Frank Fisher is quite simply a legend in Queensland rugby league circles.
So much so that his legacy will be honoured with a new initiative in Cherbourg this week.
Born in Townsville in 1905 to Frank Fisher Snr and Rosie Shilling, he spent most of his prime growing up at the Cherbourg Aboriginal Settlement.
'Big Shot', as he was colloquially known, was an outstanding South Burnett sportsman which saw him star in numerous high profile games; including several invitational games in Brisbane, twice-playing for Wide Bay against Great Britain touring teams in 1932 and 1936, turning the head of English captain, Jim Brough.
Due to restrictions in place of the era, he sadly was not given permission to leave the country to further his football career. He remained an ultra-competitive five-eighth and captain of his Cherbourg side.
Fisher was later named in the “Indigenous Team of the Century” in 2008, alongside other greats such as Greg Inglis, Johnathan Thurston, Cliff Lyons, Laurie Daley and Arthur Beetson.
He is a source of inspiration to the younger generation, reaching great heights and demonstrating considerable resilience, despite facing numerous obstacles.
Renouf: Frank Fisher blazed the trail for Indigenous All Stars
The rich legacy that has been left by Fisher to overcome generational adversity and achieve greatness is the reason QRL Central chair Danny McGuire wants to honour the Cherbourg legend.
"The Frank Fisher Cup came about after recognising a need for reconciliation by bringing communities together in the Central Region," McGuire said.
"After growing on the idea, we spoke with Frank's family and decided to name the carnival in his honour as the history of Cherbourg and more specifically his journey is pretty unique and inspiring."
McGuire hopes this week's events can celebrate the region's rich sporting history and boost morale across the South Burnett.
"This carnival draws together four Indigenous sides from throughout the Queensland Rugby League central region," McGuire added.
"It will also highlight the fact that 52 tribes have come together as one community and should be proud of the town."
QRL Indigenous Advisory Committee chair Eddie Monaei is proud to see rugby league driving positive change amongst communities.
"We are using the game of rugby league and the legends of our community to be advocates for change," Monaei said.
"Sport is the vehicle to engage the community and change the mind of our people to make healthier choices in their lives and change their perspective moving forward.
"This week is all about unifying families and unifying the community.
"It takes everybody to be part of the reconciliation journey - if our communities and our people can't unify then reconciliation becomes a defunct process so we need everyone to be part of the journey and to embrace what sport has done for our community and our people."
The carnival has the support of the Arthur Beetson Foundation, Preston Campbell Foundation, Queensland Police Service, Struddys and FOGS' ARTIE Academy.
Both finals on Sunday will be broadcast live on QRL.com.au.
The week-long initiative begins today with NRL clinics and programs being run across schools and clubs in the South Burnett.
Frank Fisher Cup Schedule
Saturday, March 7
Time | Event |
---|---|
10am | NRL Clinic |
1.30pm | U16 Boys: Murgon / Cherbourg v Kingaroy / Nanango |
2.45pm | Official Opening - Mayor Arnold Murray and Danny McGuire |
3.30pm | Game 1: South West Emus v Sunshine Coast Bunyas |
5pm | Game 2: Wide Bay Stingrays v Central Queensland Barramundis |
Sunday, March 8
Time | Event |
---|---|
10am | Plate Final: Loser Game 1 v Loser Game 2 |
11.30am | Cup Final: Winner Game 1 v Winner Game 2 |
1.30pm | Closing Ceremony |
Hero photo: The Cherbourg Memory