DIEHARD
25-01-06, 12:54 PM
Queensland's retired State of Origin stars have invested in rugby league's future by sponsoring this year's A grade and Colts competitions.
The FOGS (Former Origin Greats) will use their sponsors to finance the competitions run by Queensland Rugby League's South East Division.
All 11 clubs from the Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, Redcliffe, Pine Rivers and the Gold and Sunshine Coasts will display the FOGS logos on their sleeves as part of the undisclosed three year deal through to 2008.
Until this latest venture the FOGS have mainly concentrated on raising money for charities and hospitals.
The sponsorship will allow them to lift their public profile and help make people more aware of their role to put something back into rugby league.
Tuesday's sponsorship roll out at Suncorp Stadium was impressive with Wally Lewis, Gene Miles, Trevor Gillmeister, Mark Murray, Darren Smith, John Ribot and Mitch Brennan flying the FOGS flag.
"It's a great fit and a great way for the FOGS to raise their profile," said CEO and former Queensland centre Gene Miles.
"That's our number one charter to put something back into grass roots level.
"This gives us a chance to get involved, not purely on a financial basis.
"We've got the services of the best players in the land and if these clubs want to call on them I'm sure they'll make themselves available.
"If asked, and they're available, then they'll help out, that's the way we operate.
"That's why this group of people (FOGS) is so special.
"We've got 150 odd members and a large majority of them came through that competition so they want to put something back into it.
"Our (Queensland's) numbers are down in the NRL and hopefully this will provide an opportunity for a lot of kids to get in their and have a dig."
Source: NRL.com
The FOGS (Former Origin Greats) will use their sponsors to finance the competitions run by Queensland Rugby League's South East Division.
All 11 clubs from the Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, Redcliffe, Pine Rivers and the Gold and Sunshine Coasts will display the FOGS logos on their sleeves as part of the undisclosed three year deal through to 2008.
Until this latest venture the FOGS have mainly concentrated on raising money for charities and hospitals.
The sponsorship will allow them to lift their public profile and help make people more aware of their role to put something back into rugby league.
Tuesday's sponsorship roll out at Suncorp Stadium was impressive with Wally Lewis, Gene Miles, Trevor Gillmeister, Mark Murray, Darren Smith, John Ribot and Mitch Brennan flying the FOGS flag.
"It's a great fit and a great way for the FOGS to raise their profile," said CEO and former Queensland centre Gene Miles.
"That's our number one charter to put something back into grass roots level.
"This gives us a chance to get involved, not purely on a financial basis.
"We've got the services of the best players in the land and if these clubs want to call on them I'm sure they'll make themselves available.
"If asked, and they're available, then they'll help out, that's the way we operate.
"That's why this group of people (FOGS) is so special.
"We've got 150 odd members and a large majority of them came through that competition so they want to put something back into it.
"Our (Queensland's) numbers are down in the NRL and hopefully this will provide an opportunity for a lot of kids to get in their and have a dig."
Source: NRL.com