Ron Lane
After a somewhat turbulent year, the Noosa Pirates Rugby League Club have once again, rallied to the colours.
They closed off their 2022 season with their annual presentation of trophies evening and such was the attitude, that a new and successful season is definitely on the board for 2023.
On Friday 17 February at the Heads of Noosa Brewing Company, the Always Cool Noosa Pirates Rugby League Club launched their 2023 season. To a full house of management, coaches, players, supporters, sponsors and special guests, club president Liam Anlearkz, gave a very warm and sincere, ‘’Welcome one and all. And in particular to Sandy Bolton MP and Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart.”
He then noted the work being done by his current committee and acknowledged, the outgoing members for their hard work.
“It was their dedication that enabled them to achieve their goals.”
Head coach Mick Duff and senior coaches spoke about the season ahead and their plans for the future.
This year the club is proud to be associated with another premier sponsor, Bendigo Community Bank and bank representative Steve Clark was in attendance and introduced. The crowd celebrated their sponsorship of the open women’s team, with Ms Bolton unveiling the new players jersey.
In discussing the season ahead, Debora-Jane (DJ) Gillard, social media, sponsorship and functions coordinator said, “Our 2023 committee and coaching staff has hit the ground running. Some exciting projects and plans are underway for the season. A major focus for us is our junior development program with great relationships formed, with both the Brisbane Broncos and the inaugural NRL Dolphins, we have some great initiatives under way.”
Registration has opened for the 2023 season from U6 to senior grades. Visit their website for full details, noosapirates.com.au
When we weigh up what is necessary for a club such as Pirates, to achieve that ultimate goal, playing in the grand final, we soon realise that it takes lots more than just a great team headed by an even greater coach. What goes on behind the scene is of the utmost importance.
First there is the president and his committee. Already established is club president Alazar and his committee. Recently the club constitution and the management committee structure were upgraded, and under the guidance and assistance of Brett Winkler and Joe Cirillo it was a success and the club hasn’t looked back since.
Along with management, the club structure consists of the following – coaching panel, sponsorship, functions, and social media, life members and old boys ( the grey beards): and also, those vital for the future, the junior coordinators.
The recent club workshop for the U13 to U17 players and families, yet another success story, would come under the help of the junior coordinators. Such fund- raising events as the annual rodeo carnival (always a great family outing) and legends of league, would be guided by functions.
Then there is the life member group. To mention just a few, Greg Furner, Chris and Sue O’Grady, the Christensen family and Clare Robinson. Once again, they are ever-present. And of course, there is that group who occupy the hot seats of the club structure: the senior coaching panel.
This season, they are head senior coach Mick Duff Division 1, reserve grade coach Dan Riddle Division 2, women’s coach Robert Burgin and U/19 coach Clinton Lewis.
Then on the sideline there are our first aid officers, game stewards, announcers and time keepers, all necessary to make game day run smoothly. This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are young people such as junior girl coaches, every day workers and the diehard supporter , people that we will meet as the season progresses.
On a lighter side, I had the pleasure of meeting the new head coach of the women’s team, Robert Burgin. If there was ever a man who came to a new coaching job with interesting credentials, it would have to be Burgin.
“My wife and I are just back from helping coordinate the Brazilian team at the Rugby League World Cup in England. It was the first time that a team from Latin America was in attendance at the sports showpiece event.”
‘’Numbers are strong for our Pirates girls. They are preparing for a 9s competition at Kawana, their first hit out of the year,” said Burgin.
“Our big aim is to drum up interest in our new U/13 and U/17 groups, so we can finally have a pathway, all the way for the local girls. We would love to see more Noosa District girls sticking with the club from a young age through to seniors.”
With women’s competition conciliated in our game, it would seem that Pirates have, in Burgin, the right man at the right time. So, to our people, one and all, the season has started: so, go out there and take it.
Little Athletics
Following our policy, support our little athletes, here are results from the recent Sunshine Coast Regional Championships for the U7s and 8. For Noosa, six young athletes, Mackenzie Hyde, Axel Chandler, Clara Hermus, Leo Speldewinde, Eleanor Tilloston and Stella Zegars, all ran, jumped and threw over two days of competition.
Special mention goes to Speldewinde and Tillotson. Leo won the shot put with a throw of 6.64m and came second in discus. Eleanor won her 200m and came second in her 70m sprint. Finally, a great effort by Alex Chandler who finished second in her 200m.
It is great to see sporting organisations running these regional competitions for the very young. Who know what talent lingers amongst our youth? To all involved we wish them well: and our continued support.
Outriggers
For our Noosa Outriggers Club the Sydney Harbour Challenge is done and dusted for another year. To make things interesting the crews had a new course that took them out through the Heads.
What started out as a calm morning with ideal racing conditions for the mixed crew, later on turned windier and rougher for the ladies and men’s races, creating very testing conditions. There was a lot of Harbour traffic on the water with boats, ferries sail boats and sea planes for the crews to navigate around.
Noosa was well represented with one mixed crew, three women’s crews and six men’s, taking on the challenge. For the first race, the Golden Mixed Masters won the gold in a time of 2h 9 min. A big well done to the ladies and gents.
Next race saw three women’s Masters crews, performing well to finish fifth, in 2hr 21min. This team had two novice ladies and it was also the first time for all crews, to contest the Harbour Challenge. A great experience for all.
Up next were the Golden Masters Women’s who performed well to win the bronze medal. This qualified them for the world training selection camp. The Seniors Masters Women finished in ninth place: good effort considering they only came together recently as a team.
Last in the agender, the men’s races were held in very windy, testing conditions. There was a shortened course for the Platinum men: great performance saw them win silver. This also qualified them for the worlds training selection camp. Despite not finishing in the medals the Seniors Masters Men’s performance, also saw them qualify for selection in the training camp.
In the words of club spokesman Colin Jones, “It was a great trip with good results and above all a great experience”
