QRL Chairman Peter Betros (centre) with Sean Fish, Eric Elevera, Sue Tatchell and Mark Bale from The Stepping Stone Clubhouse. Photo: QRL Media
THE all-conquering Queensland Maroons team were inspired by history this year with the Naming of the Team dinner before Game I looking back to the achievements of the 1959 team.
They were the last team to defeat NSW in an interstate match before the birth of the Origin concept in 1980.
As a nod back to that era each table was dressed with a commemorative brown leather and gold embossed football reminiscent of the ones which would have been used in games of the past.
The balls were again featured as the table design at the Queensland Rugby Leagues official functions at State of Origin Game II at Suncorp Stadium.
Recognising the fact the balls would be popular keepsakes, the decision was made to donate the centrepieces to charity where the recipients could choose to keep them as mementos or to auction them off to raise vital funds for their organisations.
Sponsors and guests attending the function in the Hirers Suite nominated three charities per table, with the final decisions being made by QRL directors.
All of the commemorative balls have been signed by Queensland Maroons captain Cameron Smith and coach Mal Meninga.
The six charities to receive centrepieces were:
The Stepping Stone Clubhouse
Matthew Stanley Foundation
Leukaemia Foundation
Bowel Cancer Australia
AEIOU
Beyond Blue
