Aerielle Hobbler: 'It's hard to say what this means'
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Rugby league has been a lifeline for Queensland Sapphires lock Aerielle ‘May May’ Hobbler.
The 18-year-old, who hails from Mareeba, lost her mum suddenly and tragically in March last year before losing her dad to throat cancer in January. She is now guardian to her 16-year-old brother, 13-year-old niece and nine-year-old nephew.
The hand Hobbler has been dealt is a tough one, but one she is embracing one day at a time. The constant that helps her is her footy.
Hobbler will line up for the Sapphires at the Harvey Norman Women’s National Championships from May 18, determined to dig deep after fellow Queensland side, the Queensland Rubys, took out the under 19 title last year.
Hobbler was picked but didn’t play last year, so is determined to perform well to give the Sapphires the best chance to change that result.
“I’m excited and keen to play… really grateful for the opportunity,” Hobbler said.
“It's hard to say what this means. It's a privilege.
"I do this for my family. I'm really family-orientated. My mum and dad, they've passed now, but they're my main drive. I'm just glad I'm making them proud.
"I've got kids there too, making them proud. It's a very big privilege. I've dreamed of wearing this colour, it's just so good.
“Mum and dad were the biggest support team. Mum always got me to training… every training, every game... she always got me there. Dad was basically my coach. Took me down to the fields after school to train.”
The Mareeba State High School graduate said with both of her parents passing away, her remaining family drove her to excel.
“I’ve got the kids now and the house… they're my biggest support. I need them as much as they need me,” Hobbler said, adding her aunty helped with care and dinners when she needed to be away for footy.
“It's a bit hard at the moment, but my aunty helps and my little brother is happy to take on some responsibility… he's really good, a gentle giant.”
Hobbler played for Northern Pride in this year’s Harvey Norman Under 19 competition and plays club footy for Atherton Roosters.
Previously, she has also played for the Queensland Under 17 Country side, Australian Schoolgirls and the North Queensland Gold Stars.
“Footy is my life… everything is about footy,” Hobbler said, adding she looked up to Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons coach Tahnee Norris and Sapphires coach Chelsea Baker.
Hobbler is "counting down the days" to the national championships, which start at UAA Park at Burleigh on May 18.
“I just can't wait... I'm ready," she said.
Match: NSW City Women v QLD Sapphires
Round 1 -
home Team
NSW City Women
away Team
QLD Sapphires
Venue: UAA Park, Gold Coast
The Queensland Under 19 team to take on New South Wales in July will be picked off the back of the national championships; Hobbler is determined to be one of the girls selected.
“It would mean the world to be picked for Queensland Under 19s,” Hobbler said.
“It would be a really big privilege, as a Queenslander.”
Baker said she was excited to see what Hobbler could do.
"Little May May... I'm really excited to see her run,” Baker said.
“I've watched her play. She takes charge of her middles, which is really exciting for this sort of space. A lot of the girls sit back and wait to be told what to do but May May is definitely one of our leaders.
“I'm really excited to see what she can do.”
