Coach of the Year reveals special highlights of major achievers
The incredible dedication and successes across the many award categories were a credit to the officials, coaches, players, volunteers, referees and support staff. See the standout performers.
Ipswich
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The 2021 Rugby League Ipswich presentation night highlighted what can be achieved even facing the multitude of Covid challenges.
The incredible dedication and successes across the many award categories were a credit to the officials, coaches, players, volunteers, referees and support staff.
Their efforts were showcased on a memorable Friday night at the North Ipswich Reserve Corporate Centre.
Here are all the winners and some valuable insights from the major award recipients.
Swifts grand final-winning mentor Wayne Finch was fittingly named Coach of the Year for his commitment and club efforts.
Confirming he would return next season, Finch was delighted with the RLI Team of the Year announced on the night.
The sensational team was Godfrey Okot (fullback); Ratu Vatuinaruku, Sam Langbein (wingers); Nemani Valekapa, Loai Feteoai (centres); Wes Conlon (five-eight); Jacob Teevan (halfback); Zac Teevan, Paetou Samatou (props); Brigge Hille, Ethan Page (second rowers); Derek Hemopo (lock); and Isi Hafoka (hooker).
“It’s a good side, isn’t it?’’ Finch said, thrilled to see the selected line-up include a number of his Swifts players and other club A-Graders who excelled this season.
“I’m so proud of the boys. They deserved it.
“They trained hard and they got the rewards tonight.’’
A-Grade Player of the Year Ratu Vatuinaruku typified the amazing courage needed to win grand finals. He virtually played on one leg during the final four games of the season.
However, he still made many powerhouse runs and continued his razor accurate goal kicking.
“It was unbelievable,’’ the coach said.
“Ratu just turns up every week and does what he does every week.’’
After winning the grand final, Swifts trio Okot, Hemopo and Wilson Malaesilia are heading to Brisbane Easts next season to test their skills in the Intrust Super Cup.
“That’s what football is about as a coach,’’ Finch said.
“You want to see them improve and be better and hopefully they’ll get the rewards by training hard and get a spot in the Q-Cup side.’’
He acknowledged his manager Stewart Towler and assistant coach Shayne Berrell for their support at Swifts.
Berrell’s son Jayden is playing for Wynnum in Sunday’s Intrust Super Cup grand final.
Finch also praised the RLI officials for organising the night that celebrates so many achievements, including Swifts tremendous season as a club.
“It’s one of the best feelings,’’ he said, reflecting on the emotion and enjoyment of winning a grand final.
“These boys are family to me.’’
Another Ipswich stalwart Vicki Ison was acknowledged with the Junior coach of the Year award.
Ison, currently with Swifts, has served a number of clubs since 1990.
Her priority with juniors is on improvement and enjoyment in a team environment.
“Every kid should have the same opportunity,’’ Ison said.
She maintained a family focus at Swifts, also being heavily involved in the Men of League program and helping everyone with mental health awareness.
“She’s amazing for the juniors and she’s been great for the seniors too,’’ Finch said.
“Bringing these juniors to our games . . . she was a big drive behind that.
“That was one of my biggest rewards for the year - walking out for that club on grand final day and seeing all our juniors lining up for the tunnel. That was very special.’’
Brothers A-Grade speedster Josh McCarroll was rewarded with the Rookie of the Year honour.
Rosewood captain and lock Shane Gibson received the Chairman’s Cup (Reserve) Grade Player of the Year award.
He appreciated the honour after his team had a pleasing year, just falling short 24-4 to Brothers in the grand final.
Gibson had previously spent 25 years with Brothers. He was pondering retirement after his key role with the Roosters.
The Colts Player of the Year award was shared by Mitchell Williamson of Norths and Fassifern footballer Thomas Tronc.
They typified the exciting talent coming up through Rugby League Ipswich’s under-19 ranks.
Dependable Brisbane Valley player Tyson White received the Volunteers Cup best player accolade.
Loyal Rosewood supporters Shane Brandley (Volunteer of the Year) and Kerri Brown (Sports Trainer of the Year) were among other worthy award recipients.
“It’s about country rugby league and keeping the country clubs going,’’ Brandley said.
“It’s been a tough struggle over the last couple of years.’’
The club president previously played for Lockyer before devoting years of service to Rosewood when his son was a player.
He believes the Roosters are making positive progress.
“The last couple of years since we’ve got the seniors back in . . . it’s a point of mine that I always believed that we need juniors to make seniors and we need seniors to help juniors keep going.’’
He has been working with Rosewood Old Boys to bolster the club, “just kept pushing, pushing’’.
He is eager to see the Roosters continue building its senior teams after fielding a Reserve Grade side and working with the Jets in the A-Grade competition.
“We need country rugby league,’’ he said. “It’s trying to get committee people and people involved and volunteers.
“Every club knows how that’s getting harder and harder.’’
Brandley thanked his supportive wife Lyn and the work of Brown, who has been a sports trainer for the past eight years.
He encouraged Brown to further her sports training role, rising up the ranks and being such a valuable club contributor.
“Kerri has been beside me on the committee for donkey’s years. She’s even assistant treasurer this year,’’ Brandley said.
He said without people like Brown, the club wouldn’t go forward.
Dedicated former RLI chairman Gary Parker was thanked for his outstanding contribution to the sport in Ipswich.
He was shocked to receive the award which isn’t given out every year.
Having been involved in administration for 43 years, Parker helped guide the league through last year’s difficult Covid challenges. He organised the successful Volunteers Cup competition involving Ipswich and Toowoomba teams.
Parker also played a leading role in organising this year’s Indigenous All Stars gala match.
He hopes next year’s gala day will feature Indigenous men’s and women’s teams.
Talented juniors like MacGuiness Tiananga from Goodna and Mark Kirisome (Swifts) were encouraged along with a Laidley Lions under-14 team that battled hard throughout their season.
Eager to learn Ipswich referees Paris Bosse and Nicholas McEwan were also were praised for their efforts.
As Senior Referee of the Year, McEwan is enjoying being given A-Grade opportunities and leading roles in the NRL Schoolboys competitions.
That included a major final between Palm Beach Currumbin and Marsden.
He was also involved in last year’s Volunteers Cup competition involving Toowoomba teams.
McEwan, 19, just finished his seventh year with whistle in hand having started at Brothers.
After playing junior football for Brothers, he decided to focus on refereeing.
“I want to keep improving. go on the road and see where it takes me,’’ he said.
Despite some challenging moments and high expectations, McEwan said refereeing was very rewarding.
He trains twice a week during the season with the high performance unit in Brisbane and has regular review sessions on his games.
Bosse also had a promising future, working hard to develop consistent standards.
Highly respected Queensland Rugby League administrator Brian Canavan, Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding, Ipswich Jets chairman Steve Johnson, Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann and Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden were among the rugby league supporters as guests.
A minute’s silence was observed on Friday night for Ipswich footballer John Kemp who tragically passed away during the week.
On a lighter note, the function was hosted by former Channel 9 broadcaster Chris Bombolas who injected his trademark humour into an entertaining night.
2021 Rugby League Ipswich honour board
ACS A-Grade Player of the Year: Ratu Vatuinaruku (Swifts)
Rookie of the Year: Josh McCarroll (Brothers)
Team of the Year: Godfrey Okot (fullback); Ratu Vatuinaruku, Sam Langbein (wingers); Nemani Valekapa, Loai Feteoai (centres); Wes Conlon (five-eight); Jacob Teevan (halfback); Zac Teevan, Paetou Samatou (props); Brigge Hille, Ethan Page (second rowers); Derek Hemopo (lock); Isi Hafoka (hooker).
Chairman’s Cup Player of the Year: Shane Gibson (Rosewood)
Colts Player of the Year: Mitchell Williamson (Norths), Thomas Tronc (Fassifern)
Volunteers Cup Player of the Year: Tyson White (Brisbane Valley)
Senior referee of the Year: Nicholas McEwan
Junior Referee of the Year: Paris Bosse
Senior Coach of the Year: Wayne Finch (Swifts)
Junior Coach of the Year: Vicki Ison (Swifts)
Sports Trainer of the Year: Kerri Brown (Rosewood)
Volunteer of the Year: Shane Brandley (Rosewood)
Senior club champions: Swifts
Junior club champions: Redbank Plains
Junior Player Internationals: MacGuiness Tiananga (Goodna)
Junior encouragement award (U6-U12): Mark Kirisome (Swifts)
Outstanding contribution to rugby league in Ipswich: Gary Parker
Junior team that tried the hardest under adversity: Under-14 Laidley Lions
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