Executive team Natasha Smith, Lauren Haimes, Jess Rex, Sammy O’Neill and Kylie McDonnell are hoping to lead the Central Cape Suns to their biggest season ever in 2024. Photo: Supplied.
It will be more than on-field skills and sportsmanship making up the game plan when the Central Cape Suns start the 2024 junior rugby league season in Weipa.
Club president Jess Rex reflected on the stellar success of the 2023 season, but said she was looking forward to a bigger and better result for players both on the paddock and in the community.
“It’s about creating social skills and confidence for the kids, and having that teamwork mindset continuing into the community off the field,” she explained.
“Last year was huge, and our Northern Pride connection has just given us that further development opportunity for our players to extend themselves, and get more exposure outside the community.”
A range of under-6 to U16 teams will compete this season, in addition to a dedicated girls team.
The club unveiled its 2024 executive last week, with Sammy O’Neill (vice-president), Lauren Haimes (treasurer), and Natasha Smith and Kylie McDonnell (secretaries) joining Ms Rex in leading the direction of junior rugby league in the township.
“To be a team of women who are very organised and strong, and really dedicated to the kids, that’s a great thing,” Ms Rex said.
“We want to create as many opportunities for the kids as possible.”
Ms Rex said Trent Gordon would continue as the club’s grounds manager and that qualified coaches were ready to go, but urged parents to do their bit to ensure a successful season.
“We’ve got coaches and some amazing sponsors, but any parental volunteers who can help out to wash jerseys each week, keep time or any of the other jobs are asked to put their hand up,” she said.
With the season scheduled to launch on 23 April, 2024, competition will align with the school terms, and players will take to the training field on Tuesday before donning their jerseys for games on Thursday.
The club will hold sign-on days at Andoom Oval on 26 March and 16 April, from 3:30pm until 4pm.
