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2015 Season Annual Report

Newcastle & Hunter Rugby Union Inc.

Supported and Sponsored during the 2015 season by:

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CONTENTS

Page Agenda for 2015 Annual General Meeting 4 Item 2 – 2014 AGM Minutes 5 Item 4 – Election of Directors 6 Item 5 – Election of a Life Member 8 2015 Annual Report Sections 2015 Board Members’ Attendance 4 2015 President’s Report 9 2015 General Manager’s Report 10 2015 Financial Statements & Auditor’s Report 16

The NHRU Rugby Zone

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10 Clubs Participated in Premier Rugby during 2015

12 Clubs Participated in Division Rugby during 2015

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Agenda for 2015 Annual General Meeting to be held at 6.00pm on

Monday 7 December 2015 in the Function Room of No.2 Sportsground

1. Opening of Meeting, Apologies & Quorum

2. Minutes of last year’s (2014) AGM

3. Adoption of 2015 Annual Report

4. Election of Offices

5. Election of Life Members

6. Appointment of Patron for 2016 season

7. Appointment of Auditor for 2016 season

8. Honorariums

9. Membership Fees for 2016 season

2015 Season Board Meeting Attendance

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ITEM 2 - 2014 AGM MINUTES

MINUTES OF NEWCASTLE & HUNTER RUGBY UNION

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD IN THE FUNCTION

ROOM OF NO.2 SPORTSGROUND AT 6.30PM ON

MONDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2014

ATTENDANCE

BOARD MEMBERS: P Payne (President), G Cowan

(Senior Vice President), A Harries (Junior Vice

President), F Coull (Acting General Manager), J Tate,

D Mulley, P Coles, A Walker, R Warry, P Ryan.

LIFE MEMBERS: J Drinkwater, R Robson, K Hole, B

Rudder.

NRURA: P Ryan

CLUBS: M Corinth (Cooks Hill), R Warry, B Elliott

(Easts), C Bushell, N Mifsud (Griffins), B Sutherland,

S Coleman (Hamilton), M Mitchell, J Wagstaffe, M

Bartley (Lake Macquarie), B Emmett, T Holden

(Maitland), D Anderson, S McManus (Medowie), B

Finnie, S Reid, A Kiely (Merewether Carlton), R

Milton, J Edmonds (Nelson Bay), J Scarborough

(Pokolbin), S Thompson, A Cruickshanks (Singleton),

D Farrands (Singleton Army), M Ostle, L Brown

(Southern Beaches), D Date (The Waratahs), T Angus,

J Buffier (University), L Sherwood (Wanderers).

VISITORS: B Brenton, D McAuley (NSWRU).

APOLOGIES: T Woodward (NSWCRU), T Sambell

(Wanderers), B Caple (East Maitland), B O’Shea (Life

Member)

PREVIOUS AGM MINUTES

The Minutes of the previous Annual General

Meeting held on 25 November 2013 having been

circulated by email prior to the meeting were tabled

and accepted as a true and correct record of that

meeting.

MOVED: D Mulley

SECONDED: S Reid MOTION CARRIED

ANNUAL REPORT

The Annual Report encompassing the President’s

Report, General Manager’s Report and Audited

Financial Statements was tabled.

Motion put to the floor - “That the President’s

Report, General Manager’s Report and Audited

Financial Statements, be accepted”.

MOVED: R Robson

SECONDED: K Hole MOTION CARRIED

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

President P Payne confirmed that after 14 years as

President he was not seeking re-election. He noted

disappointment with Clubs’ continued lack of input

for General Meetings. He thanked the Board and

wished Paul Coles well as the incoming President.

Election of President – only one nomination was

received and in terms of Rule 20(5), Paul Coles was

elected unopposed, in terms of Rules 34 (2) for a

term of two years.

Election of Four Ordinary Board Members – five

nominations had been received: Bob Brenton, Stan

McManus, Brian Rudder, John Tate and Ray Warry.

The President noted that three other nominations

had been received but two subsequently withdrew

and a third was not accepted as it was from a

suspended person.

Each nominee was asked to stand and be identified

to the meeting.

The meeting accepted the General Manager and

Allan Cruickshanks as scrutineers of the ballot.

Following this ballot, in terms of Rule 34(2) the

following were elected for a term of two years: -

Bob Brenton

Brian Rudder

Stan McManus

And for a one year term: - John Tate.

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In congratulating the four elected members, the

President also thanked Ray Warry for his past service

as a director and to Greg Sellers who did not seek re-

election.

Ron Robson, as Life Member and Patron,

congratulated Phil Payne on his 14 years of

dedication as President, and also asked Clubs to

consider getting nominations for the Board in future

years.

Election of Patron – Ron Robson as Patron for 2015.

Appointment of Auditor – Mark Edmunds be

appointed as Auditor for 2015.

Honorarium – Patricia Cowan be paid $1,000

honorarium for providing results/score service.

Membership Fee – retained as $2.00

The above matters i.e. Patron, Auditor, Honorarium,

Membership Fee were dealt with concurrently and

adopted as per above.

MOVED: A Harries

SECONDED: S McManus CARRIED

GENERAL BUSINESS Nil

Meeting declared Closed at 6.55pm.

ITEM 4 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Vice President

One nomination received from the incumbent Mr. Graham Cowan.

Pursuant to Rule 20(5) Allan Stace will be elected unopposed to the role of Vice President.

Pursuant to Rule 34(2)(a) the tenure of the role of Vice President is 2 years before re-election of the role is necessary.

Junior Vice President

One nomination received from Mr. Allan Stace.

Pursuant to Rule 20(5) Allan Stace will be elected unopposed to the role of Junior Vice President.

Pursuant to Rule 34(2)(b) the tenure of the role of Junior Vice President is 2 years before re-election of the role is necessary.

Allan Stace will be new to the Board and a brief summary of his career and rugby union involvement is shown below.

Allan Stace

Occupation: Retired. Previously, CFO of large enterprises in coal mining and allied industries

Education: Certified Practising Accountant and Graduate Member of the AICD

Rugby: Player and coach with Newcastle University

Was a Board Member of the Newcastle Wildfires

Refereed in the NHRU Zone

Foundation Member of the Hawthorne Club

Appeals Tribunal member up to the end of 2015 season

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Ordinary Board Members

There are three (3) Ordinary Board Member positions vacated and therefore are required to be filled.

Eligible nominations have been received for the following candidates:

Mr. Andrew Walker (incumbent) Mr. John Tate (incumbent) Luke Brown Bill Clifton Jason Wagstaffe

Pursuant to Rule 20(6) if the number of eligible nominations received exceeds the number of vacancies to be filled, a ballot is to be held.

The background summaries of the non-incumbent nominations (Luke Brown, Bill Clifton and Jason Wagstaffe) are summarised below the voting rights table.

Voting rights are:

Officers of the Union 1 vote each Board Members 1 vote each Life Members 1 vote each Clubs 1 vote per financial

team Affiliated Bodies 2 votes each

In case of an equality of votes the Chairperson shall exercise a second and casting vote.

Luke Brown

Occupation: Franchise owner of Rams Newcastle & Maitland

Education: Bachelor of Teaching majoring in Physical Education major

Rugby: Played in Queensland and

Newcastle with over 100 grade games for Southern Beaches

Member of the Hawthorne

Club President of Southern

Beaches for 4 years between 2006 to 2010

Over 10 years of

administration roles and member of the Committee at Southern Beaches

6 years of juniors coaching

at Southern Beaches

Bill Clifton

Occupation: Managing Director and Owner of Banlaw Pty Ltd

Other Directorships: Newcastle Grammar School Education: Bachelor of Business Memberships: SCG, ANZ Stadium,

Newcastle Club, Coraggio

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Rugby: Played at school and in the Illawarra zone

Member of the Hawthorne

Club Member of Merewether

Carlton Avid supporter of sons who

have played rugby since juniors and now play seniors within the Zone.

Jason Wagstaffe

Occupation: Senior executive within the workplace health and safety industries

Education: Diplomas in Minerals Risk Management, Mine Ventilation, Engineering, WHS

Certificates in electrics trade and sports administration

Rugby: Involved in various administration, committee and/or board roles within Lake Macquarie since 2003 to 2015

Board member of HWRU between 2003 and 2006 including President 2004 to 2006

NHRU Judiciary Panel member during 2010 and 2011

ITEM 5 – ELECTION OF LIFE MEMBER

During the year a nomination was received from the Patron in regards to conferring a Life Membership upon Andrew Walker for his long history of involvement of support and administration of Rugby Union within the Zone. The Life Membership Review Committee has approved the nomination and that nomination is required to be put to an Annual General Meeting for voting by Members as a Special Resolution.

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2015 PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Season 2015 was a challenging year for the Newcastle & Hunter Rugby Union (NHRU). A new President and new General Manager had much to learn during the year, and learn in a hurry. The Premier competition remained a ten club competition, with the addition of Singleton and Easts deciding to play in Divisional rugby. The withdrawal of two clubs from the Premier Colt’s Grade, prior to the season’s commencement, made for consternation. Lake Macquarie later withdrew from the Premier 1st Grade competition. Despite these issues the competition continued, ending in a fantastic final series. Hamilton won the Premier 1 Grand Final, defeating Wanderers in a very tight and tense match. Wanderers won the other three Premier Grades. In the second tier Divisional Finals, Cooks Hill won the President’s Cup whilst Singleton Army won the Patron’s Cup. The Divisional Rugby competition this year provided a competitive structure for participating clubs. This year the NHRU financially controlled the Premier final series. This was a decision based on the need to improve the NHRU’s financial situation. Due to these financial pressures the decision was made to present the Anderson Medal at the Grand Final. Nick Davidson from Maitland was a worthy and proud recipient of this award before over three thousand spectators at No. 2 Sportsground. The NHRU’s senior and Colts representative sides travelled to Bowral for this year’s Country Rugby Championships. Unfortunately, the senior side was defeated in the final whilst the Colts won their competition. Thank you to coaches Tony Munro and Chris Coleman, their respective managers and personnel for their hard work. The NHRU also fielded a Barbarian’s team against a Country Eagles NRC Development side prior to the NRC game in Newcastle. In an attempt to promote rugby within the Hunter region, the NHRU agreed to host a National Rugby Championship game in Newcastle. The NSW Country

Eagles played Queensland Country on 24 September. Despite the wet weather keeping crowd number down, it is felt it was an excellent vehicle to promote our game. Hopefully, we will continue to hold NRC games in Newcastle in the future. Thank you to our major sponsor, The Greater Building Society, and other sponsors: NIB, Tooheys, Viatek, Orica and The Hawthorne Club. Due to our media partners: NBN, The Newcastle Herald, and Bar TV our exposure with the public has increased. I believe both the NHRU Board and competitions are in transition with more changes likely to occur over the next few years. The NHRU faces a number of challenges that have to be addressed: financial security and increased levels of sponsorship, enabling the building of our reserves so that we can promote and develop the game; modernising our administration including our rules and ByLaws and increasing the use of volunteers; increased digitalisation of our website, publications and social media; and ensuring we provide flexible competitions in which players want to participate. My thank you to a hard working Board who are all volunteers. However, my biggest thanks goes to General Manager Andy Fairfull for his hard work and vision which will ensure the NHRU moves forward positively in the future.

Paul Coles

NHRU President

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2015 GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT

The 2015 year commenced with many changes upon us with the introduction of the new nationwide database system – RugbyLink. The ARU also introduced a $33 Player Participation Fee (PPF) for each and every registered player. Additionally, The NHRU introduced a Player Points System (PPS) for the first time in the Zone to Premier Rugby during the season. The Singleton Bulls were welcomed back into Premier Rugby for the 2015 season while Easts elected to play in Divisional rugby to strengthen and rebuild.

Divisional rugby was consolidated into 2 competitions for the 2015 season – President’s Cup and Patron’s Shield.

2015 Club Participation

Participation by teams per club during the 2015 season is shown in the 1st table to the right. Team participation is 6 teams less than the previous season (2 less in Division and 4 less in Premier). The 4 less teams in Premier being the result of withdrawals on the eve of and/or during the season by 3 Premier clubs.

2015 Zone Registrations

The introduction of the PPF has delivered a ‘base line’ in regards to measuring participation levels at the senior level both Nationally and within our Zone. Feedback included that Clubs around the nation have been more judicious with registrations in order to not pay the PPF levy on behalf of individuals who did not take the park regularly for them. Zone registrations are summarised in the 2nd table to the right.

We await the release of the ARU 2015 Annual Report in order to analyse the effect of the PPF on national playing levels. Interestingly, the ARU 2014 Annual Report included 2 measures when discussing participation – players over 5 games per season and players below 5 games per season.

Prem Pres Patr Total

Club Rugby Cup Shield Teams

Cessnock Rugby Club 1 1

Cooks Hill RC 1 1 2

Easts RUC 1 1 2

East Maitland Eagles RC -

Griffins RUFC 1 1

Hamilton Hawks RUFC 4 4

Lake Macquarie RUFC* 2 2

Maitland RUFC 4 1 5

Medowie & Districts RUFC 1 1

Merewether Carlton RUFC 4 1 5

Muswellbrook RUFC 1 1 2

Nelson Bay RUFC** 3 3

Newcastle University RUFC 4 4

Pokolbin 1 1

Singleton Army Lions RC 1 1

Singleton RUFC 4 4

Southern Beaches RUFC 4 4

Southern Lakes RUFC 1 1

The Waratahs RUFC*** 3 3

Wanderers RUFC 4 1 5

Totals 36 7 8 51

* Lake Macquarie withdrew Colts and P1 during the season

** Nelson Bay withdrew P3 during the season

*** The Waratahs withdrew Colts during the season

Club 2015 2014

Cessnock Rugby Club 36 27

Cooks Hill RC 52 52

Easts RUC - 34

East Maitland Eagles RC 59 177

Griffins RUFC 35 53

Hamilton Hawks RUFC 143 139

Lake Macquarie RUFC 85 147

Maitland RUFC 156 131

Medowie & Districts RUFC 30 38

Merewether Carlton RUFC 209 166

Muswellbrook RUFC 45 58

Nelson Bay RUFC 84 137

Newcastle University RUFC 114 182

Pokolbin 49 61

Singleton Army Lions RC 35 51

Singleton RUFC 142 115

Southern Beaches RUFC 145 129

Southern Lakes RUFC 35 59

The Waratahs RUFC 119 147

Wanderers RUFC 255 160

Totals 1,828 2,063

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2015 Season Results

In each and every grade the Minor Premiers backed up and won the Major Premiership after hard fought finals series.

2015 Representative Program

Both the Seniors and Colts sides reached their respective tournament finals game at Country Week held in Bowral. The seniors side came runners up to Illawarra in the Caldwell Cup (14 to 24) while the Colts side won their Tournament and the Rowland Cup (25 to 0). Thank you to the coaching and managers led by Tony Munro and Chris Coleman who also take the helm of the representative program for the upcoming 2016 season.

Congratulations to Adrian DeLore who won the Colts Player of the Tournament.

The following Seniors players represented the Newcastle Hunter Zone at 2015 Country Week: -

Surname First Name Club

Akkersdyk Joe Hamilton

Bainvalu Sireli Hamilton

Butler Mark Southern Beaches

Christensen Ben Wanderers

Coffey Billy Wanderers

Collins Dan Nelson Bay

Crieghton Blake M/Carlton

Ham Ben Wanderers

Heins Dylan The Waratahs

Hovell Colin Wanderers

Lamont Steve Hamilton

Lanzini Matt Southern Beaches

McDonald Cal Wanderers

Murch Danny Wanderers

Rae Mackenzie M/Carlton

Rahui Tapaki Wanderers

Rich Shaun M/Carlton

Stone Glenn Southern Beaches

Strachan Jayson M/Carlton

Talailevia (C) Va Southern Beaches

Tuala Andrew Wanderers

Vasukicakau Eric Hamilton

Walkling Ivan Hamilton

The following Colts players represented the Newcastle Hunter Zone at 2015 Country Week: -

Surname First Name Club

Bowden Liam Singleton

Bradford Philip Wanderers

Brennan Aaron Singleton

Brice Liam Wanderers

Burke Connor Newcastle University

Cox Ben M/Carlton

Curk Jonathon Wanderers

Daly Jayden Maitland

Delore Adrian Southern Beaches

Felix Tanner Wanderers

Fielder (C) Charlie Nelson Bay

Freeman Billy Newcastle University

Frost Will Newcastle University

Gibson Rylan Newcastle University

Hill Alex M/Carlton

Hodges Lachlan Hamilton

Howarth Tom Hamilton

Premier 1 Hamilton Hawks

Premier 2 Wanderers

Premier 3 Wanderers

Premier Colts Wanderers

President's Cup Cooks Hill

Patron's Shield Singleton Army

Premier 1 Hamilton Hawks

Premier 2 Wanderers

Premier 3 Wanderers

Premier Colts Wanderers

President's Cup Cooks Hill

Patron's Shield Singleton Army

2015 Minor Premiers

2015 Major Premiers

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Johnston Aaron Hamilton

Kamato Sione Singleton

McGuiness Zac M/Carlton

Sykiotis Chicky M/Carlton

Tonks Lachlan M/Carlton

Trinkler Zac Wanderers

Walsh Blake Wanderers

Woods John M/Carlton

11 Colts were selected in the NSW Country Squad – Phil Bradford (Wand), Liam Brice (Wand), Adrian Delore (S/Beaches), Jayden Daley (Mait), Billy Freeman (N/Uni), Will Frost (N/Uni), Sione Kamoto (Sing), Zac Trinkler (Wand), Aaron Brennan (Sing), and John Woods (M/Carlton).

10 Seniors were selected in the NSW Country Squad – Joe Akkersdyk (Ham), Sireli Bainvalu (Ham), Ben Christensen (Wand), Blake Creighton (M/Carlton), Steve Lamont (Ham), Jay Strachan (M/Carlton), Va Talailevia (S/Beaches), Andrew Tuala (Wand), Eric Vasukicakau (Ham), and Blake Walsh (Wand).

In addition to the Newcastle sides that attended country week we also selected a Newcastle Barbarian side to play against the CSU Country Eagles Development side. The Newcastle Barbarians were coached by Scott Coleman, Stuart Pinkerton and Steve Merrick. The Barbarians squad included: -

Name Club

Akkersdyk, Joe Hamilton

Bainivalu, Sireli Hamilton

Bradford, Phil Wanderers

Brennan, Nathan Singleton

Collins, Dan Nelson Bay

Curran, James Maitland

Davidson, Nick Maitland

Delore, Adrian Southern Beaches

Ernst, Gareth M/Carlton

Hicks, Chase The Waratahs

Jackson, Brendan The Waratahs

Keelan, Jason Hamilton

Lamont, Steve Hamilton

Mason, Rapine M/Carlton

Miriallakis, Allain The Waratahs

Naggy, Chris Hamilton

Parkinson, Ian Newcastle University

Pusi, Chris Hamilton

Rae, Mackenizie M/Carlton

Riley, Tim The Waratahs

Sila, Faavae Hamilton

Smith, Rob Hamilton

Strachan, Jay M/Carlton

Tuala, Andrew Wanderers

Vasukicakau, Eric Hamilton

Walking, Ivan Hamilton

2015 Sponsors

Naming Rights: The Greater

Major Sponsor: nib

Corp Sponsors: Viatek Orica Tooheys

Rep Program: The Delaney The Hawthorne Club My Sports Tape Canterbury Ethos Health

Media Partners: Newcastle Herald NBN BarTV

Advertisers: Elders Insurance

Street Real Estate Le Tan NRURA Hall Chadwick

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2015 Financial Summary

The NHRU Board has set the following three year financial targets: -

The 2015 financial results of a Surplus before Depreciation of $21,809 and a Net Deficit of ($7,696) indicates that we are on track to reach our 3-year financial targets. The No.2 Sportsground office fitout becomes fully depreciated and amortised during the 2017 season and we expect both cash and net surplus results to be ongoing and achievable from the 2018 season onwards.

The full audited financial accounts for the 2015 financial year ended 30 September 2015 are provided below starting on page 16.

The balance sheet shows net assets of $348,967 as at 30 September 2015.

The Net Deficit of $7,696 for 2015 is an improvement of 79.7% when compared to the previous financial year. Major revenue and expense items are discussed below.

A personal note of thanks to the 2015 Junior Vice President – Alan Harries - who’s allocated portfolio included treasury and financial matters. His support and input during the year was not only valuable but appreciated.

2015 Revenue

Total revenue increased by 13.8% to $468,552 during the 2015 financial year. Details of major items are discussed below.

Competition Fees and Fines charged to clubs reduced by $6,225 during the financial year.

Events Income increased by $25,411 as a result of hosting the entire Premier Rugby Final Series for the 2015 season as well as hosting the National Rugby Championship game in the week following the Premier Grand Finals.

Media Production Contributions increased by $28,262 due to the contributions from clubs and NRURA towards BarTV filming, editing and producing each and every Premier grade game during the season. Note the increase in associated Media Production expenses highlighted in the expenses section.

Sponsorship income increased by $5,227 during the year mainly due to one-off sponsors who supported the NRC match day.

2015 Expenses

Total expenses increased by 5.9% to $476,248 during the 2015 financial year. Details of major items are discussed below.

Expenses associated with the NSWCRU country week representative program were reduced by $5,885 when compared to the previous corresponding period (PCP).

Payroll expenses were reduced by $27,763 when compared to the PCP. The reason for the reduction was twofold – the General Manager’s position was not filled for the entire 2015 financial year and the PCP included an additional 0.5 FTE that was not employed during the 2015 financial year.

Media Production expenses increased by $42,561. The increase in this expense bucket is due to the commencement of BarTV recording each and every Premier grade game throughout the season. Compare with the increase in Media Production Contributions in the revenue section.

Target Target Target

Financial Meaqsure 2015 2016 2017

Surplus before Depreciation - 6,000 12,000

Depreciation 29,000 31,000 17,000

Net Surplus/(Deficit) (29,000) (25,000) (5,000)

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The Year Ahead – 2016 Season

Several projects are already underway for the 2016 season including but not limited to:

Implementation of new accounting software Investment on the NHRU Website Review and update of NHRU By-Laws Review and update of NHRU Rules Renewal of existing sponsors and advertisers Introduction of new sponsors and

advertisers Negotiation or otherwise of long term lease

arrangements for the No.2 Sportsground office area with the NCC including arrangements with sub-tenants - HAS and Wanderers RFC

Team Nominations for 2016 are now due and the allocation of Clubs and their teams to Premier and/or Divisional Rugby for the upcoming 2016 season will depend on the Nominations received and review thereon by the NHRU Board.

The 2015 season experienced many ‘ups’ however there were also some unfortunate ‘downs’, namely:

The terrible accident to young Nate Wetini (Matland Juniors)

The injury to Semisi Bale (Southern Beaches) The heartfelt death of Mick ‘Whale’ Curry

(Hamilton) The terrible injury on Grand Final Day to Dom

Punch (Maitland)

On a personal note I wish to thank the Board of Directors for working tirelessly during my first season in the role and for their support. The amount of effort and hours volunteered by the Board is far more than the Newcastle and Hunter rugby community realise. I look forward to working with the newly elected Board during the second season of my tenure.

Andrew Fairfull NHRU General Manager

2015 Season Award Winners

Award Individual Club

Viatek Anderson Medal Nick Davidson Maitland

Kia Toa Sheild Hamilton Hawks

Jack Scott Medal John Wood Merewether Carlton

Burke Medal Ben Heriot Muswellbrook

Bert McGregor Medal Solomon Allner Easts

Premier 1 Top Point Scorer Dane Sherratt The Waratahs

Premier 1 Top Try Scorer Laufiso Vaisagote Hamilton Hawks

2016 Club Championship Wanderers

2016 Coach of the Year Scott Coleman Hamilton Hawks

Tooheys Club of the Year Newcastle University

Tooheys Encouragement Award Southern Beaches

Col King Medal Jarryd Logan NRURA

NSWRU Zone Ref of the Year Lauren Kelly NRURA

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Thank you to the support of our sponsors during the 2015 season: -