Will Murdoch Shield: Hinchinbrook high schools battle for rugby league prize
A formidable St Teresa’s rugby league side has, for the first time, claimed a shield named in honour of a country kid who died in a tragic farm accident. SEE THE 50+ PHOTOS
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A formidable St Teresa’s rugby league side has, for the first time, claimed a shield named in honour of a country kid who died in a tragic farm accident.
The Abergowrie team beat Ingham State High School, and previously undefeated holders, Gilroy Santa Maria College to claim the Will Murdoch Shield at the catholic school in Ingham on Wednesday.
Young Will had just started his first year at Gilroy when he was killed when the farm vehicle he was driving flipped in freak circumstances on the family farm in Long Pocket between Ingham and Abergowrie in 2021.
Will’s family launched the shield, initially as an U13 competition, later that same year and has kept his memory alive in a number of ways that have benefitted the Hinchinbrook community ever since.
Gilroy principal Kevin Barnes on Wednesday acknowledged the efforts of the players who had honoured Will’s memory by playing in “good spirit and great competition”.
“We’ve become accustomed to that each year and it’s your effort and commitment that makes this a wonderful event,” he said.
“Thanks also to the spectators, young and old, who have turned up, we are all here to remember Will, which is always a very important afternoon in our school year.”
Kelly Murdoch, mother of the aspiring rugby league star, bravely fought back tears as she told members of the crowd that the competition left her with starkly contrasting emotions.
“Nothing breaks my heart more yet makes me so happy at the same time then watching these boys battle it out to be champions of the Will Murdoch Shield,” she said.
“Will’s best mates, out there playing for more than just a trophy, playing for the friend that they will never get to have another game with.”
She said Will’s Gilroy mates missed him just as much as she and her family did.
“I am so very grateful that Will picked you all to be his mates because he is blessed with the best,” she said.
Originally published as Will Murdoch Shield: Hinchinbrook high schools battle for rugby league prize
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