Easts Rugby Club: Home of the Tigers!

I really enjoyed visiting Easts Rugby Club this week, as a part of my "Club Profile" series. Pat Richards made me feel very welcome and helped organise my visit. (Thanks Pat!) 

As I had expected, it was nice to run into a few familiar faces, including Michael Gunn and Andrew Ready from the Reds.

Watching one of the young teams train.

Pat showed me inside the club-room and I loved hearing him tell stories about the club and share about the Wallabies that have come from Easts. He told me about Paul Mooney, the first Wallaby to come from Easts, who became the brother in law of Keith Wilson, also a Wallaby from the club!

Keith had a son named David, who also went on to become a Wallaby. (The main field is named after him.) Hearing about these great players helped paint a picture of the strong family culture at Easts that still exists today. 

At this point in time, Izack Rodda is an Easts player in the Wallabies squad. Also, Liam Wright has also been called in this week to train with them, to fill gaps left by the Warratahs who are still in the Super Rugby finals.

After games, players will often stick around and have a beer in the club house afterwards.

On display, (but unfortunately not pictured) is Andrew Ready's Barbarians jumper that he donated to the club last year.

It was great to meet the Premier team coach Anthony Connellan, who obviously cares a great deal about his club and his team. He told us about Liam Wright being called in to train with the Wallabies this week, but said he'd been released by Michael Cheika [Wallabies coach], to play in this weekends club game, in response to Anthony's email request.

I enjoyed watching the teams train hard for this weekends game. Before training however, Matt Gordon, Premier team captain, was nice enough to drop in to have a chat.

Fresh Legs and the Road to the Finals - A Conversation with Matt Gordon

Hey Matt, nice to catch up. Thanks for coming in early.

Too easy. It’s alright!

It’s nice to see how everything’s going at Easts.

Yeah everything going really well at Easts this year. We’ve had a couple of years just outside the finals and this year we’ve already got 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade into the finals, which is really positive. It’s something we’ve been trying to do for years now. 

That’s a big plus and there’s a good vibe around the club, which is nice. It makes a difference when you make the finals and when you’re winning games. A massive difference.

I’m glad to hear that you feel the seasons gone well.

Yeah it has. We’ve had a lot of new guys come in. Like Shane over there [points], he’s from Townsville. There was a story on Jack, kicking over there, he started last year in 5th grade. He’s moved up too. So we’ve got a pretty new team. Everything’s come together well. If we win this week, we go into 2nd place. So yeah, really positive. 

What’s the highlight of the season been so far?

I’d have to say, winning on “Ladies day” against Uni [UQ] is always a highlight of the year. But then, last week, beating Wests 67 to 19 was really good. Everyone was having a lot of fun, tries were coming. The other positive that came out of that game was there were a few boys that got to have a run that haven’t played premier grade before.

Were some of the Reds back on your team for that game?

We only had [Andrew] Ready back. Liam Wright’s been called into the Wallabies squad. We don’t have him, which is really disappointing. When he’s come back this year, he’s been awesome. Michael Gunn was away for the weekend, but we’ve got him back this weekend which will be good. It’s good to have Gunny, he’s been injured this year, so it’s good to have him back.

I heard about your injury back in 2015. Was it quite a long process, getting back to where you are now?

Yeah. I think it was in the grand final, I hurt my syndesmosis, which is a pretty common rugby injury. I had that in the grand final. I ended up playing with it in the NRC and that made it really bad, so I had to go and get surgery. Then at the start of last year, I did the exact same injury on the other leg. I think it was poor preparation and stuff. But most of my ankles are working well now. What they do, is because the bones seperate, they put a permanent rope in to tie it down.

What’s your favourite thing about this club?

I think my favourite thing about Easts, would be the fact that you can finish a game, go upstairs and everyone from 6th grade to premier grade gets along like a house on fire. So it’s probably the fact that no-one cares what team you playing for, everyones mates. I think that’s why we’ve got such good culture here. Once you finish a game, everyones playing for the same club. Unfortunately, people that don’t understand that get found out pretty easily.

Everyone gets on well and has a lot of respect for each other. It’s definitely my favourite thing about the club

What inspired you to play rugby, at the very beginning?

I think it would have definitely been my dad - and my whole family, even my grandad has always been into rugby - Mum likes rugby too. Dad coached USQ in Toowoomba. He’s from Armidale [in New South Wales], and he played right through. When I was a baby, he was coaching. I think I used to sit in a backpack, on the sidelines, on his back.

If you go up to the club-house in Toowoomba, alongside all the trophies, there’s a picture of me, as a baby. I think I was always going to play rugby.

Mum and Dad are up here for every game (they live in Toowoomba). It’s a bit of a family thing, which is nice.

How have you found living in Brisbane, and being based at this club?

I really liked it. It’d be hard to move. I suppose, you get the big city life, but you get the country vibe as well. People are friendly here too. And the clubs great. They look after everyone in the best way they can and they’ve always been unbelievable to me. I couldn’t see myself being anywhere else in Brisbane. It’s really enjoyable being here and most people will tell you that. You never hear people that have much to do with Easts saying anything bad about it and you don’t get a lot of people leaving the club either. So it’s nice.

It seems there’s always something exciting going on for rugby fans. Will you be playing in this years NRC?

I’m hoping so. I didn’t even play rugby last year, because of all the injuries. It’ll be hard, but I’m hoping so. I think I’ve had one of my better years. It’s a great competition, especially if you’re a club player. Most young players, even the older boys aspire to do it.

Thanks very much for your time. All the best this weekend and in the finals!

That’s alright. Nice to meet you! Awesome.

If you're interested in finding out more about Easts Rugby Club, check out their website www.eaststigers.com. New members are always welcome. Come and see what club rugby is all about!

Hanging out at Souths Rugby Club: Where Magpies Become Wallabies

This week, I spent some time visiting Souths Rugby Club, based in Annerley. I had a great time meeting some of the players and watching the mens teams train.

Looking at the jersey's on display in the club-room, I got a a sense of the clubs 70 year old history. During that time, the club catch-phrase has rung true, there are a number of club members, or "Magpies", that have turned into Wallabies!

Five players from Souths have captained the Wallabies: Nev Cottrell, David Codey, Andrew Slack, Tim Horan and Jason Little. Other Magpies that have gone on to become Wallabies include: Sam Scott-Young, Michael Foley, Toutai Kefu, Steve Kefu, Saia Fainga'a, Anthony Fainga'a, Beau Robinson, Quade Cooper and Samu Kerevi.

During my visit, it was great to catch up with old mate Quade Cooper, and also to meet a number of new players!

Thanks to club manager Nicole and everyone else for making me feel welcome at the club!

It was good to meet a bunch of players from the Reserve Grade team. Good luck tomorrow against Sunnybank!

Loved meeting Wallaby great Toutai Kefu, now an assistant coach at Souths

It's always good seeing this guy!

In particular, it was great to catch up with Premier team captain Declan Dinnen, as well as David Paice and Alex Casey and ask them a few questions!

Thanks for making the time to catch up boys!

How’s the season going for you?

[Declan:] Well Dave’s just come in in the last few weeks. But it’s been going well. We’ve hit a bit of a rough patch recently, but nothing we can’t fix. We’re playing some quality footy, there’s some small things we need to fix up.

We’ve got two more games until the finals.

David: You’ve been playing overseas in England for a long time. How did you arrive at Souths?

I’ve been over in London for the last 15 years. I played my first game last week, the boys have been very welcoming.  I played at Souths until I was an 18 year old, so it’s good to be home. 

I love hearing about people’s rugby journey’s. What inspired you to play rugby originally?

[David:] My Dad was a player himself, he’s from the UK, he came over from Scotland. We moved from Darwin to Brisbane when I was 13, I went to Brisbane State High School, I picked up rugby there. I played in Souths from Under-13s onwards to 17, then moved to the UK and kept playing. It’s been a good journey!

[Declan:] My old man played here at Souths. When I was 5, my Dad took me to Souths Juniors and I’ve played here ever since. I used to help out with the Premier team back when I was young, I used to help run water and stuff. I just stuck around ever since and here I am 20 years later, still playing.

What’s one or two things you love in particular about this club?

[David:] A great bunch of guys, from when I was 16-17, there’s still a core group of guys that are playing. Eli the head coach, I went to school with him, and there’s a few other guys playing 5th grade that I went to school with. Yeah, people come and they stick around, which means the club’s  got something going for it.

[Declan:] Similar to what Dave said, there’s a core group of guys here. When I was 18 coming in to the senior club they were very welcoming. There’s a core group, some people come and go, but everyones been welcomed in, whether they stay or go, there’s a good community feeling here.

What’s a highlight of your rugby journey so far?

[David:] Playing in the UK front of some big crowds, some big games… the Heineken Cup, I remember playing against Toulouse was probably one of my favourites.

[Declan:] Not on the same scale as that, but 2015 was pretty special, I was new coming into the Premier Grade and was on the bench, but we went through and won the Premiership against all odds. It was great to be a part of it at the time.

[Alex:] I sound like a broken record, but what these two said pretty much. Loyalty’s a big one for Souths, as you mentioned, a core bunch of players that are still here… and then you see people coming to the club from other clubs, I think that speaks volumes about the club and the culture we have. We don’t have much, but what we have is pretty inviting to others.

Thanks boys for taking the time to chat! Looking forward to following the rest of the season!

Where ever you live in Queensland, why not head out and support your local club this weekend?

Chatting with Up-and-Comer Jordan Petaia

This week after the Reds captains run, I had a good chat with Jordan Pataia. At 18 years old, he is the youngest player in the Reds and also, someone who claimed a record, as the youngest player to make his Super Rugby debut!

Especially after travelling to France with the Australian Under-20s, you can definitely say it’s been a stellar year for him!

Thanks Jordan for your time today and good luck to you and the team this week against the Sunwolves!

Hey Jordan, Nice to catch up like this. 2018 has been a big year for you. Can tell me one or two highlights from the year so far?

Yeah, 2018’s been a very unexpected year. A lot of great outcomes for me, I’m really blessed. One of the major things that’s come out of 2018 is obviously playing Super Rugby, I’ve enjoyed that a lot, it’s been a great opportunity. And also the travel, travelling to Europe [with the Australian Under-20s] and Japan [with the Reds]. They’re both really pretty, really lovely places to visit.

Well done to you and the team last week, beating the Rebels. What did you enjoy about last weeks game and what are you looking forward to the most about playing the Sunwolves on Friday?

I enjoyed getting the W last week and this week I’m looking forward to trying to beat these guys that really smashed us over in Tokyo. That was pretty unfortunate, but we get the opportunity to try and hit back and try and beat them. I’m looking forward to trying to do that with the boys.

It's been a big year for you with the Reds. What's something you think you've done well, which has helped you make the starting squad so quickly?

Um, probably listening to the older boys, taking their advice. Just following, doing what I’m told, and learning and picking up new things every week. They’ve really helped me, which has made the transition from school a whole lot easier. The work ethic that they’ve shown me has probably rubbed off and helped me as a player.

Over in the Under-20s World Cup in France, you were joined by Harry, Angus, Hamish, Tait and some other Queenslanders. Was it good having some of your team-mates from here with you?

Yeah. It was good having those boys over there. I came over late, but it was good to have some familiar faces over there. I also knew a lot of the other Under-20s boys too.

On the field, it also helped knowing each other. It was good to have them there, spitting jokes every now and then, keeping the banter alive.

I'd love to talk about Club rugby for a moment! I recently did a profile on your club, the West Bulldogs! Have you always been with Wests?

No, I used to play league when I was little. I never really played club rugby through high school, I played a little under-16 comp for Souths in year 11, but that’s the most I’ve played club rugby. This year is my first experience playing club rugby with Wests. I haven’t played much, but it’s been enjoyable. I’m looking forward to re-joining the boys again soon.

What's something you love about the club?

I love the culture. The boys love each other, so that’s always good. Pretty nice facilities. They’ve been rebuilt recently. When I’ve been there, it’s been a really good culture there.

What's your favourite thing about Rugby? And also, what age did you start playing?

The thing I love most about rugby is probably the battle on the field. The competitiveness, just trying to beat the opposition. I started playing rugby I was 13, when I started high school. But I started playing league when I was around 8.

Who were your Rugby heroes growing up?

Growing up, I watched a lot of league. It’s funny, because I looked up to Israel Folau as a league-ey, especially being from around Queensland.

I used to watch him every week and every year for State of Origin. When he transitioned to Rugby Union, I started to like Union a whole lot more.

And also, a question I like to ask is: what is something about yourself that not many people know?

I’m into computer games a lot. That’s something I enjoy doing, off the field.

Thanks Jordan for your time. Best of luck against the Sunwolves tomorrow night! I’ll be there cheering you on.

Cheers Tommy!

A Conversation with Wallaby Great George Smith

For rugby fans, the Reds player I interviewed today doesn’t really need an introduction. A Wallaby and Super Rugby veteran, (111 and 157 games respectively), the Reds describe Smith as a bit like fine wine that is “only getting better with age.”

Queensland have benefited from his experience over the past two seasons. Thanks George for your time this week. We are hoping you get back to 100% for the final game of the season next week!

Hi George, thanks for making the time to catch up. I know it’s getting to the end of the season, but I've been looking forward to it.

How’s your health at the moment?

As of today, it’s not great. I’m pretty healthy and fit overall, but I injured myself in the game against the Auckland Blues. It hasn’t come back 100% for me to be able to play this weekend. I’d love to be able to play, but unfortunately injuries happen.

What have you enjoyed the most about playing for the Reds and being based at Ballymore?

It was great to get the opportunity to play with the Reds. I’ve had a long history with the ACT Brumbies and now the past 2 seasons I’ve had here, I’ve really enjoyed being with the players, the staff and the people in the organisation. It’s been great to see the fans who do come out and support us and the future Queensland Reds players. 

I think the friendships are the big thing that you develop when you’re playing rugby. There’s a lot of talented players here, but also good human beings.

You must have been pleased with the match against the Lions, making your first starting appearance this year. How did it feel playing that game, coming back from injury?

Yeah, it was great to come back and start that game. It was a big game for us, because we’d just lost the previous week against the Waikato Chiefs. And you know, the determination that the guys showed, particularly by scoring some tries against the run of play was fantastic. We’ve showed glimpses throughout the year of what the Queensland Reds can do.

In that game, we definitely played well - against the team that was the finalist last year and one of the form teams of the last few seasons. To play against them and win was fantastic. It was nice to see the Reds fans walk out happy, I was pretty pleased.

You have played against all sorts of teams, all over the world in both Test and Super Rugby. Do you have a game or a moment that you would consider your most memorable?

I think those milestones throughout your career… your 1st, your 50th, your 100th are always special - for State and territory teams too. Winning the Bledisloe Cup was special… it’s been more than a decade since the Wallabies have won the Blesdisloe, so it was great to be a part of that squad. The semi-final win against the All Blacks in 2003 was fantastic. There’s all sorts of games I’ve enjoyed over the years.

How do you think the Reds have improved this season?

New systems and new ways of thinking always bring challenges. Last season, we had Nick Stiles here, I thought he was very good with what he did. This year we have Brad Thorne and there’s been changes there. We’ve had a lot of players who have debuted this season. Allowing them to gain experience in Super Rugby, it’s always a learning curve for them. At the same time, we’ve had glimpses of good play this year. It’s about building on that and being consistent.

What do you enjoy most about living in Brisbane, it must be a bit of a change to Japan?

I enjoy the weather, although it can be very hot in summer. I like my winter here, because it’s not too hot. I like the people here too. It’s a slower pace of life compared to what I was used to in Sydney, although I’ve been away from Sydney for 10 years now. Living in different cities has been good. It’s been different to Tokyo. There’s neon lights there everywhere, a hell of a lot of people, and I find Brisbane’s a very relaxed lifestyle.

What else have you been up to, in your spare time besides rugby?

I have 4 children who keep me quite busy. I’m enjoying watching my children play rugby, for the North Side Rebels, so that’s been fun.

There are business interests up here as well, I have a kids play-centre up in Northlakes, which is a booming area. I enjoy engagement with the community there and hopefully providing a play-center that they enjoy as well.

What's one piece of advice you would share with up-and-coming rugby players?

I think up-and-coming rugby players can get too focused on what their goal is and forget to enjoy themselves. Enjoying your rugby allows you to look forward to playing over the weekend and training throughout the week - the anticipation of the game.

Don’t lose that fun and the happy experience that comes with playing what is sometimes a serious sport.

Thank you very much for your time. Wishing you a speedy recovery this week as well!

Look that’s the plan. I want to be a part of that last game with the Reds [at Suncorp Stadium against the Sunwolves], so hopefully I get the opportunity to play.

Tom, thank you very much. Good to get the interview in!