23 February, 2015. 14:15
Jaco Van Der Merwe | Sports Writer | Contact
In light of the recent drug-trafficking charges faced by high-profile NRL stars, Greg Bird, Dave Taylor, Beau Falloon, Jaime Dolwing, Matt Sears and Jason Smith in South East Queensland – The Arthur Gorrie Correctional Center have formally applied for a QRL License to play in this years Intrust Super Cup also known as the Queensland Cup.
The Betoota Advocate can exclusive report that the formal application is now in front of the powers that be at QRL headquarters and has been in the works for some months.
Colloquially known as “Wacol Jail” he Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre’s General Manager, Troy Penscrew, explained that the concept was put forward some time ago and their acceptance into the competition is now all but assured.
“I first started talking with the QRL boys back in 2013 about possibly getting a side in the competition” Penscrew explained.
“Our crime rate is as low as any Queensland correctional center and most of our inmates are ex-Leagueys that work out all the time.”
“With the news that Smith, Taylor, Bird and the boys could be heading this way by the start of season, I feel that we can give this thing a real shake.”
It can also be confirmed that the team will be coached by formed Bulldogs and Roosters Prop, Charlie Tonga, who has also spent time behind bars and now serves as a mentor to incarcerated ex-League players.
Tonga, who has previously coached his name sake – Tonga, at a national level – says he was cautious when first approached, but is now excited for the opportunity.
“I’m actually really pumped to take the helm leading the Gorrie Boys” a clearly excited Tonga told the Advocate.
“We’re already talking to Long Bay (Correctional Centre in Sydney) about getting Fieldsy (Craig Field) – but we were super disappointed Wicksy (Danny Wicks) was released early because we thought we were a good shot to get him too.”
Tonga continued on to say “I’ve had a couple of private sessions with some of the boys and there is a lot of mongrel there; It’s just about getting them match fit in time for round one.”
Exactly where games will be played remains a mystery but there is talk of an upgrade of the nearby Evan Marginson Sportsground in Goodna.
Former QLD U20’s representative, Dominic Setefano (currently serving a 3 year sentence on assault and battery) says he can’t wait to get back to playing competitive rugby league for the correctional centre – under the QRL moniker of “The Wacol Crocodiles”.
“The boys inside are all ready to go and training has been going brilliantly” said the fiery 27-year-old red head.
“It amazing what a bunch of fuck ups like us can do when you put a football in our hands and tell us to run and tackle.”
Bad news for the Gold Coast Titans, looks like it could be brilliant news for the Crocodiles, with up to seven more players believed to be involved the recent cocaine bust.
The Crocodiles will announce their captain for their inaugural season early next week.
Rumour has it that Mr. Snuffleupagus is to be the mascot
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