New coaches and trainers ready thanks to QRL

BY ALF WILSON

A total of 26 coaches and 17 league safe trainers were accredited during the first ever QRL Administration Conference on Waiben, which is great for rugby league in the Torres Strait and NPA.

It took months of organisation by Torres and Cape York Operations Manager Terry Abednego, who was joined by numerous volunteers from many Torres Strait Islands, the NPA and Cape York. Also at the conference were QRL director Clinton Begg, Mackay based QRL Northern Region manager Renae Kunst, the region’s wellbeing manager Coco Quirke, NRL game development officer Alby Anderson and QRL social impact and diversity coordinator Liberty Jones.

Northern Pride CEO Garreth Smith, who played in many Torres Strait Allblacks carnivals before retiring from the field, was also there and was interviewed on Radio 4MW.

Some of the participants were from remote outer islands.

The purpose of the workshops were to provide critical information about all aspects of the administration side of the code.

Mr Abednego said that the conference would assist with better outcomes on and off the field.

“More enrolled in training courses which is a huge result for the region,” he said on the QRL website.

“It was very well received.

“A lot of information was passed on and for some it was new about things like match review and clubhouse.

“We’ve always been a couple of steps behind some of the other competitions around compliance and registrations but after stuff like the admin day we’ll really be able to pick it up.

“Coco from the wellbeing team talked about the Support Squad and I’ve already had people emailing me with Blue Cards and wanting to get mental health first aid training so they can be part of it.

“People also got to establish networks on the day, which was something that was needed for the game within the region.”

The conference also provided vital information for volunteers who were looking to get the Outer Islands Junior Rugby

League and NPA, as well as boosting the Zenadth Kes Rugby League on Waiben.

At this stage it looks likely that six men’s teams and four women’s sides will compete in the ZKRL competition, expected to start at the Ken Brown Oval soon after Easter.

The junior rugby league comp on Waiben has already had a very successful start which helps to ensure our stars of the future.

Mr Abednego was in Bamaga last week where plans were in full swing to get junior and senior competitions back up and running.

The annual Dan Ropeyarn Memorial NPA Cup carnival, held at Bamaga towards the end of each year, has been a great success with Boigu Island team Malu Kiwai being the reigning champions.

Later this year the inaugural RISE camp in the Cape York hub will provide lots of opportunities.

The Island of Origin and juniors’ Superhero Round will also be back to fuel the passion for rugby league, while a Family of League legends game is also in the works.

“Considering the logistics and the expense of travel up here, it’s a big challenge, but these things have been done in the past, so we’ll make it happen and have it all up and running,” Mr Abednego said.

STORY BY VELMA GARA ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY ALF WILSON

Rugby league centre Gehamat

Shibasaki made his NRL debut for the North Queensland Cowboys in front of family and friends in Townsville last weekend against New Zealand Warriors.

Despite a loss to the Warriors, 26-12, Shibasaki couldn’t have been prouder to wear the Cowboys colours, especially with team mate and fellow Torres Strait Islander, Rueben Cotter.

Unfortunately Shibasaki was placed on report for an alleged crusher tackle on Warriors second-rower Mitch Barnett, who was forced from the field and did not return.

But in another clever passage of play he came within centimetres of scoring a try and gained valuable experience.

“No matter what the result, family are proud of me and will back me despite the result,” he said.

Shibasaki had played well for the Townsville Blackhawks in Round 1 in their win against Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Hotplus Cup last month.

He replaced Cowboys’ suspended player, Peta Hiku, becoming Cowboy number 306 when his parents, Gehamat Snr and Nina Shibasaki, made a special presentation of his playing jersey.

There were many family supporters who attended the game to see his debut in Cowboys colours.

Although the 25-year-old was excited at the start of last week, he said he was nervous before running out on the field for the game.

“But once I got my first carry out of the way, it was ok,” he said.

“More than happy to keep going.”