Purest type of pleasure
THE simple pleasure of watching a game of local footy is what keeps long- serving Townsville and District Rugby League chairman Ross Anderson coming back every season.
Anderson has been involved with Townsville rugby league for almost three decades, starting out with Centrals in 1990 before taking up a role as secretary and eventually chairman with the TDRL.
He was made a life member of the TDRL in 2010, and while Anderson said it could be challenging role at times, he felt the rewards made it all worthwhile.
“The rewards are there when you see players develop and go onto bigger things,” Anderson said.
“That’s what we’re about. You’ve got players, referees, first- aiders, even administrators at local clubs, so it’s about giving everybody the oppor- tunity to develop. The most enjoyment I get out of this role is to go out there and just watch the local footy and see the parents and the supporters turn up and enjoy a good game of football.”
Anderson believes it is an exciting time to be involved in Townsville rugby league, with the strength of the local talent also helping to drive the success of the Cowboys and Blackhawks at the top level.
“It’s been a strong competition in Townsville from when it started and it’s important for not just seniors, but juniors too,” he said.
“Our new way of offering a pathway for players all the way through from local footy to ISC ( Queensland Cup) and the NRL through the Blackhawks and Cowboys, that’s extremely important.
“We do see a benefit when the Blackhawks and the Cowboys are going well.
“We see it in the junior footy with more kids getting involved and it’s about developing and bringing them through as seniors and having them stay with their clubs.”
Anderson expects next season will be his last as chairman, but he believes the TDRL has a bright future even after he steps aside.
“I’ll be putting my hat in the ring for next year, but after that I think it’s time to maybe give new blood the opportunity,” he said.