St Pat's name new committee for first season of Peter McDonald Premiership era

There's been a change at the top of the Saints committee with Gary Goldsmith stepping into the president's role for the new year, following Graham Ward's decision to step down at Tuesday night's annual general meeting.

Goldsmith vacates the secretary role he previously held, looking to lead the Saints with passion and pride into the new Peter McDonald Western Premiership season, which will bring Group 10 and Group 11 together.

Goldsmith said it was a positive indication for the season ahead that many people were able to be a part of Tuesday night's AGM, and he looks forward to working with the new committee.

"Numbers were probably up a little bit from normal, which was a great sign," he said.

"I was nominated for president, which I've accepted. Graham will still be on board to help the club. Catherine Hanrahan steps up as secretary, which is great news. Catherine is across a lot of things in rugby league and has a strong link with the juniors.

"Vice-president is Leanne Ashcroft. Leanne has been a part of Pat's for a long time and has been really instrumental in helping us get the fields and the clubhouse built. She's very reliable.

"Our treasurers are Noelene and Mick Mashman again. They've been doing it for a while and they do a great job."

Other committee members for 2022 include David Chapman, David Hines, Lucas Kleinschafer and Matt Lawson.

"It's great to see David Hines taking more on because he's a very well regarded businessman in town. He's going to help us with our sponsorship space," Goldsmith said.

"David Chapman is a former St Pat's and president of the club who will help with marketing and some of the social media stuff.

"Lucas is another St Pat's old boy who will be a connection point between juniors and seniors so we can start building towards one club.

"Matt Lawson is very experienced with coaching and on-field trainer assistance."

"Zac [Merritt, first grade coach] was enthusiastic about the meeting and he's pumped for next year. We'll move towards next year with a lot of optimism."

Pat's will be preparing for the challenge of a combined Group 10 and 11 competition, starting with an away trip to Cowra in round one next year - under the draft draw released on Wednesday.

Goldsmith said there's plenty of buzz around in the club in the build up towards the change in competition.

"It's exciting. It's an interesting time to become president, given what's happening next year," he said.

"It's a great club and a great group of people. Neither I or Graham played for St Pat's but we've always been made to feel welcome in the club.

"We have some of the best facilities in Group 10 and the new fields hopefully coming of board next year we've got a lot of positive energy going forward."

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