Redbank Plains club benefits from NRL clinic, magnificent silverware
Having the National Rugby League’s magnificent Provan-Summons trophy in Ipswich achieved more than motivating the next generation of footballers. It could provide longer term benefits.
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Having the National Rugby League’s magnificent Provan-Summons grand final trophy in Ipswich achieved more than inspiring a next generation of footballers.
It may also help the Redbank Plains Junior Rugby League Club develop future A-Grade teams.
Redbank Plains were unable to make an impact in last year’s Rugby League Ipswich senior competition and couldn’t field an A-Grade side this season.
However, dedicated junior club chairman, coach and official Nathan Booth was thrilled to see young players attracted to the impressive Provan-Summons trophy at the Redbank Plains fields today.
Just days after the Redbank Plains club had two teams chasing grand final glory, the arrival of the trophy provided another boost for the Ipswich club.
“With the Colts and Reserve Grade making the grand finals, it will rebuild our numbers for an A-Grade team,’’ Booth said.
“We had an A-Grade side in 2019 and the Covid year (2020) we didn’t play seniors so this year was a rebuilding phase.
“Both our teams making grand finals, we’re hoping it will inspire those blokes to come back.’’
Apart from being Redbank Plains Junior Rugby League Club chairman, Booth is also game day co-ordinator, coaching co-ordinator, Reserve Grade coach and First Aid Officer.
He continues to work with senior club president Jodie Elder who he said was “leading the way at an administrator level’’.
Booth’s wife Sarah is also playing a key role in the club’s development.
“With her registrar and her administrative duties with Jodie, we’re good to go for next year,’’ Booth said.
During the season as Reserve Grade coach, Booth also encouraged shared training across the squads, including with other coaches like premiership-winning Colts mentor Tre Waltisbuhl.
This season, Redbank Plains also had a healthy number of junior teams. That featured two in under 6, four in under 7, four in U8, four in U9, two in U10, U11 and U12, along with U13, U14, U15 and U17 boys.
The Bears Under 17 boys made the grand final.
Despite having so many hats to wear, Booth loves helping young players rise up the Redbank Plains ranks.
“That’s what I’m passionate about,’’ he said, having served the club for more than 15 years.
“We’ve had a steady number of players over probably the last five years.’’
The Bears Reserve Grade coach said Redbank Plains was an important growth area with ongoing development in new estates like Fernbrooke.
The club relocated from one field at the Redbank Plains Recreational Reserve in 2009 to two new Ipswich City Council-backed playing areas currently being used as the Bears home base.
Doing some casual work with the NRL, Booth was delighted when the Redbank Plains club was offered an opportunity to see the NRL Grand Final silverware.
After young players had photos taken with the famous trophy, they joined in an NRL-backed clinic.
The active SEQ team, headed by Game Development Officer for Ipswich Michael Gunthorpe, provided fun sessions as the Provan-Summons trophy stood tall at the entrance to the field.
“It’s a nice big heavy one,’’ Gunthorpe said of the spectacular reward for each year’s NRL grand final-winning team.
He said the trophy visits had received a tremendous reaction around different communities.
“They are enjoying it so far. The kids getting a photo with the trophy is pretty cool,’’ he said.
Players from other catchment clubs like Springfield also joined the clinic and took advantage of a rare opportunity to see and touch the attention-grabbing trophy.
GREAT PHOTOS: MORE YOUNG BEARS HAVING FUN
Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum also appreciated Ipswich being chosen on the NRL tour.
“Playing in a first-grade premiership team in the hunt for the Provan-Summons Grand Final trophy is the dream of most junior bears playing at the Redbank Plains club,” McCallum said.
“Redbank Plains Bears Junior Rugby League Club is one of the fastest growing in Ipswich.
“We know Ipswich has always been a rugby league nursery with the Bears under-19 Colts claiming their own grand final trophy over the weekend with a 40-20 win over Norths Tigers.’’
The NRL Grand Final trophy tour of regional Queensland was part of the build-up to the major finals.
The NRL preliminary finals this weekend feature Souths against Manly on Friday night before Storm and Penrith face off in a Saturday blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium.
“Hosting the NRL’s finals series and then the grand final at Suncorp Stadium on October 3 is a first for Queensland,” McCallum said.
“Being able to see the Provan-Summons trophy is something Ipswich fans and the junior bears won’t easily forget.’’
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