Warwick officers preparing for Queensland Police Service memorial round footy clash

Meet the Southern Downs officers swapping their badges for footy boots as they prepare to compete in the Queensland Police Service rugby league round, all for a good cause.

Six police officers from the Southern Downs will compete in this year’s Queensland Police Service rugby league round in Brisbane, and it’s for a great cause.

Across three games the Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold Memorial Day will feature officers from across the state competing to raise money for a remembrance fund to honour the two police officers who tragically died in duty at Wieambilla, near Chinchilla, last year. 

The impressive roster from the Rose City and surrounds include a current NRLW player and a member of a father-son firefighting duo.

Former Stanthorpe Gremlins player Detective Senior Constable Matt Hendry has represented his local side since his first carnival nine years ago and describes it as always an absolute honour to represent the region he calls home.

Qld Police team representatives Matt Hendry from Stanthorpe and Jim Doyle from Warwick with Shane Webcke and Wattles captain Will Manley at the Wattles v Qld Police match in 2014. (Photo: Deanna Millard)

“It’s also going to be an honour representing the QPS legends team, even though I don’t think I’ve earnt that status,” Senior Constable Hendry said.

“Other than representing the QPS state side, this is as big as it gets for me and I feel very fortunate to be a part of it – thanks to those who put this all together and made it possible.

“The annual carnivals are always a chance for QPS employees to de-stress, promote positive mental health and catch up with mates across the state that they haven’t seen for some time.”

Senior Constable Hendry said the memorial games would give officers a chance to pay respects to Constables McCrow and Arnold, and everyone else involved which means the world to the policemen and women playing.

“Other than honouring the fallen officers, getting the opportunity to play against legends who represented their state and country that I watched and admired as a child, I’m pinching myself.”

Meet the Southern Downs’ top cops and find out when all the action kicks off

Queensland Women’s Origin player Steph Hancock ahead of her State of Origin game this week. (Photo: Nigel Hallett)

Senior Constable Steph Hancock

Location: Killarney

Job: Watch House Senior Constable

Game: Womens

Constable Steph McConnell

Location: Warwick

Job: General duties officer

Game: Womens

Detective Senior Constable Matt Hendry

Location: Logan

Job: Detective

Game: Legends

Warwick police officer Jim Doyle is a keen sportsman (Photo: File)

Detective Senior Constable Jim Doyle

Location: Warwick

Job: CIB Detective

Game: Dream Team v All Stars

Ben Sullivan will play with in the main match for the charity round (Photo: Supplied)

Ben Sullivan

Location: Warwick

Job: Warwick QFRS

Game: Dream Team v All Stars

Plain Clothes Senior Constable Tony Chandler (Coach)

Location: Warwick

Job: Warwick Child Protection and Investigation Unit

Game: Dream Team v All Stars

Game times:

1pm – QPSWRL Dream Team v QPSWRL All Stars – Women. Both teams include sworn and unsworn QPS staff, as well as current and former NRLW stars.

2pm – Arthur Beetson Foundation Immortals (retired NRL stars) v QPS Legends (former greats of the QPSRLA)

3.30pm – QPS Dream Team v QPS All Stars – both teams will consist of officers from the Southern Region and Greater Brisbane Area including former NRL players and friends of Rachel and Matthew

Tickets can be purchased here while all the action will be available live and free on Channel 9.