Brad Tallon steps down from QRL South East

QRL South East wish to acknowledge the immense contribution of long-serving administrator Brad Tallon, who has advised that he is stepping down from the position of Region Chair.

Tallon has devoted 18 and a half years of service to the South East and SEQ boards, with the first 10 years as finance director, and the remainder as chair.

Tallon took into account work and family matters, as well as discussions with the QRLSE Board of Delegates, before deciding to leave his post.

“They say you should always strive to leave an organisation in better shape than you joined it, and I believe I have achieved that,” Tallon said.

“My time on the Board has seen the Region achieve many things of which I am proud, including the successful merger of South East and Southern to form SEQ in 2009, and the subsequent introduction of independent directors.”

In standing down, Tallon also relinquishes his position on the QRL Board after 11 and a half years’ service.

Peter Daley, chair of Rugby League Gold Coast and South East Region alternate director, will assume the role of South East Chair in the interim and prior to the formal appointment of a new chair by the Region.

QRL chair Bruce Hatcher commended Tallon on his overall contribution and service to rugby league over a period spanning close to 38 years.

“Brad has always been a progressive thinker,” Hatcher said.

“He continues to be a great advocate of community football and is a very passionate Queenslander, who has always backed our statewide competitions and underpinning programs leading to the elite levels.

“What cannot be downplayed is the work he has led in driving change and improvements to governance models across the Region.

“In particular, the amalgamation of leagues into single companies limited by guarantee, including alignment with referees’ associations, has set the benchmark across the state.”

Hatcher said other notable South East achievements under Tallon’s tenure include:

* the Board appointing its first female member (subsequently increased to two)

* the move from League to QRL staffing, with a significant increase in those numbers, and more recently the input into the implementation of Project CLIMB

* re-establishment of the BRL A Grade competition

* a vast increase in numbers in the women’s game

* piloting and subsequently implementing the National Player Development Framework

* the maintenance of the game through COVID-19 in 2020 (including the Holcim Cup)

Tallon thanked his fellow directors and Region staff for their work and support over many years.

“Overall, I am very proud of the Region and the heartening increase in many areas of participation this year, though there is still much to be done,” Tallon said.

“I feel I leave the Region in good shape, with a diverse group of Board members who have extensive football, business and other skills that can take the Region forward.

“Despite stepping down from my South East chair role, I’m looking forward to continuing to assist in the promotion of the ‘greatest game of all’, as well as refereeing the odd game.”