Commitment is something enduring and consistent. It is about constantly sending the message about working together in the true spirit of the game; about playing an agreed brand of rugby which distinguishes the club from the other 26 in the competition; and about coaches who are knowledgeable and constantly learning and analysing the game. Commitment is not the same as attitude. My image of attitude is the sweet crunch that a pack of forwards make when they hear the word ‘engage’; or when a back makes a last desperate attempt to stop an opponent crossing the try line (sorry, but I have to mention that other code of rugby with its Billy Slater stopping what would normally be a sure try).

A healthy climate is about a feeling good, about social networking among young people and parent members. It’s the social glue which holds members together; and it’s about volunteering one’s services and support when needed - the simple but often demanding things if left to one person: helping to set up fields on games days, serving in the canteen, being a linesman or a marshall, and a host of other important tasks.

And lastly, there is leadership and management. It doesn’t take an election or appointment to a position on a Management Committee to be a leader; everyone in the club needs to and can be a leader. Within the organisation of the club in 2010 the twelve members of your Management Committee (nothing too serious should be read into the number twelve) have scoured its registration lists, slashed unnecessary costs, proposed changes in its organisational structures and reorganised its financial procedures.

The above three elements make up what we might call ‘club culture’. If they don’t work sweetly together then a club loses its ’soul’. Come along to our Annual General Meeting on the 19th November (to be confirmed) to hear how Community Rugby at Norths Junior Eagles has been rejuvenated in 2010; and how you might participate in exciting new developments in 2011.

This money will be divided evenly and go to 7 Brisbane North Rep Families that helped out on the weekend at the BBQ. Norths Juniors recognises that it is a big expense to kit the players out for the QJRU State titles and would like to help with part of the expense.
A special thank you to everyone that volunteered their valuable time.

We will do a presentation between 7pm - 7.30pm in the Clubhouse to the families of the 7 Brisbane North Rep Families that volunteered their time on the weekend.

The games were an experience in contrasts. Our U16s were made up of twelve U15 players who because of the struggle during the season to maintain numbers have played on in Div 3 of the post season U16 comp.

Unfortunately, the promised 8 players from Brothers who were to bolster our numbers did not show and we were again left short in numbers. Despite this, the young men in the team took to the field on and played in the true spirit of North’s Rugby players against a stronger opposition. Warm congratulations to them and their coach and manager.

The second (U17) game was quite different. The attitude was the same but there 23 players taking the field some of whom have been selected in the Australian Schoolboys team; and many others about to be propelled into the BJRU representative team to play in the State Championships in late September. Confronted by our star studded team, the opposition (Easts) were well short of points and the game finished with a score line of 42-5.

The common denominator in each game seems to have been the willingness of these young men to work together as a team; to play for each other; to take pride in their jersey colours not matter what the challenges; and to enjoy the game while playing according to their abilities. They can be the backbone of a rejuvenated North Brisbane Rugby Club in the next three to five years. The Juniors are committed to the new entity which will allow smooth transition from Juniors to Seniors teams.

We are fast coming to the end of a competition season for the players, not the Juniors Management Committee. I am looking forward to reporting in full about the work of twelve hard working committee members and the progress we have made in 2010 as platform for spring boarding into the 2011 season.

Best wishes, Leo

Leo Bartlett
President, NBJRC

Tickets are $25 per person, which includes wines, cheeses, Norths glass holder & lots of laughs.

To purchase tickets please come up to the clubhouse and see one of the committee members at training.

Friday 23rd July:
All U6’s, U7’s, U10’s & U12’s (in that order)

Friday 6th August
All U8’s & U9’s, U11’s, U13’s, U14’s & U15’s (In that order)

A committee member will advise the manager of each team to bring the team over to the clubhouse for photos.

It will be important that the manager then brings your team over to the photo shoot ready to go. eg. (socks up, jerseys tucked in).

If you can organise your teams from shortest to tallest it will help make the photo set up really fast (we will remind you on the night). We will try to get the players in and out, and make the set-up hassle free so you can get back to training.

If the managers could also please ensure that there jerseys are there on the night for the photos and that the players bring there boots, team socks and shorts on the night.

If you have any questions in respect of team photos could you please direct them to secretary@nbjb.com.au

• Lucky door prize of 1 hour training session with Will Genia
• Loads of other prizes
• Dancing till late
• Six gambling tables (with funny money!)
• Dress code: Casino Royale
• Doors open at 7.30pm

A big thank you to the generosity of sponsors:

• Queensland Envelopes
• Ray White Nundah
• Elders Commercial
• Kedron Wavell Services Club
• Superior Plumbing Services

There will be two sessions so you can try your luck at black jack, the two-up pit, crosses and anchors and the roulette wheel.

There will be an intermission to sample the fine finger food and have a bevy or two.

For those of you who dont score the high roller prize there will be a mystery auction to use up your funny money and win some great prizes donated by local business people.

You wont want to miss out on this night so get in quick. You can pay by credit card or by electronic transfer with the form attached.

Open the Debit Form attached and pay by internet, print hard copy of Visa/MasterCard or email completed form to: The Treasurer, North Brisbane junior Rugby Union Club, PO Box 342, Virginia QLD 4014 or email to: ann.myers@bigpond.net.au or treasurer@nbjb.com.au

Tickets will also be available for purchase at the club on 9^th and 16^th of July. Tickets purchased online can be collected at the club on these nights.

This is an important fundraiser for the club so book in that baby sitter and dust off your casino attire and we will see you there.