Written Friday 18/05/2007

UNDER 18 SCHOOLS RUGBY LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS,  DALBY.

I couldn't help myself and headed over to Dalby for the start of these championships yesterday.  I only watched one game,  two metropolitan sides going around,  of really quite large kids.

Of more interest yesterday was who I met,  and what was said (I won't divulge this,  but gee it was interesting).  I parked myself down at the northern end of the Dalby rugby league oval,  in fine condition too for the drought we are in.  To my right were Peter Nolan and Paul Green from the Broncos,  and some other guys I didn't know.  In fact around the ground it was like a who's who of rugby league personalities,  Arthur Beetson and others,  people from all clubs,  another indication that league is way ahead and very serious in it's recruiting of players,  or it's identification of talent.

Joining the group where I was,  then came Cyril Connell,  legendary Broncos Talent ID man,  and after speaking with him for a while,  and I slapped myself for not knowing this,  coach of the 1964 Brisbane State High 1st XV that contained Paul Morgan,  an undefeated premiership side.

It was great to speak with Cyril,  and hear his views on various players,  and to hear how fondly he speaks of players past, present and future.  It's not hard to gather that the whole development of people process means something to him,  it's a little more than football.  I would love to write what he said about various players,  but the conversation was in confidence,  and I will keep it that way,  suffice to say that his views are very similar to mine,  which was very flattering to me,  as this guy really knows his players.

Of even more interest,  was the respect that Cyril is held in by one and all.  Representatives from various NRL and QRL entities filed past from time to time and it was like watching mafia soldiers pay their respects to the greatest of all mafia godfathers.  Voice tones changed,  they almost knelt down and kissed his shoes,  there was quiet embraces from some,  hand shaking and looks of respect and admiration for this warhorse of Qld Rugby League.

Of course I'm heading back across there today for the whole day to watch a bit more footy.  Should be a good day.

I note of course Andrew McCullough in the number 6 jersey for Metropolitan East.  Gee this bloke is going to get some footy under his belt in season 2007.  Also ran into Rian Cherry and Jake Cooley out in Dalby for a look for the day.

I Missed 100% of the Shots I Didn't Take,  Michael Jordan.