The recent trip to Thursday Island was a special one for the Northern Pride, not just for the opportunity for the club to visit some of the club’s furthest outposts.
In the lead up to their ‘Activate! Queensland’ Country Week game at Thursday Island against Souths Logan Magpies, the Pride also attended a special dawn ceremony to mark 10 years since the passing of former Pride player Francis Mosby, who represented the Torres Strait region.
Affectionately known as ‘Maia’, Mosby worked with the club’s Take Pride wellbeing and development program and was tragically killed in a car accident when returning home from a clinic in Laura.
Club players and staff joined with family, friends and QRL representatives on the morning of the game to reflect on a rich life that inspired many, with his father Theo speaking about the impact he had left on young kids growing up in the islands.
His tombstone is inscribed with a phrase that serves as a reminder that you can come from anywhere and make a positive difference in the world.
“Representing where I am from, hopefully to inspire young kids from up there to follow in my footsteps.”
Although unfortunately unable to attend the morning ceremony due to COVID, QRL statewide competitions manager Dave Maiden – a former head coach with Pride – remembered Maia with fondness.
“Maia Boy was a diamond in the rough,” Maiden said. “Although only young, he had a presence and personality that infected all who were graced with his genuine smile.
“He took a chance on leaving the support and care of his family and friends in the Torres Straits and trialled with the Northern Pride to fulfil his dream of playing top flight rugby league – don’t forget this was a kid straight out of school.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of coaching young men is watching them grow and mature as they become more confident in their own ability. Maia Boy was no different and was certainly a joy to coach as he soaked up everything that was thrown at him and he did it all with a grin on his face.
“His natural ability, desire to succeed, his resilience to persevere when we knew at times that he was homesick, his work ethic and his competitive nature saw him flourish at the Northern Pride to the point where he was only a week or so away from making his debut in one of the toughest rugby league competitions in the world.
“He hadn’t had the benefit of years of playing rugby league behind him as many on the mainland get – his ability was honed in the backyard, playing against his brothers, sisters, uncles, aunties and extended family; so they should all be proud of their contribution to his development, both as a man and a rugby league player.
“They say that it takes a village to raise a child and it is safe to say that Francis’ community raised one very special person.
“I can only stand back and admire the resilience of both Theo and Mrs Mosby and the rest of the family in having to endure the loss of Francis.
“As a parent, I know I could not face what they did with such courage, grace and stoicism. I cannot begin to imagine the grief and sense of loss they must have gone through.
“At the Pride, we had the benefit of having our rugby league family to lean on during those difficult times and it was the toughest period in the club’s history. I can only reflect that it was the sense of family, togetherness and resilience – traits that were clearly evident and instilled in Francis – that managed to deliver his parents Theo and Mariah through the most difficult and heartbreaking of times.
“Francis will always be remembered as he lived life – with joy, humility and the respect he showed for all.
“He had the capacity to interact and influence everybody he came into contact with, no matter their age, gender or beliefs. We never got to see the potential that Maia Boy had in spades, but despite his tender years, he was already a leader of men.”
To commemorate the anniversary, the Pride wore specially designed jerseys that featured totems representing Maia’s life and family.
The jersey design was inspired by his father, with the artwork done by Marsat Ketchell.
