Welcome from our Senior President
Entering my second year as Senior President, I reflect on what an honour and privilege it has been to serve Wanneroo Rugby.
It is here I’ve met some of the finest people I’ve known in my entire life. Year after year, I stand in awe of the persistence, determination, and sheer grunt force of the people that enable this club to thrive.
This season we will acknowledge 50 years of rugby in the beautiful shire of Wanneroo. Thousands of men, women, and children have felt the grass underfoot on these hallowed grounds. They have run, kicked, scrummed, scored tries, laughed, and cried. Cheeky kids have grown into cheeky adults. Many memories have been made and many friendships have been forged.
50 years’ worth of stories.
I’d be remiss not to share a bit of my own story to give context to my feelings.
This will be my 12th season playing for the Roodogs. I first stepped foot in The Kennel in 2010 after a Kiwi co-worker (the legendary Dave Nally) insisted I was a complete waste of a big rig if I didn’t come play rugby. Fresh off the boat from the good ol’ USofA, I was keen but clueless. It took me almost two years just to make any sense of what was happening in the ruck. Looked like a damn roadhouse brawl. But from the start, I was completely hooked.
I grew up playing the standard slate of American sports; baseball, basketball, and football (the real one…that you throw…with your foo…hand). But something about this egg-chasing game felt very different. Rugby isn’t just a sport, it’s an entire culture, a lifestyle. My brother and I were welcomed to the club with open arms that first season. I felt immediately at home. So many players and coaches took the time to explain, teach and holler at us. That’s rugby. That’s Wanneroo.
Mum’s archives: A young Josh, sporting the number 51 football jumper.
Mum’s archives: Josh, age 10 as pictured for his 1994 baseball team.
Over the years, I’ve witnessed some truly magical moments at The Kennel.
We’ve also had our rough patches. There were a few years when our men’s teams would only muster a couple of wins in a season. Players were dropping like flies. We’d have 20 blokes at Thursday night training to cover 3 teams. I’ve played in a Reserve Grade game where we kicked off with 10 lads until the 3rds boys had time to run across from the other pitch to fill in. Many of us have felt the joy of playing a full match only to back up with another full match in a higher grade, against fresh opposition. There were times when we felt completely demoralized.
My, how times have changed.
Proud Senior Roodogs. The Yoder brothers, Nathan and Josh.
As a great Australian once said, “It’s the vibe.”
The vibe at Wanneroo is strong indeed. There has been a resurgence the past few years. There’s been many moments to celebrate on the paddock. The clubhouse has been vibrant. We’re seeing our players succeed at the highest level with several from our family playing in Super Rugby and SuperW; with hopes to crack the Wallabies and Wallaroos.
Entering 2022, preseason training has been chockas. We’ll have our 4 men’s teams fully loaded and we should see some healthy competition within the playing group. In all grades, we’re there or thereabouts. The belief is building that we can contend with any club and all teams have their eyes on a top-4 finish. Of course, the Divaz maintain their high standard of performance and consistently finish towards the top. The expectation will be no different this year. But even they are seeing some new signs for enthusiasm with the continued growth of the women’s game and new girls coming through our U14s and U17s pathway. We look to see them repeat as Minor Premiers and avenge their Grand Final heartbreak from last season.
The 2022 FMG Premier Grade (1st, 2nd, 3rd grade) fixtures have been released and we look ahead to our first battle at home on 2 April against Paly. RugbyWA is still finalizing teams and competition structures for Community (4th) Grade and the ATA Women’s competitions and these will be released in due course. There is also a new Women’s 10s competition that RugbyWA is pursuing to help grow the game and bring along other clubs who don’t yet have the numbers for 15s. Wanneroo is poised to make a statement at every level.
Finally, I’d like to acknowledge another aspect indicating the health of our club.
That is the growth of the volunteer base. We’ve seen many new people put up their hands to take on responsibilities. This is outstanding and it has allowed us to create more rugby magic. Case in point was the Country of Origin 7’s held in January which would not have happened without the vision of a few and the hard work of many.
Further, I’m extremely pleased with the number of senior players helping to coach our junior teams. There can be no better sign of a healthy culture than young adult players committing their time and attention to our Roopups. May it long continue.
So as many across the globe experience hardship and suffering; and we withstand tragedy in our own lives; and it can sometimes feel as if the whole world has gone mad, we look to our community to keep us grounded.
Our rugby club is a bastion of resilience and perseverance. It is here we find connection and meaning. We must continue to nurture it because it is truly special.
Josh Yoder
Senior Club President
Picture right: Josh with wife Tarene and Roopup son, Lamar.