Mini Maroons: Island transfer no barrier for emerging referee

Friday is everyone's favourite night of the week, but especially so for Djarell Turner.

The Hammond Island resident is one of Queensland's northernmost referees, getting his chance to shine every Friday during footy season at Zenadth Kes Junior Rugby League game nights.

It takes a dinghy ride to get from Hammond to the Ken Brown Memorial Playing Field on Thursday Island, but it's well worth it.

"I just like how you run around, whistle and things. It's tiring, but it's more fun," he said.

Djarell picked up refereeing at the RISE camp held on TI earlier this year, putting his hand up to officiate one of the games.

But he didn't think he would be one for the whistle originally.

"I just refereed it and that was a big change for me because when we went into a building and then they taught us about how to be a ref and everything, I was like: 'Oh, I'm not gonna do this, I'm not gonna do that'," Djarell said.

"And then when it came to learn about it I was like: 'Oh, this is actually pretty fascinating. I might do it'.

"So when I did it, it was very fun."

Djarell since went to the Laurie Spina Shield, travelling with the Zenadth Kes crew, where he officiated nine games in two days and had a wonderful time meeting new people and catching up with old friends, with many Torres Strait teens heading to the mainland for schooling.

"It was extraordinary. I can't even explain it properly. It was all so good and very fun," he said.

Ethan gets his chance to shine

Mt Isa club Wanderers has done wonders for a under 13 player with a huge passion for the game.

Young Ethan has some special needs but with few options available in the northwest Queensland town, special dispensation was sought so he could play in his younger brother's age group.

Those who know Ethan describe him as a "beautiful, gentle young lad who absolutely loves his footy". 

is coach has done a great job bringing Ethan into the team, knowing where and when to play him, to make sure he can enjoy the game.

Rugby league leads variety of skills

Earlier this month about 80 students living with a disability in Mt Isa got the chance to learn rugby league skills in a dedicated clinic last month.

The QRL partnered with Variety for the rare opportunity.

Local coaches and athletes from the passionate Mt Isa rugby league community gave their time to go through a few fun drills for a day the kids will never forget.

The day also included Mt Isa Basketball, Netball Queensland and PCYC Mt Isa.