Qld greats sponsor rugby league comp

[DIEHARD]

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

[DIEHARD]

Now this caught me off guard. FOGS sponsoring colts and A grade.

I didn't realise they had such financial resources.

[DIEHARD]

FOGS Clear Way For Opportunities

http://qrl.com.au/images_lib/FOGSGeneLander.jpg

A STAR-studded gathering was on-hand to witness the announcement of the Former Origin Greats (FOGS) as major sponsor of the QRL South East Division for the next three seasons.

Present at Suncorp Stadium to oversee FOGS assume naming rights for the A Grade and Colts competitions were Origin legends such as Wally Lewis, Gene Miles, Trevor Gillmeister and Shane Webcke.

A strong media contingent also lent its presence as FOGS Chairman Dick ?Tosser? Turner, Executive Director Miles (above with Aspley's Kieron Lander) and South East Chairman Kevin Brasch officially signed off on the deal.

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Mr Turner said the commitment was a further contribution by FOGS to supporting Rugby League at all levels.

?FOGS are unique and different and this is a description most Queenslanders are comfortable with,? he said.

?The support and affection the public at large have for our Former Origin Greats is remarkable.?

The A Grade competition will now be called the FOGS Cup, while the Colts grade will be referred to as the FOGS Colts Challenge.

All jerseys worn in both competitions will carry the FOGS logo on the sleeve for seasons 2006-08.

http://qrl.com.au/images_lib/FOGSGillyNorths.gif

Eleven clubs representing the Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, Redcliffe, Pine Rivers and Gold and Sunshine Coast areas play in both competitions. More than 3500 senior and 11,000 junior players are currently registered in South East Division.

Mr Brasch said funds would be used in the ongoing running of the FOGS Cup and FOGS Colts Challenge competitions.

?This will enable the South East Division to provide the very best in terms of playing conditions and administration, which in turn should be reflected in the standard of rugby league played,? said Brasch.

?Past players are quite often criticised for not putting back into the game?but we see them now contributing to a game they love and respect.?

The activities of FOGS are overseen by a committee chaired by Turner and comprising former players Lewis, Miles, Gillmeister (pictured below with his old Norths jersey), Mal Meninga, Chris Close, Greg Oliphant, Gavin Allen and Suncorp Stadium General Manager Alan Graham.

FOGS wishes to acknowledge its own invaluable sponsors XXXX, Q.L.D. Group, Vincent?s Accountants and Clayton Utz.

Source: http://www.QRL.com.au

[Ipswich Fan]

This is great news with the FOGS putting something back into the grassroots level of the game.

[Queenslander]

Those FOGS are a great bunch of guys. Its good to see them putting some much back into the community. :thumbsup: