September 4 2006:
* Harry Witt couldn't make it up on the stage to collect his Player of the Year award - he is on crutches because of a leg injury he picked up with 50 seconds remaining in the last match of the season against Wynnum-Manly.
September 2 2006:
* News has come through confirming that the Broncos will cut heir ties with Toowoomba after the 2007 season, and link with Norths and Aspley, with Norths having the Qld CUp side, and Aspley the A Grade and Colts. Aspley and Norths juniors will merge from 2007. Norths will remain linked with Melbourne in 2007, but Melbourne will link with the Central Coast from 2008 onwards.
September 1 2006:
* Keebra Park, containing a number of Burleigh Players, have made the National Final of the Arrive Alive Cup, having beaten St.Dominics 20-6 in the Semi Final in Townsville tonight.
* David Georgiou will play for Easts Colts tomorrow after a strange series of events - Georgiou was throwing a footy around in the backyard with Shane Neumann when he stood on a dog bone, cutting his foot and beung ruled out of last week's QLd Cup Elimination final, in which he was replaced by Neumann. Neumann has retained hos spot in the Qld Cup side to play NQ tonight un Townsville whilst Georgiou will be a big boost to the Colts tomorrow- UPDATE - David Tyrrell scored a great try to seal a 28-18 victory for Easts over Nth Qld - Easts will now be in next Saturday's Preliminary Final.
* Remember Monday night will see the announcement of the FOGS Colts Challenge PLayer of the Year (based on 3,2,1 awarded by referees in each game each week, and the Carbine Club Colt of the Year, awarded to a young player of promise graduating to Qld Cup from a South-East Division Club during the year. Feel free to put your tips up on the Guest Book.
August 23 2006:
* A reminder that in the case of a draw in normal time in the FOGS Colts semis, a maximum of 10 minures each way SUDDEN DEATH extra-time will be played - if no-one scores in this time a countback system of most tries, first try will apply.
* Meanwhile the Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos are expected to confirm shortly that their links with Brisbane Norths and Toowoomba/Aspley respectively will stay in place, at least for the 2007 season. Aspley are hoping to relocate their home games to new facilities at O'Callghan Park Zillmere year
* Plenty of talk still around re a proposed U20 National Competition - strong rumours still around that it may kick off in 2008, meaning this year's U18 players would still be eligible.
* Good article on Easts Tigers linking with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, including a picture of U18 player David Tyrrell, in today;s Courier Mail. It has also been announced that Redcliffe prop David Hala has signed with the Roosters.
* People travelling to Tweed Heads for the Finals on Saturday are advised to leave some extra travel time, due to roadworks on Kennedy Terrace, between the Pacific Highway and the ground, whic is expected to cause delays
August 20 2006:
* Congratulations to Tweed Heads, whose last gasp win over Wynnum-Manly in Qld Cup today saw them take out the South-East Division Club Championship title at their first attempt!
August 19 2006:
* Three more U18 players made their Qld Cup debuts today for Souths-Logan - Miah Walters, Matt Sepelini and Antonio Winterstein - well done!
August 18 2006:
* This weekend will decide the top try-scorer for the "regular" season and 10 players are in with a real chance. With equal leaders Phil Daisy and Matt Gillett (last year's Colts top try scorer with 22) with the bye and Chris Sandow doubtful for Norths on 16 tries, Aspley's Troyden Edwards, a second-rower who has been filling in in the centres, and Easts pair Matthew Klein and captain Brent Kuskey who are only one behind are a real chance to snare the honour. Aspley's Matt Baird and Tweed's Michael Keating, who has scored a heap of tries in the last few rounds, are also only 2 back along with Israel Folau who is in doubt for Norths today Competition top point scorer Luke Samoa is on 13 and a hat-trick could see him join the leaders.
August 12 2006:
* Tweed's second half comeback could prove critical in deciding the Club Championship - A Tweed win in 2 grades next week against Wynnum will now seee Tweed pinch the title from Redcliffe- without the draw they would have had to win all 3 grades.
* Today's results have seen Norths wrap up the minor premiership, and Aspley sew up a spot in the finals - a Wynnum win tomorrow over the Sunshine Coast will mean the final first week match ups are decided with a week still to go (Norths, minor premiers; Redcliffe v Easts and Wynnum v Aspley)
* Referee Peter Anderson got ko'd in an accidental collision with a Souths-Logan player in the Colst game against Aspley today.
* Whilst on schoolboys, plenty of debate as to whether big David Taylor will tour, or stay at home to prepare for his role as Shane Webcke's replacement with the Broncos
* Aspley hooker Nathan Strudwick suffered what could be a season -ending shoulder injury after scoring a try for the Clydesdales against Souths-Logan - hopefully it will not affect his chances of touring with the Australian Schoolboys in November 12/8/08 - UPDATE: Nathan's injury was not as bad as first feared and there is some hope he'll be back before the end of the season.
* Congratulations to Israel Folau who scored a try in his Qld Cup debut for Norths against Central tonight
August 6 2006:
* Aspley halfback Jacob Fauid has signed with the Broncos till the end of 2008.
August 5 2006:
* Incredibly Aspley have beaten 3 teams in the top 4 in the last 3 weeks by a combined total of 82 points but are still no certainties to make the Top 5. At least their fate is now in their own hands as wins over Souths-Logan and Sunshine Coast will guarantee them a spot in the five.
July 28 2006:
*And while on the Storm, plenty of speculation as to what club they will link with as their feeder club next year, with them breaking up with North Sydney (who have along with Brisbane Easts linked with the Rabbitohs) and looking to the Central Coast / Gosford area, as an alternative to Brisbane Norths as their main feeder team. What this would mean for Norths' young contracted players is yet to be determined.
* U18er Joel Moon continues to get plenty attention with his decision to re-sign with the Broncos despite big offers from elsewhere. He marks the second young 5/8 that the Storm have chased and lost with North's Jackson Nicolau earlier siging with the Cowboys.
* In case you were wondering there were no Queensland players involved in the drinking issue at the recent Australian schoolboy titles which resultred in a number of NSW players being banned from representing Australia. Not a good year for the Blues in this age area with 5 players being sent home from the U17 team after an incident at the airport earlier in the year!
*Good to see U18 David Tyrrell getting some wraps in the Courier-Mail, and being offered the opportunity to stay at Easts but sign woth South-Sydney for next year - the other Easts player mentioned, Mark Cantoni, is 10 years older than the 17 year old flyer!!
July 21 2006:
* And in further injury news, U18 flyer Tim Yee who has been impressive in a number of Qld Cup starts for Redcliffe will also be out for several weeks with a leg injury
* Another player out for the season is ex-Sprana halfback Geoff Holcombe who sustained ankle ligament damage in last weekend's Qld Cup game.
*Unfortunate Qld Cup debut for Tweed and ex-Norths Colt Matt Lindsay, who broke his ankle in last week's game and is out for the season
July 14 2006:
* Plenty of talks going on around the ridges, but not too many confirmed signings for the 2007 sesaon yet - hopefully will have a few of those up in the next couple of weeks.
* Be interesting to see how many U18 platers return to Colts with several now being "fixtures" in their Qld Cup sides
*U18 Joel Moon who has played for Aspley, Toowoomba and the Broncos this year is being chased hard by the Storm after Jackson Nicolau signed with the Cowboys
July 9 2006:
* Regular Colts players shone in Queensland Schoolboys 52-4 win over NSW CHS in Port Macquarie today. After sneaking away with a 28-26 win earlier in the week, the Queenslanders led 36-0 at halftime. Issie Folau (Norths) scored 2 tries whilst Chris Sandow (SL), David Hala (Redcliffe) and Luke Capewell (Norths) also crossed. Sandow (7) and Capewell (1) also kicked goals
* Easts U18 Winger David Tyrrell, the Tigers youngest first-grader ever, continues to impress, scoring a try and generally going well in Easts' Qld Cup 33-12 win over Toowoomba on ABC TV yesterday
* Souths-Logan prop Toe Faaee became the 19th U18 player to play Qld Cup this year, scoring a try in Souths-Logan's 32-14 loss to Central in Blackwater.
July 6 2006:
* After a superb display for Western Districts against Aspley at Suncorp last week, prop Troy Giess has been named by Souths-Logan to play against Wests on Saturday.UPDATE - this was can error in the team lists - Troy has not left Wests!
* Craig Ingerbrigsten will assist in coaching the Western Districts Colts for the remainder of this year in readiness for taking the coaching job next year.
* Qld Schools recovered from trailin 22-10 at halftime top beat NSW Combined High Schools at Bellingen in the firts "test" . The team now travels to Port Macquarie for the National Titles commencing on Sunday.
July 1 2006:
* Aspley second-rower Simona Vavega received a late call-up to the Toowoomba Clydesdales against Central to add to the list of U18 Q-Cup players this year.
June 28 2006:
* Aspley Colts will be hit hard this weekend for their match against Western Districts at Suncorpwith both Charlie Fetoia and Brynjar Raggnarsson named in the Clydesdales side, Alex Tallon and Jacob Fauid ruled out with injury, Nathan Strudwick away on Qld Schoolboy duty, Keiron Lander suspended and the loss of Michael Bond to Norths, and Josh Costello to Ipswich. Fletcher Holmes is hoping to start however after a long recovery from a back ailment.
* Matt Gillett has joined the growing list of U18 players in the Qld Cup, being named in Redcliffe's side for this weekend's TV clash with Burleigh. He and Tim Yee will start on the wings for the Dolphins. - UPDATE - He did not make his debut in Q-Cup - played FOGS A Grade.
June 26 2006:
* Ex Sprana hafback turned Ipswich hooker Geoff Holcombe has been signed by the Titans for 2007
June 23 2006:
* Hear rumours that deposed Redcliffe Colts coach Craig "Trigger" Ingebrigsten will be coaching at Kev McKell Oval next year.
June 22 2006:
* Josh Costello has been named in the centres for his first outing for new club Ipswich against Souths-Logan after his move from Aspley. On the bench for Souths-Logan is Mitchell Muir who has made the move from Wynnum-Manly mid-season as well.
June 21 2006:
* Another U18 player, Tyson Lofipo has been named to make his Qld Cup debut this weekend for Ipswich against Souths-Logan. The ex-St.Edmunds centre had a dtrong game in the Ipswich Colts win over Aspley last week, while Ipswich's Qld Cup side was smashed 70-10 by Toowoomba.
June 20 2006:
* Qld u17 star Chris Sandow has been named at halfback for Souths-Logan in this weekend's TV Qld Cup Match versus Ipswich, in place of normal captain Brandon Costin who will be playing for City v Country in Cloncurry
June 18 2006:
* Queensland U19 five-eight Michael Bond has signed with the Melbourne Storm, and has been granted a release to play for Norths for the remainder of this season in more bad news for Aspley after their disappointing loss to Ipswich and move of halfback Josh Costello to the Jets.
June 16 2006:
* A quick reminder to all players to be careful with any cuts and gravelrash picked up during games - the current conditions have meant an increase in infections and all broken skin should be cleaned and disinfected as quickly as possible.
* Talented U17 halfback Josh "Jolly" Costello started training with Ipswich this week after seeking a release from Aspley - could add some spice to this weekend;s clash if he is cleared in time to play his old team! Josh is related to Ipswich Qld CUp halfback Ricky Bird.
June 13 2006:
* Ex Canberra Raider Matthew Wood has been appointed to coach Redcliffe Colts for the remainder of 2006.
*17 Year old prop David Taylor has been named in the Country side to play City in the annual clash at Cloncurry on June 24. City is named next Sunday night UPDATE - Dave has withdrawn from this side to allow him to concentrate on playing for the Qld Schools team at the National Titles in early July.
June 9 2006:
* Hear that Queensland Schoolboy Josh McGuire, who has had a run for Aspley Colts this year, is involved in an interesting battle after being suspended for 3 fixture games from a club match recently, Because of byes and holidays it means the ban runs till mid-July, meaning he will also miss a TV game for his school, and the national titles dor Qld. Moves afoot to see if a compromise can be reached
* Aspley U17 Winger J.Latumahina, who scored a double in his Colts debut against Souths-Logan in Round 11 has been named in the PNG side to play on Wednesday night - and his first name IS J - not Jay, just J !!
* Craig "Trigger" Ingebrigsten has been sacked as coach of the Competition leading Redcliffe Colts side after he had a verbal stoush with a Redcliffe U16 rival when running water for his son's Deception Bay side on Sunday. The Redcliffe club believed a conflict of interest existed and even though Trigger did not, he put his family first and was forced to step down
June 8 2006:
* Ex-Sprana player Alex Tallon has been moved from the bench to the wing to replace Brandon Boor in the Qld U19 Maroons, with Toowoomba's Josh Phelps, who has had a couple of runs with the Clydesdales this year, coming on to the bench. Josh has displayed tremendous courage to come this far with his rugby league, having sustained burns to 70% of his body in an accident when he was 14, and then breaking a bone in his back in a game last year; click here for more info on Josh.
June 7 2006:
* Ex-Sprana player Fraser Evans and ex-Arana player Dan Gorman have been named in the train-on squad for the QAS U19 Rugby Team which willplay a series of matches against New Zealand and Australian sides in September and October.
June 6 2006:
* U18 pair Joel Moon and David Taylor have made history by becoming the first two players born after the Broncos played their first premiership game to be named in a Broncos competition team. Both have been named on the bench for this Saturday's game against the Rabbitohs.
* Ipswich Colts centre/winger Nigel Naawi has been named in the PNG U21 side to play Qld U19 Maroons on Wednesday in the SOOII first curtain-raiser. Other Brisbane players in the side are former Colt of the Year Wayne Bond and Norths Fogs Cup player Nathan Daley
June 5 2006:
* Toowoomba Clydesdale pair and U18s David Taylor and Jacob Fauid received big wraps for their part in The team's 32-24 Qld Cup victory over Tweed. Under the title "Dales give Tweed Fauid for thought" a story appeared on the QRL web-site praising the pairs' contribution. For the full text of the article, click here.
* Ex-Sprana U18 Geoff Holcombe had an interesting introduction to the Qld Cup playing for Ipswich against Redcliffe. His first dash saw him beat several players, but on his next run he ran straight into the shoulder of huge Redcliffe prop Adam Starr. To Geoff's credit he played on and put in a solid 60 minutes in his debut.
* U18 Colts players are continuing to acquit themselves well in the Qld Cup. Both Mase Laulu-Togagae (Souths-Logan) and David Tyrrell (Easts) grabbed doubles in losing sides on the weekend, whilst Will Chambers also scored a try for Norths
May 30 2006:
* As well as Geoff Holcombe, other U18s Tim Yee (Redclife) and Mase Laulu-Togagae (Souths-Logan) have been named to make their Qld Cup debuts this week. David Georgiou is also making his debut for Easts. 30/5/06 - UPDATE - Mase did well in his debut, scoring two tries and catching the eye of the ABC commentators.
* Congratulations to ex Arana and Sprana U18 GeoffHolcombe who will bemaking his Qld Wizard Cup debut this weekend for Ipswich. - UPDATE - For article on QRL Website re Geoff's debut click here.
May 27 2006:
* Jacob Fauid became the tenth U18 player to play Qld Wizard Cup this year playing for the Clydesdales against Souths-Logan today - and don't be alarmed if you see him limping - his current unusual foot injury means he walks with a limp, but is fine running!!
* Keiron Lander was found guilty of a Grade 1 dangerous throw from the U19 Qld/NSw match - despite this normally resulting in points only, hos previous suspension for this from last year's grand final and resulting 30% penalty and carryover, means he is suspended for 2 matches.
May 25 2006:
* Some Colts teams will be affected this weekend by the A Grade Divisional Carnival being played at the Sunshine Coast. Just like the U17/19s carnival the 6 division teams will be represented so some A grade players will be unavailable - only the Sunshine Coast v Wynnum Manly A Grade match has been postponed - to June 24 when it will be played at Quad Park with the postponed Round 9 Aspley v Wynnum Manly match as the curtain raiser.
May 23 2006:
* Matt Handcock's 6 match suspension has added to Redcliffe's growing list of woes with several players out this weekend due to injury, disciplinary action and FOGS A Grade commitments. Meanwhile Matt will have to spend the time on the sideline working on his tackling technique with half his season now gone due to suspension.
* Toowoomba based, ex-Ipswich Grammar Qld U19 Maroon Liam Capewell has an interesting "other sport" - he has been named in the Qld U21 Polocrosse team! For more details, click here.
May 22 2006:
* NSW U19 fullback Shannon McDonnell has been getting plenty of publicity after the weekend after being smashed in a tackle by Ruben Wiki whilst playing for the Wests Tigers NRL team - he is being tested today for a rib injury and is unlikely to play Wednesday night..
* Josh McGuire who made his debut for Aspley on Sunday still qualifies for U16s. Even though he is not able to play open age football he is able to play Colts with permission from the Division.
May 20 2006:
* Injury problems also besetting Redcliffe with up to four Colts expected to play FOGS A Grade tomorrow - UPDATE - 3 did, and it nearly cost Reddy the game against Sunny Coast - The A Grade did lose by 2 points, with the Qld Cup sie beating Nth Qld by 2 points in three close ones at Dolphin Oval.
* Hear that the already decimated Norths and Aspley sides could be hot woth more withdrawals from tomorrow's match, with Luke Samoa on standby for Qld Cup with Norths and Josh Costello battling with injury for Aspley - UPDATE - Luke Samoa did play for Norths Qld Cup side on Sunday and acquitted himself well. Josh Costello did not play either and was replaced by 16 year old Josh McGuire - see further Whisper above.
May 15 2006
* An interesting Rugby flavour in the two Qld U19 teams, with 3 players in the top side having represented GPS Rugby, WIll Chambers (Nudgee), Lagi Setu (IGS) and Charlie Fetoia (BSHS), whilst 4 from the second side represented AIC Rugby, David Tyrrell (Iona), David Georgiou (Iona), Rohan Ahern (Padua) and Alex Tallon (Marist Ashgrove). Matt Smith (BSHS) is the odd man out, havingrepresented GPS rugby, but in with the AIC reps! Keiron Lander (Downlands) and Nathan Strudwick (John-Paul College) have also played rep rugby.
* Interesting to see Michael Bond selected at halfback for the Qld U19 team. He has not played there recently, but current Redcliffe Colts coach Craig "Trigger" Ingebrigsten played him there regularly when he coached him a couple of years back.
May 14 2006:
* Whilst a number of regular of Colts players have made the Schoolboys side, there are a number of impressive players who have missed out, including Queensland U17 triallists, Redcliffe pair Joel Romelo and Asher Elemani
* Unfortunately prop Adam Kambouris from Norths will be out for 6-8 weeks after picking up a Grade 2 medial ligament strain in the U19 trial. Ironically he received the injury being tackled by another Norths player
* No love lost - in the first minute of the Maroon/White U 19 trial Aspley's Michael Bond was smashed by regular teammate Keiron Lander after putting up a bomb with both players down and out after a head clash. Fortunately both recovered and went on to play great games for their teams
* Hear that a number of regulars may be rested for Norths Colts clash with Ipswich tomorrow night, particularly those who have competed in the Schoolboys carnival, having played 4 tough games in as many days. Interesting to see that Daniel Issac backed up for the Norths FOGS A Grade team at Ipswich today after scoring a hat-trick in the U19 selection trial.
May 12 2006:
* Also Dave Taylor took an early plea to his contrary conduct charge from last weeks Q Cup game for Toowoomba against Redcliffe and was suspended for a week. He is expected to turn out for Capricornia on the last day of theschoolboy titles with his suspension served at the completion of Toowoomba's QCup game tomorrow
* Meanwhile FOGS Colts players are featuring at the Schoolboy titles. On Day 1 Israel Folau (Norths), Josh Costello (Aspley) and ex-Sprana player Vaughan Eriksen (Aspley) picked up Man-of-the-Match awards on Day 1
* The Maroon U19 Trial team was spotted at the Schoolboys carnival at Wynnum today - The White side chose to visit the Sunshine Coast instead.
May 11 2006:
* Hear that Will Chambers is latest withdrawal from U19 trial as he will be making his QCup debut this weekend - at least he will have the same coach - North's QCup coach Wayne Treleaven is Qld U19 coach and is coaching the trial team Will was to play in! Well done Will!
May 8 2006:
* The Aspley / Wynnum Colts game this weekend was to be the curtain-raiser to the Broncos/Manly match at Suncorp Stadium. With this game being rescheuled the Aspley /Wynnum A Grade match has replaced it, with plenty of Colts age players expected to get a run at League Headquarters.
* The Round 11-14 games for ABC Television have been allocated resulting in some time/venue changes for the Colts - they are on Draw page. Also the Divisional A Grade carnival on May 28/29 has seen the Sunshine Coast/Wynnum Manly game moved from Sunday to Saturday that weekend.
* Seems as though the Webby's Whispers have been trumped by a frequent poster in the Guestbook - some pretty interesting ones amongst them too...
May 7 2006:
* Is summer ever going to end?? Once again another scorcher for the Colts boys on Sunday - Easts and Sunshine Coast teams were much happier their game was played after QCup!!
May 4 2006:
* Interesting to see Joel Moon and Nathan Strudwick have been named both in the Asplsy Colts and Toowoomba Clydesdales sides on Sunday - may be that where they play depends on which test players back up for the Broncos in Newcastle on Sunday.
* Plenty of concern amongst the Melbourne Storm contracted players about what the possibility of the Storm and Norths parting compnay means to them. In the meantime Western Districts have extended their partership with the Cronulla Sharks.
May 3 2006:
* Matt Parata (Burleigh) and Ben Cronin (Wynnum) have been ruled out this week due to injuries received at the State Carnival. Alex Tallon (Aspley) and Brent Kuskey (Easts) are hoping to be cleared to play. UPDATE - Brent Kuskey and Alex Tallon both cleared to play this weekend.
* Word is that some of the school districts have made an ultimatum to their players that they either commit to the whole state carnival from May 11-14 or pull out, whilst the QRL requires the U19 trial players in camp at the same time. With an Australian schoolboys tour to the UK at the end of the year at stake, it appears likely the schoolboys will win out!! It is unfortunate that this clash has developed which administrators agree needs to be avoided in futurel
* Quite a few raised eyebrows over the omission of Redcliffe's David Hala from the U17 possibles/probables trial. 3/5/06
* Should have news soon on FOGS Colts draw changes due to the U19 trial on May 14 and Inter-Divisional A Grade carnival on May 28 - wil get the changes up asap but expect some games to be moved to City/Country weekend (June 24/25)
* Hear that Ryan Corrie from Western Districts will be making a return this week after time out fractured cheekbone. Also Joe Zinghini from Esats will play his first comp game after breaking his hand in the opening trial.
Special Edition Interdivisional Carnival:
* A few Colts sides will be anxiously awaiting injury reports from the carnival before next week's round- Matt Parata (Burleigh) tore a muscle in his leg on Day 1, whilston Sunday Ben Cronin (Wynnum) sustained an ankle injury, Brent Kuskey (Easts) hurt his back and his replacement as hooker Alex Tallon (Aspley) a calf. Charlie Fetoia (Aspley) received six stitches in a cut above his eye in an accidental collision on Saturday, but played on Sunday.
* The scoreline might not indicate it, but my award for the gutsiest performance of the carnival goes to the Southern U17 side in their 50-0 loss to South-East. Despite being outgunned, outmuscled and ending with no interchange players available, they fought hard to the end of the game and never stopped trying. Special mention to their fullback Dylon Landon, who despite clearly nursing an arm injury, pulled off three memorable try saving tackles, including an absolute ripper on Chris Sandow. Rightfully the team got the biggest ovation of the day as they left the field.
* Now that U19s has been extended to "State of Origin" basis with players not eligible for Qld selection not eligible, one wonders how long it will be before U17 follows suit......
* Hear that Foisa Peni continues to attract plenty of attention around the ridges with a couple of people at the carnival specifically there to see him play - like many, they were surprised he was not in the South-East U19 side!
* Can a football carnival bring rain anywhere?? The last 7 football rep carnivals I have been too have brought rain, even to the dryest of places, including Moree in 2004 when it hadn't rained for 2 years. Sunday at Toowoomba proved no change!
* Wide Bay did well to beat Northern and South-West in both grades at the carnival - man of the match in the U19's win over South-West, Steve McPhee, made the point that before this carnival he had no had a win in any Wide Bay rep team through the years - so it was great to not only get one, but two!!
* Northern's U19 were particularly disappointing, although it is worthwile pointing out that SE playersJackson Nicolau, Jason Poppi and AidenGuerra all come from the north. Throw in their other SE "imports" Pat McPherson, Brent Kuskey and Simona Vavega (Wide Bay) and Liam McDonald and Keiron Lander (South-West) maybe there is a case for "Division of Origin" particlarly in U19s, although with South-West declining to select players of the calibre of Nathan Strudwick, Joel Moon, David Taylor and Denan Kemp though were eligible as they play for Toowoomba, it does not appear likely to happen any time soon!
April 25 2006:
* Western Districts Colts won their first game on the weekend but didn't win toomany friends with 4 incidents being put on report - word is that one player is particularly lucky to have avoided time as the video footage was unclear.
* Concern expressed by a number of clubs over the condition of the Jet's home ground, QLD Group Stadium, after a number of injuries there in recent matches.
April 24 2006:
* Good to hear Matt Gillett showing some good form for Redcliffe on the weekend after a slow start to 2006 - he had a sensational 2005 in Colts but has failed to reproduce that form this year
April 23 2006:
* Hear that ex Norths and Arana three-quarter Rodger Sengelman is thinking about a comeback with the Albany Ck U18s after work and study commitments forced him to give away footy for a while.
April 22 2006:
* South-East selectors hoping that Will Chambers is able to avoid Cyclone Monica and find his was back from the NT for the rep carnival! UPDATE It is believed Will has avoided the cyclone and will be ok to take his place in the SouthEast team.
* Ipswich weren't only struggling on the field against Tweed - brother of one of their players couldn't find the amenities block so ducked behing a building for a bit of relief - the building was the amenities block!!
April 20 2006:
* Whilst on rugby, congratulations to the Australian U19 side who have made the final of the U19 World Championship against New Zealand late Friday night. A majority of this team were teammates of Aspley pair Alex Tallon and Keiron Lander , (and Leon Bott) on the 2004 Australian Schoolboys tour of Samoa and New Zealand. (Keiron's has a tattoo reminder of that tour on his back incidentally!!) A delayed telecast of the final is on Foxtel on Saturday morning. UPDATE - Australia wins its initial U19 World Title, beating NZ 17-13!!
* I ventured out to school rugby on Monday for the annual clash between Nudgee and Ashgrove. Nudgee avenged the 42-7 hammering they received last time they visited Ashgrove in 2004 with a 43-15 win, scoring 7 tries to zip. Most other GPS and AIS schools start their trials this Saturday.
* Aspley continuing their policy of giving different Colts players a run in FOGS A Grade each week with Chris Bella and Pat McPherson set to step up this week, after Zac Hook put in a fine perforance last week.
* Hear word that ex-Arana rep players Nash Rylands and Josh Bruce have been impressive for Albany Creek's U18s - they certainly would not be out of place in any Colts side.
* Last chance for South-East players to impress the selectors this weekend with the final 19 man squad for the state titles to be named this Sunday afternoon.
* Some unfortunate clashes coming up with the May 14 scheduling of the Southern v Northern U19 trial which clashes with the last day of the State Schoolboys carnival as well as a full round of the Qld Wizard Cup.
April 18 2006:
* David Tyrrell's great form has been rewarded with a call up to Easts Qld Wizard Cup side for Saturday's clash with Souths-Logan - great news for the ex-Iona flyer who is easily leading the try-scoring table in Colts
* Hear whispers that there have been a few changes to the South-East U19 squad with Nathan Strudwick (Asp) withdrawing and Jay Aston (Norths), Brent Kuskey and Matt Klein (Easts) being added - will advise if officially confirmed
April 15 2006:
* "Silly season" has well and truly arrived with several Colts players having to attend rep training this morning, and a few others rushing off after training to attend to school commitments - in today's heat that just can't be good for them!!
* James Friske came off the interchange bench for Western Districts today after his midweek transfer from Norths
* Much excitement at Arana during the Colts game when a passerby was seriously assaulted nearby, and had to be treated in the first aid room. It does not appear to be football related
* I hear the SE Division will be taking severe action against Aspley for playing 9 players not in their programmed jersey numbers today. It made it extremely difficult for the crowd. SE Division rules provide that any player named in program must play in that number.
* Have a look at the ABCTV Qld Cup game on Saturday at 2pm- could be an interesting debutant tin one of the sides!! UPDATE - that player of course was ex-Sprana player Daniel Issac who grabbed two tries, in Norths 64-26 defeat by Redcliffe - well done Daniel!!
April 14 2006:
* Bad news for Redcliffe and promising youngster Dane Hogan who will be out for the season after suffering a hip injury aggravated at the AIS camp.
* The draw for the State Titles is being finalised but I understand Day 1 will see Southern play South-West, Wide Bay play Central and South-East play Northern. The big clash on Day 2 will see Southern up against South-East. Will publish the full draw as soon as I have it.
* Interesting to see U18 player Wade Watson has been picked for the Southern Division representative side but dropped from Ipswich Colts - interesting how selectors and coaches can see things differently!. UPDATE - Wade got a late call up to play FOGS "A" Grade today!
April 12 2006:
* Redcliffe Coach Craig "Trigger" Ingebrigsten will miss the next couple of games due to work commitments, but he has a capable "deputy" - the Colts will be run by Qld Wizard Cup coach Anthony Griffin in his absence.
April 10 2006:
* The continuing saga of James Friske!! He has received a clearance from Norths and attended his first training session at Western Districts.
* Wynnum-Manly pair Luke Menhinnitt and Matt Aitken have certainly experienced the highs and lows of rugby league in the last 2 weeks. After scoring 7 tries between them in a 40-12 win over Wests in Round 4, they both find themselves on report after their 44-4 loss against Easts yesterday.
* Terrible news for Western Districts with talented halfback Mataika Vatuvei out for 12-14 weeks with a broken ankle, sustained in the closing minutes of Saturday's game against Aspley. Centre Ryan Corrie is also out for 6 weeks with a broken cheekbone.
April 9 2006:
* One thing that would be concerning coaches of all clubs is the number of penalty kicks for touch not finding it - can't remember seeing so many at this level of footy and all teams seem to be guilty - have seen it happen on 7 occasions in 3 games this weekend!
April 7 2006:
* A couple of gremlins (both of whom play in the competition for different clubs incidentally) sneaked into the website and made a few changes - think I have caught them all, but if something's weird let me know!
* Good news for Fletcher Holmes and Keiron Lander from Aspley - both have passed fitness tests and will be ok for Saturday.
* Word is that front/second rower James Friske has gained a release from Norths and will be joining the Panthers 5/4/06 - UPDATE!! Norths have advised that this will NOT happen! My source has been sacked!!
April 4 2006:
* Good to see Zac Hook grab 2 tries for Aspley on Saturday - even better was his former coach Jamie Blackwood's reaction!! He reckoned Zac hadn't scored 2 tries in three seasons while he was coaching him; let alone 2 in a game!
* Bit of extra interest in next Sunday's Match of the Round with Tweed's Matt Lindsay taking on his old club, Norths. Tweed's job will be made harder by the fact they will have 8 players backing up from the Southern Division trial games on Saturday
April 3 2006:
* Rumour around that a few players from one club got were involved in a bit of a fracas in the city last night resulting in some police action; certainly hope it's not true. On the positive side I hear that quite a few players from several clubs are getting together at a suburban pub on Sunday night for a few drinks and a chat, in what should be the true spirit of the game.
* Redcliffe's depth will be tested this weekend with 2 players, Asher Elamani, and Dane Hogan unavailable due to AIS commitments, and Matt Handcock and Tom Donnelly still out suspended. Quite a few other clubs will also have key players out due to the AIS camp in Canberra.
* Good news for Fletcher Holmes whose comeback was limited to 20 minutes yesterday after he felt a twinge in his back - proved to be just a spasm and he could be ok for Saturday.
* Keiron Lander was a late withdrawal from the Aspley side on the weekend when it was found he still had a week to serve on his suspension from last year's Colts Grand Final, as the bye was not included.
April 2 2006:
* Hear that Redcliffe's in-form second-rower Foisa Peni could be close to signing with an NRL club - they certainly would have been impressed with his performace yesterday against the Tigers in both attack and defence.
* Heads shaking in the Ipswich/Aspley match at one of the most extraordinary decision ever seen by a touch judge, when Aspley winger Matthew Baird jumped from at least a metre out to punch an Ipswich penalty touch-finder back in-field - the touch judge ruled not out!!
April 1 2006:
* With Keiron Lander a late withdrawal another ex-Sprana player Vaughan Eriksen will hook for the first time for Aspley up against ex-teammate Geoff Holcombe who is also up front for the first time!
* Don't expect to see Redcliffe trainer Michael "Casa" Casablance lecturing in first aid classes any time soon - his bandaging effort on prop Greg Malenstein's chin is certainly unlikely to be seen in any text books!
March 31, 2006:
* I see U18 Cameron Heading is making his Qld Cup debut for the Young Guns this weekend against Tweed Heads. He joins fellow U18 Brady Payne in the side.
March 30, 2006:
* Ex Sprana five-eight Geoff Holcombe becomes another in the list of backs to find out what goes on in a scrum this year, being selected as hooker for Ipswich against Aspley, He joins fellow U18s Angus Cameron (Redcliffe) and Alex Tallon (Aspley) who have played hooker for the first time this season!
March 29, 2006;
* A few questions around as to why Josh Costello played in trials last night while suspended - this was due to an administrative error surrounding his suspension which has been corrected - he will not be allowed till play again till after this weekend
March 28, 2006:
* In addition to the comments in the Guest Book, I received an email from Western Districts captain Chris Chaisty asking me to publish this apology for his behaviour in the second half of the Redcliffe game. He realises he let his team down and is keen to make amends when he gets back on the field. Admire you admitting the error of your ways mate, and all the best for the rest of the season
* Good to see Michael Walker back on the field for Wests this weekend - played every game for Hills District last year and will be a welcome addition as they try to win their first game of 2006.
* With the injury enforced retirement of Barry Berrigan, Nathan Strudwick has been reinstated in the Toowoomba Clydesdales side this weekend. His loss to the Aspley Colts is compensated by the return from injury of Charlie Fetoia, Rob Fisher, Fletcher Holmes and Kieron Lander for their first games of 2006 - not a bad quartet!.
March 27, 2006:
* Interesting debate at Qld Cup level whether Ipswich is disadvantaged by their draw where they play teams coming off a bye 16 times this year - some agree, some disagree; happy to hear thoughts in the Guest Book.
March 26, 2006:
* And a memo to the Western District Panthers from one of my other spies - no-one has ever won a game while they're in the sin bin; and no player ever won an argument with a referee!!
* Spent the weekend at the cricket so didn't get round the grounds this weekend, but a couple of people have told me the individual battle between Chris Sandow and Matt Lindsay at Brandon Park was a ripper - wonder how often we'll see them together in Titans jersey in the future
March 25, 2006:
* Keep an eye in the paper for a story on young Souths-Logan Colt Chris Sandow - seems he is doing plenty to impress the talent scouts, including a great second-half display to get the Magpies home against Tweed. UPDATE - for Sunday Mail article, click here.
March 24, 2006:
* Hearing rumbles from goalkickers in Qld Cup and FOGS competitions that the new balls in use this year are much harder to pilot between the posts than the old brand. They won't even stay on same brands of kicking tee apparently
March 23, 2006:
* Plenty of concern expressed in some circles re whether elite schoolboy players are getting too much football, with some players already showing signs of wear and tear before the end of March!
March 22, 2006:
* The Devils halves woes extended to their opposition on Saturday - U18 Tweed half Matt Nuttall popped his AC joint early in the match against Aspley - all the best for a quick recovery Matt.
* Hear a whisper that a player from a northside Colts side is trying to get out of his contract (and it's NOT Michael Bond, whose attempt was well-publicised earlier in the year). Player is not happy with the coach apparently.
* Redcliffe High have 12 players competing in the Sunshine Coast trials including this weekend's Colt debutants David Hala and Dane Hogan, and halfback Asher Elaman.
March 21, 2006:
* Unfortunate news for Aspley with it being confirmed that Jacob Fauid has a broken hand from Satuday's game. It's been a "Devil" of a time for the halves from the two Devil teams with Josh Costello being suspended and young Norths halfback Luke Capewell from Norths out with a non-football related eye problem.
* Seems there was a lot of confusion about water-breaks on the weekend, with teams unsure of whether or not they were happening; referees have apparently been asked to make it clearer from this weekend, although hopefully the weather will cool enough not to have to have them!
March 20, 2006:
* Should be an interesting week in one northside household, with the Redcliffe Colts side, coached by Craig "Trigger" Ingebrigsten clashing on Sunday with the Western Districts side including son Kim. Hear that Kim shouldn't expect much support from the rest of the family!!
* The final suspension for James Adamson from Wests has been confirmed at 4 matches after adding points for a carryover dangerous throw suspension from 2005. This also means points for same offence are increased 30%
March 19 2006:
* Yesterday Alex Tallon played his first game at 5/8 since the memorable 2002 U14 Grand Final when he captained Arana to come from 16 points down with 12 minutes remaining to beat Redlands 26-24. Aspley teammate Nathan Strudwick captained Redlands in that game (Sorry Redlands people - had to get that one in somehow!!)
* Joel Moon scored a try for Clydesdales in their incredible 44-42 Qld Cup win over Tweed in Toowoomba yesterday - soulnds like there might be sone time on the tackle bag for both teams this week!
* Word is a few players could face some time on the sideline following an incident in the Ipswich/Redcliffe match yesterday. May be a lesson for one or two to leave the referee to sort out incidents and not rush in to "help".
March 18 2006:
* Been asked by a few people why Redcliffe didn't get competition points for the bye - the FOGS competitions use the same rules as the Qld Cup, where teams don't get points for a bye.
* 2005 Qld and AIS U17 Representative halfback Brady Payne has been named on the bench for the Nth Qld Young Guns Wizard Qld Cup match against Souths-Logan. Brady actually was on the bench for the Young Guns match at Tweed last year, but never made it on to the field!!
March 17 2006:
* Plenty of U18 Colts on display in the Met East Schoolboys trials yesterday. Nine players from last year's Met East side, including last year's State Carnival best player Chris Sandow will be backing up this year.
* Ipswich U18 Colts centre Tyson Lofipo has signed a 2 year deal with the Gold Coast Titans.Tyson played rugby for St.Edmunds last year.
March 16 2006:
* Interesting positional changes for Souths-Logan for their match against Sunshine Coast on Sunday - star U17 Chris Sandow has moved from halfback to fullback, popular Mase Laulu-Togagae from there to 5/8 and last week's 5/8 Tom O'Connor to halfback. It is great to see Mase back and playing with confidence after a long-term knee injury.
* Despite losing Josh Costello to suspension and Joel Moon and Michael Bond to the Clydesdales, Aspley will not rush back any of their bevy of injured stars for the match against Tweed on Saturday, preferring to leave their return till after their next round bye. Potentially due back for Round 4 are Charlie Fetoia, Fletcher Holmes, Kieron Lander, Rob Fisher and Simona Vavega - not a bad quintet! Some of the pain will be relieved this week by the return of hooker Nathan Strudwick from Clydesdales duty with the return from injury of Barry Berrigan
* Interesting to see Matt Lindsay playing at fullback for Tweed. Last year Lindsay was hooker for Norths, Colts Premiers, and is revelling in the wide open spaces.
* Hear things got a bit willing between two players at a recent Colts training session - seems some hijinx got a little out of hand - boys will be boys!
* Solid performances from Aspley pair Joel Moon and Michael Bond have seen them elevated to the Toowoomba Clydesdales this weekend. Interestingly Moon who played 5/8 on the weekend will start at lock, whilst Bond who played in the centres will start at 5/8.
March 15 2006:
* Should be an interesting battle in the scrum in the Aspley/Tweed game on Saturday - opposing hookers Nathan Strudwick and Harry Witt shared the role on the AIS Tour to England and France in the off-season. Jay Aston, who was also on the tour, is hooker for Norths this weekend
* One player who missed out on a Colts game on Saturday was extremely unlucky - he unfortunately had his soft drink "spiked" on Friday night
* Ex-Logan Bros fullback Esi Tonga, brother of WIllie, scored a hat-trick of tries on the wing for the Bulldogs in their win over Illawarra in Sydney's SG Ball Cup (U18) on the weekend - Esi now has 4 tries in the 3 rounds to date.
March 14 2006:
* A couple of Colts players getting some press on the weekend - Joel Moon mentioned in Mike Westlake's column in Sunday Mail about who may be the first Bronco who was born after the club played its first ARL game (8/3/88). Also Nathan Strudwick got some wraps in the Courier-Mail yesterday for his Qld Cup debut in a disappointing Clydesdale side. 14/3/06
* Good to see U18s Lagi Setu (Centenery) and Junior Seumanutafa (Logan Bros) going well in Sydney. Both played in the Dragons 34-18 win over Wests in the first round of the Jersey Flegg (U20 comp) on the weekend. Lagi's brother, Rota, also played. 14/3/06
March 13 2006:
* Ex Arana players Robbie Southwood (Norths) and Dan Gorman (W/Dist) have decided to return to rugby and turned out for GPS in an entertaining trial against Norths on Saturday.
* Who says league players are dumb? Notice a heap of players turning up at training burdened with uni books - and 2 props with one team are studying Human Movements and Business - they'll never make the front row union!!
March 12 2006:
* Sad to see promising Western Districts centre Shaun Maloney suffer a bad ankle injury in the last minute of the U17 Preseason Rep comp game last week - Shaun had been in devastating form in the pre-season
* Norths back-rower Jozey Stubicar is getting quite adept at getting round on crutches after breaking his ankle during the pre-season - on the beach playing touch - get well soon!
* Entertaining ex-Centenary centre Lauchlan Witt has decided to hang up the boots this season to pursue an electrical apprenticeship in the construction industry - all the best Witty! 12/3/06
* Versatile Aspley and ex-Brisbane State High Colt Charlie Fetoia was hoping to return to footy on the weekend but failed to get a clearance for the shoulder he injured in a First XV game early last season - hopefully he'll be back in the next week or so.
