The Cooktown Crocs prepare to run onto the field at Queensland Country Bank Stadium for their under-9 Mini Mods clash against the Moranbah Miners on 30 August. Photo: North Queensland Cowboys.
Some of Cooktown’s smallest footballers have become rugby league fans for life after experiencing what it was like to play in front of their sporting idols and a big crowd on 30 August.
Six under-8 and two U9 players from the Cooktown District Junior Rugby League Club made the 16-hour return trip to Townsville last month to compete in a Mini Mods game against the Moranbah Miners at halftime in the North Queensland Cowboys versus Brisbane Broncos NRWL clash at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
The team was coached by Amy Meyer and Ahn Tran, with manager Tori Callaghan-Maloney praising the players for their conduct and on-field performance.
“They were in awe of where they were,” she explained.
“They were so respectful and kind, and it’s just exciting to be given that opportunity to participate in such an amazing event.
“There’s a photo of them all on a gate looking out, and the Fox News person taking photos in front, and they were silent, just looking out at this amazing stadium full of people; they were grateful to be there, and knew exactly how lucky they were.”
Ms Callaghan-Maloney said the experience had ignited an additional passion for the sport in the players.
“They are now asking to watch rugby league on a Friday night, and then they’ve just got that love for the game – they were just pumped after the game,” she said.
“They’re like, ‘whoa, did you see how many people were out there, and how soft the grass was?’
“I don’t even know how to put into words how ecstatic they were just being there and being able to be a part of such an amazing thing, seeing your idols run out onto the field that you played on, and the crowd cheering.
“When they ran out, the stadium cheered for the Crocs.”
The Crocs muscle up in defence against the Miners. Photo: North Queensland Cowboys.
