Mini Maroons: Hard-hitting Harry leads the way
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Wanderers Under 14 skipper Harry Gordon is taking his game to the next level after earning standout honours at the recent Peter Keogh Memorial Shield carnival in Mackay.
Gordon earned the Mick 'Wombat' Aprile Memorial Medal as junior player of the day – the award named in honour of the QRL North life member, Mackay Foley Shield player of the 1960s and famed coach of the St Patrick’s College champion 1988-1992 Confraternity Shield teams.
The young hooker is just one of a number of rising stars of the team and local junior competition, known for his technically brilliant tackling and emerging leadership.
Wanderers Under 14 coach Trent Peno said Harry’s “face lit up” when he learned he’d received the award.
“When he got delivered the medal at training, the way his face lit up was unreal," Peno said.
"He didn’t know he was getting it. It was a surprise to him, but he was the best player on the day and probably had one of the best games he’s had for us on that day.
“He stood up when we needed him, set up and put on a few good tries.”
Peno said Harry had risen to the task of captain, leading his team to an unbeaten start of the season.
“His communication is developing a bit more. He’s sort of a shy kid and that’s why we wanted to him in that leadership role to get his confidence up within the group,” he said.
“We’ve had a good start to the season. We’ve had two wins and one draw.
“The competition is a bit stronger compared to recent years, it’s a bit more level, which is good for the boys because they have to lift a bit and it’s good for the whole competition.”
Whistle-blowers’ unforgettable experience
Copious amounts of new referees are completing training courses and grabbing the whistle leading into the junior season.
But Townsville’s Maddison Strange and Maxson Hoover recently enjoyed the ultimate experience of refereeing at Queensland Country Bank Stadium leading in the lead-up to the North Queensland Cowboys versus New Zealand Warriors NRL match.
In just their second weekend of officiating, the pair controlled Under 8 matches on the hallowed turf.
Townsville District Rugby League Referees Association chairman Tom Dungavell said the region was lucky to be able to have an NRL team close by to allow young officials to enjoy such a rare experience, with more opportunities coming for other new referees throughout the year.
In Cairns, Brothers’ new referees received wonderful feedback from coaches in the first matches with a whistle over the weekend, while seven Redlynch Razorbacks Under 13 players have started their online modules to get on the path to officiating.
