NRL in Cairns: Yarrabah welcomes South Sydney to community
You could feel the anticipation as the South Sydney squad arrived at Jilara Oval, the home of Yarrabah Seahawks. But there was one man the kids wanted to see more than anyone.
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You could feel the anticipation as South Sydney’s entire first grade squad alighted the team bus and walked into the home of Yarrabah Seahawks, Jilara Oval.
A big crowd, mostly young children and most of those still dressed in their school uniforms, had been waiting at the home of the Seahawks for the mighty myrtle and cardinal to arrive.
Some took the chance to play a short game of touch footy with retired Souths legends Rhys Wesser and Yileen Gordon, and while the noise certainly grew as the Tropic Wings-emblazoned bus pulled into the small car park, there were three men this crowd wanted to see.
Alex Johnston was first, receiving a sizeable cheer as the kids caught sight of the flyer.
Then, it was Cody Walker, the cheers rising just that little bit more as the maestro of the Rabbitohs’ backline came into view.
But, if we’re totally honest, there was no reception like that which Blues and Rabbitohs centre Latrell Mitchell received.
You could almost feel the foundations of Jilara Oval’s clubhouse shake as Mitchell walked past the throng of fans screaming his name.
“It’s good to be able to come out and get the opportunity to visit, not only the community, but to visit the kids and the next generation,” said a relaxed Mitchell, surrounded by young fans during a whole squad signing session.
“It’s awesome to come up to Cairns, even though it’s a bit humid for us, but we love it. It’s a honour and privilege to get the chance to come out here and share with the community, and welcome us to country.
“I know me and Cody are very privileged and honoured, and we’re proud to be blackfellas when we see stuff like this.
Former Pride star and premiership-winning Yarrabah Seahawks centre Hezron Murgha led the Rabbitohs on a tour of Yarrabah before the session. Murgha was part of the Pride’s squad in 2014, when Jason Demetriou coached the Cairns club to the Queensland Cup title and inaugural NRL State Championship.
An introduction, prayer and traditional welcome to country showed just how much the visit meant to Yarrabah, about 50km from Cairns.
Gunggandji man and Yarrabah language and dance teacher Nathan Schrieber led the ceremony, and when he invited players to join in a dance with the group, one by one the Bunnies stood up.
Mitchell, Walker, and Johnston, were among the first up, Englishman Tom Burgess was next, and soon, every player stood behind the dance group.
It’s put simply as one of the key mottos for South Sydney players: if it’s important to you, it’s important to us.
It’s what has shaped the foundation club, and makes it different to the rest.
And it is a key part of what makes Souths Cares such a unique initiative of the club.
Wesser, the Rockhampton-born former Souths and Penrith fullback, said the experience would not only impact those at Yarrabah, it would be a key moment in the lives of Mitchell, Walker and Johnston.
“It’s great to come to this community. We spent some time here about five years ago, but to visit here again with the entire squad is great,” Wesser said.
“To be welcomed like this on this country here, I know the boys will take a lot out of that.
“To feel that vibe around the culture, and everything, it’s amazing to be part of.
“Their proud aboriginal men, for them to see that, and to be a part of that and have other players part of it too, is something they’ll never forget.
“To go to a different community and to embrace their culture, that’s what rugby league is all about.”
It was also a homecoming of sorts for retired Rabbitohs second rower Ethan Lowe, who won a premiership with the Cowboys and played for the Northern Pride.
The former Maroons Origin player, who was there in his role with Souths Cares, underlined the importance of the week’s clinics and school visits to the kids.
“It’s massive,” Lowe said.
“They’re the next generation of footy players, if we can get them engaged, get them excited, and get them to school, and get them learning what they need to learn, it will be the better for league, better for Cairns, and everything else in the long run.”
South Sydney will host North Queensland Cowboys in a trial match at Barlow Park this Saturday evening. Kick-off is at 5pm.
Originally published as NRL in Cairns: Yarrabah welcomes South Sydney to community
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