Queensland Rugby. Annual Report

Transcription

1 Queensland Rugby Annual Report

2 2004 PERFORMANCE SEASON HIGHLIGHTS Record 43,000 people now playing rugby in Queensland Record 91 non-traditional schools take part in Ballymore Cup Record Australian Super 12 crowd of 42,237 sees Reds retain Templeton Cup Queensland players make up half of Australian U-21 and U-19 World Cup squads Nathan Sharpe captains Wallabies Gold Coast Breakers win first ever Hospitals Cup New Ballymore administration building opens KEY PARTICIPATION STATISTICS 1999 (Estimates only) Junior Clubs Senior Clubs Junior club players 5,815 7,420 8,775 10,228 10,285 12,363 Regular School players 13,620 13,749 15,228 18,530 20,489 22,034 Senior club players 7,286 7,317 7,676 8,954 8,369 9,535 TOTAL PLAYERS 26,820 28,486 31,679 37,712 39,143 43,932 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE Sponsorship 2,592,619 3,277,548 3,114,257 3,228,393 3,944,738 4,384,470 Match Day Income 3,332,916 3,152,176 3,655,746 3,778,106 4,331,331 5,597,825 State Government Grants - Ballymore 1,174,772 3,745,597 2,056,660 1,991,854 Nil 771,253 Gross Trading income 11,319,637 13,115,893 13,918,297 15,340,259 17,362,957 18,622,991 Net Trading Profit/(Loss) 236,981 (298,776) 149,864 79, , ,843 Members Equity 10,067,461 13,439,022 20,838,163 22,559,786 22,742,588 24,079,684

3 01 CONTENTS PAGE THE VALUES OF QUEENSLAND RUGBY The Values of Queensland Rugby 01 Chairman s Report 02 CEO s Report 05 Sponsors 08 Standards We uphold a high level of performance, behaviour and appearance in all aspects of life. Board of Directors 09 Finance Report 10 Commercial Report 12 Communications 15 Camaraderie We operate in a spirit of mateship and teamwork. Heritage We are proud of our history, as individuals, as a state and as a nation. Accountability We take responsibility for our actions. Discipline We do what needs to be done and our strength grows as a result. Community Rugby 17 Reds Summary 22 Team Photo 23 Statistics 24 Honour Board 26 Energex Reds Rugby College 28 Qld Academy of Sport Under 19s 30 Premier Rugby 2003 Statistics 31 Club Reports 32 Queensland Suburban Rugby 40 Queensland Country Rugby Union 42 Qld Rugby Football Schools Union 53 Queensland Junior Rugby Union 55 Queensland Rugby Club Report 56 Obituary 57 Financials i

4 CHAIRMAN S REPORT Ben Kehoe 02 RECREATING HISTORY OR CREATING A NEW BEGINNING? 2004 has been a watershed year for Queensland Rugby, a time of new beginnings. Rugby in Queensland is moving forward fast, but as we approach the tenth season of professional Super 12 rugby, it is perhaps important that we remind ourselves where we have come from and ask how we plan to position ourselves for the next decade. In this report I plan to establish an historical context, hypothesise on the major issues confronting Queensland Rugby and propose a number of solutions which I hope extend the thinking and behaviour of all in our organisation. For example, what must happen for Queensland to remain a sustainable and prosperous Union? What must be in place for Ballymore to be the home of Australian Rugby and how do we position this Union to be the thought leaders in world rugby? How can we do all this, and create a sustainable and vibrant amateur rugby culture and still live within our means? HISTORICAL CONTEXT A perspective on the Queensland Rugby since 1995 Prior 1995 The professional era in 2004 Control of playing program -Games QRU ARU Control of leading Players QRU ARU Finance Game Program ARU supplies 40% of Funds Season/Club Valued by Local Media Minor media interest Competition And the Community very little interest to public Clubs Valued as a pathway Limited to no value to Representative Rugby as a pathway Players Great majority aspire to Great majority aspire play at a higher level to play at a higher level These changes are a result of the decision to professionalise the game and it has had major implications for the State Unions. It is interesting to reflect on why it took Rugby so long to move to the professional era and the fact that it took a ' radical ' move by an external body to precipitate the change. The establishment had to fight to retain control. Some comparative facts: Queensland Rugby Union Revenue $4million $18 million No of Employees No of Clubs (Brisbane) No of Sub Unions No of players in QLD 16, ,000+ POST WORLD CUP 2004 The Rugby World Cup in Australia promised much and I have listed the amounts allocated for Queensland Rugby from the ARU Board as part of the RWC 2003 Surplus: Our understanding of the status as at September 2004 is: 1. Try Rugby Grants an allocation of $154,000 has been made for a total of 14 Try Rugby Centres. The location and timing of these centres is yet to be agreed with ARU Community Rugby but the understanding is that these will be held in 2005 and Strategic Community Rugby project - an allocation of $360,000 has been made for a series of programs that are outlined in QRU ARU Strategic Funding 2004 document. Again the understanding is that these initiatives will commence in Funding for State Strategic initiatives an allocation of $1,425,000 has been made and the formal request for these funds was made to the ARU Board meeting of 17 September FUTURE CONTEXT Commercial The International Game is the major driver of revenue with over 90% coming from this source. The focus at this level is a major challenge globally and I believe that for rugby to be sustainable into the future the focus needs to be at a regional level with a reduced focus on internationals. The IRB is currently working on a project to establish the feasibility of a global season, and as you might imagine it is a challenging task. Soccer and Cricket however have, in time, moved in this direction and rugby will also in time. The mid-year tours, while valuable to the game at the moment may well devalue the product at the same time. Watching Australia thrash England at Suncorp was no great Rugby spectacle - the public will wake up!

5 Recent statistics demonstrate that sponsorship globally is reducing with more sports competing for fewer dollars. Australia faces the same challenges in a much smaller market. Watching the evolution of a fourth Super 14 side will be a valuable learning from a number of perspectives. The proposed new broadcasting agreement establishes the structure and format of the season for the next five years but for there to be any changes post 2010 planning needs to be started now. Professional Rugby Continuing Internationalisation As with most professional sports, the increasing globalisation of competitions, plus the movement of players means that traditional models of clubs and tribal loyalties are not the same. Current information which highlights this includes: Queenslanders overseas: Professional Players/ Community Rugby: 50+ Coaches: 14 Our challenge is to provide the best competition we can, but let s not fool ourselves that players and coaches still won t go overseas. As mentioned earlier, the discussion on a global season will have a major impact on how we think about the Rugby program. World Cup Dominance The World Cup continues to dominate thinking about tours and selections. Test matches now have a different feel about them as coaches look for the best combinations and experiment with selections as their teams prepare for the next world Cup. Rugby in the Olympics (Sevens) The IRB has, as a part of its agenda, lobbied for the inclusion of rugby in the Olympics. This has major implications for us, as it impacts on the Super 12 season next year and in all future years. An Australian Sevens team is also due to play in the 2006 Commonwealth Games. One option is for Australia not to compete or to compete with a "modified selection". If Australia is to compete seriously in these competitions surely there must be a focus on 7's Rugby at every level - Queensland has no recognised 7's Competition The conduct of a 21st Century Global Business in a 19th Century political structure There are few professional sports which I can identify that have continued to maintain their connection to the amateur base. Rugby is one of the very last to go professional and serious consideration must be given to appropriate structure to encourage growth in the game while retaining the ethos. The current ARU policy which effectively limits each Union to one Super 14 team has implications as we move to future growth strategies. There are at least two structural options as we move to the future: Option 1: establish ARU as body which directly controls all professional football in Australia. All Rugby franchises would be controlled centrally. This body would be separate and distinct from the Community Rugby body. Option 2: establish a number of additional Unions with direct affiliation to the ARU. In this model each province will have some control over the regional professional rugby side. There may well be other models. Community challenges ahead: Queensland Rugby faces many challenges over the next 10 years both in the professional game and at a grassroots, amateur level. At a community level, are we ready to take advantage of the changing demographics in south-east Queensland and the predicted population boom? Can we combat competition from other sports with a more user friendly program? What needs to be done about the lack of meaningful competition for players of Elite Amateur standing and should we allow the continued playing of professional players in an Amateur Game? The continued pressure to fund the Community Rugby system, the retention of players within that system, the availability of volunteers and the standard of existing facilities are just some of the other issues affecting the game as we currently administer it. Board perspective: There were many highlights in Queensland Rugby in 2004 and unfortunately some lows. As I said at the outset of this report, 2004 was a year of new beginnings Highs New CEO in Theo Psaros and a new Coach in Jeff Miller and the recreation that comes with fresh blood 03

6 04 CHAIRMAN S REPORT CONTINUED A Super 12 record crowd of 42,237 for Queensland V NSW at Suncorp Stadium Returning home to Ballymore with a new administration centre The focus on Community Rugby the paper our strategic Intent and subsequent workshop with the Clubs which endorsed the establishment of Premier Rugby as a State-wide competition Queensland-NSW joint Board meetings The great results in the Participation arena including the Juniors Lows Inability to accelerate the establishment of 3rd Tier / Elite Amateur Rugby Inability to present Constitution for consultation before now The continuing disappointment of the Reds attempt to make the Super 12 finals The delay in receiving and thus re-investing Rugby World Cup funding back into the game in Queensland. The Future is here now can we see it? The 2004 Queensland-NSW match was a forerunner of things to come. No responsible Board can avoid the potential economic benefit to the game of moving to Suncorp Stadium, providing of course that the move in commercially viable. The Queensland B program is being established. It is the embryo of an Australasian competition which will extend the development of many underutilised assets. (see below) It is now nine years since Rugby was rudely dragged into the future. There has been a lot of turbulence as many traditional and cultural beliefs have been overturned but the challenge from this point is to build on the new beginnings and make Queensland a rugby state, in the same way New Zealand is a rugby country or Victoria is an AFL stronghold. This may seem like a pipe dream but so did professional rugby. More than 100,000 people attending a Test match in Sydney or 52,000 fans at a game in Brisbane was unthinkable just 10 years ago, but it has happened! In conclusion I would like to thank a number of very committed and dedicated people To Theo, the staff and the Reds of Queensland Rugby your dedication and commitment to the mission is fabulous and the Board is in no doubt that the robust position of the organisation is a credit to you. To my colleagues on the Board I thank you for the expertise you bring and the spirit with which you work it is a privilege to be one of you. To those of you who work in Rugby at large thank you - Rugby is still essentially a community based sport and with the community involvement at every level it does not happen. I leave you with one thought: When asked by a reporter what makes him a great player, ice hockey legend Wayne Gretsky is reported to have said, "I skate to where the puck is going not to where it is." Ben Kehoe Chairman

7 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER S REPORT Theo Psaros It is a pleasure to report to you on the progress that Queensland Rugby has made during As we enter 2005 and the 10th year of professional rugby, it is pleasing to see that less comment is being made on the difficulties associated with the transition from an amateur sport to one of professionalism. This is not to say there is any less energy for the professional side of our game. The 2004 year has seen a much needed increase in emphasis on the community aspect of our sport with many initiatives designed to improve the welfare and competitions for the benefit of the 43,000 players and 8,000 volunteers throughout Queensland. Rugby in Queensland is in great shape, is experiencing an exciting period and our future is vibrant. The popularity of rugby in Queensland can be found in the following statistics: - an increase in player numbers from 23,000 in 1997 to 43,000 in 2004; Livingstone, joins the Reds with experience from the Brumbies and more recently as the National S&C Coach for the ARU Elite Player Development Program. Garry Nucifora s appointment as Manager will play a major role in how the Reds perform off the field. We welcome Anthony, Steuart and Garry to the Reds and thank Adrian Thompson, Anthony Herbert, Damian Mednis and Steve Nance for their support and commitment to the QRU over many years. The future prospects are very encouraging with so many talented young players coming through. Queensland supplied 13 of the 26 players for the Australian squad that played at the U-19 World Cup in South Africa and the same number again for the U-21 World Cup in Scotland. The Reds welcome Daniel Leo (Sunnybank), Caleb Brown (The Southport School), Lloyd Johansson (Breakers), Brock James (Sydney University and Taranaki NPC Player of the Year) and Nic Berry (Sunnybank) to the Reds. We are also excited to welcome back Ben Tune and wish him continued success with the Reds. - 5,500 junior players in 1999 to 11,000 in 2004; and - 13,000 school players to 21,000 in 2004; With 15% of Australians now attending rugby matches (compared to 16% for rugby league), our sport is continuing to grow and stamp itself as a major participation and professional code. Even the most ardent Reds supporter would see the 2004 Tooheys New Super 12 competition was a season of disappointment and frustration. However and importantly, the 2004 year was the beginning of a rebuilding period for the Reds following the retirement of many experienced players. However, the combination of injuries to key players, frustrating close losses at home and the tragic death of Michael Tabrett saw the Reds finish 10th at the end of the season. The Reds finished 2004 with four successive victories and will approach 2005 with a steely determination to do well. At the end of the Super 12, changes were made to the support staff. Following the resignation of Adrian Thompson and the departures of Anthony Herbert, Damian Mednis and Steve Nance, we have assembled a new team of coaches who will assist Jeff Miller in our quest to win Super 12. Tremendous experience has been gained in the employment of the Brumbies backs coach, Anthony Eddy. The new Strength & Conditioning coach, Steuart The Super 12 is what we all want to win however, and the coaching staff and players are working tirelessly in the off-season to ensure success in The QRU strategic plan sought to win the Super 12 title at least once by 2005 so the lessons learned in 2004 are expected to deliver improved results in The highlight from community rugby is the continued increase in playing numbers, led significantly in the number of junior players. Improving the quality of our competitions is at the forefront of our strategic and operational planning. To our many volunteers who contribute to the quality of the competitions our seniors, juniors and school age players compete in, we thank you for your continued tireless efforts. Tremendous effort and planning has been undertaken to establish a framework around the structures and placement of rugby competitions both managed by the QRU and those that are run by our various stakeholders. The identification of four levels of competition for rugby in Queensland (Professional, Elite Amateur, Competitive and Foundation) has resulted in a clear delineation in our planning. One of the significant changes is that Telstra Premier Rugby is now a state-wide competition managed by the QRU. Those clubs invited to participate in 2005 will see a new focus that will seek to elevate the prominence of this competition. The 2004 Premier Rugby competition saw one of the 05

8 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER S REPORT CONTINUED most exciting finals series in recent years. Congratulations to the Gold Coast Breakers for their inaugural premiership. They produced a very effective grand final performance against a University team with many of the Reds and Energex Reds Rugby College players. The Breakers were deserved champions but I am sure the Brisbane clubs will be seeking to have the Hospital s Cup return to them. In was another successful year in country rugby, culminating in a thrilling victory by Sunshine Coast over Townsville in an exciting grand final at Noosa. Both teams are to be congratulated on their performances and the spirit in which the final was played. Congratulations to winning Coach Peter Hanson and commiserations to Terry Shiells. our partnerships is testament to the relationships we have. To all our sponsors and in particular, David Liddy (Bank of Queensland), Ken Freer (Castlemaine Perkins) and Graeme Dickinson (Canterbury International), we thank you for your continued support. Amongst the success of our commercial operations we faced some disappointment with the loss of Qantas sponsorship. All three states were led to believe that their airline sponsorship was to be renewed. Sadly, the investment in the three states was directed into the sponsorship of the The Regional Academies continue to prosper, and are now operating in Townsville, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba. Plans are well underway to open more centres in Cairns, Mackay, Gold Coast and Bundaberg. The Academies success has been reflected in the performance of Regional teams in junior and schools competition, with Townsville winning the schools title at Surfers Paradise earlier in the year. Townsville s Academy supplied eleven players to the winning team. Our commercial operations in 2004 are highlighted by the excellent performance in staging the match against the Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium. The stature of the QRU grew to a new level amongst our many stakeholders including sponsors, members and media. In setting an Australian Super 12 record crowd, we came of age. How can we better this outcome? A Reds team consistently sitting at the top of the Super 12 table is a start. It is exciting that over 4,000 people who attended this match have not been to Ballymore. We look forward to seeing them attend more of our matches. The QRU is very fortunate to have a fantastic list of sponsors. The longevity of 06 Peter Hynes

9 Wallabies. It is disappointing that in our top 20 risks listed in our risk management programme that the increased influence of the ARU is high on this list. The loss of an airline sponsor highlights this increasing risk. The decision to in-source both sponsorship and memberships is a significant step for the QRU. We thank IMG for their efforts over the last five years. However, we have confidence and belief in not only our ability but the strength of our commercial operations that we can look to grow our business ourselves. We have always believed that additional opportunities exist for community rugby sponsorship. Early indications suggest an increased emphasis in interest from corporations looking for grass roots partnerships. This is best illustrated in Telstra s investment in many areas of community rugby in Queensland. The 2004 year also saw a review of the ways in which we communicate the business of Queensland Rugby to our many stakeholders. The performance of the QRU is too often solely judged on the performance of the Reds. While this is a significant measure of our performance, many success stories are not being shared. A position will be created in community rugby that will involve seeking and sharing the news on rugby throughout Queensland. We thank Peter Kelly for his contribution to the QRU and wish him well with his future career. The QRU is also excited to have returned to Ballymore. The construction of our new administration building has provided the organisation with a facility that will improve the quality of service for our staff, provide improved facilities for the delivery of education courses to referees, coaches and administrators and exhibit that the QRU is a truly professional operation. A culture of one organisation will be enhanced with more direct contact between the Reds and the entire organisation. The QRU is also indebted for the significant contribution by the State Government of $771,253 towards the cost of construction of the new administration facility. This grant represents the continued support of rugby by the Minister of Sport, The Hon. Terry Mackenroth AND BEYOND All businesses face an ever changing environment. However, the next two years will see our sport face new and exciting challenges. In no particular order, the following milestones and events will occur: - successful renegotiation for the broadcast rights of SANZAR competitions for a further term; - finalisation of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Rugby Union Players Association for a further four years; - finalisation of a draft QRU constitution to be communicated early 2005; - further scoping of the feasibility of developing Ballymore into an enhanced rugby facility; - the expansion of SANZAR competitions to Super 14 and three Tri-nations Tests between Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. It is long overdue that a Bledisloe Cup match be held in Brisbane; - appropriate investigation of options for the introduction of a tier of rugby between Super 14 and Premier Rugby; and - the review and updating of the QRU strategic plan. Our current strategic plan is now four years old and as the rugby landscape is changing, we need to revisit the shaping of our future. I wish to thank the Board for its support and hard work in As you will see from the Directors Report in the audited financial statements, the combination of board and committee meetings requires a significant amount of time and effort on the part of our Directors. Accepting the role of a QRU Director is no small feat. Finally, I would also like to acknowledge the tremendous effort by the management and staff of the QRU. The 2004 has been a tough but rewarding one for the staff. I have spoken of their passion and dedication on many occasions. The continued success of Queensland Rugby is a result of these qualities. It is the ethos of rugby that makes our sport unique. It is time to tell everyone to get into rugby. Theo Psaros Chief Executive Officer 07

10 SPONSORS PRINCIPAL NAMING RIGHTS Bank of Queensland ELITE SPONSORS Castlemaine Perkins Canterbury International MAJOR SPONSORS Bartercard Mazda Telstra Coca Cola Energex Landmark Qantas SPONSOR Bundaberg Rum Falken Tyres AACO Gilbert Footballs Clayton Utz Yellow Cabs Bentley s MRI Macair Total Sports Travel Konica Minolta Sheraton Adrenalin Sports Bar PREFERRED SUPPLIERS Sirromet Sony Australia Silver Fern Australia 4 n 20 pies Alphasport Musashi Queensland Diagnostic Imaging Beiersdorf MEDIA PARTNERS The Australian Channel Seven Seven Queensland Triple M 08

11 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Left to Right: Robin Thomson, Theo Psaros, Ben Kehoe, Paul McLean, David Crombie, Ross Williams, Peter Moore, David Usasz, David Croft, Megan Snape (Company Secretary) Dick Marks Entrance to the new administration building at Ballymore 09

12 FINANCE REPORT David Usasz Queensland Rugby's financial accounts report an excellent profit for the 2004 year of $1,337,096. It should be noted however that this includes a $771,253 grant received from Sport & Recreation Queensland for the construction of a new Administration Building at Ballymore and $250,000 compensation received from Australian Rugby Union when Rugby World Cup games were transferred from Ballymore. Our normal result after the two extraordinary items is a trading profit of $315,843, compared to $182,802 in The budget for the year was $98,000, based on all games being played at Ballymore. The relocation of the Reds V Waratahs match enabled us to redress lower than anticipated season corporate sales and improve the commercial viability of the business. There was a rise in sponsorship income, primarily due to increase contra support from media partners for promotion of the relocated match. The profit and loss shows a corresponding rise in servicing and promotional expenses. Last year I advised that the hospitality events held in conjunction with the Rugby World Cup fell into the 2004 financial year. These functions were extremely successful and contributed $70,000 to the revenue. With operations being similar to 2003 most balance sheet items, including receivables and payables remain steady. There is a considerable increase in the amount owing on interest bearing liabilities. This is a result of the cash funds being used in the construction of the new Administration building at Ballymore. Construction started mid January 2004 with staff moving in at the end of September 2004.No further funding is required to complete the project. The 2005 budget has been approved by our board on the assumption that no matches are relocated to Suncorp Stadium. With no special events or grants, only five Super 12 games and one tour match in the season membership package shall continue to give our commercial department their greatest challenge. I must complement our Chief Executive Officer Mr Theo Psaros and the Finance & Administration Manager Miss Megan Snape on their excellent commercial and financial stewardship over the 2004 financial year. David Usasz Treasurer 10 Josh Valentine

13 2004 Queensland Rugby Union Staff on the deck of the new administration building at Ballymore.

14 COMMERCIAL REPORT Tony Hancock The 2004 year has seen many plans coming to fruition in a bid to keep Queensland Rugby at the forefront of managing its commercial business. Many of the changes have been a long time in planning with the full benefits to be delivered in the coming years. The highlights of these changes are: 1. Relocation of a game away from Ballymore, realising the first Bank of Queensland Reds match at the redeveloped Suncorp Stadium drawing an Australian record Super 12 crowd of 42, Queensland Rugby to in-source its own sponsorship acquisition and management, ending a five year relationship with IMG. The goal is to focus on delivering better sponsorship servicing via our own Queensland Rugby sponsorship staff. 3. Queensland Rugby to in-source Reds membership management in conjunction with a software program provided by Ticketmaster7. Reds members will now deal directly with QRU staff rather than ticketing agents in Sydney. As in past years the commercial income focused on sponsorship and match day profits while a third area, licensing, continues to be an area of opportunity for development. The highlight for the commercial department in 2004 was undoubtedly the success of the marketing campaign and resulting financial upside of relocating our Waratahs match. HIGHLIGHT OF 2004 With the 2004 Bank of Queensland Reds average home crowd figure approaching 16,000 people, a 52,000 seat Suncorp Stadium to fill and an Australian Super 12 crowd record to break, a novel approach was taken to marketing this match. Lets get REDDY TO RUMBLE was a fully integrated marketing campaign targeted at One-eyed Queenslanders and the Entertainment seeker segment looking for the hot ticket in town. A success in itself was the -Get Reddy to Rumblepostcard mailed to 30,000 rugby centric Queenslanders offering the chance to WIN the match ball and a half Reds/ half Waratahs jersey signed by both captains and coaches of the teams. Between our members and this mail out nearly 30,000 seats were sold before any other marketing activity had begun. Queensland Rugby is indebted to the following companies for the significant corporate support during this marketing campaign - Bank of Queensland, XXXX, Bartercard, Coca Cola, Mazda, Energex, Channel 7, Triple M, Falken Tyres, The Australian, The Queensland Government and Ogden Stadium management. SPONSORSHIP In 2004 the Bank of Queensland and Queensland Rugby proved the value of our 20 year relationship by winning the prestigious 2004 Australian Financial Review National Corporate Partnership Award! 12 David Liddy, Elton Flatley and Theo Psaros with the 2004 Australian Financial Review National Corporate Partnership Award

15 This followed the receipt of the Financial Review s Major Award in the Sport and Athlete business category. A feat underlined by the quality of the opposition in IBM s association with the Australian Open Tennis Tournament and Telstra s partnership with Australian Surf Life Saving. Our current elite sponsors, Castlemaine Perkins and Canterbury International are mid term in their current contracts, extending their relationships to 23 years and 8 years respectively. Queensland Rugby thanks them for their continued support in Queensland Rugby is very pleased to welcome Telstra, The Australian, Bentleys MRI Chartered Accountants, Australian Agricultural Company, Total Sports Travel, Macair, Queensland Diagnostic Imaging and Konica Minolta as new sponsors in Overall 2004 gross sponsorship income grew 12% from 2003 to $4,385,000, being over $3 million in cash while contra payments made up just over $1 million. A major component of this increase was realised through generous contra media from Channel Seven, Triple M and The Australian, which was delivered in promoting the Waratahs match. Queensland Rugby s strategy for sponsorships moving forward will be to increase the overall net sponsorship income while not necessarily increasing the number of sponsors. The overall growth in the equity around Rugby is helping this cause, while careful packaging of opportunities together is realising the goal of larger sponsorships which cover more properties that in the past may have been sold separately to a number of sponsors. MATCH INCOME Income from our home match activity had a mixed season, with memberships and individual game sales showing massive growth of 54% due to the success of the Waratahs match at Suncorp Stadium. This figure is offset by the increased cost in hosting matches at Suncorp Stadium which influenced the commercial expenditure increase of 25% over the previous year. Overall a very positive result which highlights the opportunity if larger crowds can be achieved to minimise the additional costs associated with the stadium hire. Sales of corporate facilities were down in 2004 after the high levels of occupancy with the World Cup. Indications were that many businesses opted not to renew Super 12 facilities after the World Cup year, either for financial reasons or because they utilised the Super 12 as an avenue towards gaining World Cup access. A summary of the match attendance statistics is provided here ATTENDANCE SUMMARY Reds Memberships and Attendance Comparisons In general the 2004 season offered a reality check for Queensland Rugby in terms of Attendance Number 45,000 40,000 35,000 30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5, Clients/Reds Memberships Year attendances and membership comparisons against the considerable growth experienced in Clearly the Rugby World Cup had a major impact on membership and attendance figures in 2003, giving Queensland Rugby a slightly inflated position on the health of Rugby at the provincial level. This said, the drain of money from the economy in 2003 was always going to be difficult to counter and the position will be much brighter again in The graph below highlights the growth and decline in the number of clients and memberships across the past six seasons. A client is the actual account holder purchasing a season ticket. A client may buy a multiple number of tickets. A membership equates to a single seat or general admission ticket. In 2004 each client purchased on average 2.3 Reds Ballymore Crowd Comparison Chiefs Crusaders Blues Stormers Bulls Six Super 12 Team Programme Waratahs Clients Memberships

16 COMMERCIAL REPORT CONTINUED Memberships (or tickets) where as in 2003 each client purchased on average 1.7 tickets submitting more names and therefore more chances in the Rugby World Cup ticket ballot. The graph (on the previous page) summarises the comparison of attendance for the teams that the Reds play in the six match Super 12 programme. The Stormers match in 2004 was played on Easter Saturday which had a negative impact on the crowd figure and The Bulls match was played on a very wet Friday night after the Reds had posted a 2 win 6 loss record. An extra 20,000 people exercised their opportunity to attend the QLD V NSW match with the change in venue. From a very positive perspective the QLD V NSW match highlights the potential for rugby at the provincial level, breaking the Australian Super 12 attendance record by posting an attendance of 42,237. The success of this match offers many opportunities to continue the growth of rugby at this Super 12 level. LICENSING Sales of licensed products and services continued a steady increase from the previous years with a further growth over 2003 income of 16% to reach over $325,000. Further development in licensing is required to broaden the product base and 2005 should see a steadying in growth as more opportunities are investigated. The Bank of Queensland s contribution to Queensland Rugby extends into the licensing area, with significant royalties generated by the Bank of Queensland Reds Credit Card. Average monthly royalties have now reached in excess of $14,000 per month and new initiatives are being investigated to grow this further. Sales of Canterbury International product also continue to offer significant royalty payments to the business. In 2004 Canterbury International launched the Cotton Oxford second tier range which offers a cheaper range of Reds product. Plans in 2005 include offering the latest in kids wear and expanding from the Reds brand into other Rugby orientated pieces. Australian Rugby continued to play its part in the growth of Queensland Rugby s licensing program, assisting with the acquisition of new licensees and the leverage of sales through their significant network of aligned stores. Research is underway into the relaunch of the Ballymore brand in Queensland Rugby recognises the value in this international brand and will investigate all potential license opportunities. Together a dedicated QRU Rugby Services department may be an option to support the sales of licensed product to the wider Queensland Rugby community. While much has been achieved, the Commercial Department now faces a testing year. With more commercial areas now being handled internally we are truly taking Queensland rugby s future into our own hands. It is up to us to deliver the financial gains that will help further grow the sport in this State. Tony Hancock Commercial Manager 14

17 COMMUNICATIONS REPORT Bruce McKendry Media coverage of Queensland Rugby reached an all-time high in During the Super 12 season, the Bank of Queensland Reds team held a minimum of four media conferences per week, which were well attended by television, print and radio reporters and ensured regular and widespread coverage of the team. Channels Ten, Nine, Seven, ABC and Fox Sports provided regular TV coverage, while Reds news appeared in the Courier Mail, The Australian, Sunday Mail, Gold Coast Bulletin, Sydney Morning Herald and Daily Telegraph, as well as a host of regional and international newspapers and websites. In addition to the usual daily news items, players also made regular appearances on specific radio shows. Captain Elton Flatley, fullback Chris Latham and coach Jeff Miller were weekly guests on ABC 612, Triple M and 4BC respectively, while River FM featured a different Reds player each Saturday morning. Winger Peter Hynes had a weekly spot on Townsville radio. Wendell Sailor contributed a weekly column with the Courier Mail and also a weekly slot on Channel Seven news. To ensure maximum publicity and to go that little bit further than our competitors from other codes, Reds players are always accessible to the media, and we steer clear of nominated players only press opportunities. All players are always available for interview, reporters are welcome in the Reds dressing room after the match and players remain very aware of their responsibilities to our sponsors. The Reds profile was raised in non-rugby publications as well. Elton & Kahli Flatley and Wendell & Tara Sailor were featured in a glossy colour-page spread in the Australian Women s Weekly magazine, while Julian Huxley and David Croft appeared in a photo-shoot in Ralph Magazine. Players were also seen to be doing their bit for the community, backing many charities including the Leukaemia Foundation, CAPS Suicide Prevention and the Royal Brisbane Children s Hospital, all of which garnered media coverage. Motoring, Home, Travel and Finance sections of newspapers were also targeted to widen the appeal of Reds players. With five matches away from home, freelance cameramen were hired in New Zealand and South Africa to ensure the Reds stayed in the media spotlight and this resulted in widespread coverage back on Australian television. The Reds electronic newsletter Reds Flash was mailed weekly throughout the season, providing more than 3000 readers with the latest news from inside the team. The Reds website was revamped and provides daily updates, features and profiles. A new Communications Strategy has been devised for 2005 which will concentrate on promoting the excellent work of Queensland Rugby in the community and not just that of the Reds. Bruce McKendry Queensland Rugby Media Manager Rival captains Elton Flatley & Chris Whitaker before the Reds-NSW game. 15

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19 COMMUNITY RUGBY Gaven Head 2004 has again seen continued strong growth in participation numbers in Queensland. While final figures are yet to be audited current results would indicate that over 43,000 people played in Queensland this year. This pleasing result does not include players who play in one-off competitions which make up a large proportion of the national total. These were players who trained and played in regular competitive seasons conducted over more than five weeks. Participation Overview Brisbane Country Total Juniors 6,508 5,704 12,212 Schools 13,288 8,746 22,034 Seniors 4,043 5,482 9,525 Total 23,839 19,932 43,771 To make a comparison NSW recorded 56,782 regular players in 2003 when one-off participation was removed. This would indicate that Queensland is closing the gap in its desire to become the major participating union in Australia. Queensland Rugby s strong investment in development through its staffing and grant structure is the envy of Australian Rugby and the dedication of the staffs; both QRU and affiliate employees, involved in achieving this result, should be noted. While staffing, programs and funding are integral to this growth, the solid buy in from volunteers across the state has been the essential ingredient which has seen the establishment of new clubs and competitions become a habit in regions from Cairns to the Gold Coast. with the appointment of an Administration Education Manager and concluded with the most thorough appraisal process for the affiliates ever to take place in the history of the Union. Major achievements in this area have included: Development of a standard Financial Management Package in conjunction with QUT. Standardisation of the management of the game through standard processes for competition rules, judiciary, appeals and code of conduct. The commencement of a state wide facility audit and the development of a State Facility Plan. Performance management of government, 3rd sector and philanthropic grants through a progressive system of Key Performance Indicators. The attendance of over 1300 volunteers at free seminars in major regional centres on coaching, refereeing and administration. There is still much that can be achieved in this area and ultimately the collective worth of that which is Queensland Community Rugby will be measured by performance in these areas rather than what occurs on the playing field. This is not to say that the quality and standard of the game in Queensland is not a concern. Significant changes have been made in the later part of 2004 to ensure that the structure of competitions in Queensland are enhanced, providing for better integration and higher profile for all participants. These include: The elevation of Telstra Premier Rugby to a single grade state competition. Eighty-nine volunteers were recognised for outstanding contributions in 2004 at functions around the state. Twelve regional winners were selected to attend next year s Test match as guests of the QRU and ARU. Significantly it has been those elements that occur in support of the playing of the game that have gained significant attention in These areas have not only seen major achievements but will most likely provide the greatest long term benefits to the Community Game in this state. The sustainability and viability of the clubs, associations, sub-unions and schools that provide the game has been a major area of focus during 2004, and will continue to be so in the future. This started Commencement of the incorporation of the Queensland Country and Brisbane Unions. The development of integrated championship structures for equivalent regional competitions as with the Telstra Ballymore Cup. This competition merged regional winners of open schools competitions from across the state in a Super 8 finals series which was eventually won by St Francis College. Steps have also been taken to make it easier for coaches and referees to improve themselves while still guaranteeing a base level of competency and quality. From 2005 all coaches and referees will be have a mandatory requirement to attend a SmartRugby session. This is an increase in compliance however the 17

20 COMMUNITY RUGBY CONTINUED 2 & 1 / 2 hours required with no formal assessment is a significant reduction from the 40 plus hours required to obtain a Level 1 accreditation. For coaches and referees wanting to be accredited a new system of assessment will mean that attendance at a course in not mandatory. These changes will be explained through a communication program but the QRU is confident that they will go a long way towards better serving the needs of the volunteers while decreasing the financial and time impositions of the old system. STRATEGIC GOAL 1 To grow the quantity of participants within Community Rugby Key Result Areas Quantity of Players Quantity of Providers (Clubs/Schools) Quantity of Coaches Quantity of Referees The broadening of both our programs and achievements in better targeting all three strategic goals for Community Rugby has made it apparent that there is a great story to be told about what happens below the level of the Reds and Wallabies in this state. I would encourage stakeholders in the game in Queensland to familiarise themselves with the summary pages of the three strategic goals of Community Rugby scoped for the next three years. The achievements of 2004 will place us in a strong position to improve over those years. External benefits such as the RWC strategic funding programs from the ARU will complement our strategies. Building a stronger base of participants, volunteers and clubs relies on the unity of purpose of all parties and the efficiencies that result. Gaven Head Community Rugby Manager Current Position 2007 Performance Players Website12,000 Juniors Players 14,000 Juniors 20,000 Schools 21,500 Schools 9,500 Seniors 10,500 Seniors Providers 87 Junior Clubs Providers 94 Junior Clubs 245 Schools 255 Schools 110 Senior Clubs 110 Senior Clubs Coaches 0 SmartRugby Coaches 3000 SmartRugby Referees 0 SmartRugby Referees 3000 SmartRugby Strategies Programs A.Manage a targeted grant funding scheme to support the growth of the game. B. Manage a geo-demographic targeted sampling program. C.Undertake a coordinated and targeted new club program with Junior unions. D. Establish a minimum required risk management induction program for coaches and referees. E. Establish and manage programs that engage the broader community and its institutions in Rugby. F. Establish and manage targeted programs for under-represented minorities in the Rugby community. G.Engage the broader community to encourage participation in Rugby Union. Regional Development Officer Grant Program Regional Competition Development Funding Invasion Games Program (IGP) Try Rugby QJRU Partnership Agreement Satellite Club Program Demographic Mapping SmartRugby Coach/Referee Data Management Coach/Referee Communication Plan Adopt-a-Red School Program EdRugby (curriculum/membership) Reds Rugby Shield (school involvement recognition) Women in Rugby Program Indigenous Sport Program (ISP) Junior Sign On Website Communication Plan 18

21 REDS IN THE COMMUNITY

22 COMMUNITY RUGBY CONTINUED STRATEGIC GOAL 2 To increase the quality of participation experiences available within Community Rugby Key Result Areas Quality of Competition Management Quality of Coaches Integration of Competition Levels Quality of Referees Current Position Competition Management Model Competition Rules in all affiliate member senior competitions Standard Judiciary & Appeals procedures in all affiliate member senior competitions Mandatory online registration and insurance system in all Partner Junior and Senior club competitions Integrated Competitions Inter-regional Representative Rugby for schools, Junior, players and Senior players in Queensland Country Inter-regional school championship (i.e. Ballymore Cup) 2007 Performance Competition Management Model Competition Rules in all Partner and affiliate member competitions Standard Judiciary & Appeals procedures in all Partner and affiliate member competitions Mandatory online registration and insurance system in all Partner Junior and Senior club competitions Integrated Competitions Inter-regional Representative Rugby for schools, Junior and Senior players Inter-regional school and Senior club championships Quality of Coaches 1382 Level 1 Coaches 299 Level 2 Coaches 55 Level 3 Coaches Quality of Referees 670 Level 1 Referees 56 Level 2 Referees 12 Level 3 Referees 20 Level 1 Referee Coaches Quality of Coaches 1800 Level 1 Coaches 360 Level 2 Coaches 70 Level 3 Coaches Quality of Referees 800 Level 1 Referees 100 Level 2 Referees 18 Level 3 Referees 40 Level 1 Referee Coaches Strategies A. Manage a regulated competition sanctioning program that protects the brand of Queensland Rugby. B. Coordinate all competition so that similar regional competitions can cooperate for integrated and efficient representative options for both participants and providers. C. Create a specific focus on accreditation of coaches and referees distinct from the delivery of education and training. D. Establish a quantity outcome based focused program for the process of accrediting coaches and referees Programs Partnership Agreement Competition Sanctioning Workshops Regional Administration Officers Inter-regional Competitions Inter-regional Competition Grants Ballymore Cup (Schools) State Club Championships (Seniors) Employment of a State Coach and Referee Education Manager Coach Accreditation Referee Accreditation Accreditation Assessor Program 20

23 STRATEGIC GOAL 3 To improve the sustainability and viability of Community Rugby providers Key Results Area Planning Facilities Financial Management Human Resources Current Position Planning Nil There is a small amount of planning but the majority is poorly constructed with little reference and integration to broader state and regional objectives, with very little accountability or review processes Financial Management Net Income of Top 20 Partners = $4.586M Average profit of Top 20 Partners = $6k 2007 Performance Planning All Partners to have submitted current Strategic Templates as provided by the QRU All Partners to submit current annual Operational Plans, as per the QRU criteria and required KRA inclusions, prior to the commencement of the QRU Financial Year All Partners to be able to present an annual cash flow budget Financial Management Net Income of Top 20 Partners = $4.9M (average 3% annual increase) Average profit of Top 20 Partners = $6.5k (average 3% annual increase) Facilities No State Facilities Plan No Regional Facilities Plans $220k annual grant funding in Facilities Development Human Resources 89 nominated for Volunteer Recognition Approx 1300 attendances at free regional volunteer education seminars. Facilities Current State Facilities Plan Current Regional Facilities Plan in all 12 affiliated regions 10% increase in the grant funding for facilities average over Human Resources 200 nominated for Volunteer Recognition 2000 attendances at free regional volunteer education seminars Strategies A. Establish a clearly demonstrated vision for the Queensland Rugby. B. Engage all Partners in a coordinated planning program. C.Monitor and mentor all Partners in the management of their finances. D.Establish and maintain an active and integrated system of facility management. E. Create an accountable and pro-active culture of enrichment and recognition towards volunteers throughout the state. Programs QRU Strategic Plan Partnership Agreement Partnership Agreement Planning Templates Planning Workshops QRU Financial Package Mandatory Audited Accounts Annual Partnership Appraisals Facilities Planning Government Funding Management Program Volunteer Management Program Regional Volunteer Education Seminars 21

24 REDS SUMMARY The 2004 Tooheys New Super 12 campaign was a season of intense highs and lows for the Bank of Queensland Reds. The highs are memorable and suggest a bright future lies ahead for this young team. The victories over defending champions the Blues (20-3), semi-finalists the Chiefs (39-25) and old foes the NSW Waratahs (23-7) were standout performances. It was the Blues lowest ever score in the nine years of the competition, while the win over NSW was achieved in front of an Australian record crowd for a Super 12 match. While finishing 10th on the ladder, we won five of our 11 games and should have won more. Our record against the eventual semi-finalists makes interesting analysis. While we were deservedly beaten by the eventual winners the Brumbies, we threw away a 17-6 lead to go down to runners-up the Crusaders, we lost to the third-placed Stormers and we convincingly defeated the fourth-placed Chiefs. I can guarantee all our supporters that we will be working extremely hard to turn those narrow defeats into victories in 2005 and with the young talent that we have, I firmly believe that the team has the ability to challenge for the title. Our coach Jeff Miller is very clear in his thoughts and ambitions for Queensland and is determined to bring success to Ballymore. I would like to thank him and his coaching staff for all their efforts in I would like to pay tribute to two players in particular. Chris Latham was deservedly named Australian Super 12 Player of the Year for a record third time in five years. He was also the runaway winner of the Pilecki Medal as the Reds Player of the Year for the fourth time in six years! Drew Mitchell is a wonderful young talent who was named Australian Super 12 Rookie of the Year for I congratulate them both. On a personal note, I was thrilled and honoured to win my 100th Queensland cap against the Sharks in Durban in April. It means a great deal to me to play for the Reds and I hope I have many more years ahead of me. The lows of the season came off the pitch and put rugby into perspective. The tragic death of team-mate Michael Tabrett in December affected everyone deeply and he is still sorely missed. In January, Fletcher Dyson broke his neck in a freak training accident and was forced to retire from the game. It was a trying year for everyone at the Reds and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has stood by us with unwavering support. The players are extremely appreciative of your backing and we pledge to do everything possible to deliver success for you in We have a good mixture of seasoned Wallabies and new, young and exciting talent and I believe that the future for Queensland Rugby is extremely bright. Thanks again for your support Elton Flatley Bank of Queensland Reds Captain Played Won Draw Lost For Against B1 B2 Points 22 Brumbies Crusaders Stormers Chiefs Blues Bulls Sharks Waratahs Highlanders Reds Hurricanes Cats

25 2004 BANK OF QLD REDS Back Row Drew Mitchell, Damien Hoo, David Croft, Junior Pelesasa, Steve Kefu, Tim Atkinson, Josh Valentine Third Row Rodney Blake, Julian Huxley, John Roe, Chris Latham, Josh Graham, Tom McVerry, Sean Hardman, Anthony Mathison Second Row Damian Mednis (strength & conditioning coach), Wendell Sailor, Van Humphries, Adam Wallace-Harrison, Daniel Heenan, Nathan Sharpe, Luke Doherty, Scott Barton, Stephen Moore, Pete Niumata, Anthony Herbert (manager) Front Row Adrian Thompson (assistant coach), Elton Flatley (captain), Tai McIsaac, Fletcher Dyson, Jeff Miller (coach), Angus Scott, Peter Hynes, Nick Stiles, Rudi Vedelago, Phil Mooney (assistant coach)

26 REDS STATISTICS 24 COMPETITION NOT NOT NOT S12 S12 S12 S12 S12 S12 S12 S12 CAPPED CAPPED CAPPED DATE 1/31/04 2/7/04 2/12/04 2/20/04 2/28/04 3/6/04 3/13/04 3/28/04 4/3/04 4/10/04 4/16/04 VENUE Ballymore Ballymore Timaru Invercargill Ballymore Ballymore Ballymore Canberra Wellington Ballymore Ballymore OPPONENTS Brumbies Blues Crusaders Highlandrs Chiefs Crusaders Blues Brumbies Hurricanes Stormers Bulls SCORE W33-21 L8-23 W54-38 L8-39 W39-25 L17-20 W20-3 L8-51 L12-29 L20-21 L17-23 Atkinson, Tim Barton, Scott Berry, Nic Croft, David t Doherty, Luke Dyson, Fletcher 3 3 Feather, Todd c 21 dnp 21 1t,1c p Flatley, Elton c 10 1p 10 3c,2p 10 2c,1p 10 Hardman, Sean t Heenan, Daniel Hoo, Damian dnp 20 dnp Humphries, Van Huxley, Julian Hynes, Peter t t 11 1t Johansson, Lloyd Kefu, Steve t 12 1t 12 1c t Latham, Chris t t t Leo, Daniel 26 Lyons, Chris Mathison, Anthony McIsaac, Tai dnp 16 dnp McVerry, Tom Mitchell, Drew t t 13 Moore, Stephen dnp 16 Niumata, Peter Pelesasa, Junior t t dnp Roe, John t t 8 8 Sailor, Wendell t t t 14 1t Scott, Angus Sharpe, Nathan Stiles, Nick Valentine, Josh t Vedelago, Rudi dnp dnp 18 dnp 18 Wallace-Harrison, A 5 24 Walsh, Tim 10 1p 10 1c 10 1c,1p 21 Williams, Nathan dnp 21 dnp 10 1c Collis, David Gabbett, Brendan Hilton, Zane Kefu, Mafi Milroy, Marshall Mowen, Ben Murphy, Darren Sauer, Anthony Stains, Nathan Te Moana, David

27 S12 S12 S12 TOUR NOT QLD TOTAL QLD TOTAL REDS TOTAL REDS TOTAL MATCH CAPPED GAMES QLD POINTS QLD S12 REDS S12 REDS 4/24/04 5/1/04 5/8/04 5/29/04 6/20/04 IN 2004 CAPS IN 2004 POINTS GAMES S12 POINTS S12 Durban Bloemfntn Brisbane Ballymore Ballymore IN 2004 GAMES IN 2004 POINTS Sharks Cats NSW Scotland PIRA W6-5 W47-23 W23-7 W41-5 L dnp t t p 10 4c,3p 10 2c,3p 10 2c t t 11 1t t t c t t t t t t t dnp dnp t 15 3c&1p

28 REDS HONOUR BOARD 2004 Elton Flatley became the youngest man to play 100 games for Queensland when he took the field against the Sharks in Durban, aged 26 years & 351 days. Steve Kefu & John Roe played their 50th games for Queensland against the Crusaders at Ballymore. David Croft played his 50th game for Queensland against the Blues at Ballymore. Chris Latham scored his 50th try for Queensland in his 92nd game against Scotland. Chris Latham was named Australian Super 12 Player of the Year for a record third time. Chris Latham won the Pilecki Medal as the Reds Player of the Year for a record fourth time. Chris Latham played his 50th test for the Wallabies. Drew Mitchell was named joint-winner of the Australian Super 12 Rookie of the Year Award. Nathan Sharpe captained the Wallabies against the All Blacks in Wellington. Nathan Sharpe, John Roe, Chris Latham, Wendell Sailor represented the Wallabies in the Tri-Nations and Bundaberg Rum Series. Elton Flatley, Drew Mitchell, Latham, Sailor & Roe were named in the Wallabies squad to tour Europe. Anthony Mathison, Josh Valentine & Stephen Moore were named in the Australian A squad. Drew Mitchell captained the Australian team at the U-21 World Cup. Nick Stiles is the only Red to have played in every game for the past five seasons 79 consecutive matches. Six players made their Queensland debuts Nic Berry, Todd Feather, Lloyd Johansson, Drew Mitchell, Angus Scott & Tim Walsh. Reds Wallabies Honour Board 2004 PLAYER SCOT 1 SCOT 2 ENG PIRA NZ 1 SA 1 NZ 2 SA 2 SCOT 3 FRA Chris Latham FB FB FB FB FB FB 1t FB FB FB John Roe 23 dnp 23dnp F 23dnp 23dnp F No8 No8 No8 No8 Wendell Sailor W 1t W 1t W W dnp W W W W Nathan Sharpe L vc L vc L vc L vc L Capt L vc L vc L vc Elton Flatley FH FH 1C 26 Chris Latham S12 Player of the Year again! Nathan Sharpe Captain of the Wallabies

29 REDS FAREWELL The Reds bid farewell to three members of the coaching and management staff at the end of the 2004 season. Coaching-coordinator Adrian Thompson departed after four seasons as Reds number two, during which he worked closely alongside three different coaches. Team manager Anthony Herbert departed after four years in that demanding and challenging role, while Strength and Fitness coach Damian Mednis also moved on after seven years at Ballymore. Queensland Rugby would like to thank all three men for their efforts on behalf of the Reds. FLETCHER DYSON The Bank of Queensland Reds said farewell to prop Fletcher Dyson in Dyson s career was cut short when he suffered a serious neck injury while preparing to win his 50th cap against the Highlanders in New Zealand. A cornerstone of the Queensland pack for four years, Fletcher also won 10 caps for the Wallabies and played in every Test of the successful 2000 season that reaped a maiden Tri-Nations title. Fletcher has remained with Queensland Rugby and has taken up a role as sales executive. Fletcher Dyson David Croft on the rampage V New South Wales 27

30 ENERGEX REDS RUGBY COLLEGE Damian Hearne 28 In 2004 the Energex Reds Rugby College entered its seventh year of operation and delivered arguably it most rewarding season. The ERRC is a section of the Queensland Rugby Union High Performance Department. The programs and teams now associated with the college allow it to challenge the players in all areas of their development. In 2004 Energex Reds Rugby College Scholarship graduates Drew Mitchell and Mark Chisholm followed in the footsteps of Daniel Heenan, John Roe, Nick Stiles, Steve Kefu, Sean Hardman and David Croft with their selection on the Wallaby spring tour. Scholarship holders Daniel Leo and Lloyd Johansson were offered Super 12 contracts with the Bank of Queensland Reds, joining 15 other players who have moved through into the Reds since the opening of the ERRC in The Energex Reds Rugby College presents two awards each year to its outstanding scholarship holders and in 2004 they were: Scholarship Holder of the Year: Rookie of the Year: Mitchell Chapman James Horwill PROGRAMS High Performance Unit: In 2004 the ARU contracted 3 players in Queensland on HPU contracts: Richard Brown (Wests), Hugh McMineman (Wests), Gene Fairbanks (Easts) Paul Carozza and Dean Benton were employed to deliver the Rugby and S&C program respectively. Highlights for 2004 were: Australian 7 s Richard Brown, Gene Fairbanks Australian U21 s Richard Brown A Squad In 2004, 15 Athletes completed their Scholarships with the Energex Reds Rugby College. They were Herman Hunt (University), Greg Holmes (Sunnybank), Ole Avei (Sunnybank), Daniel Leo (Sunnybank), Mitchell Chapman (University), Ben Mowen (Easts), Josh Fuiamono (Gold Coast), Nic Berry (Sunnybank), Todd Feather (Easts), Chris Lyons (University), Lloyd Johansson (Gold Coast), Andrew Brown (University), Josh Graham (University), Anton LaVin (Gold Coast), Digby Ioane (Sunnybank) Highlights for 2004 were: Australian 7 s Ben Mowen, Josh Fuimaono, Andrew Brown Australian U21 s Herman Hunt, Greg Holmes, Ole Avei, Mitchell Chapman, Josh Fuiamono, Chris Lyons, Josh Graham, Digby Ioane Australian U19 s Digby Ioane, Lloyd Johansson Reds Daniel Leo, Todd Feather, Lloyd Johansson Sean Hedger and Phil Mooney delivered Rugby Skills during the season to all Scholarship holders. Tony Wilson delivered all strength and conditioning Miranda Banks is employed by RUPA to assist all scholarship holders with the personal and professional development. All players underwent ACE Player Interviews, to discuss Career and Personal Development issues. From these interviews individual vocational plans were developed for each scholarship holder. Workshops were conducted in Nutrition, Careers, Player Management, players and the law, men and sexual health, media training, drugs in sport and Public Speaking. Employment opportunities were found for Scholarship holders with a number of Sponsors and members of the Rugby Community giving players the ability to achieve their potential on and off the Rugby field. Rookie 24 Players completed the 2004 Rookie Program Greg Small (University), Sio Kite (Easts), Chris Leeds (Wests), Geoff Abrams (Wests), Sean Fell (Easts), James Horwill (University), William Munsie (Gold Coast), Pat O Conner (GPS), Andrew Gray (Wests), Tom Hockings (University), Ryan Newman (Gold Coast), Chris Hanley (Easts), Martin Perkins (GPS), Dominic Fuller (Easts), David Lucas (Easts), Lachlan Morgan (Easts), Sean Boyd (Wests), Scott Daruda (Brothers), Matt Brandon (Easts), Sam Hannat (Sunnybank),Sam Sataui (Easts), Liam Bibo (Souths), Tajohn Mailata (Brothers), Ben Windsor (Gold Coast) Highlights for 2004 were: Australian U19 Jeff Abram, Sean Fell, James Horwill, Dominic Fuller, Scott Daruda, Matt Brandon, Sam Sataui, Tajohn Mailata, Martin Perkins Phil Mooney delivered Rugby Skills during the season to all Scholarship holders. Tony Wilson delivered all strength and conditioning Miranda Banks facilitated workshops in Nutrition, Careers, and drugs in sport and was supported by Emma Kate Muir

31 NTS As with the HPU program the Australian Rugby Union ran a National Talent Squad for schoolboy athletes in boys were in the inaugural NTS squad. This program ensured the next generation of elite schoolboy players are well prepare. Highlights for 2004 were: Australian Schoolboys Sam Cummins, Caleb Brown, Ben Lucas Paul Carozza delivered Rugby Skills during the season to all NTS squad members. Dean Benton delivered all strength and conditioning. Regional Rugby Colleges 2004 saw the launch of a Queensland Rugby Regional College program (QRRC) throughout Queensland. QRRC squads were established in Townsville, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast, Darling Downs and the three Brisbane Junior Regions: Bris North, Bris West and Bris South. Players in all country centres were aged between 15 and 19 while in Brisbane all were Under 16. The purpose and vision of the Regional Colleges is to develop the individual players potential. Thanks must go out to the Professional staff of each of the sub unions and to the volunteer coaches who delivered the programs. Sunday 29th Feb Sydney V QLD A 4.30pm o Lost Saturday 6th March QLD A V Australian Barbarian o Won 70-0 Sunday 28th March ACT Runners V QLD Ao Won Friday 16th April QLD A V Victoria o Won saw a continuation Queensland A program and provided some excellent opportunities for both Reds contracted players needing vital match fitness and chances to prove their ability as well as giving young players an experience of rugby at a much higher level. The highlight of the matches would be the win against the Brumby Runners in Canberra, a first for Qld A. The team was coached by Sean Hedger, Julian Gardner and Anthony McGahan and was supported by Tony Wilson, Dr. Neels Du Toit, Catherine McDougall, Beatrice Avelia and Damian Hearne Queensland Under 19 As part of the selection process for the Australian U-19 team, the Queensland U- 19 s team played two matches: Sunday 29th Feb NSW U19 V QLD U19 o Won Queensland 2 V NSW 1 lost 24-7 V Combined States won 3-0 V NSW 2 lost 24-5 V ACT won saw a continuation of Energex RRC involvement in the Queensland Schoolboys program. Paul Carozza was involved in selection, planning and coaching with both teams at the National Championships. David Hanham and Martin Field Dobson from the community rugby department were also involved as technical assistants. Queensland Under 16 QLD White V ACT won QLD White V NSW Juniors lost QLD White V QLD Red lost 0-20 Result 4th QLD Red V WA won 50-8 QLD Red V NSW Schools lost QLD Red V QLD White won 20-0 Result 3rd The RRC was responsible for the staff appointments, selection and coaching of both teams Paul Carozza was the Coaching coordinator and was assisted by Michael Crank, Martin Gibbs, Rob Nolan as well as Zane Hilton, Jason Gillmore and Grant Dwyer from community rugby. For its first year of operation the program surpassed all expectations with significant increases in the physical and skill level of the players who participated. TEAM RECORDS: Queensland A Sunday 22nd Feb QLD A V ACT Runners o MATCH Cancelled Saturday 13th March QLD U19 V ACT U19 o Won 27-0 Queensland Schoolboys Queensland 1 & 2 competed in competed in National Championships in Sydney Final Results Winners BH 'Jika' Travers Shield NSW I Winners Edward 'Weary' Dunlop Trophy QLD I The support staff included Manager Bruce Casey and Physiotherapists Cath McDougall and Trent Rowe. CONCLUSION The Energex Reds Rugby College will continue to identify, develop and retain Queensland s best young rugby players for the purpose of preparing them for a future with the Queensland Reds whilst providing opportunities and assistance off the playing field. Some of the Australian U-21 World Cup Squad Queensland 1 V NSW 2 won 11 7 V ACT won V Combined States won 13-0 V NSW 1 lost Damian Hearne Energex Reds Rugby College Manager 29

32 QUEENSLAND ACADEMY OF SPORT UNDER 19 S The QAS U-19 s took part in a five-match Trans Tasman series in 2004, that included a three game tour of New Zealand. Home and away matches were played against Canterbury and Otago plus a match against North Harbour in Albany (NZ). Canterbury proved to be a well organised side who deservedly hung on for an victory in our opening match at Ballymore. Their set pieces and mauling were of a high standard and provided us with an insight into what was to follow in our remaining games. Our second match was against Otago also at Ballymore. This match proved to be an extremely disappointing one. After leading the Kiwis by 8 to 5 at half time, we were completed dominated in the second half and capitulated to a 35 8 loss. Otago played a physical game and very much taught us a lesson in driving rugby and how to ruck effectively. We set upon our trip to New Zealand determined to play a more physical game and be far more aggressive in our approach. The team was also buoyed by the return from injury of our two locks, skipper James Horwill and Pat O Connor. Our first tour game was against North Harbour in Albany. After leading by 17-7 at halftime, we completely ran away with the match in the second half to record a victory. Horwill and O Connor made successful returns from injury with the highlight being a 32 point contribution from Liam Bibo including four tries and six conversions. From here we travelled down to Dunedin for our return encounter with Otago. Determined to be more aggressive than in our earlier clash, the team showed admirable character and skill to hang on for a win. Our forwards set a good platform upon which our backs were able to capitalise. Tajhon Mailata crossed for two tries with Bibo scoring a third. Liam also kicked a penalty goal and a conversion. Finally, we acknowledge the continued and valuable support of the Queensland Government through the Queensland Academy of Sport. Through this support, we are able to provide exceptional competition for our U-19 players and identify who may be able to take the step to Super 12 and beyond. The players and management for 2004 were: Ian Seuala Geoff Abram Greg Small James Horwill (capt) Pat O Connor Tom Hockings Chris Hanley Ryan Newman Dom Fuller Scott Daruda Lloyd Johansson (v-capt) David Lucas Tajhon Mailata Liam Bibo Sam Satui Scott Manley Sean Fell John Frith Will Munsie Andrew Gray Brendan McKibbin Sean Graham Vitori Buatava Matt Brandon Peter Stevenson Lachlan Morgan (inj and replaced by Sam Hannant) Coaches: Manager: Physio: Phil Mooney, Ian Jones, David Bell Neil Armstong Tom Hillier, Cath McDougall The final match of our campaign was against Canterbury in Christchurch. Unfortunately, we were unable to continue our winning form and suffered a defeat. Canterbury once again dominated in the set piece and were able to lay a great platform for their speedy backs to capitalise on. 30 In terms of results, the 2-3 win/loss record was slightly disappointing however our players were given a great insight into the level of skill and physicality required at representative level. The response by the players to the New Zealand leg of our program was most pleasing. Lloyd Johansson (Right) QAS Vice Captain

33 QUEENSLAND PREMIER RUGBY STATISTICS FINALS RESULTS Premier Grade Finals Major Semi-Final Gold Coast d Sunnybank Minor Semi-Final University d Brothers Preliminary Final University d Sunnybank Grand Final Gold Coast d University Lower Grade Grand Finals Premier 2nd Grade Sunnybank d Gold Coast Premier Under 19 Brothers d GPS Division 1 1st Grade University d Logan City Division 1 2nd Grade Souths d Easts Division 1 3rd Grade University d Easts Division 2 1st Grade Woogaroo d Black Rhinos Division 2 2nd Grade Black Rhinos d Brisbane Harlequins Division 3 1st Grade Browns Plains d Everton Park 9 5 Division 3 Normanby Cup St Leo's Old Boys d Easts Longhorns Division 3 Wyatt Cup Logan City d PIDA Division 1 Colts 1st Grade University d Brothers Division 1 Colts 2nd Grade Brothers d GPS Division 2 Colts 1st Grade Souths d Redlands Division 1 Women University d Norths-QUT 18 17* * Grand Final awarded to Norths-QUT on appeal for breach of Competition Rules PREMIER GRADE COMPETITION POINTS Team Play Win Lost 4+Tries Lst-7 Draw For Against Points Gold Coast Sunnybank University Brothers Souths GPS Wests Easts Norths-QUT PREMIER GRADE LEADING POINT SCORERS Surname First Name Club Try Conversions Penalty Drop Goal Total Collis David Brothers Milroy Marshall Gold Coast Stains Nathan Sunnybank Mandrusiak Tyrone Souths Burton Kris Norths-QUT Lyons Chris University Dunn Courtney Gold Coast McCarthy Shaun Wests Sauer Anthony Brothers WELSBY CUP Sunnybank XXXX Medal Daniel McConaghy (Sunnybank) HORSLEY CUP Gold Coast COLT OF THE YEAR Lloyd Johansson (Gold Coast) 31

34 CLUB REPORTS 2004 Doughty Shield Easts 773 University 764 Brothers 685 Wests 587 Souths 579 Sunnybank 575 GPS 469 Gold Coast 421 Logan City 345 Redlands 166 PIDA 150 Murrumba 134 Black Rhinos 132 Wynnum 118 Norths-QUT 116 Beenleigh 114 Woogaroo 98 Brisbane Harlequins 83 Riverview 79 Ipswich 67 Browns Plains 61 Bayside Barbarians 61 St Leo's 61 Everton Park 49 Gold Coast Eagles 48 Medicals 48 Brisbane Irish 45 Beaudesert 38 Vet Science 28 Pine Rivers 24 Lismore 17 Kenmore 17 Twin Rivers 5 BROTHERS The 2004 season was one of the most successful years in the past decade for Brothers rugby. Player retention and strengths have been continually improving across all Grades and Colts teams. The dedication and enthusiasm shown by all coaches, managers and team volunteers created a winning environment throughout the Club. We were rewarded with winning the Premier Grade pre-season competition, The Athenian Cup. Apart from helping our cash flow, the win against Easts set the scene for the rest of the rugby year. Colts 1, 2 and 3 were minor premiers; Colts 1 and 3 won the premiership against GPS; Colts 2 were narrowly defeated by University. Division 1, 3rd Grade missed out on the finals on for and against (2 points) after finishing equal fourth on the table. Division 1, 2nd Grade looked good in round one but with injuries and a couple of close results, fell away in round two. Division 1, 1st Grade were knocked out in the preliminary final. Premier 2nd Grade did not make semi-finals. Normanby Cup did not make semi-finals. R U G F A C E R E Premier 1st Grade were instrumental in bringing back the crowds to Crosby they played superb attacking rugby, their defence was excellent. They were defeated by University in the knock-out semi-final at Ballymore. Congratulations to all players, coaches, managers and volunteers thank you for your tremendous efforts. Congratulations to the following players who were selected for representative honours: Elton Flatley Australia David Croft Australia B B R O T H E R S Y ET D O C E R E C U L B 32 Elton Flatley, David Croft, Sean Hardman Queensland Reds Super 12

35 David Croft, Anthony Sauer, David Collis, Darren Murphy, Zane Hilton, Brendan Gabbett Queensland XV Tahjon Milata, Scott Daruda Australian Under 19 (World Cup) Damien Steele, Alistair McLay, Mitchell Barnaba, Nathanuel Gendle, Lachlan Burke Queensland 19 (B s) Anthony Sauer, Damon Murphy, Simon Price, David Collis, Darren Murphy, Zane Hilton Australian Barbarians Gerard Leyden Australian University A personal thank you to Paul Mills Paul did an outstanding job throughout the year and hopefully in our Centenary year he will be rewarded with the 2005 premiership. from Sports Medicos, Day-care operators and our current lessee Derek Hume Crosby s at Brothers. With respect to the grounds, the training and warm-up facilities are currently being extended, the new areas will be filled, top soiled and seeded and will be ready for season With our junior club, we continue to work closely in terms of cost sharing for our grounds and facilities, continue to seek economies of scale where appropriate and generally are working more closely together for the benefit of all parties is Brothers Centenary Year it will be a special year. Our events committee has been operating for some time under the chairmanship of Dick McGruther. Programmes are going into place and will involve kicking off the year with the Fish Festival (February); other events will include Team Reunions, Dinners, Back to Crosby events, traditional Brothers versus University match and much more. John Druery is compiling a Centenary Book the 100 Years of Brothers. The Centenary Year will finish off with the tour to Argentina and Ireland. In conclusion, I want to thank all members of the Board, players, coaches, managers, volunteers and supporters for all your hard work and dedication. Thank you for the privilege of being President of Brothers Old Boys Rugby Club Ross McKellar The club facilities are still under review, the Board is currently considering proposals EASTS It was another very successful year for the Tigers both on and off the field. The Senior club fielded 14 sides in the Brisbane competition while the Junior club had over 700 players and developed a strong satellite club called Riverside based at Bulimba. While the results of the Premier Grade were not indicative of their effort, six other Senior sides contested semi-finals with three of them going through to Grand Finals. Unfortunately, all lost their Grand Finals. Easts Longhorns, Division One 2nd grade and Division One 3rd grade were the Grand Final sides. The strength of the club can be summed up by the fact that for the second year running, Easts won the Doughty Challenge shield to be crowned as the champion club in Brisbane. The Premier grade side was a very young one this year and the improved results in the last few weeks have set a good platform for a successful A highlight of the season was beating Grand Finalists 33

36 CLUB REPORTS CONTINUED University in the second round. This game showed the potential of the side and should give them confidence for the future. Several Easts players made representative sides this year. A special mention to Gene Fairbanks who has been contracted for the next two seasons to the ACT Brumbies. Other representative players were: AUSTRALIAN 7 S Ben Mowen QLD A Ben Mowen Australian U-19 s Sean Fell Matt Brandon QAS U-19 s Chris Hanley Lachlan Morgan Sean Fell Gene Fairbanks Ben Spearritt Dom Fuller Sam Satui David Lucas Ian Suela Dom Fuller Ben Greentree QLD WOMEN S TEAM Selena Worsley Crystal Murray Matt Brandon Ari Lambert Mel Dark Off the field, the club continues to work on its facilities to cater for the large number of teams that we have. A real positive has been the approval of a $50,000 grant from the Brisbane City Council to light Field 3 for training. This will be a huge help to the club. Finally, I would like to thank all of the Coaches, Managers and other volunteers for their efforts throughout the year. Ryan O Grady, our development officer and Natalie Coward, our clubhouse manager also deserve special mention for their efforts throughout the year. I would also like to thank David Eagle who finished as the club s Rugby Manager in June. David has been with the club for three years and we wish him well in his new venture. Grant Hanhan President C O A G O L D S T RUGBY UNION GOLD COAST BREAKERS Setting standards is the Breakers ethos and the Club certainly achieved that this year. After contesting and losing Grand Finals in 2001 and 2003 against the Canberra Vikings the Gold Coast Breakers Premier 1 team, after taking out the minor premiership, defeated University in a very hard fought Telstra Premier Rugby Grand Final to cap off a fantastic season. 34

37 Proving that the Club has great depth, the Breakers also played in the Premier 2 Grand Final, losing to a very good Sunnybank team and congratulations to them. The Breakers Colts also had a sensational season finishing second on the Minor Premiership table. They were beaten by GPS in the preliminary Final and congratulations to the Brothers Colts team for winning the Premiership. The coaching and support staff, ably lead by the wily Alex Evans worked hard all season and the results bear testament to a job well done. Players that gained representative honours in 2004 are Tai McIsaac, Josh Fuiamono, Marshall Milroy, David TeMoana, Lloyd Johansson, Vittori Buatava, Will Munsie, Ryan Newman, Ben Windsor, Jose Hagen and Sam Brewer. The Board, with Warren Carey as President, once again provided great leadership and direction and totally supported the teams in their quest for glory. The Breakers also wish to acknowledge the Gold Coast and District Rugby Union and thank them for offering the Club the invitation to participate in the Brisbane Premier Competition. The Breakers look forward to 2005 with great anticipation and will keep striving to set new standards. Tim Rowlands General Manager GPS OLD BOYS RUGBY CLUB Jeeps was delighted to see the selection of prop Anthony Mathison in the Australia A Squad for the French leg of the end of season northern tour, a fitting reward for persistence by Bull in his performances for Queensland and GPS. Hopefully he can now make the next step and force his way into the Wallaby squad. Congratulations also to Jeeps other Reds representatives, Tim Atkinson, Junior Pelesasa, Tom McVerry and Donovan Slade (Qld A) and our best wishes to Wallaby and Reds representatives Dan Heenan and Ben Tune on their expected return from injury in We bade a sad farewell to Queensland A prop Angus Scott during the season when he decided to return home to country NSW after being released by the Reds. Clubwise, disappointment over the performances of our grades sides (5th grade were their sole finals representatives) was relieved to some extent by the bright showing of the three GPS Colts teams, all of whom made the finals and I and III the Grand Finals. Four colts players, Martin Perkins (Queensland and Australian Under 19), Pat O Connor, Peter Stevenson and Sean Graham (Queensland Under 19) made it to senior representative honours. This time last year we announced the signing of the GPS-Murrumba alliance to promote closer co-operation between the member clubs and broaden the Jeeps footprint to the southern edge of the Sunshine Coast. The first public manifestation of that partnership agreement was to play our Premier Division home round against Norths at Caboolture. We hope to play a Premier Rugby match at Albany Creek-GPS in 2005, once their new clubhouse and dressing rooms are completed. We ll also be putting more planning and effort next year into making the alliance work and into junior development in association with the alliance clubs and our own junior affiliates, Ashgrove-GPS and Albany Creek-GPS. At the other end of the rugby player assembly line, we will also have a new Golden Oldies team operating out of Yoku Road in the Golden Gallopers (or perhaps it should be the Glue Factory XV!) The club looks forward to the exciting prospect of an expanded Premier Rugby competition in 2005 and a return to a more user-friendly competition structure for colts and grades. Finally, the club is delighted to be able to welcome back on board for 2005 its principal sponsor the Norris Motor Group in association with Fastway Couriers. Paul Reid President NORTHS-QUT The Norths-QUT 2004 season started on a positive note with the registration of 320 players, spread across eight teams in both the Premier and First Division competition with senior, colts and women s sides. A number of players were selected for representative honours during the 2004 season and the club extends their congratulations to the following: Kris Burton - QLD A Sharlene Samoa Brisbane Invitational XV Sereana Tuqiri Brisbane Invitational XV Rebbecca Tavo Brisbane Invitational XV Iliseva Batibasaga Brisbane Invitational XV Hilisha Samoa Brisbane Invitational XV Elianna Wilson Brisbane Invitational XV Caroline Vakalahi Brisbane Invitational XV Cathy Faasee Brisbane Invitational XV Congratulations must also go to the Women s Division 1 Team who after being undefeated all season went on to win the premiership after their controversial grand final. Although the 2004 season did not go as planned the development programmes introduced at the start of the season were considered a success. Eleven players received scholarships from the club with this number expected to be built upon in seasons to come. The 2005 season looks bright for Norths- QUT with the introduction of a number of new initiatives and player development rams within the club. 35

38 CLUB REPORTS CONTINUED The appointment of Chris Roche as Premier Coaching director and Mark Donato as Premier coach will be a great boost to the club. Chris is an ex-norths Player of the early 80 s, a Wallaby and an outstanding coach who in the 1990 s coached both at an Australian U19 and U21 level. He brings with him a very strong coaching group that includes Jake and Margariete Howard and Steve Rowley. Steve will be our Colts mentor and he will assist in the development of the many young and enthusiastic players presently at the club and new players coming to the club in On Friday 8th October the club held a very successful Honour Board Dinner at Kedron Wavell Services Club where approximately 300 guests attended. At this dinner we unveiled our new Honour Board and it showed that the club has produced 59 State players, 10 Wallabies and 3 Rothmans/XXXX medallists. The MC for the dinner was Dick Marks and Guest Speakers included Greg Cornelsen, Geoff Richardson and Jeff Miller. Thanks to the club members who rallied around to assist following this tragedy Ian Cameron, Steve Munro with their support, Ross Spence with his work on the organising committee for the Damien Drew Function, Glen Brown and partners of RBG Constructions for their sponsorship and work on Damien s and Cath s house, Peter Daley for the Damien Drew raffles at Ballymore to name but a few. Our thoughts and condolences are also with David Keene s family on his recent passing. Rugby s loss is a great one, as David was a true humanitarian and gave freely of his time and money, supporting not only the club but other rugby causes. I would also like to extend our condolences to the families of a number of our club identities, associates and past players, including former committee member Pat Walsh, Damien Drew, Ian (Hannibal) Hayes, Michael Tabrett and Julie Savage who have passed away this year. Our sympathy is extended to their families on their sad loss. A special thanks to all the coaches and managers for the amount of time and effort put into the football side of the club this year, the main reason the club exists. Congratulations to our players who achieved representative honours this year, namely Steve Kefu, Van Humphries, Luke Doherty, Mafi Kefu, Liam Bibo, James Cassidy and Matthew Bennett. Premier Grade were very unlucky not to get into the finals and had it not been for early losses by narrow point margins in the first round they would have been a force to contend with. Many thanks to Ian Cameron and his coaching staff, with special thanks to Jason Jones and Michael Broad. Second grade played some great football and fought their way through to make the semis. Unfortunately they were again beaten by Easts in the end. Thanks to Paul Longman and his coaching staff. SOUTHS The finish of the 2004 season saw two Premierships coming back to the club in what was a very traumatic and challenging year for Souths. Many congratulations to our two premiership teams, Colts II and Paul Mitchell s 4th grade (Division 1, 3rd grade) for their fine efforts. On a less pleasant note, the club community was devastated early in the year by the untimely death of Souths stalwart, Damien Drew. Damien s death struck at the heart of the players, committee and all those who knew him and we offer our continued support to Cath, John, Annette and their family. 36

39 Third grade again had a mixed season but never gave up. Well done to John Huston and staff. This side had a nucleus of young players with a lot of talent who played very well. Fourth grade under Paul Mitchell finally broke their grand final hoodoo and brought home the cup. Congratulations to all the players and coaching staff for the great efforts on and off the field. Robbie Lee did a magnificent effort with his fifth grade and managed to give all his players a game through the year. Colts I was probably the youngest side in the competition and beating Uni in the last round showed the potential which lies in the side. 1st Grade winning the Welsby Cup Sam Hannant and Nathan Byrne making Qld U19 sides The Murray Kellaway/Northern City Finance B-B-Q on home games with head chefs Steve Casey and Gavin Head. 2nd Grade -what a great way to win the trophy in the Grand Final- attack, attack, attack The clubhouse chock-a-block for the Bledisloe Cup and Ladies Day A special thank you to our rugby manager - the accolades during the Presentation Night confirm the great work Kylee Sampson has done for the sponsors, players and the club during 2004 and she is integral to our success. UNIVERSITY During season 2004 the University of Queensland Rugby Football Club again made good progress both on and off field. UQRFC thank all Players, Sponsors, Club Officers, Committee Members, Volunteers and Supporters for all their effort and commitment during the year. Off Field The Club held successful corporate functions including the Annual Corporate Lunch which was attended by 850 guests at the Convention Centre, a Melbourne Cup function, a Corporate Breakfast, Corporate Golf Day as well as developing home match day as an event. Thanks to Peter Francis and his coaching staff for their effort. Colts II and Colts III struggled all year for numbers. The latter had to withdraw from the competition, which was a shame, but most of the boys stayed on in Colts II and in so doing won the Grand Final. Peter Rodgers Souths President To the Senior Committee - you should be proud of your efforts and commitment and I hope to see you all back on board next year. Unfortunately the Dragons lost the services of players who will prove difficult to replace: - Adam Wallace Harrison (Brumbies), Brad Tronc (retirement), Amo Tauialo (Wales), Dom Townsend (Japan) and Brent Arnold (Canada). At all home matches the Club hosted a Sponsors area which catered for the families of Sponsors and their guests. The Future: Damon Emtage and Wayne Greenhalgh will be back next year. Work should commence on the development of the new main oval late in The University of Queensland Rugby Club Foundation gained momentum during the year and held a Dinner at Customs House which was well attended. SUNNYBANK Season Highlights: Tim Sampson & Dan McConaghy played their 100 1st Grade games for the club Greg Holmes, Ole Avei & Digby Ioane selected for Australia U21`s and toured Scotland. Adam Wallace-Harrison, Daniel Leo, Nick Berry, Ole Avei and Nathan Stains were selected for Queensland. Daniel McConaghy won the prestigious XXXX Medal., awarded to the Premier Grade Player of the Year. (a first for Sunnybank) A gutsy come from behind win to beat Brothers after being down 0-19 We must continue to foster the formation of an Old Boys group. Source people who want to be involved in the forward progress of the club and provide input into such areas as sponsorship, marketing, social activities, touring committee, coaching, managing, QRU and BRC delegates, Sports Grants, fundraising and recruitment. Finally enjoy the summer break, keep in touch by and see you at the Dragons Lair in Peter Kennedy President The match program improved and was hugely successful as was the Red Heavy website. On Field The Club fielded seven Open Grade, three Colts and one Women s teams and were competitive in all Grades with, with seven teams qualifying for the finals. The extremely young 1st Grade side made its first Grand Final appearance since 1992 which was very encouraging and positive for Club moral. It was also a bonus for our valued Sponsors who supported the Club superbly throughout the year. Representative Players Nathan Sharpe captained the Wallabies in the Bledisloe Cup game in New Zealand but 37

40 CLUB REPORTS CONTINUED unfortunately did not tour Europe with the Wallaby Squad due to a shoulder injury. Drew Mitchell did make the European trip as the youngest tourist and he was joined by Josh Valentine and Stephen Moore for the Australian A squad for a match V France Barbarians. Stephen Moore, Mitchell Chapman, Josh Graham, Herman Hunt, Chris Lyons, Josh Valentine and Drew Mitchell represented Australia in the Under 21 World Cup with Drew being appointed Captain. Andrew Brown represented the Australian 7 s team in Dubai. Nathan Sharpe, Nick Stiles, Josh Valentine, Fletcher Dyson, Rudi Vedelago, Stephen Moore, Peter Hynes, Drew Mitchell and Josh Graham represented the Bank of Queensland Reds with Nick Stiles captaining the side on four occasions. Stephen Moore, Mitchell Chapman, Josh Graham and Chris Lyons represented Queensland A. James Horwill (Captain), Tom Hockings and Greg Small represented QAS/Queensland Under 19 s. Andrew Brown was awarded a Half Blue by the University of Queensland Unfortunately, Club veteran and Wallaby Fletcher Dyson was lost to the game after sustaining a bad neck injury whilst in New Zealand with the Reds. In typical Fletcher fashion he was soon back on his feet and headed the scrum coaching with 1st Grade through the season. Club Awards Player of the Year Nick Stiles Colt of the Year James Horwill Club Services Award (Player) - Nathan Johnson and Tony Burren Club Services Award (non Player) Cameron Wray UQRFC Rugby Academy The University of Queensland Rugby Academy was recently launched. This is a 38 joint venture between University Rugby Club, University Human Movements and UQ Sport and will be a major force in the future. Nick Leah, formally head of the ACT Brumbies Academy, is the Academy Director and Australian Rugby Legend Roger Gould is the Academy Ambassador. The Future With such a young squad of extremely talented home grown players the on-field future is bright at St Lucia. It is however difficult to retain such a large number of quality players some of whom represent 2nd Grade at University but would undoubtedly play 1st Grade at other Clubs. It is important that we continue to provide a quality environment for all Club Members and with plans to improve playing surfaces, Coach education through the Academy and the clubhouse facilities during the offseason as well as launching a new membership initiative, season 2005 and ahead will be exciting and extremely positive at the Red Heavies. Andy Tucker WEST BRISBANE BULLDOGS It was a surprisingly disappointing season for West Brisbane Bulldogs Rugby Football Club. Injury plagued all the teams from preseason right to the end of the competition. We fielded three Colts teams, seven Senior teams and a Ladies team, but unfortunately none made the Grand Finals. Four of our teams (Division 1, Colts 1, Division 1 2nd Grade, Division 3 Wyatt Cup & Women s) were defeated in the semi-finals.

41 39 The following Wests players achieved representative honours: Brett Neal and Anne Stirling QLD Women s Invitational XV Jarred Hanna AUS University Andrew Gray QLD 19 s Geoff Abram and Shaun Boyd QLD 19 s and AUS 19 s Tommy Navasolo and Shaun Richardson AUS Combined Services Richard Brown AUS 7 s, QLD U21 s, QLD Reds College Scholarship, ARU High Performance Scholarship and QLD A s. Hugh McMineman QLD A s, ARU High Performance Scholarship Julian Huxley, Tim Walsh, Damian Hoo, Peter Niumata and Scott Barton QLD and QLD A s John Roe, Chris Latham & Wendell Sailor Wallabies and QLD. Due to the number of teams on both of the rugby fields and the general lack of rain in Brisbane, the grounds remained worn and dry for the latter part of the season. Plenty of maintenance is scheduled for the off-season. Recruitment started in October with coaches and managers travelling all over the southeast Queensland corner looking for new, talented players. Our medical team once again came to the assistance of each and every team throughout the 2004 season at every venue. They also participated in a research project, which monitored head injuries of rugby players. Thank you very much for your dedication to providing services for the players. The George Pippos Memorial Lunch and Premier Season Launch was held at the The Jindalee Hotel on April It was a great success with an attendance of 180 guests and a fantastic fundraiser for the club. All enjoyed the day, including the Pippos Family. Brisbane City Council approved our lighting upgrade grant, providing the club with lighting for official night rugby matches. They were installed in the first week of the competition and were up and running by round two. The licensed club struggled for patronage during the 2004 season, but with new management and a proposed facelift, everything is moving forward towards a bigger and better Finally thank-you to all players, coaches, managers and volunteers your time and efforts are greatly appreciated. Joe Nowak Club President

42 QUEENSLAND SUBURBAN RUGBY 40 A steady growth in Queensland Suburban participation numbers was once again experienced in 2004 following similar increases over previous years. The competition growth can be attributed to a number of factors such as the emergence of players from the developing Suburban Club junior ranks and the increased profile of rugby. However, over recent years the growth has been more likely as a direct result of the provision of a competition structure, which meets the divergent needs of our member clubs and associated players. The growing junior base associated with the more established suburban clubs should continue to provide for an expansion of our senior playing ranks in future years. The 2004 competition format once again allowed for all major Brisbane and Suburban clubs to enter a competition based on actual team numbers. Ipswich and Logan City Rugby Union Clubs were joined in the Brisbane Div I competition by both Redland s and Wynnum whom elected to nominate at the higher level following success at the Division II level in Logan City were the stand out Suburban club within the Brisbane Division I competition with both there 1st and 2nd grade teams making the semi-finals only to be both narrowly defeated at the Grand final and Preliminary final respectively. The Logan City 1st Grade side were minor premiers at the end of the normal season whilst Ipswich whom had a flourish of second round wins finished just two wins outside of the final four but ahead of established Brisbane clubs Wests, Sunnybank, Souths, GPS and Norths-QUT. Redlands and Wynnum who were making there debut in Division I both had solid first years especially Redlands whom were positioned only a few points shy of Ipswich amongst a number of major Brisbane clubs. It must be stated that Wynnum had the misfortune of being linked with the Premier Grade bye week after week and consistently met teams whom were strengthened by the availability of players who might normally have been used up in their Premier Division teams. The 2004 season saw the emergence of a number of new clubs such as PIDA as well as the expansion of a number of others including Brisbane Harlequins, Brisbane Irish and Woogaroo. The number of QSRU affiliated clubs and there respective numbers of participating teams have drawn a comparison to our halcyon years of 1994/95. Logan City was our star performer with a total of eight teams including 2 Colt division sides. In 2004 the QSRU Management Committee provided representation for a total of sixty five (65) teams with the actual number of players registered within our Queensland Suburban Sub-Union well in excess of Their were five long standing QSRU trophies presented this year including:- the J. Barber, the G.R Pegg, the I. Scotney, the G.Wyatt, and the Normandy Cups. The standard of rugby observed during the 2004 final series and the large crowds at Ballymore were easily the best seen in many years and all clubs, players and officials should be congratulated accordingly. Whilst I would like to offer my congratulations to all competition premiers I would like to thank all Suburban Clubs for the 2004 season especially those whom were successfully in making the final series or a premiership: Division Premiers Runners Up 2nd Div 1st Grade - J. Barber Cup Woogaroo Black Rhino s 2nd Grade G.R. Pegg Cup Black Rhino s Brisbane Harlequins 3rd Div - I. Scotney Cup Browns Plains Everton Park 4th Div - G. Wyatt Cup Logan City PIDA 5th Div Normandy Cup St Leo s Old Boys Easts-Longhorns THE 2004 QSRU REPRESENTATIVE TEAMS Seniors The QSRU representative team was once again fortunate to obtain the services of a first rate coaching team with the appointment of Lachlan Ferguson and Greg Burke as co-coaches. The only trial game for the 2004 representative team was against an Australian Army Services representative side and was played at Gallipoli Barracks at Enogerra. The QSRU side met stiff opposition from the give no quarter Army side but eventually came out winners although there were a number of injuries to both teams. The annual Barraclough Shield clash against our New South Wales Suburban adversaries took place at Telstra Stadium on Saturday 19th June as a curtain raiser to the Australia versus Scotland test. The game was played in a typically torrid pace with Queensland setting the early pace and holding a narrow yet welcome lead going into the second half.

43 QUEENSLAND SUBURBAN RUGBY CONTINUED However, the New South Wales side came home with an absolute roar particularly in the closing stages of the match to run out deserved 34 to 19 winners. On behalf of my committee and all of the Suburban representative players, I would like to sincerely thank the coaching staff of Lachlan Ferguson/ and Greg Burke, Manager Rick Packer as well as team physiotherapist Stephan Driver and trainer John Hetherington for their tireless efforts in preparing the side and sincerely hope that they will be available to carry on with the job in The 2004 QSRU representative side was made up in no special order as follows: Michael Bell (Cpt), Jonas Campbell, John McInnes, Paul Bertinato, Mitch O Hara, Gary Blank, Ben Brock, Rob Donaghue, Dan Draper, Rex Harrison, Mila Lemalu, Andrew Macleod, Tiki Matebau, Fred Motusaga, Almen a, Leroy Nahi, Mark Pigram, Monty Pona, Danny Schebella, Jerome Togia, John Valotu and Tim Woods. COLTS TRANSITION PROGRAM During the year support was given to the assembly of a QSRU colts squad for participation in a Colts Transition program scheduled to be held at Ballymore over seven days commencing 26th June. The program initially involved a total of 41 Colt s eligible players from across the QSRU clubs which are a series of selection trials before selection of a final squad of 26 players. The squad had representation from all SRU colts teams as well as players whom were age eligible but were playing in a senior level competition. of the Ipswich Grammar School boarding house facility. Feedback from the squad officials and members of the transition squad itself have revealed a valuable learning experience for one and all. The all up cost of the assembly including accommodation, meals, bus transport to Ballymore, a small amount of outfitting and disbursements was slightly in excess of $10,000. Future QSRU participation in such transition programs will have to be reviewed in context of the value to all affiliates of the QSRU especially given the relative small number of clubs whom field colt grade teams. A special note of thanks to the squad officials including Garry Hill, David Crowe and Chris Richards Co-Coaches) as well as Howard Fairley (Manager) and Rick Packer (Trainer). I would like to offer my congratulations to all the successful premiership winning teams for 2004 as well as our representative players and officials. I would also like to thank all the clubs and their respective management committees who continue to be affiliated with Suburban year after year and provide much of the fabric that makes up the culture of Subbies. To my Management Committee and particularly Rick Packer I would like to thank you for your support during the year and particularly during the representative team assembly periods and the finals series. To the QRU, and particularly Roger Plastow whom left us mid season and Michael Backstrom I would like to thank you for your support and assistance throughout the year. I would also like to thank the QRRA for their support throughout the season and to all of the participating referees, thank you for being a most important and integral part of our competition. Finally, I would like to advise that I will not be re-nominating for a position on the Queensland Suburban Management Committee for I have enjoyed the numerous challenges put forward during my eleven years on committee particularly my last seven years as President. It is impossible to count the number of long-term friendships that I have formed through my involvement with Suburban rugby and I would therefore like to conclude my 2004 Annual Report by offering a special note of thanks to all Queensland Suburban Clubs, their officials, their players and their supporters for a truly memorable experience. John Rossiter President The assembly involved a number of specialist squad skills training sessions as well a total of four games against colts teams from Victoria, Western Australia, South QLD Country and North QLD Country. The squad had live in arrangements during the assembly period and which was graciously provided through the assistance Courtesy of Quest Newspapers 41

44 QUEENSLAND COUNTRY RUGBY UNION Peter Moore 42 Change continues to dominate the operations of the QCRU during It has been a busy year and I thank my Committee, Michael Backstrom and Nicole Comerford for their support and hard work. President Andy Purcell continues to provide experience, expertise that only a person of his seniority can. Treasurer David Nicholson has demonstrated again his balancing skills with finances and his Managerial skills with the Heelers. Committee members Craig Stack, Ian Coombe and Dan Coonan have worked energetically and I believe have laid the foundation for Country to continue to move forward in Country Championships Townsville and Sunshine Coast staged an exciting and thrilling final at Noosa, little separated both teams with Sunshine Coast prevailing. Both teams and Management are to be congratulated on their performances and the spirit in which the final was played. Congratulations to winning Coach Peter Hanson and commiserations to Terry Shiells, it was a memorable game. Sponsorship Thank you Landmark for your support and generosity over the past two years, we look forward to you continuing as our major sponsor in 2005 and growing our relationship, especially at sub union level. Queensland Rugby Club has for two years sponsored our Regional Academies, without your support the Academies would not have been successful. Academies are now operating in Townsville, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba. There are three metropolitan Academies operating in Brisbane North, South and West. The Academies success has been reflected in the performance of Regional teams in junior and schools competition, most notably Townsville s success in winning the school s competition at Surfers Paradise earlier in the year. Townsville s Academy supplied eleven players to the winning team. Support from the QR Club has been vital in their success. To MacAir, thanks again for continuing to support the transitional program. With your support it continues to develop young country players. QRCU recognises the importance of sponsorship and its servicing. Craig Stack will continue to work with Tony Hancock in helping to promote and foster strong working relationships with our sponsors in Incorporation We are pleased to be able to present to the meeting documentation for the completion of QCRU s Incorporation. We believe it is an important step in developing our identity and our ability to undertake greater financial responsibility in fund raising from sponsors and the government. I point out that we are the last remaining affiliate of the QRU not incorporated. Constitutional Review Tom McVeigh has chaired the sub committee for constitutional review. They have worked long and hard during the year consulting with affiliates and drafting the new constitution. I believe country will be pleased with the outcome, not only from QCRU s perspective but also from the perspective of all QRU stakeholders. There should be no confusion as to the status of sub unions that are invited to participate in premier rugby. They continue to be an affiliate of the QCRU with the same voting rights and able to participate in country championships. Their players will be eligible for Heelers selection. Regional Academies and HPU Damian Hearne has been very supportive in helping to develop our Academy program, much of their success can be contributed to Damian s stewardship. As a result of their success and the inclusion of the Gold Coast into the program in 2005 Julian Gardiner has been appointed to oversee the development and growth of the program, he will bring to the program a wealth of experience and expertise. I look forward to his contribution. Regional Academies in the Country and Brisbane are seen by the QCRU the QJRU and the BJRU as a major initiative in developing juniors. There are currently 160 players participating in the program. Heelers 2004 has been a difficult year despite some good on field performances. The importance of goal kicking has never been so highlighted as in this year s Australian Rugby Shield. To Coach Bob Woods, Manager Dave Nicholson, Assistant Brett Timms, Physiotherapist Jonathon Moses and players, thank you for your effort and commitment. There are times when you bust your gut for very little return, 2004 was such a year. In 2005 Terry Shiells from Townsville will take over the reins of the Heelers. Terry is an experienced successful

45 QUEENSLAND COUNTRY RUGBY UNION CONTINUED Coach and an old Country representative. We look forward to his contribution. Under 19 transitional program The program continues to grow in size and success, 2005 will see NSW Country attending along with Victoria and Western Australia. Our north and south teams are well served by the program. Congratulations to John Faithful, Tom Moore and David Morgan from the North Queensland team and Tim Murray, Rob Nowland and Garth Caswell from the South Queensland team. The program has grown into a national competition, thanks to the initiatives of Gaven Head. Premier Rugby In 2005 Premier Rugby is being viewed by the QRU as a statewide competition. It will be run by the QRU and participants will be invited to compete. The Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast have received invitations. It would be our wish that in the future other Country sub unions would be invited, thus giving the opportunity for aspiring players to compete at the highest competition level in the state and yet remain in their local region. Congratulations to the Breakers for their success in 2004 grand final. Alex Evans and his coaching team have set new standards for Queensland rugby. I know Alex s involvement in the Gold Coast regional academy will help develop future Reds from their junior ranks. Peter Moore Chairman LANDMARK 2004 COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS Central Division Results Open Division Points Tally Mt Isa 62 Western Queensland 11 Central Highlands 15 Bundaberg 5 Central Highlands 92 Mount Isa 10 Western Queensland 34 Bundaberg 17 Western Queensland 5 Mt Isa 20 Central Highlands 38 Bundaberg 0 Bundaberg 7 Mt Isa 64 Western Queensland 13 Central Highlands 31 Landmark Central Division Champions - Central Highlands Northern Division Results Open Division Mackay 10 Townsville 30 Townsville 21 Rockhampton 15 Cairns 10 Rockhampton 20 Townsville 20 Rockhampton 10 Cairns 8 Cairns 19 Mackay 7 Mackay 5 Townsville NA Cairns NA Rockhampton 22 Mackay 15 Townsville 45 Mackay 17 Cairns 8 Rockhampton 19 Rockhampton 25 Townsville 13 Mackay 43 Cairns 3 Cairns 12 Townsville 23 Mackay 3 Rockhampton 20 Landmark Northern Division Champions - Townsville Northern Division Results Under 19 Mackay 14 Townsville 12 Rockhampton 20 Rockhampton 20 Cairns 10 Townsville 18 Townsville 5 Rockhampton 12 Cairns 13 Cairns 17 Mackay 7 Mackay 6 Townsville NA Cairns NA* Rockhampton 15 Mackay 6 Townsville 13 Mackay 6 Cairns 7 Rockhampton 8 Rockhampton 10 Townsville 20 Mackay 12 Cairns 25 Cairns 17 Townsville 29 Mackay 8 Rockhampton 17 Landmark Northern Division Champions - Rockhampton Southern Division Results - Open Division Darling Downs 14 Gold Coast 9 Sunshine Coast 15 Sunshine Coast 33 Darling Downs 8 Darling Downs 10 Gold Coast 0 Sunshine Coast 29 Gold Coast 6 Gold Coast 31 Darling Downs 25 Darling Downs 24 Sunshine Coast 21 Sunshine Coast 39 Gold Coast 12 Landmark Southern Division Champions - Sunshine Coast Southern Division Results - Under 19 Darling Downs 28 Gold Coast 28 Sunshine Coast 18 Sunshine Coast 26 Darling Downs 6 Darling Downs 11 Gold Coast 3 Sunshine Coast 21 Gold Coast 1 Gold Coast 5 Darling Downs 27 Darling Downs 10 Sunshine Coast 15 Sunshine Coast 0 Gold Coast 0 ** Landmark Southern Division Champions - Sunshine Coast Open Final Sunshine Coast 25 Townsville 23 Landmark Open Champions - Sunshine Coast * Abandoned due to inclement weather ** Sunshine Coast won on forfeit 43

46 QUEENSLAND COUNTRY RUGBY UNION CONTINUED 2004 Telstra Australian Rugby Shield Points Table (Final) Played Win Draw Loss Pts/For Pts/Ag Bonus Pts Points NSW Country Perth Gold Adelaide Falcons Darwin Mosquitoes Melbourne Axemen QLD Country TARS Match Results(Final) NSW Perth Adelaide Darwin Melbourne QLD Country Country NSW Country Perth Adelaide Darwin Melbourne QLD Country Queensland Country V Perth picture courtesy of Toowoomba Chronicle 44

47 CENTRAL HIGHLANDS The Central Highlands has had a major increase in player participation this year with two new teams joining the competition the Moranbah Dragons and Emerald Reserves. These additions have definitely bolstered the strength of the game out here. The pre-season competition started off with the annual Capella Tens. Some excellent support play and productive counterattacking was on display. The final saw Capella defeat the defending champions Clermont in extra-time. It was then straight into the 15-a-side pre-season round. Capella showed early dominance and was rewarded with a significant number of players in the representative side. The CH team travelled down to Bundaberg in the first round of the Landmark Championships. CH dominated every facet of play and was rewarded with a 92-5 scoreline. The following weekend CH hosted the other three sub-unions at Emerald. The match against Mt.Isa was a standout for all players and supporters. Every contact situation was at full intensity with both teams keen to establish physical dominance. CH eventually ran out winners in a top quality game. The following day CH played WQ in a very spirited match. WQ showed a lot of ticker and threw everything at CH who were the more fancied team. Despite WQ s courageous effort, CH ran out winners This means that this is the second consecutive year that CH has gone through the Landmark Championships undefeated. The last two rounds of the pre-season were played and it was wrapped up with the Capella Cattledogs defeating the Emerald Rams The season proper started the following week and it was clear from the start that to win this competition you had to be consistently improving. The season ran over three full rounds, which was twelve games. The minor premiership wasn t decided until the final match of round three when Capella defeated Emerald This secured the home finals for Capella and meant that Emerald had to beat the Clermont Bushpigs to make it through to the grand final. Reds players Drew Mitchell and Josh Valentine were on hand to witness the knockout match between Clermont and Emerald, which Emerald won The Grand Final between Capella and Emerald was extremely hard fought with defence dominating the match. At half time it was 3-0 to Emerald who had had all of the possession and field position. Emerald ended up running out winners 13-5 with both teams exhausted from their efforts. Overall, it has been a very good and thoroughly enjoyable season of rugby in the Central Highlands. The expansion of the competition has breathed new life into the game and we are hoping to maintain these new additions and possibly add another. The quality of play has reached new heights, with high levels of skill being shown right around the paddock. CH is looking forward to the challenges which lie ahead and is ready to take any opportunity which may come its way. Eddie Shaw CHRU President DARLING DOWNS Off-Field: Darling Downs rugby has completed a historic season, its 40th in the current form. We understand that this may be the oldest continuous club sporting competition in Australia, and this was recognised at our Grand Final in an appropriate way. The 2004 Management Committee has been determined to ensure that our subunion recovered ground lost over the last few years, particularly financially and also in terms of the energy across all participants. I am very pleased to report that on both counts, we have been very successful. Whilst we are still awaiting the final audited accounts for the financial year, we are on track to record a small but healthy profit, which will enable us to approach the next 12 months with optimism. However, more importantly, the Committee and representatives of most of our clubs and affiliates met on Saturday, 30 October, to develop a strategic plan for the next 5 years which will see the game once again move forward on the Downs. Whilst this document has not yet been completed, and certain matters are subject to ratification, I am buoyed by the exceptionally positive approach of the participants, and very pleased with the outcomes. These include: 1. A formal affiliation between the DDRU and DDJuniorRU, which will see representatives of the latter holding ex-officio membership of the Management Committee with attendant voting rights 2. A re-structuring of administrative arrangements within the DDRU, which will result in greater involvement by affiliates in grass-roots issues and a more strategic focus by the Committee 3. General agreement to investigate the option of applying to participate in the Premier Rugby competition in This decision is contingent on ensuring that the local Risdon Cup competition is not only maintained but enhanced as a result, and was taken because of the continuing drain to Brisbane and elsewhere of quality players. 4. Formation of a sub-committee to look at options regarding a DDRU home ground, including whether one is needed, and if so, an appropriate venue. The DDRU remains fully committed to participation in country rugby competitions, and is gearing up for the 2005 season. We will again be looking (with the requisite formal approval) to play trial matches against our Northern NSW country cousins, and will have our completed Sub-Union agreement lodged by the date due. 45

48 QUEENSLAND COUNTRY RUGBY UNION CONTINUED On-Field [Representative]: I reported in mid-year on the various cost issues which we believe must be addressed to enable the Downs to continue to field a strong Dingoes team. It is disappointing that we have had no formal feedback to date on the matters raised. Next season we have matches in Brisbane and Rockhampton, with no indication yet of an increased expense allocation which takes into account the significant distances our players travel to train and play representative rugby. I look forward to confirmation of this. On-Field [Local Competition]- The local club season concluded with our Grand Finals on Saturday, 4 September. The rugby on the day was outstanding, with the highlights undoubtedly being the wins by the Warwick Under 19s in their first season, and by Dalby RU after being minor premiers for 3 of the past 4 years. This year the crowd on the day was as large as many of our old-timers can recall. We believe this is due to having an excellent cross-section of representation across the Downs, with 5 different clubs involved in the 3 grand finals, as well as innovative promotions and organisation. Results on the day were: Under 19 won by Warwick over USQ (minor premiers) Reserve grade won by USQ over Rangers (minor premiers) Risdon Cup won by Dalby (minor premiers) over Roma (runners-up for second year) I am sure that the city-based clubs may not agree, but having 2 country clubs fight out the Risdon Cup GF is great news for our competition. As I have stated before, Downs rugby is a true country competition, and the strength of our rural-based clubs is a barometer of our overall health. There is no doubt that we are in great shape to progress rugby in this region. Finally, I wish to pay tribute to our General Manager, Dominic Doyle, and our Junior Development Officer, Nigel Logan. Whilst they are paid employees, both Dominic and 46 Nigel put in hours well above their remuneration, and Dominic in particular provides exceptional assistance to me and the Management Committee. I look forward to an extremely successful 2005 season, and to the future of Downs rugby. Yours In Rugby James Anderson DDRU President GOLD COAST & DISTRICT Following the resignations of Gerard Cummins and Ken Caldow, Brian Milligan was appointed to the position of Administrative Officer. The other change in staff, at this office, was the appointment of Bree Hawkins to the position of the second Development Officer. The Junior numbers within the District have reached the vicinity of 1600, in 110 teams, with a further increase being anticipated for The D.O.s have been working on most of the schools, and all of the Junior clubs, in their endeavours to link, and increase, their children s activities in our code. The results are very promising. The Colts competition wasn t as strong as first promised, with a few hiccups occurring, but the picture looks far more encouraging, for next season. The Senior competition, involving Bond, Colleges, Coolangatta-Tweed, Eagles, Helensvale, Nerang, Palm Beach-Currumbin and Surfers Paradise, was very competitive. Bond had a stranglehold on multi-grade Minor Premierships this year, but bowed to the weight of a re-surged Surfers Paradise 1st-Grade in the Final. The Gold Coast & District Rugby Union received an invitation from the QRU to enter three teams in the Brisbane Premier competition. Our response was to nominate the Gold Coast Breakers to participate at this level. A review of this arrangement will be addressed, regarding 2006 onwards. The Gold Coast Breakers spoke well, for this city, winning the 2004 Brisbane Premier competition and the Hospitals Cup, in a well-drilled performance against the morefancied University side. Congratulations go to them all for a mighty effort. Appreciation must be directed to David Baldon for his input as District Registrar, performing a mountain of work in keeping the record of players participation up to scratch. Congratulations go to Tom Rosewarne, appointed Cyclones Senior Coach 2005, and to Peter Donohue to Cyclones Colts Coach Going on the events of the past season, and subject to availability, the playing-staff for their teams should present a strong force in the up-coming series. Following an accepted proposal by the members, this District in its efforts to establish its own identity, moved from a shared environment at Fremar Street, Broadbeach Waters to a separate office, at 5/31 Station Street, Nerang. This is Gold Coast s own Rugby House, with a staff of three - a number which the District would like to see increase, in the near future. In the office set-up considerable time has been spent upgrading centralised recordssystems, and looking at ways of improving the image of the premises with the view to establishing a secure and professional Rugby icon in our region. In the District Management Committee s vision of a united Rugby community, it produced a Club Loyalty Agreement, which was then signed by the Clubs Presidents and the District s executives. This year, also, saw the District entering into a one-year Partnership Agreement, with the QRU, and an Affiliation Agreement with the Gold Coast Breakers. There are moves afoot to bring the Gold Coast Referees under the District banner, via affiliation processes. Management Committee Gold Coast & District Rugby Union Inc. MACKAY & DISTRICT Senior competition consisted of 343 registered players at eight teams - Bowen,

49 Brothers, City, Glenden, Keas, Kuttabul, Proserpine/Whitsunday and Slade Point. Grand Final Results - A Grade Brothers - 22 d Mackay City - 21 Plate Final Kuttabul 23 d Glenden - 20 Summary of the Season: Competition commenced 28 March. Reds Player visit March Anthony Mathison, Stephen Moore, John Roe and Junior Pelasas. Country Championships- improved performance by the Stingers. Hosted Waihou RFC (New Zealand side) 18 March. Played composite Mackay side. TARS match 05 June Qld Country Heelers vs. NSW Country Cockatoos. Great day, MDRU generated healthy return. Mackay Secondary Schools Competition 27 sides approximately 540 players. Ran from April until end August. Joint Open Premiers - Holy Spirit College and Proserpine SHS. Juniors commenced 06 August - 42 teams registered players (includes 90 Under 18 players) a very pleasing increase. Frontrow Rugbywear Under 18 Competition comprising of 5 teams (Brothers, City, Keas, Kuttabul and Slade Point) commenced 8 October and concluded with Finals on 12 November. Sample Under 15 Girls competition comprising 6 schools (Pioneer, North Mackay, Mercy, Mackay, Sarina and Mirani) playing 4 matches each week - commenced 13 October and concluded 10 November. Improvements to Quarry Hill Additional playing field (No.3) Numerous facility improvements were possible because of Work for the Dole Scheme provided by Mackay Skills Training eg: ticket booth, scoreboard, outdoor bars, canteen repairs, secured dugouts and outdoor pavements. Future Directions Lighting to be installed on third field (already have $30,000 from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund for this project) and further funding is being sourced to cover the balance needed. Car park to be sealed and lit in Finance being sought to Freehold our lease. MDRU will continue our joint development plans with Mackay Christian College. Dan Coonan President MOUNT ISA Mount Isa Rugby Union Inc. farewelled a successful domestic season with the grand final on Saturday, April 3 between defending premier Keas and Warrigals. Keas, under the guidance of captain-coach Nick Treweeke, capped a fine season winning the LD White premiership trophy in a tense but top game of rugby. Congratulations to both sides and to all participating clubs. There is still a struggle to get Cloncurry to play on a regular basis but there is talk and hope that this will be rectified during the season. The summer season is proving a success and based on the grand final, the standard is improving. I see this has been a continual campaign for MIRU with other winter sports feeling the affects of competing against one another. The representative season held higher hopes on the back of the strong domestic season but that was not the case with Central Highlands again proving the stumbling block and winning the Western Division title undefeated. This division continues to work together to improve the standard of rugby and provide better opportunities for its players. I am hopeful that the proposed Barbarians side will come to fruition and that in the short-term it will provide a player capable of playing at the Australian Rugby Shield level. MIRU has formed a strong relationship with clubs and sponsors. MIRU committee has been open to change and ideas which are giving strength across the board. The demise of rugby league has opened a door of opportunity but one which must be carefully addressed. We have become self-sufficient insofar as promotion is concerned and our focus will be to source identities which we deem suitable to come to the region and assist in this area. I thank the QCRU board for its commitment to country rugby and look forward to the future of the Heelers and the direction representative rugby for country players will take. Thank you, Glenn Faulkner President 47

50 QUEENSLAND COUNTRY RUGBY UNION CONTINUED SUNSHINE COAST AND DISTRICTS Executive Committee: Greg Dodd (President); Anthony Morrison (Vice President/Secretary); Geoff McNamara (Treasurer). Representative Honour Board: Queensland Country Heelers Adam Gamlin; Mark Martin, Chris Massoud, Anthony Thomas (Noosa); Andrew Ritchie, Norm Furlong (Maroochydore); Brett Longfield (University); Manager David Nicholson. State Titles Sunshine Coast Breakers won the Queensland Country Championships defeating the gallant Townsville Brolgas 25/23 at the Noosa Rugby complex. Sunshine Coast Under 19 Colts won the Southern Division of the Queensland Country Championships (no statewide Grandfinal held). Participation Numbers: When compared to Year 2003, growth in player numbers for Year 2004 witnessed further spectacular increases in Seniors by 9% (57), in Juniors by 18% (187), and in Schools by a mammoth 54% (818). The increases 2004 over 2003 reflected an overall 1062 additional players (34%). The strength of the player base is revealed in the table below Category Clubs / Schools Teams Players Senior Junior High School 22 81* 2318 Total * Includes 13 schoolgirl teams. The number of Schools participating in a regular Primary School competition increased by 3 (14%) to 24 compared to 21 in Year Kawana Juniors joined the local competitions for the first time in Year Year 2004 also witnessed the inaugural regular competition of 4 Women s teams representing Fraser Coast, Gympie, Kawana, and University clubs. Local Senior Results: Noosa again secured the Club Championship by finishing the home & away competitions as Minor Premiers in A s and in Reggies while finishing second in Under 19 Colts. Maroochydore were Minor Premiers in the Under 19 Colts. Noosa then went on to win both the A s & Reggies Grand Finals but, for the second year in a row, could not make it three out of three when their Under 19 Colts team went down to Maroochydore. Noosa s A grade won for the sixth year on the trot (matching Maroochydore s feat during the first 6 years of the competition commencing in 1982) while the Reserve Grade came back to the winners circle. The A s, playing an 18th straight grand final for 12 victories, became Premiers by defeating Maroochydore 36/32 after leading 31/8 then trailing 32/31 before scoring the winning try right on the bell. Noosa s Reserve Grade needed extra time to overcome a gallant Gympie 36/15 (15 all at regular fulltime) after Gympie returned to the Grand Finals for the first time since Maroochydore s Under 19 Colts prevailed 6/5 over Noosa after coming back from defeat by Noosa a fortnight earlier in the major Semi Final. The three games were affected by a howling gale which saw substantial halftime leads evaporate into sheer panic the longer each game progressed. Noosa now hold the record for A Grade Grand Final wins 12/11 over Maroochydore giving both clubs all Grand Final victories in the 23 year history of the local competition. Fraser Coast won the inaugural Women s Grand Final 21/12 over egional College, club Junior coach, and also Referee for Seniors/Juniors/Schools) for his complete involvement in Rugby over the length and breadth of the Sunshine Coast Sub-Union. Adam Gamlin (Noosa) and Brock Gibbon (Maroochydore) won the Breakers Best & Fairest Awards in Opens and Under 19 Colts respectively in the Queensland Country Championships for 2004 wherein both teams finished up as Champions. Future Development: Negotiations for entry into the statewide QRU Premier Rugby competition continue with entry almost a certainty for season The renowned David Clark has been appointed coach for the Sunshine Coast Premier Rugby team and is confident of assembling a very competitive unit around him. New strategic, business, and development plans are now being finalised for implementation at the beginning of 2005 to coincide with the fundamental of competing at the elite Premier level. Russell Sheil General Manager WESTERN QUEENSLAND RUGBY UNION The 2004 Rugby season in Western Queensland has again seen our game expand in terms of the number of players participating as well as a pleasing improvement in playing standards. The WQ Senior representative side showed some solid improvements in the 2004 season. For the first time in many years, we were able to send our squad away for a trial match in Roma before the first competition game this was a great way for the team to form some on field structure and off field bonding. The team finished third in our division of the Country Championships which included a win against Bundaberg, and losses to Central Highlands and Mt Isa. This was a creditable performance as a large number of our players, including the majority of the pack were U19 s. Congratulations to the team and coaching staff on their performance. The WQ Competition began in earnest once our representative commitments were over. Barcaldine who had won the WQ premiership for the previous four years were rebuilding this year and despite some early big losses, soon became really competitive. Collegians won their first premiership since 1995 with a solid win 48

51 over the Longreach Jumbucks in the Grand Final. This was the Collegians third successive grand final appearance and a win that was certainly deserved. Congratulations to them and to all the teams on a really successful year. Womens Rugby continued this year with a level of commitment that really should be admired. Our WQ women travelled over to Emerald twice to compete this year and performed creditably in both appearances. There is a strong bond between the teams in our competition which makes the local games enjoyable and entertaining. Congratulations to the Barcaldine team on their win this year in the Womens competition. Junior rugby has again been a feature of WQ this year. Nearly 70 junior players signed up this year and we have seen a tremendous improvement in the skill levels of the kids. We also ran a coaching seminar this year which included training programs for both our dedicated band of volunteers and our junior players. Thanks to former Wallaby and Reds player Peter Slattery and former QRU coaching director Bob Brown for their efforts to make this program such a success and to all the parents who have volunteered their time during the year. Our annual awards night ended with a tie for the Player of the year between Stephen Gowing and Juhn Tully. The Presidents trophy, awarded for the person who contributed most to rugby during the year was won by Paul Smith. We also had a new award this year called The Rodney Button Memorial Trophy The Rugby Spirit which was donated by the Button family in memory of Rodney Button who was the WQ Captain in 2003 and was tragically killed last year. This was won by David Avery who was the WQ captain this year. Thanks to the Executive of Western Queensland Rugby and to all the Club workers, players and supporters for their efforts and support this year. We look forward to the continued rise of Rugby in the West in Bill Ringrose President - WQRU TOWNSVILLE & DISTRICT RUGBY UNION The Rugby World Cup 2003 has been played and season has past but the gallant play of Japanese rugby team and the carnival of rugby that came to our region is still warmly remembered. Thanks must given to the Australian Rugby Union and the International Rugby Board for including Townsville as a venue in the in the match schedule. contribution on the field has had on the local rugby community. The initial members of the Hall of Fame are Laurie Lawrence, Alan Skinner, Geoff Richardson, Peter Grigg, Sam Scott-Young, Bruce Kennon, Don Armit, John Hienke, Shane Nighingale, John Rauch. The representative season of the Brolgas was a successful adventure to bring new talent into the system. The team with many young players won the northern division of the QCRU competition and went so close to defeating Sunshine Coast at Noosa. The coach Terry Shiel and the team manager Martin Gilham were well pleased with the performance. From the Brolgas the following players went on to represent Queensland Country Pat Soper, Gill Griffiths, Christian Lago, Matthew Buchanan, John Keir and Simon Ievers. The Under 19 team started the competition very slowly but each week built upon its experience to finish the season very well, John Faithful and Lachlan Bell were also pleased with their team s year. In our junior rugby ranks the highlight was the showing the teams made at the Queensland Junior Rugby Championships. This year was the best performed Townsville group for a number of seasons. Although there are no Junior Championship trophies in the cabinet the standard of play has risen each season. This evident by the fact that six Townsville players were selected to participate in the Australian Under 16 Championships. Courtesy of Daily Mercury Mackay Prior to the first match of the Rugby World Cup 2003 at a gala dinner the inaugural induction of the Townsville Bulletin Brolga Hall of Fame was made. The Brolga Hall of Fame acknowledges the contribution of the players of our game, the level of excellence attained and the influence that their Tim McClymont and Tom Kelemete were selected into the Queensland White team and Cameron Smallwood, Shane Baker, Dwane Moreko and Neils Kirsten were selected into the Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development XV playing in Division Two of the Championship. The Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development XV eventually won the John Eales Shield. Jon Baker was also selected into the Lloyd McDermott Under 19 team. High honors were also awarded to Emily Sapwell being selected for the Australian 49

52 QUEENSLAND COUNTRY RUGBY UNION CONTINUED Womens Rugby, WallaRoos. Local referees recognised for their ability with higher level matches in the Australian Rugby Shield were Damien Weston referee and Mark Horn touch judge. When acknowledging the success of the representative players one should also thank the coaches and managers of the representative teams. This year seventeen people were involved with the Junior Rugby Program. Terry Shiells, Pita Thomson, Ryan Bailey, Joe Kirkland, Bruce Shepherd, Nathan Shepherd, Brenton Clark, Terry Tagney, Max Howlett, Leo Pakome, Paul Jordan, Col Algie, Ben Eames, Andrew Lawn, Hemo Perez, Mitchell Tagney and Tony Reddy In the local competition Brothers recorded another stellar year in winning the top three grand finals. However the efforts of Teachers- West in winning three of the remaining for titles and five minor premierships should not pass without recognition. Club Championships Seniors Division: Brothers Juniors Division: Teachers-West BP Best and Fairest Player of the Year: A Grade Ross Rickards (Burdekin), Under 19 David Sexton (Burdekin), Women: Donna Nosworthy (Brothers) The Townsville and District Rugby Union is also involved in the Queensland Regional Rugby Academy established in Townsville and the efforts of the local rugby community members John Faithful, John Rauch, Terry Shiells, Paul Jordan and Mick Smith have been instrumental in raising the standard of the local players. Townsville & District Club Champions Premiers Minor Premiers A Grade: Brothers Teachers-West Reserve Grade: Brothers Brothers Women: Teachers-West Teachers-West Under 19: Brothers Grammar Old Boys Under 17: Teachers-West Teachers West Under 15: Townsville Grammar School Black Townsville Grammar School Black Under 13: Teachers West Teachers West Under 11: 50 The Brolga Rugby Academy now in its fifth year continues to play its part in the development of the younger players who have made Brolga representative system. Again the efforts of Terry Shiel and Paul Jordan have been pivotal to the success of this program. Apart from the club and representative commitments there were a number of other rugby competitions and trials in the local area. Lloyd McDermott indigenous Rugby Trials, the midweek Army Rugby competition and the James Cook University Colleges Rugby competition. Each of these systems has their own unique part to play in the local rugby calendar. In schools rugby the Townsville Secondary Schools Rugby Competition is played in Open, Under 15 and Under 14 age groups and the Townsville and Thuringowa Primary Schools Rugby Competitions plays Walla and Midi Rugby providing an opportunity of twenty eight teams to play our game. This year the Northern Region won the 2004 Open Schoolboys Championship after a number of years without success in the competition. The Northern Region played in the Under 15 Schoolboys Championship. In the inter city primary schools competition Thuringowa were again successful over the Townsville selection. The 2004 can be best summarised as a year of growth and consolidation this is best characterised by the few changes on the committee from previous years. My thanks to the committee Dan Morton (Senior Vice President), Craig Stack (Vice President), Col Bamblett (Secretary), Doug Cunningham Teachers West (Treasurer), Lachlan Bell (Publicity), Anthony Burke (Grounds), Terry Tagney (Development) and Alan Hunt (Matches and Grades). We also remember the work of those who have gone before us with the passing of life member Ron Barnes, a man who did so much good work for rugby over an extended period. We have a lot to look forward to in the growth of our new clubs Ingham and North Ward and the possibility of three more junior clubs in the Townsville area. Rugby in the Townsville area is well placed to build an impressive future. Tony Reddy President ROCKHAMPTON & DISTRICT 2004 was another good season with many highlights. These ranged from our representative teams performance to our local club, school and pathway competitions. With 9 teams in under 8, 5 in under 10 and 9 in under 12 this years pathway competition has grown from strength to strength. This growth can be mostly attributed to our new development officer Joel Johnston. I would like to welcome Joel and thank him for his for his efforts to date. Our juniors had two very successful tours this year with a trip at Easter to Brisbane for our under 14, 15 & 17 teams and a second trip to the state championships for our under 14 & 15 teams. Our boys proved that with a little bit of competition under their belts they are a competitive force. The Rockhampton Secondary Schools Rugby Union season again saw over 500 players representing their schools in There were 5 teams in Under 13, 5 in Under 14, 6 in Under 16 and 5 teams in the Under 18 age division. Grand Finals were held on Sunday 31 October in front of a large crowd. St Brendan's College won the U13 division, The Cathedral College won the U14, Rockhampton Grammar were victorious in the U16 and Rockhampton Grammar were

53 also successful in retaining the First XV Premiership in the U18 division. Our senior representative teams performed with distinction with our under u/19s being the most successful team in the northern division of the country championships. This is a first for Rockhampton and congratulations to the players and our coach Tom Moore and his support crew. Thanks also to our senior coach Darren Solomons and his support crew for a strong effort in the open division. This year saw three of our players selected for Qld Country where they played in the Australian Rugby Shield. Congratulations to Sean Kearns, Ashley Kirk and Joel Johnston. I wish to also congratulate a number of our under 19 players who were selected in the Qld Country northern team. Our local competition provided plenty of highlights during the season. We had a terrific finals series with Frenchville Pioneers defeating Dawson Valley in A Grade. We also had some close and exciting matches in the other grades. Congratulations go to our other premiership winners with Capricorn Coast in sub districts, Frenchville Pioneers in reserve grade and University in U/19. This year saw the introduction of the regional reds college in Rockhampton. Over the next few years I am sure we will see some exciting new players developed under the care of coaches Greg Starr and James Nasser. This is an exciting initiative and we wish to thank the QRU and Qld Country. We are continuing to try to improve the facilities. You will notice that the second field now has an underground sprinkler system and field one has improved seating and pathways. I would like to thank the management committee for their efforts and support during the year. Thanks also to our rugby staff, volunteers, clubs and everyone who supported Rockhampton Rugby in Ian Coombe President CAIRNS & DISTRICT Season 2004 has certainly been a challenge for the Clubs and Committee of the Cairns & District Rugby Union. As a result of these challenges we have made some real progress and become a much stronger organisation. Our first priority was to ensure we had good Corporate Governance and compliances. We developed a Strategic Plan that would generate a much greater participation and ownership. We bought all of our rules, accounting and procedures into line with the QRU standards and developed much improved communications. The Goal for 2004 was to bring back the Spirit of Rugby and to develop a Rugby Culture. We believe we went a long way to achieving this. Much of the success can be attributed to the enthusiastic involvement of the CDRU Administration Officer. We also set a target to attract more Juniors riding on the success of the World Cup 2003 and this was more than exceeded which is a tribute to the Committee and the CDRU Development Officer. We started Season 2004 with our main venue provider, the Cairns City Council, significantly increasing the fees for the use of Barlow Park to the degree where it was totally prohibitive to play our regular Competition at the facility. As a result it was agreed we would pursue a Home and Away format with the Clubs taking full ownership. This format proved to be a major success with the Clubs generating increased revenue as well as an increased and loyal supporter base. Their sponsors realised greater value and exposure and our goal of bringing back the Spirit of Rugby was enhanced by this format. The whole season was a great success and the Clubs unanimously agreed to maintain the Home and Away format in Season The pre season competition was hosted by Port Douglas. The final saw Brothers defeat Cities in a game that showcased some high quality Rugby for so early in the season. The pre-season competition was well supported and a great opportunity to view some of the emerging and established talent for selection to Cairns Representative Team. There were high expectations for the Representative Team, the Cairns Thunder, who had a powerful and strong forward pack and extremely mobile backs. Unfortunately they were not given the opportunity to demonstrate these talents in the Queensland Country Championships as the weather proved to be a real leveller with every game impacted by miserable wet weather. The game at Townsville was abandoned due to a cyclone hitting Cairns with all the roads flooded. The results were disappointing for the Cairns Thunder Opens, with four losses, one victory and one abandonment. The Under 19 s were also disappointed with three loses, two victories and one abandonment. The process is already in place to secure a new coach and to develop a squad that will deliver us the success we enjoyed in We are also looking forward to better weather conditions for both players and spectators in

54 QUEENSLAND COUNTRY RUGBY UNION CONTINUED The main Premiership Competition kicked off with seven A Grade and seven Reserve Grade Teams, all competing for the Rainforestation Cup. The dominance of Brothers looked like being broken early with strong performances from Port Douglas and UTS. Tablelands bravely fielded an A Grade and Reserve Grade Team and learned early what a difference there was stepping up to A Grade. The Women Fielded four teams and provided some entertaining Rugby all season. As the Competition progressed Brothers began to show why they have been so dominant with Cities also beginning to show form. By mid August we held our semi-finals with Cities defeating UTS and Brothers defeating Port Douglas in the Opens and Innisfail defeating Barron and Brothers just defeating UTS in the Reserves. Moving to the Preliminary Finals we saw Cities narrowly defeat port Douglas in the A Grade and UTS well and truly beating Innisfail in Reserves. In the Grand Final held on 28 August at Barlow Park a very respectable crowd saw Brothers defeat Cities in the A Grade Final. In Reserve Grade UTS stopped Brothers taking out the Trifecta by well and truly beating them in a score line that did not reflect how good UTS were at In the Women s Grand Final Brothers swamped Wanderers In all the Grand Finals there was great support and it was good to see the crowds enjoy the day. There were some positive comments about the whole competition and quality of Rugby. An Awards Night followed the Grand Finals and was very well supported by all the Clubs and Referees. In a close run competition Shane Branch of Port Douglas took out the Best and Fairest Award proving that there is still life after 40. A special vote of thanks went to all the Referees who continued to show their fantastic support for the game. We are still in the middle of our Juniors Competition with what can only be described as a fantastic turnaround in numbers. We have 430 registered for this year and a struggle in logistics to allocate games and clubs to all of them. In previous years we struggled to attract 200 at the start so it is a credit to Brad Sawers, Mark Alberighi the DO and the Juniors Committee that this season has been so successful. The future of Rugby in Far North Queensland has never been looked better and quite a number of our Juniors have been selected for Representative Teams. The Clubs have recognised the value of incorporating the Juniors into their priorities and we will see the quality of Rugby prosper as a result. Finally, the CDRU was able to pay all its debts, manage a Competition with a reduced income stream and produce a small profit at the end of the year. Obviously our thanks go to our loyal and generous sponsors, especially Rainforestation and Tropic Wings. There are far too many people to thank in the 2004 report but special mention must go to all the hard working volunteers, the referees, the Junior Committee and to our President Charlie Woodward for his generous support of Rugby in the Far North will see the continued focus on bringing back the Spirit of Rugby and the continued development of the Rugby Culture. We will continue to grow the whole Junior Development. We will succeed by meeting and exceeding our own KPI s as well as evolving our Strategic Plan. The indications are that we will see increased support for the Game They Play in Heaven located in the Tropical Paradise. Andy Poynter 52

55 QUEENSLAND RUGBY FOOTBALL SCHOOLS UNION The 2004 season offered many opportunities for players to participate and excel at many levels, with the highlight being the two-match visit of the Irish Schoolboy team in August. The first game against a Queensland Chairman s XV was played in Noosa and was an evenly contested game until the final few minutes when the Irish took control. Again a large crowd saw an entertaining game of football and as usual the organisation in Noosa was well done. From Noosa the Irish moved to Churchie where they played Queensland Schools. Again in a keenly contested game the Irish took control towards the end of the game. From a development point of view it was great to see so many players have the opportunity to play an international. Brett Stapleton from Toowoomba Grammar and Kieron Lander from Downlands College played for Australian Schoolboys against the Irish in Canberra. The Australian team scored a well deserved victory. Sam Cummings, Alex Tallon, Kieron Lander, Caleb Brown Queensland Schools V Ireland and Ben Lucas were selected in the Australian team which toured Samoa and New Zealand. The domestic season was very busy commencing with the Under 18 State Regional Championships in May. The South Coast region was the host region and Northern region proved to be the best team with a consistent performance over four days. The Queensland schoolboy trials followed at the end of June and again two teams participated from each of the sub-associations-aic; CSS; and GPS. From these trials two Queensland teams were selected to play in the National Championships in Sydney in July. Both teams performed well with Queensland 1 going down narrowly to New South Wales 1 in the final. The Under-15 State Regional Championships were held at Churchie in early August and the South Coast team won the final. As the various championships and games were played many teachers volunteered their services in a variety of ways to ensure players were prepared, organised and looked after. I would like to acknowledge with gratitude all those teachers involved at whatever level. In terms of organisation the support of the committee and the executive was very evident. At the end of the season all delegates were given the opportunity to reflect on the past year through completing a SWOT analysis. Many useful and challenging ideas emerged through this process and will be a source of reference for this coming year. One of the special moments for the year was the recognition of Noel Mather as Life Member of the association. Noel has made a remarkable contribution to school and representative schoolboy rugby over many years and is still sighted around schools making his contribution. Could I acknowledge with thefollowing people: Members of the executive and the committee especially Bill Newcombe, John Brew and Darren Kayrooz Damian Hearne from the Energex Reds College and Gavin Head from the QRU for their readiness to develop a positive partnership with the QRFSU 53

56 54 QUEENSLAND RUGBY FOOTBALL SCHOOLS UNION CONTINUED All the coaches and managers of regional and state teams especially our state staff who gave up most of their Winter holiday to be involved - Paul Herbert, Rod Jenkins, David Meehan, Pat Richards, Rick Saunders and Murray Harley Our regional convenors and RSO s for their contribution of the state championships - Simon Smith and Julie Cullen (South Coast) and Gary Bruce and Des Guy (Metropolitan North) All the referees who officiated at the various games and championships Phil Muller from the QSSSA who assisted in too many ways to list The QRU Club for their sponsorship of the Jersey Presentation Ceremony Best wishes and thanks to all involved Damien Barker Chairman QRFSU Elton Flatley and Caleb Brown

57 QUEENSLAND JUNIOR RUGBY UNION The 2003/04 season has been a post World Cup period that has seen a 20% rise in player numbers across the State but an increase, in most instances, that has been manageable. There have been affiliates who have performed above average and those who are well below. The performance of the affiliate is in line with the quality and innovativeness of the voluntary administration of that affiliate. This year has been a year of change and a year in which further change has been set in motion. Firstly we have seen unprecedented verbal and moral support from the QRU, particularly from the Board, but also a continued firming of the relationship with the professional staff of QRU which has been gathering momentum for some years now. The management committee of QJRU wishes to take this opportunity to thank Theo Psaros, Jeff Miller, Gaven Head and all of the staff of QRU for the time and professionalism they have entered into each issue that has arisen in this past year. Without question Rod Cousins is the major contributor to the excellent relationship that we currently enjoy with QRU. The next year will test the administrative ability of the incoming committees at all levels of junior rugby. Firstly, the committees ability to recognise the real problems, to seek the objective solutions that truly are in the best interest of the game, and put aside personal agendas. Secondly, it is to administer the JUNIOR game to fit with the desires and aspirations of our children, not in accordance with adult perceptions. initiative to go forward successfully. We will be working closely with Damien Hearne, Manager of the Energex Reds Rugby College, who is primarily responsible for this initial success and Queensland Country Rugby Union to address the problems and find solutions. The Redlands Rugby Club hosted a very successful State Championship. We congratulate Tiki Tuapou and the excellent committee that put so much effort into the event. The success of the championships over the last few years has caused growth with only one of our affiliates was not in attendance in With this growth comes the necessity for change so that the quality of the event will be maintained. These changes are already starting to happen, but it will be an evolving process over a period of years. The challenge for 2005 is for Junior Rugby in Queensland is not only to retain the players that have come to our sport, but to continue to attract players. I believe that we are here to give every player, or potential player, in this State an equal opportunity to play rugby at a level of their choosing. We need to remind ourselves that our job is not to create Wallabies, but to help give all of the young that we encounter the confidence to approach life without fear of failure. Des Drice President These juniors are not yet Wallabies and they must have the space to develop in their own time. Unfortunately, this season, there has been increase in the numbers of adults with a win at all cost attitude. The community at large has strongly indicated that there is no place for this sort of mentality in junior sport. Of greater concern is that the resultant breaches of the code of conduct (behavioural problems) by adults tends to have a flow on effect towards players, and this is completely unacceptable. The QJRU s and Queensland Country Rugby Union s joint initiative with the Regional Rugby Colleges has been an outstanding success from the participating players view and, from all reports, close to one of the best things that we have ever done. It was the first year and there were a number of teething problems that need to be addressed for this 55

58 QUEENSLAND RUGBY CLUB REPORT One of the highlights of 2004 was the joint initiative of the QRU and the QRC to instigate a pre-season competition involving a number of Greater Brisbane clubs. The QRC donated the historic Athenian Cup as the winner s trophy, along with $50,000 in prize money making it one of the richest domestic rugby tournaments in Australia. Congratulations to the winners: Brothers Rugby Union Club. The QRC recognises its responsibility as a major contributor of ever increasing financial support to rugby. The Club continues to investigate means of expanding its business activities in an effort to grow the level of fiscal patronage of our great sport. Throughout the year, the QRC continued to experience ever-increasing pressure for financial assistance to grassroots rugby organisations. The size of the grants made to these stakeholders continues to grow, with significant support being made available to a range of rugby affiliates including the referees, premier and regional clubs, country rugby, schoolboy rugby and the Ballymore Ladies Support Group. Loss of income from the relocation of the Reds V Waratahs game in 2004 impacted adversely on the QRC s income, and subsequently its cash surpluses which are devoted to grassroots rugby support. However, the Club is mindful that the success of that match will hopefully benefit rugby as a whole from increased QRU revenues. The QRC is active in providing a forum for its members and the general rugby community to see and interact with high profile rugby identities. Through the vehicles of its famous Penfolds series of lunches, the annual Fourex Ballymore Lunch and the newly instigated Australian Agricultural Company Lunches, the Club was able to present speakers such as Tana Umaga, Gordon Bray, Joe Roff, Stirling Mortlock, Tony Shaw, Greg Cornelson and many others. The Club recognises, appreciates and applauds the support it receives in its endeavours from its major sponsors - Penfolds Wines, Castlemaine Perkins Breweries, Qantas Airways and the Australian Agricultural Company (through its 1824 beef brand). Other valued supporters of the Club and its members include Total Sports Travel, Centenary Mazda, the King Island Company and Simon George & Sons. The assistance of all these corporate partners serves to enhance the rugby experience. Whilst the QRC s role as benefactor to the community rugby is undeniable, its Board never loses sight of the fact that the Club was originally conceived as a brotherhood of men and women who love rugby. In that light, both the elected officials and staff of the QRC are mindful of preserving and enhancing members benefits and privileges. To that end, the QRC Board has welcomed the opportunity to work closely with new QRU Chairman, Ben Kehoe, his Board and CEO Theo Psaros to overcome certain difficulties associated with the two organisations slightly differing agendas. Michael O Callaghan President Queensland Rugby Club 56 Damian Hoo

59 OBITUARY Michael Tabrett Queensland Rugby was deeply saddened by the untimely deaths of two young players during the last year. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families of Michael Tabrett and Damian Drew. Emotional coaches and teammates described his death as surreal as he had been seemingly fit, healthy and in high spirits before collapsing. Former Wallaby vice-captain Toutai Kefu led the tributes for Drew, who was poised to earn a Super 12 contract in late 2001 before snapping his Achilles tendon in the last match of a Queensland development tour to Argentina. Kefu, who played over 10 seasons with Drew, starting as under 16s at the Magpies, said he was unlucky not to get a chance with the Reds after being regarded as one of the best scrummagers in the game. He was probably the most under-rated player running around in club rugby, he said of his friend and 1998 and 2000 premiership-winning team-mate. To his credit he never showed any animosity in being shunned [for a professional contract]. MICHAEL TABRETT DIED: DECEMBER 7, 2003 AGED 22 The close-knit Bank of Queensland Reds squad was shocked by the sudden death of popular team-mate Michael Tabrett in December Michael was a talented footballer who had played 11 matches for the Reds as well as appearing for Australia A, Australia U-21s and the national sevens team. He had a great career ahead of him and was highly thought of by everyone at the Reds, not just as a player but as a human being, said Reds coach Jeff Miller. Michael had been a friendly and familiar face around Ballymore for many years. He was an apprentice greenkeeper when he made his Queensland debut against the British & Irish Lions, before graduating through the Energex Reds Rugby College. A versatile player who could adapt at centre, wing or fullback, Michael constantly topped the Reds fitness charts. He was a great bloke and a great friend to many people here and we will remember him forever, said Reds team-mate Junior Pelesasa. DAMIEN DREW DIED: MARCH 6, 2004 AGED 30 He just carried on being the nice, friendly bloke he was. He was very loyal and loved the Magpies. Souths coach Ian Cameron said all were bewildered when Drew, a registered nurse, collapsed on the sand while completing a beach run during the training camp. There s no family history [of heart problems], said Cameron, who is also a senior sergeant with the Queensland police. It wasn t hot, it wasn t extreme, he wasn t fatigued. Ten minutes earlier he was bright and chirpy and yelling out to the fat coach to get out of the van and run. Queensland Rugby was rocked for the second time with the death of Souths and former state prop Damien Drew who collapsed during a pre-season club training run on Stradbroke Island. Damien Drew 57

60 OBITUARY CONTINUED It wasn t that taxing. It s an unfortunate accident and has devastated the whole club. If not for snapping his Achilles in Argentina, Cameron believed Drew would have been lining up for the Reds. A few years ago Tom Lawton said Drew was the most technically correct prop he had seen behind Dan Crowley. You can t get a better rap than that. Bros Cycles before finally joining the staff of the Truth & Sportsman newspaper. It was later bought by Rupert Murdoch who changed it into the Sunday Truth. Johnny became Circulation Manager and remained there for 20 years until his retirement. His sporting career began in 1926 when he joined three different Church gymnasiums as well as the YMCA. He expanded his hobbies and learned how to play draughts, and was invited to join the South Brisbane Club where he unsuccessfully challenged the Australian champion. His discovered his first real sporting passion, rugby union, in the early 1930 s. Johnny began his rugby career in 1933 when he joined Eagle Junction Football Club. A year before that he had met the love of his life Betty Mahon at a dance at Redcliffe and they were married at the Holy Spirit Church, New Farm in They had two children, Diane and John and purchased a house in Pring Street, Hendra next door to the family home. Johnny s sporting passion in later life was bowls and he soon became a cherished member on and off the green at the Hendra Club. He held many positions including President, Life Member, Club Champion and in 1993 he was awarded the Royal Queensland Bowling Association 25-year Meritorious Medal. Further honours followed, including the Australian Sports Medal in John Kirwan JOHN KIRWAN DIED: OCTOBER 22, 2004 AGED 91 Born on the 18th of March 1913, John Dennis Kirwan II was the oldest surviving Queensland Red until his death in October this year. He was the third son of John & Gertrude of Deshon Street, Woolongabba and had four brothers and four sisters Archie, Jimmy, Max, Eric, Barbara, Phyllis, Debra and Winifred. Given his father s involvement in horse racing, Johnny s early childhood memories were of the days when they would walk the horses from Norman Park to Albion Racetrack. When he was 10 he sold newspapers on the platform of Norman Park station, and at 12 he left home and worked for Matt Bourke s Dairy at Bennetts Road, Cooparoo. Every weekday at 4.30am he would drive a horse and cart delivering milk to houses as far away as Norman Park Bridge, East Brisbane. Johnny also worked in Brisbane CBD and Valley for Metters, Burns, Philip and Ashby 58 He was a winger and also a goal kicker, a skill that would later shoot him into the Queensland record books. The first year Johnny played rugby union they had, as he would always say, a very good team. With J. Kirwan on the wing, Eagle Junction won the C Grade Premiership in 1933, the B Grade in 1934 and the A Grade Premiership in Johnny re-wrote the record books in 1934, scoring 201 points in a season and prompting the local newspaper to describe him as the best scoring winger in Brisbane. A year later he made his debut for Queensland against the touring New Zealand Maoris, and helped his State to a victory. Three days later he lined up for Queensland again, this time against NSW in the first night match under floodlights at the Exhibition Ground. Unfortunately for John he sustained a nasty facial injury that left him in Brisbane Hospital for a fortnight and out of the game for quite some time. He returned to coach New Farm Rugby Club to the C and B Grade Premierships, earning 30 shillings a week. He played his final season of rugby there in He enjoyed 54 years of happy marriage with Betty and was so lonely after her sudden death in However being the positive person he was, he managed, with a little help along the way, to cope with living by himself. Unfortunately the last 12 months of his life was a struggle but he never complained and appreciated the care and kindness of the staff at Masonic Care, Sandgate. Johnny Kirwan is survived by his daughter Diane, son John, six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Diane Carlton Smith (nee Kirwan) October 2004

61 DIRECTORS REPORT The Directors of Queensland Rugby Union Limited, except where otherwise stated, present their report on the company for the financial year ended 31 October DIRECTORS The name and particulars of the Directors of the company in office at any time during or since the end of the year are: Mr B J Kehoe, Mr D E Usasz, Mr D.N.Croft (appt 1/1/04), Mr D C Crombie, Mr R J Marks, Mr P D Moore, Mr T J Psaros, Mr J A Roe (resg 31/12/03), Mr R J Thomson, Mr R S Williams. Information on Directors Mr B.J. Kehoe B.A., Grad. Dip Bus Admin., FAICD Ben Kehoe was elected Chairman in December 2003 and has been a Director since Ben has had extensive experience in Government and private sector positions working on strategic and Business development assignments. His is currently a Director of the Australian Rugby Union Ltd, Chairman of Imaginot Pty Ltd and Executive in Residence in the School of Business Centre for Entrepreneurship QUT. Ben is 54 years old. Mr D.E. Usasz B.Com (UQ), FCA David Usasz is a Chartered Accountant and has been a Director since September 2001 when he was appointed as Treasurer. David has been a Partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers since 1987 and was National Director of Corporate Finance Australasia for six years. He is currently a member of the Council of the Australian Rugby Union Ltd and has been a Director of the Reds Rugby College Pty Ltd since its inception in David is 49 years old. Mr D. N. Croft David Croft was appointed a Director in January He has played 58 matches for Queensland, winning his 50th cap against the Blues in March this year. He was a member of the Wallabies squad at the 2003 Rugby World Cup and has won five Test Caps. He has also captained Australia A and was the Australian Super 12 Rookie of the Year in He is the current Reds player representative on the Board. Off field, David is currently studying a Bachelor of Business Management Degree at the University of Queensland. David is 25 years old. Mr D.C. Crombie B. Ec (UQ) David Crombie has been on the Board of the Queensland Rugby Union since He stepped down as Chairman in December 2003 and remains on the Board. In addition, David was also Director of the Australian Rugby Union from Outside of rugby, David is involved in the agricultural, projects and property management sectors and currently holds positions as Chairman of Meat & Livestock Australia, Chairman of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, he is a Director of GRM International and is on the Board of FKP Limited. David is 60 years old. Mr R. J. Marks Dick Marks has been a Director since He is a highly respected Rugby author and represented Queensland and Australia between 1962 and Dick is currently a member of the Council of the Australian Rugby Union Ltd. He was the National Coaching Director of the Australian Rugby Union from 1974 to 1996 and served on the IRFB Advisory Committee for five years. He has been nominated as a Life Member and the longest serving Board member. Dick is 62 years old. Mr P. D. Moore (UQ) B. Phty, Post Grad Dip. Sports, Dip. P.E. Peter Moore has been a Director since October He has been a practicing physiotherapist for 29 years. He has been Chairman of Queensland Country Rugby Union for the past three years and Past President of Gold Coast Rugby Union for three years. Peter is 56 years old. Mr T. J. Psaros (UNE) B.F.A. Theo Psaros was appointed Chief Executive Officer and Director on 27 October Theo is a Chartered Accountant and prior to joining QRU in July 1998, he was a Senior Manager with PricewaterhouseCoopers. Theo is 42 years old. Mr R. J. Thomson Robin Thomson is a solicitor and has been a Director since He played rugby for GPS from 1967 to 2003 and was GPS President for nine years from 1990 to Robin is currently a member of the Council of the Australian Rugby Union Ltd. He has also been Vice-President of the Queensland Rugby Union for three years from 1997 to 1999 and was a Director of the Reds Rugby College from its inception in 1997 until Robin is 58 years old. Mr R.S. Williams LLB, ArbIAMA, FAIM Ross Williams has been a Director since November He is a Partner of Ebsworth & Ebsworth, Lawyers and sits on the firm s National Board. Ross is a graded arbitrator; a Director of Mount Olivet Hospital, Saint Vincent s Hospital Toowoomba and the Holy Spirit Northside Private Hospital; a past president of the Queensland Rugby Union Club; and the Honorary Solicitor and Life Member of the Royal Life Saving Association. Ross is 41 years old. i

62 DIRECTORS REPORT CONTINUED PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES The company's principal activities in the course of the financial year were the control and operation of Rugby Union in Queensland. During the year there was no significant change in the nature of these activities. LIKELY DEVELOPMENT AND RESULTS Likely developments in the operations of the company and the expected results of those operations have not been included in this report as the directors believe, on reasonable grounds, that the inclusion of such information would be likely to result in unreasonable prejudice to the company. MEETINGS OF DIRECTORS During the financial year, 16 meetings of Directors were held. The number of meetings attended by each Director during the year is as follows: Number eligible to attend Number attended Mr B. J. Kehoe Mr T. J. Psaros Mr R. J. Thomson Mr R.S. Williams Mr D.C. Crombie Mr P. D. Moore Mr D.E. Usasz Mr R. J. Marks Mr D. N. Croft 12 7 Mr J. A. Roe 4 1 Mr J. A. Roe 4 1 COMMITTEE MEETINGS During the financial year, the following committees met and the attendances by Directors at these meetings were: OPERATING RESULTS The company's profit for the financial year after income tax was $1,337,096 which compares to a 2003 year profit of $182,802. DIVIDENDS The company is a company limited by guarantee and is prohibited under its Constitution, to declare dividends. REVIEW OF OPERATIONS Details of the Commercial, Community Rugby, Professional Rugby and Corporate activities of the company for the year have been outlined under those operational headings in the previous pages of the annual report. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN STATE OF AFFAIRS No significant changes in the company s state of affairs occurred during the year. AFTER BALANCE DATE EVENTS No matters or circumstances have arisen since the end of the financial year which significantly affected or may significantly affect the operations of the company, the results of those operations, or the state of affairs of the company in subsequent financial years. OFFICERS AND AUDITORS INDEMNIFICATION The company has not, during or since the financial year, in respect of any person who is, or has been, an officer or auditor of the company or of a related body corporate: including costs and expenses in successfully defending legal proceedings; or paid or agreed to pay a premium in respect of a contract insuring against a liability incurred as an officer or auditor for the costs or expenses to defend legal proceedings; with the exception of the following: During or since the financial year the company has paid premiums to insure each of the directors and the company secretary against liabilities for costs and expenses incurred by them in defending any legal proceedings arising out of their conduct while acting in the capacity of director or company secretary of the company, other than conduct involving a wilful breach of duty in relation to the company. Further details are prohibited by a confidentiality clause. PROCEEDINGS ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY No person has applied for leave of court to bring proceedings on behalf of the company or intervene in any proceedings to which the company is a party for the purpose of taking responsibility on behalf of the company for all or any part of these proceedings. The company was not a party to any such proceedings during the year. Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors made pursuant to Section 298 (2) of the Corporations Act 2001 on behalf of the Directors. indemnified or made any relevant agreement for indemnifying against a liability incurred as an officer or auditor, B.J. Kehoe Chairman D.E. Usasz Treasurer Finance & Professional Strategy & Country Referees Brisbane Strategy Rugby Stakeholder Committee Committee Competition No: Meetings held Mr B. J. Kehoe 7 3 Mr D. E. Usasz Chairman 8 Mr D.C. Crombie 7 Mr R. J. Marks Chairman 3 Mr P. D. Moore Chairman 12 8 Mr T. J. Psaros Mr R. J. Thomson 1 Chairman Mr R. S. Williams 1 Chairman 9 ii Brisbane this eleventh day of November 2004.

63 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2004 ACN Year Ended Year Ended Note 31 October October 2003 $ $ Revenue from ordinary activities 2 18,622,991 17,362,957 Government development grant 771,253 - ARU RWC Compensation 250,000 - Employee and Player costs (8,074,520) (8,424,749) Depreciation & Amortisation expense (958,705) (953,082) Match day operational expense (849,678) (428,550) Borrowing cost expense (186,174) (160,997) Other expense from ordinary activities 3 (8,238,071) (7,212,777) Profit from ordinary activities before income tax expense 1,337, ,802 Income tax expense relating to ordinary activities 1(c) - - Net profit from ordinary activities after income tax expense attributable to the members 12 1,337, ,802 Total changes in equity other than those resulting from transactions with members as members 1,337, ,802 The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements. iii

64 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 OCTOBER 2004 ACN CURRENT ASSETS 31 October 31 October Note $ $ Cash assets 550,200 82,493 Receivables 4 1,488,474 1,771,004 Inventories 5&1(b) 8,691 35,062 Other 6 293, ,400 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 2,340,791 2,237,959 NON CURRENT ASSETS Property Plant & Equipment 7&1(a) 28,208,451 26,052,040 TOTAL NON CURRENT ASSETS 28,208,451 26,052,040 TOTAL ASSETS 30,549,242 28,289,999 CURRENT LIABILITIES Payables 8 2,720,532 3,023,692 Interest bearing liabilities 9 300, ,000 Provisions , ,371 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 3,229,149 3,480,063 NON CURRENT LIABILITIES Payables 8 839, ,290 Interest bearing liabilities 9 2,332,284 1,130,000 Provisions 10 68,240 48,058 TOTAL NON CURRENT LIABILITIES 3,240,409 2,067,348 TOTAL LIABILITIES 6,469,558 5,547,411 NET ASSETS 24,079,684 22,742,588 MEMBERS EQUITY Members Liability Retained Profits 12 24,079,684 22,742,588 TOTAL MEMBERS EQUITY 24,079,684 22,742,588 Capital, leasing and contractual commitments 13,14 Contingent liabilities 18 The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements iv

65 STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2004 ACN CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Year Ended Year Ended Note 31 October October 2003 $ $ Receipts from patrons, sponsors etc 18,019,804 16,993,637 Interest received 20,850 13,238 Grants from Queensland State Government 976, ,250 Payments to suppliers, wages etc (16,278,869) (17,967,866) Interest paid & other financial costs (186,174) (160,997) Net cash (used)/provided by operating activities (b) 2,552,036 (909,738) CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from sale of property plant & equipment 17,395 - Payments for property, plant & equipment (3,126,434) (186,187) Net cash used in investing activities (3,109,039) (186,187) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from borrowings 1,070,001 1,080,000 Repayment of borrowings (45,291) - Net cash provided by financing activities 1,024,710 1,080,000 Net increase/(decrease) in cash held 467,707 (15,925) Cash at beginning of the financial year 82,493 98,418 Cash at end of the financial year (a) 550,200 82,493 Note (a) For the purposes of Statement of Cash Flows Cash Comprises:- Cash On Hand 1,500 1,500 Cash At Bank 548,700 80, ,200 82,493 The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements v

66 STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2004 ACN Note (b) Reconciliation of Cash Flow provided by Operating Activities to Profit from ordinary activities Year Ended Year Ended 31 October October 2003 $ $ Net Cash (used)/provided by operating activities 2,552,036 (909,738) Non cash flows in Profit from ordinary activities Depreciation (1,101,830) (953,082) Amortisation (14,493) - Loss on Disposal of Assets (19,031) (7,554) Changes in assets and liabilities (Decrease) in debtors (282,530) (886,788) Increase/(Decrease) in inventories (26,371) 8,864 Increase /(Decrease) in other debtors & prepayments (55,974) 141,152 (Increase) in provisions (21,985) (82,192) Decrease in creditors 307,274 2,872,140 Profit from ordinary activities for the year 1,337, ,802 Financing Facilities 1) The permanent overdraft facility is $125,000. At 31 October 2004 this facility is unused. 2) Loan facility - Commercial Facilities secured (note 9) Amount used 2,450,001 1,380,000 Amount unused - 1,320,000 2,450,001 2,700,000 These facilities have been negotiated to the year The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements vi

67 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2004 ACN Note 1 - Statement of Significant Accounting Policies The financial report is a general purpose financial report that has been prepared in accordance with Accounting Standards, Urgent Issues Group Consensus Views, other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board and the Corporations Act The financial report covers the entity, Queensland Rugby Union Limited as an individual entity. Queensland Rugby Union Limited is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated and domiciled in Australia. The financial report has been prepared on an accruals basis and is based on historical costs and does not take into account changing money values or, except where stated, current valuations of non-current assets. Cost is based on the fair values of the consideration given in exchange for assets. The following is a summary of the material accounting policies adopted by the company in the preparation of the financial report. The accounting policies have been consistently applied, unless otherwise stated. (a) Property, Plant and Equipment Each class of property, plant and equipment is carried at cost less, where applicable, any accumulated depreciation. Land Land is measured at deemed cost based on the fair value of the land granted to the company by the Queensland Government, being the amount for which an asset could be exchanged between knowledgeable willing parties in an arm s length transaction. The land was recognised in the financial statements in 2001 on the basis of a valuation prepared by independent valuers. Buildings Buildings are measured on the cost basis. The carrying amount of buildings is reviewed annually by directors to ensure that it is not in excess of the recoverable amount from the buildings. The recoverable amount is assessed on the basis of the expected net cash flows which will be received from the assets employment and subsequent disposal. The expected net cash flows have not been discounted to their present value in determining recoverable amounts. Plant and Equipment Plant and equipment are measured on the cost basis. The carrying amount of plant and equipment is reviewed annually by directors to ensure it is not in excess of the recoverable amount from these assets. The recoverable amount is assessed on the basis of the expected net cash flows which will be received from the assets employment and subsequent disposal. The expected net cash flows have not been discounted to their present value in determining recoverable amounts. Depreciation The depreciable amount of all fixed assets including buildings and capitalised lease assets, but excluding freehold land, is depreciated on a straight line basis over their useful lives to the company commencing from the time the asset is held ready for use. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of either the unexpired period of the lease or the estimated useful lives of the improvements. The depreciation rates used for each class of depreciable assets in the current and previous financial years are: Class of Fixed Asset Depreciation Rate Buildings and Improvements % Plant and Equipment % Depreciation rates in relation to the above classes of fixed assets are regularly reviewed by Directors. (b) Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of purchase cost and net realisable value. (c) Income Tax The company is exempt from income tax pursuant to the Income Tax Assessment Act. vii

68 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2004 ACN (d) Contra Sponsorships The company is in receipt of sponsorships in the form of contras for travel, playing gear, advertising, car leasing etc. These contras have been recognised in the financial statements as both income and expenditure. (e) Leases Lease payments for operating leases, where substantially all the risks and benefits remain with the Lessor, are expensed in the periods in which they are incurred. This basis reflects the pattern of benefits derived from the use of the leased assets. (f) Lease payments for finance leases, where substantially all the risks and benefits remain with the Lessee, are expensed in the periods in which they are incurred. This basis reflects the pattern of benefits derived from the use of the leased assets. Deferred Income The company has sold certain grandstand seats and sponsorships over time periods exceeding one year. In addition, certain Government grants have been received which are required to be utilised during the 2005 financial year. The income there from is brought to account over the respective time periods on a pro rata yearly basis. The unexpired portion has been disclosed as a current or non current liability. (g) Employee Benefits Provision is made for the company s liability for employee benefits arising from services rendered by employees to balance date. Employee benefits expected to be settled within one year together with entitlements arising from wages and salaries and annual leave which will be settled after one year, have been measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liability is settled, plus related on costs. Other employee benefits payable later than one year have been measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made for those benefits. Contributions are made by the entity to employee superannuation funds and are charged as expenses when incurred. (h) Land The Land situated at the Junction of Butterfield Street and Clyde Road, Herston is held by way of a Deed of Grant issued by the State Government. This land is shown in the financial statements on the basis of an independent valuation being the fair value of the asset acquired. (i) (j) Comparative Figures Where required by Accounting Standards, comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to changes in presentation for the current financial year. Shortfall of Working Capital The statement of financial position shows there is a deficiency of working capital of $888,358 ( $1,242,104). The directors believe the company can continue to pay its debts as and when they fall due as a result of the generation of cash from operations in the 2005 year. (k) Revenue Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised upon delivery of goods to customers. Interest revenue is recognised on a proportional basis taking into account the interest rate applicable to the financial assets. Revenue from the rendering of a service is recognised upon the delivery of the service to the customers. (l) Goods and Services Tax (GST) Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST, except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Tax Office. In these circumstances the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of an item of expense. Receivables and payables in the Statement of Financial Position are shown inclusive of GST. viii

69 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2004 ACN (m) Adoption of Australian Equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards Australia is currently preparing for the introduction of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) effective for the financial year commencing 1 January This requires the production of accounting data for future comparative purposes at the beginning of the next financial year. The company s management, along with its auditors, are assessing the significance of these changes and preparing for their implementation. The following are the key differences in the company accounting policies which will arise from the adoption of IFRS: Revenue on Disposal of Assets Currently the company includes gross revenue received on disposal of assets as revenue. Under Australian equivalents to IFRSs, gains and losses on sale of assets will be recognised on a net basis in revenue, resulting in lower revenue being recorded by the company. Recognition of Revenue on Services When the company adopts Australian equivalents to IFRSs, revenue from the provision of services can only be recognised when the costs incurred or expected to be incurred can be reliably measured. This condition is currently not required and may result in revenue currently recognised being deferred to later periods. To the extent that revenue has been recognised under current standards at transition date that ought to have been delayed under Australian equivalents to IRFSs, an initial negative adjustment may be required to opening balances of retained earnings at 1 November Impairment of Assets The company currently assesses the amount of impairment of assets by determining the recoverable amount on the basis of undiscounted cashflows. Under Australian equivalents to IFRSs, the company will be required to determine the recoverable amount as the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use (which is determined using discounted cashflows). It is likely that this change in policy and basis for calculation will lead to more impairment losses being recognised and therefore greater volatility in future earnings. It is also likely that when discounting is initially applied on transition at 1 November 2004, impairment losses may need to be recognised on a large number assets, resulting in a negative impact on opening balances of retained earnings at that date. ix

70 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2004 ACN Year Ended Year Ended 31 October October 2003 $ $ Note 2 - Revenue Operating activities - grants/sponsorship received 12,286,838 12,383,628 - gate takings 3,804,652 2,578,197 - corporate facilities 903, ,910 - food and beverage royalties 529, ,450 - merchandising and royalties 325, ,846 - affiliation fees 3,800 40,050 - other revenue 307, ,128 18,161,655 16,995,209 Non-operating activities - car parking income 282, ,235 - rent received 140, ,275 - interest received 20,850 13,238 - sale of assets 17, , ,748 Total revenue 18,622,991 17,362,957 Note 3 - Profit from Ordinary Activities Profit from ordinary activities before income tax has been determined after: (a) Expenses: Interest paid or payable to: - other persons 186, ,997 Movements in Provisions Depreciation of non-current assets: Buildings & improvements 783, ,032 Plant & equipment 160, ,050 Writedown of buildings & improvements to recoverable amount 157, ,050 Amortisation of leased assets: Plant & equipment 14,493-1,116, ,082 Other provisions - employee entitlements 21,985 82,192 Net expense resulting from movement in provisions 1,138,308 1,035,274 Bad and doubtful debts 60,000 - Remuneration of the auditors for the audit of financial statements 16,500 31,615 Rental expense on operating leases 188, ,658 x

71 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2004 ACN (b) Significant Revenues and Expenses The following significant revenue and expense items are relevant in explaining the financial performance: Year Ended Year Ended 31 October October 2003 $ $ Amount Received from Queensland State Government for development of Administration Building 771,253 - Amount Received from ARU for compensation of RWC matches relocated 250,000 - (c ) Other Expenses Sponsorship Servicing 1,407,708 1,316,847 Ballymore Expenditure 919, ,708 Promotions and Advertising 942, ,542 Premier Rugby Funding 938, ,332 Country Rugby Funding 768, ,285 Grants to Affiliates 511, ,832 Reds Team Expenses 290, ,358 Other Expenses 2,172,137 1,729,408 Note 4- Receivables CURRENT Trade Receivables 1,437,059 1,662,652 Less Provision for Doubtful Debts (60,000) - 1,377, ,652 Amounts receivable from - associated companies (refer to note 19(c)) 111, ,352 1,488,474 1,771,004 Note 5- Inventories CURRENT Finished Goods at cost 8,691 35,062 Note 6- Other Assets CURRENT Prepayments 293, ,400 xi

72 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2004 ACN Note 7 - Property, Plant & Equipment Year Ended Year Ended 31 October October 2003 $ $ Land at deemed cost 10,000,000 10,000,000 Accumulated Depreciation ,000,000 10,000,000 Buildings & improvements - at cost 26,463,382 23,640,245 Accumulated Depreciation (5,055,058) (4,334,297) Recoverable Amount Write Down (3,715,218) (3,557,600) 17,693,106 15,748,348 Plant & Equipment - at cost 894,712 1,097,539 Accumulated Depreciation (592,890) (793,847) 301, ,692 Leased Assets - at cost 228,016 - Accumulated Amortisation (14,493) - 213,523 - Total Property, Plant and Equipment 28,208,451 26,052,040 An independent valuation of Land, Buildings and Improvements was undertaken as at 31 October 2004 by Mr Matthew Buckley, AAPI certified, Registered Valuer No. 1771, of FPD Savills. The revaluation was undertaken to enable directors to assess the current value of Land, Buildings and Improvements a required by AASB1040.The revaluation revealed a current value for Land of $11,500,000 and Buildings and Improvements of $17,693,106. The revaluation of Land was not taken up in the accounts. (a) Movements in Carrying Amounts Movement in carrying amounts for each class of Property, Plant and Equipment between the beginning and the end of the financial year Buildings & improvements Plant & equipment Leased assets Freehold land at cost at cost at cost Total Carrying amount at start of year 10,000,000 15,748, ,692-26,052,040 Additions - 2,887, , ,016 3,309,160 Disposals - (2,220) (34,206) - (36,426) Recoverable amount write down (157,618) (157,618) Depreciation/Amortisation charge for year - (783,372) (160,840) (14,493) (958,705) Carrying amount at end of year 10,000,000 17,693, , ,523 28,208,451 xii

73 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2004 ACN Note 8 - Payables CURRENT UNSECURED LIABILITIES Year Ended Year Ended 31 October October 2003 $ $ Trade creditors 2,311,845 2,477,350 Deferred income (a) 408, ,342 NON-CURRENT UNSECURED LIABILITIES 2,720,532 3,023,692 Deferred income (a) 839, ,290 (a) Deferred Income Red Pass Subscribers to seats in the Eastern Stand purchased these seats for a period of 30 years. The Red Pass deferred income disclosed as a current liability represents income which will accrue to the company in Red Pass deferred income disclosed as non current liability represents the income value that will accrue to the company after The accounting treatment for deferred income has been disclosed in Note 1(f). Represented by:- Season Tickets 189, ,703 Grants & Rentals in advance 169, ,116 Red Pass- 30 years 49,405 49,405 Functions & Other - 22,800 Corporate Facilities - 11, , ,342 NON CURRENT 2-5 years Red Pass- 30 years 197, ,620 After 5 years Red Pass- 30 years 642, , , ,290 TOTAL DEFERRED INCOME 1,248,572 1,435,632 xiii

74 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2004 ACN Note 9 - Interest Bearing Liabilities CURRENT SECURED LIABILITIES Year Ended Year Ended 31 October October 2003 $ $ Leased Assets 50,443 - Commercial facilities (a) 250, ,000 NON-CURRENT SECURED LIABILITIES 300, ,000 Leased Assets 132,283 - Commercial facilities (a) 2,200,001 1,130,000 2,332,284 1,130,000 (a) Secured by a first mortgage and registered second mortgage by the Bank of Queensland Ltd over property situated at the junction of Butterfield Street and Clyde Road, Herston. The carrying amount of non current assets pledged as security are: Freehold Land 10,000,000 10,000,000 Buildings & Improvements 17,693,106 15,748,348 27,693,106 25,748,348 Note 10 - Provisions CURRENT Employee Entitlements 208, , , ,371 NON-CURRENT Employee Entitlements 68,240 48,058 (a) Aggregate employee entitlements liability 276, ,429 Number of employees at the end of the year Note 11 - Members Liability The company is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. If the company is wound-up the Constitution states that each member is required to contribute a maximum of $100 each towards meeting any outstanding obligations of the company. At 31 October 2004 the number of members was 55 ( ) xiv

75 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2004 ACN Year Ended Year Ended 31 October October 2003 $ $ Note 12 - Retained Profits Retained profits at the beginning of the financial year 22,742,588 22,440,286 Adjustment to the Lease Premium Reserve - 119,500 Adjusted retained profits at the beginning of the financial year 22,742,588 22,559,786 Net profit attributable to the members 1,337, ,802 Retained profits at the end of the financial year 24,079,684 22,742,588 Note 13 - Lease Commitments Non-cancellable operating leases contracted for but not capitalised in the financial statements. Payable: Not later than one year 32, ,142 Later than one year and not later than five years 16,254 48,645 48, ,787 Note 14 - Contractual Commitments As at 31 October 2004, the company had entered into contractual obligations with certain players and support staff for the 2005 and subsequent seasons. This will result in payments as follows: Not later than one year 5,328,340 4,577,200 Later than one year but not later than five years 3,498,200 3,052,650 8,826,540 7,629,850 Income to support these commitments is to be received from the Australian Rugby Union Limited as a grant. The Queensland Rugby Union Limited has signed a collective bargaining agreement on 31 March 2001 together with the Australian Rugby Union Limited, the New South Wales Rugby Union Limited, the Australian Capital Territory Rugby Union Incorporated and the Rugby Union Players Association Incorporated which provides amongst other things minimum remuneration requirements for contracted players. Note 15 - Segment Reporting The company controls and operates the sport of Rugby Union in Queensland. Note 16 - Remuneration of Auditors Amounts received, or due and receivable by the Auditors from the company for: Auditing the Financial Statements - current year 16,500 15,000 Auditing the Financial Statements - prior year - 14,623 Auditing the Financial Statements - prior year RRC - 1,992 Consulting Fees ,700 31,615 xv

76 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2004 ACN Note 17 - Remuneration of Directors Non-executive Directors do not receive remuneration from the company. This is in accordance with the Constitution. The Executive Director and Players Representative Director or his alternate receive remuneration from the company. Remuneration includes payments received by Directors in relation to the management of the affairs of the company. The number of Directors (including the Executive Director) whose total income falls within the following bands: Nil 9 9 $1 - $9,999-1 $150,000 - $159,999-1 $220,000 - $229, No. No. $ $ Aggregate income paid or payable to all 222, ,492 In addition, Directors and Officers insurance is paid on behalf of the Directors by the company. Note 18 - Contingent Liabilities Queensland Rugby Union Ltd is currently defending an outstanding litigation claim bought against the company by a former player. This claim is being defended by the company. Note 19 - Related Party Transactions (a) During the year the following Directors held office: B. J. Kehoe D. E. Usasz D. N. Croft D. C. Crombie R. J. Marks P. D. Moore T. J. Psaros J. A. Roe R. J. Thomson R. S. Williams (b) Director Related Entities Transactions between related parties are on normal commercial terms and conditions no more favourable than those available to other parties unless otherwise stated. (1) Messrs R.J. Marks, R.J. Thomson and D.E. Usasz are the three Queensland members of the Council of the Australian Rugby Union Limited. The Australian Rugby Union Limited receives affiliation fees from the company and distributes Grants to the company. (2) Mr B.J. Kehoe is a director of the Australian Rugby Union Ltd. xvi

77 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2004 ACN (c) Associated Entities (1) Queensland Rugby Union Club Inc. is charged rent for their premises at Ballymore, $114,200 (2003 $110,000). The club was charged a licence fee of $436,000 (2003 $534,450) for its operations at Ballymore. (2) Queensland Junior Rugby Union Inc. is not charged rent. (3) Queensland Country Rugby Union through its constituent sub unions is charged affiliation fees of $16,650 (2003 $18,450) and receives grants from the company of $768,623 (2003 $757,285). (4) Queensland Suburban Rugby Union Inc. is not charged rent. Note 20 - Economic Dependency Income to support the contractual obligations of players and support staff for the 2005 season is to be received from The Australian Rugby Union Ltd as a grant. The company is dependent upon the receipt of these funds from The Australian Rugby Union Limited in order to meet the contractual obligations as noted in Note 14 to the financial statements. Note 21 - Company Details The registered office of the company is: 231 Butterfield Street Herston QLD 4006 The principle place of business is: 231 Butterfield Street Herston QLD 4006 Note 22 - Financial Instruments (a) Interest Rate Risk The economic entity s exposure to interest rate risk, which is the risk that a financial instrument s value will fluctuate as a result of changes in market interest rates and the effective weighted average interest rates on classes of financial assets and financial liabilities, is as overleaf. (b) Credit Risk The maximum exposure to credit risk, excluding the value of any collateral or other security, at balance date to recognised financial assets is the carrying amount, net of any provisions for doubtful debts, as disclosed in the statement of financial position and notes to the financial statements. (c) Net Fair Values For all assets and liabilities the net fair value approximates their carrying value. No financial assets and financial liabilities are readily traded on organised markets in standardised form. xvii

78 xviii NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2004 ACN Floating Interest Rate Fixed Interest Maturing Non Interest Bearing TOTAL in 1 Year or Less Notes Financial Assets Cash & Deposits 80, ,700 1,500 1,500 82, ,200 Receivables 4 1,771,004 1,488,474 1,771,004 1,488,474 80, ,700 1,772,504 1,489,974 1,853,497 2,038,674 Weighted average interest rate. 3.0% 3.0% Financial Liabilities Trade and other creditors 8 (3,912,982) (3,560,417) (3,912,982) (3,560,417) Borrowings 9 (1,380,000) (2,632,727) (1,380,000) (2,632,727) Weighted average interest rate 5.2% 7.13% (1,380,000) (2,632,727) (3,912,982) (3,560,417) (5,292,982) (6,193,144) Net financial assets (liabilities) 80, ,700 (1,380,000) (2,632,727) (2,140,478) (2,070,443) (3,439,485) (4,154,470) DIRECTORS DECLARATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2004 The directors of the company declare that: 1. the financial statements and notes, as set out on pages iii to xviii, are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001: a) comply with Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001; and b) give a true and fair view of the financial position as at 31 October 2004 and of the performance for the year ended on that date of the company; 2. in the directors opinion there are reasonable grounds to believe that the company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable. This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors. B.J. Kehoe D.E. Usasz Chairman Treasurer Dated in Brisbane this eleventh day of November Independent audit report to members of Queensland Rugby Union Limited Scope The financial report and directors responsibility The financial report comprises the statement of financial position, statement of financial performance, statement of cash flows, accompanying notes to the financial statements, and the directors declaration for Queensland Rugby Union Limited, for the year ended 31 October The directors of the company are responsible for the preparation and true and fair presentation of the financial report in accordance with the Corporations Act This includes responsibility for the maintenance of adequate accounting records and internal controls that are designed to prevent and detect fraud and error, and for the accounting policies and accounting estimates inherent in the financial report. Audit approach We conducted an independent audit in order to express an opinion to the members of the company. Our audit was conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards, in order to provide reasonable assurance as to whether the financial report is free of material misstatement. The nature of an audit is influenced by factors such as the use of professional judgment, selective testing, the inherent limitations of internal control, and the availability of persuasive rather than conclusive evidence. Therefore, an audit cannot guarantee that all material misstatements have been detected.

79 DIRECTORS DECLARATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2004 ACN We performed procedures to assess whether in all material respects the financial report presents fairly, in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including compliance with Accounting Standards and other mandatory financial reporting requirements in Australia, a view which is consistent with our understanding of the company s financial position, and of its performance as represented by the results of its operations and cash flows. We formed our audit opinion on the basis of these procedures, which included: examining, on a test basis, information to provide evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial report, and assessing the appropriateness of the accounting policies and disclosures used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the directors. While we considered the effectiveness of management s internal controls over financial reporting when determining the nature and extent of our procedures, our audit was not designed to provide assurance on internal controls. Independence In conducting our audit, we followed applicable independence requirements of Australian professional ethical pronouncements and the Corporations Act Audit opinion In our opinion, the financial report of Queensland Rugby Union Limited is in accordance with: (a) the Corporations Act 2001, including: (i) (ii) giving a true and fair view of the Queensland Rugby Union Limited financial position as at 31 October 2004 and of its performance for the year ended on that date; and complying with Accounting Standards in Australia and the Corporations Regulations 2001; and (b) other mandatory financial reporting requirements in Australia. BDO Kendalls Chartered Accountants D Wright Partner Brisbane Dated: 12 November 2004 DISCLAIMER To the members of Queensland Rugby Union Limited The additional financial data presented on pages xx to xxii are in accordance with the books and records of the company which have been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in our statutory audit of the company for the year ended 31 October It will be appreciated that our statutory audit did not cover all details of the additional financial data. Accordingly, we do not express an opinion on such financial data and we give no warranty of accuracy or reliability in respect of the data provided. Neither the firm nor any member or employee of the firm undertakes responsibility in any way whatsoever to any person other than the Queensland Rugby Union Limited in respect of such data, including any errors or omissions therein however caused. Dated this twelfth day of November BDO Kendalls Partnership Chartered Accountants DAMIAN WRIGHT Partner xix

80 TRADING PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2004 ACN INCOME Commercial Gate Takings Year Ended Year Ended 31 October October 2003 $ $ - Representative Games 3,677,877 2,381,482 - Club Games 126, ,715 Sponsorships and Advertising 4,384,470 3,944,738 Corporate Facilities 903, ,910 Food & Beverage Royalties 529, ,450 Merchandising & Royalties 325, ,846 Car Parking Income 282, ,235 Rent Received 140, ,275 Red Barons 77,593 66,539 Other income 126,412 48,592 Total Commercial Income 10,574,940 8,779,782 Community Rugby Grants Received 2,215,974 2,138,875 Vikings Participation fee - 5,000 Total Community Rugby Income 2,215,974 2,143,875 Professional Rugby ARU Player & Support Staff Distribution 5,396,395 5,888,665 ARU College Grants 225, ,000 Scholarship Funding 34, ,750 Auctions & Raffles 24,688 27,020 Total Professional Rugby Income 5,680,552 6,268,435 Corporate Affiliation fees 3,800 40,050 Interest Received 20,850 13,238 Other income 126,875 58,977 Total Corporate Income 151, ,265 TOTAL INCOME 18,622,991 17,304,357 xx

81 TRADING PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2004 ACN EXPENDITURE Commercial Year Ended Year Ended 31 October October 2003 $ $ Sponsorship servicing 1,407,708 1,316,847 Depreciation 943, ,000 Promotions and Advertising 942, ,542 Match Day Operational Costs 849, ,550 Employee Costs 641, ,894 Maintenance 274, ,559 Rates 244, ,289 Ticketing Expenses 239, ,971 Insurance 235, ,072 Light& Power 123, ,281 Pre/Post Match Functions 90, ,452 Bad Debts 60,000 - Security 30,379 30,507 Programme Costs 24,879 23,652 Rugby World Cup - 49,168 Total Commercial Expenses 6,107,394 4,868,784 Community Rugby Premier Rugby Funding 938, ,332 Employee Costs 794, ,749 Country Grant Funding Scheme 768, ,284 Grants to Affiliates 511, ,832 Accreditation and Administration 114, ,846 Total Community Rugby Expenses 3,127,128 3,003,043 Professional Rugby Player Costs 4,904,901 5,478,890 Support Staff Payments 1,033, ,073 Reds Team Expenses 290, ,358 Accommodation and Travel Visiting Teams 92, ,544 Players Association Contribution 76,584 74,939 College Employee Costs 275, ,774 College Operating Expenses 363, ,223 Total Professional Rugby Expenses 7,036,587 7,365,801 xxi

82 TRADING PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2004 ACN Year Ended Year Ended 31 October October 2003 $ $ Communications Employee Costs 167, ,256 Other Costs 45,469 - Total Communications 212, ,256 Corporate Employee Costs 512, ,369 Legal and Consulting Fees 194, ,517 Bank Charges and Interest 186, ,997 Depreciation 158, ,082 Printing, Postage and Office Costs 155, ,221 Rent 151, ,959 IT and Website Costs 134, ,860 Telephone 128, ,208 Hospitality and General Expenses 124,999 95,417 Insurance 50,022 70,226 Audit Fees 16,500 31,615 Centre for Rugby Studies Contribution 7,500 15,000 Affiliation Fees 4,775 6,200 Total Corporate 1,823,424 1,736,671 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 18,307,148 17,121,555 TRADING PROFIT BEFORE INCOME TAX 315, ,802 xxii

83 QUEENSLAND RUGBY UNION OFFICE BEARERS PATRON Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, AC Governor of Queensland VICE PATRONS The Honourable Peter Beattie Premier of Queensland The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of Brisbane Cr Campbell Newman PRESIDENT Paul McLean VICE PRESIDENTS Tom McVeigh, Paul McGahan, Andy Purcell LIFE MEMBERS KJ Hodda (1961), TN Betts (1969), BM Ffrench (1972), EAN Byrne AM (1971), TP Mooney (1975), JH Lucey (1983), JG Ryan (1984), LA Crowley (1985), DW Jowett (1986), AJ Muir (1988), RR Harrison (1989), Dr F Wilson (1993), AG Purcell (1994), RJO Herring (1996), KJ Crowe OAM (1997), LG Williams AO (1998), AR Taylor (1999), RB McGruther MBE (2000), G Core (2001), R Sinclair (2002) BOARD OF DIRECTORS BJ Kehoe B.A., Grad.Dip Bus Admin., FAICD (Chairman) DE Usasz B.Com (UQ), FCA (Treasurer) DC Crombie B.Ec (UQ) PD Moore B.Phty,(UQ), Post Grad Dip.Sports, Dip P.E RS Williams LLB, ArblAMA, FAIM RJ Thomson RJ Marks TJ Psaros B.F.A. (UNE) D Croft (Player) Finance & Administration Manager Megan Snape Media & Communications Manager Bruce McKendry Head Coach Jeff Miller QUEENSLAND SELECTORS 2004 Jeff Miller, Adrian Thompson, Anthony Herbert, Bill Ross QAS UNDER 19 SELECTORS David Bell, Ian Jones, Phil Mooney DELEGATES TO THE AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION Dick Marks, Robin Thomson, David Usasz BRISBANE RUGBY COMMITTEE Ross Williams, Peter Moore, John Rossiter, Peter Gabbett, Mark Logan, Richard McKeon, Peter Murdoch JUDICIARY COMMITTEE Harold Shand, Geoff Gardiner, Barry Kelly JUDICIAL APPEALS COMMITTEE Wren Bligh, Greg Core, Tony Shaw, Mark Peacock John Forbes, Paul Harding, Tim Matthews, Chris Newton, Alby Taylor, Noel Rafter, John Mullins Paul McGahan QUEENSLAND SUBURBAN Ross Williams, John Rossiter, Rick Packer, Noel Rafter Robert Donaghue, Rod Harrison, Damian Cox Tony Machin, Chris Richards, Jim Lee, Tony Wilder QUEENSLAND COUNTRY Peter Moore, Andy Purcell, David Nicholson Ian Coombe, Dan Coonan, Craig Stack EXECUTIVE STAFF Chief Executive Theo Psaros Commercial Manager Tony Hancock Community Rugby Manager Gaven Head

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