Each month, we shine a spotlight on a member of the Support Squad who is making a meaningful impact in their rugby league community.
From checking in on mates to creating positive environments around the game, these champions help ensure our clubs remain places where everyone feels supported and valued.
This month, we’re proud to recognise one of those people. Meet Barry.
Hi,
My name is Barry Beswick and I’m based in Far North Queensland. I’m a Life Member of Edmonton JRL, Edmonton Storm RL and Cairns JRL.
I’ve been a volunteer in rugby league for 25 years and am currently a Director on the Far North Queensland Rugby League Board.
In this time I have held many positions from Level 2 Sports trainer qualifications, referee, game day manager and mental health first aid officer .
Being involved in rugby league for so long I've learnt we are one big family in rugby league.
It doesn't matter what Club your with or what you do, you meet many good people, players, volunteers, sponsors, donors, supporters, cultures and make a lot of friendships and relationships.
Barry Beswick Support Squad Champion
Now it’s not always about the sport, it’s about working together as one, helping each other, and looking out for one another.
Mental health means a lot in our game, as we all go through tough times at some point. I lost my daughter at 21 years old, 11 years ago. During that time, my rugby league family were a great support and helped me in many ways.
As a long-time Junior President, and because of what I went through personally, I used to speak with all our competitive grades each year about mental health.
In our community, suicide, ice, drugs, bullying and peer pressure were all big issues. I spoke to the players about these challenges, shared some of my own experiences, and reminded them that help is always available. Whether it’s through support organisations or trusted people within the club, there is always someone you can talk to.
After running these talks at club level, I had a lot of parents call me to say how much they appreciated what we had done, as many of the players went home and spoke about it with their families. Hearing that was really special.
At the recent FNQRL AGM, I spoke about the importance of looking after the mental health of everyone in our game and encouraged clubs to get more people involved by undertaking the QRL Mental Health Course for Youth.
I also told them I’d been attending junior games wearing the QRL purple shirt, and it’s been great to receive so much positive feedback from the community.
Regards,
Barry Beswick.
Want to make a difference in your rugby league community? Join people like Barry in supporting the wellbeing of players, volunteers and families across the game.
Join people like Barry in supporting the wellbeing of players, volunteers and families across the game.
Click here to submit your Expression of Interest to join the 2026 Support Squad.
