Contents

SARL ANNUAL REPORT 2008

2008 Chairman Report

General Manager Report

ARL Affiliated States Development Officer Report

ARL National Development Officer Report

Executives & Staff

Committees

Club Achievements

2009 Club Contact List

Acknowledgements
PLEASE NOTE ON COVER

33 ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 OCTOBER 2008 TO BE PRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL
RD ST

MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION HELD AT HINDMARSH STADIUM, HOLDEN STREET HINDMARSH ON

WEDNESDAY 10 DECEMBER 2008
TH

SARL ANNUAL REPORT 2008

Same as last year

Business

1. Same as last year

(no items 2 and 3 for 2008)

Chairman General Manager

Mark Siaosi Bruce Walker

Directors
John O’Rourke Mike Lester
Jenni Howard Chris Kourakis
Lindsay Power Rex Terp
Richard Ryan

Solicitors Auditors
Andersons Solicitors Genders and Wishart

Bankers
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Henley Beach Road
Torrensville SA
Chairman

2008 has been a challenging year. The goals outlined in 2007 are still our focus for 08
and 09.

The board is made up of dedicated individuals from business and Rugby League
backgrounds, with the common goal of furthering Rugby League in South Australia.

The three main objectives of the board of the South Australian Rugby League are:

1. Grow participation rates in South Australia

2. Be financially responsible and independent
3. Provide elite pathways for junior and senior rugby league players

The South Australian Rugby League in 2008 has achieved all three.
This year, our Tier-A High School Competition has increased. With support from our
clubs, the Adelaide club competition has continued to grow and the primary school
competition is increasing. Our total participation numbers have grown in schools and we
look to have a new pathway to increase school conversion to club membership for 2009.

It is with great pleasure that I report that the South Australian Rugby League will enter
2009 in a sound financial position.

Our club competition is becoming solid.

The Central Venue has had its share of challengers for not only the parents and players
but also the SARL. We will be in a better position to overcome and create a better
playing arena for our junior competition in 2009.

The highlight for me for 2008 was our Grand Final day.
All of the games were of high quality and it was encouraging and uplifting
to watch our young men take the field.
The finals for the seniors Premier Grade South VS Eels were fantastic.
Great football was on show with our Seniors. Playing finals at football at
Hindmarsh Stadium is great for everyone.

As we close the door for another year in Rugby League 2009 brings new challengers and
exciting beginnings.
On behalf of the SARL, I would like to thank Bruce Walker for his time in SA and wish him
well in his new venture with the West Rugby League Academy in Sydney as he co-
ordinates the media channels with his new role and the West Tigers, Parramatta and
Penrith NRL clubs.

We have the first of our 3 game ventures with Cronulla Sharks in April 17-19 2009, which
we want to have every Rugby League supporter available there.

We look at aggressively campaigning for club membership in the beginning of 09.

Schoolboy Australian Under 15’s, Under 18’s are also here in Adelaide for 2009 plus the
Junior British Lions will be playing in Adelaide, against a combined SA/NT side.

Please remember. To get all the information on SARL go to our website:

http://sarl.leaguenet.com.au

I thank all the clubs and schools for their tireless work in helping to promote this
wonderful sport of Rugby League.

Yours in Rugby League

Mark Siaosi
 South Australian Rugby League Annual Report 2008.
Overview
The South Australian Rugby League has had an exciting year with continued growth
in both schools and club numbers.
In 2008 The Hon. Mr. M. Rann, MP, Premier of South Australia has become the Patron
of the SARL, the Minister for Sport The Hon Michael Wright unveiled the Centenary
Plaque at Hindmarsh Stadium, the three State of Origin games and the NRL Grand
Final were shown live, the SARL Grand Finals were held at Hindmarsh Stadium with
the first grade played under lights and the Cronulla Sharks are to play a competition
game in Adelaide for the next three years.
The game is getting more exposure which will assist the local clubs with more
recruitment opportunities. Next year the SARL, together with the Office for
Recreation and Sport, Channel 9 and station Triple M will launch a campaign
Combating Childhood Obesity. In addition the Cronulla Sharks game will give great
exposure for Rugby League in SA so 2009 will be a significant growth year.
Local Clubs
The local competition comprised six clubs in 2008 and the season commenced with a
8s one day competition for under 18s and seniors.
A great central venue was secured at West Beach comprising three fields where
juniors up to under 14s played on Sunday mornings. Friday nights became a weekly
highlight with the SARL running under 16s and under 18s competition at Dry Creek
with two fields – a great atmosphere under lights.
The season ended in grand style with all Grand Finals played at Hindmarsh Stadium.
The first grade played under lights on Saturday night with the under dogs, South
Adelaide Rugby League, victorious over last years premiers, the Eels.
School Development / Representative Football
The 2008 season was a very busy one for the development unit. The Tier A and Tier
B competitions were very successful with record numbers in both Primary and
Secondary Schools. The Primary School competition commenced in 2007 with 6
schools and increased to 19 schools with 42 teams in 2008. The Secondary schools
comprised 19 schools with 18 senior teams and 15 junior teams.
More teachers are completing coaching, refereeing and strength and conditioning
courses.
The SARL Schoolboys competed at the National Schoolboy Championships and
although outclassed by superior opposition, gave wholehearted performances and
were proud to represent SA at the championships.
Scott Merriman from Gawler High School was appointed coach of the under 18s and
as a developing coach we see Scott as a role model for more teachers to become
involved in state teams.
Four players from the under 18 squad were selected in the CAS team which
competed in Pool A.
They were James Newbury, Toby Hook, Blair Young and Luke Waiti.
With the evolvement of the Primary School
competition and the continued improvement in
the standard of the Secondary Schools Tier A
competition, South Australia is confident of competing at a higher level in years to
come.
The senior state team played in the National Champions in Alice Springs where John
Geeves gained selection in the Australian Affiliated States Team which travelled to
Fiji and Tonga.
High Performance
The High Performance program again provided 40 athletes with the opportunity to
improve their skills, speed and strength with the SARL gym based in the north at
Ross Smith High and at the southern gym at Aberfoyle Park.
2009 is shaping as a major growth year and with club recruitment becoming a
priority, we look forward to a much stronger club competition developing over the
next 2 – 3 years.
I wish to thank those members of the CMC who supported the SARL in its endeavours
to grow the game in SA. I have said before that in a struggling competition it is
difficult to expect growth if everyone is not committed to the common good.
Thank you to the Chairman of the Board, Mark Siaosi and members of the Board who
have given me their full support. The Board is well structured and with good
guidance and assistance, the new General Manager will no doubt be in for an exciting
year in 2009.
Thank you also to the Referees Association, once again led by Bob Burgess and Chris
Williams, for supplying the officials at games throughout the year. With more
referees on board for next year we hope to see more competition for the top games.
The judiciary had a good year with few send offs. Thank you to the members of the
judiciary, Chairman, Richard Ryan and Committee – Mike Lester and Mark Siaosi.
I would further like to thank my staff, Dave Cohen, Damon Rudolph and Dennis
Phillips and our trainee, Michael Holland who have once again enhanced the
reputation of Rugby League in school sport. Dianne Grant has once again been a
fantastic employee and volunteer for the SARL.
A special thanks to Dave Cohen for his assistance in heading the development unit
and for being a close friend.
And last of all, many thanks to the volunteer who have again given their time
generously to the SARL when called upon.
For those of you who don’t know I will be returning to work in Sydney in 2009. Thank
you to all who have given me support in my time as General Manager over the past
four years.
The Board and Management of the South Australian Rugby League is
forever grateful of the support provided by the ARL as it continues to grow the great
game of Rugby League in South Australia.
Bruce Walker
General Manager
South Australian Rugby League
Australian Rugby League
Affiliated States Development Officer
ANNUAL REPORT 2008
Tier A Arrive Alive Cup
The fourth year of Tier A High School competition commenced with great success. 19
schools took part in an 8-week competition in four divisions (north, south, east and
central) and two age groups (15/18 years). There were 32 teams in total competing
on a regular basis during term 1 and 2. Each team played a minimum of 5 games
before the top teams from each division played against each other to decide the
winner. Grand Final day was held at
Hindmarsh Stadium with the U15 and U18 games played under lights.
Freemont Elizabeth and Aberfoyle Park were the 18’s divisional winners
and played an entertaining final match. Aberfoyle Park emerged as the
winners and will now have the opportunity to play in the 2009 Arrive Alive
Cup for Eastern States Schools. Gawler and Henley Beach played out the
15’s grand final with the game going into extra time befor Gawler won in a
exciting game.
Subsequent meetings have reinforced the success of this competition with as many
as three Tier B schools (one day tournaments) interested in joining the Tier A
program for 2009. With the inclusion of a Tier A primary schools competition similar
to the high school one this will also help to boost numbers in the future. The South
Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Council (SASSRLC) hope to field 36
teams from 20 schools next year in four Divisions (north, south, west and east). Talks
will be held to discuss the possibility of having two divisions so games are more
competitive. We look forward to nominations for Tier A 2009 being completed by
December.
Tier B (one day tournaments) has been an important nursery for the development of
school based rugby league. Many of those schools are now nominating to join next
years’ extended competition (Tier A).
Coaching and refereeing courses have been organised for teachers and students
early Term 1 2009 to assist in the preparation of school teams for the
commencement of the 2009 season. This year has seen the introduction of an
Education Week for teachers, which include basic and advanced coaching days with
ex Development Officer Rex Wright facilitating a Strength & Conditioning course over
two days. High School students completed their touch judge course in February this
year. Many schools have purchased their own jerseys and now prepare their grounds
for rugby league matches.
High Performance Squad
The High Performance Squads will trial at the end of this month for positions in the
Northern or Southern teams. We are targeting boys 14 –17 years who display a
commitment to training and playing rugby league. This age is an excellent period in
their physical development to instruct the basics of weights, speed and skills
training.
A gymnasium has been set up at Ross Smith High School, where the
Northern Squad will train. The Southern Squad will be based at Aberfoyle
Park High School, where there is already an established Gymnasium. Physical
and skills testing will be conducted to establish which players will join the
groups. Training will take place three times per week until the end of June. The
squads will revert to twice a week training leading up to the National Championships.
Workouts will consist
of weights, speed and skills training. Each player will conduct physical conditioning in
their own time.
The squads will be educated in lifting techniques, nutritional requirements, advance
skill development, tactical planning, recovery techniques, professional preparation
for training and competition. More emphasis will be on developing Core Stability
strength which, in turn, will help with lifting techniques.
The SARL would like to see the younger members of the squad remain in the
program for up to four years, assisting in their development to senior rugby league.
A Strength and Conditioning Level 1 course will be completed this month by our
teachers in the Tier A / Tier B and club coaches. The course will be lectured by Rex
Wright and is nationally accredited. We hope to fully utilise these coaches in high
performance training next year.
Representative Teams
The 18 years state team travelled to Alice Springs for the Affiliated State trials. The
team didn’t win a game but were fairly competitive. As a result 4 players, James
Newbury, Blair Young, Toby Hook and 16-year-old Luke Waiti were chosen in the
Combined Affiliated State team to compete in Pool B at the National Championships.
Unfortunately, South Australia had lost four key players to travel to Darwin for the
National Championships and at least 4 other players pulled out. Coach Dennis Phillips
was chasing players a couple of days out just to have a team. This was topped off
with several players getting injured, which depleted the team even more. Not
surprising, minimum preparation, players pulling out after Alice Springs and injuries
were obvious in results on the field. Talks are in place to look at assisting players
with levies, which should lessen the burden of raising funds.
The 15 years team travelled to in Brisbane for their National Championships. They
did not record a win but there were some good individual performances from Bradley
Gurr and Peter Markovanovic.
Next year, in preparation for the championships, it is hoped that the two squads will
again play more lead up matches against quality opposition. The opportunity to play
games against the other affiliated states at Alice Springs in 18’s this year was
invaluable in their training for the Nationals Titles. A key next year is to have as
many players as possible competing for positions and the right training attitude for
us to be competitive and game ready.
 Overview
A lot of work is still needed to rebuild player numbers within our clubs, in both junior and senior
grades. This can only be done if the clubs continue to work with the SARL. The South Australian
Rugby League supports the clubs and the game in South Australia, however without the support of
the clubs the SARL would be unable to continue this commitment to the game.

Finally, the biggest thank-you of all goes out to Bruce Walker for his vision and tireless dedication to
promoting the game of Rugby League in this state. Bruce has been a great boss to work for and will
be sorely missed not only for his work & training ethic but his sensational jokes.
Best Wishes, and we look forward to 2009
Damon Rudolph

ARLD National Development officer

2008 ANNUAL REPORT
This year has once again seen high levels of activity within school programs however
the problem of increasing club numbers is still there. The transition from school to
out of school hour’s programs continues to be a challenge.
Last year’s Tier A Primary school pilot program which involved six schools and 16
teams in the southern region was expanded this year and involved nineteen schools
and 48 teams over three venues – south (Hackham sport and social club), lower
north (Lindblom Reserve), north (Unley Rd).

The SAPSASA state tackle championship numbers were down slightly down but
still attracted 157 teams. The benefit of having access to the West Beach Fields was
evident
when 32 teams contested the state finals, as, due to the greater number of fields,
more teams were able to attend. Over the past five years numbers, in the finals
have been restricted as a consequence of playing at Hindmarsh.
The 2008 State Tag Champions, were Glenelg PS in the boys division and Willunga PS
in the girls.
The State Tag Championship were fully subscribed again this year and schools were
turned away as we could only handle 40 teams on the day. In a day that offered an
extremely high standard of rugby league tag, incredibly, it was the two schools that
won the tackle that replicated their success in the tag- an amazing double.
The sate primary school team, after extensive preparation over 8 weeks travelled to
Darwin to participate in the National Primary School Exchange in August. I believe
that we sent up a well prepared and good team and while they probably didn’t
perform as well as they may have, when, measured against their team goals they
were quite successful against the very strong teams like Queensland.
An innovation for 2008 has been Education Week, which is planned for the second
last week of school – a time when, in high schools, many students have already
finished for the year and teachers can organize some time to attend courses. Four
courses were offered to try and increase teachers knowledge about rugby league -
both tackle and tag – so the game can be introduced to students more effectively.

We also serviced the regional areas of the state with programs being conducted
primarily in the Riverland and Far West Regions with other events conducted in the
Mid North an Eyre Peninsular. There is a perception that these programs, which are
important in terms of our relationship with schools and government, weigh heavily on
Development staff time. Contrary to that is the is the fact that this in fact takes up
less than ten percent of the total workload, but generate good figures an stronger
relationships with key partners.
The Summer Tag program is underway, and while some regions failed to get
underway there are strong competitions in Gawler, Elizabeth and Murray Bridge plus
a smaller one in
Victor Harbor. Previously established competitions in Willunga and Reynella have
started and are running successfully.
The end of 2008 will also see the departure of Bruce Walker who is returning to
Sydney. He has made a significant contribution here in S.A and will be missed by
all. Luckily, he will remain in the game in NSW. We have also lost Dennis Phillips,
unfortunately, totally from football and he should be recognised for his work in SA
this year.
My further thanks to Damon Rudolph, Dianne Grant and Michael Holland for their
work during this year and of course Gerard Rafferty, Jordan Davis, Wayne Sellars and
any other club people who have supported the schools program.
With over seven and a half thousand players involved in gala days (both
tackle and tag) and another twelve hundred in 5 week or greater
competitions plus another five thousand introduced to the game
at schools, there is an increasing awareness of how the game is
played amongst students in S.A
Dave Cohen
Executives And Staff

Chairman - Mark Siaosi

Board of Directors
Chairman Mark Siaosi
Treasurer Richard Ryan
Deputy Chairman John O’Rourke
Director Mike Lester
Director Lindsay Power
Director Jenni Howard
Director Chris Kourakis
Director Rex Terp
Director / Secondary Schools SA Delegate Leigh Charlesworth
General Manager Bruce Walker

ARLD National Development Officer Dave Cohen

ARL Affiliated States Development Officer Damon Rudolph

ARL Coaching and Development Officer Damon Rudolph

Office Manager – Volunteer Co-ordinator Dianne Grant

Life Members
Peter Clarke
Don Priestley
Chris Shields
Bob Hucker
Reg Walters
Ted Thompson

Extraordinary Life Members

Ron Hall † Paul Howse
Craig Baxter Steven Moore
Mick Brine Andrew Unger
Ian Goldsmith Mark Whellum
Bernie Tamakehu Bernie Opbroek
Alan Green Anthony Goldsmith
Brett Scarpellini Gerard Rafferty
Dianne Grant Phil Thomas

Club Presidents
Central Districts Leah Fatiaki
Cougars RLC Jackie Ferreyra
The Eels Rugby League Club Gary Latter
Tigers Rugby League Club Keith Moorman
South Adelaide RLC Wayne Sellars
Northern Districts Rugby League Club George Simpson / Matthew
Bedgegood
South Australian Referees Assoc. Bob Burgess
2008 COMMITTEES Birdwood High School
Unley High School
CHAIRMAN Victor Harbor High School
Mark Siaosi

GENERAL MANAGER SARL STATE COACHES

Bruce Walker Tony Culkin– Opens
Scott Merriman- Under 18’s
DIRECTORS John Noye– Under 15’s`
John O’Rourke John Irwin– SAPSASA
Richard Ryan
Jenni Howard FINANCE COMMITTEE
Mike Lester Mark Siaosi
Bruce Walker
Chris Kourakis
Rex Terp
COACHING and DEVELOPMENT
Lindsay Power
Dave Cohen
Dennis Phillips
CMC Damon Rudolph
Bruce Walker
Leah Fatiaki APPEALS COMMITTEE
Jacqui Ferreyra Mark Siaosi (Chairman)
Gary Latter Bruce Walker
Wayne Sellars Mike Lester
Keith Moorman
Bob Burgess JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
George Simpson / Matthew Bedgegood Richard Ryan (Chairman)
Mike Lester
CLUB PRESIDENTS Mark Siaosi
Leah Fatiaki
Jacqui Ferreyra SARL SELECTION BOARD
Gary Latter Tony Culkin - Opens
Wayne Sellars Sean Pearce– Opens
Keith Moorman Damon Rudolph – Under 18
George Simpson / Matthew Bedgegood Dennis Phillips – Under 18
Dennis Phillips – Under 15
TIER A SCHOOLS
REFEREES
Adelaide High School
Bob Burgess (President)
Tabor College
Henley High School VOLUNTEERS
Reynella East High School Mary Jarrett - Deirdre and John Elliott
Windsor Gardens Voc. Col. Lorraine Lindholme – Scott Elliott –
Le Fevre High School Dave Lamin - Anne Simpson – George
Ross Smith Secondary School Simpson
Aberfoyle High School Val Hart – Myra Smith – Betty Lewis -
Gawler High School Dianne Grant, plus the many volunteers
Freemont Elizabeth City H. S. from clubs, schools and Friends that
Salisbury High School the SARL could not manage without.
Urrbrae Agricultural High School
Glenunga International High School CLUB SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICERS
Christies Beach High School Daniel Kerr David Tyrell Gerard
Golden Grove High School Rafferty Luke Waiti Toby Hook
Blair Young Jordan Davis Richard
Hall Wayne Sellars and the Uni SA and
Flinders Uni Students
Page not needed
CLUB ACHEIVEMENTS

MAJOR PREMIERSHIPS 2008

1st Grade South Adelaide RLC

Colts Aberfoyle / Dragons
School Boys Aberfoyle Park

PAST PREMIERS (1 GRADE)

ST

Central Districts 1976 South Adelaide 1997

Glenelg 1977 Kilburn 1998
South Adelaide 1978 Parra Districts 1999-2000
Southern Vales 1979 South Adelaide 2001
South Adelaide 1980 Parra Districts 2002
Northern Districts 1981-1984 Parra Districts 2003
Glenelg 1985 Eels RLC 2004
Northern Districts 1986-1988 Eels RLC 2005
Central Districts 1989-1990 Tigers RLC 2006
Northern Districts 1991 Eels RLC 2007
Adelaide Jets 1992 South Adelaide 2008
Cougars 1993-1994
Northern Districts 1995-1996

CLUB OF THE YEAR

Adelaide Jets 1991-1992 South Adelaide (Snr) 2001
South Adelaide 1993 Golden Grove (Jnr)
Central Districts 1994 South Adelaide (Snr) 2002
Parra Districts (Snr) 1995 Cougars (Jnr)
Adelaide Hills Raiders (Jnr) Parra Districts (Snr) 2003
South Adelaide (Snr) 1996 South Adelaide (Jnr)
South Adelaide (Jnr) Eels RLC (Snr) 2004
Northern Districts (Snr) 1997 South Adelaide (Jnr)
Central Districts (Jnr) Eels RLC (Snr) 2005
South Adelaide (Snr) 1998 South Adelaide (Jnr)
Central Districts (Jnr) Eels RLC (Snr) 2006
Kilburn Jets 1999 Cougars RLC (Jnr)
Golden Grove (Jnr) Eels RLC (Snr) 2007
Northern Districts (Snr) 2000 Eels RLC (Jnr)
Golden Grove (Jnr) Central Districts (Snr) 2008
Central Districts (Jnr) 2008

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Heath Cruze Tigers RLC

COACH OF THE YEAR

Geoff Murray South Adelaide RLC
2009 Club Contact List
CENTRAL DISTRICTS RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB – Junior and Senior

Acting President: Leah Fatiaki MB: 0403993123

Email: cdjrl_roosters@hotmail.com
Postal Add: 5 Mark Avenue, Craigmore 5114 Training Venue: Uley Road, Uley Road, Elizabeth

COUGARS RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB – Junior and Senior

President: Jackie Ferreyra Ph: 8341 8804 MB: 0410604808
Post Add: PO Box 2079 Port Adelaide 5015 Fax: 8341 8804
Email: jferreyra@bigpond.net.au Training Venue: Baynes Reserve, Langham Place,
Port Adelaide

EELS RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB – Junior and Senior

President: Gary Latter MB: 0418 683 618

Postal Add: PO Box 1129, Golden Grove Village Email: gary.latter@thermalceramics.com
5125
Training Venue: Churchill Road North, Dry Creek

SOUTH ADELAIDE RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB – Junior and Senior

President: Wayne Sellars Ph: 83870096 MB: 0419 853601

Postal Add: 16 Hendrix Cres. Woodcroft 5162 Training Venue: Hackham Sports and Social
Email: wpsell@adam.com.au Club, Doctors Road, Hackham

TIGERS RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB – Junior and Senior

President: Keith Moorman Mobile: 0417 851266

Postal Add: PO Box 130, Park Holme 5043 Training Venue: Sports and Community Centre
Club Secretary: Nathan Griffiths Mobile: 0423 Cnr Quick Road & Bradley Grove, Mitchell Park
412343
Email: vkmoorman@adam.com.au

NORTHERN DISTRICTS RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB
President : Tyrone Guest
Secretary: Matthew Bedgegood
Postal Ad: 5 Radcliffe Ave, Klemzig 5087
Ph: 0416 285 589 (Secretary)
Email:
chocmundine5@hotmail.com
Training Venue: Hanson Reserve,
Sixth Avenue, Woodville Gardens

S.A.R.L. REFEREES ASSOCIATION

Contact : Chris Williams
Postal Ad: PO Box 252
MB: 0428599045
Email: williamskc@bigpond.com.au

List correct at time of printing

The Chairman and Board of Directors of the South Australian Rugby
League
wish to thank the following for their support
during the 2008 Season………

DEPARTMENT FOR RECREATION AND SPORT

AUSTRALIAN RUGBY LEAGUE DEVELOPMENT

GOVERNMENT OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

A CLASS SPORTS AND TROPHIES

AUSTRALIAN RUGBY LEAGUE

BIANCO BUILDING SUPPLIES

HUBBA HUBBA EMBROIDERY

REGENCY BIDVEST

FELLAS GIFTS