Ipswich will soon have one of its own overseeing the development of rugby league in the region.
Ipswich Jets development officer Brendon Lindsay has been handed the role of Queensland Rugby League manager for Ipswich.
As the Jets fifth most capped player, Lindsay has a deep love of the game both on and off the field.
Since his retirement from the field, Lindsay has used his experience to become a coach of the Jets colts, and play a big role in the club’s development.
The former Scottish international said he jumped at the chance to utilise his experience and knowledge of the game in Ipswich.
“After my time here at the Jets I knew a bit about the role,” he said.
“I had a look at the criteria when the job opened up just before Christmas. I thought it would be a great opportunity for someone like myself.”
Having been involved with the Ipswich Jets since 2002, Lindsay said the new position gave him an opportunity to continue to promote rugby league in the area.
“I am passionate about rugby league in Ipswich,” he said. “I’m in a unique position where I have worked closely with these identities.
“I’m just looking forward to jumping in and getting started.”
QRL South East Division Chairman Brad Tallon said Lindsay has the experience and skills to create a “cohesive environment” for the game in Ipswich to flourish.
“It’s fantastic to appoint such a well-respected and well-known rugby league identity to this important role,” Tallon said.
“We all know about Brendon’s extensive achievements on the rugby league field in our state’s premier competition.
“To top that off, he’s played in the local league here and has been actively involved in game develop- ment and other important off-field initiatives.”
A close member of the Jets support staff, Lindsay said he would remain an active supporter of the club despite the move.
“It is going to be strange,” he said. “I’m still an Old Boy and a massive supporter of the club and the team.
“At the end of the day I’m only moving a couple of hundred metres down the road. I’ll still be around.”
Lindsay said he would lean on the experience of the QRL staff to help him learn the ropes.
“They have a really strong core of passionate staff,” he said. “I really want to get into the role and get a good understanding of how things work before I start making any decisions.
“It’s more about finding out how things work and what I can bring to the table with my experience.”
One of the biggest challenges facing the former halfback will be bringing the interests of the various rugby league bodies in Ipswich together.
“My main goal is to continue to improve that relationship,” he said. “We need to remind everyone that we are all working for the same thing.
“In the last five years the relationship between the three bodies has improved. Part of that is making sure there are pathways in place for kids to achieve their goals.”
Lindsay said he would be hitting the ground to speak with all local clubs.
“Participation is a massive part of the sports success,” he said. “To maximise how many people are playing this game you need to be able to under- stand the good and bad things they see at each club.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know their struggles and assist in any way I can.’’
Lindsay said he was aware of his own strengths and weaknesses.
“I’m lucky I have the business sense and the contacts,” he said. “It’s just a matter of re-introducing myself in a different role.
“Knowing the landscape will allow me to focus on my own weaknesses and help improve on them quickly.”
With Jets CEO Wayne Wendt recently elected into the Ipswich City Council, the club will need to act quickly to replace two important roles.
The Jets are seeking a new CEO to continue the club’s success.