Family to fly the flag

A father and son team will fly the flag for Stanthorpe at July's annual Confraternity Rugby League Carnival.

IN THE FAMILY: Lachlan and Mick Mahoney will represent Stanthorpe in the Assumption College Warwick Confraternity Shield rugby league team in July. Picture: Matthew Purcell

A FATHER and son team will fly the flag for Stanthorpe at July's annual Confraternity Rugby League Carnival.

Lachlan Mahoney and his dad, Mick Mahoney, will don the colours of Assumption College Warwick at one of rugby league's premiere events.

It's the first time since 2005, that the team won't be recognised as Assumption College/St Joseph's.

"I suppose that it's important we're representing St Joseph's,” Mick said.

"The pairing originally started back in 2005 with a teacher here, Bob Bell, who kicked it off.

"It was nearly 50-50 of players, so we'd have 10 and Assumption College Warwick would have 10.

"Over the years it has dwindled down to Lachlan being the sole representative this year,” he said.

That has led the schools' two principals to come to an agreement, that the side will be recognised as an Assumption College Warwick outfit only.

Mr Mahoney said there were not enough Stanthorpe players coming through the ranks.

"Back when Bob was here there was a pretty good sprinkling of boys playing rugby league but that's dwindled.

"That's just the simple facts of it,” Mr Mahoney said.

"Bob has said as long as he is still involved with it he'll open the invitation for St Joseph's boys to come and trial for the team if they want to though.”

Lachlan has been training with the side for more than a month.

There are trial games against schools in Toowoomba, Dalby and Warwick scheduled for the coming months.

"From that he'll (Bob Bell) eventually cull his squad to take away to Shalom College in Bundaberg this year.”

It's a chance for Lachlan to get a game, being unable to play footy this season with no under 18s Stanthorpe Gremlins side being fielded.

"I'm just keen to be playing footy because there's no club footy and I've got some mates up at Assumption,” Lachlan said.

"This is good to keep my love of the sport going and fitness up.”

Mick, who'll travel in a managerial role, has only missed one carnival since becoming involved in '05, but concedes this may be his last.

"I've enjoyed every bit of it but it might be time to let go with it only being Assumption.”

The carnival takes place in Bundaberg this year, between June 30 and July 5.