’Insider’ info sunk manager

A FORMER Racing Queensland manager who rorted the tendering process by feeding inside information on racetrack work to a businessman has walked from court.

William Alan Shuck, 55, pleaded guilty in Brisbane District Court on Monday to five counts of fraud while working as infrastructure operations manager for RQ in 2014-15.

The court heard that Shuck gave Wayne Francis Innes “inside information” about project budgets, and forwarded competitors’ quotes so the businessman could secure work for his earthmoving business Landfill Logistics.

Prosecutor Sam Bain said this information helped Innes secure a $176,000 contract to renovate the Gympie racetrack and another to upgrade Brisbane’s Eagle Farm.

The court heard Shuck told Innes he could “quote as close as he liked to the $100,000 and still get the job” on the Eagle Farm redevelopment.

Bain said Shuck also supplied Innes with details of upgrades for Redcliffe harness racing and Kilcoy racetrack.

He said while Innes was unsuccessful in these tenders, the information still gave him a competitive advantage.

Shuck was sentenced to two years’ jail, wholly suspended for three years.

RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick has opened up about his marriage split for the first time and how it will affect the Tigers as they push for a premiership three-peat.

Hardwick said he addressed the delicate issue with his players on his first day back at the club this pre-season.

It was reported last month that Hardwick was in a relationship with a Richmond staffer after splitting up with his wife Danielle, with whom he has three children.

“The reality was on the first day back I had to speak to the players about it,” Hardwick told SEN on Monday.

“That’s something we do at the club, and it was important we did that so we could get on with the business of preparing for Round 1.

“We just finished a terrific pre-season camp and we always speak about things that are distractions in our lives and distractions that might bring about the demise of great teams.

“That’s the reality of competition, sides are always dealing with those distractions, but sides that deal with it best come out on top.

“We’re focused on preparing for Round 1, and the players are understanding of my situation and where we’re at.

“But I also have to understand there are a lot of staff and players that are incredibly close to Danielle and my family. My entire family has been a massive part and will continue to be a massive part of the Richmond Football Club.

“I’m glad they’re supporting her, and this isn’t about taking sides, it’s about making sure what’s best for everyone.”

Hardwick said he spoke to his players “openly and honestly” about the sensitive matter, which some have speculated could have a negative impact on Richmond’s push for a fourth flag in five years.

“Absolutely, it’s what we do (speak openly),” he said.

“We speak about it consistently, and it was important the first time they saw me I spoke about it openly and honestly.”

The triple premiership coach called for privacy for his family.

“These things happen in all walks of life, but I’m very much of the opinion people’s private lives should be just that, which is private,” he said.

“I know sections of the media won’t treat it that way, but that’s how I’m treating it first and foremost.

“Myself and Danielle’s No.1 priority will, and always has been, our three beautiful kids, and I’m very proud of the kids and the job Danielle and I have done in raising them.

“To finish the topic off, really, it’s been a difficult time for everyone, and out of respect for Danielle and the kids, my private life is not something I’m very comfortable speaking about.”

When pressed further, Hardwick said: “Like I said, this is something that is personal, and I think I’ve probably dealt with enough questions on this from you two blokes.

“I’m here to talk about the footy, so let’s get moving.

“I understand the media has a job to do and that’s part and parcel of the industry we’re in, but I also understand my personal life is just that.

“I’m a football coach first and foremost, and that’s what I’m here to speak about now.”