Rugby League Coaching Manuals

Paul Sironen might be out for an elusive Grand Final win, Darren Albert could steal another on the bell… and Scott Sattler may well stop them just short of the line.

But what is for certain is these legends of the game will join more than 1200 over 35-year-old players and officials from 50 teams to kick-off the hugely successful ARL Masters tournament today at Runaway Bay Junior Leagues Club on the Gold Coast.

The ARL Masters started modestly in 2007 as a 15-team event but has grown so popular the Australian Rugby League has had to cap this year’s event at 50 teams.

The tournament features teams from NSW, Queensland, Victoria, ACT and even one from Norfolk Island, and is all about one thing: reconnecting the game’s over 35 year-olds so they can once again enjoy playing the game.

Balmain legend Sironen, who will suit up for the Ballina Seagulls, said he had a long held desire to play with his old mates.

“When I retired from the NRL ten years ago I had always planned to play with my brother Rod and a lot of mates up in Ballina,” Sironen said today.

“I never got the chance so I’m really looking forward to the Masters, I’ve heard it’s a great chance to mix with everyone and relive some fond memories.

“I just hope the old body holds up and I get through unscathed!”

Penrith Grand Final hero Sattler is set to line up for the Gold Coast Steelers while former Newcastle flyer Darren Albert is ready to suit up for the Ipswich City Rock Wallabies with former Queensland Origin hooker Wayne Bartrim. 

Billy Moore will rally his Sunshine Coast All Stars teammates to the call of “Queenslander” while Matt Geyer plans to direct his Melbourne Thunder troops from the comfort of the coaching box, having learnt from the best during a distinguished NRL career.

ARL Chief Executive Geoff Carr said the Masters tournament brought together not only former players but also their families in a safe and enjoyable environment.

“The Masters tournament is everything Rugby League is about – friendship and having fun playing the game,” Carr said today.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a former State of Origin star or you just want to get out on the field with your mates, the Masters caters for anyone over 35 who would like to once again strap on the boots.”

The ARL Masters will feature 125 shortened games played with modified rules. A first aid officer is present at each game.

This year’s ARL Masters also has up to $15,000 worth of prizes up for grabs and all participants will take part in a welcome dinner tonight.

Match results will not be recorded because, as ARL Development Community Football Manager Graham McNaney explains, it isn’t within the ideals of the carnival.

“No one who has attended the carnival in previous years has taken notice of any of the scores... they are in it purely for the love of the game,” McNaney said.

Teams will assemble at the Runaway Bay Junior Leagues Club function room on Wednesday March 11, with the official opening of the event to be held at the Carnival Marquee at 6pm.

ARL MASTERS: MARCH 11-14, 2009
RUNAWAY BAY JUNIOR LEAGUES CLUB, GOLD COAST