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galahs, Highlander, simmo, rocket, Lecky

Dear Members of the Magpie Fraternity,

On behalf of all associated with the Western Suburbs District Rugby League Football Club, (The Mighty Magpies) may we extend to all of our Members, supporters and their families our best wishes for the New Year and may 2010 bring happiness, good health and success for one and all. By the time you have the opportunity to read this article, the dawn of a new rugby league season is well and truly upon us with all grades within the club back from a well earned but brief Christmas and New Year break.

The first task on the agenda for all grades is fitness testing to update the coaching staff on where each of the players are at in respect of their levels of fitness, particularly given the temptations of the Christmas and New Year celebration period. It will be interesting to learn how many players have adhered to the advice provided to them prior to breaking before Christmas in respect of maintaining an acceptable level of fitness whilst also taking the opportunity to enjoy the spoils of the festive season!

Both the Harold Matthews Cup (Under 16’s) and the S G Ball Cup (Under 18’s) District Junior Representative Squads under the astute guidance of Head Coaches, Scott Hartas and Derek McVey respectively will have to hit the ground running upon their return to preseason training as official trails for both grades will commence on the weekend of 23 January 2010 with the competition proper in both cases scheduled to kickoff on the weekend of the 13 February 2010.

It has always been a concern of the club that the NSWRL District Junior Representative Squad competitions commence too early in the year whilst the heat is still excessive and in some cases stifling. Certainly conditions are not conducive to playing a vigorous contact sport such as rugby league however despite concerns that are continually expressed to the governing body, the practice of scheduling competitions to commence in the month of February continues and what is most disconcerting is that each year, the commencement date of the competitions continues to creep forward. By way of example, last season the competition commenced on the 21 February 2009 whilst this year, they will kickoff a week earlier on the 13 February 2010.

Nevertheless we will be kicking off on Saturday 13 February 2010 with our opening encounter for both the Harold Matthews and S G Ball Cup Squads being a home fixture against the visiting Canberra Raiders. Unfortunately due to the unavailability of Campbelltown Stadium for the entirety of the NSWRL District Junior Representative Competitions due to major upgrades being concluded to the facility, a venue for our Junior Representative home fixtures is in the process of being finalized. Once a decision has been taken on a venue, details will be published on the clubs official website, www.westsmagpies.net

The NSW Cup Squad, the senior team of the club have also returned to pre season training to pick up where they left off prior to the Christmas break. Under the watchful eye of the clubs Head Coach, Leo Epifania and his coaching support team, the NSW Cup Squad were impressive in their training performances prior to Christmas. In particular, the new recruits to the club all seem to have settled in very quickly and are proving to be a source of inspiration to our mainstay playing group. We are extremely pleased with our off season recruitment drive having brought to the club a number of new faces which will strengthen the senior playing roster considerably in a number of areas adding value both on and off the field. Players such as Alex Ranieri from St George Illawarra, Andrew Pearn from the Penrith club and James Sharkey from the Queensland Cup just to name a few will feature prominently in our plans for the 2010 season.

You can be assured that the tempo will be lifted significantly between now and the start of the 2010 NSW Cup competition to ensure the Magpies are fit and raring to go for their first competition match which will be against the North Sydney Bears on Saturday 13 March 2010 to be played at Henson Park, Marrickville with kickoff scheduled for 3pm. This will be the first match of a double header scheduled for the afternoon at Henson Park with the Newtown Jets opposed to the Balmain Tigers which will be the second match of the afternoon kicking off at 5pm.

This will form the first of three rounds for the inaugural Foundation Cup to be contested by all four remaining Foundation Clubs in the NSW Cup Competition which comprises Western Suburbs, Newtown, Balmain and North Sydney. The first three rounds of the NSW Cup Competition will feature the Foundation Clubs pitted against each other to determine who will contest the final of the Foundation Cup later during the competition.

The New South Wales Rugby League are excited about the concept and will focus attention on the Foundation Cup as being one of the highlights of the 2010 competition which will continue for years to come. The fact that your club, the Mighty Magpies, one of the remaining Foundation Clubs will feature prominently in this marquee event on the NSWRL calendar is something that everyone should be very proud and excited about particularly that this concept was put forward by the Magpies and given the nature of the event, it is hoped that many of the Magpie faithful will get behind the club and turn out at the fixtures during the season to support your team as we strive to be inaugural winners of the Foundation Cup!

The 2010 season will also see the release of a new and exciting range of quality merchandise which will be available through Wests Ashfield Leagues Club and direct from the Football Club office. There is sure to be something to please and attract the attention of everyone so keep a lookout both at the club when you visit and on our website at www.westsmagpies.net to view our entire range which we expect will be released during March 2010.

In closing, one important event I must share with you will be our combined 2010 Season Launch and Red Faces Talent function which will be held on Friday 5 March 2010 at the Roma Function Centre, Northumberland Street, Liverpool commencing 6.30pm. This event as well as serving as the launch of our 2010 season will also form a very important part of our fund raising activities in support of our Junior Development programs.

The event is sure to provide everyone with laughter and light hearted entertainment which will appeal to one and all. It will also be an opportunity to witness the talent of our junior players which is not only confined to the rugby league field. You will be impressed and pleasantly surprised at the wealth of young talent that will be on show during the night. All grades within the club will be performing on the night including the Directors which alone should be worth the price of admission.
Importantly, all funds raised will be contributing to the development programs within the club which provide our talented junior players an opportunity to reach their full potential and realise their dreams and aspirations of one day, playing rugby league at the elite level with Wests Tigers.

Your support of this evening would be greatly appreciated and once again, full details will be available on the clubs website at www.westsmagpies.net or by contacting the Football Club office on 9601 2002. Please remember to mark the date of Friday 5 March 2010 in your diary and the event as an occasion not to be missed and I look forward to catching up with many of you on the night. As another rugby league season draws near, there is a lot to look forward to and to be excited about as the Magpies embark upon their 102nd season. Hopefully you will take the opportunity to get to as many games as possible throughout the season to support your team and certainly I would welcome the opportunity of catching up with you at the games.

As always and until next we meet or correspond, MAGPIES FOREVER!!

Kind Regards

Kevin Hammond

CHAIRMAN/ GENERAL MANAGER

“Magpies” Annual Fundraiser To Support the Development of Local Juniors

Date: Friday 5th March 2010

Time: 7.00 pm

Where: Roma Function Centre—Northumberland st, Liverpool

Cost$ 80 pp adults $65 per child Includes three course meal (wine, beer and softdrinks)

Local Junior Entertainment

Special Guests

Bookings: Tracey 02 9601 2002




The Magpies actively supports the young people of the Liverpool / Macarthur region not only through the game of Rugby League but in a broader sense by providing them with lifestyle choices, a sense of community and responsibility and an opportunity to pursue a career path which will provide them with opportunities into the future which otherwise may have been lost to a wayward lifestyle.

The Magpies are equally driven by the desire to provide our players and support staff with the best possible environment in which they can develop their true potential and realize their dreams of playing rugby league at the highest level. We strive to provide every opportunity and a professional culture which encourages and compels other to excel in everything they do.

For us to achieve our objectives we must provide an environment which is adequately resourced in terms of equipment levels and presents as a professional facility staffed by suitable qualified and experienced personnel. It is essential to raising self esteem and confidence of our youth that they are able to compete on a level playing field with that of their contemporaries.

It is our burning desire to for our players, parents and all associated with the club that they are part of something special and they enjoy the same level of amenities, resources and facilities if not better than their opposition.

We invite you to participate in our clubs Annual function purely fundraising for the development of our Juniors enabling them to achieve their full potential

Western Suburbs District Rugby
League Football Club Limited


NOTICE OF 24th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING


Notice is hereby given that the 24th Annual General Meeting of the
Western Suburbs District Rugby League Football Club Limited will be
held on Sunday 28th March 2010 at the Western Suburbs Leagues Club, Ashfield, commencing, 9.30am.


AGENDA


1. Welcome to Members

2. Apologies

3. Confirmation of the minutes of the 23rd Annual General Meeting of
the Football Club Limited held on Sunday, 22nd February, 2009.

4. Reports

(a) Chairman

(b) General Manager

5. To receive and consider and, if thought fit, approve the Balance Sheet, the Profit and Loss Accounts, the Directors’ Statutory Report and the Auditor’s Report in respect of the Financial Year ended 31 October 2009.

6. To elect TWO (2) Directors for the ensuing 3 years.
General Membership (1)
Wests Ashfield Nominee (1)

7. Life Membership

8. General Business.



GENERAL INFORMATION

Your attention is drawn to the following:-


1. Members’ Fees

As per the Memorandum and Articles of Association, Members who are financial for 2009 as at 31 December 2009 are eligible to attend the Annual General Meeting.

No payments will be accepted on the day. Membership fees for 2010 can be paid at the Football Club Office during business hours either by mail or in person.


2. Nomination for Life Membership

For members who are eligible as per the Memorandum and Articles of Association, Nomination Forms for Life Membership may be obtained from the Company’s Registered Office and must be in the hands of the General Manager no later than 5.00pm, 11th January 2010.


3. Nomination for Position of Director

For members who are eligible as per the Memorandum and Articles of Association, Nomination Forms for the position of Director may be obtained from the Company’s Registered Office and must be in the hands of the General Manager no later than 5.00pm, 11th January 2010.


4. Financial Accounts

Please be advised that the accounts for financial year ended 31/10/09 will be sent in the next mail out once all Director and Life Member nominations have been received.


5. Late Members

Please note that all members are to be seated by 9.30am for the commencement of the meeting, at which time the doors will then be closed. Admittance for late members will only be permitted upon agreement by the members to reopen the doors.

'STEP UP' TO A WESTS TIGERS 2010 MEMBERSHIP
Friday, 30 October 2009

Wests Tigers Members and fans have embraced the announcement of more games at Campbelltown and Leichhardt in 2010.
The release of the 2010 Membership packages encourages Wests Tigers supporters who are not members to ‘Step Up’ and become paid Members.

A membership is the best way to support your club. A strong on-field team needs a strong off-field team.
Over the past four years Wests Tigers have been the number 1 supported team in Sydney and that support needs to translate to Membership numbers, so ‘Step Up’ and be counted.
With membership packages to suit every type of supporter, there is no excuse to ‘Step Up’ in 2010. Our new ‘Stripes’ Membership even caters for those fans who are unable to attend any matches.

New for 2010 is the option to purchase your membership package online at weststigers.com.au/membership.
The benefits of purchasing your 2010 membership online include the opportunity to navigate yourself through the options available to choose the best tailored package to suit you, your family and your friends.

Member Extras are also available for selection to complete your purchase in one transaction.
The renewal period for current members has commenced and your 2009 seating allocation will be continued for next season if you purchase your 2010 membership package before December 4.

New members can purchase their 2010 membership packages now and seating will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis following the renewal cut-off date.
Choose from a variety of packages available to include ticketing and non-ticketing options and packages tailored to suit all ages. Our STRIPES membership is a great new addition this year if you cannot commit to attending any Wests Tigers matches but still wish to support your team and contribute to your team’s success.

Should you be unable to view membership packages online, you can contact the Membership Office on (02) 8741 3300 to submit your membership application.
Our focus for the coming season is for our fans to ‘Step Up’. 2010 is the year of the tiger, so become a member and contribute to your team’s ongoing success.

To become a member visit http://www.weststigers.com.au

THE Wests Tigers will play more NRL games at their traditional home grounds at Leichhardt and Campbelltown in 2010.

The Tigers will play four games each at both Leichhardt Oval and Campbelltown Sports Stadium, increasing both grounds' number of home games from three this year.

Three home games will also be played at the Sydney Football Stadium, while the clash against cross-city rivals South Sydney will again be hosted by the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Leichhardt and Campbelltown are undergoing redevelopment work during the off-season, Tigers chief executive Stephen Humphreys said.

"Over the past four seasons, Wests Tigers have enjoyed the largest support in the Sydney region and the upgrade of our stadiums will provide members with more modern and comfortable facilities," he said in a statement.

The Tigers needed to re-negotiate their deal with the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust after playing six matches at its venues in 2009.

"It is very important to the on-going financial health of Wests Tigers to schedule three specific games at the Sydney Football Stadium and one at the Sydney Cricket Ground," Humphreys said.

"However, we do see the benefits of scheduling more games at our traditional venues.

"We have listened to our members and feel with the latest change we have achieved the right balance.

"Realistically, moving matches back to the traditional grounds is increasing our commercial risk but we are confident this is the right approach."

2010 PRE SEASON

West’s Magpies State Cup Squad will come together on Tuesday 9 November 2009 at the Whitlam Centre, Liverpool for fitness testing prior to undertaking the rigors of full pre season training the following week. Whilst there are a number of changes to the 2009 squad, General Manager Mr Kevin Hammond stated he was more than happy with the Club’s recruitment to date. He spoke of the success of West’s Magpies State Cup Team over the past two years, which had seen quality players from other Clubs looking to come on board in 2010.

Mr Hammond further stated that he was delighted that experienced Head Coach Leo Epifania, along with his Assistant Tony Carson were remaining with the Club and that they were looking forward to molding their new look State Cup team into a formidable outfit. Scott Hartas and Derek McVey were appointed Head Coaches of West’s Magpies Harold Matthews and SG Ball Teams. These two representative teams are in full training as is the South West Sydney Academy of Sport Harold Matthews team and West’s Magpies Under 17 Development Squad.

The formal part of the season was concluded with the Club’s presentation night which was held on 29 October 2009 at West’s Ashfield, the Magpies major sponsor. Players from Harold Matthews, SG Ball and State Cup were joined by parents, friends and special guests including our loyal group of sponsors. Mr Stephen Humphries, General Manager, West’s Tigers and representatives from Group 6 Country Rugby League and Campbelltown Eagles Rugby League Club (West’s Magpies feeder club) joined in the festivities. Presentations were made to West’s corporate partners and the many volunteers who assisted the Club during the year. Highlight packages of each of the team’s games were well received during the evening. The major award winners for the 2009 season are –

Harold Matthews
Best & Fairest Player - James Tedesco
Best Forward - Pale Tanumaleu
Best Back - Mitchell Brasington
Ball Boy – Max Lucas

SG Ball
Best & Fairest Player - Guy Thompson
Best Forward - Mason Taloula
Best Back - Jesse Sue
Ball Boy – Ben Fallshaw

NSW Cup
Pratten Park Magpies ‘Clubman of the Year’ Award – Keith Hore
West’s Ashfield Leagues Club ‘Player of the Year’ - Dean Rysko
Best & Fairest Player - Rhys Pritchard who also took out the Alan Ridley Memorial Award for the ‘top try scorer for the year’ with 18 tries
Bill Carson Award, ‘best performed local in grade’ - Michael Stolk
John Donnelly Award, ‘best performed import in grade’ – Alfred Betham
Rookie of the Year Award – Andrew Everingham
Jack Ashley Memorial Award – Fa’alenuu Akeripa
Bob Fisher Memorial Award – Nathan Waters
Ball Boy – Bradley Gallant