'Very special for our entire family': Cup a constant motivator

While everyone in the Frank Fisher Invitational side knows the story of the Indigenous rugby league champion, playing in his honour carries particular importance for his descendants.

It's the first time Anthony Gray will get to play in the side bearing his great-grandfather's name, but it's not the only person close to his heart he will be remembering when he takes the field.

“It’s my first year playing for him, and we just lost Nan in January, so to be able to play for her father and her as well, it means a lot to me," he said.

“It’s going to be very special for our entire family."

Much of the family will be travelling from Cherbourg to Chinchilla to show their support too, in a game that's only gaining in significance.

Gray is expecting a tough task against a strong Queensland Police team and the middle forward is bracing to put in a workhorse effort to let the likes of brother George Fisher put on a show.

“I’ve watched the most recent (Frank Fisher Cup) in Murgon and they are a pretty strong side, so it’s going to be a close game I reckon," he said.

“I like to bring physicality and hard work. I love doing a lot of carries for the team.

“It’s going to be fun. I played with George when he first played A grade, and a few carnivals, and he’s always good to play beside. He’s a special talent.

“I reckon he’ll end up being man of the match. He pops up everywhere. I’d describe him like a bit of a Tedesco type of player. Wherever the ball is, he’s going to be hanging around."

Fisher, who travels from Cherbourg to the Sunshine Coast twice a week to play A grade for Noosa Pirates, said he wasn't expecting it to be easy, but was looking forward to the challenge.

“It’s going to be an exciting game to watch and fun too," he said.

And while a win would be sweet, no matter the result, it's all about bringing people together and doing the Fisher name proud in honour of his great-grandfather's brother.

“Me being a Fisher, carrying that last name, it does mean a lot to go and have game, it adds more to it," he said.

“I’ve got some family coming out and couple of other brothers in the team from Cherbourg, so it’s going to be big from all of us.

"A lot of the family rang me up and they were happy to see our names in the team, so they were pretty excited about it and happy it’s happening too, that there is a game specifically for Frank Fisher because I think he deserves it for everything he went through and everything he achieved in rugby league."

The Frank Fisher Cup between Frank Fisher Invitational and QPS Men will be streamed live on Qplus.tv on Saturday from 2.15pm.

Main image: George Fisher in action with Cherbourg Hornets. Photos courtesy of Past Tense Photography