New QRL director shares vision for the future

With more than 30 years’ experience in the game as a player, match official and administrator, Clinton Begg is excited about the opportunity to make a “meaningful” contribution during the next phase of his rugby league journey.

Begg replaced Leigh Anderson as the Northern director on the board of the QRL at Friday’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).

“From here I would like to contribute to the game of rugby league in a meaningful and progressive way,” Begg said.

“If you play, administer or volunteer within the game, on Thursday Island through to metro Brisbane, I hope to make decisions that continue to make your involvement in rugby league a great one.”

Begg has strong connections to community rugby league, having started out as an enthusiastic eight-year old player with Centrons and then Carltons in Mackay.

He also played for other clubs in Mackay, including Magpies, Wests and Souths, making numerous representative sides in North Queensland along the way. 

Begg’s league journey took a new path as a 17-year-old when he was enticed into the refereeing ranks by then Queensland Cup match official Paul Oliver.

With a natural feel for the game, Begg established himself as one of the state’s leading referees who officiated in matches across all levels of the game, from community rugby league to QRL statewide and NRL competitions.

Off the field, Begg was mentored by a former QRL director, the late Greg Sutherland, who “played a significant part” in his rugby league journey.

Begg has now commenced his role on the QRL board with more than two decades of experience in rugby league administration behind him.

It’s a familiar path to that of Begg’s predecessor, the long-serving Anderson who has always been a strong and passionate advocate for the game in the north.

Having decided not to stand for re-election, Anderson’s immense contribution to the game was acknowledged by the QRL board at last week’s AGM.

Anderson served on the QRL board for nine years, and has undertaken a myriad of roles in junior and senior rugby league, including a long stint as QRL North’s independent finance director.