Best of the best make the grade
THE nominations have been put forward and now the experts have chosen their North Queensland rugby league A Grade Team of the Decade.
A panel featuring TDRL chairman Ross Anderson, Blackhawks operations chief Adrian ‘Happy’ Thomson, Kirwan High head of sport Dave Ackers, TDRL stalwart and veteran coach Kevin Marty and Townsville-based Q Cup referee Wyatt Raymond made the tough calls, and the team put forward represents the cream of local footy.
Every player picked was not only rated on their obvious skill, but also the longevity of their rugby league careers and the impact they brought to their respective clubs.
Anderson, who has been chairman of the TDRL for more than a decade, said the panel worked hard to arrive at North Queensland’s Team of the Decade.
“Each and everyone one of these players brought their own traits to their teams, and what was just as important to us was their commitment to footy,” he said.
“There was a through discussion over the players and some very good players had to be left out.
“The whole point is that people are talking about local rugby league, and everyone will have their own opinion on who should be in the team.”
DANIEL PICKERING (University/western Lions)
Brothers and Herbert River dominated the number of premierships won and grand finals played during the past decade of local footy and the Team of the Decade is reflective of that dominance, with nine of the selected players lining up for the sides.
Talents from the competition’s other clubs were also included, with Burdekin getting a look in with Temone Power and Raynor Power both selected on the left edge.
University was also included with the selection of Jack Kelleher, who also played for Brothers, and Nathaniel Bowman flew the flag for both Norths and for University.
Herbert River captaincoach Mitch Seri was arguably the TDRL’S most dominant player across the past decade, and said he was honoured to be included in the Team of the Decade at halfback.
“It’s not one of those things you think about when you’re playing and there’s been a lot of good halfbacks playing in the local competition in the last decade,” he said.
“I really think Townsville is up there with the best local footy in Queensland, and a lot of players in local footy could easily make the step up, just as
Our panel of experts deciding on the A Grade Team of the Decade. Blackhawks football operations Manager Adrian Thomson, Kirwan High head of sport Dave Ackers, Q Cup referee Wyatt Raymond and TDRL chairman Ross Anderson. Picture: ALIX SWEENEY long as they have access to opportunities. “I’m hoping I can still keep going for a another couple of years. I know it will be very difficult to call it a day.”
Former Cowboys under-20s and Townsville Blackhawks player Michael Parker-walshe joined Brothers from 2013 and brought undoubted impact to the club’s premiership successes.
“It’s definitely very much an honour to be named alongside these players,” ParkerWalshe said.
“It’s obviously something you don’t think about, but it’s good for the TDRL to do something like this and it’s giving back to the players who did so much for this competition. “I’ve played local footy on the Gold Coast and Sunshine
Coast and Townsville is the toughest local footy I’ve played.
“There’s a good mix of young talent and hardened veterans that makes this competition so tough.
“I really think the next 10 years will be just as good, if not better.”
Nathan Norford, who has also played Cowboys under-20s and for the Townsville Blackhawks, rated TDRL as some of the most rewarding footy he’s ever played.
“It’s a good standard, and you’re still playing with mates,” Norford said.
“I feel very privileged to be chosen in this team. There’s been some amazing players to have been part of this league.
“Without a doubt, you need that strong grassroots footy and it’s important it stays strong.” The Townsville Bulletin will also unveil its ‘people’s choice’ Team of the Decade at townsvillebulletin.com.au this afternoon.
The Townsville Bulletin placed a call to all Townsville and District Rugby League clubs to nominate their respective teams of the decade, from 2010 to 2019, and readers have placed hundred of votes.
The clubs have nominated 17 players but they could have gone up to 30,” Anderson said.
“There are exceptional player across all clubs and unfortunately some will miss out, but this is our way of acknowledging the people who have contributed to local rugby league.”