Swifts, Brothers, Redbank Plains celebrate magic moments
The incredible scenes after Swifts secured the A-Grade grand final summed up how much rugby league means to so many people. Brothers and Redbank Plains shared in the emotion.
Ipswich
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Seeing a legion of Swifts fans swarm on to the North Ipswich Reserve highlighted the incredible club spirit and brotherhood in this year’s Rugby League Ipswich competition.
The exhilarating scenes after Swifts secured the A-Grade grand final summed up how much rugby league means to so many people.
However, Brothers also displayed their amazing passion for the game in winning two of the earlier season deciders on Sunday.
A group of Redbank Plains colts provided similar engaging highlights wanting to chant and sing all afternoon after their historic grand final feat.
As the crowd grew on Ipswich’s major grand final day, so did the outstanding efforts, emotion, tributes, and retirements.
Here’s what each player of the final revealed, along with other valuable insights that summed up a massive day of entertaining football.
A-Grade grand final: Swifts def Brothers 44-22
Player of the Final Derek “DJ’’ Hemopo avoided the drenching his popular coach Wayne Finch received amid feverish post game celebrations.
However, he was equally delighted to share in a fantastic team performance that capped a remarkable year for the minor premiers. The Bluebirds suffered just one loss and a draw on their way to grand final glory.
“Finchie and our coaching staff have just been top of the world man,’’ Hemopo said.
“I love those fellas now. I can’t fault them at all.’’
The former Souths Logan footballer joined Swifts in late 2019 to be closer to home at Springfield.
It was his first Player of the Final honour and one he was happy to share with others.
“Towards the back end of the season, we had a few injuries and our Reggies, C-Grade all stepped up and it was good on their behalf as well,’’ he said.
“A credit to the boys, they work hard for each other. All I do is try to do my job well.
“It’s like a brotherhood in here.’’
The powerful forward said Swifts knew they had a worthy opponent early in Sunday afternoon’s final.
“That was a really tough game,’’ he said.
“Brothers were sticking it to us all year and the boys had to dig in that first 25 minutes.’’
That’s when Brothers built a 16-0 lead before Swifts managed a vital four-pointer that launched a massive recovery.
Hemopo praised teammates like Ratu Vatuinaruku, who virtually played on one leg, speedster Nemani Valekapa and damaging centre Ricki Mato for providing so much scoring firepower.
Soaking wet from his ice water treatment, Finch stood on the North Ipswich Reserve like a king, receiving countless hugs and congratulations from many people.
“I’m the proudest man in Ipswich tonight. How good is that,’’ Finch said.
“We were down and out but I always believed in them.
“And these boys deserve it. They have worked hard. From November last year, we started.’’
It was Finch’s second grand final victory as a coach, having also won in 2010.
He appreciated all the fans showing so much loyalty, uniting in a sea of support after the victory.
“It’s a family club mate - juniors, seniors - we have just supported each other,’’ he said.
“We had six players from A-Grade coach juniors. It’s just an amazing club.’’
Finch hoped to keep the core of his side together after players like Hemopo, Godfrey Okot and Paetou Samatua received higher level offers.
“They are quality. They deserve to try in a higher league,’’ he said. “I will always have them back if they want to come back.’’
Chasing a 2021 grand final three-peat, Brothers were looking dangerous before the Bluebirds displayed their trademark defensive and attacking quality.
“Brothers done awesome,’’ Finch said. “To get three teams in there on a grand final day, they are a good club and they came strong. They wanted it too.’’
Brothers spiritual leader Wes Conlon was among some of his team’s players who are considering their futures after the loss.
“I do not know. I’m getting old,’’ said Conlon, who turns 32 next year.
“I’ve got three little kids, work and recreational sport is important.
“I will speak to the wife, sit down with the kids and what is best for as a family.’’
As he ponders that, Conlon acknowledged what Brothers continue to achieve.
“I love it here. I love it at Brothers,’’ the playmaker said.
“Every time I show up, the only thing for me is to do is do my job and perform and that’s the best part about it.’’
Conlon was sporting in defeat after missing out on his third grand final victory.
The highly respected Ipswich footballer was captain of the 2019 Brothers A-Grade side that won the grand final before the Covid issues in 2020.
Having beaten Swifts on that occasion, Conlon acknowledged their latest performance.
“They showed up,’’ he said. “They built since 2019 since Ducky (Damian O’Donahue) was coach and they still showed remnants of that team but they added on.
“Full credit to Finchie. They did really well. They wanted it. They were hungry. They recruited well.
“So hopefully they can keep their run going and be in that grand final for more years to come.’’
Conlon expects Brothers to be there with the Bluebirds.
“Every year we show up. We do what needs to be done,’’ he said.
“We’ll regroup. I’m sure we’ll be in the top two next year.’’
Conlon praised club stalwart and head coach Jason Connors for his decade of dedication.
“As he’s departing, he’s such a humble, such a great character, such a good human being,’’ Conlon said.
“Once you know him, he’s like a brother.
“I wish him all the best in whatever he does. Hopefully he sticks around and shows faith but it’s been a pleasure playing for him.’’
Reflecting on a “stop start’’ season due to Covid, Conlon said it took time to strengthen the team bond with some new players.
“At the end there, I’m just proud to make the grand final. I’m proud to play in it again,’’ he said.
After another grand final experience, Conlon is excited about joining the Purga Wagtails, the defending champions, in next weekend’s Murri carnival at Albany Creek.
“We’re looking to go back-to-back. We’re rounding up a lot of the boys,’’ the Brothers supremo said.
Reserve Grade: Brothers def Rosewood 24-4
In a Brothers team of close mates, Player of the Final Damien West had an extra reason to savour grand final victory.
West is among the Brothers stalwarts considering hanging up the boots after their latest Reserve Grade win over Rosewood.
“A bunch of these blokes have been playing together for a while now and there’s a few guys retiring so that’s for them,’’ he said.
Second rower West said the team also wanted to pay tribute to clubman Ian “Rodgo’’ Rodgers who passed away earlier this year.
“So that was really hard for the club and this one is for him and Shaunie (Brothers stalwart Shaun O’Loan) doing it tough as well,’’ he said.
West has been at Brothers for 15 years, sharing in the club’s A-Grade and Reserve Grade successes.
“I’ve won about four in Reserve Grade now so that makes it better as well,’’ he said.
Brothers looked comfortable in the match building a 14-0 halftime advantage before getting the job done.
“We just turned their big boys around,’’ West said. “It was hot as.
“We knew if we just kept in simple and kicked to the corners and have a good kick-chase we’d come through with the goods. That’s all we did and I don’t think they were going to catch us in the second half.’’
Try scorers shared around including a double from Cameron Bundock and contributions from Zac Sutton and Lachlan Brook.
West praised lock Elliot Standfield and substitute Isaac Creedy for outstanding efforts.
“He (Creedy) brought energy and on a day like today, that was important.’’
Brothers came from second to topple the minor premiers.
“It was a very good season,’’ West said.
Colts: Redbank Plains def Norths 40-20
Player of the Final Samson Sauaso kissed the trophy with glee before leading a victory chant that continued with repeat singing in the dressing room.
The importance of Redbank Plains’ 40-20 win over the highly fancied Norths Tigers was quick to be recognised.
But while appreciating his personal honour, the Redbank Plains captain was eager to share his accolade.
“It was a great reward. The boys worked very hard for it . . . and they earnt it,’’ Sauaso said.
In his final year at Ipswich State High, Sauaso had shared in his school’s strong finish to make the recent NRL Schoolboys semi-final.
However, Sunday’s victory was extra special being his first grand final success in three years playing for the Bears.
“I’d never won anything,’’ he said.
“It feels good to be player of the match even though it was a team sport. The boys gave it 110 per cent – each and every one of them.’’
He said all the singing showed how much a first premiership meant.
“These boys come from all backgrounds and they have never won anything in their life,’’ he said.
Nicknamed “Uncle’’ because of his calming approach with younger players, Sauaso revealed why the Bears raced away to an 18-0 halftime advantage.
“We just really had to pump up the boys,’’ he said.
“The Norths players really set the standard the whole year.
“I feel like we had to finish it and really give it to them this game.’’
Despite a mini Norths comeback, the Bears followed the captain’s lead.
“I just slowed it right down (to help his team refocus),’’ he said.
It was the first time for a number of years the Bears beat the talented Tigers after tries to players including Sauaso, goal kicker David Telea, Brown Ioane, Nivatial Faafu and Alecpoe Leota Mene.
“It’s a great feeling for the club, especially Redbank,’’ he said.
“All year, it was the Norths boys and never Redbank on top but today it changed.’’
Bears coach Tre Waltisbuhl agreed.
“I just asked the boys to get in the grind,’’ he said.
“After we left here last Sunday (preliminary final), the boys all got together and they were hanging out. We took them all out yesterday and bought them lunch and just with a team-bonding session.
“We turned up today. Two weeks ago, they were stuffing around and taking it for granted but today they were focused.’’
The coach said the victory was a terrific boost for the club.
“It’s great to be a part of,’’ he said.
“Three years ago I was in the same position and couldn’t beat them in the regular season and got them when it counted.
“For the club, this is huge. A lot of these boys won’t play again. Some are off to the NRL’’
That includes Ipswich State High Academy product Kulikefu Finefeuiaki who played his last game with Bears before heading “off to the big time’’ starting his North Queensland Cowboys contract.
Waltisbuhl was delighted to see his skipper earn the Player of the Final medallion, honouring former Ipswich Rugby League president Greg Hall.
“Samson is unbelievable. His workrate and effort and he’ll keep going when he can’t keep going,’’ Waltisbuhl said.
“He’s just unreal. He’ll be picked up soon for sure.’’
The Bears coach said he was undecided about returning next year.
“But today definitely makes me think a bit more. It’s a good feeling,’’ he said.
C Grade: Brothers def Redbank Plains 32-20
Player of the Final Mat Furner paid tribute to his fast-finishing side and a dedicated teammate after Brothers secured lower grade grand final honours.
Having come through the Brothers junior ranks, Furner shared in the high powered “blue and white’’ victory chant before offering some special words for forward Cody O’Connell.
O’Connell was unable to play the grand final after seriously injuring his right knee in the previous final. He had taken to the field with a strapped left knee before the other one gave way.
O’Connell now needs two knee reconstructions.
“Cody done his knee in the first half of the semi so we kind of dedicated this game to him and tried to get the win for him,’’ Furner said.
Cody fittingly helped motivate the players with a pre-final speech.
Playing in the centres, 19-year-old Furner had been with the team all season having joined Brothers 11 years ago.
He was surprised to collect his first Player of the Final award in a grand final, praising second rower Harry Douglas for his on-field support.
“The boys really switched on there in the second half – getting right through the middle, pushing through,’’ Furner said.
“It was a really good season just getting to know the boys and getting a few tries this year. It was good.’’
Brothers coach Russ Myers agreed Douglas was worthy of special recognition.
“Harry set up a lot of those plays and put Mattie into those positions,’’ Myers said.
“Those two really worked well together and they have all year.’’
Myers conceded he was a bit nervous after Redbank Plains built on their early 12 point lead.
“When they (the Bears) put two on us early in the second half, we were starting to doubt ourselves but the boys just came back and played footy,’’ Myers said.
“The boys did that to their credit.
“We have played Redbank three times and they have been the side that’s really pushed us.’’
Among Brothers try scorers were Logan Conn, Tyler Pholi and Simeon Gasio.
While Cody missed the final, his brother Casey had his usual major impact.
The hooker’s goalkicking was decisive as Redbank Plains struggled to land vital extras.
At 20-20, Brothers lock Tyrell Woodley fired up teammates in his own half. Brothers responded with a try shortly to take the lead for the first time.
From there, Brothers controlled the match to clinch the club’s first victory of the day.
The ex-RAAFIE coach has thoroughly enjoyed working with different Brothers teams.
“The club has got a long history,’’ Myers said.
“We’re hated by everyone here. We’re like the Manly of the NRL I suppose you could say.
“But it’s a lovely club and they’ve got really good longevity players.
“Mick Wilson got me to the club 20 years ago.’’
Myers was involved in the club’s 2006 grand slam where every team won on that grand final day.
He has the symbolic ring to show for his efforts as a water runner.
“I wear that with pride every game I go to,’’ he said.
Myers also praised Ipswich football officials for this season.
“I want to congratulate Rugby League Ipswich on including the Volunteers Cup - C Grade - in the major fixtures,’’ Myers said.
“That was a really, really good effort on their part. Make us part of the whole program.
“Let’s make sure it happens every year.’’
Other observations
It was great to see an ambulance on standby at the North Ipswich Reserve after some injuries in earlier finals delayed play for extended periods. While it wasn’t needed this time, player safety must remain a priority, especially in finals.
While the North Ipswich Reserve Redevelopment is a hot topic, watching footy at the ground is still enjoyable. The grassy hills and trees for shade provide pleasant spots to set up camp and see the matches without any Covid space issues.
There were plenty of errors in lower level C Grade, especially under the high ball. However, it was pleasing note the defensive commitment of some players who are fiercely loyal to their clubs.
And finally, a fitting message on a shirt that reinforced the importance of respecting officialdom.
The wise words read: “Keep calm and let the referee handle it’’.
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