CRL Bush Telegraph - 2015 #18

This week the Bush Telegraph brings to you all the details of the AAMI U14/15S Country Championship Finals this coming weekend in Cessnock, Group 2 Friday Night Football kicks off and we announce the exciting partnership between CRL and Bar TV.

Country Rugby League is saddened to learn of the loss of Zane Purcell at Ballina on the weekend, our thoughts go out to his family, friends and teammates. The Lower Clarence Club has set up the Zane Purcell Trust - If you would like to make a donation please see below and attached for details. For any further information, please contact steve_austine@hotmail.com.

Finally, It's the NRL Women in League Round this week and to celebrate the invaluable contribution that women make to both Rugby League and Country Rugby League in particular, we decided to celebrate one of our very own - Jessica Schwartz.

AAMI U14/15S COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS

The 2015 AAMI Country Championships continue this weekend with the U14/15s Finals taking place at Baddeley Park, Cessnock on Saturday, 16th May.

After last weekend's Northern and Southern Zone Finals in Wagga Wagga and Port Macquarie, a total of nine groups will have representation on the day; with Group 9, Newcastle and the Victorian Rugby League having both their U14 and U15s sides qualify for the finals.

2015 AAMI COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS
9.00am: U/15s Plate Final - Illawarra v Newcastle
10.05am: U/14s Plate Final - Victorian Rugby League v Central Coast
11.10am: U/15s Cup Final - Victorian Rugby League v Group 21
12.15pm: U/14s Cup Final - Group 7 v Newcastle
1.20pm: U/14s Trophy Final - Group 9 v Group 3
2.25pm: U/15s Trophy Final - Group 9 v Maitland

Click here to view live scores from the U14/15′s AAMI Country Championships

GROUP 2 FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

Group 2 U15's and U16's Friday Night Football commences this Friday night with games to kick off at the centralised venues of Coronation Park, Nambucca Heads and Geoff King Motors Oval, Coffs Harbour at 6.30pm.

The U15's will play under the traditional 13-a-side format, whilst the U16's will be played under the Rugby League Nines format.

The Draw for Rounds two and three will be released on Monday, which will take the competition up to the June Long Weekend break.

The Draw for the following Rounds will then be released on the basis that team numbers are retained.

If you would like to be involved in Group 2 Friday Night Football as a player, contact East Coast Regional Administration Coordinator Peter Wilson. pwilson@crlnsw.com.au

CRL AND BARTV SPORTS COMBINE FOR AAMI COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

Country Rugby League fans across New South Wales can support their regions quest for success this season, with the AAMI CRL Country Championships Senior Semi-Finals and Finals to be live streamed through BarTV Sports.

BarTV Sports will provide live coverage of the Senior Semi-Finals on Saturday, June 13 (venue TBA) and U16s, U18s, Tier One and Tier Two Finals on Saturday, June 20 in Mudgee.

Country Rugby League CEO Terry Quinn believes this a great opportunity for Rugby League fans across New South Wales.

"We're very proud to be able to bring the AAMI Country Championship Semi-Finals and Finals to Rugby League fans throughout the state in conjunction with BarTV Sports," said Quinn.

"The AAMI Country Championships are one of our major events each year and to be able to showcase these to a live audience is a great result for Country Rugby League.

"BarTV Sports have had a long association with the Newcastle Rugby League and we look forward to them replicating their success with us this season.

"We encourage those who can't make it to the games to tune in to the action on BarTV Sports to see the best country players from across New South Wales in action."

BarTV Sports Executive Producer Peter Jolly said he was excited at the prospect of bringing the AAMI Country Championships to a live audience.

"I want to pay tribute to Terry Quinn and his hard-working team for their tireless work throughout this negotiation process," said Jolly.

"On behalf of BarTV Sports, we're really excited to partner with the Country Rugby League for this event as grass roots Rugby League has always been a big part of BarTV's digital heritage.

"I'm looking forward to calling the AAMI Country Championships and it's exciting for fans to now be able to watch the best country players come together from various competitions across the state."

WOMEN IN LEAGUE FEATURE - JESSICA SCHWARTZ

It's the NRL Women in League Round this week and to celebrate the invaluable contribution that women make to both Rugby League and Country Rugby League in particular, we decided to celebrate one of our very own in Jessica Schwartz.

Jess hit a significant milestone this year when she celebrated her 10th year working for Country Rugby League.

We spoke to Jess to gain an insight into her love for the game and some of the highlights of her career thus far!

When did you fall in love with Rugby League?

I fell in love with Rugby League at age 7 with my Dad and Nan at Parramatta Stadium. Can't say that I understood the rules too much, but I remember cheering Eels fullback Scott Mahon and dancing along with the cheerleader's routine at half time.

How did you become involved in working in Rugby League?

After studying and being a 'check out chick' after school, at age 19 I sent my resume around to every Rugby League body I could think of in NSW - asking for an opportunity to interview. By coincidence, Country Rugby League had an administration position to fill, and I started the day after my interview with Terry - 10 years ago in February.

What are your highlights working in CRL?

The opportunity to meet and work with legends of the game and some of my all-time favourite players growing up like Trent Barrett, Andrew Ryan, Blocker Roach and Laurie Daley.

Any camp or tour with CRL teams is a highlight, but especially the opportunity to be a part of the Country Firsts tour to South Africa in 2013 - such a hectic week but an incredible experience.

As a footy fan growing up, I was not sure how I could ever get involved. One of my favourite things about working in Rugby League is the appreciation of what goes on behind the scenes to make the game work, from CRL juniors to NRL Major Events. Any small part I can play in putting on a great event is something I am super proud of!

How has Women's role in the game changed in the past 10 years?

The NRL's Women in League round was introduced in 2007 and in that time the behind the scenes support and promotion of girls who work, play or volunteer in the game has been steadily growing. I have always felt comfortable working in Rugby League, but especially in the last few seasons I've found an increased security in knowing that there is such strong support from the top level behind women, and access to assistance should we need it.

Have you found Inspiration from some of the Hardworking women of the game?

Some of the hardest working women I've ever met are the fabulous group and club volunteers that I talk to every day, and you are all a big part of the reason it's such a great job to have!

At Rugby League Central - I took a lot of inspiration from Trish Crews at the NRL as former head of One Community and the path she paved for women in management positions. I loved her passion for girls in the game in any role.

THANK YOU! Harvey Norman's Women in League round is one of the best weeks on the Rugby League calendar - I hope that my friends at Rugby League Central and all Country around NSW girls are proud of their contribution to the game, and are recognized for their roles at the footy this weekend! xx