Wise Words from a Playing and Coaching Legend: Michael Hayes

This week, I have a special treat for all my Reds Rugby Rules readers, a great interview with experienced player and coach Michael Hayes. I met Michael last year while he was coaching the Queensland Women’s Super W. (Since Super W began last year, it’s been awesome following and catching up with the QLD Women’s XV team and watching Australian women’s rugby take off.) Interviewing Michael last year didn’t quite work out and now, he finds himself at Norths, the club I wanted to visit and profile next!

So this week doubles as a look back at last years Super W season and Part 2 of my Norths Rugby Club interview series (click here for Part 1.) Michael’s enthusiasm and passion for rugby is extremely contagious - plus he shares lots of wisdom and knowledge here for all rugby players and coaches.

I hope you enjoy reading one of my best interviews yet!

Hi Michael, we didn’t get a chance to do an interview last year, so I’m glad it’s finally happened! Happy to be catching up with you at Norths!

Yeah, absolutely mate.

If it’s ok, I’d like to back-track a little bit, to the Super W season last year. What is your best memory from Queensland’s 2018 season?

Do you know what, I’ll tell you what, one of my most treasured memories was when they kicked the penalty goal (New South Wales) to win the game. And it was purely because, it was the end of what I thought was an outstanding rugby campaign, for women’s rugby. I sat there and I saw the ball go through the posts and I went: Well there you go. Fair enough… we’ve lost a titanic game of rugby where I thought we were probably the better team and yet these girls are probably going to celebrate with each other. There’s the “agony and the ecstasy” and 20 minutes later, they were holding each other and hugging each other and I thought to myself “that’s special.” That’s my most treasured memory. I let out a big sigh and thought “that’s the end of a magnificent campaign.”

That’s an interesting answer. Especially for someone who’s cousin is Grace. [New South Wales captain.]

That’s right. Yeah I know Gracie really well. She’s at Scotts [College] and I was down there a couple of times last holidays because I did some stuff at Scott’s college - leadership stuff… and I had a great chance to catch up with Gracie then too.

She’ll be one of my interviewees for this blog soon!

Is she? Well, you give her my regards.

I’ve loved supporting the Women in the Super W campaigns. Travelling down for the final was fun, tough way to end though. Thanks for your role in the campaign!!

(Laughs) Do you know what? We loved having you as a part of the campaign too. It was able to put women’s rugby on another platform. It’s a really great step, the way we can promote the Queensland women and just women’s rugby in general.

As a result, you can see what the IRB’s done, they’re really getting behind women’s rugby, enormously. It’s got a huge platform now. So to have yourself as a part of getting women on that stage, it was wonderful as well mate.

Some of the women's team at Norths. A couple of them were injured,
but still showed up at training to support

And how did I feel about the loss? It’s just a game of sport at the end of the day. And with it, comes the agony and the ecstasy… and the lessons you learn from that are great character lessons that hold you in good stead, for life.

Queensland’s women’s rugby has benefitted from your 35 years of coaching experience. What brought you to Norths?

Mate, that’s very very kind of you to say that. What brought me to North was an opportunity to teach some girls, who’ve never picked up a ball in their life the opportunity to enjoy what I enjoy about rugby. Camaraderie, becoming part of a team, working collectively and giving the girls an opportunity to enjoy the social aspect of rugby too. Cos it’s such a great family. Kids, adults, men, women, it doesn’t matter, rivalries… we’re just a part of this huge international family, which I love with a passion, because mate… I’ve played overseas, my eldest sons about to go and play overseas… and if you’ve got a pair of boots, it’s a passport to the world, rugby. You can go anywhere mate, that’s the beauty of it. So you know what? It’s just another chance to give back, that’s why I took up the job at North.

What do you love the most about this great club?

I’m sort of only involved with the women. But it’s the fact that it’s given these girls a family outside there own families. There’s young girls, 17, 18, 35 year old women here and one of my gracious experiences from coaching at Super W was seeing the love for the game, amongst women. And I see the same thing here at Norths. So, it just gives them an extended family. That’s the beauty of seeing the girls as a part of Norths. 

I’d love to hear about your rugby journey. When did you start playing the game? Also, what led you to start coaching when you were 20 years of age?

Geez mate, you’ve done your homework! You are brilliant.

I grew up in rural New South Wales. My Dad was a rugby player, but we didn’t have rugby in our town… a little town called Crookwell and Goulburn was the nearest town. I was seven years old and my Dad said, “do you want to go and play rugby?” He said “I won’t even buy you a pair of boots, but you can play your first game in your riding boots - your RMs” (which are 3 sizes two big) and he said “if you like it, I’ll buy you a pair of boots”. So we drove from Crookwell to Goulburn. I played for Goulburn Norths, my very first team and I loved it.

My rugby journey… it’s amazing, on Facebook at the moment there’s this “10 photo” thing going and the photos I’m seeing come up are incredible. I was thinking “how am I gonna find 10 photos?” But the ones that people have sent me… I’ve played in Dublin, Argentina, in New South Wales Country, I’ve played in Brisbane, Sydney, I’ve toured New Zealand, I’ve played in Fiji…

To me, my rugby journey has been one of following a game that, like I said with the girls, has given me an extended family and I love what this game can do. I think it’s one of the greatest character builders available, for young boys and girls.

Michael coaching his squad at Norths Rugby Club, Wooloowin

In todays society, we lack this capacity to have a rite of passage and rugby gives kids a rite of passage. Because it’s one of the few games where, you’re gonna feel discomfort, you’re gonna feel pain, you’re gonna get hurt, but you know what, you’re doing it for 14 other people. And they’re doing the same for you. Now that’s a pretty special thing. If you’re prepared to put yourself in that position, to allow 14 other people in a game of sport, that’ll do it for me.

That’s what rugby does and I say that to a lot of other kids too. It’s one of the few sports where you can tackle someone that doesn’t have the ball, you can present and exert yourself in a way that young boys are struggling with these days. There’s not really an opportunity to be masculine anymore and rugby can do that for you. For women, it has that same quality where you can be part of a team whereby your sacrificing, sometimes your own well-being to allow people to have a game of sport. That’s why I love rugby.

It’s a fantastic rite of passage for young people, but also it’s so unbelievably character building. I love rugby.

And you know what? To me, sitting with you, is a humbling experience. Because, you’re also passionate about the game. And that’s what inspires me mate.

Mate that’s awesome, great words. What advice would you give young players coming through the ranks, particularly to women?

Righto. My advice is this. Skills, skills, skills. And I’m reflecting upon my own journey. I was a country kid who always prided himself on his fitness, and you know, going to the gym. And I wish I spent more time, or as much time on the skill components, as I did in the gym. Because my boys who now play, have got more talent in their little finger, than I have.

As a Dad and a mentor to them, I would say to any aspiring rugby player now, I would say go and work on your skills because I see it’s an area that I feel is neglected these days.

And it’s fairly prolific when we see Wallabies and Super Rugby players unable to pass a certain side, or unable to chip kick… kicking’s a very important part of the game. Especially with this rushed defence. You’ve got to be able to put the ball in just behind. You know, strategic kicking…

So my advice is, go and work on your skills. The fitness will come, if you work on your skills, at high intensity, anyhow. The rest will follow.

Michael, thanks for your time, it’s been a pleasure.

Nah, it’s been my pleasure. Serendipity mate.

For more info on Norths Rugby Club, click here. And keep an ear out for Super W news as we get closer to 2020!

Club Rugby Rules! A Profile of the Great Norths Eagles

For all my first time readers, I'm glad you stopped by! This is where I cover all things Reds related. As every Queensland rugby fan should know, grassroots is where it's at!

Last week I had a lot of fun visiting Norths Rugby club and chatting to a number of the players and coaches. Located in Wooloowin, on Shaw Road, Norths is known as a great “family” club with a history that stretches back 90 years.

According to their website, their goal is to develop players and everyone involved in a “safe, challenging and enjoyable environment”. From my visits and conversations with players and coaches, it looks like they are achieving this!

I loved catching up with an old mate, Michael Hayes, (now the Eagles Women's XV coach) and Dane Zander, a talented up-and-coming prop, who is also the youngest player in the Premier squad! Dane's great interview is down below, and I'll post Michael's as "Part 2" next week!

Chatting to those guys and a bunch of other players and coaches, I got the impression that this really is a friendly, hard-working club. They are focused and yet as Hayesy puts it, a "family away from family". 

Enjoyed watching the mens Premier team train and meeting them afterwards

Watching the 3rd division mens team train (on the left) and the women's team (on the right)

Met some of the Women's Eagles players, after catching up with their coach Michael Hayes -
(his interview will be coming next week, you don't want to miss it!)

For my first Norths club interview, let's meet Dane Zander. A talented prop who is now the youngest player in the Norths Eagles Premier side! A nice, down to earth guy, I'm sure many people will enjoy meeting and perhaps even interviewing him in the future.

Hey Dane,

How are you feeling about your teams season so far?

Yeah, I’m feeling really good about the team. We’ve had a bit of a slow start to the season, but we’ve worked on a lot of things. We’ve had a few injuries as well, which has slowed us down a bit. But I feel like our teams looking really well coming into this weekend. I’m keen to rip in this weekend.

What was the focus of tonight’s training?

The focus of tonights training was getting all the little things right. We’ve been doing really well with our pick and drive, so with the forwards, we’ve been working really well on that. Kick-offs as well… we’ve been working hard on that too. Been looking good.

That’s the forwards. I don’t know what the backs have been doing. Passing the ball, doing nothing. (Laughs).

How does it feel being the youngest players in the squad?

It feels good. I get to learn off a lot of the older people that I’ve been playing with, like Jordan Tuapou - and Tonga Ma'afu’s been a really good help.

Being the youngest person’s good, because I get to take a lot of things in, learning from a lot of the guys with a lot experience. 

What do you love most about Norths rugby club?

The thing I love about Norths rugby club is it’s a big family club. Everyone’s welcome, there’s always an open door at Norths. It’s a fun club to be around, all the times of the year.

How long have you been playing Rugby Union?

I’ve been playing rugby union since I was probably 8 years old.. about 11 years.

What inspired you to play the game?

What inspired me to play the game was.. at school, one of my mates started playing the game and I just wanted to have a run around with them, meet knew people.. And yeah, blow some steam off in the weekend.

What’s your favourite thing about rugby?

My favourite things about rugby is playing with 15 of my mates every weekend and they’ll always have your back on the field.

How long have you played for Norths?

I’ve played at Norths since I was a Colt, so this’ll be my third or fourth year. I was at Albany Creek for my juniors, with all my mates and a few the guys I played with there have moved here.

Thanks for your time Dane. I’ll see you around, for sure.

No worries. It’s a pleasure talking Tom.

A few weeks back - I enjoyed watching a few teams from Norths play against Uni.
The third division team scored some great tries on their way to a win.

North's Women playing against the Uni Women's side

Sideline with some of the crew. Thanks for making sure I had a good spot to watch the game!

Hayesy. Make sure you check back next week for my great interview with this experienced player and coach.

Thanks to the Glen for arranging my visit and to Norths Rugby Club for having me!

A Family Affair: Catching up with Wallaroos Captain Grace Hamilton

This weeks Reds Rugby Rules blog is a little bit different. I'm interviewing an outstanding rugby player who happens to be the newly appointed captain of the Wallaroos (the Australian Women's rugby team, for those who don't know)... it's that much more special because she happens to be my cousin!

I, like many commentators, think she's a natural fit for the role. She's always been a go-getter, and a high achiever in her interests and endeavours and I don't see why she'd be any different as the Captain of the Wallaroos.

Obviously, the Wallaroos are combining the forces of women from Queensland, New South Wales (Grace's home state) and around Australia. An extended squad of 46 women was revealed a while ago and the team is now preparing for two matches to be played against Japan in Newcastle (Saturday 13th July) and Sydney (Friday 19th July). New caps selected for these matches include Queenslanders Lori Cramer, Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea and Shannon Mato.

After a family get-together this month, Grace agreed to do this interview via email. Thanks heaps Grace for your time and for getting back to me so quick! I hope your team picks up lots of new supporters in the coming weeks and months!

Grace after playing for her club - Sydney Uni (old photo).

Hi Grace, first of all, a huge congrats on being given the Wallaroos captaincy! I know I might be biased, but I think you’ve earned it.

Haha, thanks Tom, you are my cousin though.

How did you respond when you heard the news?

I actually didn't have anything to say. I was scared, nervous and excited, but lost for words, all at the same time. I remember sitting on the lounge at home alone just looking out the window and crying, before I called Dad. He was out cutting wood wth Harry (my brother) and in true form, not giving much away, he just goes "oh yeah, good on your Gracie" and I still didn't know what to say.

First of all, what’s your message for rugby fans, ahead of the tests against Japan next month?

Come out and support all the wonderful women! Cheer loud, grab a Wallaroos beanie and grow the support for womens rugby, not just for us, but for all the girls who are going to play in the years to come! Let's make it a really special experience.

You and your team are playing everywhere this year, including Perth, on the same night as the Wallabies and the All Blacks! Which Wallaroos test in 2019 do you think will be the toughest?

Look, I don't like to think too far ahead. We have a job to do this coming week and each week we move onto the next job. We haven't spent a lot of time together yet, so it's about us developing and improving in every aspect of our game and learning.

Dad, Grace and I at Suncorp after Grace's NSW squad
played against our Queensland girls!

The new Wallaroos squad has 16 uncapped players! A number of women from Queensland and also New South Wales have been named. You must be proud of the players who have stepped up!

I'm so proud of every single girl, not just in the Japan playing group, but the whole squad and every girl that put their best foot forward throughout the Super W competition. It takes a lot of hard work and commitment to be apart of Super W and Wallaroos training sessions and it's a testament to each girls worth ethic and commitment to be recognised for this.

We’ve spoken about this before… but I do want to congratulate you again for your Super W win! I do run a Reds blog, but I want to say one more time I am super proud of all that you do.

Haha, I know it's hard to swallow every time we play the Reds, but you're their number one supporter and although I'm committed to the Sky Blue you know I love what you are doing!

Thanks Gracie. I know it’s a busy time, so thanks heaps for taking time to chat! Hopefully I’ll make it down for one of the Japan matches.

Yes, I hope to see you there. I can't wait!

To check out my 2017 interview with Grace and her teammate Emily, click here.

At Suncorp Stadium with Grace and former Wallaroos captain Ash Hewson - after their
hit-out at the Brisbane Global 10s. (Who won this time around?)