ABOUT BANKSTOWN BULLS JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE FOOTBALL CLUB INC.
OFFICIAL CLUB NAME
Since 29 October 2018: Bankstown Bulls Junior Rugby League Football Club Incorporated
Prior to 29 October 2018: Bankstown Catholic Collegians Junior Rugby League Football Club Incorporated
A special resolution was put forward to members prior to the 2018 Annual General Meeting to officially change the club name to Bankstown Bulls Junior Rugby League Football Club Incorporated, which the club had been using on its jerseys and name since 2004. Members in attendance voted upon it in a unanimous vote. The name has been registered with the Department of Fair Trading NSW.
CLUB COLOURS
Red, Black & White
PREVIOUS CLUB NAMES
Bankstown De La Salle (1961-1980)
Bankstown Catholic Collegians Club (1981-1997)
Bankstown Oasis (1968)
Bankstown Central (1969-1983)
Bankstown Bowling Club (1982-1983)
Bankstown City (1984-1997)
Bankstown Juniors (1998)
Bankstown Cougars (1999-2003)
Bankstown Bulls (2004-present)
AMALGAMATIONS/DISSOLVED
1981 – Bankstown DLS withdrew from the CBDJRL, Bankstown Catholic Collegians was formed
1984 – Bankstown Bowling Club, Bankstown Soccer Club & Bankstown Central became Bankstown City
1998 – Bankstown City & Bankstown Catholic Collegians became Bankstown Juniors
NAME CHANGES
1969 – Bankstown Oasis became Bankstown Central
1999 – Bankstown Juniors became Bankstown Cougars
2004 – Bankstown Cougars became Bankstown Bulls
A special resolution was put forward to members at the 2018 Annual General Meeting on 29th October that all records from Bankstown Cougars, Bankstown Collegians, Bankstown City and previous affiliates be incorporated into the Bankstown Bulls Junior Rugby League Football Inc.
Click HERE for full club history overview
PRIMARY HOME GROUND
Ruse Park, 84 Stacey St South, Bankstown, next to Gartmore Ave.
Ruse Park was formally known as Bankstown Football Centre and was the home ground of Bankstown City since 1984 prior to that it was the home of Bankstown Soccer Club. The Bulls reverted back to the original name of Ruse Park in 2013. The first game of Rugby League was played at Ruse Park on 1st April 1984.
SECONDARY TRAINING GROUND
Padstow Park, cnr Davies Rd & Banks St, Padstow.
Padstow Park was the home ground of the Padstow Panthers 2000-2009 and became a Sunday home game venue for the Bulls in 2010-11 and has been a training venue since 2012 with the exception of 2019. It was going to be used for 3 home games in 2020 prior to Covid-19.
AFFILIATIONS
The Bankstown Bulls JRLFC Inc are affiliated with the Canterbury-Bankstown Junior Rugby League (CBJRL) and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Rugby League Club and competitions entered into by the CBJRL and Bulldogs.
Bankstown Bulls was previously associated with Sydney Bulls 2004-2008.
MAJOR SPONSOR
Bankstown RSL Club is the major sponsor of the Bulls located 1 Meredith St, Bankstown.
Bankstown RSL has been involved with the Bankstown Bulls JRLFC since 2010. In a deal done in 2016, Bankstown RSL is in control of the club’s on-field apparel and supplies other ranges of apparel at no expense to the club except for printing of logo on off-field apparel.
CONSTITUTION
The members of the Bankstown Bulls JRLFC were presented with a new constitution to vote upon 3 weeks prior to the AGM (29/10/2018) after discovering the constitution wasn’t officially updated since 1997. The club is bound by the constitution that is now linked on the website under Resources for members and supporters to freely access. The Constitution has been officially registered with the Department of Fair Trading NSW.
FINANCIAL REPORTS & STATEMENTS
Upon request from either Club Members (registered team officials, committee members & life members) and/or Parent/Guardians of financially registered players; the Secretary must provide an up to date Financial Report within 7 days of the email request. Financial Reports are provided at all club meetings, at the Annual General Meeting and declared to the Department of Fair Trading NSW. Upon request from the Department of Fair Trading NSW in 2020, the Club was asked too and provided Financial Statements for the 2016 and 2017 seasons, which at the time wasn’t submitted.
SELECTION OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The selection of the Executive Committee Members happens on a one-yearly basis. All positions are declared vacant by the current Executive prior to the AGN. Members can nominate for Executive positions as outlined in the Constitution. The Secretary must notify members at least 14 days prior to the Annual General Meeting happening and at least 7 days notice must be given before positions on the Executive Committee can be closed. If nominations for the Executive Committee aren’t filled prior to the closing date the remaining Executive members have the right to appoint members. A minimum 3 positions on the Executive must be filled, up to a maximum 5 positions in accordance to the Constitution. Only 1 member per family allowed on the Executive unless passed by more than 75% of voting members present at the AGM.
SELECTION OF GENERAL COMMITTEE
The selection of the General Committee is done by the Executive Committee in the first meeting of the Executive following the AGM. The Executive will take forward nominations and make appointments they best see fit for the club. The Executive must have a minimum 3 up to a maximum 7 positions filled on the General Committee.
SUB-COMMITTEES
The Executive Committee can form a number of Sub-Committees where it best suits the club to work below the General Committee and aren’t limited by title or numbers.
SELECTION OF COACHES, MANAGERS & TRAINERS
The Executive Committee will open up nomination for coaches at the end of the regular season. Once the coach has been appointed the Executive will post on the Club’s Website. Coaches will select their Managers and Trainers. The Executive can only reject any selections by coaches based on Code of Conduct and failing to meet Working With Children or Compliance requirements.
PRE-SEASON TRAINING & TEAM SELECTIONS
All team selections are in the hands of the coaches with the Executive not getting involved unless requested. Coaches need to operate within the maximum allowable squad numbers set by the Junior League (CBDJRL). Teams will either train as their own squads or entire age groups as one as set out by the Executive and/or mutually agreed to by the Coaches.
MAJOR CLUB AWARDS
The Bankstown Bulls JRLFC have 14 major awards of which 11 of the winners temporarily receive a perpetual trophy. All 14 winners receive a plaque/trophy.
Bankstown RSL Service Award: Sponsored by Bankstown RSL Club and is awarded to a club member with a minimum 5 years service, hasn’t won a major award in the previous 5 years (2016-2020 for 2021 awards) and hasn’t previously received Life Membership (can receive award on a life membership year).
Senior Club Person of the Year: Trophy donated by Michael Rodrigues & Odyssey Plumbing. Goes to a member over the age of 18 for their efforts over the 12 month period.
Lindsay Roach Junior Club Person of the Year: Trophy donated by CBDJRL Harry Mansour in 2010 on the condition it was named after former Bulls Secretary and at time CBDJRL Committee Member Lindsay Roach, who later on served on the Board of Management and was CBDJRL President. This is awarded to any member or player 18 years or younger. It can either go to committed team performance or as appreciation for help around the club either as a team official or general capacities.
Secretary’s Appreciation Award: Solely selected by the Secretary and can be awarded to any club member (no perpetual).
Senior Player of the Year: Major trophy inherited from Bankstown City is awarded to the Best Player in the International Age Groups as determined by the selection panel. Only Best & Fairest winners from each International team are eligible for the award.
Ray Farah Junior Player of the Year: Award named in honour of the late Ray Farah who served as the first Secretary of the merged Collegians/City club that became known as the Cougars. This award is awarded to the Best Player in the Mini/Mod Age Groups as determined by the selection panel. Only Best & Fairest winners from each Mini/Mod team are eligible for the award. In 2018 Amy Tu’ifua (U7) became the 1st female player to win the award.
Bankstown RSL Female Player of the Year: Sponsored by Bankstown RSL Club and is awarded to the best performed Female Player in the Club. The criteria for this award is the player must have received Best & Fairest or Best & Fairest Runner Up within their team. If no player fits that category Coaches Award is taken into consideration. Female Players are eligible to win the Senior & Junior Player of the Year awards and in this case another Female player is selected for this award.
Ryan Matterson Super 15 Player of the Year: Named after Bulls Junior Ryan Matterson who has since played NRL for the Roosters, Wests Tigers and Parramatta and was selected as 18th man for the NSW State of Origin team in 2019. This award is awarded to the Super 15 (Team 1) Best & Fairest winner. Should the Super 15(1) win the Senior Player of the Year this is awarded to either the Best Back or Best Forward in Super 15(1) or the Best & Fairest in Super 15(2).
Tom Tasker Encouragement Award: Named after former Bankstown Central secretary and inaugural premiership-winning coach Tom Tasker. It’s an encouragement award that goes to a player in the Under 13’s (either division). If no choice from the Under 13’s it will go to a player in Under 12’s. It can’t go to a previous major award winner. This award is for male & females.
Marcelo Montoya Development Award: Named after Bulldogs, Warriors and Fiji International Marcelo Montoya who played junior league at the Bulls. This award goes to a player turning the age of 17 who hasn’t won a major club award previously and didn’t win their teams Best & Fairest award. If there’s no 17 year old it can be awarded to a 16 year old. This award is for male & females.
Senior Coach of the Year: Trophy donated by the Barakat Family and Men In Blinds. It’s awarded to a Coach in the International Age Groups as determined by the selection panel. Winning results aren’t a factor in this award.
Junior Coach of the Year: Trophy donated by the Barakat Family and Men In Blinds. It’s awarded to a Coach in the Mini/Mod Age Groups as determined by the selection panel. Winning results aren’t a factor in this award.
Manager of the Year: It’s awarded to a Team Manager in the Club as determined by the selection panel (no perpetual).
Team of the Year: It’s awarded to a Team in the Club deemed to be by the selection panel as the best performed during the season it could be for on-field results, the way the team stuck together or other determining factors. The award is presented to the Coach (no perpetual).
MAJOR TEAM AWARDS
Under 5 to Under 12 & Female Under 14 to Under 18
Best & Fairest, Best & Fairest Runner Up, Coaches Award
Male Under 13 to Open Age & Open Women’s
Best & Fairest, Best Back, Best Forward, Coaches Award
These awards are selected by the coach and their staff. The Executive Committee will only intervene if there’s a change of coach mid-season or the coaching staff haven’t selected the awards in time for when publications and trophies need to be done by.
SUPER 15
As part of the constitution of Bankstown Catholic Collegians Club the H/Grade team (Under 13) would have a trip away that was partly sponsored by the club and mostly done by fundraising.
An idea was put forward prior to the 2009 season to revive the Collegians tradition and have a trip away for one team. It was voted on by the 2009 Bulls Committee and Members that it would be the Under 15’s and they would become the Super 15’s.
The Super 15’s wear a different designed jersey to the rest of the with the red and black strips used by Bankstown Central between 1970-1983 known as the club’s heritage jersey. In addition to the heritage jersey all players receive a trip away, hoodie, sports bag and team dinner.
Ironically the first premiership won by Collegians in 1982 was F/Grade (Under 15) which links our Super 15’s to the past history of our club with Central and Collegians. To date this has been the only time any Bankstown Bulls affiliated club has won a title in the Super 15’s age group.
GOOD SPORTS CLUB
The Bankstown Bulls JRLFC is officially a Good Sports Level 3 Club having met the requirements as part of a joint partnership with the Australian Government Department of Health and the Alcohol & Drug Foundation. For embracing the Good Sports values; For providing a positive, healthy and family friendly sporting experience for all; and For contributing to reducing alcohol related harm in the community.
FIRST GRADE PLAYERS
The following Cougars/Bulls players have achieved NRL (First Grade) status:
Heka Nanai (2007 Canterbury), Peter Mata’utia (2011 Newcastle), Daniel Tupou (2012 Sydney Roosters), Harlan Alaalatoa (2013 Canterbury), Chanel Mata’utia (2014 Newcastle), Sione Mata’utia (2014 Newcastle), Pat Mata’utia (2016 Newcastle), Ryan Matterson (2016 Sydney Roosters), Marcelo Montoya (2017 Canterbury).
LIFE MEMBERSHIP
Members voted at the 2018 AGM to incorporate all Life Members from all previous Bulls entities and create a registrar of Life Members. The following people are Life Members of the Bankstown Bulls JRLFC Inc.:
*John Angove, +Peter Wagstaff, William Bellenger, *+Stan O’Dowd, John Potter, Brian Mark, *Warrick Shakespeare, John Edwards, Lynn Farah, *Ray Farah, Lindsay Roach, Najib Nohra, Lloyd Williams, Anthony Samuel, Romiz Barakat, Scarf Maroun, Norma Hadchiti, Abdul Nabhan, Michael Rodrigues, George Farej, Stan Hetaraka, Amanda Nabhan, Rabab Raad, Chady Salamah, David Tarabay, Antoine Azar, Sandra Chahine, Lawrence Karam.
* Deceased, + CBDJRL Life Members
HISTORY OF THE EXECUTIVE & GENERAL COMMITTEE
2002
Executive: John Edwards (President), Ray Farah (Secretary), David Maroun (Treasurer)
2003
Executive: Chris Haddad (President), Lindsay Roach (Secretary), David Maroun (Treasurer)
2004
Executive: Andrew Francis (President), Scarf Maroun (Vice President), Lindsay Roach (Secretary), Joe Khoury (Assistant Secretary), David Maroun (Treasurer)
General: Rose Wales (Canteen Manager)
Delegates: Lindsay Roach, John Edwards
2007
Executive: Scarf Maroun (President), Najib Nohra (Secretary)
2008
Executive: Scarf Maroun (President), Romiz Barakat (Senior Vice President), Najib Nohra (Secretary), Anthony Rizk (Treasurer)
2009
Executive: Najib Nohra (President), Romiz Barakat (Senior Vice President), Anthony Rizk (Secretary)
2010
Executive: Najib Nohra (President), Romiz Barakat (Senior Vice President), Anthony Rizk (Secretary)
2011
Executive: Najib Nohra (President), Romiz Barakat (Senior Vice President), Anthony Rizk (Secretary), Dayana Kabbara (Assistant Secretary)
2012
Executive: Najib Nohra (President), Romiz Barakat (Senior Vice President), Anthony Rizk (Secretary, resigned 28/08/2012), Danny Safetly (Secretary, interim appointment 28/08/2012), Dayana Kabbara (Assistant Secretary), Sheran Chalouhi (Treasurer)
General: Danny Safetly (Junior Vice President), Anthony Rizk (Registrar, resigned 28/08/2018)
2013
Executive: Najib Nohra (President), Romiz Barakat (Senior Vice President), Danny Safetly (Secretary), Ted Elsayed (Assistant Secretary), Sheran Chalouhi (Treasurer)
General: Matthew O’Neill (Registrar), Jamal Safetly (Canteen Manager)
2014
Executive: Najib Nohra (President), Romiz Barakat (Senior Vice President), Danny Safetly (Secretary), Ted Elsayed (Assistant Secretary), Sheran Chalouhi (Treasurer)
General: Matthew O’Neill (Registrar), Jamal Safetly (Canteen Manager)
2015
Executive: Najib Nohra (President), Romiz Barakat (Senior Vice President, resigned 01/10/2015), Danny Safetly (Secretary), Ted Elsayed (Assistant Secretary), Sheran Chalouhi (Treasurer)
General: Matthew O’Neill (Registrar), Jamal Safetly (Canteen Manager), Sonya Grady (Canteen)
2016
Executive: Najib Nohra (President), Scarf Maroun (Senior Vice President), Danny Safetly (Secretary, replaced due to illness 09/05/2016), Sonya Grady (Secretary, appointed 09/05/2016), Matthew O’Neill (Assistant Secretary, resigned 05/04/2016), Sonya Grady (Assistant Secretary, appointed 07/04/2016), Sheran Chalouhi (Treasurer)
General: Matthew O’Neill (Registrar), Jamal Safetly (Canteen Manager), Suzie Dib (Canteen), Katia Nader (Canteen)
2017
Executive: Najib Nohra (President), Karam Nohra (Senior Vice President), Sonya Grady (Secretary), Wade Giddings (Assistant Secretary), Sheran Chalouhi (Treasurer)
General: Matthew O’Neill (Registrar), Abdul Nabhan (Coaches Coordinator), Suzie Dib (Canteen Managers), Katia Nader (Canteen Managers), Dianne Williams (Canteen), Jamal Safetly (Canteen)
2018
Executive: Najib Nohra (President, resigned 22/01/2018), Michael Rodrigues (President, appointed 24/01/2018), Michael Rodrigues (Senior Vice President, moved to President 24/01/2018), Stan Hetaraka (Senior Vice President, appointed 08/02/2018), Wade Giddings (Junior Vice President, resigned 04/02/2018), Lawrence Karam (Secretary), Matthew O’Neill (Assistant Secretary), Sheran Chalouhi (Treasurer, replaced 24/01/2018), Anthony Samuel (Treasurer, appointed 24/01/2018)
General: Marea Farah (Canteen Manager, appointed 05/02/2018), David Tarabay (Junior Vice President, appointed 15/05/2018), Rhonda Elsayed (Assistant Treasurer, appointed 15/05/2018), Brad Whigham (Groundsman, appointed 15/05/2018)
Other: Matthew O’Neill (Registrar)
Delegates: Lawrence Karam, Matthew O’Neill
2019
Executive: Michael Rodrigues (President), Stan Hetaraka (Senior Vice President), Lawrence Karam (Secretary), Anthony Samuel (Assistant Secretary), Matthew O’Neill (Treasurer)
General: David Tarabay (Junior Vice President), Rhonda Elsayed (Assistant Treasurer), Sandra Chahine (Registration Assistant & appointed Canteen Manager 15/02/2019), Ali Mehanna (Youth Liasion Officer), Brad Whigham (Groundsman) – all appointed 06/11/2018, Marea Farah (Canteen, appointed 06/11/2018, resigned 14/02/2019)
Canteen: Rabab Raad, Jeseka Harmouch, Maggie Chahine
Delegates: Lawrence Karam, Matthew O’Neill
Other: Matthew O’Neill (Registrar)
Public Officer to the Department of Fair Trading NSW: Lawrence Karam
2020
Executive: Ali Mehanna (President), Stan Hetaraka (Senior Vice President), Matthew O’Neill (Secretary), Anthony Samuel (Assistant Secretary), Rabab Raad (Treasurer)
General: David Tarabay (Junior Vice President), Sandra Chahine (Canteen) – all appointed 07/11/2019, Hussein Dia (Legal Officer, appointed 04/03/2020)
Canteen: Jeseka Harmouch, Michelle Baldwin
Covid-19 Officer: Hussein Dia, appointed 03/06/2020
Delegates: Matthew O’Neill, Ali Mehanna
Other: Matthew O’Neill (Registrar), Chris Baldwin (Grounds)
Public Officer to the Department of Fair Trading NSW: Matthew O’Neill
2021
Executive: Ali Mehanna (President), Stan Hetaraka (Senior Vice President), Hussein Dia (Secretary, resigned 14/04/2021), George Najjar (Secretary, appointed 14/04/2021), Anthony Samuel (Assistant Secretary), Rabab Raad (Treasurer, resigned 14/04/2021), Zahi El Zein (Treasurer, appointed 14/04/2021)
General: Rabih Chamma (Junior Vice President), Rabab Raad (Canteen Manager)
Other: Sandra Chahine (Canteen), Jeseka Harmouch (Canteen), Jason Amos (Coaching Director), Lawrence Karam (Sponsorship), George Najjar (Sponsorship)
Delegates: George Najjar, Ali Mehanna
Public Officer to the Department of Fair Trading NSW: Hussein Dia
2022
Executive: Ali Mehanna (President), Stan Hetaraka (Senior Vice President), George Najjar (Secretary), Lawrence Karam (Assistant Secretary), Zahi El Zein (Treasurer)
General: TBC
Other: TBC
Delegates: George Najjar, Ali Mehanna
Public Officer to the Department of Fair Trading NSW: Hussein Dia
Website Manager & Club Historian: Matthew O’Neill (2011-2022)
Help our history page grow and acknowledge people before us please email here with old yearbooks, team photos and additional information.
Bankstown Bulls Junior Rugby League Football Club Incorporated.
