North Queensland is extremely proud of the contribution First Nations people make to rugby league within the local community.
They are the lifeblood of the sport in many of the region's remote communities, and their passion, dedication and continued hard work is greatly appreciated by all.
Continuing to celebrate and acknowledge Indigenous Australians this NAIDOC week, featured below are some of the game's hard-working volunteers in north Queensland who help make this the greatest game of all.
Sam and Gillian Bann
Sam and Gillian Bann are synonymous in far north Queensland, especially in the Yarrabah community with the couple having a lifetime involvement with the game.
Sam, the current president of the Yarrabah seniors, hails from Yam Island in the Torres Strait, but spent much of his childhood throughout western Queensland.
It was actually at school in Warwick where the couple met and have been an indelible team ever since.
Gillian is of the Gunggandji tribe of the Guru-Buna and Guru-Gulu clans, with a proud family history.
This includes official recognition by the Anglican Church since 1899 of the Yarrabah’s regal line; with Gillian’s brother, Vincent Schrieber, the current and fifth generation of his family to hold the traditional title.
Reflecting on their lifetime of service, Sam and Gillian said they are privileged to gain many lifelong friendships from rugby league.
“Through the greatest game of all, both Sam and I have made friends for life," Gillian said.
Chris Gray
Townsville Rugby League volunteer and ex-serviceman Chris Gray says he wouldn't know where he would be without rugby league.
Growing up on the Gold Coast, the proud Bundjalung man has been involved in the game his entire life; as a player and more recently as a hard-working coach and volunteer.
The talented aboriginal artist has also begun a part-time business to share his Indigenous knowledge and culture through art within the local community.
QRL North Queensland wellbeing and education manager Rob Hall recently spoke with Gray about his rugby league story and what NAIDOC week means to him.
Blake Brownsey
Born and bred in Mackay, Blake Brownsey is a proud descendant of the Kamiaroi people.
Raised in a rugby league family, it was inevitable this passionate, young gentleman would be involved in what he claims to be the ‘best game ever’.
Blake is a valued member of his local club Sarina Crocs, allowing him to mix with local footy lovers.
He began playing rugby league as a five-year-old, and this year played his final year of juniors with his under 17 Sarina team.
In addition to this, Blake took on the Crocs' under 6s, teaching them the importance of an inclusive and vibrant playing environment.
However, his involvement with rugby league does not stop at club level.
This inspirational young man has developed into a well-respected referee for the Mackay and District Referees Association.
When asked what NAIDOC week meant to him, Blake said it was a proud week to acknowledge and celebrate Indigenous culture and people.
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This NAIDOC week, QRL.com.au is showcasing some of the great Indigenous participants who make a difference to rugby league in Queensland.
Read more about the QRL Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) here.
