Sport
8 March, 2023
Wattles Juniors ready to run on for 2023
Rugby league is ready and raring to kick-off its 2023 season on the Central Downs, and Wattles Junior Rugby League Club President Aaron Gilmore couldn’t be happier with the preparation.
It’s Aaron’s initial year at the helm of Wattles Juniors, and his passion will certainly contribute to the ongoing future development of the game in the Allora-Clifton district.
“We have seen an excellent committee assemble for the coming season,” according to Aaron.
“I’m looking forward to working within our management team to provide our players with an enjoyable and competitive season.”
A recent working bee
has Platz Oval looking a picture and well prepared for a busy pre-season and year ahead.
This Sunday will see Wattles open their footy campaign against the Pittsworth Junior Danes at Platz Oval, before heading to Stanthorpe on Saturday week, March 18th to match up against the junior Gremlins.
The Warriors pre-season will conclude on March 26th at Platz Oval where they host Toowoomba’s Southern Suburbs Tigers.
“It’s a busy pre-season but will prepare us well for the competition challenges ahead,” Aaron Gilmore said.
Despite the league year being in its early stages Wattles players have already taken to the field at higher representative levels.
Henry McMillan and Jack Burton were among the Collegians (Warwick) Under 14 representative team that finished a sensational fourth in the recent Adrian Vowles Cup in Charleville in a line up of 19 teams.
Henry was recognised for his impressive form when named in the Under 14 Adrian Vowles Cup Dream Team, after pocketing two Man of the Match awards from five matches in a superb overall Carnival.
Jack was also an outstanding performer, and is looking to another year of achievements after a sterling 2022 in rugby league and cricket.
Wattles players Hamish Gartery, Sam Gilmore, Darcy Betts, Graham Hopper and Bryce Stewart gained selection in the Warwick and District JRL Development Cup team excelling in the league’s top company in recent weeks against Toowoomba City, Toowoomba Country and Roma.
Aaron Gilmore rates his club’s coaching staff for the new season highly, predicting plenty of benefits for Wattles’ young players.
The 2023 season coaches are: Under 6: Nick Van Der Poel; Under 7, Jared Gault; Under 8, Shadai Daley; Under 9, Chris Ryan; Under 10, Ian Brady; Under 11, Russell McMillan; Under 12, George Gall; Under 13, Glen McMillan; Under 15, Tom Duggan; Under 17, Shane Wright; Under 15 Girls League Tag, George Berry; and Under 17 Girls League Tag, Dan Wallis.
Along with club President Aaron, the 2023 Wattles Junior Club committee is: Vice Presidents: Shane Wright and Jodie Gilmore; Treasurer: Lucy Berry; Registrar: Leanne Ridley; Canteen: Serena Fiechtner; Uniforms: Kellie Saville;
and Ref Co-Ordinator: Ian Brady.
Wattles’ initial fixtures in the Warwick and District Junior Rugby League season commence on April 22nd when they front up
against the Eastern Suburbs Hornets on home turf, Platz Oval.
Enquiries regarding Wattles Juniors can be directed to Aaron Gilmore on 0414 245 860.
- Glyn Rees
