Our Journalists

Mitch Bourke is a sports reporter at the Mackay Daily Mercury, and also for CODE Sports. Born and raised in Melbourne, he previously founded his own website ‘The Sporting Landscape’ before moving to Mackay to join the News team. Inspired by his love of storytelling, Mitch is passionate about Aussie rules, rugby league, cricket, and all things sport.

@Mitchbourke

Mitch Bourke

Latest

Basketball

Teenage Boomer reveals lessons from Aussie legends

He is Australia’s newest Boomer, and teenager Jacob Furphy has revealed it was three of the team’s oldest heads who helped him swim in the deep end. Find out more.

Sport

WBA light heavyweight world champion Che Kenneally is hoping to fight Claressa Shields in early 2025.

‘Take what’s mine’: Aussie world champ eyes female boxing ‘GOAT’

A fight between Gold Coast boxer Che Kenneally and one of the greatest female fighters of all time is on the cards as Kenneally looks to build on her record-breaking career. Find out more.

Sport

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 24: Head coach Sandy Brondello of the New York Liberty speaks during the Championship ticker tape parade and victory rally celebrating winning the 2024 WNBA Finals on October 24, 2024 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Elsa/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by ELSA / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

The WNBA growth blueprint Australia needs to follow

Opals coach Sandy Brondello has witnessed the explosion of the WNBA first-hand, now she reveals how the WNBL can follow a similar trajectory. Find out more.

Local Sport

Australia's Jason Kubler reacts after a point against Colombia's Daniel Galan during their men's singles match on day one of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 14, 2024. (Photo by Anthony WALLACE / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE --

Aus Open champ stunned at Gold Coast International

Former tennis world number 20 Daria Saville’s injury comeback reached new heights, while an Australian Open winner was upstaged in the men’s final. Gold Coast International wrap here.

Basketball Live Stream

Queensland South Indy Cotton during the Under-18 National Championships. Picture: Taylor Earnshaw

Star with ‘all the pieces to succeed’ gives champs ominous look

‘He’s so excited to be back’. In scary news for rivals at the BA Schools Championships, one of the rising stars of Aussie hoops has been granted an exemption for a final hurrah with his mates.

Local sport

20 under 20: Rising Gold Coast sports stars

From junior Matildas carving it up to future Titans starring on the national stage, we reveal the top 20 Gold Coast stars under 20 who achieved the remarkable in 2024.

Local Sport

Vikas Malhotra five-year death anniversary game.

Brothers shine in match honouring father’s on-field death

The legacy of Vikas Malhotra lived on at Queens Cricket Club on Saturday as his two sons featured in the memorial game honouring the five-year anniversary of his tragic on-field death.

Sport

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 30: Gold Coast Suns AFL draft prospect Leo Lombard poses during a portrait session at Burleigh Bombers AFC on October 30, 2024 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

‘Big brother’: The Suns mentor guiding Lombard

Discover Leo Lombard’s special connection with a new Suns teammate and how he hopes to add to his premiership tally with the club after he was snapped up in the draft.

Sport

Every must-watch Gold Coast Suns academy talent profiled.

100+ names: Queensland footy’s top junior talents revealed

Discover the Suns academy names from across Queensland vying to crack onto draft boards now and in years to come, with the AFL and AFLW drafts upon us.

Sport

Leonardo Lombard and Mabior Chol of the Suns celebrate following the 2023 VFL premiership. Picture: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos.

The making of Gold Coast’s latest academy stud

He won a VFL premiership at 16 as his mum worked three jobs to support him, now he is set to join the Suns and has a martial arts background to thank for it. Go inside the rise of Leo Lombard ahead of the national draft.

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/journalists/mitch-bourke/page/5