NRL stars from the past and present are set to lace up beside Connect Rugby League participants, to further support inclusion in the sport.
The likes of Steve Walters, Jack Reed, Patrick Carrigan and Payne Haas will team up with members of the inclusive rugby league program, for an exhibition game at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Sunday, February 12.
The match will be among the curtain raisers to an NRL pre-season game involving the Brisbane Broncos and Gold Coast Titans.
Among the legends set to take part are Steve and Kerrod Walters, Matt Gillett and Jack Reed, while current Broncos stars Patrick Carrigan, Corey Oates and Payne Haas will also be in action.
Connect Rugby League founder Danielle Trask said the match would provide program participants with a great chance to show their skills and enjoyment for the sport.
“The idea behind this game is to promote inclusion and diversity in rugby league while encouraging a truly inclusive environment where we can showcase the abilities of our players,” she said.
“We are aiming to create an environment where anyone who has the ability can play our game.
“With the support while putting together this event of the Titans, Dolphins and Broncos NRL teams we move forward in putting together community based programs where every feels welcome, support and has a sense of belonging.”
The teams
Suns: 1. Steve Walters – NRL Kangaroos, 2. Patrick Carrigan – Brisbane Broncos, 3. Chris Paterson – Bamboo Projects VIP, 4. Matt Gillett – Brisbane Broncos, 5. Seth Bignell – Connect Rugby League, 6. Aiden Schefe – Connect Rugby League, 7. Oscar Larsen – Connect Rugby League, 8. Naomi Trestrail – Connect Rugby League, 9. Kurt Capewell – Brisbane Broncos, 10. Ryan Tuckwell – Community VIP, 11. Chris Nolan – Connect Rugby League, 12. Fernando Amato Pissini – Garra BJJ Caloundra VIP, 13. TBC. On-field mentor: Josh Niven.
Phoenix: 1. Kerrod Walters – Connect Rugby League Ambassador, 2. Corey Oates – Brisbane Broncos, 3. Danielle Hibbert – Community VIP, 4. Jack Reed – Brisbane Broncos, 5. Ashleigh Caldwell – Connect Rugby League, 6. Lachie Debnam – Connect Rugby League, 7. Jordan Overs– Connect Rugby League, 8. Michael Sedgwick – Connect Rugby League, 9. Payne Haas – Brisbane Broncos, 10. Brooke Gilmour – Outfit of the Day VIP, 11. Cindy Steele – Topgear Security VIP, 12. Taula Daure – Community VIP, 13 TBC. On-field mentor: Ashley Robinson.
Emergency players Alanna R and Roddy Mawn. Brisbane Broncos availability is subject to change.
The game will consist of two 15-minute halves.
Game day schedule for Sunday, February 12
- 2.15pm: Gates open at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
- 2.30pm: Hastings Deering Colts trial: Sunshine Coast Falcons v Ipswich Jets.
- 3.55pm: Connect Rugby League exhibition.
- 4.45pm: Hostplus Cup trial: Sunshine Coast Falcons v Ipswich Jets.
- 7.05pm: NRL trial – Brisbane Broncos v Gold Coast Titans.
See more via Sunshine Coast Stadium.
Help us deliver more news by registering for our free daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email. See SUBSCRIBE at the top of this article.
