Inspiring to uplifting: Top Central Qld sports stories of 2024
From overcoming incredible odds to achieving the ultimate in their chosen sports, we look back on an amazing year for our Central Qld athletes.
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It’s been another big year on the sporting scene, with Central Qld athletes performing on the local stage and at the elite level.
We take a look back at the stories that captured the headlines.
It was the premiership win that meant so much.
Rockhampton Panthers’ inspirational co-captain Hayley Richmond enjoyed a “fairytale finish” to her Aussie rules career as her team claimed the AFL Capricornia women’s flag.
She called time on her five-year playing career with the Panthers, which was punctuated by a shock cancer battle last year.
She was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in April, undergoing a four-month course of chemotherapy.
Calliope cowboy Boston Leather created history by claiming the 2024 PBR Australia bull-riding title in his rookie year.
The 19-year-old also took out rookie of the year and $90k in prize money, with his older brother and 2023 champion Macaulie Leather winning the grand final to finish overall runner-up for the season.
Gladstone cricketer Jeff Case celebrated his 34th birthday with selection for the first time in the Queensland Country Brahmans.
The top-order batsman was a member of the North Queensland open men’s team that won the XXXX Cup in Townsville by beating their southern counterparts two games to one in Townsville.
Connor Rothery had a footy season to remember in 2024.
His achievements included a Q-Cup debut with the Capras in March, his first ever A-grade premiership and Rockhampton Rugby League’s top award, the Ollie Howden Medal, in September.
Lachlan Hubner’s rugby league career is on the rise.
After making his NRL debut with the Dolphins in Round 6 this year, and going on to play three more games for the club, he inked a deal with South Sydney until the end of the 2026 season.
The leadership qualities of one of Yeppoon’s favourite footy sons Harry Grant came to the forefront this year.
Harry Grant was appointed captain of the Melbourne Storm, taking them to the NRL grand final, and followed it up by being appointed vice-captain of the Australian team that won the Pacific Championship series
Rockhampton’s hockey-playing sisters Kim Reibel and Toni Chirio got to enjoy one of their greatest sporting achievements together.
They were members of the Australian over-40 women’s team that was victorious at the Masters World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa.
Emerald cowgirl Leanne Caban continued her dominance in the campdrafting arena this year.
For the third consecutive year, the 56-year-old won both the Barrel Racing and All Around Cowgirl titles at the APRA National Finals Rodeo.
Excitement machine Matt Hill’s sporting career took a monumental shift, going from rugby league to Aussie rules.
The 20-year-old was granted a release from NRL club, the Melbourne Storm, to join AFL club Hawthorn as a Category B rookie.
Tannum Sands’ all-rounder Ruby Strange took a huge step forward in her cricket career, named in the Brisbane Heat’s WBBL squad, a decade on from when she first tried her hand at the game.
It came after she first donned the teal in the inaugural T20 Spring Challenge pre-season campaign.
Jack Cartwright came back from shoulder surgery to enjoy his greatest swimming achievement at the Paris Olympic Games.
Despite his shoulder being held together with three pins, he helped the Australian men’s men’s 4x100m relay team win silver on day one of the swimming program.
Rockhampton’s Bree Spreadborough realised her sporting dream when she debuted with the Brisbane Broncos in the NRLW this year.
The skilful outside back launched her elite career in the team’s season opener against Parramatta at Suncorp Stadium and has re-signed for 2025.
Star Harry Griffin overcame a devastating injury to help Australia to victory at the Touch Football World Cup..
The 26-year-old came back from a knee reconstruction to help the Australian open men’s team win an unprecedented 10th gold medal at the international tournament.
CQ Capras utility Emma Paki made her State of Origin debut in game two of the women’s series.
She was part of the Queensland Maroons last gasp 11-10 win in that one and then started again in the series decider in Townsville.
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