TIGERS TO FAREWELL SOME CHAMPIONS

This weekend could very well see the final game at home for some wonderful servants of the Club and the game of Rugby League. Two centurions of the Club in Marcus Jensen and Wade Liddell are likely to retire at season's end. Wade is having a stellar season and will definitely start the game on Saturday while Wade Lidell is trying desperately to overcome a leg injury to enable him to finish his last season with the Tigers on the playing field.

Marcus (left) played in the very first year of the State League as a young seventeen year old centre for Bundaberg and came to Easts the very next year. He spent two years with the Ipswich Jets but returned to the Tigers and has decided to concentrate on family and career once this season is over. Marcus seems to have grown as a footballer every year he has played and is now recognised as a leading back rower, not just in the Club but in the competition. He took all before him at the Club Awards night last season and this year reached the milestone of 100 State League games with the Club.

Wade Liddell (right) came to the club as a scrawny nineteen year old and now nearly 200 games later he is still scrawny, no longer nineteen, but recognised as one of fiercest competitors in the game and a great club man. Wade played his entire senior football with the Tigers other than two seasons with Gateshead in the English League from where he began a nine game international career with the Scottish side including last years World Cup.Usually a fullback Wade has played with distinction on the wing, in the centres, in the halves and at hooker in the top grade.

Also intending to hang up the boots at season's end is first year Tiger, Matt Cameron (centre), who has amassed over 100 games with the Tigers and the Ipswich Jets and has endeared himself to Tiger supporters all year with his tenacious play.

We are confident the expected large crowd will ensure that each of these players will get the recognition they deserve.

TIGERS PART WAYS WITH STATE LEAGUE COACHING PAIR.

State League Coach, Darren Smith, has been released from that position as the Club looks to improve on a very disappointing first half of the 2009 season. His assistant coach, Paul Lowe, was offered the opportunity to remain with the Club, albeit in a different capacity, but chose to depart also. The Club is appreciative of the time and effort put in by both men as they attempted to improve the team's performance and wish them best the best for the future.

Premiership winning FOGS Cup Coach, Jason Gainey, will be joined by Darren Smith's Assistant Coach last year Steele Retchless and the pair will be responsible for guiding the Tigers top squad for the balance of 2009. The Tigers welcome to the Club, Jon Buchanan, currently in Melbourne preparing the Qld U/16 team for their State of Origin Curtain Raiser clash with New South Wales. Jon will assume responsibility for the FOGS Cup team, currently hovering on the edge of the top four in that grade. Scott Tronc and Brett LeMan will continue their successful association with the FOGS Colts team.

The Club is confident that these changes will help revitalise the players as we head into the second half of the season. Spirits are high and the State League squad have certainly not given up hope of making an impact on this years competition.

MATT LOCKYER ENDS A WONDERFUL CAREER

Just prior to the ANZAC weekend round of fixtures, popular club man, Matt Lockyer reluctantly announced his retirement from the game and club he has served with such distinction. Matt joined the Tigers in 2003 after moving to Brisbane as a 17 year old on a Broncos scholarship and playing 59 games State League for Souths. He is a centurion with the Tigers, has captained the Club and made his mark at representative level. A hallmark of Matts game was always his work ethic and willingness to give of his all whether training or competing. Matt recently branched out on his own in the building industry and the arrival of a baby daughter in the off season added to the pressure on Matt to consider his life outside of football.

All at the Tigers look back with fond memories on Matt's contributions to our club and wish him the very best in his retirement. Quiet and dignified in his football life, he will be sorely missed as a role model for the struggling Tigers through the remainder of 2009 and all at the Club join in congratulating him on a wonderful career.

Courier Mail story on Matt from 2006................ QRL Profile

"WOODY" MAKES IT AS A SESQUICENTARIAN.

Wade "Woody" Liddell, continued a wonderful month of celebrations when he played his 150th State League Game for the Tigers against the Tweed Seagulls on Easter Saturday. Wade and Rachel became proud parents of their first child, a daughter, Dakota, on the 1st April.

Wade made his State League debut as a 20 year old in 2000 and has become not just a valuable player but a great character of the Club.

Wade has played in many positions over the years and in every one of them, has displayed grit and tenacity seemingly at odd with his light frame. Though predominantly a fullback, Wade was the centre partner of Steve Renouf in the 2004 Grand Final (who can forget that haircut), and has played in the halves, on the wing and at hooker at various times. In one memorable victory at Dolphin Oval in 2004 he even packed down in the second row for part of the game.

Club statistician, Ken Cooper has Wade credited with 224 points in his 149 games to date and his 56 tries makes him the Clubs leading tryscorer in the Qld Cup competition. In a match against Brothers in 2004, Wade stole the limelight from debutant, Steve Renouf, with a five try performance - still a record in the Club for the Qld Cup competition.

After the 2004 Grand Final, Wade spent the next two seasons with Gateshead in the English League from where he was selected in the Scottish national squad. Wade has played 9 international for the tartened terrors including participation in last years World Cup in Australia.

LEAGUES CLUB WIN TOP PRIZE AGAIN

Congratulation to General Manager, Sharna McLean and the rest of the fabulous team at Easts Leagues Club who have won the prestigious Club of the Year award for the second year in a row at the Clubs Qld awards night held at the Convention Centre. Sharna also took out the other major gong, the Club Manager of the Year in what was a wonderful night for the large group of staff who dressed up for the big night out.

SPONSORS GRAND FINAL TRIP 2008

See all the images here of a memorable trip.

FOGS CUP WIN GRAND FINAL

The Easts Tigers are FOGS Cup Champions after a drama packed match played in sweltering conditions at the Ipswich Reserve. The boys looked down and out when they trailed 10 - nil at half time but fought back in the second half to get back to ten all with around ten minutes remaining. Both sides had desperate attempts at field goals in the final minutes but the scores were still locked at the siren.

The game then went to golden point extra time and the Tigers were awarded a penalty just over forty metres out and almost in front. Despite kicking into the wind, Dane Campbell elected to shoot for goal and somehow the ball fell over the goalpost to the cheers of the large crowd of Tiger's supporters.

More game day reports and photos here

MARCUS MAKES HIS MARK ON TROPHY NIGHT

Hard working backrower, Marcus Jensen was the big winner at the Clubs Presentation of Trophies Night held in front of a capacity crowd at the Leagues Club on Saturday night. More Info Here

EASTS DUO CLAIM SEASON AWARDS

Congratulations to Fred Tila and Dane Phillips who each claimed a major prize at the QRL Awards night Monday 8th September.

Boom young backrower, Fred Tila won the prestigious Carbine Club Rookie of the Year. Reserve Grade hooker and Captain, Dane Phillips received recognition for a wonderful season with the crowning as the FOGS Cup Player of the year.

Pictured here are our happy winners. Dane Phillips on left with his partner, Krystal Baguley, and the Carbine Club Colt of the Year, Fred Tila. Both players represented the Club with distinction at the glamour night of the season.

2008 Award Winners

FOGS COLTS CHALLENGE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Asher Elemani (Western Districts)

FOGS CUP PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Dane Phillips (Easts Tigers)

REPRESENTATIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Isaak Ah Mau (Ipswich)

COACH OF THE YEAR: Kevin Walters (Ipswich)

SPOTLESS CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP: Souths Logan Magpies

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Fred Tila (Easts Tigers)

QANTAS PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Scott Smith (Burleigh Bears) – 31

Runners up: Chris Enahoro (Tweed Heads) 25; Michael Ryan (Ipswich Jets) 23; Isaac Kaufmann (Easts Tigers) 22; Ian Lacey (Ipswich Jets) 22; Nat Bowman (Central Comets) 21.

COURIER-MAIL BEST AND FAIREST: Nat Bowman (Central Comets) – 18 points

Runners up: Quentin Laulu Togagae (Souths Logan) 14; Ian Lacey (Ipswich Jets) 13; Donald Malone (Ipswich Jets) 13; Matt Lockyer (Easts Tigers) 12; Josh Lewis (Ipswich Jets) 12; Michael Ryan (Ipswich Jets) 12.

LEADING TRY SCORERS

FOGS Colts: Phil Dumelow (Burleigh)
FOGS Cup: Troy Rowbotham (Western Districts)
Wizard Cup: Adam Fiedler (Burleigh)

LEADING POINT SCORERS

FOGS Colts: Matthew Lennon (Western Districts)/Perrin Miller (Burleigh)
FOGS Cup: Bradley McKee (Western Districts)
Queensland Cup: Nick Parfitt (Burleigh)

75th ANNIVERSARY DINNER A GREAT SUCCESS

  A capacity crowd packed the Atkin Auditorium at the Easts Leagues Club on Sunday 9th June for the long awaited 75th Anniversary Dinner and a great time was had by all.

One of the features of the night was the announcement of the Top 25 All Time Tiger Greats. For a look at the Sth East Advertiser report on the function please click here.

Our special report from Michelle McDonald with all the news and photos is here now.

CONGRATULATIONS TO EASTS LEAGUES CLUB

It was a big weekend all round for the Tigers as the Eastern Suburbs Leagues Club was named as the BEST Club in Queensland at the Gala Awards Night hosted by Clubs Queensland at the Gold Coast Convention Centre. This was the third time in the past four years that the Club had been voted the Best Club in Brisbane but the first time since 1997 that they have won the top award in the State.

Fittingly, a large group of staff accepted the Board's invitation to attend the function and were able to witness first hand as their hard work was recognised by their peers in the industry. Congratulations to General Manager, Sharna McLean, all her wonderful staff and the thirty thousand members who all help make our Club the best in the State.

BRONCOS AND TIGERS NAME DUAL REGISTERED PLAYERS

The Easts Tigers have finalized their roster of dual registered players from the Brisbane Broncos with the release of the full list last week. Added to the Tiger Squad (if and when they are not required for NRL duty are Toni Carroll,  Darius Boyd,  Justin Hodges,  Corey Parker,  Michael Ennis, Darren Lockyer and Steve Michaels.

From the Broncos National Youth Championship squad the Tigers have acquired Rian Cherry and Toby Mott, both of whom are fullback / five-eighths, while Easts Junior, Max Dudley is also in the mix.

The Easts Tigers have announced a new three-year affiliate club arrangement with the Brisbane Broncos.

The agreement will give a direct pathway to the NRL for young Tiger talent while also immediately providing two young men with a taste of life in the NRL.

Tigers players Trent Young and Luke Archer (pictured) have already started pre-season training with the Broncos senior squad, and will continue through until the NRL competition begins.

The pair - along with any other Easts player who catches the eye of the Broncos coaching staff during the season - will be dually-registered with both the Tigers and Broncos, making them eligible for both the NRL and Queensland Cup. 

More Info here.

VALE Ron McLENNAN

The Eastern Suburbs Tigers and the world of Rugby League lost one of their greats on the 30th September 2007 with the passing of Ron McLennan after a brave battle with cancer.   MORE HERE

2008 PRE-SEASON TRAINING UNDER WAY

The players have made their earliest ever start to a year with pre-season training commencing on Monday 28th October. A State League Squad of over forty players is training under the new coaching panel at Langlands Park while the Colts Squad is training under Scott Tronc and Brett LeMan at Cavendish Road High School. Use of the quality facilities at the Cavendish Road School of Excellence means there is a far lighter load on the facilities at Langlands.

Training for he remaining players hoping to play for the Club will commence in late November. The Club, through the Juniors, is expecting to field two second division teams this year including an open age side.

The Club is pleased to announce that Darren Smith will lead the Tigers into the 2008 season as the State League Coach. Darren is returning to the Club after a successful stint with the Ipswich Jets and all in the Club look forward with enthusiasm to the contribution Darren will make as we strive to celebrate our 75 years in style.

Steele Retchless makes a welcome return to the Club as Darren's assistant in the State League job while Jason Gainey moves from the Colts program into the FOGS Cup position. In the vital Colts role, the Club has appointed Scott Tronc and are also delightedto have his right hand man Brett LeMan as part of the Colts program.

Rob Florence will carry on from his excellent first season in the U22 competition as Coach of the Club's Open Grade side in 2008.

Stay tuned to this website as we start to introduce you to some of the new (and old) players turning out for the Tigers in 2008.

2006 AWARDS NIGHT WINNERS

The following players were the winners at the annual Awards Night at the Leagues Club on Saturday 23rd September.

 CARINA                                      Shane McINTYRE
EASTS JUNIORS                       Nat GOSCHE
EASTS MT GRAVAT                 Arron SCELLS
EASTS REDLANDS                   Michael WADE
ROCHEDALE TIGERS             Ross TOWERS
SPRINGWOOD                          Taylor SEELEY

PROBUS CLUB OF STONES CORNER AWARD
Player with the most potential for State League Football - David WOOD

EASTS OLD BOYS (CARINA) AWARDS
The CHARLIE THOROGOOD TROPHY is presented to the MOST CONSISTENT BACK in the STATE LEAGUE.  -  David TYRRELL

The HENRY CHADWICK MEMORIAL TROPHY is presented to the MOST CONSISTENT FORWARD in the STATE LEAGUE. – Trevor EXTON

ED WYLIE AWARD for the PLAYERS PLAYER in FOGS A GRADE. - Ben WATT.

McGRATH FAMILY AWARD
PLAYER’S PLAYER in the STATE LEAGUE  - Mark CANTONI.

MOST SERVICABLE BACK .
U/22 Grade                      Kane PHILLIPS
COLTS                              David WOOD
BRISBANE A Grade       Chris PARKER
STATE LEAGUE  -          Kevin STEPHENSON

MOST SERVICABLE FORWARD
U/22 Grade                       Pat GEARY
COLTS                              Joshua ROBERTS
BRISBANE A Grade        Steve KRUGER
STATE LEAGUE              Marty ALLEN

BEST BACK
U/22 Grade                      Dion MUNRO
COLTS                              Dane PHILLIPS
BRISBANE A Grade         John REECE
STATE LEAGUE              Matt LOCKYER

BEST FORWARD
U/22 Grade                       Darryl BUTCHER
COLTS                              Shay NEWDICK
BRISBANE A Grade        Scott YOUNG
STATE LEAGUE              Steele RETCHLESS

BEST & FAIREST
U/22 Grade                      Troy CORBO
COLTS                              Brent KUSKEY
BRISBANE A Grade         Luke ARCHER
STATE LEAGUE  (B&W CABS AWARD)         Mark CANTONI

SPECIAL AWARDS

COOK FAMILY TROPHY
The first of our special awards was a new trophy generously donated by the COOK Family. Mrs Edna Cook is a great supporter of our Club as was her late husband Harry while three sons Trevor, Dennis and Peter were all involved in the Club as players, coaches or committee members. This trophy is an encouragement award for the player that the coaching panel felt deserved recognition for their efforts through the year and a player who the club feels has a great future in the game.- Shane NEUMANN

LOTH MEDAL

The most prestigious playing award our club bestows each year is the LOTH MEDAL. This medal is decided upon by considering FOOTBALL ABILITY, DEDICATION, CLUB INTEREST, and WILL TO WIN. Mr John LOTH presented the medal to Steele RETYCHLESS.

LIFE MEMBERS
Mr Keith PHILLIPS and Mr Don TROYAHN

East's David Tyrell wins Carbine Club Award

Exciting young back, David Tyrrell has been awarded the prestigious Peter Gallagher Memorial Award for the most outstanding young player at the Sth-East Division Awards night on Monday 4th September.

This award is given annually by the Carbine Club and honours the late Queensland and Australian Captain, Peter (Pedro) Gallagher. Carbine Club official, Michael O'Brien was on hand to present David with his award.

David has had an outstanding year after starting the year in Colts and making his mark with a swag of tries in the first few matches. After a season ending injury to winger, Steve Beattie he was rushed into the State League Side and has made every post a winner.

Though still only 17 years old, David has impressed many good critics with his potential and has already committed to the South Sydney NRL club in a deal that will see him train in Sydney in the off-season before returning to Brisbane to continue his apprenticeship both as an electrician and in his football with the Tigers. David only needs to continue to develop and work hard and the future looks very bright indeed.

EASTS STALWART RECOGNISED AT DIVISION AWARDS NIGHT

Long serving Eastern Suburbs member, Mr Ken Cooper (left) was recognised for his efforts with the Club when announced as Volunteer of the Year at the Sth-East Division Awards Night held at Suncorp Stadium on Monday night. In presenting the award, the divisions Financial Director Mr Brad Tallon praised Ken for his dedication to the club and the game in over twenty years of selfless service. In a fine speech of appreciation a humble Ken thanked all at the club for their support and paid particular tribute to his wife Christine and his family for their patience.

Brett McPherson to play his 200th Game

Popular Eastern Suburbs halfback, Brett McPherson, will play his 200th game of State League Rugby League on Saturday 1st June. McPherson has played those two hundred games in a career in which he has represented two clubs, the Easts Tigers and the Wynnum Seagulls.

In a wonderful coincidence, Brett will celebrate his 200th game in the clash between these two clubs at Langlands Park at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday.

McPherson left Easts in 2002 after over one hundred games for the Tigers to pursue his football dreams with the Seagulls. In four years at the bayside club, McPherson played a total of 82 State League games and was a leading contender in end of season awards in his time at Wynnum.

Since his return to the Tigers McPherson has settled back into the halfback position and, like his teammates, is enjoying a great surge of form as the teams battle it out for semi-final spots. The clash on July 1st is not only vital for McPherson but the Wynnum club will be desperate to gate crash the party with a win in the local derby.

East’s President, Mr Graham Andersen is expecting a big crowd for the annual ‘grudge” match. “This is a big day on the local League calendar and Brett’s milestone will only add to the occasion” said Andersen.

Coach, Booth looks forward to the challenge.

EASTS Tigers coach Michael Booth is looking forward to the challenge of his side making the Queensland Cup semi-finals. After nine rounds, the Tigers are sitting sixth on seven points, but only a win outside the top five. A bye in round 10 yields no points and is followed by Ipswich (May 27), Norths (June 3), Burleigh Bears (June 10) and Redcliffe (June 18).

"We've got a battle ahead of us to make the semi-finals," Booth said. "If we get ourselves into gear for the next round we can get up into the semis and give ourselves a chance. Booth estimated that his side needed to win six or seven of the next 10 fixtures to figure in the semi-finals. The whole club is looking forward to the challenge.

He said a lengthy injury toll had affected the club's confidence. A total of 19 injuries in the top two teams meant virtually one team was on the sidelines. "And four or five of them are season-ending injuries," he said. "It's up to the players, coaches and officials to turn it around. It's up to every individual and we can do it."

He said Aaron Kuskey, Steve Beattie, Drew Donovan, highly rated prop Anthony Armour and Nathan Vagg would not play again through injury while the two Smiths - Ben and Darren - had left the club."They were two of our key players," Booth said.

"Ben had come to us from the Sunshine Coast and unfortunately when he went back to reserve grade he then decided to go back to the Sunshine Coast.

"I respect Darren's decision and I would definitely rather have him with us, especially with the injuries we've got. "He was able to provide senior leadership which we miss with lot of young kids out there for us. They've now got the opportunity to stand up and be counted."

Booth is delighted with the young talent coming through with Shane Neumann, Dave Georgiou, Dave Tyrell and Brent Kuskey making the Queensland under 19s. "All the NRL clubs will be interested in them," he said. "Local clubs bring these players through but you may never get to use them in your senior ranks.

"In the past you could expect to have those kids in your top ranks for several years. They can gain valuable experience playing Queensland Wizard Cup. Instead they are tempted to head south to play Jersey Flegg and we could lose them. It would be nice to keep them a bit longer."

Centre Steve Neumann and winger David Tyrrell have already played this season in the Queensland Cup ranks for the Tigers and the club will be making every effort to keep their young players at Langlands Park for a little longer.

Easts Juniors Win Junior Club Relay

The Junior Club Relay was run on Saturday April 1 at half time of the State League Game. This year there were seven clubs running, with the newly affiliated club Easts Bulimba Stars JRLC making their first appearance. As Easts Bulimba only field teams in the 7, 9, 10 and 11 age groups, the other member clubs pitched in and supplied additional runners. Well done to the Rochedale Tigers who assisted both Easts Bulimba and their neighbour club Easts Springwood.

The other clubs held Easts Juniors in the younger age groups, but when the older players started to run the boys from Holland Park stretched out to an 80 metre lead.

The play of the day has to go to the Young Easts Bulimba Stars runner who despite giving up 8 years on his rival runners was determined to have a blue and white jersey finish the race. This makes it the ninth year straight that Easts Juniors have won the relay and I know the competition will be twice as fierce next year between the clubs to ensure another club holds the title of Relay Champion.

Well done to all who raced.

Scott Sipple marks 150th First Grade game against Comets

Dedicated Tiger forward, Scott Sipple finally achieved the 150 game milestone on Saturday 11th March when he took the field against the Central Comets. Scott played in the 1995 Colts Grand Final as a centre; in the 1997 Qld Cup Grand final as a goal kicking five-eighth and in the 2004 Qld Cup Grand Final as a Front Rower.

The club prepared a specially embroidered jersey to present to Scott after Round 7 last year when he was poised to reach the milestone in the next game. However an injury ended Scott's season and it has taken till the first game of he 2006 year for the long awaited milestone to tick over. The jersey was finally presented to Scott at a ceremony in the Leagues Club after the Comets game.

Footnote: The QRL website this week has Scott credited with only 146 Premier League games. The club stands by its own records and Scott need not worry. The achievement is official.

Luke Branighan a "pivotal" signing

NEW recruit Luke Branighan has merely switched cities, not allegiances.

The 24-year-old inside back has signed with the Easts Tigers from the Balmain Tigers, where he played Premier League last season.

The son of former South Sydney mainstay Arthur Branighan, who turned out for the Rabbitohs from the 1960s through to the 1970 grand final win over Manly, has agreed to terms for next season in the Queensland Cup.

"I've been to Brisbane for a weekend and will be back in town just after Christmas," Luke said. "I'm training pretty hard in Sydney and am doing something virtually every day.''

He was satisfied with his efforts with the Tigers, although standing in his way to the NRL level at the Wests Tigers were Benji Marshall and Scott Price, two of the season's in-form players. "The side was winning every week and it was pretty hard to crack a spot,'' Luke said. He could not forecast a change for the 2006 season, prompting a string of letters to Queensland Cup clubs in the hope of landing a contract.

"Graham Andersen at Easts was the first to respond and we got on well straight away," he said. "Graham and the club handled matters so professionally that it was easy to sign for next season."

But Luke's long-term aim is to return to the NRL ranks after starting his professional career with St George-Illawarra in 1999. "My ambition is to make it back into first grade," he said. "If given the opportunity I believe I can handle it. But next year my job is to help Easts win the premiership. I'm looking forward to meeting our players as I haven't met any of them yet."

Luke played first grade with Saints in 2000 before moving to Cronulla for 2001-02, seasons dogged by knee reconstructions. He turned out 16 times in first grade appearances for the Dragons and made a lone appearance for the Sharks. A season at South Sydney was followed by the past two seasons with the Tigers.

"They are good guys at the Tigers but it would have been nice to make first grade," he said. "I've been a bit unlucky with injuries, which have meant a lack of opportunities. "But the move up north appealed to me and I'm really looking forward to the challenges ahead. It will be good to live in another city and also get out of my comfort zone."

Luke knows the quality of the Queensland Cup, having followed it closely in rugby league magazines and on Fox Sports. "It's a very strong comp and I happened to be in Brisbane when the 2005 grand final was on and I watched it on television," he said. "I thought that if the Young Guns were in the NSW Premier League they would have won it and the standard overall is on a par with the Premier League. "It would have been a great match to see the Young Guns take on our premiers Parramatta."

Luke plays a variety of positions in five-eighth, halfback and lock, although he favours the pivot role. "I have told Easts that I will play wherever is best for the team," he said. He is not leaving anything to chance off the field either. He has enrolled at TAFE but also is on the lookout for a good job if one comes up. "I'll be either working on going to TAFE next year," he said.