North Lakes spreading positivity to honour teammate's legacy

The North Lakes Kangaroos proudly lifted the Northern Districts Shield recently; but their pledge - inspired by tragedy to eliminate negativity and spread positive vibes - is what should be celebrated most.

Defeating the Narangba Rangers 26-10 last month to claim the silverware, the side in Brisbane's Division 2 Northside competition is a memorial team playing in honour of John Jetediah Lokotui Likio, who tragically passed away last year.

Captain Tuhulu 'Isileli-Fo'ou said the number of people who wanted to honour the legacy of their late friend, who made a huge impact on their lives, had been incredible.

"We lost a good friend of ours in October last year... so I just put a post up to all the boys to get together and I was pretty surprised at the numbers... we’ve got 34 players signed on as of today," 'Isileli-Fo'ou said.

"He died of a heart attack last year and he was going to play for North Lakes this year, so his family and all the boys decided to play in his honour.

"He originally played for Banyo so when we play Banyo in our second meeting this season, we will actually have a trophy in his name. So every season, that cup will be played and will be a way to keep his name alive in his honour.

"The family has been unbelievable as well. It was originally just an idea but the support to back it has been a whole another level. His kids come along with his parents and wife that he's left behind always come to support us."

Outside of running out and playing 70 minutes each week, the Kangaroos have been able to use rugby league as a vehicle to encourage positive change among Brisbane's north side, uniting one another through song at the end of each match.

"It was a change we put in to eliminate all the negativity and bring a positive vibe to the competition," 'Isileli-Fo'ou said.

"Our main rule is no fighting. If you fight, it sort of puts a tarnish on the name and you’ll be dropped from the team straight away.

"So a way to eliminate the whole ego thing win or lose, we still sing the hymns together."

Embracing the many Pacific Island cultures within the team, the side sings in three different languages.

"We start off in Samoan, then Fijian and finish in Tongan. We then chant 1-2-3 and then his name," 'Isileli-Fo'ou said.

"It grounds us after every match and reminds us of what we are doing."

The act of inclusiveness has also seen other teams in the competition join in.

"We’ve had huddles with other teams. It’s pretty tricky because we do have lyrics; but it’s just to bring everyone together and make them feel part of it too because at the end of the day, without other teams, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do," 'Isileli-Fo'ou said.

"We just want to spread the message and have the same impact as our mate had on us."

Sitting mid-table with four rounds to go, Norths Lakes have their eyes on a finals berth, but aren't ignorant of the fact it will be a challenging final month.

"It's going to be a tough run to the finals. We're sitting in the middle at the moment," 'Isileli-Fo'ou said.

"It's a quality side but what's good on paper doesn't always reflect what's happening on the field.

"We're still in with a chance but it's going to be tough."

Even if the Kangaroos miss out on playing finals this year, their bid to honour the legacy of Likio has been one of great success.

Their efforts to inclusively unite and inspire positive change within their local competition is a feat that should be celebrated and congratulated given the incredible difference it has made.