Brothers Royals take honours in Senior A division at Sullivan’s Carnival in Rockhampton

The Brothers Senior A team sported a special name on its way to victory at the annual Sullivan’s Carnival. See why it was so significant and which teams joined them on the winner’s list.

Pam McKay

2 min read

May 28, 2024 - 8:59AM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

Brothers Royals player Rebecca Hall at Rockhampton Netball's annual Sullivan's Carnival at the weekend. Photo: Pam McKay

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Brothers Rockhampton Netball Club paid homage to its heritage at the annual Sullivan’s Carnival played at the weekend.

Its Senior A outfit played under the moniker of Brothers Royals, going on to win the tightly contested top Senior A division.

Brothers’ vice-president Kalie Green explained it was a nod to the team named Royals, which won the Sullivan’s Trophy in 1974, the inaugural year of the carnival.

“We were trying to work out how long our club had been going and someone suggested looking at the Sully’s Trophy,” she said.

“It had the Royals as the winning team 50 years ago and we believe Brothers was formed from that team the following year.”

Brothers Royals took out the Senior A division of Rockhampton Netball's Sullivan's Carnival. Pictured (from left) are Hannah Duke, Brielle Kennedy, Carly Rolfe, Bethanie Green, Rhianna Whouley, Poppy Sandilands, Rebecca Hall, Rachel Fields, Carmen Hope and Lara Steere. Bec Thompson and Dominique Sleaford were also part of the team.

Green said it was a great performance from the modern-day Royals, who reigned supreme in seven of eight their games.

A hard-fought victory in their last game handed them the title as they edged out eventual runners-up Rose All Day by just one competition point.

See the photos from the Sullivan’s Carnival here

The line-up included past and present players from Brothers Crimson, Fuchsia and Magenta.

They were Bec Thompson, Bethanie Green, Brielle Kennedy, Carly Rolfe, Carmen Hope, Dominique Sleaford, Hannah Duke, Lara Steere, Poppy Sandilands, Rachel Fields, Rebecca Hall and Rhianna Whouley.

Brothers Royals player Rachel Fields on court at the Sullivan's Carnival at the weekend. Photo: Pam McKay

While they won their division, Brothers Royals did not claim the coveted Sullivan’s Trophy, the perpetual award for the team with the best goal average.

That went to Junior F3 division winners Taranganba Crocs, who finished with a goal average of 320.83 per cent.

The Sullivan’s Carnival was named in honour of, and now runs in memory of, Mr Alaric Sullivan who was a great supporter of junior sport in Rockhampton but most notably netball.

Rockhampton Netball president Simone Hitchcock said the carnival attracted 137 teams from across Central Queensland, with one travelling from as far afield as the Sunshine Coast.

Brothers Royals centre Rhianna Whouley. Photo: Pam McKay

The grass courts had to be used to accommodate the record number of teams.

“It was a huge success once again,” Hitchcock said.

“We had a lot of positive feedback about the structure and the format.”

Brothers is looking to connect with the original Royals and past Brothers netballers to host a reunion. It is also looking for photos and memorabilia. Anyone interested can contact the club through its Facebook page - Brothers Rockhampton Netball Club.