FROM THE
PRESIDENT
Welcome to the
second edition of the QSSRL Newsletter for 1998. As I look back
on last year, the highlights that come to mind are the 15 Years
and 18 Years State carnivals that were organised so magnificently
by the Kingaroy and Townsville committees. The carnivals were a
credit to our organisation, with two strong squads selected to
represent Queensland.
The 15 Years squad had to
travel to the national capital and quickly acclimatise to a
Canberra winter. Coach Jim Look was full of praise for their
efforts, highlighting their win over Combined Catholic Colleges
as a true reflection of the team’s quality.
The 18 Years squad
travelled south to the heart of “Storm” territory.
Following a comprehensive loss to NSW Combined High Schools at
Dapto, coach Matt O’Hanlon marshalled the troops and their
efforts over five days in Melbourne could not be faulted.
Every side has it’s
hard luck story, but the call by a touch judge in their first
game against Combined High Schools cost them a win and possibly a
shot at the championship. Undaunted by this they lifted their
efforts and did not lose another game.
Another highlight was the
effort of Kirwan High School to win the 1998 Aussie Home Loans
Queensland title. The biggest disappointment was that the game
was played at Langlands Park on a Saturday afternoon with only a
handful of spectators.
In 1997 Kirwan played the
State final in Campbelltown Sydney becauseit was the only venue
available with Channel 9 cameras. Why then was the home ground
advantage last year taken from Kirwan and the game played at a
venue with no television coverage? The schoolboy rugby league
people of North Queensland must wonder at times if they are just
making up numbers in this competition.
1998 saw the continuation
of strong competitions throughout the State, in part made
possible by the generosity of the Broncos and the Cowboys. The
Central Highlands/ Central West 15 years competition provided an
excellent avenue for these gifted young players to enjoy the game
of rugby league. Coach Alan Baillie is to be congratulated on the
time and effort he put into the side. Congratulations to all
involved!
Stephen Parle