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2005 S G Ball Report

Firstly I would like to take this opportunity to thank the players, officials and parents for their support and commitment this year.

Our motto this year was to "play every play" and when we did we were a very formable side which was competitive in all areas across the park. In a very tight competition, our fate was not determined until we had a hefty loss to Canberra at Canberra in the last round of the competition. Canberra progressed to the final series at our expense and went on to take out the grand final. Once again this was a tightly contested competition with 12 teams in contention for the final eight from 15 teams.

The bye in round 7 did us no favors, although the loss to St George in round 5 at Leichhardt Oval hurt, the noise from the oppositions dressing room is still ringing in my ears, and will do so for some time to come. After coming off a courageous win against the roosters at Hensen Park the week before, I think we thought that we would just have to turn up to get the points against St George.  

This year we seemed to be slow to turn on our football brains. This allowed our opposition to take early point scoring opportunities to lead most games in the first 15 minutes of both halves. However, we always seemed to fight our way back, sometimes with success and others with defeat and a blow out in the score line late in the game.

 Season results are as follows :

Next I would pay tribute to the following, in the coaching staff:

Bernie Zappia - His advice during the week and on game day was much appreciated

Jason Williams – Brought a lot of professionalism and knowledge to the Club.

Wayne Piper – Head trainer/conditioner Yellow shirt - Has been with the Club for a number of years and was a vital member of the coaching staff with his experience as a trainer.

Dale Bonner - Trainer Blue Shirt - Was great with the boys with his inspiration and motivation.

Bob Cooper – Was fantastic and nothing was ever a problem, and always did a great job as manager.

Rob   – Was great devising weight programs in the gym and as orange shirt on game days.

Yvette Downey – Trainer Orange shirt - Was her first time involved with a league side, but you wouldn't of known it, her knowledge was first class.

Jason Daniel - Helped out when asked and always volunteered his services. Great quick feet and speed drills.

Darren Riley - Ex fastest man in rugby league, taught the boys balance and how to run.

Darren Mclean – I would like to thank Darren for helping us out on game days and also Stuart Stanton for being there for the unbiased advice, BT'S live.

Lyn Phillis - You can never give this lady enough accolades, the backbone of the club.

Below are a list of people who helped and supported the side in various capacities throughout the season:

Steve Noyce, David Trodden, Danny Stapleton, Tim Sheens, Royce Simmons, Mesch, Paul Heptonstall, David Kelly, Steve Leslie, Eric Goddard.  Thank you all for everything.

Although everyone wants to win the S G Ball competition and it is very competitive in trying to do so, the competition is really about developing players.  Early this year we had some disruptions with the loss of our number 1 half Blake Durex and front row forward through home sickness caused sole searching changes to the squad. Eventually Ryan Smith took up this position in a positive manner to direct play around the field. Some players played in totally new positions and excelled.

At the time of writing, congratulation go to Keith Eshman and Chris Noble for their promotion to Jersey Flegg.   

Also congratulations to the players who have made the elite Wests Tigers Cub side.  They are Ben Falcone, Mitchell Achurch, Tohi Leha, Matt Ryan, Troy Adams and Chris Scuglia. There are a few players who I personally think were very unlucky not to have made it but I have been told that the door has not closed and officials will be out watching junior league games and there could be a possibility for extras.

This year I feel attitude was our biggest downfall, we must stay focused at all time, regardless of what is happening around us to succeed.

I would like to leave you with one piece of advice: In rugby league you have to turn up to play for every minute, every game, every week or suffer the consequences.

Mitchell Achurch - A player with potential to improve. Played five eight and centers, needs to believe in himself a little more, particularly when he takes the line on. A hand injury late in the competition probably robbed us of seeing best of him. Scored one try this season.

Troy Adams - Improved every game and held a spot up front or in the back row in the starting line up. Takes the ball up and defends strongly. Rewarded with a try season.

Daniel Casa - Cas started slow in the pack but got his act together mid season. A talented forward who thrives on solid defense and his ability to unload the football. Also scored a try this season. 

Keith Eshman - Small in statue big in heart. Esh always gave his best in defense and attack. Played in the centers and was a constant handful for his opponents. Scored five tries this season

Ben Falcone - A dynamic player, especially out of dummy half. Ben played hooker this year and became our impact player off the bench. Has speed and ability to read the game and sniff out tries. Ben scored 8 tries this season, our top try scorer. A player of the future.

Latu Fifita - A big front row forward who didn't like taking a backward step. Did not achieve as expected, however he showed his full potential in our last game. With a change in attitude he could develop into a promising player, particularly in defense and his ability to offload and score tries. Scored 4 tries this season.

Jarrad Flack - Flacky always wanted to be part of the action and gets nine out of ten for enthusiasm. A utility player who probably lacked a little knowledge of the game but contributed through his desire to be part of the team.

Shay Flanders - Shay appeared not to settle into his backup hooking role this year. He seemed more at home as a halfback but had limited opportunities to impress. Needs to improve his speed off the line. This will improve his defense and position in the defensive line. Good Communicator.

Damien Kennedy - Big and strong back rower who needs to get more involved to reach his full potential. Provided some of the biggest hits this season and scored 2 tries.

Freddy Khouiss - A product of last years S.G.Ball side, Freddy played wing and fullback and suffered a  ankle injury this year. A player with exceptional speed and talent.

Tohi Leha - A front row forward who provided our platform in attack. Always made ground with the ball and was punishing in defense. Scored 2 tries and was highly regarded by his team mates.  

Jake Lockwood - Jake was another player from last years S.G.Ball team which never reached his full potential this year and I know he can make it, just take a deep breath every now and then.. Jake played in the centers and at times displayed the football skills that he does possess. Jake scored one try this season.

Paul Marino - Mr consistency, porky rarely put in a bad performance. Played in the back row and put his body on the line each week. Solid defender admired by his team mates. RAMBO

Junior Meatoga - JR a big lump of a guy who was plagued by a shoulder injury all season. A player who was a great motivator before and during games. Did not see his full potential this season.

 Mark Mooney - Played in the back row and did what he had to and nothing more due to a strong forward bench. Likable guy who enjoys the game. Probably had a problem adapting to the interchange system this year, but was reliable when he was called upon.

Christian Naranjo - Played in the front row, promised everything at the start of season with deft ball skills and strong defense. Condition and injury contributed to a loss of form mid season. Has the potential to elevate his ranking through commitment.

Richie Nicholas - Another of last years S.G.Ball members who had a disappointing season, mainly due to injury suffered on holidays. A solid back row forward, solid in attack and defense. Needs to get his confidence back.

 Chris Noble - Played in the back row and centers. Came to us from Jersey Flegg as a wing three quarter. Lacked a little in defense, improved with a stint in the forwards. His defense still lets him down at times when going for intercepts, although can turn a game around. Scored 1 intercept try this season.

Marc Russell - Great communicator, always encouraged at training and tried to organize game plans on the field. Needs to back himself a little more at times before considering other options and not to show frustration in a negative way to other team mates when something goes wrong. Kicked 12 goals this season.

Matt Ryan - The grongster, played in the centers and on the wing, consistent, helped to reduce the forward work load. One of the first picked each week. Highest points scorer with 4 tries and 10 goals.

Chris Scuglia - One of the most consistent and best performed backs. Chris played on the wing, however he bobbed up all over the field, under the high ball, returning the ball under pressure, relieving the forwards, scoring and defending. Scored 2 tries this season.

Ryan Smith - The general, played half and directed play around the park. What he lacked in the speed and agility department he made up with heart. Ryan was a late inclusion into the side and quickly cemented his position as halfback. Great defender who would probably be better suited in a hooking role. Captain Courages.

Sam Tatola - Another likable character that found himself in and out of the team due to an abundance of players or injury. Sam had a solid year as a hooker/back rower and put in some solid performances. Needs to work on defense and fitness.

Nick Tice - Another recruit from last years S.G.Ball team, Nick had a solid year at Fullback. With the right attitude and commitment will play NRL. Scored 2 tries this season.

Good luck to everyone in what ever or where ever your career takes you.

Ray Windle

Coach

Competition Table Round 9