Ron Lane
On Wednesday evening of last week in the Heads of Noosa Brewery Taproom, some 70-plus guests assembled to celebrate the official launching of the 2022 Noosa Pirates Rugby League Season.
In what Pirates’ marketing manager Deb Gillard described as a very successful evening, supporters from all areas of the club were in attendance. Sponsors, officials, committee members, coaching panel and players from the various grades, both men and women, all proudly wearing their official club polo shirts were there to show their support for the season ahead.
Premier aponsor, Always Cool, was acknowledged by Pirates, who also extendws their heartful thanks and gratitude to all other sponsors.
With several trial games already underway, and the selection of teams starting to consolidate, all involved are eagerly looking forward to the season ahead.
In his words of welcome, club president Paul Dwyer first of all welcomed all in attendance and thanked them for standing strong in what have been a very turbulent 2021 season.
“In particular as president, I would like to acknowledge our sponsors. No matter how big or small your contribution may be, your involvement is of the utmost importance. Without you, our future would no doubt be in jeopardy,“ he said.
“Now that our two clubs, the juniors and the seniors, are united as one, we have teams starting from U/6s right through to our A grade. With trial games under way and head coach Brett Winkler and his coaching staff in place, all this puts us in good stead.
“The major community project in which we are involved is still in progress and this is, of course, very important to our club. At present all aspects of our club life are indeed looking very positive.
“As your president, I consider that one of my most important goals is to ensure that all of you understand that this season. Regarding management, the big word is approachable: friendly and easy to talk to, we are there for you and the betterment of the club.”
In his speech to the guests, head coach Winkler said: “I would also like to add my thanks to our sponsors. Your role in our club is vital and thank you for the way you stood by us last season.
“At present I am happy the way things are going. We are having a good attendance at training and all our coaches are getting things settled with their teams.
“We have picked up more new players and this is good for the future of our club. Also, I would like to point out that a good solid structure within the reserve grade ranks is critical as this is always the major back up for the A grade squad.
“Trial games have been underway and this gives us a good look at exactly where we stand and what is required for the season ahead.
For us, our first competition game will be this Saturday against Maroochydore at Maroochydore.
“A big welcome to our ladies’ teams and,” he added, which drew a loud laugh from the guests, “I love coaching them because they always listen to what I say. Once again thank you to our sponsors and supporters.”
The speeches finished then Liam Anlezark, marketing and sponsors coordinator, bought forward a couple of young players who modelled the newly designed club T shirts, brightly coloured and noting the names of club sponsors.
It was definitely an evening that was enjoyed by all.
Rugby league
As stated at their launch, Pirates played their first competitive game of the season Saturday afternoon in Maroochydore and as stated by coach Brett Winkler their first up was tough.
Despite being dwarfed by a huge forward pack and giving their all-in defence Pirates finished in a 34-34 draw.
‘’As usual in the first game of the season there was quite a few errors, but the boys kept fighting in a seesaw match that was very entertaining to watch,” Winkler said.
“Many teams won’t get any points against Maroochydore this season but we will take that one point.
“However, we will be looking forward to a much improved performance this week against Beerwah”
Surf sports
With our Australian surf lifesaving championships now well and truly underway, a lot of our supporters will be watching with interest the performance of our local girl Lana Rogers.
Despite now competing for Alexander Headlands, she is still a Noosa girl and we wish her and coach Sharlene Kelly every success.
For Sharlene, a former Australian kayak team member, is still competing and will represent Noosa in the masters.
‘’My program will keep me busy as I have entered for several ski team events, double ski, ski relay and the Taplin relay. When this is over it’s back to my coaching duties with Lana so it is going to be full on.”
News just to hand tells us that in the Board Riding Championships, the Open Female Longboard gold medal was won by Kirra Molnar of Noosa.
In the restricted categories 30-39 division, Male Shortboard, Noosa’s Jack Lewis won bronze, and in the 50-59 division Female Shortboard, Alison Pegg won silver.
The 50-54 Male Board race saw Darren Mercer, Noosa’s head coach and former National Iron Man Champion win bronze.
With Noosa’s Masters team being one of the biggest entered in the titles their results are just too numerous to mention. Therefore, it is only right that we acknowledge their coaching panel and say well done to all.
We wish the Golden Oldies of Noosa the very best.
In a well-balanced club, the role of the Masters can be of the utmost importance, for their presence amongst the young ones on their way up, can be a great source of advice and encouragement, two major factors on the road to success.
