For my last Coaches report of the year I want to reflect on some of the great achievements of some members of our club. I would also like to make mention and give thanks to the many people who assisted in the on the field success. As we all know Rugby is a team sport this is always recognized on the field however the on the field teamwork is only a part of the team. Success can be measured by the on the field wins and achievements but it is also the work and commitment of all members of the club, success is not just winning Premierships or where you finished on the ladder. Since I first joined this club I have always and will always be a true believer that our club is true of heart, passionate and strong comrade that I know a lot of clubs out there miss certain ingredients to have success in all aspects of there organizations.
The teams in our club I would like to make special mention of are the following.
* The Committee– Without there tireless efforts through out the whole season we would be lost. These are the people who order all the kit to make our organization look professional and present proud to the community. Without their efforts in seeking grants from the Government and Community Organizations we would not have a shed full of equipment to help prepare our players and future players. The efforts in seeking sponsors to help financially in keeping the Mariners going forward. To Brendan, Sam, Stacey, Woody, Disco Dave, Jack and Tahl thanks for your efforts during the year and be proud of your success.
* The Sponsors– Without your support and financial assistance we would have great difficulty in providing the boys with the tools required to build a strong team and strong club culture. So thank you James Cook University, Sydney H Turner, Pro Arch Podiatry, Paddy Wacks, The Crown, RnR Rafting, Sexy Cat, Northern Batten Service and The Capta Group of companies.
* Our Community Leaders– These people are the people who often miss out on the thanks. These people are usually the ones out there looking to assist in non-profit sporting clubs who require community assistance. These people are the likes of Kevin Byrne our club patron and long serving member of our club and community, I know Kevin has assisted behind the scenes for a long time, so thanks Kevin. To Steve Wetenhall member for Barron River who assisted in providing the club with the information required to receive Government grants.
* The Supporters and Families– Thanks for your support during the year, your patience and understanding goes a long way. Also thanks for allowing the boys the opportunity to participate week in week out.
* The Players– Your efforts at training and during the games was second to none, I was proud to be your coach this year and the friendships that were formed will be there for years to come. Special thanks in this group goes to our Captain Mike Dewhurst who lead the team on the field and showed great leadership and marshaled his troops to be in my opinion the most disciplined team in the comp. Thanks to the other senior players who also helped in marshalling the team. Jordan Massey, Tim Scott, Justin Brown and Lee Boylan.
* My Fellow Coaches– To Alex and Peter, thanks for your assistance and understanding during the year. Without a strong team in Reserve Grade it is hard to have a strong A grade team. You have provided a committed foundation which has helped in the success from the A grade side as well. To Matt Weldon whose help this year is greatly appreciated his mentorship can attribute to the success of the club as a whole. Last but not least Troy Jaques taught the players and me so much during the year. It’s not too many times you have some one of Troy’s caliber helping to get the most out of a collective group.
I would like to finish by acknowledging some of the individuals who excelled this year in representing the Club on the field-
Cairns Thunder Representatives
Mike Dewhurst, Tahl Young, Oscar Fasavalu and Peter Fairweather.
Cairns Storm (Colts) Representative
Kerrod Martorella
Cairns and District Rugby Union Honors
Justin Brown CDRU First Grade Best and Fairest
Brendan Turner CDRU Reserve Grade Best and Fairest
Jacqui McMahon CDRU Spirit of Rugby Award
Dion Pryor CDRU First Grade Top Point Scorer
JCU Mariners The John “Tubby” Jeckel Trophy holders 4 years running
Club Honors – Reserve Grade
Most Improved Player- Charlie Stratton
The Charlie Scanlon Memorial Trophy, Rookie of the Year- Jesse O’Hara
Utility Player- Loven Yakka
Players Player- Ray Turner
Best Forward- Ray Turner
Best Back- Grant Turner
Best and Fairest- Rodel Glanville
First Grade
Managers Mug- Tahl Young
Most Improved- Noel Stanton
Rookie of The Year- Kerrod Martorella
Utility Player- Shannon Mackey
Players Player- Oscar Fasavalu
Best Forward- Jordan Massey
Best Back- Justin Brown
Best and Fairest- Oscar Fasavalu
Club
The McMahon Trophy- Brendan Turner
Club Person of the Year- Charlie Boylan
