Betty's love for Brighton the reason they're not left short

The Brighton Roosters couldn't be any more excited about lacing up the boots for the first time this weekend, but a small issue with their playing attire threatened to leave them a little short.

Until 93-year-old Betty Knight stepped in. 

With the highly-anticipated recommencement of the Rugby League Brisbane junior season fast-tracked, the proud north Brisbane club was in a spot of bother with their special under 6 and 7 LeagueTag shorts not arriving from overseas in time for this weekend's games.

After putting a call-out to the Roosters family, they were inundated with offers to help sew on velcro strips to a dozen pairs of shorts in only a very small space of time; most prominently from loyal supporter and club favourite Knight, who was more than willing to lend a helping hand.

The boisterous great grandmother has been a master with the needle all her life and wanted to give back to her club to make sure they wouldn't miss out on playing.

"The club needed a bit of a help and I'm not doing anything else... what else am I supposed to do now? I'm retired and I just love helping them," Knight said.

"I've been sewing all my life, so it didn't take long at all to do.

"It helps the young kids and I'm happy to do anything that will help them.

"I'd rather them playing football than sitting on their flipping iPads or what have you."

President Dylan Slater was blown away by the extraordinary response to their ask.

"The response and uptake from our post was so quick, with a number of offers coming in throughout the day, but because Betty was ready to help and had them in her hands pretty quickly, we were able to present the kids with their new playing shorts with the velcro last night so they could wear them at training to be ready for this weekend," Slater said. 

"The kids also received their club team shirts at the same time, so it was a really feel good moment at the club.

"We can't thank her enough for giving up a couple of hours to help out with such a small thing that will make such a huge difference for our Bantams who will play for the first time this weekend."

Slater described the club's community culture as the key to their success, with Knight's willingness to help her 'family' out epitomising their best attribute.

"The family that we have at Brighton is just that... the club is heavily family-orientated and we have a wonderful community that do reach out and help us, especially with our working bees and small projects," Slater said.

"They're absolutely amazing - better than I've ever experienced at other clubs I've been at.

"Our success all stems from the people that we're surrounded by.

"I'm amazed at how positive and forthcoming people are in our rugby league community to want to help and assist us with football, especially with us returning from COVID... people have come out of the woodwork to help the club and community sport get back on the field.

"We've got people from far and wide who come to our club because of the culture we have here.

"Myself as president and our committee couldn't be any more prouder of this."

Brighton's older grades return to the Coop from next week and Knight can't wait to go and watch her beloved team play again.

"My great grandson plays for Brighton and I enjoy going down and watching Jack [Vievers] in the under 14s," Knight said.

"I really like watching. I can't believe how good they are for their size.

"I just enjoy it, I really, really do."

The Rugby League Brisbane mini / mod junior competitions kick off this weekend.