Sport
22 November, 2024
Wattles Kick Off 60th Season
According to local rugby league club Wattles Warriors recently reinstated President Amanda O’Halloran, the club is ideally placed to build on what was a successful 2024 season as they launch into the club’s 60th year celebrations across 2025.
Ms O’Halloran became Wattles longest serving President when she was reappointed in the club’s lead role for a seventh consecutive year at the October 30th Annual General Meeting at Wattles Clifton based Clubhouse.
The past year can be considered a glowing success with all Wattles teams including A, Reserve and Under 19 grades competing the Toowoomba Rugby League finals series, the reserve graders finishing one match shy of a Grand Final berth.
While the coming season is shaping up on field in a similar light, excitement is building over the announcement of the erection of new ground lighting on both Wattles Platz Oval playing fields enhancing playing facilities immensely in relation to games, training and associated events.
Wattles are boasting some new faces on their executive committee to commence a year of celebration.
Given the departure of long serving Vice-President Tony Morris, highly respected volunteer of many seasons Paul Duggan was named Senior Vice-President, with son Tom Duggan continuing as club Junior Vice-President.
Sideline medical officer of recent years Leanna Dau steps into the Treasurer role vacated by the very proficient Cathy Morris, Leanna also stepping up to the Chief Medical Office role.
Capable Secretary of the past two years Emily Henry vacated her role, which allowed for the return of former club President and Secretary Glyn Rees filling the Secretary void while continuing as the Media Manager.
Wattles’ Life Member and former President Neil Phelan was appointed club Patron given the sad recent loss of long serving Patron and Wattles statesman Jack Duggan.
Wattles will continue to benefit from the efforts of Dorothy Christensen who will continue so capably as Sponsorship Officer and Fundraising Co-ordinator.
Outstanding Wattles back rower Ty Gardner, who will miss the coming season with injury, was reappointed Club Captain.
Coaches Appointed - Coaching appointees for what is Wattles 60th year since forming in 1966, and 59th year in the Toowoomba Rugby League, are experienced hands Travis Burns (A Grade) and Cameron Hamblin (Under 19), while new face on the coaching front Will Manley is taking the reins of the Reserve Grade side.
Many will be familiar with Burns outstanding career in the NRL and British Super League, before a pre-retirement season with State League side Wynnum-Manly.
The Wattles 2025 mentor headed back to his league beginnings on the Central Downs signing back in 2017 to captain-coach Wattles for the 2018 season, his debut coaching experience.
The 2025 season will see him as Wattles longest serving first grade coach about to embark on his eighth year at the top-grade helm.
Discounting the TRL’s cancelled Covid year of 2020, Burns has guided his side to the finals series each year since his arrival, climaxing in Grand Final appearances in 2018 and 2022, the latter resulting in the Wattles club’s fifth TRL first grade premiership in 2022.
The seasoned coach and club coaching director is looking to another year of achievements in 2025, and in saying that he suggests across all grades, with training commencing in early January.
The top-grade side will comprise a foundation of a solid band of established achievers who will be joined by some exciting new faces
As has been the case for the past near 33 years, the Wattles pre-season tester will be the famed local rugby league tradition in the Barrett Family Shield against country cousins Warwick, with the next contest hosted early next year at Warwick’s Father Ranger Oval.
The Shield is a current highlight of Wattles trophy cabinet after a thrilling 22 – 12 success over the Warwick Cowboys earlier this year, with Travis Burns firmly focused on securing the silverware to kick start the 2025 season.
2025 Executive Committee Appointments -
Patron: Neil Phelan
President: Amanda O’Halloran
Senior Vice-President: Paul Duggan
Junior Vice-President: Thomas Duggan
Secretary: Glyn Rees
Treasurer: Leanna Dau
Glyn Rees
