Beetson thrilled as deadly day of league hits Coast

Indigenous pride and rugby league passion will be on full display for a deadly day at Nambour as the Sunshine Coast Bunyas host a series of trial matches.

Gavin Hazel, Brad Beetson, Robert Peters and Moondara Mason are excited about Sunshine Coast Bunyas hosting Indigenous rugby league trial games in Nambour on Saturday. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Indigenous pride and rugby league passion will combine for a deadly day at Nambour as the Sunshine Coast Bunyas host a series of trial matches.

Teams from across southeast Queensland will descend on the Crushers' fields for the games on Saturday, with players hitting the field across U13, U15, U17 boys and girls and men's divisions.

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The Goori Storm, Cherbourg Hornets, Murri Taipans, Northside Sistas and a Lincoln Carson Memorial side will be in action against the hosts Bunyas.

Bunyas president Brad Beetson, son of legendary Australian and Maroons player Arthur, said he was looking forward to hosting the day.

"We've been going to Cherbourg on and off for the last 10 years but we've never actually held trial games, this is the first one," Beetson said.

"The (Nambour) Crushers have been good enough to support it and let us use the facilities.

"It'll be a big thing and hopefully we get a good crowd."

 

Gavin Hazel, Moondara Mason and Robert Peters are excited about Sunshine Coast Bunyas hosting Indigenous rugby league trial games in Nambour on Saturday. Picture: Patrick Woods.

He was especially excited for the day not just because it was their first, but due to the fact it came during NAIDOC Week celebrations.

"It's worked out really well and I've always wanted to have footy during NAIDOC days because it's so important to Indigenous culture," he said.

The theme of this year's NAIDOC Week celebrations is Always was, Always will be.

The Bunyas battled through a number of trial matches at Cherbourg last month which, for many, was their first game time since COVID-19 hit.

The men were the only team to win during the carnival and he expected a much better showing on home turf this weekend.

"A lot of guys haven't played much football really but everyone is really keen," he said.

"I think the guys have had a bit more training under their belt (since).

"Indigenous sides are very different and it's a mixed calibre of players and families.

"We've got a father and two sons playing."

He said former Brisbane Bronco Scott Tronc and his brother Rhett Tronc had been helping coach the men's team.

Prior to the men's clash, Beetson said the U13s team would perform the Kippicha (kangaroo dance) during the welcome to country.

Away from the field, the Bunyas will raffle off a 2019 Sydney Roosters jersey signed by the premiership team in an Indigenous design.

It's free entry, with games starting at 1.10pm and running through to the 4.35pm kick-off the men's clash.

Along with a variety of online workshops and library resources available for the community to enjoy, Nambour Showgrounds will play host to a NAIDOC Family Event on Friday.

It will run from 3.30pm-7pm and feature jewellery making, bush tucker starter kits, rhymes with Ryan, an Artie Beetson football clinic and more.