News from around Queensland – Summer Edition 1, 2015.
From grassroots to the Jillaroos, Deb leads the way – via Sheron McDougall
Cairns-based sports trainer Debbie Gallop (main picture) will realise a long-awaited ambition when she joins the Women’s All Stars staff team in camp ahead of their game against the Indigenous Women’s All Stars being played as a curtain raiser game to the Indigenous All Stars vs NRL All Stars at CBus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast on the Friday, February 13.
Gallop’s rugby league journey has taken many turns and stand out moments with the recent phone call inviting her to join the Women’s All Stars camp leaving her speechless.
“It was a surreal moment, a definite highlight of my rugby league career and I feel very privileged to have been given the opportunity to work with elite female athletes,” she said.
Gallop has filled many roles in rugby league as a mother, kiosk convenor, committee member, coach, referee and sports trainer.
It is as a sports trainer she has found her ‘niche’ and she has quickly gained respect amongst her peers and the rugby league community having been a regular official at junior, school, senior and representative fixtures.
For the past six years Gallop has also been a trainer with the Northern Pride team.
NRL North Queensland Regional Manager Tony Quinn has mentored Gallop throughout much of her rugby league career and said her invitation to join the staff in camp with the Women’s All Stars team is well deserved.
“Debbie has been a great servant of the game for more than 20 years and this is a great opportunity and acknowledgement of her expertise in this field,” he said.
“Sports trainers perform a valuable role in the sport with every game, and in the older age groups, every team, required to have a qualified sports trainer in attendance.
“It is a rewarding, although challenging role in the sport, and I encourage anyone who has an interest in sports medicine to consider becoming involved.
“Debbie’s experience has shown there is a pathway in this field for those who have the desire to progress to a higher level”.
*** Sports Trainer courses are currently being run throughout the state with a course in Cairns on March 7-8. Those interested in undertaking the course, should contact their local NRL Game Development Officer for details.
Murri v Koori Challenge
While the NRL All Stars v NRL Indigenous All Stars games (including the Under 16 and Women’s curtain-raiser matches) will all be played on the Gold Coast on Friday, February 13 – there is even more footy to look forward to that week.
The Murri v Koori Challenge will be played on the eve of the All Stars event on Thursday, February 12 – with three games, including the match between the winner of the 2014 Murri Carnival and Koori Knockout carnivals. The games will be played at Southport Tigers.
The schedule evening’s schedule is below:
Women’s @ 5pm: Jaydon Adams Memorial v Natives
Men’s @ 6.10pm: Gyemore Shield Cherbourg v Natives
Murri v Koori champions @ 8pm: Kulpiyan Tigers V Walgett
More information about these matches will be updated on www.qrl.com.au when it comes to hand.
TDJRL chairman Bert Petersen honoured – via Kerri Ritchie
A big congratulations to Townsville and District Junior Rugby League chairman, Bert Petersen who was honoured this past weekend with a Townsville Australia Day award for Sports Administrator of the year. It is well-deserved recognition for the endless number of hours Bert has dedicated to rugby league and the community over the past 30+ years.
Below is an abridged outline of Bert’s contributions to rugby league in North Queensland.
Sports Administrator of the Year – Bert Petersen
Bert Petersen has volunteered as a rugby league coach for over 30 years and has been an Executive volunteer for over 10 years at various clubs. He is currently the Chairman of the Townsville and District Junior Rugby league a position he has had for seven years from 2004 to 2006 and again from 2012. During this time Bert has changed the face of rugby league and increased growth and development for junior players. Bert works tirelessly for the league and is always found at the grounds every weekend volunteering his time to ensure the games and fixtures run smoothly, as well as during the week for meetings or coaching academies. Bert takes annual leave from his paid job to do the draw for the Townsville & District Junior Rugby League competition.
Bert has also introduced opportunities for the country clubs to represent Townsville and developed the combined teams to provide more opportunities for junior players.
He has also been a successful coach throughout his life. He has coached for more than 30 years for clubs such as Centrals ASA, Hughenden and Charters Towers where he was coach of the Mid West, winning Foley Shield side for two years. He has coached players and then also coached their children in later years. Bert was made a Life Member of Centrals Junior Rugby League in 2008 where he has also been the secretary and chairman. Bert was also the Chairman of Northern Junior Council for Rugby League.
Bert has gone above and beyond what many coaches would do. Bert has been a role model not only to the community but to his family. Clubs associated with the League have the utmost respect for Bert for the work he has done for the League and the way he runs the League in a professional manner.
Brisbane Second Division Rugby League representative team positions
Applications are invited for managers, sports trainers and selectors for the 2015 Under 20 and Opens Representative Teams
About the carnival
Brisbane Second Division Rugby League Under 20 and Open Representative teams will play in a carnival against Ipswich Diggers and Gold Coast Vikings representative teams in May at Ipswich (exact date still yet to be confirmed).
All accommodation, transport and meals are provided for the duration of the carnival.
These highly sought after volunteer roles carry minimal requirements:
· Managers must have experience in managing teams
· Trainers must have a minimum ARL First Aid Officers Level I Certificate and relevant experience
· Selectors are expected to have previous experience with representative teams
HOW TO APPLY:
To be considered for these roles, fully complete the attached application form and email to seconddivison1@optusnet.com.au before the COB Wednesday, February 4.
Download an application form via the BSDRL website: Brisbane Second Division Rugby League
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Send your news snippets to c.edwards@qrl.com.au at the QRL Media team.
