Captain reveals team’s extra motivation and recipe for success

The Purga Wagtails honoured a dedicated rugby league family after an unbeaten Queensland Murri Carnival. See why the latest victory was so important to the close-knit team.

The mighty Purga Wagtails played through the pain barrier to deliver a wonderful tribute after winning back-to-back Queensland Murri carnivals.

The victorious footballers from the Ipswich-based team dedicated their latest grand final success to Tyrell Thompson, who tragically passed away on June 15.

Tyrell was the son of Wagtails coach Raymond, whose family has a long and respected association with Murri rugby league.

Colin Thompson formed the Wagtails after being born on the old Purga Mission in Ipswich.

Wagtails captain Wes Conlon was also close to Tyrell and retains strong ties to the Thompson family.

“This year was special because we done it for Chook’s son who passed away recently,’’ Conlon said.

“His (Tyrell’s) team was the Gold Coast Titans so we played in their colours this year and that’s why we dedicated this year to him.

“When Chook sent the call out saying that we are gunna have a team dedicated to him, that’s why everyone wanted to play. And also for Chook too because he’s such a Deadly fellow.

“It means a lot because we are doing it for Chook as well.’’

The Queensland Murri Carnival at Albany Creek was organised as part of ongoing Deadly Choices community programs.

Victorious Purga Wagtails captain Wes Conlon raises the trophy after his team won the 2021 Queensland Murri Carnival.

Battling through the series of games, the Wagtails defeated Gulf Warriors 46-12 in the grand final to complete an unbeaten tournament.

“That was our best game. We saved our best game to last,’’ Conlon said.

“We all hit our straps at the right time.

“We all were relaxed.

“We stayed fresh because we rolled our subs and that’s what you need to do in them games.

“It’s kind of like touch footy. You need to get on and do your little bit and then you need to come off.’’

In earlier matches during the three-day tournament at the South Pine Sports Complex, the Wagtails accounted for Saltwater Murris 18-4 in the semi-final and Southern Dingoes 28-6 in the quarter-final.

The Wagtails opened the competitive series with wins over Cherbourg Hornets 36-6, Saltwater Murris 18-6 and Murri Taipans 48-6.

Wagtails winger/utility Glen McGrady was named Player of the Final after a superb finish to the tournament.

The powerful Purga Wagtails team that won the latest Queensland Murri carnival in Brisbane.

The victorious team was: Wes Conlon (captain), David Armstrong, Daniel Wes Pes, Brett Kelly, James Roberts, Evander Cummins, Ben Barba, Daniel Shannon, Jayden Connors, James Livock, Brian Kelly, Shane Gibson, Robert Kennedy, Reece Sandy, Cameron Bundock, Phillip Waters, Michael Munro, Cameron Tolhurst, Novan Munro, Kyle Blackman, David McGrady, Bailey Butler, Greg Davis, Liam Duncan and Glen McGrady. Coach: Raymond “Chook” Thompson and Ranald Link.

The Wagtails team included a number of players involved in last weekend’s Rugby League Ipswich grand finals.

“Just to have them boys and everyone done their little bit,’’ Conlon said. “Everyone done their part and that’s what it takes to win these carnivals.

“I would say we stayed composed. That’s how the knockout comp is played. It’s proper. It’s hard.

“Our bodies are sore today.’’

Former premiership-winning Brothers skipper Conlon was among the footballers to play “everywhere’’ over the three days of competition.

“And that’s the way that the carnival needs to be because certain people need to be rested then other people need to fill spots so that’s why we’ve got 25 players and people get injured,’’ he said.

“At the end there, you just keep playing. You’ve just got to play through the pain.’’

Former NRL speedster Ben Barba shared in the Purga Wagtail’s latest success.

Conlon was especially thrilled to be joined in the Wagtails team by former NRL speedster Ben Barba.

“I’m in awe of him,’’ Conlon said. “He’s such an idol of mine.

“He made the call to come down. He wanted to play as well for Chook and that.

“He’s such an amazing person, so Deadly to meet him.’’

Conlon said that was another reason the Queensland Murri Carnival was so appealing.

“I love it when we get to meet these players and people of high profile but they are so down to Earth and just normal people,’’ he said.

“All the kids come up and get photos with them.’’

Other NRL players like David Fifita and Reece Walsh were involved “giving back to the communities’’.

Ipswich Jets and Gulf Warriors speedster Kieron Moseley was named Player of the Tournament.

Conlon said the recipe for Wagtails success was built on remaining calm and preparation.

“After games, you can’t just go and relax,’’ he said.

“You need to get out of the sun but you need to keep your hydration up.

“All the boys were stretching. We did all warm down.

“We done the right thing, looked after our body and it just showed for the last two games really.

“Fitness and your healthy body is key and that’s how we got through.’’

Conlon praised coach Thompson and manager Ranald Link for their valuable contributions, along with Brothers strapper/masseuse Tom Parsons and the other water runners.

Being a non-drinker, Conlon celebrated with a feed of takeaway, a coffee and “a lot of water’’ after three days of demanding rugby league.

The Kieran Saltner Redbacks Memorial team that played at the latest Queensland Murri carnival.

The Kieran Saltner Redbacks Memorial women’s team also played over the weekend.

They beat Brisbane Blacks 18-8 and East Coast Sharks 28-4 before a 24-12 loss to Bayside Sisters.

The Redbacks were also beaten in the quarter-final - by Hunter Gatherers 40-4.

The Redbanks team was: Baylee Davis, Jolana Foster, Josephine Fisher, Latia Schefe, Kirra Muggeridge, Ruby Lane Barker, Jayla Sefo-Wallace, Desiree Mathews, Nikki Gray, Tia Chapman, Tanesha Stanley, Tahtiyana Tapau, Tamzin Taumafai, Jasmine Sefo-Wallace, Martika Gray, Taliah Brookes, Amanda Hinch, Emmogen Taumafai, Dani Taunoa, Kayely Irene Egert, Kai Taunoa, Romaine Fox and Jalleala Riley-Georgetown.

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