West's Bulldogs Rugby Club: A Toowong Community Hotspot!

This week, I was lucky to be able to visit and profile the West's Bulldogs Rugby Club!! As well as looking around the club-house, I was able to watch the teams train and interview a couple of key players. Thanks to Felicity for organising the visit and everyone at the club for the warm welcome! It was great being able to interview the mens and women's team captains Jeremiah Lynch and Wallaroo Liz Patu (see below).

In March 2017, a new 13 million dollar facility became the new home of the club. The building contains office space for the club, a great new cafeteria/meeting area and a gym for club members, although the building is also shared by several businesses/community groups. Now also onsite is a fantastic commercial gym called "BodyTrack: Exercise Physiology" that caters not just to sports-people, but other groups, including busy professionals and elderly people as well! The new club-house is also home to "X-Radioology": an X-ray and Physiotherapy center that runs throughout the week and also takes care of injured players during Suncorp Rugby games that need X-rays.

Hanging out with some of the young Colt (U20) players and Pete, the amazing bar and cafetaria manager.

Wests has had a great culture and history since it started in 1951, in it's original home of Spring Hill. The club relocated to it's new location in Toowong (affectionately named "The Kennel") in 1973. The club has produced many Wallabies and Wallaroos! Current Reds include Queensland captain Scott Higgenbotham, Moses Sorovi, Filipo Daugunu, Lachlan Maranta and Jordan Paetea. Women's Queensland reps include Liz Patu, Lucy Lockhart, Wynono Baice, Ashlee Knight, Sarah Riordan and Bree-Anna Cheetham.

It was good watching the teams train, including the Women's XV and the Colts.

It was good to run into this stranger at the Club-house! (Queensland Red: Moses Sorovi)

Thanks Felicity and everyone at West's for the team jersey and cap!!

Captains Run: A Conversation with Jeremiah Lynch

I was lucky to be able to interview Men's Premier team Captain, Jerry Lynch. I enjoyed hearing about his own rugby journey as well as what he loves about Wests!

Hey Jerry, Thanks for making the time to catch up today! How did training go tonight?

Mate, it was good. We trained well tonight. We came off a tough loss last week, so the boys really came together tonight and I know they’re looking forward to the game over the weekend.

We’re playing Sunnybank this weekend, so we’ve got to get them back from last time. We played them in game two at the start of the year and they got the better of us. They beat us in the semi-final last year as well, so we’ve got to get back at them.  [Update: Wests did get one back at them, beating Sunnybank 55-24 on Saturday.]

How do you feel your team is going coming into Round 11 of the Premiership competition?

We’ve had a few tight losses and that has probably cost us a bit this season and where we are on the ladder. We’ve come close, and I suppose we’re in the games, but we just don’t know how to finish it. We’ve been ebbing and flowing a bit. 20 minutes on, then we sort of die for a bit, then come back. So maintaining the consistency is the thing. Training was good this week, if we play to our strengths and hold on to the ball, it should go well. I’m pretty confident.

Jerry all smiles about his team's prospects this year.

What are some of your favourite thing about playing for Wests?

There’s a lot of things! The cultures great. I’ve been here since 2012 when I moved to Brissy. There’s a real family atmosphere and they’re always willing to help you out.

It’s very welcoming. When my parents come up, people always make them feel welcome and always get to know them, same with my girlfriend when she's here. Good people, a good place to play. Flick (Felicity) is a good example of a good person around here.

This clubhouse is pretty amazing. How has the new facility affected the club?

Mate, the clubhouse is unreal! It’s a bit different to what used to be here a couple of years ago. It went from being a little set-up in the back corner to a massive building the length of the football field. There’s a cafe out the front now, cooking facilities in the club-house and we’ve got a new gym now too. It’s brought a lot of attention to the club in which is great. A lot of people have come back that played here years and years ago.

X-Radiology is upstairs, with the radiology and physio and everything all in one spot. There’s a bloke who runs this gym here, [BodyTrack] Exercise Physiology, he also runs the strength and conditioning for the Colts, so there’s a good bond there. The cafe’s moved up here from up the road as well, so it’s all come together really well. It’s good that we have a relationship with the RSL upstairs, so it works well.

I love hearing about people's personal Rugby journeys. What inspired you to play the game?

I came from Rockhampton originally, up there it’s mainly Rugby League. I spent most of my time groing up playing League,and only played a little bit of Ruby Union here and there, probably since I was nine. But Mums side of the family played a fair bit of Rugby in Brisbane, so when I moved here, I thought I’d give that a go and it worked out well. I came to Wests and loved it here. I decided to stay and wouldn’t change a thing! I got pretty lucky there.

How did you end up playing for Wests?

I came to UQ and was staying on campus there and a family friend knew Phil Mooney who was coaching at the time. He must have said if you know anyone coming to town from the bush, or from out of town that’s keen to play rugby, come to Wests. I was trying to decide between UQ and Wests and a few people from Rocky also played at Wests. So it was an easy choice and probably the best choice I made.

What's the highlight of your rugby journey been so far?

Hmmm there’s a couple of things. Playing for the Colts was a good development for me. The level of rugby down here was a lot higher than I was used to. So I spent a lot of time learning and trying to get close to the level that the other boys were at. I spent a bit of time pretty lost, getting around the paddock and trying to read the game. Then I began to play Premier grade the year after, which was good.

The next thing was coming back from injury - a couple of years ago I broke my ankle. I was out for about nine months and the next year was a bit slow, then finally the year after I got all my confidence back. So getting back to where I was before after an injury was pretty big for me too.

Thanks for your time and for having me at your club Jerry!

No worries. Thanks for taking time out of your day to come and speak to us down at Wests! It’s great to meet ya.

All the best to you and your team with the rest of the season.

Thanks a lot mate! Appreciate your time.

Down at Reds training a few weeks earlier. Amos (a Bulldogs player himself) carried
the ball on for the Reds at Suncorp the following weekend. Scott Higgenbotham,
a Wests Bulldogs loyalist, made him feel very welcome.

From Wests to Wallaroo: Catching up with Liz Patu

It's cool to finally catch up! How was the transition from Super W to Women's Club rugby?

It was totally different! The different type of level of skills we had to play with. Obviously with the Queensland girls we had a bit more structure and stuff. You come to club level, you try and get the girls up to standard. Especially with new girls who have never played before, who have never touched a rugby ball before, so it was really good to transition into club rugby.

I'm enjoying being here. This really is a great club in Brisbane. What do you love about this club?

The thing I love about this club is the culture and the people that come around to support us as well. We have supporters come every Saturday. So the people and the culture.

How are you finding the new club-house, and what influence has it had on the team?

Liz pictured here with all the other Wallabies and Wallaroos that have come
from Wests. (Notice Scott Higgenbotham right next to me.)

It’s a massive thing for us as well. The the facility is much better, even though I do miss the old clubhouse... the noise and the character of it.

How do you feel your teams season has gone so far?

They’re progressing. Especially with a lot of newbies.  Lot of people that have never played before 

I know this is about Wests... but I have to say congrats on making the Wallaroos again this year!

Thanks!

What was it like playing for the Wallaroos last year? (And would you say it was the highlight of your career?)

Yes, it was the highlight of my career. I never took rugby seriously until 2013, when Felicity decided that I could be going to the next level. It was definitely the highlight of my rugby career.

You've played in a number of positions. What's your favourite to play in?

My favourite position is number 8. I get to run the ball more, especially in the back of the scrum.

How did you end up playing rugby to begin with? And have you always played for Wests?

Enjoying a laugh in the Club-House Cafe.

A best friend of mine introduced me to rugby here. I’m originally from Samoa and I moved here to Brisbane in 2004 (at age 13). In high school, I did a bit of school girls, but it wasn’t a big thing for us. I did a bit of TAFE and then I decided to get back into rugby, so my best friend dragged me here. And yes, I’ve always played for West’s.

If there is someone reading this that is thinking of playing rugby for Wests, what would you say to them?

Look, have a go. Come down to West’s. And if you’re a male and want to get into the Premier side, they train Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays. Or even come down and have a look on Saturday games... have a go, you never know what will happen.

That's cool! Thanks heaps for your time Liz. Nice to catch up.

Yeah, I do appreciate the time. Thank you!

Good luck to you and the Wests girls this season!

Thank you! I’ll be sure to let them know.

Go Club Rugby! Go Wests!

A Ballymore Reunion: Catching up with Ben Lucas

The versatile Ben Lucas needs no introduction to the long-time Reds supporters. A member of the 2011 champion squad, Ben has recently spent several years playing overseas, but I am extremely happy he's back in the Reds for 2018!

I'm also glad he was able to sit down and answer some questions about his career, his rugby playing family and other things. Hope you enjoy.

(By the way... good luck to Ben and all of the players against the Waratahs this weekend! I'll be there supporting!)

First of all, congratulations on your homecoming. I’m really glad you’ve been back with the Reds this season.

Thank you! Yeah, it’s been really exciting to be back with the Reds. Not just for my footy, but for my family as well. I’ve just had twin boys. They were born in Japan, in July last year. It’s been good coming back home and being back with family. Obviously the Reds have been really good for me. Familiar faces, but also a lot of new faces and the mood with the boys has just been tremendous. The back half of the year, we haven’t got as many wins we’ve probably been a bit unlucky in a few places but the boys are still young and the feeling amongst the group has been really good for me.

Maybe you’ve answered it, but my next question was going to be this: What was it that specifically inspired you to come back for the 2018 season?

Um I wouldn’t say it was the birth of my boys, but definitely it helped having family around. I didn’t feel like I left the Reds in 2014 the way I wanted to. I still felt I had more to offer this place and the team, so that was a big part of me coming, being in a group where I felt like I could contribute and really feel a part of.

What’s been the greatest thing about being back at Ballymore this year?

It’s like home. When I was a young kid, this is where the Reds played. It’s still my favourite place to play at. So to get to train here is pretty special… Obviously, there’s a few changes. Back when I left, we were doing gym over here, they had a newly constructed gym over here, but Thorny likes the old-school feel a bit better, so we’ve gone back to the old tin shed. There’s a lot of memories there for me because my first training programs were here!

What did you enjoy most about your time playing rugby both in France and Japan?

I guess meeting new people. Here, you know your guys, here and in the other Aussie teams. But when you go overseas, you’re all in the same boat together… You’re away from home, you’re looking for people to make you more comfortable and you need that support network. You get to meet some great people that you wouldn’t have met normally and make life-long friends. Rugby in general is great for meeting people and developing life-long mate-ship is really good, that’s something that I really enjoyed.

You learn different ways to play rugby too. Over in France, they’re very “set-piece” orientated, you know the forwards are very big and strong, scrums are a huge emphasis as well. Weather- wise, you learn to play in different conditions. When the weathers not good, you can’t play the way you’d sometimes like to, you’ve got to manage the game in other ways. That’s something I picked up over there.

Are there any other ways that playing for other clubs in other countries has helped your game specifically?

I guess kicking, that’s a big one. Being a goal kicker, I had a couple of good years over in France, I kicked at 85 percent one year and 82 the next and that’s something you need to work on. They put a lot of work into their kicking and not just goal-kicking, but general kicking. That was something I enjoyed, working with guys who had different perspectives and techniques for learning.

You come from a family of rugby players. How does it feel watching all of your brothers grow up playing rugby?

Just proud. As much as we’re all competitive, we love seeing each other do well. From backyard footy… (laughs) every day, we we’d come home from school, take the school clothes off, wack the civies on and just play in the front yard… we’d turn the sprinkler so we could pretend it’s raining. So to come from that and to see my brothers grow… I’m the oldest, so I feel a lot of pride in showing them how I’ve done it and they can learn from my mistakes, but they also make their own path, their own careers and make their own decisions. So it’s good to watch them grow, as rugby players, but also as humans.

As you know, I recently did a profile on your club, Sunnybank! What are a few things that make Sunnybank a great club to play for?

Obviously, I’m a very loyal guy, I’ve always played and loved being there! There’s a lot of guys that have played together right through juniors, there’s a big culture of that at Sunnybank. They’ve always had a culture of being very tight-knit. Beyond the football field, we’re very close friends. They’ve been very good to me in terms of things like organising uni along the way as well. I think Sunnybank is sometimes misunderstood, because we do have a lot of islander players down there, but we’re all very close. You go there and you can sit down and have a chat with anyone. It’s a very family friendly club and that’s something that’s always appealed to me about Sunnybank.

What advice would you give to aspiring players, both girls and boys?

I think, if it’s really what you want to do, it’s like anything, you’ve got to work hard. There’s gonna be good times and not so good times, but it’s all about keeping a positive mindset and understanding where you want to go and what your aspirations are. If it is to play for Queensland, I would say - hard work is something in common with any profession. Anyone that does well has got a good work ethic. You’re giving yourself the best chance to follow your dreams. And especially as young kid, I really wanted to play rugby, I really loved rugby and I worked hard. There were times when all my friends would be going out and having drinks and doing all that stuff and I couldn’t because I had training the next morning and whatever. There were sacrifices, but it was all worth it for me, I was willing to work hard to get where I wanted to get to.

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

Hmmm… that’s a tricky one Tommy… Not a lot of people outside my close friend-ship network would know that I really love food - I consider myself a bit of a foody. I love to cook, I love to go to nice restaurants and try new food. I love to try new things that I’ve seen somewhere and try to cook it myself, that sort of thing!

Thank you very much for your time.

My pleasure Tommy.

Best of luck for the game this Saturday!

We’ll need you cheering loud mate! We’re coming home. I think they want to get a big crowd this week, so hopefully we can get the loyal fans out and give them a shake-down.

Reds Rugby Rules heads to Tokyo

Chatting to Paul Carozza at the Captains run

At the start of the season I heard the Reds were playing the Sunwolves in Tokyo, Japan this year. So I started making plans to go and watch the game and see some of Tokyo at the same time.

I’m very glad I did… even with the result not going our way.

Chichibunomiya Stadium and Japanese Rugby

After arriving on Thursday night, our first stop was seeing the Reds at the stadium for the captains run on Friday morning. Thanks to the Reds and Sunwolves management for giving me access!

There was plenty of Japanese media there, which was our first clue that there are more than a few die-hard rugby fans in this country.

(This is good thing, considering that Tokyo is hosting the Rugby World Cup next year!)

Love these guys

Bobby didn't play on the day, still good to see him in Tokyo

The Reds were popular with Japanese rugby fans

While travelling around Tokyo and talking to some of the locals, I was surprised how many locals didn't know much at all about Rugby... we were happy to fill them in and tell them about the World Cup coming up. But with such a huge population, there's definitely enough fans to keep the game going! For sure, it seemed that way at the stadium on game day!

At the Captains run on Friday

Game day on Saturday

Can you imagine this sign at Suncorp Stadium?

Good seats. The Japanese know how to put on sporting events.

It was great to meet Yuhei. He told me he used to live in Brisbane and
play rugby for Norths!

It was great meeting Rich Freeman, Japanese Super Rugby commentator (he speaks fluent Japanese and introduced me to a few locals)

The Japanese fans treated us Reds fans very well. This wasn't like Origin.

Of course, there were quite a few Reds fans here. Go the Reds!!

Sightseeing in Tokyo

Overall, I enjoyed looking around the city of Tokyo. The food was great (I've always been a sushi fan) and we met some great locals that prepared our food. Especially in the area we stayed - "Nishi-Shinjuku".

The Irish Pub in our hotel was nice too :-)

The train system in Tokyo is great, but can be confusing. I won't say we never got lost!

Met some great musicians at a jam night in a bar on Friday night!

Checked out the Tower Records shop (and a bunch of other shops) in Shibuya Junction.

Rugby World Cup is in Japan next year. Have you thought about it????

Reds Rugby Rules Premier Club Showcase #1: Sunnybank Rugby Club

This week, I’ve decided to mix things up at Reds Rugby Rules! Don’t worry, I will still be interviewing your favourite Reds players throughout the rest of 2018! But as well as that, I’ll be profiling some of the great Premier clubs around Brisbane!

For our first Premier club showcase, I spent some time at Sunnybank Rugby Club. A huge thanks to Kirby Sefo, for saying yes to hosting me and showing me around the place.

There was a high school rugby carnival happening during my visit. Certainly, the grounds and club areas are used by many different community groups throughout the year!

Liam Gill, Former Queensland Red (and Wallaby)

There’s a display next to the Old Mac Oval (their main rugby ground) with a few Australian and Queensland representatives from Sunnybank, featuring Digby Ioane, Amy Turner and Liam Gill. Other notable representatives from the club include David Giffin, Rob Simmons, Ben Tapuai and current Queensland Red Ben Lucas!

Digby Ioane is a Sunnybank product

There are some great facilities at Sunnybank, including the team gym.

Also, the food and service at the clubhouse is outstanding!

I did take the opportunity to talk to Kirby about the recent Queensland “Super W” campaign. However, this week is all about Sunnybank club… I’m hoping to make it to a mens or womens game as soon as possible!

Hey Kirby, Thanks for being a part of the first ever Reds Rugby Rules Premier Club showcase!

You’re welcome. Thanks for having me.

First of all... How are you?

I’m good thanks. Lucky to be doing the first one, how special!

The first Sunnybank game of the season was last night! How are you feeling afterwards?

I’m feeling quite good actually, because I was injured [after Super W]. I’ve done my ACL joint, I’ll probably come in after week 4. But I think the girls will be pretty sore today, Brothers are quite a physical team, so there were some massive hits last night. The team was a bit sore coming off the field.

Congrats on the win!

Thanks! Yeah big win for Sunnybank. We are lucky, because we have got numbers, so we can get fresh legs on and give everyone a run. We have a bit of an advantage there. It was a good first hit out for the season and nice to get a win.

I made it to this club last night, not knowing the game had moved to Brothers at the last minute (because of the carnival). I say that not to make anyone feel bad, but to show that you and the other clubs have my support and the support of this blog!

Yeah I did see the Instagram photo of you here last night. I’m sorry about that!

It’s all good. I’m enjoying watching club rugby more and more these days. Can we talk about Super W for a little bit though.

Yeah for sure.

How did your team feel about Queensland's first ever Super W campaign?

Amy Turner, Sunnybank Wallaroo legend,
on the wall of the Old Mac Oval

I think there’s mixed emotions, because obviously we didn’t win. Everyone was gutted after the final. But there was also a lot of pride, because it was the first they’ve had - the inaugural Super W grand final and it was really special to be a part of that. There were a lot of pride and a lot of tears, but the overall feeling was quite positive.

And a little bit of relief that it’s over too, because it’s been a full-on few months. It’s a short comp, but it was two or three months building up to it. It’s kind of nice just to come back to club level.

It was such a tough loss in the final. You and the team fought so hard. It could have gone either way, it was worth making the trip to Sydney and I was really proud. I'll be supporting you again next year.

I don’t know how Gracie will feel about that. But that’s ok, we’ll deal with that later. We did really love your support though. It’s quite nice for the the girls, they got used to seeing you at training. You’re very much a part of the team I’d say.

Is it true that Sunnybank had more players in the Queensland Women's team than any other club?

Yeah we did. I think we started off with 12 or 14 in the squad, almost the whole 15. The squad was 30 though. In the final we had 10 I think. It was really good for our club and really good for our club coach. I guess it just locks in that what we’re doing for girls at Sunnybank works.

You shared in our very first interview how much you love Sunnybank. What's your favourite thing about this club?

Yeah I really do love being a part of this club. It’s the only rugby club I’ve been a part of, so I don’t actually have anything to compare it to. Being a female in a male dominated sport, I guess it could be quite daunting. But the men are really supportive of us, on the field and off the field. Over the years, everybody’s become like a family. They really do look out for us, and it’s the same for everyone. The staff are really supportive, my boss is really supportive and understanding of what I do. And now, I'm involved a lot more with the junior club, which I love too. It’s quite a tight community around here which is very comforting.

It’s nice to see other peoples successes as well, and be a part of that.

Thanks Kirby for taking time to catch up. Good luck to you and your team this season! Go Sunnybank!

Good job! Thanks for coming all the way out here! We’ll have to look out for you in your supporters jersey.

Making it Count: Catching up with Reds Scrumhalf Moses Sorovi

 Today I got to catch up with Moses Sorovi - someone who rose to the Reds last year. After playing well over the weekend in our teams game against the Chiefs, Moses took time out to share about his rugby journey, all the way from the Torres Straight Islands through to the Queensland Reds. Softly spoken and always a gentleman, I enjoyed catching up with him.

All the best to the Reds, playing another home game this week against the Lions! I’ll be there, in my usual spot.

Hey Moses, how's the week of training going?

Yeah it’s been pretty good! We’ve prepared pretty well for this weekends game. The boys are looking good for the weekend. Hopefully we’ll get the W.

Tough loss over the weekend. How are you feeling now?

It was a tough loss, but there’s so many positives that can be brought out of that game for this weekend, things to improve. It’s always tough losing, but I’m definitely looking forward to this weekend.

I was there cheering you guys on. Keep putting in the work and I'll see you again this Saturday.

For those that don't know, can you tell us about your journey, all the way from Thursday Island to Brisbane?

I moved from Thursday Island, from a little island called Yam Island, to Brisbane. I went to school at Saint Peters Lutheran College in Indooroopilly and played my first rugby there.

My family came down, along with my two older brothers and we moved to go to Saint Peters. We were there from Grade 8 through to Grade 12. I pretty much learnt how to play Rugby there and I’m still learning. There’s always more to learn.

I went through all the rugby programs, from Juniors, Junior Golds, National Golds and all the way to Under-20s and then to the Reds.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Not professional, but just social. Basketball, Volleyball, Touch [Rugby], with my family and friends back home… They’re pretty much the main sports over there.

What's the thing you love most about Rugby?

Pretty much just getting around the boys, coming in for training sessions, just being around them and playing with them. I enjoy that. Not everyone gets to do that and be in my shoes. I’m making the most of it.

What are your favourite things to do, when you're not playing rugby?

I like to relax at home and get by mind away from rugby by playing Playstation - I play Fortnite with my mates on my days off.

Thanks Moses - it's great we got to catch up, finally. Again, will see you on Saturday!

Thank you!

Jet-setting to Super W in Sydney

As I write this blog, I’m at the airport heading back to Brisbane from Sydney. (Yes, the Reds are playing the Chiefs tonight (the work of a rugby blogger never ends) but the big event we’ve just witnessed in Sydney was of course…. the first ever Super W Final - between none other than Queensland and New South Wales.

What a game it was. So close. So exciting. New South came away with the win in the end… in overtime. I am extremely proud of our Queensland girls. They left everything on the field… and I mean everything.

I’m also have to give an extra special mention to my cousin Grace. In case you didn’t know, I have a family member who plays for New South Wales. I would say I’m proud, but that word doesn’t really do it justice. And if you’re reading Grace… you’re a star. It’s all love and support from me to you. Just keep ignoring the title of this blog… whenever a post comes up in the future. The future looks bright for you - along with Women’s Rugby in Australia in general!

But back to the Super W final. Let’s just say the game was worth the trip. Thanks to a last minute Queensland penalty, the score was 13-13 at full-time. That brought the game to sudden-death overtime, for two five minute halves. RIGHT at the end of the second half…. Ash Hewson slotted a penalty to win the game for the Blues.

One constructive comment to help for next time - the doors of the stadium only opened at 4:30pm - and the final kick-off was at 4:45pm. I was lucky to be one of the first in... but it did mean that as the hype was building just before the match, not many people had even made it to their seats. In the scheme of things... this is not the biggest of issues though.

I agree with Michael Hayes... what a game it was!!! I’m excited to see where Super W goes in the future and look forward to supporting it even more through this blog!!!!

Special mention goes to Tiger Airways for taking great care of me. Their great service on the trip made things even more enjoyable.