2021 President’s Report
What a year ......
Who would have thought we would have to deal with another COVID affected season? But in true Queanbeyan spirit we navigated these restrictions to operate in a business as usual mode adjusting and reacting as required.
This year we fielded 6 senior teams - 1sts, 2nds, Colts, 3rds, 4ths and for the first time in a number of years a women’s 15’s team. Our 1st grade and women’s teams finished in 5th spot, with 2nd’s in 4th, colts in 2nd, 3rd’s in 3rd and 4th’s in 2nd. All teams made statements in the their respective competitions. And one can ask what would have happened if the competition was not cut short.
The inclusion of a women's team was a major achievement for the Club, and all concerned are to be congratulated. Playing the women's home games at 4.45pm after first grade was something new that was well supported but does stretch our resources and COVID did not allow us to take full advantage of our club rooms.
Football activity started shortly after the 2020 season with the commencement of a Whites Academy allowing extra skills, fitness and weight trainings for selected players. Pre-season commenced early Feb with good numbers in attendance. To assist setting the club direction and goals the Club embarked on a weekend away to Jindabyne. This allowed for coaches and players to interact, set goals and engage in activities to establish team harmony and alignment.
To continue this theme, we held our first Whites Cultural Day to celebrate and acknowledge the diverse cultures within the Club. We were treated to cultural ceremonies, dance, food and artifacts. Thanks to Tony Doherty, Faith Donohue, Dan Fasch and our indigenous and pacific communities for making this day a success.
Pre-season games were held against Southern Districts, Goulburn and Wests leading into the competition rounds. COVID limited many of our match and social functions which did affect social and community engagement within the Club. When restrictions allowed, we did take advantage and the following functions were held and well received: Players night at Walsh's, Sponsors night at Hellenic Club in the City, Ladies day, Old Boys day and Win the Day.
Win the Day really showcased the Queanbeyan Whites community and family. The after-match function at Walsh's Hotel to auction off the playing jumpers and celebrate the day was outstanding. There was an awesome buzz and feel to the night. This feeling had been building for some time and it was the first opportunity for all of us to get together in one location to enjoy the spoils. The auction was a great success .
. A Whites community gathering, celebrating victories and championing a cause close to our hearts. Something we have been striving for over the past couple of years.
Sponsorship - an integral part of the football club. We welcomed a new major sponsor in Walsh's Hotel and a new apparel supplier - O'Neills. It was great to see the club embrace the change and our club looking great in O'Neil ls kit both at home and away. We also saw an increased commitment from the majority of our existing sponsors. Thank you to Ian Hunt, Franca and Grant Jones for their work in liaising with our sponsors both existing and new. Their efforts early in the year provided a generous kit start to the season. A true indication of the commitment within the community.
Continuing our community involvement, the Club (both Juniors and Seniors) assisted Brumbies Rugby and QPRC in running a Super W game held a Seifert Oval.
Running the football club is no easy task and requires assistance from all quarters. I would like to acknowledge and thank the following:
• To all the. players thank you. Without your commitment and passion to the Queanbeyan Rugby Club we do not enter the playing arena. We had approximately 170 registered players. Men's and women's
• I would like to acknowledge our:
o Queanbeyan Whites Brumbies players: Nie White, James Slipper, Nick Frost, Reece Tapine and Sefo Kautai.
o Our academy players: Fred Kaihea, Junior Tupou, Zeph Tuinona, Tony Alofi po, Zane Marolt and Jed Stuart.
The Whites continue to offer an opportunity and pathway to players seeking to advance to the next level in their football journey.
Congratulations to Fred Kaihea and Junior Tupou for being offered full contracts with the Brumbies. To Jed Stuart for his selection in Aust 7's program games in Dubai.
• The following senior players who are moving on and accepting opportunities outside of Canberra:
o Zeph Tuinona, Brendan Jimenez and Tony Alofipo taking up opportunities in Japan.
o Reece Ta pine staying in Super Rugby in moving to the Western Force.
o Liam Richman to Southern Districts in the Shute shield.
Thank you for your time with the whites and good luck going forward. And we continue to see Colts players provided the opportunity in the top grade.
• To all Coaches and Managers, Thank you for your commitment to the cause
o First Grade: Sam French, Glen Stumbles, Tim Hawke and Kelvin Armstrong (manager)
o Second Grade: Dave Carter, Dan Penca and Nev Cooke (manager)
o Colts: Adam Bennett, Jake Gordon and Mat Kilmister (manager)
o Third Grade: Zac Jerrim, Tim O'Brien and Vince Townsend (manager)
o Fourth Grade: Zach Byrnes and Vince Townsend and Kelvin Armstrong (managers)
o Women’s: Dean Falvey and Julia Leckey (manager)
• Our Medical and S & C, The best in Canberra. Thanks to Dan Faech and his Matrix team of physic's and Interns, keeping our players healthy and on the paddock. Also, special thanks for Dan for driving our COVID protocols and standards. And thanks to Faith Donahue -travelling from the Bay each weekend to assist. To Phillip Khanthavivone and Joe Furlanetto S&C in setting the bar and then maintaining our fitness standards.
• Canteen -To Fran Darmody Ian Hunt and Bob Brady for managing the canteen and ensuring we continue to have the best canteen in Canberra. To Scott Waterman for his coffee van and jumping in running water and ground set up and pull down.
• Thanks to Paul Thomas and Brian Gordon for manning the scoreboard.
• Ground set up and pack up-Mick Gordon Vince and Josh Townsend and the playing group.
• Queanbeyan Whites development group/ Fund - Continued support for our colts program
• Social Media - A real game changer this year. A huge thank you to Caroline Tai, Oliver Efkarpidis, Grant Jones and team. This has allowed the Whites to communicate and reach our Whites family and showcase the Whites to the greater rugby community. It provides a greater presence for the Club and sponsors.
• Cultural day- Faith, Dan Fasch, Doc Doherty and our indigenous and pacifica communities for making this possible and such a success.
• Sponsors night -Hellenic Club, Mick Douros, Grant Jones, Caden Helmers
• Ladies day -thanks to Franca Jones, ladies from the women's' team and Walsh's Hotel
• Queanbeyan Palerang Council for their support.
• Craig Leseberg and Mat Vowles from Brumbies Rugby
• To the Googong Team, Ron Hill, David and Franca Jones, thank you for championing this opportunity. This will be a game changer for the Queanbeyan Rugby Club.
Again, to all our Sponsors, I cannot thank you enough for your continued support and involvement. It is extremely pleasing to see you represented to the wider rugby community on signage around Campese Field, on our playing kit and support clothing and via our social media platforms.
Special thanks to Walsh's Hotel. To Mick and his team thank you, you provide us a home away from home.
To Mick Douros and the Hellenic Club, thank you for all you do to support the Whites.
To my Whites committee, thank you for your support, direction, passion and friendship over the past year.
After two years as President, I have decided to step aside. I would like to thank everyone within the Whites community for their support over past two years. Although we did not win the John I Dent Cup in this time I believe the Club is in a strong financial position and has made significant strides in improving the Queanbeyan Rugby Union Club and enhancing the Whites as the best club in town. I wish the Club and new committee every success going forward.
Micky P
Club President
