The die has been cast and the teams announced for next week’s Origin One. Selections on both sides of the border have raised some eyebrows. Laurie Daley has gone to extremes naming an extended bench of 20 players. Boyd Cordner takes the reins as the Blue’s captain. Making their returns to the Blue’s fold are Mitchell Pearce and Jarryd Hayne.
Nathan Peats gets his chance on the big stage after the injury-prone Peter Wallace was ruled out after failing to finish the game for the Panthers against Newcastle on Sunday.
NSW BLUES: – 1. James Tedesco, (Tigers) 2. Blake Ferguson, (Roosters) 3. Josh Dugan, (St George) 4. Jarryd Hayne, (Titans), 5. Brett Morris, (Bulldogs), 6. James Maloney, (Sharks) 7. Mitchell Pearce, (Roosters) 8. Aaron Woods, (Tigers) 9. Nathan Peats, (Titans) 10. Andrew Fifita, (Sharks) 11. Josh Jackson, (Bulldogs) 12. Boyd Cordner,(Roosters) (captain), 13. Tyson Frizell (St George)
Interchange: 14. David Klemmer, (Bulldogs) 15. Wade Graham, (Titans) 16. Jake Trbojevic, (Sea Eagles) 17. Jack Bird (Cronulla).
18th man: Matt Moylan Panthers); 19th man: Jordan McLean (Melbourne Storm); 20th man: Jack De Belin (Cronulla)
Queensland Maroons
1. Darius Boyd, (Broncos) 2. Corey Oates, (Broncos) 3. Will Chambers, (Storm) 4. Justin O’Neill, (Cowboys) .5. Dane Gagai, (Knights) 6. Anthony Milford, (Broncos) 7. Cooper Cronk, (Storm) 8. Dylan Napa, (Roosters) 9. Cameron Smith, (Storm) (captain) 10. Nate Myles, 11. (Sea Eagles) Josh Papalii, (Raiders) 12. Matt Gillett, (Broncos) 13. Josh McGuire. (Broncos).
Interchange: 14. Michael Morgan, (Cowboys) 15. Sam Thaiday, (Broncos) 16. Aidan Guerra, (Roosters) 17. Jacob Lillyman, (Warriors)
18th man: Johnathan Thurston, (Cowboys)
North of the border emotions were running high when coach Kevin Walters announced a somewhat controversial decision to leave Billy Slater out of the Maroons line-up.
It was a big call by selectors and has divided Maroons supporters many of whom see it as a slight on one of Queensland’s finest. The JT shoulder soap opera rolls into its 29th episode.
Named as 18th man it is still unclear if JT the Maroons most resilient player will add to his uninterrupted record number of games. Perhaps he should be sharing a quiet chat with Billy about the perils of playing about with shoulder injuries.
Meanwhile, the game of sucks and drakes between Walters and Bennett looks to have reached checkmate, stalemate or no-mates after Walters stepped up to Bennett’s challenge and named Milford as Queensland’s number six.
The Queensland selectors have shown remarkable loyalty in other areas with Origin war horse Nate Myles called on for another performance. Young Rooster Dylan Nappa will get his chance to done the Maroon as we begin to see a small changing of the guard in the Maroons camp.
While my Spin partner is outraged at the omission of Slater and continues muttering her disapproval and fears of impending doom and gloom, I’m still firmly in the Maroons camp and think they will win at Suncorp in what looks on paper to be another epic. Let’s hope Kevvie’s bold selections do no come back to bite him and his fellow Qld selectors – there will be plenty of Queenslanders lining up for a piece of them if this goes pear shaped.
– Casey (keeping the faith)
LEGEND CELEBRATES A MIGHTY MILESTONE
Those regular readers of Spin over the years will be well versed in my association with Lew Cooper. Last weekend I was privileged to be invited to help Lew celebrate his 80th birthday.
A great milestone for a man who is synonymous with cricket throughout Queensland.
His exploits behind the stumps for Queensland and University are hard to ignore. It is a record that boast 361 catches and 99 stumpings and while best remembered as the great Wally Grout’s permanent understudy, many forget Cooper was pretty handy with the bat. In his indomitable fashion, he was dismissed only 33 times in 54 innings in the top grade.
Lew has been an extremely successful administrator, publican, football coach in a colorful career. He once beat world champion snooker player Eddy Charlton in a snooker game at the Cricket’s Club and forever secured bragging rights for that effort. It is however Lew Cooper’s contribution to cricket in his post playing career which has earned him the most accolades. While a chiropractor might look at his current posture and see a lifetime of patient care, those who have crossed his path know him as a raconteur, a person who has provided opportunities to young cricketers and those less fortunate. His tireless contribution is part of the tapestry of Queensland cricket and earned him an OAM. The significant contribution Lew Cooper has delivered the game and the respect with which he is held may be best summed up by this work penned by Rupert McCall for the occasion and delivered by fellow wicket keeper Ian Healy.
Ode to Lew Cooper
There’s a name that seems to reappear, again, again, again …
A hero of the humble kind! An icon of the nation!
A champion of life itself! An unsung inspiration!
Though if pressed to furnish one thing on his high-achieving ticket
Then the verdict is unanimous, the word you’d choose is ‘cricket’
From the glory of the Gabba to the grassroots of the State
He’s a warrior! A Wanderer! A mentor and a mate
Is it really any wonder that our country gives three cheers!
As this very proud Australian lifts his bat for 80 years
For an innings most spectacular, sensational and super!
We raise our glass in honour of the legendary … Lew Cooper
Rupert McCall, 2017
ROUND 11 – DISASTER
Round 11 of the NRL proved to be another nightmare round for plenty of tipsters and the thought of leaving a game or switching off the TV and going to bed before full time has been thrown out the door with many likely half timers leaders once again biting the dust in the second half. Along with them went the aspirations of plenty of forlorn tipsters – this one included.
It’s almost a relief to have the split round upon us where as tipsters we only have to navigate a handful of games.
I thought the Eels a little disappointing last week and am giving the Bunnies another go. The Broncos have plenty of players in the Maroons camp and have to travel to NZ for their Warriors clash, but I am pinning my hopes on the depth of the Broncos and the opportunities handed to some of the fringe players.
Like the Broncos, the Sharks and Bulldogs will be down on personnel, but with Paul Gallen at the helm of the Sharks I favour them to get another win.
I doubt the Roosters have the depth to cover their Origin players, so I am tipping Ricky’s Raiders.
Of course, after my form in recent weeks the wise thing would probably be to just reverse those decisions.
And, of course, let’s not forget a Maroons win to set the stage for Origin 2017.
BATTLE ROUND COMING UP IN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS
Round Three in the battle for the Club Championships of the Stanthorpe Golf Club was decided last Saturday, and with the final round to be decided this weekend several players have played themselves contention.
Matt Waterworth and Grant Howard are both well placed in A Grade, and at this stage it looks most likely that the winner of the major title will come from this pair.
The B Grade leader board has condensed following round three and Mike McAuliffe and Graham Tonkin are leading by the smallest of margins just one shot ahead of Bill Pyne and Lyle Bryant.
Bob Watts and Max Hunter look set battle for the title in the C Grade competition, but if either stumbles, Rod Werner could cause an upset.
In last Saturday’s single stroke event sponsored by club member Peter Hines by Aaron Simmers post nett 69 to score a one shot win over Mike McAuliffe and Lyle Bryant. McAuliffe claimed the runners-up spot in a countback, with Bryant collecting a ball in the run down.
Matt Waterworth collected balls for his pin shot 12, pro-pin at 5/14 and in the run down. Adrian Jannenga also collected a double for the pin at 17 and the pro-pin at 1/10. Sam Dowie held the remaining pro-pin at 9/18 and Eric McLellan had best pin shot at three. Grant Howard and Peter Gibney collected a ball in the run down.
The Ladies event was won by Nikki Waterworth with a score of nett 73. Lyn Ludlow (nett 76) finished runner-up and Madeline Jarman collected a ball in the run down.
Fiona Kelly held the ladies pin at three and Mandy Benussi won the approach at 17.
The final round of the club championships will be played on Saturday. Alan Kerr and Dale Minchenton are sponsors of the single stroke event. For players completing all rounds, a seeded draw has been posted on the time sheet at the club.
Spaces after the seedings may be used by players not in the four rounds but playing in the day’s event. Refer to the time sheet for your tee off time. Good luck and good golfing to all those competing in the last championship round.
ORIENTEERING PROVES POPULAR
Orienteering is a sport that is growing in popularity. It is easily accessible to people of all ages, can be enjoyed by all members of the family and does not require mountains of expensive specialist gear.
Last weekend the local club the Bullecourt Bounders hosted a successful event at Cherrabah outside Warwick and this weekend the Range Runners Orienteering Club is holding an event in the Goomburra Valley.
Proving the growing international popularity of sport, attending the event was the Campbell family from Washington State, USA. The Campbell family belong to the Maple Falls Orienteering club and have been travelling and orienteering in Australia and New Zealand, and Victoria Campbell was the winner of the Hard Two course on the weekend.
After enjoying the challenges of the Granite Belt and Southern Downs terrain last weekend, the family will head back home this week.
The sport of Orienteering is certainly gaining momentum and the terrain in and around our district has become a major drawcard for competitors.
This weekend the Range Runners Orienteering Club are holding events at Gordon Country in the Goomburra Valley.
Nine courses will cater to all levels of fitness, age and ability. Instruction will be available for newcomers, and families may wish to go around a course together.
Starts for the events will be open from 1pm – 4pm on Saturday and again from 9am – 10am on Sunday.
Anyone interested in trying orienteering is most welcome to attend, and compasses may be borrowed at the event. One of the drawcards of the sport is that no special gear is required although it is recommended participants wear good sturdy footwear and a hat.
A large number of Darling Downs junior orienteers are expected to compete over the weekend using the event as an opportunity to train ahead of the Queensland Schools Championships in July.
The event will be signposted along the Inverammsey Road, 25km from Goomburra.
Further information is available at www.oq.asn.au/events or by contacting Felicity Crosato on 4698 1538 or rroc@oq.asn.au
PENTATH POPULAR
The annual daily New Pentath run event held last weekend in Warwick was again a huge success.
Nominations for the event were in the vicinity of 2600. As part of her training for the upcoming Queensland Cross Country Championships, 18- year-old Brielle Erbacher travelled from Toowoomba to compete. She competed in three events and went home with three wins, and is vowing to be back again next year. Erbacher is the current under-20 national champion in the 3000m steeplechase.
Overall winner of the women’s event was Kerri Hodge from Margot Manning.
In the men’s event, Aidan Hobbs won four events and placed second in the YMCA Half Marathon behind winner Charlie Boyle.
TOUGH GREENS AT ‘GARRA
Members and visitors played a flag event at Wallangarra Golf Club on Saturday and on a day where the greens for some reason were difficult to hit it was John Green who posted a win. Runner-up in the event was Steve Hampstead. There were no pin shots recorded – Whether that was that because of difficult placement or poor player radar, we will never know. Peter Williams at least snatched the Birdies nest at the fourth hole.
The club would like to welcome Jnr and congratulate him on his first competition round. With a swing like Jnr’s it won’t be long till he will be giving the rest of the members swing tips. Congratulations also to Simon Avery who carded his best round since starting a few weeks ago.
This weekend numbers on the greens are sure to swell as the Hodgson clan and friends join members for the popular Frank Hodgson Memorial Trophy. The single stableford event will tee off at 10am and club members are reminded that there is a meeting prior to the game.
FORECAST KEEPS GATEBALLERS AT BAY
A forecast of unpredictable weather conditions last Friday saw gateball numbers down last week. Andrea Denkewitz, Joy Newman and Heather Widderick formed one team and played the Red balls.
Margaret Dickenson, Les Williams and Sharyn Roser teamed up to play the White balls.
The members of the White team had a great day out, winning all three games. Each game however was closely contested going down to the wire and only decided in the final couple of minutes of each game.
In game one Margaret Dickenson scored a five pointer to put the game out of reach of the opposition. The final score 13-10.
In game two, it was Sharyn Roser who scored an Agari (five pointer) to seal a 14-9 win. The result of the third game came down to the final shot. Games are limited to 30 minutes and the Red team had a chance to steal a win but went down 10-9.Game four was abandoned after rain interrupted play.
Conditions were much better for Saturday’s games and saw Andrea Denkewitz, Margaret Dickenson and Val Fancourt (White) teamed up against the Red team of Bill Golding and Les Williams.
The Red team played with great accuracy, especially on some long shots winning all three games. In game one the final score was a convincing 17-9. Games two and three were decided with the final shot. Game two was closer 10-8 and the final game went the way of Red 13-12.
ACTION ON THE RANGE
The Inglewood Sporting Shooters Assoc held Muzzle Loading and Pistol events on Saturday. Stephanie Dudgeon took out the Muzzle Loading event. Placegetters were Alan Hudson and Graham Morgan.
The 25 Metre Standard Pistol shoot was won by Peter Jones. Tom Donald and Jason Lewis filled the minor placings.
SERIOUS INJURY CALLS HALT TO GAME
It was an afternoon of mixed results and emotions at the Internal Club last Saturday. The Inter club Ladies game were celebrating after they posted their first win in over three years. Spectators and players were equalled as excited after the game.
The euphoria of the win was short-lived however when a nasty injury to City players Christian Waterworth from Stanthorpe City forced the men’s game to cut short.
Waterworth suffered a nasty break to his leg and as Spin was being finalised he was in Toowoomba awaiting surgery on his broken shin bone. Reports indicate the break will require a rod to be inserted from his knee to his ankle.
It is very unfortunate when our weekend sportsmen and women suffer such nasty injuries. It is going to be a long road back from injury for Christian Waterworth and the sporting community wish him a successful recovery.
Sporters headed out on Sunday in ideal conditions for a round of golf. Ian Anderson certainly enjoyed the conditions notching up a Sporters in while Aaron Simmers fresh from a win in Round three of the Club championships on Saturday finished runner-up. Run-downs went to Paul Armstrong and Nikki Waterworth. Armstrong also had the best gross and took the pin shot on the 17th. Ray Thorn picked up the pin shot on the 12th and the pro pin went to Jerry Willoughby. It was Woggie and Peter Goodsir taking home meat trays last Sunday.
Sporters tee-off on Sunday at the normal time of 8.am – 8.30am. Remember visitors and new faces are always welcome to join the fun.
Preparations for Broncos Western 9s
A 15-year tradition will continue when the St George Junior Rugby League Club hosts its annual Western 9s Carnival for under-14s in September. Organisers are asking interested teams to register their interest by Friday 2 June. An expression of interest sheet can be found on the club’s website or by contacting Kelvin Bella by phone or email (mob: 0428 717 284; kbella3@bigpond.com)
Carnival invitations and information will then be sent out by mid/end of
July.
This nine-a-side competition (max 14 players registered per team) is for under 14s and will be played at Rowden Park St George Southwest Qld and / or the St George High School Grounds
It anticipated that there will be Broncos personnel attending the annual carnival.
The St George Junior Rugby League Club cannot guarantee all clubs will be invited however those that respond via the expression of interest sheet and are available will be given preference.
BACK TO ABCK FOR COWBOYS
The Warwick Cowboys put together back to back wins on Saturday night when they defeated Brothers on their home turf Glenholme Park.
After an up and down start to the season the Cowboys have managed to put together consecutive wins for the first time in 2017 and showed they are a side on the improve.
Mick Bloomfield has had a real impact since his return from a lengthy suspension and was once again proved a force to be reckoned with. Jordyn Hogden was another of the Cowboys who impressed in the win.
Brothers’ home ground has proved to be a happy hunting ground for the Warwick A grade side in recent years and they have an impressive record in night games at the ground.
Dan Watson led the scoring with two tries and five conversions. Joe Fuimaono was as always reliable and also scored a double. The win sets up an interesting clash this week against Goondiwindi.
The impressive 46-24 A Grade win gave the visitors a clean sweep in all grades Reserve Grade defeated Brothers 30-18; Cowboy’s Under 18’s had a 30-8 win and in second division Warwick notched up a 30-16 win.
A GRADE: Warwick 46 (Dan Watson 2, Joe Fuimaono 2, Dylan Galloway, Josh O’Brien, Jordyn Hogden, Matt Marshall, Dion Galloway tries Dan Watson 5 goals) defeated Brothers 24 ( Kahl Schemioneck, Aidan Watterson, Zack Wright, Ben Hollman tries Brayden Barratt 2, Kyle Walker 2 goals)
This week the Cowboys travel to Goondiwindi. The under-18s will be trying to secure a spot in the President’s Cup clash between the leading teams at the end of round one.
CUTTERS TOO STRONG FOR GREMLINS
The Killarney Cutters put on an impressive try scoring display against an understrength young Gremlins outfit at Sullivan /Oval on Saturday.
Jamie Watts led the way scoring four of the Cutters 14 tries. Cashing in on the try scoring also were Gareth Polzin, Jacob Grayson and Ian Brown picked up a double.
There was a procession of other try scorers as the experienced Cutters forwards stepped up.
Aside from Jamie Watts, Mick Brackin and Ian Brown were standouts for the Cutters. The young Gremlins side worked hard for each other. Corey Ashleigh and Lachlan Hendry were two of the best and both crossed for the home side. Aaron Abraham landed one conversion.
TENTERFIELD TURN THE TABLES
The Tenterfield Tigers turned the tables on last year’s premiers the Roosters in an exciting match at Rugby League Park.
The Tigers held out the Roosters with an improved defensive performance in the second half. The win was popular with the big local crowd and shows that the although the BRL comp may be down to only four teams this season it is going to be very competitive.
Tenterfield this week play the Gremlins at Sullivan Oval and the Roosters and Cutters go head to head at Charlie Andrews Oval.
Casey’s tips:
Bunnies
Broncos
Sharks
Raiders
