Big Mal extends his reign

GLADSTONE?S reputation as a rugby league stronghold has been further enhanced, with the board of the Queensland Rugby League today making several key announcements at the central port city.

Among those was the ratification of Mal Meninga?s ongoing appointment as XXXX Queensland Maroons State of Origin coach for seasons 2007 and 2008. A further option exists for season 2009.

A member of Queensland?s first State of Origin team in 1980 and, until recently, the most-capped Origin player, Meninga took the XXXX Maroons to a dramatic 2-1 win in this year?s series.

?As well as being an iconic figure and boasting a strong rapport with players, Mal has impressed us greatly with his behind-the-scenes planning and professional approach,? QRL Managing Director Ross Livermore said.

?There was great enthusiasm from the board about him taking us into the future. He?s presented a very comprehensive plan of how he will attack things.?

Meninga could not hide his elation at being returned to the head of the XXXX Maroons, having brought the State its first Origin series win since 2001.

He thanked the QRL for accepting a proposal which will help balance his significant business interests, while keeping him heavily involved with the game he loves.

?For me it?s hard to explain with words what winning State of Origin means, because it?s so personal and deep. But I?d like to think all Queenslanders share the same spirit and feel that same intense satisfaction and pride,? Meninga said.

?The aim is not to win one series ? it?s to wrestle back the ascendancy over a period of time. We will do everything we possibly can to have our teams prepared and take advantage of the great player strength we currently have.

?I presented a model that I hope will be used as a framework which future coaches and players can build on.

?The QRL should be applauded for a visionary approach. In my mind this is a huge step forward.?

Aside from accepting Meninga?s submission, the QRL also viewed proposed changes to the boundaries of its six existing Divisions. These changes will be addressed by Divisional boards before returning to the chief QRL board.

Alterations could mean significant changes to the make-up of QRL competitions, development systems and personnel.

In welcome news for rugby league fans in Central Queensland, the QRL announced next year?s blue-chip Under 17 and Under 19 carnivals would be held in Rockhampton.

Central Division also put forward a strong submission to host a similar event to this year?s Trans Tasman Quadrangular Tournament in Rotorua, New Zealand.

With a view to expanding the number of competing international teams, the region hopes to host the event in 2008 to complement the Rugby League World Cup.

The decision of the QRL board to sit in Gladstone comes after successful ventures to Cairns and Maryborough in recent years.

Gladstone and its surrounding regions have contested internal rugby league competitions for over 80 years, in recent years producing the likes of Gary Larson and Tony Martin.

Famously in 1984 brilliant hooker Greg Conescu represented Australia while playing club football in Gladstone.