The thrilling on-field action kept spectators entertained when Cooktown District Junior Rugby League held its latest round of season 2024 games on 11 May. Photo: Facebook.
A showdown between teammates across all age divisions allowed the Cooktown District Junior Rugby League Club to shine the spotlight on two of its stars on 11 May.
With no visiting team available to make the trip to Cooktown, the Crocs held an intraclub round for their second of the 2024 season, a format secretary Jacynta Hunt said had been incredibly popular.
“We had great feedback from families on how great it was to play Cooktown versus Cooktown,” she said.
“It was actually a really positive outcome; the kids got to build a lot of confidence in their gameplay because they were playing against their teammates.”
Two club members who spent the entire day on the paddock were Samuel Ryder, 17, and Lucas Giese, 16, who refereed games before swapping their pink shirts for Crocs jerseys.
Ms Hunt said the pair contributed more to the club than they probably understood.
“We couldn’t run games in Cooktown without them,” she explained.
“Sam and Lucas have been with us since they were in under-8s, so they are the only two players who have been with the Crocs for the full duration of how long you can play juniors for.
“They just go from strength to strength.
“It’s so important for the little people to see the big boys who have grown up in the club; that’s their role models.”
Players of the match awards went to Clay Harrigan, Slater Wawryzniak, Lilly Dotoi-Doughboy, Maiika Hegamaea, Chase Hunt, Kaiden Teece, Dexton Butcher, Sam Solomon Riley and Suzy William.
The Crocs will travel to Atherton for the next round of competition on 25 May.
Samuel Ryder and Lucas Giese showed true Crocs club spirit by volunteering their time to referee games before taking to the paddock for their own rugby league showdown on Saturday. Photo: Facebook.
Samuel Ryder (left) and Lucas Giese (centre) have been inseparable on the rugby league paddock since they pulled on their under-8 jerseys together. Photo: Supplied.
