Management
Justin Wilkins – CEO
Justin studied in Townsville completing a Bachelor of Commerce Degree at the James Cook University in Townsville in 1992 and then headed back home to Mount Isa where he spent 21 years at the Buffs Club. His last 12 years as Executive Manager growing it from a smaller club into the power house that it is today rivalling some of the best clubs in the state. Justin took on the role of CEO in 2013 which encompasses Brothers Leagues Club, Kirwan Sports Club and now the Townsville & Districts Mendi Blackhawks RLFC. Justin was the recipient of the prestigious award of Queensland Club Manager of the Year for 2016 at the annual Clubs Queensland awards for Excellence. He is excited about the opportunities the Blackhawks bring to the region and is determined to ensure the Blackhawks are a successful organisation both on and off the field.
Adrian Thomson – Football Operations Manager
Adrian Thomson brings extensive experience to the position of Football Operations Manager having been involved in the game of rugby league for three decades. Having begun work with NRL side the North Queensland Cowboys as the recruitment manager, he was promoted to a coaching role as one of three coaching assistants to Head Coach Paul Green for the 2014 season. Adrian has worked on many community programs during his time with the Cowboys and has extensive knowledge of program delivery and sustainable community outcomes.
Glen Carroll – Chairman of the Board of Brothers Leagues Club & Townsville & Districts Mendi Blackhawks
We welcome Glen Carroll as our newly appointed Chairman in 2021 after long-standing Chairman Gavin Lyons relocation to Brisbane. Glen is a passionate rugby league supporter who has been involved in Rugby League in Townsville since the mid 1980’s. He has been a member of the Brothers League Football Club Committee since 1988 – including President from 1992-2005. Glen has been a Board member of Brothers League Club for 24 years. In conjunction with Gavin Lyons, he has been heavily involved in initiating the interest and support of Townsville Blackhawks to ensure we have a presence in the Qld State League competition.
Pat Ernst – Steering Committee
Pat Ernst is a former Townsville City Council Councillor for Sport, Recreation and Parks. He spent 18 years as a Transport Owner Operator and Builder. Pat is a qualified tradesman with a Diploma in Business. He has also had a distinguished footballing career, which includes:
- Foley Shield Player Innisfail (82,83,84,88)
- Foley Shield Player Townsville (89,90)
- Represented Brisbane South’s Reserve Grade final (85) and 1st Grade (86,87),
- North Queensland Marlins (88,89,90)
- Qld Country(90)
- Carcassonne in France(85/86)
- Played against Touring sides England, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Brisbane and NSW country.
Bert Peterson – Steering Committee
Bert coached rugby league for 22 years which included Juniors, Seniors and Representative Levels. Bert has now been a dedicated administrator for 8 years and has sat on the Northern Division Rugby League Board as well as the QRL Juniors Board. Bert is currently chairman of Townsville and District Junior Rugby League (TDJRL) and Director of the Stingers Academy. Bert who received the Australia Day Administrator of the Year Award in 2015, is credited with changing “the face of rugby league and increased growth and development for junior players” in his role as the TDJRL chairman.
Ross Anderson – Steering Committee
Ross Anderson started in Rugby League administration with Centrals ASA in the early 90’s as Manager for Under 20’s and later went on to be Chairman of the club and was awarded Life Membership in 2009. He was appointed as the TDRL Secretary in 2004, a post he held for 7 years. Health reasons saw Ross have 12 months off in 2011, however he continued to be involved by sitting in Judiciaries and the Referees appointment board. He was then appointed to the Chairman’s Role in 2012, a post he still holds. Ross has been involved in all aspects of Rugby League and has worked tirelessly towards improving Rugby League which was why he was awarded Life Membership of the TDRL in 2010.
Peter Jones – Steering Committee
A born & bred North Queenslander, rugby league has always been in Peter’s blood. He played for the Tully Tigers & Innisfail Brothers before debuting for the North Queensland Cowboys in round 5 of their inaugural season. Peter went on to play 131 games for the club and was the first player to play 100 NRL games before retiring in 2002. After 8 years of playing, he remained at the club and over the next 10 years was employed as the club’s Recruitment Manager & Football Operations Manager. Peter is currently the Operations Manager at Meridian Helicopters.
