Mini Maroons: Kids step up to join Ipswich referee ranks

Young people are thriving in rugby league doing great things for their club and community.

Ipswich Rugby League Referees Association member Katrina Anderson has given an amazing insight into the next generation, who are following in the footsteps of their parents in officiating.

"Each weekend, around the country, hundreds of families prepare and travel together to sporting fields to watch each other compete and cheer each other on," she said.

"The Ipswich Rugby League Referees Association is no different. It has always prided itself on a supportive, family atmosphere within the ranks and this year is no exception, with more than 10 family groups actively participating and officiating in Rugby League Ipswich competitions.

"Tima (who featured in the Mic'd up Kids video last year) and her two daughters Leeala and Liliana joined in the past few years, Tima signing up following her retirement from playing to stay in touch with the game and join her children on the field.

"They discovered a newfound respect for referees once they started officiating, realising how hard they train and the calls that need to be made on the field - and the trio recently officiated together during the junior games at Suncorp Stadium, prior to an NRL game - just as father and son Aaron and Hayden have done in just their first year with the association this year.

"Cooper joined his dad, Troy, in the ranks in 2019 and mum Trish soon followed. The family have been able to enjoy many rugby league memories together, including Troy and Cooper running together in a grand final in 2021, while all three have taken the field together in another match.

"Jacob has been officiating for the past three years and already has an under 13 grand final under his belt. It inspired his mum Lisa to get involved in a volunteer capacity as a field supervisor.

"Cachella and Mikki have also followed their mum Rachel into the Ipswich Rugby League Referees Association, while their brothers were also previous members.

"The pair were eventually able to debut among the senior ranks together. 

"Rachel, speaking on Cachella’s first carnival appointment, recalled the fantastic welcome she received: 'She was a late call up and was the only girl and youngest ref there. All the refs, who really didn’t know each other as they were from different associations, including a ref from Victoria, but all the coaches were sitting together, encouraging each other, laughing and being supportive. It was a great atmosphere to be a part of.'

Ipswich Referees Association president Graham Nipperess said it was great to see one big family at work.

"It’s great to see all the guys and girls out there, doing a hell of a job. They work really hard at a job that not everyone can do," he said.

Logan clubs unite for Fletcher

A huge single-day fundraising effort during a full slate of 21 junior games at Greenbank Raiders has raised more than $17,000 for young Fletcher Campbell.

Earlier this year, doctors identified the now seven-year-old had a brain tumour and since then coach Kris Evans has been leading the charge for support.

It culminated in the Footy for Fletcher Round on June 4. 

“It just blew me away how everyone came together. The vibe of the ground was positive, exciting, fun, no ego. Everyone was having fun, that was the main thing," the coach said.

“I saw the coach from Logan Brothers stood up, said to his parents, ‘right we’re all staying back for a couple of hours, selling raffle tickets, getting in the canteen, manning the jumping castle.'

“People who had no affiliation with the club at all got involved and donated.

“So many people got involved. It was extraordinary.

“It was all about the kids, and you could just feel it. It brought perspective to the whole thing, and I’m sure other parents can relate.

"If this happened to their kids, they’d be gutted and that was probably the motivation for them to get behind it."

Evans called out the efforts of the older juniors for banging charity buckets all day for the cause to further bring together all grades at the club.

Fletcher's dad Matt Campbell was overwhelmed at the support.

"Natasha (Fletcher's mum) and I would like to express our gratitude towards the Greenbank Raiders club and the entire committee for organising an absolutely remarkable day this past Sunday," he said.

"The effort and dedication put forth by everyone involved, as well as the incredible support and generous donations from the community have left a lasting impact on our family.

"We will be forever thankful for this unforgettable experience."

More than $75,000 has been raised in total. If you are able to support, you can do so here.

More tacklers earn their stripes

Rugby League Ipswich now has more than 200 additional mini superstars that are now Tackle Ready. 

Their final sessions were held at an under 7s gala day at Rosewood Roosters on June 18.

With the help of some NRL Tackle Ready deliverers, players and coaches braved the chilly morning conditions at Rosewood and tossed out the tags and when the whistle blew it was like a whole new game.

Players, parents and referees had smiles from ear-to-ear and had a blast.

The under 7s will now play a final round of tackle before the school holidays, before returning for another gala day to finish off the 2023 season.