Ipswich Jets
Encyclopedia
The Ipswich Jets are an Australian rugby league football club based in Ipswich, Queensland
.
Their name comes from nearby RAAF Base Amberley
, one of the largest airbases in Australia. The Jets compete in the Queensland Cup
competition. Originally in the 1980s their colours were green and white, but in recent years gold has been added to the combination.
after it was founded as the Queensland Amateur Rugby Football League in 1909. Ipswich even contested two of the QARFL's first three grand finals, winning the title in its first year in the competition in 1910. But a long absence from the competition started shortly thereafter, the Ipswich was not represented in Queensland's top league again until the mid-1980s.
From 1982 to 1985, an Ipswich representative team competed in the Bulimba Cup. The following year, an Ipswich team was introduced to the Brisbane Rugby League premiership. they were coached in the 1980s by legendary Australian halfback Tommy Raudonikis
. The team's most famous product was Allan Langer
, who in 1987 was selected to play halfback for the Queensland State of Origin team
while playing for the Jets in the Brisbane Rugby League premiership, even though he was not as yet playing in the New South Wales Rugby League
's Winfield Cup
which was, at that time, fast becoming the premier rugby league competition in the world.
Kerrod
and Kevin Walters
also played for the club with Langer in their early years. When all three played together for the Brisbane Broncos
later, they were dubbed "the Ipswich connection". Kevin later returned to coach the Queensland Cup side in the mid-2000s before moving to Europe to coach in Super League
. Their brother, Steve Walters
, played originally for Booval Swifts in the Ipswich Rugby League.
The Jets reached the Grand Finals of the 1988 and 1989 Brisbane Rugby League premiership.
Ipswich continued playing in the Queensland Cup
when it was founded in 1997. In the 2007 Queensland Cup, the Jets caused a surprise by upsetting many of their more fancied rivals and pressing for a semi-finals spot, when they had been predicted by most tipsters to finish last.
At the end of the 2008 Queensland Cup
preliminary rounds, Ipswich finished four points clear at the top of the ladder, winning their first-ever Queensland Cup minor premiership. As Kevin Walters
moved to Europe to pursue a career coaching in Super League
, his assistant and former teammate at both the Canberra Raiders
and the Broncos, Glenn Lazarus
, was promoted to head coach.
Brothers Ben Walker
and Shane Walker who assisted Lazarus in 2009 and 2010 have been appointed co-head coaches in 2011.
from 2013. The NRL is likely to call for expansion bids early in 2012 to coincide with negotiations for the next NRL media rights deal, with expansion likely in either 2014 or 2015. The bid promotes the benefits of having a third South-East Queensland club to boost TV ratings, attendances and promote the code in an NRL "heartland" area. David Gallop
, NRL CEO, has previously stressed the importance of establishing an NRL side in the "Ipswich-Logan corridor".
Former Sydney Roosters
CEO Brian Canavan has been hired as a consultant to bid chairman Steven Johnson to assist in developing the clubs feasibility study and business plan. It is intended for the club to include Ipswich, Toowoomba and Logan, a catchment area of currently 2.2 million people, 350,000 school children, 18,000 registered RL Juniors and huge projected population growth; Ipswich alone is projected to grow from 170,000 to 400,000 by 2030.
The bid proposes that the club build new training, administrative and possibly Leagues Club facilities at Springfield
. This location has been selected as it is geographically roughly halfway between Ipswich and Logan, an area with the fastest growing population nationally, and the location of a train line extension due to be completed by 2013. They have received a guarantee from the State Government
to build a new Stadium in Springfield, however the Jets would likely play out of Suncorp Stadium
in Brisbane until the stadium is completed if granted an NRL licence.
Melbourne Storm
captain Cameron Smith
has been touted as a possible initial club captain. The current NRL clubs at the annual CEO's meeting in 2010 promoted Queensland and Western Australia as preferable expansion locations, however hesitated on 2013 being an ideal time to expand, preferring 2015.
Rival bids include Brisbane Bombers
, WA Reds, Central Coast Bears, and Central Queensland
.
Queensland Cup
2010: 12th
Medal", named after the legendary Ipswich halfback is the Jets' player of the year award.
Ipswich, Queensland
Ipswich is a city in South-East Queensland, Australia. Situated along the Bremer River Valley approximately 40 kilometres away from the state's capital Brisbane. The suburb by the same name forms the city's Central Business District and administrative centre...
.
Their name comes from nearby RAAF Base Amberley
RAAF Base Amberley
RAAF Base Amberley is a Royal Australian Air Force base located southwest of Ipswich, Queensland and southwest of Brisbane. It is currently home to No. 1 Squadron and No. 6 Squadron , No. 33 Squadron and No. 36 Squadron...
, one of the largest airbases in Australia. The Jets compete in the Queensland Cup
Queensland Cup
The Queensland Cup is the premier rugby league football competition in the State of Queensland, Australia.It is a statewide competition with the majority of teams based in South East Queensland but also including sides based in Cairns, Mackay and Rockhampton.The competition began in 1996 as a...
competition. Originally in the 1980s their colours were green and white, but in recent years gold has been added to the combination.
History
Ipswich were one of the earliest teams in join the Queensland Rugby LeagueQueensland Rugby League
The Queensland Rugby Football League is the governing body for rugby league in Queensland. It is a member of the Australian Rugby League and selects the members of Queensland State of Origin teams....
after it was founded as the Queensland Amateur Rugby Football League in 1909. Ipswich even contested two of the QARFL's first three grand finals, winning the title in its first year in the competition in 1910. But a long absence from the competition started shortly thereafter, the Ipswich was not represented in Queensland's top league again until the mid-1980s.
From 1982 to 1985, an Ipswich representative team competed in the Bulimba Cup. The following year, an Ipswich team was introduced to the Brisbane Rugby League premiership. they were coached in the 1980s by legendary Australian halfback Tommy Raudonikis
Tommy Raudonikis
Tommy Raudonikis OAM is an Australian former rugby league footballer and coach. He played over twenty-nine Tests and World Cup games as Australia representative halfback and captained his country in two Tests of the 1973 Kangarooo tour.-Early life and club playing career:Raudonikis is the son of a...
. The team's most famous product was Allan Langer
Allan Langer
Allan "Alfie" Langer AM is an Australian former multi-award-winning rugby league footballer of the 1980s, 90s and 2000s who works as an assistant coach for the Australian national team and Brisbane Broncos...
, who in 1987 was selected to play halfback for the Queensland State of Origin team
Queensland State of Origin Team
The Queensland rugby league team have represented the Australian state of Queensland in rugby league football since the sport's beginnings there in 1908...
while playing for the Jets in the Brisbane Rugby League premiership, even though he was not as yet playing in the New South Wales Rugby League
New South Wales Rugby League
The New South Wales Rugby League is the governing body of rugby league in New South Wales and is a member of the Australian Rugby League. It was formed in Sydney on 8 August 1907 and was known as the New South Wales Rugby Football League until 1984 when forward thinking marketing managers decided...
's Winfield Cup
Winfield Cup
The Winfield Cup was an Australian rugby league trophy awarded to the winner of the New South Wales Rugby League premiership's Grand Final from 1982 to 1994, and to the winner of the Australian Rugby League Grand Final in 1995...
which was, at that time, fast becoming the premier rugby league competition in the world.
Kerrod
Kerrod Walters
Kerrod Walters is an Australian former rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 90s. A Queensland State of Origin and Australian international representative hooker, he played most of his club football with the Brisbane Broncos, with whom he won the 1992 and 1993 NSWRL Premierships...
and Kevin Walters
Kevin Walters
Kevin David Walters is an Australian professional rugby league football coach and former player. He is currently the assistant coach for NRL club Melbourne Storm. He joined them from French club Catalans Dragons of Europe's Super League as their head coach. Before that he was head coach of the...
also played for the club with Langer in their early years. When all three played together for the Brisbane Broncos
Brisbane Broncos
The Brisbane Broncos are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the city of Brisbane, the capital of the state of Queensland. Founded in 1988, the Broncos play in Australasia's elite competition, the National Rugby League premiership. They have won six premierships and two...
later, they were dubbed "the Ipswich connection". Kevin later returned to coach the Queensland Cup side in the mid-2000s before moving to Europe to coach in Super League
Super League
Super League is the top-level professional rugby league football club competition in Europe. As a result of sponsorship from engage Mutual Assurance the competition is currently officially known as the engage Super League. The League features fourteen teams: thirteen from England and one from...
. Their brother, Steve Walters
Steve Walters
Steve Walters is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 90s, who at the peak of his career, was considered the best hooker in the game. An Australian Kangaroos and Queensland Maroons representative, he played in the Canberra Raiders' 1st, 2nd and 3rd grand final...
, played originally for Booval Swifts in the Ipswich Rugby League.
The Jets reached the Grand Finals of the 1988 and 1989 Brisbane Rugby League premiership.
Ipswich continued playing in the Queensland Cup
Queensland Cup
The Queensland Cup is the premier rugby league football competition in the State of Queensland, Australia.It is a statewide competition with the majority of teams based in South East Queensland but also including sides based in Cairns, Mackay and Rockhampton.The competition began in 1996 as a...
when it was founded in 1997. In the 2007 Queensland Cup, the Jets caused a surprise by upsetting many of their more fancied rivals and pressing for a semi-finals spot, when they had been predicted by most tipsters to finish last.
At the end of the 2008 Queensland Cup
Queensland Cup
The Queensland Cup is the premier rugby league football competition in the State of Queensland, Australia.It is a statewide competition with the majority of teams based in South East Queensland but also including sides based in Cairns, Mackay and Rockhampton.The competition began in 1996 as a...
preliminary rounds, Ipswich finished four points clear at the top of the ladder, winning their first-ever Queensland Cup minor premiership. As Kevin Walters
Kevin Walters
Kevin David Walters is an Australian professional rugby league football coach and former player. He is currently the assistant coach for NRL club Melbourne Storm. He joined them from French club Catalans Dragons of Europe's Super League as their head coach. Before that he was head coach of the...
moved to Europe to pursue a career coaching in Super League
Super League
Super League is the top-level professional rugby league football club competition in Europe. As a result of sponsorship from engage Mutual Assurance the competition is currently officially known as the engage Super League. The League features fourteen teams: thirteen from England and one from...
, his assistant and former teammate at both the Canberra Raiders
Canberra Raiders
The Canberra Raiders are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the national capital city of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. They have competed in Australasia's elite rugby league competition, the National Rugby League premiership since 1982...
and the Broncos, Glenn Lazarus
Glenn Lazarus
Glenn Patrick Lazarus is an Australian former rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 90s who has been named amongst the nation's finest of the 20th century. He primarily played at prop forward, representing Australia internationally and New South Wales in State of Origin...
, was promoted to head coach.
Brothers Ben Walker
Ben Walker
Ben Walker is an absolute Legend and Australian rugby league coach and former footballer of the 1990s and 2000s...
and Shane Walker who assisted Lazarus in 2009 and 2010 have been appointed co-head coaches in 2011.
NRL Bid
The Jets have announced they will be bidding for a licence in an expanded National Rugby LeagueNational Rugby League
The National Rugby League is the top league of professional rugby league football clubs in Australasia. The NRL's main competition, called the Telstra Premiership , is contested by sixteen teams, fifteen of which are based in Australia with one based in New Zealand...
from 2013. The NRL is likely to call for expansion bids early in 2012 to coincide with negotiations for the next NRL media rights deal, with expansion likely in either 2014 or 2015. The bid promotes the benefits of having a third South-East Queensland club to boost TV ratings, attendances and promote the code in an NRL "heartland" area. David Gallop
David Gallop
David Gallop is an Australian sports administrator who has been the Chief Executive Officer of the National Rugby League since February 2002. He has also been the Secretary of the Rugby League International Federation since its inception in 1998.-Early life:...
, NRL CEO, has previously stressed the importance of establishing an NRL side in the "Ipswich-Logan corridor".
Former Sydney Roosters
Sydney Roosters
The Sydney Roosters are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. The club competes in the National Rugby League and is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in Australian rugby league history, having won twelve New South Wales Rugby League...
CEO Brian Canavan has been hired as a consultant to bid chairman Steven Johnson to assist in developing the clubs feasibility study and business plan. It is intended for the club to include Ipswich, Toowoomba and Logan, a catchment area of currently 2.2 million people, 350,000 school children, 18,000 registered RL Juniors and huge projected population growth; Ipswich alone is projected to grow from 170,000 to 400,000 by 2030.
The bid proposes that the club build new training, administrative and possibly Leagues Club facilities at Springfield
Springfield, Queensland
Springfield, also known as the Greater Springfield Development, is a 28.50 square kilometre residential development located in Ipswich, in South East Queensland, Australia...
. This location has been selected as it is geographically roughly halfway between Ipswich and Logan, an area with the fastest growing population nationally, and the location of a train line extension due to be completed by 2013. They have received a guarantee from the State Government
Government of Queensland
The Government of Queensland is commonly known as the "Queensland Government".The form of the Government of Queensland is prescribed in its Constitution, which dates from 1859, although it has been amended many times since then...
to build a new Stadium in Springfield, however the Jets would likely play out of Suncorp Stadium
Suncorp Stadium
Lang Park is the original name of the site located in the Brisbane suburb of Milton, Queensland, Australia, now occupied by the major sports facility known by its sponsorship name, Suncorp Stadium...
in Brisbane until the stadium is completed if granted an NRL licence.
Melbourne Storm
Melbourne Storm
The Melbourne Storm are an Australian professional rugby league club based in the city of Melbourne. They are the first fully professional rugby league team based in the Australian rules football-dominated state of Victoria....
captain Cameron Smith
Cameron Smith
Cameron Smith is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who currently captains the Melbourne Storm of the National Rugby League...
has been touted as a possible initial club captain. The current NRL clubs at the annual CEO's meeting in 2010 promoted Queensland and Western Australia as preferable expansion locations, however hesitated on 2013 being an ideal time to expand, preferring 2015.
Rival bids include Brisbane Bombers
Brisbane Bombers
The Brisbane Bombers are a proposed Australian professional rugby league football club to be based in the city of Brisbane, the capital of the state of Queensland...
, WA Reds, Central Coast Bears, and Central Queensland
Queensland Rugby League Central Division
The Central Division of the Queensland Rugby League is responsible for the promotion, administration and facilitation of rugby league throughout Central Queensland. The Division's boundaries take in Miriam Vale and Gladstone to the south, out to Winton in the west and north to Moranbah. There are...
.
List of Results
Brisbane Rugby League premiership (First Grade)- 1986: 8th
- 1987: 6th
- 1988: Runners-up
- 1989: Runners-up
- 1990: 7th
- 1991: 6th
- 1992: 10th (last)
- 1993: Semi finalists
- 1994: Semi finalists
- 1995: 8th
- 1996: Eliminated in preliminary rounds
Queensland Cup
Queensland Cup
The Queensland Cup is the premier rugby league football competition in the State of Queensland, Australia.It is a statewide competition with the majority of teams based in South East Queensland but also including sides based in Cairns, Mackay and Rockhampton.The competition began in 1996 as a...
- 1997: 13th
- 1998: 13th
- 1999: 10th
- 2000: 6th
- 2001: 8th
- 2002: Runners-up
- 2003: Semi finalists
- 2004: 10th
- 2005: 9th
- 2006: 9th
- 20072007 Queensland Cup SeasonThe 2007 Queensland Cup was the 12th Season of the state-wide Rugby League Queensland competition. 11 clubs competed in the 26 week long season which was eventually won by a northern New South Wales club, the Tweed Heads Seagulls who beat the Redcliffe Dolphins 28-18 in the 2007 Grand Final at...
: Semi finalists - 20082008 Queensland Cup SeasonThe 2008 Queensland Cup was the 13th season of Queensland's top-level state-wide rugby league competition.. 11 Clubs will Compete in the 26 Week Long Season which will eventually conclude in the 2008 Grand Final at North Ipswich Reserve...
: Runners-up - 2009: 8th
2010: 12th
Current roster
| Name | Position | Junior Club | Birth date | World Cup Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shane Gibson | Fullback | Ipswich Brothers Jnr | 13 October 1989 |  |
| Troy O'Sullivan | Fullback | Belconnen United Jr | 4 November 1987 | |
| Luke Walker | Fullback/Wing | Charters Towers Miners | 4 February 1981 | |
| Scott Ireland | Wing | West Belconnen Jnr | 21 May 1987 |  |
| Walter Imo | Wing/Centre/Fullback | - | 20 October 1985 |   |
| Donald Malone Donald Malone Donald Malone is an Australian Rugby League Player for the North Queensland Cowboys in the NRL.He made his NRL debut in Round 22, 2009.Malone, a former Ipswich Jet, predominantly plays on the wing.... |
Centre/Wing | Murgon | 29 July 1985 | |
| Paoa Faamita | Centre/Wing | Souths Acacia Ridge | 14 February 1987 | |
| Geoff Chalk | Centre/Wing | Fassifern Bombers | 17 January 1985 | |
| Max Seumanutafa | Centre | Goodna Jnr | 3 August 1985 | |
| Jason Bulgarelli | Centre | Burdeilin Roosters | 20 May 1976 |  |
| Brook Alofipo | Centre/Second Row | Manurewa Marlins Jr | 3 September 1986 | |
| Peter Poppi | Halfback | Babinda Colts Jnr | 18 June 1987 | |
| Steven West | Halfback/Hooker | Oakey Bears | 5 February 1981 | - |
| Ian Lacey Ian Lacey Ian Robert Lacey is an Australian professional rugby league player for the Ipswich Jets in the Queensland Cup. He played in the forwards for the Brisbane Broncos in the National Rugby League competition, before his sacking on 6 October 2007.Lacey made his First Grade Debut for the Brisbane... |
Halfback/Hooker | Rockhampton Norths Jnr | 25 November 1984 | |
| Robert Fisher | Five Eighth | Souths | 1 March 1987 | |
| Luke Gray | Five Eighth | Goulburn Jnr | 26 February 1986 | |
| Brendan Marshall | Five Eighth/Fullback | Townies (Mount Isa) | 25 May 1980 | |
| Aaron Werth | Back | Gatton Hawks | 11 January 1984 | |
| Roman Hifo | Second Row/Lock | - | 17 April 1986 | |
| Daniel Fullerton | Second Row | Norths/Ipswich | 13 September 1986 | |
| Leigh Coghill | Second Row | Caboolture | 27 July 1983 | |
| Scott Alo | Second Row | Brisbane Easts/Souths Junior | 18 July 1980 | |
| Sam Martin | Second Row | Ipswich Norths Jnr | 8 May 1989 | |
| Mathew McPhee | Second Row | Norths | 23 August 1985 | |
| Trever Exton | Second/Front Row | Logan Brothers | 8 November 1981 |  |
| Tuiao Tulili | Prop/Second Row | Bankstown Jnr | 14 October 1983 | |
| Aaron Sweeney | Prop/Second Row | Eaglevale/St Andrews | 29 May 1984 | |
| Troy Grace | Prop | Bowraville Tigers | 7 August 1985 | |
| Michael Ryan Michael Ryan (rugby league) Michael Ryan was an Australian rugby league player for the Brisbane Broncos in the Australian National Rugby League competition. His position of choice was usually at hooker.-Point scoring summary:-Matches played:... |
Hooker | Ipswich Brothers Jnr | 9 May 1981 | |
| Adam Boettcher | Hooker | Ipswich Brothers/South Sydney | 6 August 1985 | |
| Daniel Coburn | Lock | Waterford Beaudesert | 25 July 1976 | |
| Ramon Filipine | Wing/Centre/Fullback | - | 14 April 1985 |  |
| Glen Hau | - | - | - | |
| Brendan Scanlan | - | - | - | |
| Todd Riggs | - | - | - | |
| Dale Robertson | - | Norths Ipswich | 10 January 1978 | |
| Todd Hair | - | - | - | |
Allan Langer Medal
The "Allan LangerAllan Langer
Allan "Alfie" Langer AM is an Australian former multi-award-winning rugby league footballer of the 1980s, 90s and 2000s who works as an assistant coach for the Australian national team and Brisbane Broncos...
Medal", named after the legendary Ipswich halfback is the Jets' player of the year award.
- 2007 Aaron Sweeney
- 2008 Aaron Sweeney
- 2009 Michael Ryan
- 2010 Jacob Ling
Walters Family Medal
The Walters Family Medal is the Jets' players' player of the year award and honours the famous Ipswich footballing family of brothers Brett,Steve, Andrew,Kerrod and Kevin.- 2007
- 2008
- 2009 Ian Lacey
- 2010 Jacob Ling
Dan Coburn Medal
The "Dan Coburn Medal", named after the Jets' greatest ever player Dan Coburn who over 13 seasons most as captain played 258 games for the Club, is the Jets' clubman of the year award.- 2009 Matt Barradeen
- 2010 Peter Poppi