers' junior product Robbie Farah and Leichhardt Juniors' favourite son Aaron Woods have thrown their support behind this new initiative by both Leichhardt clubs to boost playing numbers in the inner-west area.
They offered their services for the day as assistant coaches for their former clubs.
As both Leichhardt clubs have a strong Fijian influence through players and officials, raffle proceeds from the event went towards Fiji aid effort.
Participating Old Boys players pledged $100 each.
Former NRL referee Steve Lyons volunteered to officiate in the Old Boys match with Scott Shepherd and colourful touch judges Steve Wilson and Tim Robinson.
Squads are: LEICHHARDT JUNIORS OLD BOYS - Sam Wara, Jake Byrne, Michael Takau, Michael Brincat, Clayton Byrne, Dean Hutchison, Josh Lewis, David Faounuku, Livai Wara, Caine Wynyard, Greg Robertson, Rhys Stevenson and Pio Rokomaqisa; Interchange: Garth Smythe, Joash Savage, Jarrod Brown, Francis Takau, Gary Young, Gerard Evans, Misha Hammond, Nick Koutzelas, Vivien Tamaofa and Luke Anderson; Coach. Matt Olsen; Assistant Coach: Aaron Woods.
LEICHHARDT WANDERERS OLD BOYS - Darren Shepherd, James Ellender, Tony Politoni, Ben O'Reilly, Tim White, Marc Russell, Damien Braumann, Dennis Gock, Lee Johnston, Sean O'Donovan, Bronson Harrison, Liam Burke, Richard Ngawini; Interchange: Dave Arthurs, Dane Ryan, Jason Dougall, Josh Jeffery, Sean Doherty, David Pangai, Paulie Young, Matt McDonald, Ricky El Ciano, Bryan Staziak; Coach: Ken Stapleton; Assistant Coach: Robbie Farah.
16 2016 107th Annual Report
Vintage performances by Old Boys in Battle of Leichhardt 2040 Cup
Wanderers and Leichhardt Juniors Old Boys pictured L to R: Adam Thompson (event organiser), Josh Jeffery, Sean Doherty, Bronson Harrison, Josh Lewis, David Fauonuku, Jake Byrne and Matt Olsen.
STORY MISSING
John Stapleton and Keith Barnes
172016 107th Annual Report
Events Events
RETIRED Kiwi international forward Bronson Harrison has fond memories of his formative years with the Leichhardt Wanderers Junior Rugby League Club.
The Five Dock native was a budding star in the Balmain Junior Development teams when he struck up a friendship with another promising cub named Robbie Farah.
After serving his Wanderers' apprenticeship, Harrison went on to establish himself in the NRL with Wests Tigers, Canberra and St George-Illawarra - playing 196 top grade matches and also figuring in 12 Tests for New Zealand including the 2008 World Cup Final triumph over the Kangaroos.
Harrison returned to his old stamping ground on March 12 to participate in the Battle of Leichhardt Rugby League Festival at Blackmore Oval.
The powerhouse Kiwi lined up for the Wanderers against Leichhardt Juniors in the eagerly anticipated Old Boys clash for the 2040 Cup – and rugby league was definitely the winner.
Close to $50,000 was raised on the day for the Leichhardt clubs as well as the Fiji Cyclone Appeal.
For the record, the charity match finished in a 22-all draw – the perfect result after a wonderful day of rugby league, said event organiser Adam Thompson.
“It was actually a humbling experience to have the whole community come together like they did,” he said.
Wanderers led 22-6 at the break before the Juniors rallied in the second half to snatch a draw.
Another former NRL star who participated on the day was Josh Lewis, a talented half back/five eighth who played 25 first grade matches for the Sydney Roosters and Gold Coast.
Lewis played for both Juniors and Wanderers as a youngster and
like Harrison believes the event is a wonderful opportunity for ex-players to reconnect and support grass roots rugby league.
Wanderers' junior product Robbie Farah and Leichhardt Juniors' favourite son Aaron Woods have thrown their support behind this new initiative by both Leichhardt clubs to boost playing numbers in the inner-west area.
They offered their services for the day as assistant coaches for their former clubs.
As both Leichhardt clubs have a strong Fijian influence through players and officials, raffle proceeds from the event went towards Fiji aid effort.
Participating Old Boys players pledged $100 each.
Former NRL referee Steve Lyons volunteered to officiate in the Old Boys match with Scott Shepherd and colourful touch judges Steve Wilson and Tim Robinson.
Squads are: LEICHHARDT JUNIORS OLD BOYS - Sam Wara, Jake Byrne, Michael Takau, Michael Brincat, Clayton Byrne, Dean Hutchison, Josh Lewis, David Faounuku, Livai Wara, Caine Wynyard, Greg Robertson, Rhys Stevenson and Pio Rokomaqisa; Interchange: Garth Smythe, Joash Savage, Jarrod Brown, Francis Takau, Gary Young, Gerard Evans, Misha Hammond, Nick Koutzelas, Vivien Tamaofa and Luke Anderson; Coach. Matt Olsen; Assistant Coach: Aaron Woods.
LEICHHARDT WANDERERS OLD BOYS - Darren Shepherd, James Ellender, Tony Politoni, Ben O'Reilly, Tim White, Marc Russell, Damien Braumann, Dennis Gock, Lee Johnston, Sean O'Donovan, Bronson Harrison, Liam Burke, Richard Ngawini; Interchange: Dave Arthurs, Dane Ryan, Jason Dougall, Josh Jeffery, Sean Doherty, David Pangai, Paulie Young, Matt McDonald, Ricky El Ciano, Bryan Staziak; Coach: Ken Stapleton; Assistant Coach: Robbie Farah.
16 2016 107th Annual Report
Vintage performances by Old Boys in Battle of Leichhardt 2040 Cup
Wanderers and Leichhardt Juniors Old Boys pictured L to R: Adam Thompson (event organiser), Josh Jeffery, Sean Doherty, Bronson Harrison, Josh Lewis, David Fauonuku, Jake Byrne and Matt Olsen.
STORY MISSING
Events
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SPARE PAGEBALMAIN Junior League stalwarts Geoff Large and Frank Dunne have been bestowed with Life Membership of the Balmain Junior League.
The tireless duo are pictured with Balmain Football Club chairman Dr Les Glen, BJL patron Mick Manning, BJL chairman John Critchley, Tigers' director Danny Stapleton and BJL life member Jack King after receiving their life membership pins at this year's Balmain Junior League AGM at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
GEOFF LARGE has had a long-time involvement with the Balmain Junior League that dates back to 1953, when he was a ball boy for the Balmain Sports Store D Grade team.
He began his playing career as a talented half back with Balmain Shamrocks in 1954 and in 1955 was a member of the undefeated Rozelle CYO D Grade side.
In 1956 he lined up for Drummoyne D Grade team before starting an association with the famous Rozelle Codocks JRLFC in 1957 as a D Grade player.
Geoff played B & C Grade with the club from 1958 to 1960 before captaining the Codocks A Reserve Grade premiership-winning team in 1961.
Six years later he joined the Birchgrove Scorpions JRLFC (1967) and was elected Vice President in 1968.
The following season in 1969, Geoff was named President and went on to serve the Scorpions for 16 years as a coach and administrator until the club disbanded in 1983.
A life member of the Scorpions, Geoff served as Birchgrove's president for 16 years and as a club delegate on the BJL committee.
Since then he has helped immensely with the archiving of the Balmain District Football Club and Balmain Junior League.
FRANK DUNNE has a long time involvement with the Balmain Junior League that dates back to the mid 1970s as a player with St Augustine's Balmain and Birchgrove Scorpions.
According to Frank, his move to the Leichhardt Wanderers Club in the early 1980s proved a “life changer.”
During this period Frank commenced representing Balmain as a hooker in two consecutive Jersey Flegg Grand Finals.
He was a member of the Tigers' 1982 Jersey Flegg Cup U/18 winning side that defeated Cronulla in the Grand Final at the old Sydney Sports Ground and backed up the following season to help Balmain reach the trophy decider against Canterbury.
Frank went on to play three successive seasons with Balmain's Presidents Cup teams and was named Most Valuable Player in 1986. He was graded by the Balmain District Club in 1984 and helped the Third Grade side reach the finals.
The wily hooker also starred for the all conquering Wanderers' Colts on their history-making tour of England in 1985.
Post playing, Frank assisted Balmain Junior Cup coach Barry Donnelly as a statistician during his Junior League and grade coaching years in the early 1990s.
He also joined the Leichhardt Wanderers committee in the mid 1990s, quickly becoming the Club's treasurer in 1999.
Frank has served on the committee since and held an executive position for the past 10 seasons.
During this time Frank was elected by the Wanderers Club to sit on the Balmain Junior League Board, a position he held from 2008 to 2012.
He worked closely with his fellow Board Directors at this time as the Junior League headed in a new direction - becoming part of the NSWRL Combined Inner City competitions.
Frank commenced coaching Mini League teams in 1983 and has done so continually for the past three decades.
At this year's Balmain Junior League Grand Finals at Leichhardt Oval, wily Frank coached the Wanderers to an U/9 Div 3 premiership after a 20-8 victory over Five Dock RSL.
It was his first coaching success since guiding the Wanderers to an U/17s premiership in the Combined Balmain/St George competition back in 1990.
Frank remains a valuable asset to the Wanderers and Balmain Junior League.
BALMAIN JUNIOR LEAGUE LIFE MEMBERSHIPS Life membership pins for Tigers' Junior League stalwarts
Events
18 2016 107th Annual Report
Events
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SPARE PAGEBALMAIN Junior League stalwarts Geoff Large and Frank Dunne have been bestowed with Life Membership of the Balmain Junior League.
The tireless duo are pictured with Balmain Football Club chairman Dr Les Glen, BJL patron Mick Manning, BJL chairman John Critchley, Tigers' director Danny Stapleton and BJL life member Jack King after receiving their life membership pins at this year's Balmain Junior League AGM at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
GEOFF LARGE has had a long-time involvement with the Balmain Junior League that dates back to 1953, when he was a ball boy for the Balmain Sports Store D Grade team.
He began his playing career as a talented half back with Balmain Shamrocks in 1954 and in 1955 was a member of the undefeated Rozelle CYO D Grade side.
In 1956 he lined up for Drummoyne D Grade team before starting an association with the famous Rozelle Codocks JRLFC in 1957 as a D Grade player.
Geoff played B & C Grade with the club from 1958 to 1960 before captaining the Codocks A Reserve Grade premiership-winning team in 1961.
Six years later he joined the Birchgrove Scorpions JRLFC (1967) and was elected Vice President in 1968.
The following season in 1969, Geoff was named President and went on to serve the Scorpions for 16 years as a coach and administrator until the club disbanded in 1983.
A life member of the Scorpions, Geoff served as Birchgrove's president for 16 years and as a club delegate on the BJL committee.
Since then he has helped immensely with the archiving of the Balmain District Football Club and Balmain Junior League.
FRANK DUNNE has a long time involvement with the Balmain Junior League that dates back to the mid 1970s as a player with St Augustine's Balmain and Birchgrove Scorpions.
According to Frank, his move to the Leichhardt Wanderers Club in the early 1980s proved a “life changer.”
During this period Frank commenced representing Balmain as a hooker in two consecutive Jersey Flegg Grand Finals.
He was a member of the Tigers' 1982 Jersey Flegg Cup U/18 winning side that defeated Cronulla in the Grand Final at the old Sydney Sports Ground and backed up the following season to help Balmain reach the trophy decider against Canterbury.
Frank went on to play three successive seasons with Balmain's Presidents Cup teams and was named Most Valuable Player in 1986. He was graded by the Balmain District Club in 1984 and helped the Third Grade side reach the finals.
The wily hooker also starred for the all conquering Wanderers' Colts on their history-making tour of England in 1985.
Post playing, Frank assisted Balmain Junior Cup coach Barry Donnelly as a statistician during his Junior League and grade coaching years in the early 1990s.
He also joined the Leichhardt Wanderers committee in the mid 1990s, quickly becoming the Club's treasurer in 1999.
Frank has served on the committee since and held an executive position for the past 10 seasons.
During this time Frank was elected by the Wanderers Club to sit on the Balmain Junior League Board, a position he held from 2008 to 2012.
He worked closely with his fellow Board Directors at this time as the Junior League headed in a new direction - becoming part of the NSWRL Combined Inner City competitions.
Frank commenced coaching Mini League teams in 1983 and has done so continually for the past three decades.
At this year's Balmain Junior League Grand Finals at Leichhardt Oval, wily Frank coached the Wanderers to an U/9 Div 3 premiership after a 20-8 victory over Five Dock RSL.
It was his first coaching success since guiding the Wanderers to an U/17s premiership in the Combined Balmain/St George competition back in 1990.
Frank remains a valuable asset to the Wanderers and Balmain Junior League.
BALMAIN JUNIOR LEAGUE LIFE MEMBERSHIPS Life membership pins for Tigers' Junior League stalwarts
Tigers Annual Awards Night
RYDE EASTWOOD LEAGUES CLUB APPRECIATIONBALMAIN Tigers legend Paul Sironen presented Ryde Eastwood Football Club stalwart and RELC president Keith Aggett with a framed Tigers jumper at this year's Tigers Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club in appreciation of Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club's ongoing sponsorship and support of Balmain Junior League.
GEORGE THOMPSON MEMORIAL Volunteer Of The Year TrophyCARLINGFORD Cougars' hard working president Ross Mignacca and industrious Balmain Police Boys official Tina Marsters are the joint winners of the 2016 George Thompson Memorial Volunteer of the Year Trophy.
Ross and Tina are the 19th recipients of this prestigious award that perpetuates the memory of George Thompson, a great Tigers' administrator who lost a brave battle with cancer in 1997.
They are pictured receiving their award from long serving Balmain Junior League patron Mick Manning.
Tina has made an enormous contribution to the Police Boys in various roles while Ross, who played his junior football with the Coppers, has been a driving force behind the rejuvenated Cougars club.
CLUB PERSONS OF THE YEAR AWARDBALMAIN Junior League's hardest working officials were recognised with the 19th annual Club Volunteer of the Year Awards presented at the Tigers' Annual Awards Dinner at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
Widely respected BJL patron Mick Manning presented the 2016 awardees with their plaques. He is pictured centre with this year's recipients Tina Marsters (Balmain PCYC); Ross Mignacca (Carlingford Cougars); Terry Roeder (Concord Burwood); Sarkis Draybi (Dundas Shamrocks); Wes Gebara (Enfield Federals); Joe Dougall (Five Dock RSL); Brad Wilson (Holy Cross Rhinos); Lia Rokomaqisa (Leichhardt Juniors); David Foster (Leichhardt Wanderers); Graham Condon (North Ryde Hawks - accepted by Sarah Hillier) and Anthony Harb (Strathfield Raiders).
JUNIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPCONCORD Burwood United Wolves were crowned Balmain Junior League Junior Club Champions in 2016. Pictured is Vice President Terry Roeder holding the Junior Club Championship trophy with BJL chairman John Critchley at the Tigers Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
SENIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSBALMAIN Junior League chairman John Critchley presents Holy Cross Rhinos JRLFC secretary Brad Wilson with the 2016 Balmain Junior League Senior Club Championship Shield at the Tigers Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
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Tigers Annual Awards Night
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KEVIN O'KEEFE MEMORIAL TROPHY Tigers Club Person Of The YearLEADING coach Michael Frain is this year's recipient of the Kevin O'Keefe Memorial Club Person of the Year Trophy.
The hard-working mentor earned the award for his tremendous service to the Tigers fraternity at various rugby league levels.
Frain is pictured receiving his award from Balmain Football Club Director James Myatt at the Tigers' Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
During a hectic 2016 season, the dedicated Frain devoted many hours coaching the Balmain S.G Ball U/18 junior representative team; assisting Wests Tigers' NSW Intrust Super Cup coach Paul Stringer and coaching Dundas Shamrocks teams in the Balmain Junior League.
Tigers legend Paul Sironen said Frain was a deserved recipient of the award for his enormous contribution to the club both on and off the field.
“Michael continues to go above and beyond the call of his coaching duties and is a real asset to our organisation,” revealed the former NSW and Kangaroos forward who is the Balmain Fundraising & Sponsorship Manager.
“The important work he does behind the scenes with our graded State Cup players and S.G Ball squad and at grassroots level with the Shamrocks just has to be seen to be believed.”
Frain, who has more than ten years of coaching experience, will again guide the fortunes of the Balmain S.G Ball team in 2017.
JOHN KELLY MEMORIALQuiet Achiever AwardDEDICATED Balmain conditioner Billy Callaway (pictured) received the John Kelly Memorial Quiet Achiever Award for his wholehearted efforts in 2016. The former Tigers' NSW State Cup utility back has devoted much of his spare time to fostering grassroots football as a trainer/conditioner with the Balmain junior representative squads.
Tigers Annual Awards Night
RYDE EASTWOOD LEAGUES CLUB APPRECIATIONBALMAIN Tigers legend Paul Sironen presented Ryde Eastwood Football Club stalwart and RELC president Keith Aggett with a framed Tigers jumper at this year's Tigers Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club in appreciation of Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club's ongoing sponsorship and support of Balmain Junior League.
GEORGE THOMPSON MEMORIAL Volunteer Of The Year TrophyCARLINGFORD Cougars' hard working president Ross Mignacca and industrious Balmain Police Boys official Tina Marsters are the joint winners of the 2016 George Thompson Memorial Volunteer of the Year Trophy.
Ross and Tina are the 19th recipients of this prestigious award that perpetuates the memory of George Thompson, a great Tigers' administrator who lost a brave battle with cancer in 1997.
They are pictured receiving their award from long serving Balmain Junior League patron Mick Manning.
Tina has made an enormous contribution to the Police Boys in various roles while Ross, who played his junior football with the Coppers, has been a driving force behind the rejuvenated Cougars club.
CLUB PERSONS OF THE YEAR AWARDBALMAIN Junior League's hardest working officials were recognised with the 19th annual Club Volunteer of the Year Awards presented at the Tigers' Annual Awards Dinner at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
Widely respected BJL patron Mick Manning presented the 2016 awardees with their plaques. He is pictured centre with this year's recipients Tina Marsters (Balmain PCYC); Ross Mignacca (Carlingford Cougars); Terry Roeder (Concord Burwood); Sarkis Draybi (Dundas Shamrocks); Wes Gebara (Enfield Federals); Joe Dougall (Five Dock RSL); Brad Wilson (Holy Cross Rhinos); Lia Rokomaqisa (Leichhardt Juniors); David Foster (Leichhardt Wanderers); Graham Condon (North Ryde Hawks - accepted by Sarah Hillier) and Anthony Harb (Strathfield Raiders).
JUNIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPCONCORD Burwood United Wolves were crowned Balmain Junior League Junior Club Champions in 2016. Pictured is Vice President Terry Roeder holding the Junior Club Championship trophy with BJL chairman John Critchley at the Tigers Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
SENIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSBALMAIN Junior League chairman John Critchley presents Holy Cross Rhinos JRLFC secretary Brad Wilson with the 2016 Balmain Junior League Senior Club Championship Shield at the Tigers Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
20 2016 107th Annual Report
Tigers Annual Awards Night
212016 107th Annual Report
KEVIN O'KEEFE MEMORIAL TROPHY Tigers Club Person Of The YearLEADING coach Michael Frain is this year's recipient of the Kevin O'Keefe Memorial Club Person of the Year Trophy.
The hard-working mentor earned the award for his tremendous service to the Tigers fraternity at various rugby league levels.
Frain is pictured receiving his award from Balmain Football Club Director James Myatt at the Tigers' Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
During a hectic 2016 season, the dedicated Frain devoted many hours coaching the Balmain S.G Ball U/18 junior representative team; assisting Wests Tigers' NSW Intrust Super Cup coach Paul Stringer and coaching Dundas Shamrocks teams in the Balmain Junior League.
Tigers legend Paul Sironen said Frain was a deserved recipient of the award for his enormous contribution to the club both on and off the field.
“Michael continues to go above and beyond the call of his coaching duties and is a real asset to our organisation,” revealed the former NSW and Kangaroos forward who is the Balmain Fundraising & Sponsorship Manager.
“The important work he does behind the scenes with our graded State Cup players and S.G Ball squad and at grassroots level with the Shamrocks just has to be seen to be believed.”
Frain, who has more than ten years of coaching experience, will again guide the fortunes of the Balmain S.G Ball team in 2017.
JOHN KELLY MEMORIALQuiet Achiever AwardDEDICATED Balmain conditioner Billy Callaway (pictured) received the John Kelly Memorial Quiet Achiever Award for his wholehearted efforts in 2016. The former Tigers' NSW State Cup utility back has devoted much of his spare time to fostering grassroots football as a trainer/conditioner with the Balmain junior representative squads.
Tigers Annual Awards Night
22 2016 107th Annual Report
Tigers Annual Awards Night
232016 107th Annual Report
SKILFUL Leichhardt Wanderers five eighth Lachlan Ilias is the recipient of the Jack King Trophy for the Balmain Junior League U/16 Player of the Year.
The talented cub is pictured receiving his award from stalwart Jack King at the Tigers Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
Lachlan proved a model of consistency for the Wanderers U/16 team in the Sydney Combined competition, steering the club to the finals series with stand out performances.
Along the way he represented Balmain in the U/16 Harold Matthews Cup series and impressed keen judges with his clever ball skills in elite company.
It was a natural progression for young Ilias, who earlier left his mark in the Tigers' U/13, U/14 and U/15 Development Squads.
The Year 11 Trinity Grammar student started his Balmain Junior League career with Balmain Police Boys JRLFC during the Centenary season of 2008 and spent two seasons in the club's U/8 and U/9 Mini Mod Football ranks.
He linked with the Wanderers in 2010 and later figured in the club's U/11 and U/12 premiership-winning sides that defeated Dundas Shamrocks in consecutive Grand Finals.
Lachlan has proved a vital cog for the Wanderers in recent seasons, spearheading the red and blacks' finals campaigns and was blooded in Balmain's U/18 S.G Ball Cup squad for 2017.
The promising colt has shown his versatility in the early rounds by filling in capably for injured star hooker and skipper Bennett Wheelhouse and gives Michael Frain's high flying cubs strong utility value in this year's campaign.
Past winners of the Jack King Trophy include: John Kaho (Burwood United); Grant Benjamin (Leichhardt Juniors); Abe Allamaddine (Leichhardt Juniors); Ben Critchley (Five Dock RSL); Josh Jeffery (Leichhardt Wanderers); Willie Tupou (Wanderers); Bronson Harrison (Wanderers); Ewen Cameron (Wanderers); Nick Tice (Leichhardt Juniors); Daniel Casa (Holy Cross); Nathan Plummer (Holy Cross); Tim Bennetts (Carlingford Cougars); Drew Laing (Holy Cross); Brodie Monroe (Five Dock RSL); Curtis Sironen (Dundas Shamrocks); Andrew Kazzi (Wanderers); Peter Semaan (Enfield Federals); Pifeleti Pifeleti (Holy Cross), Bradley Cincotta (Dundas Shamrocks); Ryan Papenhuyzen (Dundas Shamrocks) and Luke Hodge (Holy Cross).
JACK KING TROPHY U16 Player Of The Year
U14 Junior League Player of the Year
Ben Elias Trophy
BEN ELIAS U/14 PLAYER OF YEAR TROPHYPROMISING Holy Cross forward Zayn Wilkins is the inaugural recipient of the Ben Elias U/14 Player of the Year Award.
The hard working lock is pictured receiving his award from legendary Balmain forward Paul Sironen at the Tigers Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
Wilkins inspired team mates with strong performances in the Sydney Combined Under 14 Div 1 competition in 2016 and helped the Rhinos reach the Minor Semi Final against Bankstown Bulls.
Zayn is a forward lynchpin in Balmain's U/16 Harold Matthews Cup representative team in 2017 and has impressed with non-stop displays in the early Junior Cup rounds.
U15 Junior League Player of the YearPaul Sironen Trophy
PAUL SIRONEN U/15 PLAYER OF YEAR TROPHYVERSATILE Dundas Shamrocks cub Joshua Rizk is the inaugural winner of the Paul Sironen U/15 Player of the Year Award.
The talented utility is pictured receiving his award from all time Balmain forward great Paul Sironen himself at the Tigers Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
Joshua is one of the best young prospects to emerge from the Shamrocks' junior nursery and has enjoyed premiership and trophy success since starting in the club's Mini League ranks.
A fierce competitor with skill and courage, Joshua continues to perform strongly for Dundas in the Sydney Combined competitions.
He took out the Ryde-Eastwood Tigers Development Squad U/14 Rising Star Award in 2015 and already has made an impact with the Balmain U/16 Harold Matthews Cup team in 2017.
So impressive was Joshua in his rookie season of Harold Matthews Cup in 2016, he collected the Tigers' Best & Fairest award – an outstanding achievement by the Dundas youngster.
JAN CARROLL MEMORIAL TROPHYU/17 Player Of The Year
VERSATILE Holy Cross utility back Curtis Wilson is the winner of the Jan Carroll Memorial Trophy for the district's Under 17 Player of the Year.
The elusive Wilson starred in the Rhinos' all conquering U/17 premiership-winning team that toppled Bass Hill Broncos 38-24 in the Combined Sydney Div 1 Grand Final in 2016 at Leichhardt Oval.
A capable cub who is adept at playing fullback, centre, five eighth, half back or hooker, young Curtis has shown his value at both club and junior representative level.
Wilson's dashing displays have earned him U/16 Harold Matthews Cup and U/18 S.G Ball Cup honours with Balmain in recent years and the tag of 'jack of all trades.'
Curtis hails from fine sporting stock – his father Brad Wilson (the current Rhinos' Club secretary) played nine first grade matches at centre for St George in 1981-82 while his famous uncle Ken Wilson is regarded one of the game's all time great goalkickers.
Ken, a classy rugby league five eighth or half back with Newtown, Penrith and Port Kembla, set points-scoring records with the Jets and Panthers during the 1970s. He also came on as a replacement for Newtown in the 1981 Grand Final against Parramatta at the SCG.
Curtis' grandfather Danny Wilson was a legendary ruck rover with Sydney Naval Australian Rules Club during the 1950s and '60s and earned 15 caps for NSW. Wilson senior won two premierships with Sydney Naval and was inducted into the NSW/ACT Hall of Fame in 2006.
The Wilson family bloodlines in AFL are strong with Ken also representing NSW in Australian Rules as an U/18 junior and Curtis' elder brother Matthew firmly entrenched as a winger in the Sydney Swans Reserves team.
Matthew is also a skiful middle player with the Australian U/20 touch football team with Curtis a Ryde Eastwood representative while mum Simone is a great stalwart of the Hawks' Touch Football Association.
Curtis has inherited the goal kicking skills of his grandfather Danny, father Brad and uncle Ken and has booted a swag of goals from all parts of the ground at schoolboy, club and rep level.
Previous winners of the Jan Carroll Trophy include Solomon Haumono (Concord United), Chad Lee and Rhys Stevenson (Leichhardt Juniors); Josh Jeffery, Damien Braumann and Richard Ngawini (Wanderers), Matthew Mizzi and Sebastian Vourlos (Holy Cross), Kyle Lovett (Leichhardt Juniors), Daniel Vasek (Dundas Shamrocks); Alex Zarounas (Leichhardt Wanderers), Richard Coorey (Enfield Federals), Jack Wheelhouse (Holy Cross), Frank Tanginoa (Concord-Burwood) and Jayden Hughes (Carlingford Cougars).
POWERFUL centre Mosese Suli is this year's recipient of the Harry Quinlan Memorial Trophy for the best and fairest player in the 2016 Balmain S.G Ball team.
Suli, a NSW U/16 representative who sparked the Tigers attack with his bustling runs and work rate, is pictured receiving his award from Wests Tigers' talent scout Warren McDonnell at the Tigers Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
The exciting cub recently signed a lucrative three year deal that will see him remain with Wests Tigers until the end of the 2020 season.
Suli played with Fairfield United before playing both Harold Matthews (U/16s) and S.G Ball Cup (U/18s) for Balmain, progressing through to the Tigers' U/20 ranks in 2016 at just 17 years of age.
The strong running back played two Holden Cup games and scored tries in the Tigers' wins over Melbourne and Canberra.
He was also initially selected in the NSW Under 18s squad for 2016.��
Wests Tigers Head Coach Jason Taylor said that he looked forward to seeing Suli develop further at the Club, having seen a rapid
improvement in the 18-year-old.��
“We've been keeping a close eye on him for a little while now, so it's really great that we've been able to secure Moses at Wests Tigers,” Taylor said.
“Anyone who has watched him in our junior representative teams has had their eye on him, and while his size and strength obviously stand out, it's been his awareness of where to be and what to do in the games and pre-season training that has really impressed the coaching staff and has us all really excited.��
“We're looking forward to having him in and around our NRL group over the next few years, because we know that everything he gains there will only help him further,” he said.�
HARRY QUINLAN MEMORIAL TROPHY
Tigers Annual Awards Night
22 2016 107th Annual Report
Tigers Annual Awards Night
232016 107th Annual Report
SKILFUL Leichhardt Wanderers five eighth Lachlan Ilias is the recipient of the Jack King Trophy for the Balmain Junior League U/16 Player of the Year.
The talented cub is pictured receiving his award from stalwart Jack King at the Tigers Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
Lachlan proved a model of consistency for the Wanderers U/16 team in the Sydney Combined competition, steering the club to the finals series with stand out performances.
Along the way he represented Balmain in the U/16 Harold Matthews Cup series and impressed keen judges with his clever ball skills in elite company.
It was a natural progression for young Ilias, who earlier left his mark in the Tigers' U/13, U/14 and U/15 Development Squads.
The Year 11 Trinity Grammar student started his Balmain Junior League career with Balmain Police Boys JRLFC during the Centenary season of 2008 and spent two seasons in the club's U/8 and U/9 Mini Mod Football ranks.
He linked with the Wanderers in 2010 and later figured in the club's U/11 and U/12 premiership-winning sides that defeated Dundas Shamrocks in consecutive Grand Finals.
Lachlan has proved a vital cog for the Wanderers in recent seasons, spearheading the red and blacks' finals campaigns and was blooded in Balmain's U/18 S.G Ball Cup squad for 2017.
The promising colt has shown his versatility in the early rounds by filling in capably for injured star hooker and skipper Bennett Wheelhouse and gives Michael Frain's high flying cubs strong utility value in this year's campaign.
Past winners of the Jack King Trophy include: John Kaho (Burwood United); Grant Benjamin (Leichhardt Juniors); Abe Allamaddine (Leichhardt Juniors); Ben Critchley (Five Dock RSL); Josh Jeffery (Leichhardt Wanderers); Willie Tupou (Wanderers); Bronson Harrison (Wanderers); Ewen Cameron (Wanderers); Nick Tice (Leichhardt Juniors); Daniel Casa (Holy Cross); Nathan Plummer (Holy Cross); Tim Bennetts (Carlingford Cougars); Drew Laing (Holy Cross); Brodie Monroe (Five Dock RSL); Curtis Sironen (Dundas Shamrocks); Andrew Kazzi (Wanderers); Peter Semaan (Enfield Federals); Pifeleti Pifeleti (Holy Cross), Bradley Cincotta (Dundas Shamrocks); Ryan Papenhuyzen (Dundas Shamrocks) and Luke Hodge (Holy Cross).
JACK KING TROPHY U16 Player Of The Year
U14 Junior League Player of the Year
Ben Elias Trophy
BEN ELIAS U/14 PLAYER OF YEAR TROPHYPROMISING Holy Cross forward Zayn Wilkins is the inaugural recipient of the Ben Elias U/14 Player of the Year Award.
The hard working lock is pictured receiving his award from legendary Balmain forward Paul Sironen at the Tigers Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
Wilkins inspired team mates with strong performances in the Sydney Combined Under 14 Div 1 competition in 2016 and helped the Rhinos reach the Minor Semi Final against Bankstown Bulls.
Zayn is a forward lynchpin in Balmain's U/16 Harold Matthews Cup representative team in 2017 and has impressed with non-stop displays in the early Junior Cup rounds.
U15 Junior League Player of the YearPaul Sironen Trophy
PAUL SIRONEN U/15 PLAYER OF YEAR TROPHYVERSATILE Dundas Shamrocks cub Joshua Rizk is the inaugural winner of the Paul Sironen U/15 Player of the Year Award.
The talented utility is pictured receiving his award from all time Balmain forward great Paul Sironen himself at the Tigers Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
Joshua is one of the best young prospects to emerge from the Shamrocks' junior nursery and has enjoyed premiership and trophy success since starting in the club's Mini League ranks.
A fierce competitor with skill and courage, Joshua continues to perform strongly for Dundas in the Sydney Combined competitions.
He took out the Ryde-Eastwood Tigers Development Squad U/14 Rising Star Award in 2015 and already has made an impact with the Balmain U/16 Harold Matthews Cup team in 2017.
So impressive was Joshua in his rookie season of Harold Matthews Cup in 2016, he collected the Tigers' Best & Fairest award – an outstanding achievement by the Dundas youngster.
JAN CARROLL MEMORIAL TROPHYU/17 Player Of The Year
VERSATILE Holy Cross utility back Curtis Wilson is the winner of the Jan Carroll Memorial Trophy for the district's Under 17 Player of the Year.
The elusive Wilson starred in the Rhinos' all conquering U/17 premiership-winning team that toppled Bass Hill Broncos 38-24 in the Combined Sydney Div 1 Grand Final in 2016 at Leichhardt Oval.
A capable cub who is adept at playing fullback, centre, five eighth, half back or hooker, young Curtis has shown his value at both club and junior representative level.
Wilson's dashing displays have earned him U/16 Harold Matthews Cup and U/18 S.G Ball Cup honours with Balmain in recent years and the tag of 'jack of all trades.'
Curtis hails from fine sporting stock – his father Brad Wilson (the current Rhinos' Club secretary) played nine first grade matches at centre for St George in 1981-82 while his famous uncle Ken Wilson is regarded one of the game's all time great goalkickers.
Ken, a classy rugby league five eighth or half back with Newtown, Penrith and Port Kembla, set points-scoring records with the Jets and Panthers during the 1970s. He also came on as a replacement for Newtown in the 1981 Grand Final against Parramatta at the SCG.
Curtis' grandfather Danny Wilson was a legendary ruck rover with Sydney Naval Australian Rules Club during the 1950s and '60s and earned 15 caps for NSW. Wilson senior won two premierships with Sydney Naval and was inducted into the NSW/ACT Hall of Fame in 2006.
The Wilson family bloodlines in AFL are strong with Ken also representing NSW in Australian Rules as an U/18 junior and Curtis' elder brother Matthew firmly entrenched as a winger in the Sydney Swans Reserves team.
Matthew is also a skiful middle player with the Australian U/20 touch football team with Curtis a Ryde Eastwood representative while mum Simone is a great stalwart of the Hawks' Touch Football Association.
Curtis has inherited the goal kicking skills of his grandfather Danny, father Brad and uncle Ken and has booted a swag of goals from all parts of the ground at schoolboy, club and rep level.
Previous winners of the Jan Carroll Trophy include Solomon Haumono (Concord United), Chad Lee and Rhys Stevenson (Leichhardt Juniors); Josh Jeffery, Damien Braumann and Richard Ngawini (Wanderers), Matthew Mizzi and Sebastian Vourlos (Holy Cross), Kyle Lovett (Leichhardt Juniors), Daniel Vasek (Dundas Shamrocks); Alex Zarounas (Leichhardt Wanderers), Richard Coorey (Enfield Federals), Jack Wheelhouse (Holy Cross), Frank Tanginoa (Concord-Burwood) and Jayden Hughes (Carlingford Cougars).
POWERFUL centre Mosese Suli is this year's recipient of the Harry Quinlan Memorial Trophy for the best and fairest player in the 2016 Balmain S.G Ball team.
Suli, a NSW U/16 representative who sparked the Tigers attack with his bustling runs and work rate, is pictured receiving his award from Wests Tigers' talent scout Warren McDonnell at the Tigers Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
The exciting cub recently signed a lucrative three year deal that will see him remain with Wests Tigers until the end of the 2020 season.
Suli played with Fairfield United before playing both Harold Matthews (U/16s) and S.G Ball Cup (U/18s) for Balmain, progressing through to the Tigers' U/20 ranks in 2016 at just 17 years of age.
The strong running back played two Holden Cup games and scored tries in the Tigers' wins over Melbourne and Canberra.
He was also initially selected in the NSW Under 18s squad for 2016.��
Wests Tigers Head Coach Jason Taylor said that he looked forward to seeing Suli develop further at the Club, having seen a rapid
improvement in the 18-year-old.��
“We've been keeping a close eye on him for a little while now, so it's really great that we've been able to secure Moses at Wests Tigers,” Taylor said.
“Anyone who has watched him in our junior representative teams has had their eye on him, and while his size and strength obviously stand out, it's been his awareness of where to be and what to do in the games and pre-season training that has really impressed the coaching staff and has us all really excited.��
“We're looking forward to having him in and around our NRL group over the next few years, because we know that everything he gains there will only help him further,” he said.�
HARRY QUINLAN MEMORIAL TROPHY
Tigers Annual Awards Night
24 2016 107th Annual Report
Tigers Annual Awards Night
RYDE EASTWOOD DEVELOPMENT RISING STAR AWARDSPROMISING Tiger cubs Sam Anjoul (Concord-Burwood Wolves), Watisoni Bogiso (Carlingford Cougars) and Lachlan Brooke (Carlingford Cougars) were recipients of Ryde Eastwood Tigers Development Squad Rising Star Awards at the Balmain Tigers Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
Anjoul (U/14s), Bogiso (U/13s) and Brooke (U/15s) were named the outstanding Tigers' Development players and are pictured receiving their trophies from Ryde Eastwood Football Club director John Dunlea.
252016 107th Annual Report
HAROLD MATTHEWS CUP AWARDS TALENTED utility Joshua Rizk took out Balmain's U/16 Harold Matthews Cup Best & Fairest Award for 2016. The Dundas Shamrocks junior product is pictured far right with coach Jarrod Farlow, Players' Player Award recipient Mateo Tatola; Vea Bloomfield (Coach's Award); Nathan Atkinson (Best Forward) and Lachlan Ilias (Best Back) at the Tigers' Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
U14 Sam AnjoulConcord Burwood
U13 Watisoni Bogiso
ADAM GARDINER MEMORIAL TROPHYRISING Balmain lock Kobe Thorson is the eleventh recipient of the Adam Gardiner Memorial Best Forward Trophy.
The award commemorates the life of former Tigers' assistant Jersey Flegg and Premier League coach Adam Gardiner who lost a brave battle with amyloidosis in 2006 at the age of 35.
A fierce competitor with clever ball skills and a high work rate, Thorson produced strong displays to help keep Balmain in finals contention for this year's NSWRL U/18 S.G Ball Cup competition.
He is the son of former Balmain Jersey Flegg Cup-winning centre and first grade fullback Darren Thorson, a stalwart of the West Ryde-Denistone JRLFC.
Kobe is pictured receiving the award from Trish Gardiner and prominent referee-trainer Steve Wilson at the Tigers' Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
Previous winners include former Jersey Flegg half back Marc Russell and NSW Cup forwards Luke McInnes, Alan Schirnack, Jarred Farlow, current Parramatta forward David Gower, Junior Moors, Wests Tigers forward Ava Seumanufagai, S.G Ball winning skipper Fosio Tatola, U/20s lock Jamie Hill and young gun TJ Uele.
S.G BALL CUP AWARDSA
STEVE ROACH U/13 TROPHY EMERGING Concord-Burwood United forward Will Arrage is the inaugural recipient of the Steve Roach Trophy for the Balmain district's U/13 Player of the Year.
The power-running cub was a worthy winner after turning in strong performances for the premiership-winning Wolves in the Sydney Combined U/13 Div 1 competition.
He is pictured receiving the award from Balmain legend Paul Sironen at the Tigers' Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
Arrage was named Player of the Grand Final for a second successive year after helping Concord-Burwood defeat rivals Leichhardt Wanderers 26-18 in an absorbing title decider at Leichhardt Oval.
It was another barnstorming performance from the hard working prop who has proved a key factor in the Wolves' five successive age premiership triumphs since 2013.
A STRAPPING forward who cut his teeth in the Bulldogs junior nursery has clinched the Balmain Junior League's A Grade Player of the Year Award.
Giant Five Dock RSL prop Jordan Mailata was a tower of strength for the Dockers in the Sydney Combined second grade competition in 2016, guiding the club to the A Grade finals where they were eliminated by St George club Hurstville United in a minor semi final.
Jordan's bullocking runs provided valuable metres and go-forward for the Dockers during the club's finals charge while his punishing defence also was a factor in the big end of season matches.
Mailata's consistent displays reaped a huge dividend when the South Sydney Rabbitohs signed the youngster on a two year contract for 2017-18.
Jordan will play in the U/20s Holden Cup but could still pull on a Dockers jumper if not required on certain match days for the Rabbitohs.
The power running forward played his early football with the Bankstown Bulls in the Canterbury Junior League and made an impact in the Bulldogs' 2015 S.G Ball side.
With his size, strength and mobility Jordan proved a virtual unstoppable force.
"Jordan was a true leader for us in the 2016 competition and deserves all the accolades," said Five Dock RSL A Grade coach Jamie Eid.
"He was strong for us in both attack and defence and took on a leadership role which he revelled in."
"We are so excited for Jordan in landing a contract with South Sydney and wish him all the best with his rugby league endeavours."
"He is always welcome back at Five Dock and there's still a chance he could be cleared to return to play A Grade for us in 2017 when not required to play NYC U/20s with the Rabbitohs," revealed Jamie.
Other Balmain A Grade Player of the Year recipients include Graham Pearce (Ryde Eastwood), Gary Braams (Sawdust), Grant Thomas (Balmain United), Peter Bingham (West Ryde-Denistone), Jason Banfield (Concord United), Frank Dunne, Craig Barnett, Robert Gerrie (Leichhardt Wanderers), Aaron Brown and Nathan Donato (Balmain United), Cameron Liddle and James Harradence (West Ryde-Denistone), Jason Tutt (Sawdust Storm), Joel Lacey (West Ryde-Denistone), Paul Wallace and Justin Williams (North Ryde), Damien Braumann (Leichhardt Juniors), John Kaho (Leichhardt Wanderers), Kelvin Weir (North Ryde), Michael Basan (Dundas Shamrocks), Steve Pont (Concord Burwood/North Ryde), Abdul Mohamad (Burwood/North Ryde), Michael Zappia (Leichhardt Wanderers), Ben Smith (Five Dock RSL) and Andrew Mackintosh (Five Dock RSL).
JOHN STAPLETON TROPHY - A Grade Player Of The Year
Tigers Annual Awards Night
24 2016 107th Annual Report
Tigers Annual Awards Night
RYDE EASTWOOD DEVELOPMENT RISING STAR AWARDSPROMISING Tiger cubs Sam Anjoul (Concord-Burwood Wolves), Watisoni Bogiso (Carlingford Cougars) and Lachlan Brooke (Carlingford Cougars) were recipients of Ryde Eastwood Tigers Development Squad Rising Star Awards at the Balmain Tigers Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
Anjoul (U/14s), Bogiso (U/13s) and Brooke (U/15s) were named the outstanding Tigers' Development players and are pictured receiving their trophies from Ryde Eastwood Football Club director John Dunlea.
252016 107th Annual Report
HAROLD MATTHEWS CUP AWARDS TALENTED utility Joshua Rizk took out Balmain's U/16 Harold Matthews Cup Best & Fairest Award for 2016. The Dundas Shamrocks junior product is pictured far right with coach Jarrod Farlow, Players' Player Award recipient Mateo Tatola; Vea Bloomfield (Coach's Award); Nathan Atkinson (Best Forward) and Lachlan Ilias (Best Back) at the Tigers' Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
U14 Sam AnjoulConcord Burwood
U13 Watisoni Bogiso
ADAM GARDINER MEMORIAL TROPHYRISING Balmain lock Kobe Thorson is the eleventh recipient of the Adam Gardiner Memorial Best Forward Trophy.
The award commemorates the life of former Tigers' assistant Jersey Flegg and Premier League coach Adam Gardiner who lost a brave battle with amyloidosis in 2006 at the age of 35.
A fierce competitor with clever ball skills and a high work rate, Thorson produced strong displays to help keep Balmain in finals contention for this year's NSWRL U/18 S.G Ball Cup competition.
He is the son of former Balmain Jersey Flegg Cup-winning centre and first grade fullback Darren Thorson, a stalwart of the West Ryde-Denistone JRLFC.
Kobe is pictured receiving the award from Trish Gardiner and prominent referee-trainer Steve Wilson at the Tigers' Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
Previous winners include former Jersey Flegg half back Marc Russell and NSW Cup forwards Luke McInnes, Alan Schirnack, Jarred Farlow, current Parramatta forward David Gower, Junior Moors, Wests Tigers forward Ava Seumanufagai, S.G Ball winning skipper Fosio Tatola, U/20s lock Jamie Hill and young gun TJ Uele.
S.G BALL CUP AWARDSA
STEVE ROACH U/13 TROPHY EMERGING Concord-Burwood United forward Will Arrage is the inaugural recipient of the Steve Roach Trophy for the Balmain district's U/13 Player of the Year.
The power-running cub was a worthy winner after turning in strong performances for the premiership-winning Wolves in the Sydney Combined U/13 Div 1 competition.
He is pictured receiving the award from Balmain legend Paul Sironen at the Tigers' Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
Arrage was named Player of the Grand Final for a second successive year after helping Concord-Burwood defeat rivals Leichhardt Wanderers 26-18 in an absorbing title decider at Leichhardt Oval.
It was another barnstorming performance from the hard working prop who has proved a key factor in the Wolves' five successive age premiership triumphs since 2013.
A STRAPPING forward who cut his teeth in the Bulldogs junior nursery has clinched the Balmain Junior League's A Grade Player of the Year Award.
Giant Five Dock RSL prop Jordan Mailata was a tower of strength for the Dockers in the Sydney Combined second grade competition in 2016, guiding the club to the A Grade finals where they were eliminated by St George club Hurstville United in a minor semi final.
Jordan's bullocking runs provided valuable metres and go-forward for the Dockers during the club's finals charge while his punishing defence also was a factor in the big end of season matches.
Mailata's consistent displays reaped a huge dividend when the South Sydney Rabbitohs signed the youngster on a two year contract for 2017-18.
Jordan will play in the U/20s Holden Cup but could still pull on a Dockers jumper if not required on certain match days for the Rabbitohs.
The power running forward played his early football with the Bankstown Bulls in the Canterbury Junior League and made an impact in the Bulldogs' 2015 S.G Ball side.
With his size, strength and mobility Jordan proved a virtual unstoppable force.
"Jordan was a true leader for us in the 2016 competition and deserves all the accolades," said Five Dock RSL A Grade coach Jamie Eid.
"He was strong for us in both attack and defence and took on a leadership role which he revelled in."
"We are so excited for Jordan in landing a contract with South Sydney and wish him all the best with his rugby league endeavours."
"He is always welcome back at Five Dock and there's still a chance he could be cleared to return to play A Grade for us in 2017 when not required to play NYC U/20s with the Rabbitohs," revealed Jamie.
Other Balmain A Grade Player of the Year recipients include Graham Pearce (Ryde Eastwood), Gary Braams (Sawdust), Grant Thomas (Balmain United), Peter Bingham (West Ryde-Denistone), Jason Banfield (Concord United), Frank Dunne, Craig Barnett, Robert Gerrie (Leichhardt Wanderers), Aaron Brown and Nathan Donato (Balmain United), Cameron Liddle and James Harradence (West Ryde-Denistone), Jason Tutt (Sawdust Storm), Joel Lacey (West Ryde-Denistone), Paul Wallace and Justin Williams (North Ryde), Damien Braumann (Leichhardt Juniors), John Kaho (Leichhardt Wanderers), Kelvin Weir (North Ryde), Michael Basan (Dundas Shamrocks), Steve Pont (Concord Burwood/North Ryde), Abdul Mohamad (Burwood/North Ryde), Michael Zappia (Leichhardt Wanderers), Ben Smith (Five Dock RSL) and Andrew Mackintosh (Five Dock RSL).
JOHN STAPLETON TROPHY - A Grade Player Of The Year
Tigers Annual Awards Night
26 2016 107th Annual Report
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals
272016 107th Annual Report
BJL patron Mick Manning with Strathfield Raiders U/9 Div 1 skipper Michael Papas.
Former Wests Tigers recruitment boss Warren McDonnell with U/9 Div 1 Player of the Match Michael Papas (Strathfield Raiders).
U/9 Division 1 premiers Strathfield Raiders
Under 9 Div 1 Grand FinalOUTSTANDING cub Michael Papas stole the show as Strathfield Raiders White captured the Arthur McIlveen Under 9 Division 1 Trophy with a 36-22 victory over North Ryde Hawks.
The talented Raiders prospect demonstrated his skill to nab three tries and prove the difference in an exciting tussle.
Strathfield led 24-12 at the half time break and consolidated victory with a strong second half showing - inspired by the elusive Papas who earned the official Player of the Match award.
Other Raiders to impress were Kayden Kanaan, Jack Taylor, Charlie Gray, Michael Joukhador and Will Allen while the Hawks were best served by Sam Bell, Toby Dorahy, Zac Ayad, Tom Bermingham and Levi Locantro.
The promising Bell worked like a trojan in both attack and defence to keep the Hawks in the hunt.
STRATHFIELD RAIDERS WHITE 36 (M Papas 3, J Taylor, M Joukhador, C Gray tries; K Kanaan, W Allen, J Taylor, L Daher, M Joukhador, C Gray gls) d NORTH RYDE 22 (T Dorahy, Z Ayad, T Bermingham, S Bell tries; L Locantro, T Bermingham, S Bell gls).
STRATHFIELD RAIDERS WHITE – Kayden Kanaan, Will Allen, Antonio Harb, Jack Taylor, Lucas Daher, Michael Joukhador, Charlie Gray, John Nakhoul, Dante Chalhoub, Huss Khalil, Kristian Stamoulos, Danny Ibrahim, Michael Papas, Jacob Banoob. Coach: Tony Joukhador; Manager: Paul Banoob; Trainers: Fred Ibrahim, Danny Kanaan & Danny Daher.
NORTH RYDE – Patrick Thomson, Toby Dorahy, Logan Dixon, Patrick Toms, Luke Marando, Lachlan Rutherford, Zac Ayad, Levi Locantro, Tom Bermingham, Sam Bell, Hunter McIlveen, Adam Ayad, Trent Stapleton, Tevita Tapueluelu. Coach: Luke Bermingham; Manager: Natalie Locantro; Trainers: Terry Dorahy & Michael Rutherford.
KEITH BARNES LEADING POINTS SCORER AWARD & SCOTT GALE LEADING TRY SCORER AWARDAUSTRALIAN Schoolboys and Balmain S.G Ball star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen received the Keith Barnes Leading Points Scorer and Scott Gale Leading Try Scorer Awards at the Tigers' Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club. He is pictured with Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club director Allan Douglas. Papenhuyzen, who was later blooded in Wests Tigers' U/20s Holden Cup team, scored 34 points during the U/18 Cup series with six tries and five goals.
U19 Junior League Player of the Year
Don Graham Trophy
DON GRAHAM MEMORIAL TROPHYU/19 PLAYER OF YEARNORTH Ryde Hawks' industrious lock Jaiden Phillips is this year's recipient of the Don Graham Memorial U/19 Player of the Year Award.
The tough-tackling forward was a deserved winner after turning in solid displays for the Balmain Junior United side in the Sydney Combined Under 19 Div 2 competition.
Jaiden is pictured receiving his award from Wests Tigers' Fan Engagement and Community Manager Shaun Spence at the Tigers Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
A Central Coast junior product, the powerful Phillips caught the eye with his punishing defence and bustling runs for the composite Balmain side that featured in the 2016 finals series.
Super fit Jaiden led by example as the Tigers' combination peaked at the right time of the season before bowing out in a minor semi final following a 24-12 loss to St George club Renown United.
Balmain officials have Phillips earmarked for bigger things with the talented lock expected to spearhead a Ryde Eastwood U/19s team in the 2017 Sydney Combined competition.
Jaiden joins previous winners Patrick Walsh and Paul McInerney (Holy Cross), Paul Tutt (Gladesville Sports), David Rose (Wanderers), Ian McCann and Shane Williams (Cricketers Arms), Gordon Rytmeister (North Ryde), Marc Webber (West Ryde-Denistone), Billy Long (Pyrmont Colts), Luke Long (Balmain United), Jason Thompson (Wanderers), Joe Hawach and Paul Owens (Ryde Eastwood), Anthony Golder (Annandale Waratahs), Dean Hutchison and Clint Woods (Leichhardt Juniors), Shadi Haddad (Five Dock RSL), Corey Lee and Hugo Duarte (Leichhardt Juniors), Matthew Olsen (Wanderers), Ali Musri and Dylan Theuerjahr (North Ryde), Ajay Vaivaka (Concord-Burwood), Marcel Ferris (Holy Cross), Brendan Pike and Shae Jarvis (Dundas Shamrocks), Harry Groves (Holy Cross) and Sebastian Tuipulotu (Carlingford Cougars) on the U/19s honour r
Tigers Annual Awards Night
26 2016 107th Annual Report
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals
272016 107th Annual Report
BJL patron Mick Manning with Strathfield Raiders U/9 Div 1 skipper Michael Papas.
Former Wests Tigers recruitment boss Warren McDonnell with U/9 Div 1 Player of the Match Michael Papas (Strathfield Raiders).
U/9 Division 1 premiers Strathfield Raiders
Under 9 Div 1 Grand FinalOUTSTANDING cub Michael Papas stole the show as Strathfield Raiders White captured the Arthur McIlveen Under 9 Division 1 Trophy with a 36-22 victory over North Ryde Hawks.
The talented Raiders prospect demonstrated his skill to nab three tries and prove the difference in an exciting tussle.
Strathfield led 24-12 at the half time break and consolidated victory with a strong second half showing - inspired by the elusive Papas who earned the official Player of the Match award.
Other Raiders to impress were Kayden Kanaan, Jack Taylor, Charlie Gray, Michael Joukhador and Will Allen while the Hawks were best served by Sam Bell, Toby Dorahy, Zac Ayad, Tom Bermingham and Levi Locantro.
The promising Bell worked like a trojan in both attack and defence to keep the Hawks in the hunt.
STRATHFIELD RAIDERS WHITE 36 (M Papas 3, J Taylor, M Joukhador, C Gray tries; K Kanaan, W Allen, J Taylor, L Daher, M Joukhador, C Gray gls) d NORTH RYDE 22 (T Dorahy, Z Ayad, T Bermingham, S Bell tries; L Locantro, T Bermingham, S Bell gls).
STRATHFIELD RAIDERS WHITE – Kayden Kanaan, Will Allen, Antonio Harb, Jack Taylor, Lucas Daher, Michael Joukhador, Charlie Gray, John Nakhoul, Dante Chalhoub, Huss Khalil, Kristian Stamoulos, Danny Ibrahim, Michael Papas, Jacob Banoob. Coach: Tony Joukhador; Manager: Paul Banoob; Trainers: Fred Ibrahim, Danny Kanaan & Danny Daher.
NORTH RYDE – Patrick Thomson, Toby Dorahy, Logan Dixon, Patrick Toms, Luke Marando, Lachlan Rutherford, Zac Ayad, Levi Locantro, Tom Bermingham, Sam Bell, Hunter McIlveen, Adam Ayad, Trent Stapleton, Tevita Tapueluelu. Coach: Luke Bermingham; Manager: Natalie Locantro; Trainers: Terry Dorahy & Michael Rutherford.
KEITH BARNES LEADING POINTS SCORER AWARD & SCOTT GALE LEADING TRY SCORER AWARDAUSTRALIAN Schoolboys and Balmain S.G Ball star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen received the Keith Barnes Leading Points Scorer and Scott Gale Leading Try Scorer Awards at the Tigers' Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club. He is pictured with Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club director Allan Douglas. Papenhuyzen, who was later blooded in Wests Tigers' U/20s Holden Cup team, scored 34 points during the U/18 Cup series with six tries and five goals.
U19 Junior League Player of the Year
Don Graham Trophy
DON GRAHAM MEMORIAL TROPHYU/19 PLAYER OF YEARNORTH Ryde Hawks' industrious lock Jaiden Phillips is this year's recipient of the Don Graham Memorial U/19 Player of the Year Award.
The tough-tackling forward was a deserved winner after turning in solid displays for the Balmain Junior United side in the Sydney Combined Under 19 Div 2 competition.
Jaiden is pictured receiving his award from Wests Tigers' Fan Engagement and Community Manager Shaun Spence at the Tigers Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
A Central Coast junior product, the powerful Phillips caught the eye with his punishing defence and bustling runs for the composite Balmain side that featured in the 2016 finals series.
Super fit Jaiden led by example as the Tigers' combination peaked at the right time of the season before bowing out in a minor semi final following a 24-12 loss to St George club Renown United.
Balmain officials have Phillips earmarked for bigger things with the talented lock expected to spearhead a Ryde Eastwood U/19s team in the 2017 Sydney Combined competition.
Jaiden joins previous winners Patrick Walsh and Paul McInerney (Holy Cross), Paul Tutt (Gladesville Sports), David Rose (Wanderers), Ian McCann and Shane Williams (Cricketers Arms), Gordon Rytmeister (North Ryde), Marc Webber (West Ryde-Denistone), Billy Long (Pyrmont Colts), Luke Long (Balmain United), Jason Thompson (Wanderers), Joe Hawach and Paul Owens (Ryde Eastwood), Anthony Golder (Annandale Waratahs), Dean Hutchison and Clint Woods (Leichhardt Juniors), Shadi Haddad (Five Dock RSL), Corey Lee and Hugo Duarte (Leichhardt Juniors), Matthew Olsen (Wanderers), Ali Musri and Dylan Theuerjahr (North Ryde), Ajay Vaivaka (Concord-Burwood), Marcel Ferris (Holy Cross), Brendan Pike and Shae Jarvis (Dundas Shamrocks), Harry Groves (Holy Cross) and Sebastian Tuipulotu (Carlingford Cougars) on the U/19s honour r
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals
28 2016 107th Annual Report
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals
292016 107th Annual Report
Under 9 Division 2 champions Dundas Shamrocks
Under 9 Div 2 Grand FinalDUNDAS Shamrocks lifted the Mick Manning Under 9 Division 2 Trophy after a thrilling 30-24 victory over Enfield Federals.
Emerging cub John Paul Wehbe produced a stand out performance for the Shamrocks, notching three tries and creating havoc with his sharp running to collect the Player of the Match award.
Wehbe was in sparkling form and proved the difference in an absorbing contest as the Shamrocks worked like trojans to sink the Federals in the trophy decider.
He was supported by Zac Kattar, Kalim Azar, Lucas Bouery, George Draybi, Chris Saad, Harley Griffiths, Mitchell Peaty and Paul Fiefia.
Enfield playmaker Luke Tiberti capped a strong game with a hat-trick of tries and inspired team mates with his organisational skills to keep the Federals in the title hunt.
DUNDAS SHAMROCKS 30 (J Wehbe 3, Z Kattar, K Azar, M Peaty tries; Z Kattar, L Bouery, M Peaty gls) d ENFIELD FEDERALS 24 (L Tiberti 3, L Golovodovski tries; M Semaan, A Chandler-Lee, L Golovodovski, L Tiberti gls).
DUNDAS SHAMROCKS – Zac Kattar, Liam Abdallah, Lucas Bouery, Joel Heiler, Beau Myhill, John Paul Wehbe, George Draybi, Harley Griffiths, Kalim Azar, Chris Saad, Mitchell Peaty, Paul Fiefia, Anthony Maaroui, Jacob Diab, Jacob Tamaro. Coach: Nabil Kattar; Manager: Charlie Azar; Trainers: Steve Bouery & Sarkis Draybi.
ENFIELD FEDERALS - Remi Rapisardi, Billy Kosmas, George Rabahi, Marcus Semaan, Archie Chandler-Lee, Karim Adhami, Luke Tiberti (captain), Joe Ibrahim, Peter Vassilopoulos, Khalil Haddad, Lucas Golovodovski, Connor Wallace, Lachlan Sueni, Antonio Field. Coach: John Semaan; Assistant Coach: Steve Rapisardi; Co-Managers: Jacqui Tiberti & Sharlie Rapisardi; Trainers: Anwar Adhami & Michael Vassilopoulos.
Enfield Federals' U/9 Div 2 skipper Luke Tiberti
Wests Tigers' long serving recruitment boss Warren McDonnell with triumphant Wanderers' U/9 Div 3 skipper Ellie Barnett.
BJL patron Mick Manning and former Wests Tigers premiership winning forward Bronson Harrison with U/9 Div 2 Player of the Match John Paul Wehbe (Shamrocks).
New Bulldogs recruitment manager Warren McDonnell with U/9 Div 3 Player of the Match Ellie Barnett (Wanderers).
Under 9 Div 3 Grand FinalGIRL wonder Ellie Barnett produced a brilliant half back display to help Leichhardt Wanderers snare the Peter Provan U/9 Div 3 Trophy with an impressive 20-8 victory over Five Dock RSL.
Elusive Ellie menaced the Dockers with her turn of speed and tricky step to bag three tries and inspired team mates with copybook defence to earn the Player of the Match award. She was supported by Nick Tiropanis, Harry Mayne, Tom Charles, Alex Sharkey, Hunter Drysdale, Tom Hamilton and Ben Gainsford in a fine team effort.
It was a dominant performance by the well drilled Wanderers who peaked at the right time of the season with spirited victories during the finals series.
Leichhardt led 6-0 following a Tiropanis try and Mayne conversion before the Dockers hit back with a Xavier Kennif try.
A determined Barnett then stamped her mark on the match – darting over for three tries and creating opportunities with her passing skills as the Wanderers established a 20-4 lead at the interval.
For team coach and Wanderers' legend Frank Dunne it was his first title in 26 years since guiding the club to an U/17s premiership back in 1990.
Majority of the Wanderers were playing their first season of rugby league with the likes of Tom Hamilton, Ben Gainsford, Hunter Drysdale, Harry Mayne and Tom Charles converting from AFL.
An emotional Dunne praised his team's robust defence that kept the Dockers at bay.
The Wanderers have a bright prospect in Alex Sharkey – the grandson of former Balmain and Newtown forward John Mullins – who ran and tackled strongly all match.
Five Dock were best served by Ethan Madden, Xavier Kennif, Oscar Moore, Juliano Tomasella and Joseph Fangaloka-Clark.
LEICHHARDT WANDERERS BLACK 20 (E Barnett 3, N Tiropanis tries; H Mayne, N Tiropanis gls) d FIVE DOCK RSL 8 (X Kenniff, N Adams tries).
LEICHHARDT WANDERERS BLACK – Marcus Cohen, Hunter Drysdale, Tom Hamilton, Tom Charles, Noah Moufarrege, Harry Mayne, Alex Sharkey, Ellie Barnett (captain), Spencer Smith, Ben Gainsford, Jon Kerpiniotis, Nick Tiropanis, Ethan McGoldrick, James Giastras. Coach: Frank Dunne; Manager: Julia Mayne; Trainers: Tom Quigley & Mitchell Dunne.
FIVE DOCK RSL - Xavier Kenniff (co-captain), Oscar Moore (co-captain), Joseph Fangaloka-Clark, Jai Dillon, Dylan Folkes, Juliano Tomasello, Campbell McCarthy, Ryan King, Noah Adams, Ethan Madden, Jaxon Manciani, Julian Roberts, Hunter May. Coach: Edwin Smith; Manager: Karrie Pattingale; Trainer: Mark Madden.
U/9 Division 3 champions Leichhardt Wanderers
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals
28 2016 107th Annual Report
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals
292016 107th Annual Report
Under 9 Division 2 champions Dundas Shamrocks
Under 9 Div 2 Grand FinalDUNDAS Shamrocks lifted the Mick Manning Under 9 Division 2 Trophy after a thrilling 30-24 victory over Enfield Federals.
Emerging cub John Paul Wehbe produced a stand out performance for the Shamrocks, notching three tries and creating havoc with his sharp running to collect the Player of the Match award.
Wehbe was in sparkling form and proved the difference in an absorbing contest as the Shamrocks worked like trojans to sink the Federals in the trophy decider.
He was supported by Zac Kattar, Kalim Azar, Lucas Bouery, George Draybi, Chris Saad, Harley Griffiths, Mitchell Peaty and Paul Fiefia.
Enfield playmaker Luke Tiberti capped a strong game with a hat-trick of tries and inspired team mates with his organisational skills to keep the Federals in the title hunt.
DUNDAS SHAMROCKS 30 (J Wehbe 3, Z Kattar, K Azar, M Peaty tries; Z Kattar, L Bouery, M Peaty gls) d ENFIELD FEDERALS 24 (L Tiberti 3, L Golovodovski tries; M Semaan, A Chandler-Lee, L Golovodovski, L Tiberti gls).
DUNDAS SHAMROCKS – Zac Kattar, Liam Abdallah, Lucas Bouery, Joel Heiler, Beau Myhill, John Paul Wehbe, George Draybi, Harley Griffiths, Kalim Azar, Chris Saad, Mitchell Peaty, Paul Fiefia, Anthony Maaroui, Jacob Diab, Jacob Tamaro. Coach: Nabil Kattar; Manager: Charlie Azar; Trainers: Steve Bouery & Sarkis Draybi.
ENFIELD FEDERALS - Remi Rapisardi, Billy Kosmas, George Rabahi, Marcus Semaan, Archie Chandler-Lee, Karim Adhami, Luke Tiberti (captain), Joe Ibrahim, Peter Vassilopoulos, Khalil Haddad, Lucas Golovodovski, Connor Wallace, Lachlan Sueni, Antonio Field. Coach: John Semaan; Assistant Coach: Steve Rapisardi; Co-Managers: Jacqui Tiberti & Sharlie Rapisardi; Trainers: Anwar Adhami & Michael Vassilopoulos.
Enfield Federals' U/9 Div 2 skipper Luke Tiberti
Wests Tigers' long serving recruitment boss Warren McDonnell with triumphant Wanderers' U/9 Div 3 skipper Ellie Barnett.
BJL patron Mick Manning and former Wests Tigers premiership winning forward Bronson Harrison with U/9 Div 2 Player of the Match John Paul Wehbe (Shamrocks).
New Bulldogs recruitment manager Warren McDonnell with U/9 Div 3 Player of the Match Ellie Barnett (Wanderers).
Under 9 Div 3 Grand FinalGIRL wonder Ellie Barnett produced a brilliant half back display to help Leichhardt Wanderers snare the Peter Provan U/9 Div 3 Trophy with an impressive 20-8 victory over Five Dock RSL.
Elusive Ellie menaced the Dockers with her turn of speed and tricky step to bag three tries and inspired team mates with copybook defence to earn the Player of the Match award. She was supported by Nick Tiropanis, Harry Mayne, Tom Charles, Alex Sharkey, Hunter Drysdale, Tom Hamilton and Ben Gainsford in a fine team effort.
It was a dominant performance by the well drilled Wanderers who peaked at the right time of the season with spirited victories during the finals series.
Leichhardt led 6-0 following a Tiropanis try and Mayne conversion before the Dockers hit back with a Xavier Kennif try.
A determined Barnett then stamped her mark on the match – darting over for three tries and creating opportunities with her passing skills as the Wanderers established a 20-4 lead at the interval.
For team coach and Wanderers' legend Frank Dunne it was his first title in 26 years since guiding the club to an U/17s premiership back in 1990.
Majority of the Wanderers were playing their first season of rugby league with the likes of Tom Hamilton, Ben Gainsford, Hunter Drysdale, Harry Mayne and Tom Charles converting from AFL.
An emotional Dunne praised his team's robust defence that kept the Dockers at bay.
The Wanderers have a bright prospect in Alex Sharkey – the grandson of former Balmain and Newtown forward John Mullins – who ran and tackled strongly all match.
Five Dock were best served by Ethan Madden, Xavier Kennif, Oscar Moore, Juliano Tomasella and Joseph Fangaloka-Clark.
LEICHHARDT WANDERERS BLACK 20 (E Barnett 3, N Tiropanis tries; H Mayne, N Tiropanis gls) d FIVE DOCK RSL 8 (X Kenniff, N Adams tries).
LEICHHARDT WANDERERS BLACK – Marcus Cohen, Hunter Drysdale, Tom Hamilton, Tom Charles, Noah Moufarrege, Harry Mayne, Alex Sharkey, Ellie Barnett (captain), Spencer Smith, Ben Gainsford, Jon Kerpiniotis, Nick Tiropanis, Ethan McGoldrick, James Giastras. Coach: Frank Dunne; Manager: Julia Mayne; Trainers: Tom Quigley & Mitchell Dunne.
FIVE DOCK RSL - Xavier Kenniff (co-captain), Oscar Moore (co-captain), Joseph Fangaloka-Clark, Jai Dillon, Dylan Folkes, Juliano Tomasello, Campbell McCarthy, Ryan King, Noah Adams, Ethan Madden, Jaxon Manciani, Julian Roberts, Hunter May. Coach: Edwin Smith; Manager: Karrie Pattingale; Trainer: Mark Madden.
U/9 Division 3 champions Leichhardt Wanderers
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals
30 2016 107th Annual Report
Under 10 Div 2 Grand FinalLEICHHARDT Wanderers lifted the Austin Hoyle U/10 Div. 2 Trophy with young gun Aidan Gow proving the architect of a 22-16 triumph over North Ryde.
Gow fooled the defence with a neat step to score the match-winning try in the dying moments and secure a hard-earned premiership title. The Wanderers playmaker was never far from the action and turned in a solid performance to earn the official Player of the Grand Final award. Gow was ably supported by Odin Zakarija, Jacob Digiglio, Liam Hoad, Aidan Carmichael, Sam Wright and Justin Miletic.
North Ryde led 10-4 at the interval following first half tries by forward Romace Karharni (2nd minute) and fullback Ivan Prizmic (11th minute) and a fourth minute four pointer by Leichhardt back Odin Zakarija.
The Wanderers set up a 16-10 lead shortly after the interval with two tries in the space of seven minutes by Zakarija (22nd minute) and Gow (27th minute) before the Hawks locked the scores at 16-all when Karhani brushed off defenders to crash over with Prizmic converting.
With 20 seconds left on the clock, an enterprising Gow weaved through Hawks' defenders to nab a last gasp try to send the Wanderers' contingent into raptures.
North Ryde were best served by Will Booth, Romace Karharni, Finn Ryan, Blake Bragg, Max Heaton and Ivan Prizmic.
LEICHHARDT WANDERERS RED 22 (O Zakarija 2, A Gow 2 tries; M Matoe, J Digiglio, S Wright gls) d NORTH RYDE 16 (R Karhani 2, I Prizmic tries; R Karhani, I Prizmic gls).
LEICHHARDT WANDERERS RED – Nathaniel Liu, James Deszoeke, Angus Jenkins, Odin Zakarija, Zac Fewtrell, Liam Hoad, Aidan Carmichael, Micah Matoe, Jacob Digiglio (co-captain), Luka Toogood, John Bakoulis, Aidan Gow, Justin Miletic (co-captain), Sam Wright; Darby Crowley. Coach: Pat Digiglio; Manager: Alicia Toogood; Trainer: Andrew Carmichael.
NORTH RYDE - Ivan Prizmic, Connor Nicol, Max Heaton, Mack Whineray, Blake Bragg (captain), Finn Ryan, Romace Karhani, Kaden Mixter, Will Booth, Zach Daniel, Isaac Biondi, Dom Squillace; Coach: Mark Bragg; Co-Managers: Anthony Prizmic & Sandra Prizmic; Trainers: Joe Biondi & Michael Nicol.
BJL patron Mick Manning with Wanderers' U/10 Div 2 co-captains Jacob Digiglio and Justin Miletic.
Wests Tigers' colt Bayley Sironen with U/10 Div 2 Player of the Match Aidan Gow (Wanderers).
U/10 Division 2 champions Leichhardt Wanderers
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals
Under 10 Div 1 Grand FinalCONCORD-Burwood's all conquering U/10 Div 1 Pink side added the Lawrence Briggs Trophy to its list of achievements in 2016 after a hard fought 30-12 Grand Final victory over Dundas Shamrocks Yellow.
Exciting cubs Alex Conti, Edwin Langi, Finlay Mitchell and Michael Nassar starred for the well drilled Wolves who earlier in the year captured the Mark O'Neill Challenge Shield and prestigious Gorden Tallis Cup in Townsville.
Conti capped a strong display by claiming the Player of the Grand Final award with his sharp running on the edges, jarring defence and clever passing a feature. He sealed victory with a jinking 40 metre burst to set up a second try for classy back Nassar in the 36th minute. There was no stopping the strapping Langi who scored the Wolves' first three tries after bulldozing runs.
The power forward scored in the opening minute with Nassar converting before Shamrocks half Joseph Raad crossed two minutes later with Jonah Watson adding the extras.
Langi nabbed a second try in the 11th minute which was converted by Conti for a 12-6 lead, only for Dundas pivot Lucas Sassen to burrow over from dummy half and convert and level it up at 12-all before the break. The Wolves hit their straps after the interval with Langi (22nd minute) and Nassar (29th & 36th minutes) posting tries to seize the advantage and wrap up back-to-back premiership titles.
It was another clinical performance by this amazing Concord-Burwood side that has built an imposing record under the guidance of mentors Andrew Mitchell and Terry Langi. Dundas were gallant in defeat and pushed the Wolves all the way. Their bustling defence worried the premiers with Joseph Raad, Marcus Elchaar, Ray Wehbe, Lucas Sassen and Cooper Frain leading the way with strong games.
CONCORD-BURWOOD PINK 30 (E Langi 3, M Nasser 2 tries; M Nasser, A Conti, G Young, E Langi, R Smythe gls) d DUNDAS SHAMROCKS YELLOW 12 (J Raad, L Sassen tries; J Watson, L Sassen gls).
CONCORD-BURWOOD PINK – Alex Conti, Epeli Leao, Alessandro Lombardo, Levi Moon, Joseph Matta, Richard Smythe, Harry Phillips, Garry Young, Edwin Langi, Finlay Mitchell (captain), Jordan Dunn-Reupena, Michael Nasser, Marc Tannous. Coach: Andrew Mitchell; Manager: Nancy Tannous; Trainer: Terry Langi.
DUNDAS SHAMROCKS YELLOW – Jim Rizk, Jai Dorahy, Jonah Watson, Marcus Elchaar, Noah Shehadie, Lucas Sassen, Joseph Raad (captain), Henry Langford, Cooper Frain, Cooper McGlashan, Ray Wehbe, George Mansour, John Paul Wehbe. Coach: Michael Frain; Manager: Rachel McGlashan; Trainers: Colin Field & Ray Watson.
Wests Tigers' emerging cub Bayley Sironen with Concord Burwood U/10 Div 1 skipper Fin Mitchell.
Wests Tigers' young gun Bayley Sironen with U/10 Div 1 Player of the Match Alex Conti (Concord-Burwood).
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U/10 Div 1 champions Concord-Burwood Wolves
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals
30 2016 107th Annual Report
Under 10 Div 2 Grand FinalLEICHHARDT Wanderers lifted the Austin Hoyle U/10 Div. 2 Trophy with young gun Aidan Gow proving the architect of a 22-16 triumph over North Ryde.
Gow fooled the defence with a neat step to score the match-winning try in the dying moments and secure a hard-earned premiership title. The Wanderers playmaker was never far from the action and turned in a solid performance to earn the official Player of the Grand Final award. Gow was ably supported by Odin Zakarija, Jacob Digiglio, Liam Hoad, Aidan Carmichael, Sam Wright and Justin Miletic.
North Ryde led 10-4 at the interval following first half tries by forward Romace Karharni (2nd minute) and fullback Ivan Prizmic (11th minute) and a fourth minute four pointer by Leichhardt back Odin Zakarija.
The Wanderers set up a 16-10 lead shortly after the interval with two tries in the space of seven minutes by Zakarija (22nd minute) and Gow (27th minute) before the Hawks locked the scores at 16-all when Karhani brushed off defenders to crash over with Prizmic converting.
With 20 seconds left on the clock, an enterprising Gow weaved through Hawks' defenders to nab a last gasp try to send the Wanderers' contingent into raptures.
North Ryde were best served by Will Booth, Romace Karharni, Finn Ryan, Blake Bragg, Max Heaton and Ivan Prizmic.
LEICHHARDT WANDERERS RED 22 (O Zakarija 2, A Gow 2 tries; M Matoe, J Digiglio, S Wright gls) d NORTH RYDE 16 (R Karhani 2, I Prizmic tries; R Karhani, I Prizmic gls).
LEICHHARDT WANDERERS RED – Nathaniel Liu, James Deszoeke, Angus Jenkins, Odin Zakarija, Zac Fewtrell, Liam Hoad, Aidan Carmichael, Micah Matoe, Jacob Digiglio (co-captain), Luka Toogood, John Bakoulis, Aidan Gow, Justin Miletic (co-captain), Sam Wright; Darby Crowley. Coach: Pat Digiglio; Manager: Alicia Toogood; Trainer: Andrew Carmichael.
NORTH RYDE - Ivan Prizmic, Connor Nicol, Max Heaton, Mack Whineray, Blake Bragg (captain), Finn Ryan, Romace Karhani, Kaden Mixter, Will Booth, Zach Daniel, Isaac Biondi, Dom Squillace; Coach: Mark Bragg; Co-Managers: Anthony Prizmic & Sandra Prizmic; Trainers: Joe Biondi & Michael Nicol.
BJL patron Mick Manning with Wanderers' U/10 Div 2 co-captains Jacob Digiglio and Justin Miletic.
Wests Tigers' colt Bayley Sironen with U/10 Div 2 Player of the Match Aidan Gow (Wanderers).
U/10 Division 2 champions Leichhardt Wanderers
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals
Under 10 Div 1 Grand FinalCONCORD-Burwood's all conquering U/10 Div 1 Pink side added the Lawrence Briggs Trophy to its list of achievements in 2016 after a hard fought 30-12 Grand Final victory over Dundas Shamrocks Yellow.
Exciting cubs Alex Conti, Edwin Langi, Finlay Mitchell and Michael Nassar starred for the well drilled Wolves who earlier in the year captured the Mark O'Neill Challenge Shield and prestigious Gorden Tallis Cup in Townsville.
Conti capped a strong display by claiming the Player of the Grand Final award with his sharp running on the edges, jarring defence and clever passing a feature. He sealed victory with a jinking 40 metre burst to set up a second try for classy back Nassar in the 36th minute. There was no stopping the strapping Langi who scored the Wolves' first three tries after bulldozing runs.
The power forward scored in the opening minute with Nassar converting before Shamrocks half Joseph Raad crossed two minutes later with Jonah Watson adding the extras.
Langi nabbed a second try in the 11th minute which was converted by Conti for a 12-6 lead, only for Dundas pivot Lucas Sassen to burrow over from dummy half and convert and level it up at 12-all before the break. The Wolves hit their straps after the interval with Langi (22nd minute) and Nassar (29th & 36th minutes) posting tries to seize the advantage and wrap up back-to-back premiership titles.
It was another clinical performance by this amazing Concord-Burwood side that has built an imposing record under the guidance of mentors Andrew Mitchell and Terry Langi. Dundas were gallant in defeat and pushed the Wolves all the way. Their bustling defence worried the premiers with Joseph Raad, Marcus Elchaar, Ray Wehbe, Lucas Sassen and Cooper Frain leading the way with strong games.
CONCORD-BURWOOD PINK 30 (E Langi 3, M Nasser 2 tries; M Nasser, A Conti, G Young, E Langi, R Smythe gls) d DUNDAS SHAMROCKS YELLOW 12 (J Raad, L Sassen tries; J Watson, L Sassen gls).
CONCORD-BURWOOD PINK – Alex Conti, Epeli Leao, Alessandro Lombardo, Levi Moon, Joseph Matta, Richard Smythe, Harry Phillips, Garry Young, Edwin Langi, Finlay Mitchell (captain), Jordan Dunn-Reupena, Michael Nasser, Marc Tannous. Coach: Andrew Mitchell; Manager: Nancy Tannous; Trainer: Terry Langi.
DUNDAS SHAMROCKS YELLOW – Jim Rizk, Jai Dorahy, Jonah Watson, Marcus Elchaar, Noah Shehadie, Lucas Sassen, Joseph Raad (captain), Henry Langford, Cooper Frain, Cooper McGlashan, Ray Wehbe, George Mansour, John Paul Wehbe. Coach: Michael Frain; Manager: Rachel McGlashan; Trainers: Colin Field & Ray Watson.
Wests Tigers' emerging cub Bayley Sironen with Concord Burwood U/10 Div 1 skipper Fin Mitchell.
Wests Tigers' young gun Bayley Sironen with U/10 Div 1 Player of the Match Alex Conti (Concord-Burwood).
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U/10 Div 1 champions Concord-Burwood Wolves
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals
32 2016 107th Annual Report
Under 11 Div 1 Grand FinalSTRATHFIELD Raiders Black took out the Norm Waugh U/11 Div 1 Trophy with a thrilling 20-18 victory over Holy Cross Gold.
Raiders' general Zac Hayek spearheaded the win, scoring two tries and creating others in a top performance that earned him Player of the Grand Final honours.
The clever Hayek collected a try double after the interval to set up a 20-12 lead and marshalled the Raiders to a deserved victory against a gallant Holy Cross side.
It was the Raiders' second major trophy of the 2016 season after earlier winning the U/11 Ryan-Sironen Shield pre season tournament.
Hayek was supported by talented fullback Cameron Kanaan, Sean Saade, Ahmed Hebous, Zavier Alam, Hadi Margan and Jude Chalhoub.
Strathfield jumped to an early 12-0 lead with converted tries by Chalboub and Hamze Najjarine before Christian Moussa crossed for the Rhinos wide out.
With talented half Patrick Young leading the way, the Holy Cross cubs rallied after the break with forward Sam Reece crashing over to score a converted try in the 23rd minute to keep the underdogs in the hunt.
Young, the son of former Wallaby prop Bill Young, gave the Rhinos a slim chance of causing an upset when he weaved through the Raiders defence to score his team's third try with two minutes left on the clock.
Other Rhinos to shine were Reece, Moussa, Henry Ryan, Bryan Jorgensen and Charlie O'Kane.
STRATHFIELD RAIDERS 20 (Z Hayek 2, J Chalhoub, H Najjarine tries; Z Hayek, C Kanaan gls) d HOLY CROSS GOLD 18 (C Moussa, S Reece, P Young tries; P Young, C O'Kane, C Moussa gls).
STRATHFIELD RAIDERS BLACK - Cameron Kanaan, Ahmed Hebous, Zavier Alam, Hadi Margan, Salah Ammar, Zac Hayek (captain), Sean Saade, Jacob Bechara, Aidan Harb, Jacob Kassas, Patrick Cleary, Jude Chalhoub, Hamze Najjarine, Adam Meslemani, Ahmad Ghazal. Co-Coaches: Anthony Harb & Nick Hayek; Manager: Peter Kassas; Trainers: Danny Kanaan & Nick Hayek.
HOLY CROSS GOLD - Christian Moussa, Angus Dominello, Bryan Jorgensen, Luke Elias, Patrick Young, Henry Ryan, Patrick Gatt, Sam Reece, Sebastian Ozbenian, Nathan Warner, Charlie O'Kane, Levon Ozbenian, Ryan Smith. Coach: Michael Gatt; Assistant Coach: Brendan Robertson; Manager: Richard Warner; Trainers: Joe Moussa & Phil Reece.
BJL General Manager Jennie Webster with Strathfield Raiders Black U/11 Div 1 skipper Zac Hayek.
BJL General Manager Jennie Webster with U/11 Div 1 Player of the Match Zac Hayek (Raiders).
U/11 Division 1 champions Strathfield Raiders Black
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals
332016 107th Annual Report
Wests Tigers' colt Bayley Sironen with U/10 Div 3 Player of the Match Jack Clark (Wolves).
U/10 Division 3 champions Concord-Burwood Charcoal
BJL patron Mick Manning with Concord-Burwood Charcoal U/10 Div 3 co-captains Moran Abou-Antoun and Joshua Montebello-Rapicano.
Under 10 Div 3 Grand FinalPROMISING colts Jack Clark and Grisham Vaega-Malla spearheaded Concord-Burwood's 40-22 Grand Final victory over Dundas Shamrocks Green.
The talented duo nabbed three tries each as the hungry Wolves' combination overpowered their rivals to secure the Peter Duffy Trophy.
Clark was a stand out in the number nine jumper and used his speed, strength and vision to blitz the Shamrocks and earn the official Player of the Grand Final award.
He showed his wares in the opening stanza by notching three of his side's four tries as Concord-Burwood jumped to a handy 22-6 lead at the half time break.
Vaega-Malla was just as impressive, breaking the Shamrocks spirit with his rampaging runs as the Wolves maintained the pressure in the second half.
Other Concord-Burwood players to shine were Christian Boutros, Joshua Montebello and Moran Abou-Antoun.
Stung into action, the Dundas cubs gave an improved second half showing with Sara-Maree Wakim, Prince Gyan and Patrick Bayeh all posting tries to gain some respectability.
Bayeh, Ray Ghalloub and Christian Sobral were the Shamrocks best.
CONCORD-BURWOOD 40 (J Clark 3, G Vaega-Malla 3, C Boutros tries; J Montobello, C Boutros, J Carroll, S Pino, M Abou-Antoun, J Clark gls) d DUNDAS SHAMROCKS GREEN 22 (I Maka, S Wakim, P Gyan, P Bayeh tries; R Ghalloub, L Ballard, J Deayton gls).
CONCORD-BURWOOD CHARCOAL – Moran Abou-Antoun (co-captain), Matthew Aitchison, Daniel Bruce, Jamie Carroll, Edward Newton, Lachlan De Barry, Anthony Maklouf, Joshua Montebello-Rapicano (co captain), Jack Clark, Michael Ginex, Salvatore Pino, Christian Boutros, Antonio Moussa, Grisham Vaega-Malla. Coach: Lino Rapicano; Manager: Steve Aitchison; Trainers: Charlie Abou-Antoun & Joey Belfiore.
DUNDAS SHAMROCKS GREEN – Christian Sobral, Bailey Radford, Liam Ballard, Xander Elia, Jamie Cipollone, Jay Deayton, Ray Ghalloub, Patrick Bayeh (captain), James Tlaijie, Cooper Twyford, Gerard Tahhan, Ioane Maka; Chloe Williamson, Carter Anker, Prince Gyan Sara-Maree Wakim; Coach: Robert Ghalloub; Manager: Vanessa Ghalloub; Trainers: Scott Twyford & Dave Ballard.
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals
32 2016 107th Annual Report
Under 11 Div 1 Grand FinalSTRATHFIELD Raiders Black took out the Norm Waugh U/11 Div 1 Trophy with a thrilling 20-18 victory over Holy Cross Gold.
Raiders' general Zac Hayek spearheaded the win, scoring two tries and creating others in a top performance that earned him Player of the Grand Final honours.
The clever Hayek collected a try double after the interval to set up a 20-12 lead and marshalled the Raiders to a deserved victory against a gallant Holy Cross side.
It was the Raiders' second major trophy of the 2016 season after earlier winning the U/11 Ryan-Sironen Shield pre season tournament.
Hayek was supported by talented fullback Cameron Kanaan, Sean Saade, Ahmed Hebous, Zavier Alam, Hadi Margan and Jude Chalhoub.
Strathfield jumped to an early 12-0 lead with converted tries by Chalboub and Hamze Najjarine before Christian Moussa crossed for the Rhinos wide out.
With talented half Patrick Young leading the way, the Holy Cross cubs rallied after the break with forward Sam Reece crashing over to score a converted try in the 23rd minute to keep the underdogs in the hunt.
Young, the son of former Wallaby prop Bill Young, gave the Rhinos a slim chance of causing an upset when he weaved through the Raiders defence to score his team's third try with two minutes left on the clock.
Other Rhinos to shine were Reece, Moussa, Henry Ryan, Bryan Jorgensen and Charlie O'Kane.
STRATHFIELD RAIDERS 20 (Z Hayek 2, J Chalhoub, H Najjarine tries; Z Hayek, C Kanaan gls) d HOLY CROSS GOLD 18 (C Moussa, S Reece, P Young tries; P Young, C O'Kane, C Moussa gls).
STRATHFIELD RAIDERS BLACK - Cameron Kanaan, Ahmed Hebous, Zavier Alam, Hadi Margan, Salah Ammar, Zac Hayek (captain), Sean Saade, Jacob Bechara, Aidan Harb, Jacob Kassas, Patrick Cleary, Jude Chalhoub, Hamze Najjarine, Adam Meslemani, Ahmad Ghazal. Co-Coaches: Anthony Harb & Nick Hayek; Manager: Peter Kassas; Trainers: Danny Kanaan & Nick Hayek.
HOLY CROSS GOLD - Christian Moussa, Angus Dominello, Bryan Jorgensen, Luke Elias, Patrick Young, Henry Ryan, Patrick Gatt, Sam Reece, Sebastian Ozbenian, Nathan Warner, Charlie O'Kane, Levon Ozbenian, Ryan Smith. Coach: Michael Gatt; Assistant Coach: Brendan Robertson; Manager: Richard Warner; Trainers: Joe Moussa & Phil Reece.
BJL General Manager Jennie Webster with Strathfield Raiders Black U/11 Div 1 skipper Zac Hayek.
BJL General Manager Jennie Webster with U/11 Div 1 Player of the Match Zac Hayek (Raiders).
U/11 Division 1 champions Strathfield Raiders Black
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals
332016 107th Annual Report
Wests Tigers' colt Bayley Sironen with U/10 Div 3 Player of the Match Jack Clark (Wolves).
U/10 Division 3 champions Concord-Burwood Charcoal
BJL patron Mick Manning with Concord-Burwood Charcoal U/10 Div 3 co-captains Moran Abou-Antoun and Joshua Montebello-Rapicano.
Under 10 Div 3 Grand FinalPROMISING colts Jack Clark and Grisham Vaega-Malla spearheaded Concord-Burwood's 40-22 Grand Final victory over Dundas Shamrocks Green.
The talented duo nabbed three tries each as the hungry Wolves' combination overpowered their rivals to secure the Peter Duffy Trophy.
Clark was a stand out in the number nine jumper and used his speed, strength and vision to blitz the Shamrocks and earn the official Player of the Grand Final award.
He showed his wares in the opening stanza by notching three of his side's four tries as Concord-Burwood jumped to a handy 22-6 lead at the half time break.
Vaega-Malla was just as impressive, breaking the Shamrocks spirit with his rampaging runs as the Wolves maintained the pressure in the second half.
Other Concord-Burwood players to shine were Christian Boutros, Joshua Montebello and Moran Abou-Antoun.
Stung into action, the Dundas cubs gave an improved second half showing with Sara-Maree Wakim, Prince Gyan and Patrick Bayeh all posting tries to gain some respectability.
Bayeh, Ray Ghalloub and Christian Sobral were the Shamrocks best.
CONCORD-BURWOOD 40 (J Clark 3, G Vaega-Malla 3, C Boutros tries; J Montobello, C Boutros, J Carroll, S Pino, M Abou-Antoun, J Clark gls) d DUNDAS SHAMROCKS GREEN 22 (I Maka, S Wakim, P Gyan, P Bayeh tries; R Ghalloub, L Ballard, J Deayton gls).
CONCORD-BURWOOD CHARCOAL – Moran Abou-Antoun (co-captain), Matthew Aitchison, Daniel Bruce, Jamie Carroll, Edward Newton, Lachlan De Barry, Anthony Maklouf, Joshua Montebello-Rapicano (co captain), Jack Clark, Michael Ginex, Salvatore Pino, Christian Boutros, Antonio Moussa, Grisham Vaega-Malla. Coach: Lino Rapicano; Manager: Steve Aitchison; Trainers: Charlie Abou-Antoun & Joey Belfiore.
DUNDAS SHAMROCKS GREEN – Christian Sobral, Bailey Radford, Liam Ballard, Xander Elia, Jamie Cipollone, Jay Deayton, Ray Ghalloub, Patrick Bayeh (captain), James Tlaijie, Cooper Twyford, Gerard Tahhan, Ioane Maka; Chloe Williamson, Carter Anker, Prince Gyan Sara-Maree Wakim; Coach: Robert Ghalloub; Manager: Vanessa Ghalloub; Trainers: Scott Twyford & Dave Ballard.
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals
34 2016 107th Annual Report
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals
352016 107th Annual Report
U/11 Division 2 champions Enfield Federals
Under 11 Div 2 Grand FinalDANIEL Tiberti and Jad Raad guided Enfield Federals to an U/11 Div 2 title with strong performances in their side's 26-18 triumph over Leichhardt Juniors. The promising duo turned in non-stop displays as the determined Federals toppled their eager rivals to bring home the Dally Messenger Trophy.
Fleet footed fullback Raad was judged best on ground for his wholehearted performance that featured several dashing runs that sparked the attack. This included his last-minute try with the pocket dynamo evading the Leichhardt defence to score and wrap up a desserved premiership.
Power running forward Tiberti made an impact with his bustling runs and sturdy defence as the Federals dominated the opening stanza. Tiberti opened the try scoring after three minutes before lock Isaiah Kolopeaus (11th minute) and winger Zayne Chami (20th minute) crossed for six pointers to give Enfield a commanding 18-0 lead at the half time break.
A quick try straight after lemons by Majid Gebara extended the Federals lead before the Leichhardt cubs staged a second half revival.
Juniors roared back into contention when forward Feleti Tuinuku (25th minute), five eighth Nikora William (33rd minute) and fullback Jayda Chung (37th minute) burst over for tries to bridge the deficit.
Clinging to a 22-16 lead, the elusive Raad sealed victory for the black and whites when he stepped through defenders to score in the dying moments.
Other Enfield players to shine were Majid Gebara, Isaiah Kolopeaus, George Villar, Kon Kastelloriou, and Michael Kastellariou.
Leichhardt got value from 10 year old young gun Nikora Williams, Nick Koutzelas, Louis Quarello, Feleti Tuinuku, Michael Marsters-Elliott and Damien House.
ENFIELD FEDERALS 28 (D Tiberti, I Kolopeaus, Z Chami, M Gebara, J Raad tries; Z Chami, G Villar, D Tiberti, M Gebara gls) d LEICHHARDT JUNIORS 16 (F Tuinuku, N Williams, J Chung tries; L Avati, D House gls).
ENFIELD FEDERALS - Jad Raad, Zayne Chami, Kon Kastelloriou, George Tourtouras, Alex Burton-Vourkis, Matthew Pecora, Raphael Kastelloriou, Daniel Tiberti (captain), Majid Gebara, Isaiah Kastelloriou, Charbel Toulani, George Villar, Michael Kastelloriou. Coach: Wes Gebara; Manager: David Tiberti; Trainers: Arthur Tourtouras & Isaac Matos.
LEICHHARDT JUNIORS – Jayda Chung, Louis Mammone, Nick Koutzelas (captain), Heejun Kwon, Nikora Williams, Lachlan Green, Damien House, Tianze Wang, Michael Marsters-Elliott, Feleti Tuinuku, Louis Quarello, Ari Tashtan, Luke Avati. Coach: Ifereimi Bainikoro; Manager: Lilieta Fauonuku; Trainers: Nick Koutzelas & Talakai Fauonuku.
Captain...
Player of Match...
Strathfield Raiders official Charlie Khalifeh with Enfield Federals U/11 Div 2 skipper Daniel Tiberti.
Strathfield Raiders stalwart and BJL director Charlie Khalifeh with U/11 Div Player of the Match Jad Raad (Federals).
Premiers...
Under 12 Div 1 Grand FinalEXCITING fullback Levi Conti showed his class as Concord Burwood Pink edged out Strathfield Raiders Black 18-12 to lift the Frank Walsh U/12 Div 1 Trophy.
The dashing cub was in sparkling form and proved the difference in a crackerjack duel between two of Balmain Junior League's most powerful clubs.
Levi demonstrated his attacking skills in a fiercely-contested Grand Final, scoring a try and menacing the Raiders defence with his speed and footwork to earn the Player of the Match award.
The Wolves led 12-6 at the break but fought tooth and nail with the reigning premiers before avenging last year's U/11 Div 1 Grand Final loss to Strathfield.
Other Concord-Burwood players to impress were talented backs Jacob Matta and Oscar Ortolani, forwards John Melia, Max Jorgensen and lock Zac Bruce.
Co-skippers Matta and Ortolani led by example as the Wolves' forwards laid the platform for a memorable big match triumph.
Strathfield were courageous in defeat with forwards Tony Sukkar, Matthew Raheb, Dylan Hayek, Sitiveni Tamani and fullback Jordan Itaoui turning in strong performances.
CONCORD BURWOOD PINK 18 (L Conti, O Ortolani, M Jorgensen tries; L Conti, M Jorgensen, M Delaney gls) d STRATHFIELD RAIDERS BLACK 12 (S Tamani, T Sukkar tries; S Sattout, J Ibrahim gls).
CONCORD-BURWOOD PINK – Levi Conti, Harry Samaha, Luca Mancuso, Oscar Ortolani (co-captain), Jacob Matta (co-captain), Manus Bailey, Zac Bruce, Angus Gray, Dylan Christensen, Max Jorgensen, Louis D'Arrigo, John Melia, Matt Delaney, John Paul Catalano, Hayden De Gioia, Ashtyn Bell. Coach: Matthew Reupena; Manager: Margaret Semrani; Trainers: Tele Langi & Tony Iocco.
STRATHFIELD RAIDERS BLACK – Jordan Itaoui, Samuel Sattout, Michael Sukkar, Richard Yammine, Jonathan Ibrahim, Daniel Daher, Dylan Hayek, Tony Sukkar (captain), Sitiveni Tamani, Jackson Campton, Soroush Elmoussawel, Joseph Challita, Matthew Raheb, Dylan Daoud, Jawaad Elkordi, Arthur Walford, Jude Challhoub. Coach: Luke Campton; Manager: Danny Daher; Trainers: Andrew Sattout & Frank Ibrahim.
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals
34 2016 107th Annual Report
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals
352016 107th Annual Report
U/11 Division 2 champions Enfield Federals
Under 11 Div 2 Grand FinalDANIEL Tiberti and Jad Raad guided Enfield Federals to an U/11 Div 2 title with strong performances in their side's 26-18 triumph over Leichhardt Juniors. The promising duo turned in non-stop displays as the determined Federals toppled their eager rivals to bring home the Dally Messenger Trophy.
Fleet footed fullback Raad was judged best on ground for his wholehearted performance that featured several dashing runs that sparked the attack. This included his last-minute try with the pocket dynamo evading the Leichhardt defence to score and wrap up a desserved premiership.
Power running forward Tiberti made an impact with his bustling runs and sturdy defence as the Federals dominated the opening stanza. Tiberti opened the try scoring after three minutes before lock Isaiah Kolopeaus (11th minute) and winger Zayne Chami (20th minute) crossed for six pointers to give Enfield a commanding 18-0 lead at the half time break.
A quick try straight after lemons by Majid Gebara extended the Federals lead before the Leichhardt cubs staged a second half revival.
Juniors roared back into contention when forward Feleti Tuinuku (25th minute), five eighth Nikora William (33rd minute) and fullback Jayda Chung (37th minute) burst over for tries to bridge the deficit.
Clinging to a 22-16 lead, the elusive Raad sealed victory for the black and whites when he stepped through defenders to score in the dying moments.
Other Enfield players to shine were Majid Gebara, Isaiah Kolopeaus, George Villar, Kon Kastelloriou, and Michael Kastellariou.
Leichhardt got value from 10 year old young gun Nikora Williams, Nick Koutzelas, Louis Quarello, Feleti Tuinuku, Michael Marsters-Elliott and Damien House.
ENFIELD FEDERALS 28 (D Tiberti, I Kolopeaus, Z Chami, M Gebara, J Raad tries; Z Chami, G Villar, D Tiberti, M Gebara gls) d LEICHHARDT JUNIORS 16 (F Tuinuku, N Williams, J Chung tries; L Avati, D House gls).
ENFIELD FEDERALS - Jad Raad, Zayne Chami, Kon Kastelloriou, George Tourtouras, Alex Burton-Vourkis, Matthew Pecora, Raphael Kastelloriou, Daniel Tiberti (captain), Majid Gebara, Isaiah Kastelloriou, Charbel Toulani, George Villar, Michael Kastelloriou. Coach: Wes Gebara; Manager: David Tiberti; Trainers: Arthur Tourtouras & Isaac Matos.
LEICHHARDT JUNIORS – Jayda Chung, Louis Mammone, Nick Koutzelas (captain), Heejun Kwon, Nikora Williams, Lachlan Green, Damien House, Tianze Wang, Michael Marsters-Elliott, Feleti Tuinuku, Louis Quarello, Ari Tashtan, Luke Avati. Coach: Ifereimi Bainikoro; Manager: Lilieta Fauonuku; Trainers: Nick Koutzelas & Talakai Fauonuku.
Captain...
Player of Match...
Strathfield Raiders official Charlie Khalifeh with Enfield Federals U/11 Div 2 skipper Daniel Tiberti.
Strathfield Raiders stalwart and BJL director Charlie Khalifeh with U/11 Div Player of the Match Jad Raad (Federals).
Premiers...
Under 12 Div 1 Grand FinalEXCITING fullback Levi Conti showed his class as Concord Burwood Pink edged out Strathfield Raiders Black 18-12 to lift the Frank Walsh U/12 Div 1 Trophy.
The dashing cub was in sparkling form and proved the difference in a crackerjack duel between two of Balmain Junior League's most powerful clubs.
Levi demonstrated his attacking skills in a fiercely-contested Grand Final, scoring a try and menacing the Raiders defence with his speed and footwork to earn the Player of the Match award.
The Wolves led 12-6 at the break but fought tooth and nail with the reigning premiers before avenging last year's U/11 Div 1 Grand Final loss to Strathfield.
Other Concord-Burwood players to impress were talented backs Jacob Matta and Oscar Ortolani, forwards John Melia, Max Jorgensen and lock Zac Bruce.
Co-skippers Matta and Ortolani led by example as the Wolves' forwards laid the platform for a memorable big match triumph.
Strathfield were courageous in defeat with forwards Tony Sukkar, Matthew Raheb, Dylan Hayek, Sitiveni Tamani and fullback Jordan Itaoui turning in strong performances.
CONCORD BURWOOD PINK 18 (L Conti, O Ortolani, M Jorgensen tries; L Conti, M Jorgensen, M Delaney gls) d STRATHFIELD RAIDERS BLACK 12 (S Tamani, T Sukkar tries; S Sattout, J Ibrahim gls).
CONCORD-BURWOOD PINK – Levi Conti, Harry Samaha, Luca Mancuso, Oscar Ortolani (co-captain), Jacob Matta (co-captain), Manus Bailey, Zac Bruce, Angus Gray, Dylan Christensen, Max Jorgensen, Louis D'Arrigo, John Melia, Matt Delaney, John Paul Catalano, Hayden De Gioia, Ashtyn Bell. Coach: Matthew Reupena; Manager: Margaret Semrani; Trainers: Tele Langi & Tony Iocco.
STRATHFIELD RAIDERS BLACK – Jordan Itaoui, Samuel Sattout, Michael Sukkar, Richard Yammine, Jonathan Ibrahim, Daniel Daher, Dylan Hayek, Tony Sukkar (captain), Sitiveni Tamani, Jackson Campton, Soroush Elmoussawel, Joseph Challita, Matthew Raheb, Dylan Daoud, Jawaad Elkordi, Arthur Walford, Jude Challhoub. Coach: Luke Campton; Manager: Danny Daher; Trainers: Andrew Sattout & Frank Ibrahim.
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals
36 2016 107th Annual Report
U/12 Division 2 champions North Ryde Hawks
Kevin Fraser, grandson of all time Kangaroos and Balmain fullback great Charles 'Chook' Fraser, with North Ryde U/12 Div 2 captain Max Braham.
Ermington-Rydalmere stalwart Kevin Fraser with U/12 Div 2 Player of the Match Savinata Moala (North Ryde).
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals
372016 107th Annual Report
Under 12 Div 2 Grand FinalNORTH Ryde had too many big guns in a crushing 38-14 victory over Strathfield Raiders White in the U/12 Div 2 title decider.
Rampaging forward Savinata Moala starred in the Hawks' eight try rout – bursting over for three tries and making big metres with his powerful surges to ignite the North Ryde attack.
Savinata was ably supported by strong running Max Braham, who also bagged a hat trick of tries and five eighth Cameron Bragg, a nippy number six who collected a try double in the Hawks' resounding triumph.
There was no stopping the powerhouse trio as Grant Armstrong's North Ryde cubs racked up a commanding 22-4 lead at the half time interval.
The Raiders stemmed the tide in the second half but couldn't prevent the Hawks from posting another three tries to record a thumping premiership win and claim the Charles 'Chook' Fraser Trophy.
Strathfield were best served by forwards Jacob Harb, Dante Lanzafame, Jaad Krayem and half Ji Tabbah.
NORTH RYDE 38 (S Moala 3, M Braham 3, C Bragg 2 tries; B Chippendale, J Kendal, C Bragg gls) d STRATHFIELD RAIDERS WHITE 14 (J Harb, D Lanzafame, J Krayem tries; Emre Gundoganli gl).
NORTH RYDE – Charlie Armstrong, Bronson Chippendale, Jai Kendal, Charlie Manning, Max Braham (captain), Cameron Bragg, Samiuela Moala, Harrison Black, Tom Ryan, Max Stallard, Savinata Moala, Michael Lorenti, Sebastian Scalise, Angus Cosgrove, Kaden Bezak.
Coach: Grant Armstrong; Manager: Susie Manning; Trainers: Dermott Ryan & Peter Lorenti.
STRATHFIELD RAIDERS WHITE – Zac Elsayed, Hasn Khalil, Emre Gundoganli, Tyson Lam, Ji Tabbah (captain), Dante Lanzafame, Jacob Harb, Tarek Tabbah, John Latouf, Ahmed Allam, Jaad Krayem, Afram Saliba, Usaia Masuwale, Malik Tabbah. Coach: Steve Tabbah; Manager: Anthony Latouf; Trainers: Salim Gundoganli & Omar Abbout.
Winning Concord Burwood U/13 Div 1 skipper Brandon Tumeth
BJL patron Mick Manning with U/13 Div 1 Player of the Match Will Arrage (Wolves).
Sydney Combined U/13 Division 1 champions Concord-Burwood Pink.
Under 13 Div 1 Grand FinalCONCORD-Burwood Pink Under 13s team enhanced its reputation as a premiership-winning juggernaut after toppling rivals Leichhardt Wanderers in the Sydney Combined Division 1 Grand Final at Leichhardt Oval.
The mighty Wolves recorded a hard-fought 26-18 victory to capture a fifth successive championship in their age group since 2012.
Powerful Wolves' forward Will Arrage was best on ground in the U/13 Div 1 decider – replicating his Player of the Match performance against the Wanderers from the previous season with another tireless effort.
Arrage carted the ball up strongly, launched many a raid with his off-loads and proved a trojan in defence as the Wolves finished strongly to sink a gallant Wanderers side.
Led by playmaker Cale Edmed and Joseph Nohra, the Leichhardt cubs were right in the mix after wholehearted displays from all team members as they went to lemons with a 14-10 lead.
George Vournovas, Zaine Gardiner, Jake Thomas, Joshua Parnell, Robbie Tocco, Max Downer, Seb Foster and Bailey Ward provided strong support for the red and blacks – but to no avail.
Concord-Burwood rallied after the interval, piling on three tries with forwards Arrage, skipper Brandon Tumeth, Andrew Romeo, Christian Emelio, Max Phillips, Christian Jardim and Charlie Bruton leading the way.
CONCORD-BURWOOD PINK 26 (T Williams, W Arrage, B Tumeth, A Romeo, J Andary tries; J Basaga, C Jardim, M Phillips gls) d LEICHHARDT WANDERERS RED 18 (J Nohra, S Foster, C Edmed, R Tocco tries; J Nohra gl).
CONCORD-BURWOOD PINK – Jayden Basaga, Turoa Williams, Jamie Sarkis, Charlie Bruton, Christian Jardim, Max Phillips, Brandon Tumeth (captain), Christian Emelio, Joseph Hayek, Will Arrage, Max Phillips, Andrew Romeo, Connor Lucey, Adam Paterson, Norman Saad, Joseph Andary, Sebastian Boustani. Coach: Mark Tumeth; Manager: Paul Bruton; Trainers: Jack Jardim, Isaac Romeo & Andrew Phillips.
LEICHHARDT WANDERERS RED – Max Downer, Kevin Dawo, Jayden Merhi, Bailey Ward, Tyrese Phillips, Joseph Nohra, Seb Foster, Robbie Tocco, Joshua Parnell, Jake Thomas, Zaine Gardiner, George Vournovas, Cale Edmed (captain), George Bekos, Ahmed Dandan, Rocco Pugliese. Coach: Steve Edmed; Co-Managers: Nita Nohra & Graham Gardiner; Trainers: Grant Thomas, Chris Matos & David Foster.
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals
36 2016 107th Annual Report
U/12 Division 2 champions North Ryde Hawks
Kevin Fraser, grandson of all time Kangaroos and Balmain fullback great Charles 'Chook' Fraser, with North Ryde U/12 Div 2 captain Max Braham.
Ermington-Rydalmere stalwart Kevin Fraser with U/12 Div 2 Player of the Match Savinata Moala (North Ryde).
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals
372016 107th Annual Report
Under 12 Div 2 Grand FinalNORTH Ryde had too many big guns in a crushing 38-14 victory over Strathfield Raiders White in the U/12 Div 2 title decider.
Rampaging forward Savinata Moala starred in the Hawks' eight try rout – bursting over for three tries and making big metres with his powerful surges to ignite the North Ryde attack.
Savinata was ably supported by strong running Max Braham, who also bagged a hat trick of tries and five eighth Cameron Bragg, a nippy number six who collected a try double in the Hawks' resounding triumph.
There was no stopping the powerhouse trio as Grant Armstrong's North Ryde cubs racked up a commanding 22-4 lead at the half time interval.
The Raiders stemmed the tide in the second half but couldn't prevent the Hawks from posting another three tries to record a thumping premiership win and claim the Charles 'Chook' Fraser Trophy.
Strathfield were best served by forwards Jacob Harb, Dante Lanzafame, Jaad Krayem and half Ji Tabbah.
NORTH RYDE 38 (S Moala 3, M Braham 3, C Bragg 2 tries; B Chippendale, J Kendal, C Bragg gls) d STRATHFIELD RAIDERS WHITE 14 (J Harb, D Lanzafame, J Krayem tries; Emre Gundoganli gl).
NORTH RYDE – Charlie Armstrong, Bronson Chippendale, Jai Kendal, Charlie Manning, Max Braham (captain), Cameron Bragg, Samiuela Moala, Harrison Black, Tom Ryan, Max Stallard, Savinata Moala, Michael Lorenti, Sebastian Scalise, Angus Cosgrove, Kaden Bezak.
Coach: Grant Armstrong; Manager: Susie Manning; Trainers: Dermott Ryan & Peter Lorenti.
STRATHFIELD RAIDERS WHITE – Zac Elsayed, Hasn Khalil, Emre Gundoganli, Tyson Lam, Ji Tabbah (captain), Dante Lanzafame, Jacob Harb, Tarek Tabbah, John Latouf, Ahmed Allam, Jaad Krayem, Afram Saliba, Usaia Masuwale, Malik Tabbah. Coach: Steve Tabbah; Manager: Anthony Latouf; Trainers: Salim Gundoganli & Omar Abbout.
Winning Concord Burwood U/13 Div 1 skipper Brandon Tumeth
BJL patron Mick Manning with U/13 Div 1 Player of the Match Will Arrage (Wolves).
Sydney Combined U/13 Division 1 champions Concord-Burwood Pink.
Under 13 Div 1 Grand FinalCONCORD-Burwood Pink Under 13s team enhanced its reputation as a premiership-winning juggernaut after toppling rivals Leichhardt Wanderers in the Sydney Combined Division 1 Grand Final at Leichhardt Oval.
The mighty Wolves recorded a hard-fought 26-18 victory to capture a fifth successive championship in their age group since 2012.
Powerful Wolves' forward Will Arrage was best on ground in the U/13 Div 1 decider – replicating his Player of the Match performance against the Wanderers from the previous season with another tireless effort.
Arrage carted the ball up strongly, launched many a raid with his off-loads and proved a trojan in defence as the Wolves finished strongly to sink a gallant Wanderers side.
Led by playmaker Cale Edmed and Joseph Nohra, the Leichhardt cubs were right in the mix after wholehearted displays from all team members as they went to lemons with a 14-10 lead.
George Vournovas, Zaine Gardiner, Jake Thomas, Joshua Parnell, Robbie Tocco, Max Downer, Seb Foster and Bailey Ward provided strong support for the red and blacks – but to no avail.
Concord-Burwood rallied after the interval, piling on three tries with forwards Arrage, skipper Brandon Tumeth, Andrew Romeo, Christian Emelio, Max Phillips, Christian Jardim and Charlie Bruton leading the way.
CONCORD-BURWOOD PINK 26 (T Williams, W Arrage, B Tumeth, A Romeo, J Andary tries; J Basaga, C Jardim, M Phillips gls) d LEICHHARDT WANDERERS RED 18 (J Nohra, S Foster, C Edmed, R Tocco tries; J Nohra gl).
CONCORD-BURWOOD PINK – Jayden Basaga, Turoa Williams, Jamie Sarkis, Charlie Bruton, Christian Jardim, Max Phillips, Brandon Tumeth (captain), Christian Emelio, Joseph Hayek, Will Arrage, Max Phillips, Andrew Romeo, Connor Lucey, Adam Paterson, Norman Saad, Joseph Andary, Sebastian Boustani. Coach: Mark Tumeth; Manager: Paul Bruton; Trainers: Jack Jardim, Isaac Romeo & Andrew Phillips.
LEICHHARDT WANDERERS RED – Max Downer, Kevin Dawo, Jayden Merhi, Bailey Ward, Tyrese Phillips, Joseph Nohra, Seb Foster, Robbie Tocco, Joshua Parnell, Jake Thomas, Zaine Gardiner, George Vournovas, Cale Edmed (captain), George Bekos, Ahmed Dandan, Rocco Pugliese. Coach: Steve Edmed; Co-Managers: Nita Nohra & Graham Gardiner; Trainers: Grant Thomas, Chris Matos & David Foster.
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals
38 2016 107th Annual Report
Wests Tigers' Fan Engagement & Community Manager Shaun Spence with Shamrocks' U/13 Div 2 captain Christian Abal.
Wests Tigers' Shaun Spence with U/13 Div 2 Player of the Match Christian Abal (Dundas Shamrocks).
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals
Under 13 Div 2 Grand FinalDUNDAS Shamrocks claimed the Sydney Combined U/13 Div 2 premiership with a gallant 14-12 victory over Holy Cross at Leichhardt Oval.
The Shamrocks staged a spirited second half revival to edge out the Rhinos in a thrilling tussle with hard-working lock Christian Abal judged Player of the Grand Final.
Abal produced a non-stop performance as the Dundas cubs rallied to post three second half tries and secure the trophy in courageous fashion.
Sharp centre Jai Sillars collected a try double with prop Antoine Elhalabi crashing through tackles to score a vital four pointer.
Holy Cross led 12-0 at the interval following tries by winger Tully Kidman, centre Warren Bourke and half back Matthew Durkin but couldn't repel the revitalised Shamrocks who finished strongly with skipper Abal, centre Sillars, prop Sean Taylor and five eighth Ryan Field leading the way.
DUNDAS SHAMROCKS 14 (J Sillars 2, A Elhalabi tries; R Field gl) d HOLY CROSS 12 (T Kidman, W Bourke, M Durkin tries).
DUNDAS SHAMROCKS – Nathan Rizk, Nick Bila, Jai Sillars, Logan Zhang, Rome Morrell, Ryan Field, Jarod Wright, Christian Abal (captain), Jacob Cameron, Nick Parkes, Sean Taylor, Hayden Eato, Antoine Elhalabi, Jarrod Hooper, Mark Morcos, Bradley Caruso, David Nehme, Mataele Fifita, Oriti Finau. Coach: Ian Geddes; Manager: Rachael Prior; Trainers: Brett Eato & Darrin Parkes.
HOLY CROSS - Brody Howard, Tully Kidman, Warren Bourke, Bailey Murphy (captain), Zac Pursey, Jack MacGillicuddy, Matthew Durkin, Mason Wheelhouse, Richard Jenkins-Peters, Liam Gordon, Jack Karakasis, Tony Nader, Cohen Andrews-Webb, Daniel Bettridge, Harrison Vella, Pablo Brunet, Luca Mulcahy, Andrew Musillo, Jeremy Leitch. Coach: Trent Murphy; Manager: Melissa Bowrey; Trainers: Grant Wheelhouse & Michael Durkin.
392016 107th Annual Report
Ryde Eastwood Football Club stalwart Jack King with Five Dock RSL U/15 Div 3 captain Connor Monroe.
U/15 Division 3 champions Five Dock RSL
Balmain Junior League life member Jack King with U/15 Div 3 Player of the Match Nick Doherty (Five Dock RSL).
U/13 Division 2 champions Dundas Shamrocks
Under 15 Div 3 Grand FinalDASHING centre Nick Dorahy turned in a fine display to spearhead Five Dock RSL to an 18-12 victory over Carlingford Cougars in the Sydney Combined U/15 Div 3 title decider at Leichhardt Oval.
The promising young back capped a Player of the Grand Final performance by nabbing two crucial second half tries to steer the Dockers to a deserved triumph.
Five eighth Sam Bignold, prop Connor Monroe and fullback Ben Kain also played strongly for the Dockers who staved off a Cougars challenge with bustling defence.
Powerful Carlingford prop Aaron Johnson was one of the best players on ground and busted the Five Dock defence with a bullocking run to open the try scoring.
The Dockers responded with a try by half Leon Hutchinson that was converted by winger Jared Prosser.
Dorahy gave Five Dock a 12-6 lead after the break when he kicked and regathered to score the first of his two tries before Cougars' star Johnson levelled proceedings with another bumping try with pivot Jye Durkin adding the extras.
The Dockers wrapped up the title when the elusive Dorahy burst through the Cougars defence to notch his second try with six minutes left on the clock.
FIVE DOCK RSL 18 (N Doherty 2, L Hutchinson tries; J Prosser 3 gls) d CARLINGFORD COUGARS 12 (A Johnson 2 tries; J Durkin 2 gls).
FIVE DOCK RSL – Ben Kain, Jared Prosser, Harrison Fallon, Nick Doherty, Jordan Younes, Sam Bignold, Leon Hutchinson, Scott Hume, Sebastian Gajda, Joseph Cooper, Connor Monroe (captain), Joshua Garlick, Sione Hafoka, Matthew D'Agostino, Kayne Sanki, Melvyn Semu, Dylan Wheatley, Rocco Potter, Luke Semaan, Mario Uhila, Dexter Santos, Hammoud Nazir, Caleb Sykes. Coach: Mark Madden; Manager: Elias Sanki; Trainers: Ash Thomas & Rachel Strobridge.
CARLINGFORD COUGARS – Tim Greig; Michael Tsoukalas, Billy Elbayeh, Edward Gilbert, Will Lingard, Jye Durkin, Jeremy Hassarati (captain),
Brendan Khalil, Ethan Uslu, Sam Cranfield, Tom Oxford, Nick Khalil, Aaron Johnson, Riley Warner, Louis An, Marshall Collier, Louie Backos, Nick White, Jacob Fattore, Will Chen, Jacob Wehbe. Coach: Sam Dominello; Manager: Therese Khalil; Trainers: Camero
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals
38 2016 107th Annual Report
Wests Tigers' Fan Engagement & Community Manager Shaun Spence with Shamrocks' U/13 Div 2 captain Christian Abal.
Wests Tigers' Shaun Spence with U/13 Div 2 Player of the Match Christian Abal (Dundas Shamrocks).
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals
Under 13 Div 2 Grand FinalDUNDAS Shamrocks claimed the Sydney Combined U/13 Div 2 premiership with a gallant 14-12 victory over Holy Cross at Leichhardt Oval.
The Shamrocks staged a spirited second half revival to edge out the Rhinos in a thrilling tussle with hard-working lock Christian Abal judged Player of the Grand Final.
Abal produced a non-stop performance as the Dundas cubs rallied to post three second half tries and secure the trophy in courageous fashion.
Sharp centre Jai Sillars collected a try double with prop Antoine Elhalabi crashing through tackles to score a vital four pointer.
Holy Cross led 12-0 at the interval following tries by winger Tully Kidman, centre Warren Bourke and half back Matthew Durkin but couldn't repel the revitalised Shamrocks who finished strongly with skipper Abal, centre Sillars, prop Sean Taylor and five eighth Ryan Field leading the way.
DUNDAS SHAMROCKS 14 (J Sillars 2, A Elhalabi tries; R Field gl) d HOLY CROSS 12 (T Kidman, W Bourke, M Durkin tries).
DUNDAS SHAMROCKS – Nathan Rizk, Nick Bila, Jai Sillars, Logan Zhang, Rome Morrell, Ryan Field, Jarod Wright, Christian Abal (captain), Jacob Cameron, Nick Parkes, Sean Taylor, Hayden Eato, Antoine Elhalabi, Jarrod Hooper, Mark Morcos, Bradley Caruso, David Nehme, Mataele Fifita, Oriti Finau. Coach: Ian Geddes; Manager: Rachael Prior; Trainers: Brett Eato & Darrin Parkes.
HOLY CROSS - Brody Howard, Tully Kidman, Warren Bourke, Bailey Murphy (captain), Zac Pursey, Jack MacGillicuddy, Matthew Durkin, Mason Wheelhouse, Richard Jenkins-Peters, Liam Gordon, Jack Karakasis, Tony Nader, Cohen Andrews-Webb, Daniel Bettridge, Harrison Vella, Pablo Brunet, Luca Mulcahy, Andrew Musillo, Jeremy Leitch. Coach: Trent Murphy; Manager: Melissa Bowrey; Trainers: Grant Wheelhouse & Michael Durkin.
392016 107th Annual Report
Ryde Eastwood Football Club stalwart Jack King with Five Dock RSL U/15 Div 3 captain Connor Monroe.
U/15 Division 3 champions Five Dock RSL
Balmain Junior League life member Jack King with U/15 Div 3 Player of the Match Nick Doherty (Five Dock RSL).
U/13 Division 2 champions Dundas Shamrocks
Under 15 Div 3 Grand FinalDASHING centre Nick Dorahy turned in a fine display to spearhead Five Dock RSL to an 18-12 victory over Carlingford Cougars in the Sydney Combined U/15 Div 3 title decider at Leichhardt Oval.
The promising young back capped a Player of the Grand Final performance by nabbing two crucial second half tries to steer the Dockers to a deserved triumph.
Five eighth Sam Bignold, prop Connor Monroe and fullback Ben Kain also played strongly for the Dockers who staved off a Cougars challenge with bustling defence.
Powerful Carlingford prop Aaron Johnson was one of the best players on ground and busted the Five Dock defence with a bullocking run to open the try scoring.
The Dockers responded with a try by half Leon Hutchinson that was converted by winger Jared Prosser.
Dorahy gave Five Dock a 12-6 lead after the break when he kicked and regathered to score the first of his two tries before Cougars' star Johnson levelled proceedings with another bumping try with pivot Jye Durkin adding the extras.
The Dockers wrapped up the title when the elusive Dorahy burst through the Cougars defence to notch his second try with six minutes left on the clock.
FIVE DOCK RSL 18 (N Doherty 2, L Hutchinson tries; J Prosser 3 gls) d CARLINGFORD COUGARS 12 (A Johnson 2 tries; J Durkin 2 gls).
FIVE DOCK RSL – Ben Kain, Jared Prosser, Harrison Fallon, Nick Doherty, Jordan Younes, Sam Bignold, Leon Hutchinson, Scott Hume, Sebastian Gajda, Joseph Cooper, Connor Monroe (captain), Joshua Garlick, Sione Hafoka, Matthew D'Agostino, Kayne Sanki, Melvyn Semu, Dylan Wheatley, Rocco Potter, Luke Semaan, Mario Uhila, Dexter Santos, Hammoud Nazir, Caleb Sykes. Coach: Mark Madden; Manager: Elias Sanki; Trainers: Ash Thomas & Rachel Strobridge.
CARLINGFORD COUGARS – Tim Greig; Michael Tsoukalas, Billy Elbayeh, Edward Gilbert, Will Lingard, Jye Durkin, Jeremy Hassarati (captain),
Brendan Khalil, Ethan Uslu, Sam Cranfield, Tom Oxford, Nick Khalil, Aaron Johnson, Riley Warner, Louis An, Marshall Collier, Louie Backos, Nick White, Jacob Fattore, Will Chen, Jacob Wehbe. Coach: Sam Dominello; Manager: Therese Khalil; Trainers: Camero
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand FinalsChris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals Accredited Events
40 2016 107th Annual Report
TEN years ago Wests Tigers stars Aaron Woods and Luke Brooks were displaying their skills at the 2006 Balmain Junior League Grand Finals at Leichhardt Oval. Both were fresh-faced cubs with their respective clubs Leichhardt Juniors and Holy Cross and demonstrated their potential with stand out performances on the day. In an ironic twist the pair each nabbed a hat trick of tries just hours apart.
2005 premiership-winning heroes Robbie Farah (Leichhardt Wanderers), Mark O'Neill (St Patricks Dundas), Dene Halatau (North Ryde Hawks) and Bronson Harrison (Five Dock RSL & Wanderers) were local products that lined up in Balmain Junior League Grand Finals as did present day stars Mitchell Moses (Carlingford Cougars), Curtis Sironen (North Ryde & Dundas Shamrocks) and Kyle Lovett (Five Dock RSL).
Fast forward ten years and the Wests Tigers paraded its emerging talent at the 2016 Balmain Junior League Grand Finals at Leichhardt Oval. For many of the juniors on display the Grand Finals were a stepping stone to bigger things – just like it was for NSW Origin stars Farah and Woods and the Tigers' young guns Brooks and Moses.
Another cub named Brooks featured in the main game – helping Holy Cross Rhinos clinch back to back Sydney Combined premiership titles with a 38-24 triumph over Canterbury club Bass Hill in the U/17 Division 1 decider.
While elder brother Luke was engineering a gutsy 36-24 victory over the Warriors across the Tasman at Mt Smart Stadium to keep the Tigers in finals contention, sharp centre Scott Brooks made an impact as the undefeated Rhinos staved off a strong Broncos challenge to lift the trophy.
Dynamic half Laurence Zarounas and wily hooker Bennett Wheelhouse turned in outstanding displays for the Rhinos with support from Nick Foster, Mateo Tatola, Will Lawson, Luke Hodge, Curtis Wilson, prop Les Abdennour and 16 year old utility Ben Stevanovic. The clever Zarounas showed plenty of vision and skill and scored two of the Rhinos' seven tries in a stand out performance that earned him Player of the Match honours.
Balmain representative forward Tatola carted the ball up strongly and caught the eye with his no-nonsense defence.
Holy Cross jumped to a 14-0 lead after eleven minutes following early tries by Brooks, second rower Sosaia Talivakaola and Zarounas before the Broncos replied with tries by Bainivali Santura and fullback Ben Sapati.
Balmain Junior League life member John Stanton with Holy Cross U/17 Div 1 skipper Bennett Wheelhouse.
Ryde Eastwood Football Club stalwart Jack King with U/17 Div 1 Player of the Match Laurie Zarounas (Holy Cross).
The Rhinos extended their lead to 20-10 when Nick Foster twisted through tackles to score out wide but Sapati bridged the gap when he notched a second try on the half time bell.
Holy Cross led 26-16 when centre Abe Matar crossed after the interval with Stevanovic adding the extras but two quick tries in the space of four minutes by forward Harrison Teritaiti and winger Cameron Russo gave the Broncos new hope.
Zarounas and Will Kei wrapped up the title for Holy Cross with determined second half tries to give the Balmain club bragging rights over their Bulldogs rivals.
Bass Hill were best served by Canterbury S.G Ball five eighth Brandon Wakeham, hooker Dylan Trew, prop Jeffrey Alam, centre Andy Hem, back rower Harrison Teritaiti, centre Feliciano Moungatonga and Dante Taliai.
HOLY CROSS 38 (L Zarounnas 2, S Brooks, S Talivakala, N Foster, A Matar, W Kei tries; B Stevanovic 5 gls) d BASS HILL BRONCOS 24 (B Sapati 2, B Santura, H Teritaiti, C Russo tries; D Trew 2 gls).
HOLY CROSS - Curtis Wilson, Dorian Yarak, Scott Brooks, Abe Matar, Will Kei, Ben Stevanovic, Laurence Zarounas, Luke Hodge, Mateo Tatola, Sosaia Talivakaola, Will Lawson, Bennett Wheelhouse (captain), Maylee Semu, Les Abdennour, Jamie Sousamlis, Lachlan Camroux, Joe Akiki, Leonardo Frustaci, Nick Foster, James Roulston, Jonathan Langi, Angus McElroy. Coach: Michael Abdennour; Assistant Coach: Anthony Abdennour; Managers: Col Lawson & Lola Younis; Trainers: Nick Stevanovic, Brad Wilson & Peter Mortimer.
BASS HILL BRONCOS - Ben Sapati, Cameron Russo, Andy Hem, Feliciano Moungatonga, Radwan Masri, John Ryan, Brandon Wakeham, Nabil Allouche, Trinity Cecil-Hamiora, Karim Baghdadi, Harrison Teritaiti, Aneterea Salia-Evagelia, Dylan Trew, Jeffrey Alam, Ricardo Lopala, Phouvady Manpathoum, Bainivali Santura, Jimmy Hoang, Samiuela Finau, Dante Taliai, Joshua Cregan, Tyrone Ioane, Samson Toaiti. Coach: Sam Lutau; Manager: Kaloni Kaivaha; Trainers: Brenton Kaivaha & Joshua Kaivaha.
412016 107th Annual Report
POOL MATCHES: Holy Cross 28 Leichhardt Wanderers Red 0; Strathfield Raiders 12 Wanderers Black 4; Carlingford Cougars 16 Enfield Federals 16; Strathfield Raiders 24 Wanderers Red 0; Holy Cross 20 Carlingford Cougars 0; Wanderers Black 28 Enfield Federals 8; Strathfield Raiders 16 Holy Cross 12; Wanderers Black 20 Carlingford Cougars 4; Enfield Federals 24 Wanderers Red 0.
SEMI FINALS: Strathfield Raiders 36 Enfield Federals 8; Holy Cross 20 Wanderers Black 12.
GRAND FINAL: Strathfield Raiders 24 Holy Cross 12.
Under 11 - Ryan Sironen Shield
RYAN SIRONEN PLAYER OF SERIES:Talented Strathfield Raiders playmaker Zach Hayek receives his Ryan Sironen Shield Player of the Series trophy from North Ryde Hawks president Glenn Hillier.
RYAN SIRONEN SHIELD WINNERS: Strathfield Raiders players celebrate their Grand Final victory over Holy Cross in the U/11 Ryan Sironen Shield pre season competition at T.G Millner Field.
Sydney Combined U/17 Division 1 champions Holy Cross Rhinos.
Under 17 Div 1 Grand Final
Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand FinalsChris Karas at the Balmain Junior League Grand Finals Accredited Events
40 2016 107th Annual Report
TEN years ago Wests Tigers stars Aaron Woods and Luke Brooks were displaying their skills at the 2006 Balmain Junior League Grand Finals at Leichhardt Oval. Both were fresh-faced cubs with their respective clubs Leichhardt Juniors and Holy Cross and demonstrated their potential with stand out performances on the day. In an ironic twist the pair each nabbed a hat trick of tries just hours apart.
2005 premiership-winning heroes Robbie Farah (Leichhardt Wanderers), Mark O'Neill (St Patricks Dundas), Dene Halatau (North Ryde Hawks) and Bronson Harrison (Five Dock RSL & Wanderers) were local products that lined up in Balmain Junior League Grand Finals as did present day stars Mitchell Moses (Carlingford Cougars), Curtis Sironen (North Ryde & Dundas Shamrocks) and Kyle Lovett (Five Dock RSL).
Fast forward ten years and the Wests Tigers paraded its emerging talent at the 2016 Balmain Junior League Grand Finals at Leichhardt Oval. For many of the juniors on display the Grand Finals were a stepping stone to bigger things – just like it was for NSW Origin stars Farah and Woods and the Tigers' young guns Brooks and Moses.
Another cub named Brooks featured in the main game – helping Holy Cross Rhinos clinch back to back Sydney Combined premiership titles with a 38-24 triumph over Canterbury club Bass Hill in the U/17 Division 1 decider.
While elder brother Luke was engineering a gutsy 36-24 victory over the Warriors across the Tasman at Mt Smart Stadium to keep the Tigers in finals contention, sharp centre Scott Brooks made an impact as the undefeated Rhinos staved off a strong Broncos challenge to lift the trophy.
Dynamic half Laurence Zarounas and wily hooker Bennett Wheelhouse turned in outstanding displays for the Rhinos with support from Nick Foster, Mateo Tatola, Will Lawson, Luke Hodge, Curtis Wilson, prop Les Abdennour and 16 year old utility Ben Stevanovic. The clever Zarounas showed plenty of vision and skill and scored two of the Rhinos' seven tries in a stand out performance that earned him Player of the Match honours.
Balmain representative forward Tatola carted the ball up strongly and caught the eye with his no-nonsense defence.
Holy Cross jumped to a 14-0 lead after eleven minutes following early tries by Brooks, second rower Sosaia Talivakaola and Zarounas before the Broncos replied with tries by Bainivali Santura and fullback Ben Sapati.
Balmain Junior League life member John Stanton with Holy Cross U/17 Div 1 skipper Bennett Wheelhouse.
Ryde Eastwood Football Club stalwart Jack King with U/17 Div 1 Player of the Match Laurie Zarounas (Holy Cross).
The Rhinos extended their lead to 20-10 when Nick Foster twisted through tackles to score out wide but Sapati bridged the gap when he notched a second try on the half time bell.
Holy Cross led 26-16 when centre Abe Matar crossed after the interval with Stevanovic adding the extras but two quick tries in the space of four minutes by forward Harrison Teritaiti and winger Cameron Russo gave the Broncos new hope.
Zarounas and Will Kei wrapped up the title for Holy Cross with determined second half tries to give the Balmain club bragging rights over their Bulldogs rivals.
Bass Hill were best served by Canterbury S.G Ball five eighth Brandon Wakeham, hooker Dylan Trew, prop Jeffrey Alam, centre Andy Hem, back rower Harrison Teritaiti, centre Feliciano Moungatonga and Dante Taliai.
HOLY CROSS 38 (L Zarounnas 2, S Brooks, S Talivakala, N Foster, A Matar, W Kei tries; B Stevanovic 5 gls) d BASS HILL BRONCOS 24 (B Sapati 2, B Santura, H Teritaiti, C Russo tries; D Trew 2 gls).
HOLY CROSS - Curtis Wilson, Dorian Yarak, Scott Brooks, Abe Matar, Will Kei, Ben Stevanovic, Laurence Zarounas, Luke Hodge, Mateo Tatola, Sosaia Talivakaola, Will Lawson, Bennett Wheelhouse (captain), Maylee Semu, Les Abdennour, Jamie Sousamlis, Lachlan Camroux, Joe Akiki, Leonardo Frustaci, Nick Foster, James Roulston, Jonathan Langi, Angus McElroy. Coach: Michael Abdennour; Assistant Coach: Anthony Abdennour; Managers: Col Lawson & Lola Younis; Trainers: Nick Stevanovic, Brad Wilson & Peter Mortimer.
BASS HILL BRONCOS - Ben Sapati, Cameron Russo, Andy Hem, Feliciano Moungatonga, Radwan Masri, John Ryan, Brandon Wakeham, Nabil Allouche, Trinity Cecil-Hamiora, Karim Baghdadi, Harrison Teritaiti, Aneterea Salia-Evagelia, Dylan Trew, Jeffrey Alam, Ricardo Lopala, Phouvady Manpathoum, Bainivali Santura, Jimmy Hoang, Samiuela Finau, Dante Taliai, Joshua Cregan, Tyrone Ioane, Samson Toaiti. Coach: Sam Lutau; Manager: Kaloni Kaivaha; Trainers: Brenton Kaivaha & Joshua Kaivaha.
412016 107th Annual Report
POOL MATCHES: Holy Cross 28 Leichhardt Wanderers Red 0; Strathfield Raiders 12 Wanderers Black 4; Carlingford Cougars 16 Enfield Federals 16; Strathfield Raiders 24 Wanderers Red 0; Holy Cross 20 Carlingford Cougars 0; Wanderers Black 28 Enfield Federals 8; Strathfield Raiders 16 Holy Cross 12; Wanderers Black 20 Carlingford Cougars 4; Enfield Federals 24 Wanderers Red 0.
SEMI FINALS: Strathfield Raiders 36 Enfield Federals 8; Holy Cross 20 Wanderers Black 12.
GRAND FINAL: Strathfield Raiders 24 Holy Cross 12.
Under 11 - Ryan Sironen Shield
RYAN SIRONEN PLAYER OF SERIES:Talented Strathfield Raiders playmaker Zach Hayek receives his Ryan Sironen Shield Player of the Series trophy from North Ryde Hawks president Glenn Hillier.
RYAN SIRONEN SHIELD WINNERS: Strathfield Raiders players celebrate their Grand Final victory over Holy Cross in the U/11 Ryan Sironen Shield pre season competition at T.G Millner Field.
Sydney Combined U/17 Division 1 champions Holy Cross Rhinos.
Under 17 Div 1 Grand Final
42 2016 107th Annual Report
Accredited Events
432016 107th Annual Report
Accredited Events
STRATHFIELD Raiders White captured the Robbie Farah U/9 Challenge trophy with a 24-4 victory over Leichhardt Wanderers Red at Blackmore Oval.
The undefeated Raiders turned in a powerful display in the Grand Final to run in six tries against a strong Wanderers Red outfit.
North Ryde won the Robbie Farah Shield consolation trophy after edging out Enfield Federals 24-16.
Strathfield Raiders Black colt Azzam Krayem took out the Carnival's Best & Fairest Award.
POOL A: Strathfield Raiders White 44 Enfield Federals 4; Dundas Shamrocks 32 Leichhardt Wanderers Black 12; Strathfield Raiders White 40 Concord-Burwood 4; Enfield Federals 20 Wanderers Black 16; Shamrocks 36 Concord-Burwood 16; Strathfield Raiders White 40 Wanderers Black 0; Enfield Federals 32 Concord-Burwood 8; Strathfield Raiders White 36 Shamrocks 4; Wanderers Black 28 Concord-Burwood 4; Shamrocks 28 Enfield Federals 16.
POOL B: Strathfield Raiders Black 8 d North Ryde Hawks 8 (first try scorers); Leichhardt Wanderers Red 24 Carlingford Cougars 12; North Ryde 16 Holy Cross 4; Wanderers Red 16 Strathfield Raiders Black 8; Carlingford Cougars 20 Holy Cross 8; Wanderers Red 24 North Ryde 12; Strathfield Raiders Black 32 Holy Cross 8; North Ryde 24 Carlingford Cougars 0; Wanderers Red 44 Holy Cross 8; Strathfield Raiders Black 32 Carlingford Cougars 8.
SEMI FINALS: ROBBIE FARAH CHALLENGE
Strathfield Raiders White 36 Strathfield Raiders Black 4; Wanderers Red 40 Shamrocks 24.
ROBBIE FARAH SHIELD: North Ryde 32 Wanderers Black 8; Enfield Federals won on forfeit.
GRAND FINALS: ROBBIE FARAH CHALLENGE
Strathfield Raiders White 24 Wanderers Red 4
ROBBIE FARAH SHIELD: North Ryde 24 Enfield Federals 16.
2016 Robbie Farah Challenge Mark O'Neill ShieldCONCORD-Burwood United Pink U/10s team collected their first silverware of the 2016 season after clinching the Mark O'Neill Shield title at St Patricks Oval on March 20.
The well-drilled Wolves showed their class and power to defeat Dundas Shamrocks Yellow 36-20 in the Shield final.
Promising Shamrocks cub Joseph Raad was named Player of the Series.
POOL A: Leichhardt Wanderers Red 32 Concord Burwood Charcoal 0; Dundas Shamrocks Green 24 Concord Burwood Charcoal 24; Wanderers Red 32 Shamrocks Green 4.
POOL B: Dundas Shamrocks Yellow 32 Carlingford Cougars 12;Carlingford Cougars 36 Leichhardt Wanderers Black 16;Shamrocks Yellow 44 Wanderers Black 4.
POOL C: Concord Burwood Pink 32 Holy Cross 0;Strathfield Raiders 20 Holy Cross 8; Concord Burwood Pink 20 Strathfield Raiders 8.
QUARTER FINALS: Strathfield Raiders 28 Wanderers Red 20;Holy Cross 24 Shamrocks Green 8; Shamrocks Yellow 32 Concord Burwood Charcoal 8; Concord Burwood Pink 20 Carlingford Cougars 0. SEMI FINALS: Concord Burwood Pink 24 Holy Cross 4; Shamrocks Yellow 16 Strathfield Raiders 12. FINAL: Concord Burwood Pink 36 Shamrocks Yellow 20.
Mark O'Neill Shield Player of Series Joseph Raad (Dundas Shamrocks Yellow).
2016 Mark O'Neill U/10 Shield champions Concord-Burwood Pink
42 2016 107th Annual Report
Accredited Events
432016 107th Annual Report
Accredited Events
STRATHFIELD Raiders White captured the Robbie Farah U/9 Challenge trophy with a 24-4 victory over Leichhardt Wanderers Red at Blackmore Oval.
The undefeated Raiders turned in a powerful display in the Grand Final to run in six tries against a strong Wanderers Red outfit.
North Ryde won the Robbie Farah Shield consolation trophy after edging out Enfield Federals 24-16.
Strathfield Raiders Black colt Azzam Krayem took out the Carnival's Best & Fairest Award.
POOL A: Strathfield Raiders White 44 Enfield Federals 4; Dundas Shamrocks 32 Leichhardt Wanderers Black 12; Strathfield Raiders White 40 Concord-Burwood 4; Enfield Federals 20 Wanderers Black 16; Shamrocks 36 Concord-Burwood 16; Strathfield Raiders White 40 Wanderers Black 0; Enfield Federals 32 Concord-Burwood 8; Strathfield Raiders White 36 Shamrocks 4; Wanderers Black 28 Concord-Burwood 4; Shamrocks 28 Enfield Federals 16.
POOL B: Strathfield Raiders Black 8 d North Ryde Hawks 8 (first try scorers); Leichhardt Wanderers Red 24 Carlingford Cougars 12; North Ryde 16 Holy Cross 4; Wanderers Red 16 Strathfield Raiders Black 8; Carlingford Cougars 20 Holy Cross 8; Wanderers Red 24 North Ryde 12; Strathfield Raiders Black 32 Holy Cross 8; North Ryde 24 Carlingford Cougars 0; Wanderers Red 44 Holy Cross 8; Strathfield Raiders Black 32 Carlingford Cougars 8.
SEMI FINALS: ROBBIE FARAH CHALLENGE
Strathfield Raiders White 36 Strathfield Raiders Black 4; Wanderers Red 40 Shamrocks 24.
ROBBIE FARAH SHIELD: North Ryde 32 Wanderers Black 8; Enfield Federals won on forfeit.
GRAND FINALS: ROBBIE FARAH CHALLENGE
Strathfield Raiders White 24 Wanderers Red 4
ROBBIE FARAH SHIELD: North Ryde 24 Enfield Federals 16.
2016 Robbie Farah Challenge Mark O'Neill ShieldCONCORD-Burwood United Pink U/10s team collected their first silverware of the 2016 season after clinching the Mark O'Neill Shield title at St Patricks Oval on March 20.
The well-drilled Wolves showed their class and power to defeat Dundas Shamrocks Yellow 36-20 in the Shield final.
Promising Shamrocks cub Joseph Raad was named Player of the Series.
POOL A: Leichhardt Wanderers Red 32 Concord Burwood Charcoal 0; Dundas Shamrocks Green 24 Concord Burwood Charcoal 24; Wanderers Red 32 Shamrocks Green 4.
POOL B: Dundas Shamrocks Yellow 32 Carlingford Cougars 12;Carlingford Cougars 36 Leichhardt Wanderers Black 16;Shamrocks Yellow 44 Wanderers Black 4.
POOL C: Concord Burwood Pink 32 Holy Cross 0;Strathfield Raiders 20 Holy Cross 8; Concord Burwood Pink 20 Strathfield Raiders 8.
QUARTER FINALS: Strathfield Raiders 28 Wanderers Red 20;Holy Cross 24 Shamrocks Green 8; Shamrocks Yellow 32 Concord Burwood Charcoal 8; Concord Burwood Pink 20 Carlingford Cougars 0. SEMI FINALS: Concord Burwood Pink 24 Holy Cross 4; Shamrocks Yellow 16 Strathfield Raiders 12. FINAL: Concord Burwood Pink 36 Shamrocks Yellow 20.
Mark O'Neill Shield Player of Series Joseph Raad (Dundas Shamrocks Yellow).
2016 Mark O'Neill U/10 Shield champions Concord-Burwood Pink
Accredited Events
44 2016 107th Annual Report
Wolves U10 Championship Treble
CONCORD Burwood United U/10 Pink team were the toast of the Balmain Junior League in 2016 after capturing a championship treble.
The mighty Wolves' cubs lifted the U/10 Mark O'Neill Shield and coveted Gorden Tallis Cup trophies before winning the U/10 Div 1 premiership with a 30-12 Grand Final victory over Dundas Shamrocks.
Concord-Burwood tasted Origin success on the eve of Origin 3 at ANZ Stadium in July when they collected another piece of silverware after clinching the prestigious Gorden Tallis Cup on the north-eastern coast of Queensland.
Competing in the Cup for the first time, the all conquering Wolves showed power and skill to defeat West Panthers Red 8-4 in a quality final at Bennett Park.
Hosted by the Townsville & District Junior League, the 15th annual Carnival attracted 64 teams and showcased the best U/10 talent in the State.
It was a meritorious achievement by the Balmain Junior League age champions who created history as the first team from NSW to enter and subsequently win the coveted tournament.
Promising Concord-Burwood forward Epeli Leao was named Player of the Final after a powerhouse display with the strong running Edwin Langi notching two tries in the trophy decider.
A highlight for the Wolves was meeting up with legendary Queensland and Kangaroos forward Gorden Tallis, who presented the players with their respective trophies after the historic Cup win.
Concord-Burwood dominated their Pool with victories over Mackay club Brothers Bulldogs, Sarina, Innisfail Brothers, Mackay Magpies, Norths Knights, Townsville Brothers Blue and Western Lions Kings.
The talented Langi spearheaded the team's 20-4 quarter final victory over Western Lions Pride with a four-try effort and smart performance by playmaker Finlay Mitchell, who capped a fine game with a neat try.
Junior League fans were treated to a top exhibition of running rugby league when the Wolves slammed Logan Brothers Green 16-0 in a semi final.
Alex Conti (2), Epeli Leao and Richie Smythe crossed for tries as the mighty Wolves turned on the style to advance to the Cup decider.
In the final, the Wolves trailed 4-0 early before hitting their straps and producing a special team effort with youg guns Leao and Langi leading the charge to a memorable victory.
Wolves co-coach Andrew Mitchell said his charges were well received by the QRL and Townsville Junior League officials during the five day trip.
“The hospitality was just great -we were given a tour of the North Queensland Cowboys complex at 1300 Smiles Stadium and the boys proved to be good ambassadors,” said Mitchell.
“During the Carnival they made many new friends and earned plenty of plaudits for the brand of football they produced,” he said.
“We had a big cheer squad for the final with many of the Queensland boys offering their support.”
After a record-breaking campaign in 2015 in which the team won an incredible five titles, the young Wolves continued their phenomenal success under the coaching of the astute Mitchell and Terry Langi.
Since forming as U/6s in 2012, the Wolves have captured three successive Benny Elias Shield titles, the Robbie Farah U/9 Challenge Shield and Balmain U/9 Div 1 premiership before clinching this year's U/10 Mark O'Neill Shield and Gorden Tallis Cup trophies.
The undefeated cubs capped a bumper 2016 when they annexed the Balmain Junior League U/10 Div 1 premiership following a 30-12 victory over the Shamrocks.
The crack Concord-Burwood U/10 squad comprised top prospects in fullback Alex Conti, wingers Gary Young and Jacob Teaupa, centres Michael Nasser and Epeli Leao, halves Finlay Mitchell and Marc Tannous, hooker Levi Moon and forwards Edwin Langi, Jordan Rupeana, Richie Smythe, Harry Phillips and Alesandro Lombardo and U/9s player Joey Matta.
In consolation finals Walkerton Wanderers Gold defeated Ivanhoes 4-0 to win the Reg Matthews Plate; Norths Thuringowa Gold downed Redlynch Razorbacks 8-4 to lift the Jannita Dunn Plate while Southern Suburbs Cockatoos claimed the Wally Tallis Shield with an 8-4 victory over Townsville Brothers Paddys.
Accredited Events
452016 107th Annual Report
Benny Elias ShieldWolves U/8s lift Benny Elias Shield
CONCORD-Burwood United underlined its depth of junior talent by capturing the U/8 Benny Elias Shield trophy at Frank Street Oval Ryde.
The Wolves' all conquering Charcoal side toppled Holy Cross Gold 12-4 in the Gala Day final to bring home yet another title.
Outstanding prospect Luke Bishara was judged Player of the Tournament for his smart performances throughout the Carnival.
Bishara spearheaded the three tries to one victory with a classy display for the well drilled Wolves, who impressed keen judges with their attacking skills and bustling defence.
He scored the opening try after a darting 30 metre run before Rhinos' cub Archie Dominello levelled the scores by using his tricky footwork.
Concord-Burwood gained the upper hand when Jonathon Elias notched the Wolves' second try for an 8-4 lead at the interval.
A highlight of the match was the robust defence of both sides with Tyler Greene sealing victory for the Wolves with a late second half try.
Holy Cross Rhinos JRLFC officials led by Peter Boyle, Brad Wilson and Craig Sewell deserve plenty of kudos for hosting yet another successful Gala Day event.
PICTURED is the triumphant Concord-Burwood U/8s that lifted the Benny Elias Shield – Luke Bishara, Jeremy Abraham, Murad Dahdal, Jonathon Elias, Benji Matta, Noah Merhi, Khalil Moussa, James Obeid, Tyler Greene, Jacob Jamal with coaches Jim Abraham and John Bishara; manager Joe Obeid and trainer Milad Elias.
BALMAIN Junior League stalwart Jack King with U/8 Player of the Series - Concord-Burwood's Luke Bishara.
Luke Bishara U8 Player of Final
Wolves U8 Champs BES
Mia Zakarija selected as U6 Player of Series - Benny Elias Shield
All Conquering Wolves Celebrate Championship TrebleBy CHRIS KARAS
Accredited Events
44 2016 107th Annual Report
Wolves U10 Championship Treble
CONCORD Burwood United U/10 Pink team were the toast of the Balmain Junior League in 2016 after capturing a championship treble.
The mighty Wolves' cubs lifted the U/10 Mark O'Neill Shield and coveted Gorden Tallis Cup trophies before winning the U/10 Div 1 premiership with a 30-12 Grand Final victory over Dundas Shamrocks.
Concord-Burwood tasted Origin success on the eve of Origin 3 at ANZ Stadium in July when they collected another piece of silverware after clinching the prestigious Gorden Tallis Cup on the north-eastern coast of Queensland.
Competing in the Cup for the first time, the all conquering Wolves showed power and skill to defeat West Panthers Red 8-4 in a quality final at Bennett Park.
Hosted by the Townsville & District Junior League, the 15th annual Carnival attracted 64 teams and showcased the best U/10 talent in the State.
It was a meritorious achievement by the Balmain Junior League age champions who created history as the first team from NSW to enter and subsequently win the coveted tournament.
Promising Concord-Burwood forward Epeli Leao was named Player of the Final after a powerhouse display with the strong running Edwin Langi notching two tries in the trophy decider.
A highlight for the Wolves was meeting up with legendary Queensland and Kangaroos forward Gorden Tallis, who presented the players with their respective trophies after the historic Cup win.
Concord-Burwood dominated their Pool with victories over Mackay club Brothers Bulldogs, Sarina, Innisfail Brothers, Mackay Magpies, Norths Knights, Townsville Brothers Blue and Western Lions Kings.
The talented Langi spearheaded the team's 20-4 quarter final victory over Western Lions Pride with a four-try effort and smart performance by playmaker Finlay Mitchell, who capped a fine game with a neat try.
Junior League fans were treated to a top exhibition of running rugby league when the Wolves slammed Logan Brothers Green 16-0 in a semi final.
Alex Conti (2), Epeli Leao and Richie Smythe crossed for tries as the mighty Wolves turned on the style to advance to the Cup decider.
In the final, the Wolves trailed 4-0 early before hitting their straps and producing a special team effort with youg guns Leao and Langi leading the charge to a memorable victory.
Wolves co-coach Andrew Mitchell said his charges were well received by the QRL and Townsville Junior League officials during the five day trip.
“The hospitality was just great -we were given a tour of the North Queensland Cowboys complex at 1300 Smiles Stadium and the boys proved to be good ambassadors,” said Mitchell.
“During the Carnival they made many new friends and earned plenty of plaudits for the brand of football they produced,” he said.
“We had a big cheer squad for the final with many of the Queensland boys offering their support.”
After a record-breaking campaign in 2015 in which the team won an incredible five titles, the young Wolves continued their phenomenal success under the coaching of the astute Mitchell and Terry Langi.
Since forming as U/6s in 2012, the Wolves have captured three successive Benny Elias Shield titles, the Robbie Farah U/9 Challenge Shield and Balmain U/9 Div 1 premiership before clinching this year's U/10 Mark O'Neill Shield and Gorden Tallis Cup trophies.
The undefeated cubs capped a bumper 2016 when they annexed the Balmain Junior League U/10 Div 1 premiership following a 30-12 victory over the Shamrocks.
The crack Concord-Burwood U/10 squad comprised top prospects in fullback Alex Conti, wingers Gary Young and Jacob Teaupa, centres Michael Nasser and Epeli Leao, halves Finlay Mitchell and Marc Tannous, hooker Levi Moon and forwards Edwin Langi, Jordan Rupeana, Richie Smythe, Harry Phillips and Alesandro Lombardo and U/9s player Joey Matta.
In consolation finals Walkerton Wanderers Gold defeated Ivanhoes 4-0 to win the Reg Matthews Plate; Norths Thuringowa Gold downed Redlynch Razorbacks 8-4 to lift the Jannita Dunn Plate while Southern Suburbs Cockatoos claimed the Wally Tallis Shield with an 8-4 victory over Townsville Brothers Paddys.
Accredited Events
452016 107th Annual Report
Benny Elias ShieldWolves U/8s lift Benny Elias Shield
CONCORD-Burwood United underlined its depth of junior talent by capturing the U/8 Benny Elias Shield trophy at Frank Street Oval Ryde.
The Wolves' all conquering Charcoal side toppled Holy Cross Gold 12-4 in the Gala Day final to bring home yet another title.
Outstanding prospect Luke Bishara was judged Player of the Tournament for his smart performances throughout the Carnival.
Bishara spearheaded the three tries to one victory with a classy display for the well drilled Wolves, who impressed keen judges with their attacking skills and bustling defence.
He scored the opening try after a darting 30 metre run before Rhinos' cub Archie Dominello levelled the scores by using his tricky footwork.
Concord-Burwood gained the upper hand when Jonathon Elias notched the Wolves' second try for an 8-4 lead at the interval.
A highlight of the match was the robust defence of both sides with Tyler Greene sealing victory for the Wolves with a late second half try.
Holy Cross Rhinos JRLFC officials led by Peter Boyle, Brad Wilson and Craig Sewell deserve plenty of kudos for hosting yet another successful Gala Day event.
PICTURED is the triumphant Concord-Burwood U/8s that lifted the Benny Elias Shield – Luke Bishara, Jeremy Abraham, Murad Dahdal, Jonathon Elias, Benji Matta, Noah Merhi, Khalil Moussa, James Obeid, Tyler Greene, Jacob Jamal with coaches Jim Abraham and John Bishara; manager Joe Obeid and trainer Milad Elias.
BALMAIN Junior League stalwart Jack King with U/8 Player of the Series - Concord-Burwood's Luke Bishara.
Luke Bishara U8 Player of Final
Wolves U8 Champs BES
Mia Zakarija selected as U6 Player of Series - Benny Elias Shield
All Conquering Wolves Celebrate Championship TrebleBy CHRIS KARAS
Accredited Events
46 2016 107th Annual Report
Adam LeesTHE rugby league community mourned the death of one of the code's most promising stars in 17 year old Enfield Federals cub Adam Lees (pictured).
Adam was described by team mates and friends as having “an infectious smile” and an ability to “lift everybody around him.
The Federals junior was struck by a car on Bennelong Parkway in Homebush Bay, while on his way to the train station to be picked up for training on June 16, 2016 and sadly passed away a short time later.
His father Daniel Lees revealed: “He was sick, he wasn't even going to train but he just wanted to turn up and do the right thing.”
The Homebush Boys High student played for Enfield Federals U/17s although he spent his early years in the Parramatta Junior League.
He was well known in footy circles having also starred in touch football with Western Suburbs representative teams.
Adam had a strong bond and a close connection with the Enfield and Western Suburbs boys and spoke of them as his brothers.
In his short life, Adam impacted on hundreds of people with his energy and love of life.
He will be dearly missed by his family, friends of Enfield Federals, the Balmain Junior League and the wider rugby league and touch football communities.
June MaguireBALMAIN and Wests Tigers rugby league fraternities are mourning the sudden death of much-loved stalwart volunteer June Maguire (pictured) at her Rozelle home on March 10 at the age of 77.
Mrs Mac gave over 20 years of yeoman service to the Tigers and was a regular fixture at Leichhardt Oval - selling tickets, raffles and programs on game days with a cheery welcoming smile to all and supporting the Wests Tigers, Balmain Junior League and Tigers junior representative teams throughout the season.
Her funeral service at St Augustine's Catholic Church Balmain was packed with mourners, paying their last respects for an amazing woman with a heart of gold.
Tigers' players wore black armbands for Junior Cup matches against Parramatta the following day and NRL, Intrust Super Premiership and Holden Cup U/20 fixtures on the Sunday as a tribute in honour of one of Balmain's greatest supporters.
Mrs Mac was loved by one and all and assisted Paul Sironen, Lyn Phillis and Jennie Webster and the Junior Cup squads over the years with the likes of Colleen Kelly, Norma Walters (mother-in-law of Tigers' great Wayne Pearce and sister of 1969 Tigers' Grand Final hero Keith Outten), Pat Perkins, Helen Bryde and Maureen McKeon.
For two decades she regularly prepared kit bags for new junior representative players including the likes of Robbie Farah, Aaron Woods, Luke Brooks, Curtis Sironen, Kyle Lovett, Dene Halatau and Bronson Harrison.
Former Tigers' stars Robbie Farah and Curtis Sironen both wore black armbands when they played for South Sydney and Manly respectively in a Brookvale Oval clash as their personal tributes.
Mrs Mac is the mother of Barry Maguire, the longtime scoreboard attendant at Leichhardt Oval. She will be sorely missed.
Tributes
472016 107th Annual Report
SPARE PAGE
Accredited Events
46 2016 107th Annual Report
Adam LeesTHE rugby league community mourned the death of one of the code's most promising stars in 17 year old Enfield Federals cub Adam Lees (pictured).
Adam was described by team mates and friends as having “an infectious smile” and an ability to “lift everybody around him.
The Federals junior was struck by a car on Bennelong Parkway in Homebush Bay, while on his way to the train station to be picked up for training on June 16, 2016 and sadly passed away a short time later.
His father Daniel Lees revealed: “He was sick, he wasn't even going to train but he just wanted to turn up and do the right thing.”
The Homebush Boys High student played for Enfield Federals U/17s although he spent his early years in the Parramatta Junior League.
He was well known in footy circles having also starred in touch football with Western Suburbs representative teams.
Adam had a strong bond and a close connection with the Enfield and Western Suburbs boys and spoke of them as his brothers.
In his short life, Adam impacted on hundreds of people with his energy and love of life.
He will be dearly missed by his family, friends of Enfield Federals, the Balmain Junior League and the wider rugby league and touch football communities.
June MaguireBALMAIN and Wests Tigers rugby league fraternities are mourning the sudden death of much-loved stalwart volunteer June Maguire (pictured) at her Rozelle home on March 10 at the age of 77.
Mrs Mac gave over 20 years of yeoman service to the Tigers and was a regular fixture at Leichhardt Oval - selling tickets, raffles and programs on game days with a cheery welcoming smile to all and supporting the Wests Tigers, Balmain Junior League and Tigers junior representative teams throughout the season.
Her funeral service at St Augustine's Catholic Church Balmain was packed with mourners, paying their last respects for an amazing woman with a heart of gold.
Tigers' players wore black armbands for Junior Cup matches against Parramatta the following day and NRL, Intrust Super Premiership and Holden Cup U/20 fixtures on the Sunday as a tribute in honour of one of Balmain's greatest supporters.
Mrs Mac was loved by one and all and assisted Paul Sironen, Lyn Phillis and Jennie Webster and the Junior Cup squads over the years with the likes of Colleen Kelly, Norma Walters (mother-in-law of Tigers' great Wayne Pearce and sister of 1969 Tigers' Grand Final hero Keith Outten), Pat Perkins, Helen Bryde and Maureen McKeon.
For two decades she regularly prepared kit bags for new junior representative players including the likes of Robbie Farah, Aaron Woods, Luke Brooks, Curtis Sironen, Kyle Lovett, Dene Halatau and Bronson Harrison.
Former Tigers' stars Robbie Farah and Curtis Sironen both wore black armbands when they played for South Sydney and Manly respectively in a Brookvale Oval clash as their personal tributes.
Mrs Mac is the mother of Barry Maguire, the longtime scoreboard attendant at Leichhardt Oval. She will be sorely missed.
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472016 107th Annual Report
SPARE PAGE
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48 2016 107th Annual Report
With a membership of over 250 former players and officials the club has its own charter and organisation structure with all of the committee having played first grade.
Shortly before his wedding in 1956, Bill played for Wests in a semi final against the mighty South Sydney team who boasted the likes of Clive Churchill, Ian Moir, Greg Hawick, Jack Rayner, Chicka Cowie, Bernie Purcell and Ernie Hammerton.
Bill later coached junior teams at Five Dock RSL and Holy Cross Ryde.
He was also keenly involved with the 2nd Ashfield Scouts Rovers Crew and twice a year caught up with members for reunion lunches at the North Ryde RSL Community Club.
A fine ambassador for the code, Bill was excited to learn that a relative of his had figured prominently in the pioneering years of the NSW Rugby League.
Both Bill and son John were respected figures on the playing field for the proud Western Suburbs and Balmain clubs during their careers.
They both gained a reputation for their courage, skill and toughness in the forward pack and on the odd occasion felt the ire of the referee for any on-field indiscretion.
With 115 top grade appearances between them, Bill and John served their respective clubs with distinction and joined a select band of father-son footballers to be bestowed with Life Membership.
While researching his family tree, history buff Bill discovered an interesting great uncle in Edward James 'Ted' Hooper - the brother of his grandmother Emily Hooper.
Ted Hooper, an honorary life member of the NSWRL, was a prominent rugby forward who played for Surry Hills, Eastern Suburbs, Sydney and NSW before turning his hand to refereeing.
He became one of the leading officials in NSW in 1906-07 and when talk of a breakaway rugby code strengthened, Hooper opted to switch codes.
On August 28, 1907, Ted Hooper was appointed the inaugural Rugby League Referees Association president - a role he held until the conclusion of the 1912 domestic season.
Balmain and Western Suburbs lined up in the first rugby league match under Northern Union rules at Birchgrove Oval on April 20, 1908 with Hooper officiating as referee.
The Watersiders won the match 24-0. A fortnight later, Hooper became the first to referee a representative rugby league match in Australasia when he controlled the NSW v New Zealand clash at the Royal Agricultural Ground in Sydney.
During the 1908 season, Hooper controlled two consecutive matches on the same day - Newtown v North Sydney at 2pm followed by the Balmain v Glebe fixture at 3pm which was a testament to his fitness and athleticism.
After stepping down as Referees Association president, Hooper was named manager of a NSW team (essentially an unofficial Australian squad) to tour New Zealand for the first time and later became a referee selector - a position he held until 1925.
Hooper died at the age of 54 - after collapsing from shock in the dressing rooms after refereeing a novelty game between Brisbane and Ipswich referees at half time of the fourth interstate clash between NSW and Queensland in Brisbane.
“John and I often discuss how we would have fared on-field back in Ted's day,” Bill once said.
“Legend has it that he was a no-nonsense type and because of his amazing fitness was never too far from the action,” he revealed.
“It is ironic that the first official rugby league match he controlled was the inaugural Balmain and Western Suburbs first grade fixture at Birchgrove Oval - the two clubs that John and I both played for many years later.”
“Sadly I never got the chance to meet Ted - I was born seven years after he died but my grandmother would often talk about his refereeing exploits and friendships with some of the game's all time greats.”
Bill is survived by his wife Pam; sons Bill jnr, Geoff and John; daughter Marie and ten grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
In Western Suburbs' Hall of Fame, Billy Owens shines like a beacon.
Tributes
492016 107th Annual Report
Billy Owens congratulates son John on his life membership with Balmain Football Club in 2008.
FLASHBACK: Billy Owens in action for Wests against a young Johnny Raper (Newtown) at the SCG.
Bill Owens THEY didn't breed them tougher or more committed than legendary Western Suburbs rugby league forward Bill Owens.
A fierce competitor until the final whistle, the long time Hunters Hill resident showed those traits right up until his death on October 26 at the age of 84.
Billy, a rugged first grade prop with the Magpies and Canterbury during the 1950s and '60s, lost a brave battle with cancer in Greenwich Hospital.
Some of the biggest names to don a Western Suburbs jumper attended Bill's funeral service in Villa Maria Catholic Church Hunters Hill followed by burial at Field of Mars Cemetery Ryde.
One of nature's true gentlemen, Bill was a true warrior on the sporting field who gave the Magpies yeoman service from 1954 as a player, coach, committeeman and founder of the Pratten Park Magpies.
He notched up 60 top grade appearances with Western Suburbs and the Berries during the club's halcyon years and was a long-serving Magpies committeeman.
Bill prepared many Western Suburbs stars for first grade during a successful term as reserve grade coach including the great Tom Raudonikis when he joined the club in 1969.
His three sons Billy junior, Geoff and John were top footballers in their own right.
One of Bill's proudest moments was witnessing son John receive life membership of the Balmain District Football Club.
A skilful hooker forward during the 1980s, John played a record 241 games until it was eclipsed by legendary Test fullback Garry Jack and then Paul Sironen.
He represented City and NSW U/18s and was a member of the Tigers' winning Panasonic Cup teams in 1985 and '87 and reserve grade premiership side in 1984.
Bill junior won premierships with Five Dock RSL while Geoff represented the Tigers in Flegg and Presidents Cup.
Another proud moment for Bill was winning the Wests Tigers' rugby league Victory Song competition.
He penned the winning song and teamed up with son John, Paul Sironen and Wests stalwart Neville Charlton to perform it on Channel 9's Footy Show.
Before his death, Bill was able to celebrate two major milestones - his Diamond Wedding anniversary with beloved wife Pam and her 80th birthday.
Bill's involvement with the Pratten Park Magpies - a Wests Old Players association - spanned 30 years.
In 1986, Bill and ex-player Jack Thompson together with Ben Fisher formally established an old boys network with the purpose to restore friendships, organise reunions and support mates who had fallen on hard times.
Tributes
48 2016 107th Annual Report
With a membership of over 250 former players and officials the club has its own charter and organisation structure with all of the committee having played first grade.
Shortly before his wedding in 1956, Bill played for Wests in a semi final against the mighty South Sydney team who boasted the likes of Clive Churchill, Ian Moir, Greg Hawick, Jack Rayner, Chicka Cowie, Bernie Purcell and Ernie Hammerton.
Bill later coached junior teams at Five Dock RSL and Holy Cross Ryde.
He was also keenly involved with the 2nd Ashfield Scouts Rovers Crew and twice a year caught up with members for reunion lunches at the North Ryde RSL Community Club.
A fine ambassador for the code, Bill was excited to learn that a relative of his had figured prominently in the pioneering years of the NSW Rugby League.
Both Bill and son John were respected figures on the playing field for the proud Western Suburbs and Balmain clubs during their careers.
They both gained a reputation for their courage, skill and toughness in the forward pack and on the odd occasion felt the ire of the referee for any on-field indiscretion.
With 115 top grade appearances between them, Bill and John served their respective clubs with distinction and joined a select band of father-son footballers to be bestowed with Life Membership.
While researching his family tree, history buff Bill discovered an interesting great uncle in Edward James 'Ted' Hooper - the brother of his grandmother Emily Hooper.
Ted Hooper, an honorary life member of the NSWRL, was a prominent rugby forward who played for Surry Hills, Eastern Suburbs, Sydney and NSW before turning his hand to refereeing.
He became one of the leading officials in NSW in 1906-07 and when talk of a breakaway rugby code strengthened, Hooper opted to switch codes.
On August 28, 1907, Ted Hooper was appointed the inaugural Rugby League Referees Association president - a role he held until the conclusion of the 1912 domestic season.
Balmain and Western Suburbs lined up in the first rugby league match under Northern Union rules at Birchgrove Oval on April 20, 1908 with Hooper officiating as referee.
The Watersiders won the match 24-0. A fortnight later, Hooper became the first to referee a representative rugby league match in Australasia when he controlled the NSW v New Zealand clash at the Royal Agricultural Ground in Sydney.
During the 1908 season, Hooper controlled two consecutive matches on the same day - Newtown v North Sydney at 2pm followed by the Balmain v Glebe fixture at 3pm which was a testament to his fitness and athleticism.
After stepping down as Referees Association president, Hooper was named manager of a NSW team (essentially an unofficial Australian squad) to tour New Zealand for the first time and later became a referee selector - a position he held until 1925.
Hooper died at the age of 54 - after collapsing from shock in the dressing rooms after refereeing a novelty game between Brisbane and Ipswich referees at half time of the fourth interstate clash between NSW and Queensland in Brisbane.
“John and I often discuss how we would have fared on-field back in Ted's day,” Bill once said.
“Legend has it that he was a no-nonsense type and because of his amazing fitness was never too far from the action,” he revealed.
“It is ironic that the first official rugby league match he controlled was the inaugural Balmain and Western Suburbs first grade fixture at Birchgrove Oval - the two clubs that John and I both played for many years later.”
“Sadly I never got the chance to meet Ted - I was born seven years after he died but my grandmother would often talk about his refereeing exploits and friendships with some of the game's all time greats.”
Bill is survived by his wife Pam; sons Bill jnr, Geoff and John; daughter Marie and ten grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
In Western Suburbs' Hall of Fame, Billy Owens shines like a beacon.
Tributes
492016 107th Annual Report
Billy Owens congratulates son John on his life membership with Balmain Football Club in 2008.
FLASHBACK: Billy Owens in action for Wests against a young Johnny Raper (Newtown) at the SCG.
Bill Owens THEY didn't breed them tougher or more committed than legendary Western Suburbs rugby league forward Bill Owens.
A fierce competitor until the final whistle, the long time Hunters Hill resident showed those traits right up until his death on October 26 at the age of 84.
Billy, a rugged first grade prop with the Magpies and Canterbury during the 1950s and '60s, lost a brave battle with cancer in Greenwich Hospital.
Some of the biggest names to don a Western Suburbs jumper attended Bill's funeral service in Villa Maria Catholic Church Hunters Hill followed by burial at Field of Mars Cemetery Ryde.
One of nature's true gentlemen, Bill was a true warrior on the sporting field who gave the Magpies yeoman service from 1954 as a player, coach, committeeman and founder of the Pratten Park Magpies.
He notched up 60 top grade appearances with Western Suburbs and the Berries during the club's halcyon years and was a long-serving Magpies committeeman.
Bill prepared many Western Suburbs stars for first grade during a successful term as reserve grade coach including the great Tom Raudonikis when he joined the club in 1969.
His three sons Billy junior, Geoff and John were top footballers in their own right.
One of Bill's proudest moments was witnessing son John receive life membership of the Balmain District Football Club.
A skilful hooker forward during the 1980s, John played a record 241 games until it was eclipsed by legendary Test fullback Garry Jack and then Paul Sironen.
He represented City and NSW U/18s and was a member of the Tigers' winning Panasonic Cup teams in 1985 and '87 and reserve grade premiership side in 1984.
Bill junior won premierships with Five Dock RSL while Geoff represented the Tigers in Flegg and Presidents Cup.
Another proud moment for Bill was winning the Wests Tigers' rugby league Victory Song competition.
He penned the winning song and teamed up with son John, Paul Sironen and Wests stalwart Neville Charlton to perform it on Channel 9's Footy Show.
Before his death, Bill was able to celebrate two major milestones - his Diamond Wedding anniversary with beloved wife Pam and her 80th birthday.
Bill's involvement with the Pratten Park Magpies - a Wests Old Players association - spanned 30 years.
In 1986, Bill and ex-player Jack Thompson together with Ben Fisher formally established an old boys network with the purpose to restore friendships, organise reunions and support mates who had fallen on hard times.
Tributes
50 2016 107th Annual Report
MAX TOMSETTBALMAIN Referees Association lost one of its finest 'pupils' following the death of long-serving first grade touch judge Max Tomsett.
Dubbed the “Prince of Touch Judges”, the experienced Tomsett passed away on May 20, 2016 after a long battle with cancer.
Tomsett was outstanding in the refereeing ranks, but his major contribution was being a top-line touch judge for 308 first grade games, as well as various interstate and international matches.
His greatest achievements include “running the line” in the inaugural State of Origin match at Lang Park in 1980 and officiating nine first grade Grand Finals between 1975 and 1983 as a touch judge.
Max received Life Membership honours from both the Balmain and the NSW Referees Association, and has the Max Tomsett Award named after him, which recognises the two top touch judges for a particular season.
“Max was very well respected, and a real gentlemen,” NSWRL President John Chalk said.
“He always refereed with a strong conviction, never spoke down on the players, and was dedicated to the task.
“He was a lovely man.”
Director of Balmain Referees, Phil McMahon, said Max's record as an Association Member is unsurpassed in the very long history of Balmain.
“On the administrative side he carried out many roles – Social Secretary; Secretary for three years; President for six years, all of which were performed with the sole idea of advancing Balmain and its members,” said Phil.
“His outstanding contribution in this regard was formally recognised on no less than eight occasions by receiving the Tom Downey Award for Outstanding Service to the Association,” he added.
On the active side of things Max's record was outstanding.
He progressed to grade after being the leading ranked Balmain district referee for five years and officiating in the centre in the Jersey Cup Grand Final and Presidents Cup semi-final.
Max progressed to refereeing reserve grade but his major contribution came in his role as a touch judge.
In this respect, Max “ran the line” in some 308 first grade matches as well as numerous appointments to international and interstate games.
One of his most cherished memories is being appointed as a touch judge to the inaugural State of Origin game at Lang Park in 1980, an experience he described “as like no other.”
When Max retired at the end of the 1983 season he had the extraordinary record of having officiated as a touch judge in nine first grade Grand Finals between 1975 and 1983.
This impressive record demonstrates that Max achieved absolutely everything that a referee can within the game:
He also ran the line in the 1973 and 1974 Reserve Grade Grand Finals; Test matches in 1974, 1978 and 1979; Midweek Cup Grand Final 1975, 1976 (AMCO Cup), 1981 (Tooth Cup) and 1982 (KB Cup); Interstate Series 1973 and NSW v Tourists 1977 and 1978.
In 2013, in recognition of his tremendous contribution made to touch judging, Balmain Referees instituted the Max Tomsett Award to recognise those two members adjudged to be the top touch judges for a particular season.
Max was on hand to make the presentation to the initial recipients.
In the Balmain Referees Association's Centenary Season in 2015, Max was one of the inaugural inductees into the Balmain Referees Association Hall of Fame.
Furthermore, his outstanding on-field career was recognised when named as one of the Balmain Referees Association's Greatest Ever Referees at the Centenary Dinner.
Perhaps Max's greatest contribution to the game of rugby league was as a coach and mentor.
During his time as a NSWRL Touch Judge Coach, Max mentored and guided many of the games great referees and touch judges.
The Balmain Referees Association, NSWRL Referees Association and the game of rugby league have lost a giant of our game, an absolute legend and a true gentleman.
Max Tomsett
Barbara Fish It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend, Barbara Fish.
Barbara and her family have a long and generous history with Leichhardt Wanderers, serving in various roles on the Management Committee since 2008. She made a significant contribution to the culture of our community. Her tireless volunteer efforts were rewarded with the Noelene Barnett Club Person of the Year award in 2009.
Paul and the boys have asked for privacy at this time, however ...you can contact Craig Barnett if necessary.
We send our heartfelt condolences to Paul, Austin and Justin at this time. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by the Wanderers community.
Tributes
50 2016 107th Annual Report
MAX TOMSETTBALMAIN Referees Association lost one of its finest 'pupils' following the death of long-serving first grade touch judge Max Tomsett.
Dubbed the “Prince of Touch Judges”, the experienced Tomsett passed away on May 20, 2016 after a long battle with cancer.
Tomsett was outstanding in the refereeing ranks, but his major contribution was being a top-line touch judge for 308 first grade games, as well as various interstate and international matches.
His greatest achievements include “running the line” in the inaugural State of Origin match at Lang Park in 1980 and officiating nine first grade Grand Finals between 1975 and 1983 as a touch judge.
Max received Life Membership honours from both the Balmain and the NSW Referees Association, and has the Max Tomsett Award named after him, which recognises the two top touch judges for a particular season.
“Max was very well respected, and a real gentlemen,” NSWRL President John Chalk said.
“He always refereed with a strong conviction, never spoke down on the players, and was dedicated to the task.
“He was a lovely man.”
Director of Balmain Referees, Phil McMahon, said Max's record as an Association Member is unsurpassed in the very long history of Balmain.
“On the administrative side he carried out many roles – Social Secretary; Secretary for three years; President for six years, all of which were performed with the sole idea of advancing Balmain and its members,” said Phil.
“His outstanding contribution in this regard was formally recognised on no less than eight occasions by receiving the Tom Downey Award for Outstanding Service to the Association,” he added.
On the active side of things Max's record was outstanding.
He progressed to grade after being the leading ranked Balmain district referee for five years and officiating in the centre in the Jersey Cup Grand Final and Presidents Cup semi-final.
Max progressed to refereeing reserve grade but his major contribution came in his role as a touch judge.
In this respect, Max “ran the line” in some 308 first grade matches as well as numerous appointments to international and interstate games.
One of his most cherished memories is being appointed as a touch judge to the inaugural State of Origin game at Lang Park in 1980, an experience he described “as like no other.”
When Max retired at the end of the 1983 season he had the extraordinary record of having officiated as a touch judge in nine first grade Grand Finals between 1975 and 1983.
This impressive record demonstrates that Max achieved absolutely everything that a referee can within the game:
He also ran the line in the 1973 and 1974 Reserve Grade Grand Finals; Test matches in 1974, 1978 and 1979; Midweek Cup Grand Final 1975, 1976 (AMCO Cup), 1981 (Tooth Cup) and 1982 (KB Cup); Interstate Series 1973 and NSW v Tourists 1977 and 1978.
In 2013, in recognition of his tremendous contribution made to touch judging, Balmain Referees instituted the Max Tomsett Award to recognise those two members adjudged to be the top touch judges for a particular season.
Max was on hand to make the presentation to the initial recipients.
In the Balmain Referees Association's Centenary Season in 2015, Max was one of the inaugural inductees into the Balmain Referees Association Hall of Fame.
Furthermore, his outstanding on-field career was recognised when named as one of the Balmain Referees Association's Greatest Ever Referees at the Centenary Dinner.
Perhaps Max's greatest contribution to the game of rugby league was as a coach and mentor.
During his time as a NSWRL Touch Judge Coach, Max mentored and guided many of the games great referees and touch judges.
The Balmain Referees Association, NSWRL Referees Association and the game of rugby league have lost a giant of our game, an absolute legend and a true gentleman.
Max Tomsett
Barbara Fish It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend, Barbara Fish.
Barbara and her family have a long and generous history with Leichhardt Wanderers, serving in various roles on the Management Committee since 2008. She made a significant contribution to the culture of our community. Her tireless volunteer efforts were rewarded with the Noelene Barnett Club Person of the Year award in 2009.
Paul and the boys have asked for privacy at this time, however ...you can contact Craig Barnett if necessary.
We send our heartfelt condolences to Paul, Austin and Justin at this time. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by the Wanderers community.
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