Sunshine Coast Falcons star Louis Geraghty reflects on 100-game milestone

Sunshine Coast Falcons ‘example player’ Louis Geraghty has reflected on his journey to 100 Queensland Cup appearances as he reveals the key people, highlights and challenges he’s faced.

Sunshine Coast Falcons player Louis Geraghty in action. Picture: Nicola Anne Photography.

Sunshine Coast Falcons star Louis Geraghty has etched his name alongside elite company after notching up 100 senior club games for the yellow and black during their round 19 victory over the Ipswich Jets.

Geraghty, 26, made his debut for the Falcons as a 19-year-old in 2017 when playing for the Melbourne Storm under-20s side.

The former Maroochydore Swan has gone on to play eight consecutive seasons and is just the sixth player in the club’s history to play 100 games for the Falcons.

Geraghty now joins the likes of Sam Burns, Jye Ballinger, Martin Cordwell, Callum and Rowan Klein.

“To be honest it’s come up pretty quick but it’s been really nice to reflect on my career so far with the Falcons,” he said.

Sunshine Coast Falcons players Sam Burns and Louis Geraghty (right) in action. Picture: Nicola Anne Photography.

“It’s not easy working everyday, going to training and then sometimes travelling for games each weekend.

“I am very proud.

“The Sunshine Coast has always been my home so to be able to play 100 games is really special.

“I love representing the region, I love pulling on the jersey and am now really focused on the back end of the season.”

During his rise to 100 Queensland Cup appearances, the talented second row forward also represented Queensland under 20s and the Junior Kangaroos.

Louis Geraghty celebrates his 100th appearance. Picture: Facebook.

An electrician away from the field, Geraghty said there had been a number of influential people along the way but no more than his three siblings, parents Leo and Sue and partner Hayley.

“My family is really heavily rugby league orientated so they are always my biggest supporters,” he said.

“From game one to game 100, mum, dad and Hayley have been to almost all of my games and they know how much I appreciate their support.

“I’m in the middle between our youngest sister Amy and my two twin older brothers Tom and Jack.

“Looking up to them they always paved the way for me, especially Tom who was always in the Broncos academy and is still running around for the Swans A-grade side each week.

“He’s a big role model in my life on and off the field.”

Tom and Louis Geraghty pictured during the 2019 season.

Geraghty said he was always proud to know he’s shared the field with a number of standout players.

“Obviously some guys that have kicked on to the top of the NRL like Harry Grant, Nicho Hynes, Ryan Papenhuyzen and so on but in terms of senior guys from the Falcons players like Dane Hogan, Marty Cordwell and Todd Murphy really stand out for me,” he said.

“They were always the guys you looked up to and wanted to do a job for every week.

“Their presence within the team was unmatched, you always knew what they were going to give and each of them thrived in their role really well.”

Louis Geraghty running out for the Sunshine Coast Falcons. Picture: Phil Bradeley – Sports Photography

After tasting a sour defeat in the 2017 grand final against the PNG Hunters, Geraghty was eager to go all the way this season.

With four rounds to go the Falcons currently sit in third spot on the ladder and will play Northern Pride (1st) and Norths Devils (2nd) in their final regular season games.

“A grand final win would be the ultimate goal,” he said.

“Our last few games will be very tough, they’re all away but they’ll be a great challenge and test against the teams above us.

“We just want to build on our recent performances and give ourselves the best chance possible in finals.”

Sunshine Coast Falcons players Danny Heenan and Louis Geraghty. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Falcons head coach Brad Henderson said he was the perfect ‘example player’.

“Louis mixes in really well with everyone and is certainly popular amongst the group but he’s a quiet guy so when he has something to say it’s within reason,” Henderson said.

“He’s grown quite a lot since I got to know him in 2021 so that’s been really pleasing in seeing him develop as a player and as a leader.

“We use Louis as an example for effort areas, work ethic and toughness when we’re doing review so if we want to show a good example more often than not it’s something he’s done on the field.

“He’s very tough on himself but the toughness he brings to our side is enormous as he’s a fantastic teammate and one of the greatest Falcons we’ve had to date.”