By Ron Lane
How did they do it? It’s the question that the whole sporting community of Noosa was asking. It was definitely the talk of the town.
In January of 2017, all indications were there would be no more than a Division 2 Rugby League side to represent our Noosa Pirates.
But some seven months later when the final siren blew at Stockyard Park on the afternoon Sunday 22 August it announced the unbelievable – the Noosa Pirates Rugby League team was the Sunshine Coast A Grade premiers for 2017.
How did this journey from the pits to the premiership of A Grade Rugby league come about?
When one talks to club captain Liam Anlezak one thing becomes quite obvious; it was indeed a long, and winding road.
To say that 2016 was a season to forget would be an understatement.
To survive and re-establish would require a lot of hard work; decision making from a group of level-headed loyal people and above all, leadership from someone that commanded respect.
Respect from not only the support group but most important of all the players and coaches.
“For us,” said Liam, “I suppose you could say it started in late 2016 when we began to look for the right people to lead the way. We had people like the Christensen family – in particular Greg a life member, Anthony Zip, long-time loyal Pirate, Russell Britton another great example of loyalty and Greg Furner another life member. One very important man was Coach Ron Greentree. His commitment had started back in 1995 was very solid and as usual our mates at the RSL, Hangloosa and Always Cool were still there for us; and that’s just to name a few. There were many others: and they know who they are.”
Perhaps the major factor was the Falcons Football club. There was talk of some type of agreement whereby Pirates could mould with them as a feeder club for members. In the Falcons, were fringe State League players and it was hoped an agreement could be arranged.
If this could be settled it would give the coach the players needed to consolidate his A Grade squad.
Also there was another big benefit. By achieving this, with the Pirates back in A Grade, the local competition would have six clubs and not five; a major and very important result for the future of the game on the Sunshine Coast.
Back in October, things had really started to move.
At the Annual General Meeting Greg Christensen was elected President and with his proud aggressive attitude the whole club took on a positive feeling. Other Christensens stepped up; Ben became Deputy President and Gary Treasurer. Also the coaching panel was settled.
Greg started with the basics, working on the clubhouse – giving it a paint job and a minor facelift. By doing this, visitors immediately got the feeling that despite the fact things were tough, we were on the move.
Then came a phone call from Falcons CEO James Ward to the President. Maybe they could help.
The Falcons made their first mention of the fringe state players and as a result the possibility existed that a support program could be arranged.
If the two clubs could settle on this, it would not only enable the Pirates to reform their A Grade team, but it would also ensure that the Sunshine Coast League would benefit; it would retain a six club competition and not a five. It was obvious to all that a five would be a disaster.
“The concept was a good, it cleared the air.” said Liam. ‘’This meant that the two priorities which Greg and his committee faced were to organise further discussion with the Falcons and also to start talking to the players that were still loyal. Our bases looked strong; clubhouse upgraded and a group of players saying they were prepared to talk.”
Now a lot would hinge on these final discussions. Pirates had become aware that Beerwah was also looking for a player pipeline: the officials entered the talks knowing that everything would hinge on their presentations.
Happy to relate the results are now part of league folklore; the meetings were successful and people around the club were growing confident. Concerning the players it was imperative that the club meet with them soon as possible; a meeting was called and the date set.
The executive knew that this could be tough. During the last two hectic seasons many had lost confidence and by the end of 2016 become very disillusioned.
“I will never forget those meetings,” said Liam. “It was February/March 2017 and with Greg our President in control and Ben our Deputy in attendance, we felt confident. We sat in the grandstand, held our breath and started to talk; and Greg did a great job.
“He started by saying what we could do; told them there was a possible 5/6 player per week on the books as part of Falcons contribution. They started to listen. The lads were great. About twenty showed up, they were slow to start but finally they opened up and started to talk.
“Some displayed a desire to stay in the lower grade but they were also prepared to listen and debate. Soon Greg’s positive remarks started to hit home and with support from other veteran members, the players began to relax and smile. Things were definitely on the up and up.”
When the competition started they were playing A Grade, but player numbers were still erratic; so erratic in fact with a few injuries in May, Pirates forfeited in the second round against Caloundra.
Following this it was back on the phone for Secretary Lexie Mawn and others. As a result a good number of former players returned to the club and best of all the fringe players from Falcons began to arrive.
Not only did they arrive, but also fitted in well; so well that in no time they became part of the “Pirate Family.”
As a result by 30 June, last date for sign on, numbers stabilised. It was all stations go.
Unrealised by the sporting world, this was to give the proud Pirates the unthinkable; their first hand on the elusive Premiership Cup. Coach Greentree and his boys were definitely on the way back.
Once again by standing together Our People had not only survived, but also won through.
