The Man who Stokes the Cauldron: An Interview with Alan Graham - Suncorp CEO

Hi Alan, thanks for taking time to chat. I know you're a busy man.

First of all, thanks for taking such good care of people with disabilities at Suncorp. There's over 100 wheelchair spots (for example), which is much better than some stadiums around here. It's appreciated. The disabled drop-off point at Caxton Street is great too.

I feel other organisations can learn a lot from this place. What's your philosophy in that area?

We’re very keen to make sure the stadiums accessible. It is Queensland and Brisbane’s stadium after all, and so everything we do here is designed to make the customer experience the best it can be. And that includes making sure we have all the accessible facilities we need, and that’s everything from seating through to access.

One thing though - at times, I find it a bit hard to find a disabled park on Castlemaine Street. Is there a limit on how many disabled parks you can potentially have there?

There is a limit and unfortunately we reach that limit to the point where we just don’t have any more space. As you’re probably aware the stadium is built on a public transport model, and so there’s very limited parking for anyone around the venue and we encourage people to get public transport. We have as a service since we opened provided those disabled parking areas free of charge, and we fill them up on a first come first served basis, but certainly there are other ways of getting to the venue. All our transport services are wheelchair accessible, and so that people are able to catch buses or trains and be able to access the stadium if they’re not able to get a disabled parking space.

Overall, Suncorp is great. I've known you a few years now, and I think you do an awesome job.

Yeah, well thanks Tom. And we have known each other for quite a long time, and it’s been an absolute pleasure getting to know you and your family. 

How did it all begin for you here, and what's your background?

I got into stadium management from a sports management background. I was involved with the South Queensland Crushers when they started up in the National Rugby League comp back in the early nineties. Unfortunately Super League pretty much put pay to their future, but on the back of that I was able to get involved in running the old Lang Park in those days. I’ve been away and run a number of other venues, I’ve done a couple of Olympics, I did Sydney, and I did Beijing. But I’ve been back at Suncorp Stadium since 2003, other than that stint I did away in China back in 2008.

This is shaping up to be a great year at Suncorp. What are some of the things coming up?

We’ve got a massive programme. We’ve got two State of Origins this year, first one of which is next week. We’ve got Bledisloe Cup, we’ve got a Wallabies vs Italy match, we’ve got the world title fight between Manny Pacquiao and Jeff Horn coming up in July, we’ve got the Rugby League World Cup semi-final and final later in the year, as well as the remainder of the Reds season, and the remainder of the Broncos season, and we’ve just recently announced two concerts for Ed Sheeran, both of which have now sold out.

Are you looking forward to tonights Reds game? [Last week, against the Western Force}

I certainly am, it would be good to see them get a win. The weathers looking fantastic, the fields looking great, and it’d be good to see them with their push towards the finals.

On a game day, how many staff would you have working here?

It depends on the size of the event Tom. Tonight we’re expecting probably mid-teens for a crowd size so tonight including catering we’ll have about 600 plus staff, maybe 700. But next week for Origin we’re gonna have probably 1,800-1,900.

Thanks for taking the time to chat.

Also, thanks for all you do to serve sports fans like myself.

It’s a pleasure Tom, and congratulations on the blog that you’re doing, I think it’s absolutely fantastic. I can’t believe the amount of followers you’ve got, and everyone at the Reds seems to know exactly who you are.

How's James doing?

I had a special reason to sneak in a second interview this week. The one and only James Slipper, the Reds skipper has been down this season but is definitely not out. As Reds supporters, we all felt his pain as he tore his Achilles in Johannesburg earlier this season - and I've been wondering how he's doing for a while. So I managed to catch him this week at Ballymore to find out... he was out of his moon-boot and walking, which said a lot. Read on to find out more...

[EDIT: if you're reading this in 2024, you may be aware James has become the most capped Super Rugby player of all time, surpassing the great Stephen Moore. Reds Rugby Rules would love to congratulate James on this tremendous accomplishment!!!! "Once a Reds, always a Red"... - Tom]

Note: You can read my previous conversation with Slips - my FIRST EVER Reds Rugby Rules interview - right here.

Hi James,

Good to catch up again. I wanted to see how you're going this season - how you're travelling. As supporters, we are behind you 100%.

How's the timeline for your recovery going?

So we're basically looking at 6 months to be back playing. I've already completed about 2 months of it, or 10 weeks. I've just got out of the moon-boot a week ago, so I'm back walking around. It's healing well, it's obviously a bit painful, but I'm really enjoying working on other parts of the body while I'm injured. It's a long process, but the timelines looking around 6 or 7 months.

How have you been filling in your time lately?

Filling in the time (laughs) it's pretty important, because you do get a bit bored. But for me, I've still been able to train. I've been training the upper body, just building some strength back that I've probably lost over the last couple of years, so I'm putting some size on. I'm also doing some study at university, and basically staying pretty fresh mentally and trying to stay positive I guess. Doing a bit of reading and that sort of stuff.

I come down to Ballymore most days, and making sure I'm around the boys and staying connected.

Looking back at the season so far, what's your view on how the teams going?

It's obviously been a bit of a hard year, we started off pretty disappointing, and the players understand that. We've worked really hard throughout the year, and just haven't got the results that we've wanted. But I think we're trucking and trending in the right direction. We're probably guilty of being a bit fresh and a bit clunky at the start of the year with quite a few new players in the squad. But now they've started to gel a bit together and starting to play the rugby that we want. We scored something like 15-19 tries in the last four games. We're starting to put those points on, and I think we need to keep continuing that, building that, and have a run at the end of the year.

What would your advice be to players going through setbacks in their career?

Staying positive I think. We touched on it a bit earlier in one of the other questions - finding that balance, filling in your time with something to do while your injured. Obviously stay connected with your team-mates, and your coaches and your club, but I'd also encourage players who are going through injury to find the balance - being engaged in some sort of study or hobby, whatever it may be, you've got to stay active mentally and keep that positivity. At the end of the day, we're playing a game that we love, and injuries are a part of that. You've got to take the good with the bad, and just stay positive about it, bounce back and work hard.

Thanks for sitting down for our second interview. I really want to emphasize that as supporters we are behind you 100% and cheering you on. We wish you all the best in getting back on the field in the near future.

Thank you. I really enjoy this. And to have supporters like you Tommy, it really lifts our spirits, and we go out there to play for you guys.

What Makes a Great Leader Tick? An Interview with Stephen Moore

It's not every day you get to sit down with the captain of the Wallabies. This week, after a long training session in the Queensland sun, I was lucky enough to chat with Stephen Moore, a Super Rugby veteran who's recently returned to play for the Reds. During our chat, I got to hear what makes him tick. As it turns out, he gets more satisfaction out of mentoring and and developing younger players than arriving and being “the man” in the team. He has too much passion and long-term vision for Australian Rugby not to think like that. We discussed a range of things in our interview, including where Australian Rugby is at. I hope you enjoy it!

Hey Stephen, great to catch up, thanks for your time.

I'm really glad you're back with the Reds. What was it that brought you back here?

I think to come back to Brisbane, it was a big challenge rugby wise, and that's what excited me about it. The Reds probably had a few tough years after they won the comp [in 2011], and to come back and try and be part of something, it was a big opportunity for me. That was great motivation to me to come as an older player, and use my career to maybe help some of the younger players in Queensland. The second part of it was my family, I've got two young kids now, and one on the way. There’s a bit of a support network up here in Brisbane, you know, friends and family that can help us. That was a big part of it as well.

What do you love most about playing for the Reds?

Something I realised when I came back was the connection of the Reds to the grass-roots, and I think that's really strong. Club rugby for me is probably the best thing about playing rugby. I grew up playing club rugby, that's where I got my opportunity to play rugby professionally - at the club level. For me the Reds have a really good connection to the grass-roots. I’ve been down to my club a couple times down at Uni and seeing the guys playing down there, and the girls as well, and all the kids… my little boy plays out at Wests. Being able to get involved in that is a great thing.

On top of that is the history and the tradition, and to come back to Ballymore and train here every day, you get to fuel that tradition that Queensland rugby has. I think over the next few years we can really add our piece to that tradition.

You've lived in Brisbane most of your life. What do you love most about being back here?

On top what I just said, I suppose the climate is a big thing, having been in Canberra for the last eight years, you probably realise that the winters down there are tough, particularly with young kids. Of course it’s pretty hot here in summer, but I think for most of the year it’s a beautiful place to live. Brisbane is not too big, it's not too small, it's just a great size city to live in.

No doubt, the players have appreciated having you around this season, especially with your level of experience. What has some of your advice been for your team this season?

I think the biggest thing that I've tried to get across to the boys is that the level of professionalism you need to be successful is really high and you need to sacrifice things that normal people do. You have to give things up that you probably love to do and I suppose that’s all a part of committing to something and being a part of a high performing environment that you want to be a part of. Of course you have to enjoy yourself, and take time to do that, but professional rugby and Super Rugby is tough. You have to work really hard, you have to be consistent all the time, and you can learn a lot about that off the field as well.

And we’ve been working hard to get things in place that will set things up for a long time. Queensland always had good players. That’s one thing they’ve always had, and always will have, it’s just what we do with them now is so important, to make them into great Super Rugby players, and ultimately Wallabies.

How do you feel Samu's gone captaining a few games this season?

Yeah he's done really well. I think he's a natural leader, and that helps a lot. He's obviously going to learn a lot, on the run. Captaincy is something you learn a lot about when you’re actually doing it. It can be a lonely place sometimes. But I'm doing all I can to support him and help him. He’s a popular member of the team. He always plays really well, I think that’s an important part of captaincy, getting out there and performing at a high level. He’s shown that he can do that with the captaincy arm-band as well. In the few games that he’s had already, I can see that he’s learnt a lot, and that’ll continue.

[Someone listening in mentioned that we all love the way he champions Sam.]

For me, when I looked at it.. If I can leave this place having brought someone else through, and someone else can be a really good leader and captain for the club… Obviously, we lost Slips early in the year, so it’s important to have people who can be the captain and take those leadership roles, and it’s something we need to work harder on in Australian rugby, developing leaders and people who can take the reigns on the field. That’s more satisfying for me than me just coming in and being captain, it’s not how I want my involvement to be necessarily. 

How do you think Australia will go with the three tests coming up?

Yeah, I'm excited about it. There's a lot of doom and gloom around Australian rugby and a few people writing us off and it’s a good opportunity for a group of players to come together in June and do something really special. We've got three very tough opponents - three very different opponents and three afternoon test matches which I think will be great for Australia and for the fans as well. Hopefully we’ll be able to get some kids able to see the Wallabies for the first time, that would be great. We’re looking forward to the whole thing, and just getting that jersey on again is always very special.

You're a very experienced player, with 116 Wallabies caps behind you so far. What advice do you have for up and coming players, both boys and girls?

I think firstly you need to enjoy what you do all the time. No matter what level you’re playing at, what team you’re playing in, you need to make sure you enjoy it and take some time to just stop and appreciate the opportunity you’ve got.

The other bit of advice I would give is try and get as much balance in your life as you can. Don’t be too obsessed with one particular thing. Get some good balance, whether that’s family, or some educational stuff, whether that’s a degree, or some work experience. I really think the more of that you have in your life, the better your rugby will go as well. You get exposed to different things and different challenges that you don’t always get in Rugby.

And finally, can you tell us something about yourself that not many people may know?

I’m really scared of snakes, that’s probably something that’s not uncommon. I don’t talk about it too much - but I’m absolutely petrified of snakes.

The other thing is that I was born in Saudi Arabia. I think a lot of people know that, but some people might not.

Thanks Stephen for your time. I appreciate that you're here. See you at Suncorp on Friday!!!Thanks Tom. Good on you mate, it’s a pleasure. And it’s great to see you down here doing the interviews. I know the boys all really love doing it. It’s really nice to see you down here so often. And I think the most important thing is that you’ve been down here all the time, even when we haven’t been winning, and that’s what a real supporter is.

From A to B (Alstonville to Ballymore) - Catching up with Country Boy Jake McIntyre

Hi Jake, nice to be able to catch up like this. Thanks for making the time.

Thank you. Pleasure to do it.

Was there a particular player that inspired you to play rugby union?

I don’t think there was a particular professional player. My Dad played growing up and so I was always watching him, and me and my brothers would always be down at the local footy, I think it was engrained in us. I started playing when I was five. So probably my Dad would be the reason why.

I know you are a NSWelshman at heart. How did you become a Red?

When I first finished school, I had an opportunity of either going to Brisbane or Sydney and joining the National Academy. Brisbane was closer to home, and I’d done a fair bit of training at Ballymore. So I think for me it was the natural decision. I loved the way the Queensland Reds played, and the styles played, and I wanted to be a part of that. I was born in New South Wales, but I’m very much a Queensland Red.

How was it being a part of two championship campaigns for Brisbane City?

Yeah it was really special. The greatest thing is when it first started, we won back to back, and I think now you look at the players that were in those two teams, and a lot of us are playing in the Reds now so I think it’s really special that we’ve come through the ranks together and had success, and hopefully we’ll have success with the Reds.

I know you play Flyhalf. What do you enjoy most about that role?

Um, I think I enjoy being able to boss everyone around. It’s a lot of responsibility, you have to be a leader on the field, and it's probably the opposite off the field, I’m very quiet and keep to myself. And when I’m on the field, it’s a very big challenge and it’s something I really enjoy.

What's the biggest highlight of your life so far?

The biggest highlight with rugby is probably representing Australia in school at the Under-20s World Cup. And obviously making my debut for the Reds was very special for me and my family. Off-field, probably meeting my partner Ash who I now live with is probably the most memorable moment for me.

Can you tell us something about yourself that not many people may know?

Probably that I’m from Alstonville. I’m not actually traditionally a Queenslander, I grew up in a small town in Alstonville. I love the beach, and a game of golf. I’m a pretty open book really, not too many hidden secrets.

As a professional rugby player, what advice do you have for aspiring players, both boys and girls?

Probably just to work on the basics. Obviously people have natural talent, but it’s the hard work, what you do when no-ones watching, that gets you to that next level. So just going away and working the really simple things, the basics. Your tackling, your touch-pass and doing it under pressure, and that’ll help your game go to the next level.

Great answer. I'm sure some people somewhere will be inspired by that. Once again, thanks for your time.

Thank you, my pleasure.

Catching up with Reds Prop Sam Talakai

I had a great time hanging out at the Reds training today. Afterwards, I was lucky enough to sit down with Sam Talakai, Queensland Reds prop, and ask him a few questions about his life and career. Turns out he has quite a few relatives and family members that have played rugby professionally around the world. So it’s no surprise that he’s shot to the top in Queensland, playing for the Reds. Hope you enjoy reading our interview!

Hey Sam, thanks heaps for making the time to catch up.

Thats’s alright. Thanks for having me here Tommy.

What inspired you to play rugby?

It’s been a part of my family for a while, I’ve got a lot of older family members who have played professional sport, and I guess it’s just in the blood of my family, sdports been a big thing - especially rugby, both league and union. I’m grateful to be able to do what I love I guess.

We know your a Sydney boy. How did you end up coming to Brisbane and to the Reds?

I was playing club rugby in Sydney, and prior to the start of the NRC I got a call from Stylesy [Nick Styles, Reds coach] and he said there’s an opportunity to play for Brisbane City, and if you go well you could possibly have a path to go on and be a Queensland Red. It was tough for me to leave Sydney and leave the majority of my family - I was able to come up here and play for Brisbane City and then lucky enough to get a Reds contract, and I’ve been here for three years now.

Do you have any other family members in Brissy, or are they all back home?

The majority of my family, yeah they’re all in Sydney. I don’t really have much family in Brisbane, but I’ve got an Aunty and Uncle down on the Gold Coast that I try and head down and see every so often.

I can tell from your Twitter page that you’re a fan of other sports. What are your favourite sports besides Rugby?

I love soccer to be honest. I’m a big fan of the English Premier League. Pretty much all types of sports.. soccer, or the NBA are the two that I really look at. Soccer - I’m a big Liverpool supporter. And also, I’m a big Lebron James fan. Hopefully the Cavaliers can get up this season. Yeah - he’s an awesome athlete. I enjoy both of those teams.

What are your favourite things besides sports?

I like to do a bit of exploring. I like to go and have a coffee.. I love cafes, I like sitting in cafes, reading about different sports, looking at articles… I like taking photos of scenery. Since I met my girlfriend, she’s taken me on a few hikes. I like a good view where I can take a few photos, that’s really grown on me at the moment.

What is the biggest highlight in your life so far?

My first ever State game. It was for a rival team of the Reds, in the Blue (laughs). But it was a very important game for me, because I was able to one: make my debut, two: play the British/Irish Lions, and three: play against my cousin, who played for the Lions - Mako Vunipola (he’s another prop). That was a big thing for both myself and my family.

[Someone listening in mentioned his cousin who plays in the NRL…]

I’ve got a cousin that plays for the Rabbitohs, he’s an up and coming player, his names Sifa Talakai - he’s plays in the Centers for the Bunnies. But yeah, I’ve got two cousins that play for England, Billy and Mako Vunipola, and both of them this season will be playing for the Lions, but when I made my debut only Mako was playing.

Who were the rugby players that inspired you the most growing up?

I watched a lot of rugby league growing up, from about ages of 5 up until probably high school.  My other first cousin Jim Dymock played for the Canterbury Bulldogs and I looked up to him a lot. I was able to go and watch some of his games as a young 4-5 year old. I really looked up to him as an inspiration.


Then I got into high school and we were only allowed to play Rugby Union. I started enjoying the game, and started looking at props… I really loved Andy Sherrington, an England prop. He was awesome, I thought he was one of the great props. And lot of kiwi props moving forward, I really tried to emulate my game off them, the likes of Carl Hayman etcetera.

As a professional rugby player, what advice would you have for aspiring players, both boys and girls?

For me, I think the biggest thing that I tend to look at, especially for younger kids coming through.. is don’t get bored of the situation that you’re in. A lot of people get frustrated that they don’t make the rep teams quick enough, or they’re not getting looked at early enough… for me, you know I’m a late bloomer in that regard. For me I think the one thing that all athletes, especially in Australian rugby we need to do a bit more, is persist and trust the process.

It’s not a bad thing to play club rugby for an extra 2-3 years, and learn your craft as a rugby player. Because those are the things that will help you take that next step forward. You know, trusting the process, and doing the little things right, and making that second nature. Because once you get to the top, there’s very little room for error. I think that’s one lesson that a lot of kids can take moving forward, and that’s trusting the process, don’t get bored of the situation that you’re in, and enjoy your time playing club rugby, because that’s where you learn most of your craft.

Thank you Sam for your time. All the best for this weekend!
Thanks mate, thanks for having me. See you around at training soon.

In the Ring with Old Mate Quade Cooper

For sure Quade Cooper has grown into one of the shining stars in the Queensland Reds team. He's a great player, that's always exciting to watch. But to those of us that have known him a long time, he's just Quade, a regular guy, who cares about people. Members of my family and I watched almost all of his first XV games playing for Churchie (High School) as a teenager, and since then it's been so fun watching his career take off. Australia is blessed to have him. I'm not sure why it's taken so long to interview him. Enjoy!

Hi Quade. Thanks for your time. We have known each other for ages, so it's good to have this chat.

About time aye?

What was it that started you playing Rugby Union?

When I was a kid in New Zealand, (it's the number one sport there), I always wanted to be a professional. When I was young, we didn't have much money. I wanted a way to make money, and do something I loved.

I know it's the middle of the season, but how is it being back at the Reds?

Yeah I’m loving being back at the Reds. It's been my favourite team for as long as I can remember. This team is very close to my heart, it means a lot to me. Going away was tough, and being back is like.. When you've been away from a long lost friend, and you see them again - that sort of feeling.

What is your club team?

My club team's Souths. I've been at Souths since I first moved over here [to Brisbane] as a 12 year old. One of my friends I grew up with in New Zealand played for Souths, which is why I went there, and all of my little brothers, they all play there as well.

Is it hard to maintain your boxing during the Super Rugby season?

Yes it's very hard. Especially in the season. You would have just seen me there stretching, always feeling sore, and having little jiggly injuries. It's never fun trying to box when you've got sore knees, sore feet, sore hands, everything's sore... but I try as much as I can.

We know you play Flyhalf. What does that position involve?

In the Flyhalf you've got to do most of the kicking, most of the passing, but the most important part to Flyhalf is the organisation - being a bit of a bossy boots, and telling everyone where to go, yelling and screaming a fair bit. So communication is probably the biggest thing in my position.

Who was your favourite player growing up?

I had a few, but they were all All Blacks. Growing up in New Zealand.. I loved.. can you remember Christian Cullen? And Carlos Spencer. Carlos's Spencer was probably my biggest hero growing up, in terms of a rugby player.

What is the biggest highlight in your life so far?

The biggest highlight in my life so far would have to be my little nephew being born. He's the first of the next generation of our family, and the first nephew of mine, so I'm pretty stoked about that. My families very important to me.

Rugby and all that stuff have been great, and great memories... but obviously life is a more important thing.

Can you tell us something about you that people may not know?

I don't think there's much that people don't know, because I put most of my life out on social media. So there's not too many secrets. I'm not too sure about that one yet. Oh....

I can't float in a pool at all. I've tried... I've had lessons, and I just can't float and I don't know why. Every time I try I just sink through to the bottom.

It's one of those skills, I see little kids do it, I see old old people do it, and I just can't seem to do it. As a professional athlete, it's very frustrating when your supposed to be good at these sort of things.

You have played for both the Reds and the Wallabies on numerous occasions. What advice do you have for aspiring players, both boys and girls?

Any advice I would give, is not to lose sight of why you started playing the game. Like I was saying, for me it's something I love doing it, and if I wasn't getting paid, I would still be playing. Now I'm fortunate enough to get paid to play, and I get to play in front of big crowds, and get to entertain people, I get to bring happiness to a lot of people as well, in doing that. But never forget, or lose sight of why you started playing.

Thanks Quade for your time. Hope you have a great time on the road.

Thank you - and thanks for finally giving me an interview!