One of the more remote clubs in Queensland is showing distance is no obstacle when it comes to strapping on the boots for a game of rugby league.
The Central Burnett Brumbies are a small regional rugby league club that compete in the South Burnett Rugby League Competition.
Under 6 and Under 8 First Aid Officer Tanya Coulson compiled this story about the club's progress.
Tanya’s husband Michael is also the Under 6 team’s footy coach and their son is one of the players.
“The Brumbies are the only junior team in the North Burnett region, which means our players come from towns all over the region including Eidsvold, Mundubbera, Gayndah and Biggenden.
Many of our players travel nearly an hour just to get to training held in Gayndah each week.
Being part of the South Burnett competition involves playing teams within that region which means more travelling – Kingaroy (1.5 hours), Nanango (2 hours), Murgon, Wondai, Cherbourg (1 hour).
Our kids do this every week and they do it with a smile on their faces – they love rugby league.
Being part of the Under 6 and Under 8 competitions means we don’t keep score, we’re all about encouraging the kids and making sure they have fun.
We measure the kids’ progress through sharing, taking turns, making a tackle, remembering to have a dummy half, holding the ball tight when getting tackled and helping our team mates.
Given that our team comes from the heart of Queensland mandarin country, all the kids were really excited to see the ‘Mighty Maroons’ supporting their favourite fruit.
All of our 6s and 8s could hardly wait to eat the ‘Brumbies’ sign after a fun-filled afternoon of training.
Rugby league is alive and well in the country and these kids and their parents prove it every weekend.
Go Brumbies!”
