Connect Rugby League reveals top players for Sunshine Coast match
Ten superstars from an inclusive rugby league program for people with disabilities will take to Sunshine Coast Stadium for a match with former and current NRL players.
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The Sunshine Coast stadium will soon host nine superstar rugby league players that take part in an inclusive sports program for teenagers and adults with disabilities.
On February 12, players from Connect Rugby League will take to the field alongside NRL legends, current players and program ambassadors for an exhibition match prior to the Brisbane Broncos and Gold Coast Titans trial fixture.
The program, which began in 2022, hosts weekly skills and development sessions with training from mental health advocates, nutritionists, QRL and NRL representatives and former Queensland and Australian players.
Founder and director Danielle Trask said she couldn’t be more excited for the coming weeks.
“It’s an exhibition match to show how communities can come together and play the game of rugby league,” she said.
“Our team captains on the day will be Kevin and Steve Walters and joining them will be Jack Reed, Matt Gillett and four current Brisbane Broncos players who are supporting our program.
“Our aim is to try and incorporate some inclusivity into rugby league by promoting socialisation, emotional and social support as well as physical and mental health for those with a diagnosis.
“Making sure everyone is welcome and giving them the feeling that they belong is massive for us.”
Trask said she hoped to expand and further develop the program through the Sunshine Coast and South East Queensland and thanked the Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans and Redcliffe Dolphins for their ongoing assistance.
Meet the incredible players and one terrific ball boy that will run out in front of thousands in the coming weeks.
Connect Rugby League’s 2023 exhibition match team list
Seth Bignell
Favourite team: Brisbane Broncos
“I really enjoy playing with my friends and running around,” he said.
“Just excited to play in the stadium.”
Aiden Schefe
Favourite team: Gold Coast Titans
“The whole thing is great fun, you make new friends and learn really good communication skills,” he said.
“It’s all round a really fun sport to play.”
Schefe said he was excited to play on the Sunshine Coast Stadium field before the main matches and hoped there would be a big crowd.
Lachie Debnam
Favourite team: Brisbane Broncos
“What I love most is the atmosphere and it’s exhilarating to be able to run, pass, score some tries and contribute to the team,” he said.
“For our game I hope they let me have a go at goal kicking because I’ve been practising and when I step up to have a kick the Sunshine Coast will know my name!”
Debnam has been a Brisbane Broncos member since 2017 and hoped his side could make the finals in the 2023 NRL season.
Jordan Overs
Favourite teams: North Queensland Cowboys and the Sydney Roosters
“I like it because when I was a kid I played for a bit and it was really fun so it’s been good to enjoy it again,” he said.
Overs, who said he actually enjoyed playing in the hot weather, said he was excited to run out onto the stadium.
“I’m looking forward to the massive crowd, playing with my mates, making some new friends and I’ve been practising my high kicks too.”
Naomi Trestrail
Favourite team: Brisbane Broncos
“I like playing rugby league because it gets you outdoors and playing with other people,” she said.
“I’d say I’m most excited to tackle people.”
Michael Sedgwick
Favourite team: South Sydney Rabbitohs
“I played rugby league before in Rockhampton and I just really enjoy running around with the footy,” he said.
“For our match I hope to go out there and do my best.”
Ashleigh Caldwell
Favourite team: Brisbane Broncos
“I love the game of rugby league and enjoy scoring tries,” she said.
“It will be really exciting running out onto the field for our match.”
Chris Nolan
Favourite team: Brisbane Broncos
“I love scoring tries, playing with my mates and just running around,” he said.
“I’m most excited to play with the old Broncos players.”
Oscar Larsen
Favourite team: Brisbane Broncos
“I like playing with my friends and as a team,” he said.
“To play with the Broncos and then watch them after against the Titans will be really cool.”
Lucas Bennett (Official Ballboy)
Favourite team: Brisbane Broncos
“I’m excited to hang out with other people, making sure the game goes well and getting the ball to the players,” he said.
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