Teen guns herald new generation of Queensland wheelchair talent
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The next generation of Queensland wheelchair rugby league talent has been inspired by the ones who have come before.
In Saturday’s State Challenge clash against New South Wales, two teenagers will take to the court in maroon colours for the first time, with 17-year-old Tyson Barry and 16-year-old Jack Kruger named for their debuts.
Each have made their own journey into the sport, but both were guided by two of the biggest names in the game in Bayley McKenna and James Hill.
Tyson was just a 12-year-old when he was first diagnosed with Perthes Disease – a rare condition which affects the hip joint and causes the bone to deteriorate.
For 18 months the enthusiastic young rugby league player was in a wheelchair before he had surgery at the age of 14 to have his right hip replaced.
But even with the surgery, Tyson couldn’t play the game he loved again. Until McKenna offered him an alternative.
“Between 12 and 14, I was in a wheelchair for 18 months, and I spiralled,” Tyson said.
“I didn’t know what to do. I was restricted and it put me in a bad mental state.
“When I had my operation done, they replaced my hip and I could walk again, so it got my hopes up to be able to play stand up rugby again.
“But I was told I can’t play physical contact sports and that’s when I discovered wheelchair basketball.
“Then in 2020, Bayley McKenna introduced me to wheelchair rugby league. He’s a family friend and I’ve known him my whole life. He’s practically like a big brother to me.
“His dad Darren played wheelchair rugby and basketball years ago and I’d heard of it and knew of it. At first, I didn’t want to give it a try because I was scared.
“But when I stopped doing wheelchair basketball in 2020 is when Bayley told me to have a try out day. I fell in love with it and devoted my whole life to it.”
Now on Saturday, Tyson will get to represent Queensland alongside his “big brother” McKenna, achieving a dream he’s been working towards for the past four years.
Queensland coach Jack Brown delivered the news of Tyson’s debut to his mum, Sonya Beil, and it was an emotional moment.
“I was at home and Jack text my mum,” Tyson said.
“I could hear mum from outside yelling and happy. But when she walked into my room, she was crying and I thought something had happened. When she read the message, I started crying too.
“I was proud of myself. Ever since I first started, it was a goal of mine and I’ve succeeded. I had a really good feeling in my heart.
“I told Bayley as soon as I could. I hoped if I was ever to make a Queensland team, it would be with Bayley so I could show him I have done it.
“From day one I told him I would make a Queensland team one year so to be in a team with him is phenomenal. I can roll out with him instead of watching him on TV.”
Outside of McKenna, Tyson’s biggest fans are his family.
His mum and stepmum will be in attendance at Brendale's South Pine Sports Centre while the rest of his family – including his four older sisters – will be watching via livestream from home in Townsville.
He said his family are the ones who have given him the determination to push through every hurdle and every tough moment to get where he is today.
“Ever since I first got my operation, they’ve always been there, pushing me to strive and not letting me get down,” he said.
“They remind me there is no limitation that can restrict me from anything. They’ve always been there, my biggest fans, especially my mum.
“She’s my biggest fan and never leaves my side and makes sure I push myself to the limits to do better and be who I really am, unlock my potential.”
Fellow teen debutant Jack is also motivated by his family.
The reserve player for Queensland in last year’s State Challenge, Jack got into wheelchair rugby league to support his older sister, who has cerebral palsy.
An able-bodied athlete, he used to play the running version of league but when his sister, Sarah, decided to try out the wheelchair version in 2021, he joined in on the fun.
“I’ve always been a fan of footy and my sister was always a fan of footy,” Jack said.
“She had a disability and it’s something that got her into being active and something for us to try.
“We started the same year in a juniors program and from there we slowly went up in the sport. It just seemed like something fun.
“It’s a different environment to at home for us. At home we can bicker as much as we want but out there together we’re a team and we have fun.”
Sarah – who also plays wheelchair basketball – is out injured at the moment, but the duo hope they can play for Queensland together one day.
In the meantime, she will support her brother on Saturday as he aims to get on the court for his official Queensland debut.
A kid of many talents, Jack works as a labourer, is a student at Tullawong State School and is a wheelchair basketball coach for the Suncoast Spinners.
And he has learned most of what he knows about wheelchair rugby league from former Queensland and Australian player, James Hill.
“The person who has really taught me the most I know is James Hill,” Jack said.
“He’s taught me nearly everything I know about the game. I met him when we first started playing in 2021. He also got us into wheelchair basketball a year later.
“He’s taught me the way to manoeuvre a chair and the chair skills he’s showed me and taught me has helped me a lot.
“I’d say James is a big part of supporting me, as well as my family.”
Jack’s entire family will be in attendance on Saturday, including his five sisters and his parents.
Given his experience last year, he feels like he knows what to expect but hopes he can play a role in Queensland claiming their fourth straight title.
“It’d be bloody beautiful to be involved in it more than last year,” Jack said.
“The feeling of earning and achieving, that would be amazing.”
