SPORT
Friday, October30, 2020
Cairns Local News
Pace and size the key to Pride engine room PETER MCCULLAGH
bench,” he said.
in a leadership capacity.
THE Northern Pride this week re-signed four key players as they plan for the 2021 season.
“Brad Lupi is another big body at 125 kilos. He adds another aspect off the bench, we need that depth and experience moving forward.”
“Rod served as vice captain this year and he’s a winner. He played in the 2010 Grand Final.
The club has announced Lata Fakalelu, Brad Lupi, Terrence Casey-Douglas and Rod Griffin will be returning to the Pride for the coming season. Pride Coach Ty Williams said the four forwards, alongside the recently resigned Nick Lui-Toso, would bring much-needed pace and size to the club. “Adding depth to our engine room. Lata weighs in at 121 kilos and one of the quickest in our club and across the ground, will play an important role off the
Williams is quietly confident and excited as the roster is starting to take shape as his roster and reflects the player structure capable of winning the competition. “I’m assembling a squad that’s not going to make the five, but can win the competition,” he said. “These four guys are key elements of that moving forward. Rod Griffin brings a wealth of experience to the team and will serve strongly
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“What Rod brings to us is what’s going to be very important to us in the coming season, getting the young guys through. Williams believes his squad reflects the current NRL trend of fast moving big bodies. With four spots left in Williams’ roster without the Cowboys’ allocation the club is still yet to go to market for a couple of key signings. “Perhaps one more big guy for through the middle, plus another depth half would help us out.”
NRL Volunteers Recognised The National Rugby League (NRL) this week announced the Lithgow Bears Rugby League Football Club as the game’s Grassroots Club of the Year and Joseph Chidiac Volunteer of the Year in the Kayo NRL Community Awards 2020. This week’s announcement honours the very best people in rugby league, the game’s unsung heroes who have given up their own time to grow the game, assist the community and create assistance for communities in need.
Mossman Golf’s future is secure LOCAL golfers can continue to swing their clubs around the Mossman Golf Course with a crop of keen players hitting the sweet spot under a new lease arrangement.
Douglas Shire Council resolved to buy the golf course land and facilities from Douglas Shire Community and Sports Club Inc, with the new lease giving local golfers a firm grip on the future of the site. The newly-formed Mossman Golf Club Incorporated will operate the golf course and club house with support from the Mossman Memorial Bowls Club. Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the outcome was a fantastic result for the community. “The Mossman Golf Club
is such an important part of the community – run by the community – and it needs to stay that way,” he said
“Ratepayers have got a deal that is well under par and secured an asset for the newly formed Mossman Golf Club Inc to grow into the future.” Mossman Golf Club Incorporated President, Geoff Goodwin, said the outcome was a win-win for the community. “We have big plans to grow our junior sports participation and take a lead in sports tourism by attracting players from outside the region to this magnificent course,” he said. “I can really see it thriving and developing into a club that our community can be proud of.”
The 18-hole golf course, which is open seven days per week, includes a 1.42-hectare freehold block of land and has a clubhouse with a licensed bar and dining area, commercial kitchen, golf pro shop, male and female change rooms and toilet facilities. The lease was previously offered to Mossman Memorial Bowls Club, however the club believes it would be more appropriate for golfers to operate the course. “We are very grateful to the Douglas Shire Community & Sports Club Inc that has provided unwavering support in the planning and transition arrangements so there are no disruptions for club members, staff and the community,” Mr Goodwin said. “Thanks to Kym Rowley,
the board, Kevin Rynne, the Bowls Club board and Douglas Shire Council, particularly Mr Terry Farrelly and his team, for ensuring the Mossman Golf Club continues to stay as a community asset in the Shire.” Douglas Shire Community & Sports Club Incorporated General Manager, Kim Rowley, said the golf course would be in good hands. “It is especially great to see the golfers take control and they will make it work,” he said. “I would like to thank everyone involved including Council, the Mossman Golf Club and Mossman Bowls. “We will continue to do what we can to support these clubs into the future.”
Grassroots Club of the Year, the Lithgow Bears, became one of the saviours of the region during the summer bushfire crisis, donating their dressing rooms for the use of showers for those who lost homes. Their grounds became makeshift refuge areas for residents, pets and wildlife as fires destroyed the region. Bears participants also helped fight fires and rebuild the community after the bushfires were extinguished. Despite the bushfires and COVID-19 the club registered 50 male and female teams in the Midwest Cup Competitions. The Grassroots Club of the Year was proudly sponsored by “Your local club”. Mr Chidiac, volunteer of the year winner, is a board member of Wheelchair Rugby League, has devoted 25 years to the game, in particular creating and growing Wheelchair Rugby League competitions. He was a driving force in establishing Wheelchair Rugby League competitions initially in NSW followed by Queensland and now the Northern Territory. NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said the Kayo
Community Awards 2020 highlighted the very best in our game. “We read about our heroes on the field in the Telstra Premiership, but these awards acknowledge our unsung heroes - the people and clubs that make a difference not only to rugby league but to our communities in general,’’ he said. Mr Abdo said Mr Chidiac’s commitment to growing Wheelchair Rugby League had enhanced the lives of people with disabilities across three states. “Joseph is an inspiration. He has created opportunities and changed lives for so many people. Without his efforts Wheelchair Rugby League wouldn’t be where it is today. He is a trailblazer in our game and is a shining example of what you can achieve with remarkable dedication, care and compassion,’’ he said. Grassroots Club of the Year 2020 – Finalists Lithgow Bears Rugby League Football Club (Western Region) WINNER Central Charlestown Junior Rugby League Football Club (Newcastle) Dirranbandi Junior Rugby League (Balonne) Volunteer of the Year 2020 – Finalists Joseph Chidiac, Wheelchair Rugby League Australia (Sydney, Brisbane, North Queensland, and Northern Territory) WINNER Clinton Begg, Mackay and Districts Rugby League Referees (Mackay) Kristine Laird, Kiama Knights Junior Rugby League Football club (Kiama) Stephen Gear, Mareeba Junior Rugby League (Cairns)
