There was an impromptu reunion of the 2001 Under 8 Charleville Rugby League team at Longreach yesterday on Day 1 of the QRL’s Drought Relief Goodwill Tour.
Cronulla Sharks star and former Ipswich Jet Kurt Capewell is part of the touring party and was delighted to catch up with his former team-mate Kailah Rogers who came out to greet the players.
“Kailah epitomises bush footy,” Central Division (Region) Manager Glenn Ottaway said after the meeting.
“She lives in Longreach, but the nearest regular footy she gets is in Emerald so she travels every week to play in the Central Highlands comp (where she won this year’s Most Valuable Women's Representative Player of the Year award).
“In between, she trains by herself in Longreach. Kailah ... has represented the Crows at A Grade level and has aspirations of playing in the NRLW.”
It was a fantastic way to cap off a great first day on tour; with former Maroons Origin players Michael Crocker, Chris Walker and David Shillington also joining Capewell in Central West Queensland for the start of the QRL’s Drought Relief Tour.
In a wonderful gesture, Andrew Vann from Vanguard Blinds flew the players to Longreach on his own private plane to support the initiative (photo in gallery).
The players got straight to work, teaming up with NRL Game Development Officer Grant Bignell, Rod Dahl and Richard Dugdale for some rugby league activities with students at Longreach State School and Longreach State High School. The team will visit the Our Lady’s Primary School in the morning.
Today (Tuesday, October 16) the players are off to Blackall (with a quick stop in Barcaldine to visit local schools) followed by days in Charleville, St George and Roma.
Locals who frequent some well-known watering holes in the drought-ravaged region are in for a welcome change of luck, with XXXX kindly donating some stock.
QRL Drought Relief Goodwill Tour (remaining) Schedule
• Tuesday, October 16 – Blackall
Blackall State School
Barcoo Hotel (4pm to 7pm)
• Wednesday, October 17 – Charleville
Charleville State School
Charleville RSL (4pm to 7pm)
• Thursday, October 18 – St George
St George State School
Aussie Hotel (4pm to 7pm)
• Friday, October 19 – Roma
Roma State College
Commonwealth Hotel (4pm)
Royal on 99 (6pm)
• Saturday, October 20 – Roma
Roma Men of League Golf Day
*The Drought Relief Goodwill Tour is supported by XXXX, Vanguard Blinds, Steeden and ISC
