Billy Moore Joins the QRL

HIS BLOOD-curdling Queenslander war cry is synonymous with State of Origin. Now Billy Moore is back with the QRL as the new Operations Manager for the Sunshine Coast and South Burnett.

In a major coup for league in one of the State?s fastest growing regions, Moore has been appointed full-time, assisting the band of part-time volunteers who have helped develop the region wonderfully in recent years.

Moore joins Dave Pearce as additions to the QRL stable in the past week, with the latter taking on the freshly created role as Operations Manager for Wide Bay North.

At today?s announcement at Maroochydore RSL, Sunshine Coast Gympie Rugby League president Ashley Robinson spoke glowingly of Moore?s credentials.

?We?re overjoyed that Billy applied for this role,? Robinson said.

?There?s a big task ahead of him, but we are very excited about what can be achieved.

?As much as Billy brings a great profile and persona, he is a very accomplished man off the field as well.

?His skills in business have just as much weight as his skills with the football.?

Moore, who played 17 State of Origin games for Queensland and three Tests for Australia, wound down his playing career with Kawana on the Sunshine Coast.

He has excelled as a restaurateur, only recently selling his stake in the successful Earth Bistro, an operation he went into blind seven years ago.

Moore, who became a father for the first time this year, notes parallels between what he has learnt in commerce and what he hopes to achieve in his latest challenge.

?The way I see it, this role combines my business sense with my real passion. It?s heaven-sent for me,? said Moore.

?I?ll be helping to look after the game I love, while remaining living in paradise. Not that there?s a bad place to live in Queensland.

?I consider rugby league the biggest and best winter sport in Queensland, but we have to remain at the cutting edge and be aggressive in the marketplace.

?The Sunshine Coast and surrounding regions are booming and it?s home to arguably the most competitive mix of sports in the nation.

?One thing I learnt from being in the restaurant game is you have to respect the opposition and see what you can do better in terms of running a professional, highly-tuned operation.?

Moore, who also boasts a Bachelor of Science (Physiology) and began a Masters in Exercise Science, will be based at Wises Road, Maroochydore, beginning Monday.

Bundaberg-based Dave Pearce starts as Wide Bay North Operations Manager on January 15.