Named: Coffs Coast’s biggest sports stars past and present

Coffs Harbour and surrounds have been blessed with incredible sports stars, from global athletes to inspiring up-and-comers. Here are the most esteemed athletes who’ve called the region home.

Coffs Harbour has been home to some huge sporting names.

The Coffs Coast has been home to some incredible sporting success stories – from athletes winning Olympic gold medals to aspiring stars still progressing through their sporting journey.

Emma “Moffy” Moffatt – Triathlete

Considered one of Australia’s best ever triathletes, “Moffy” was honoured with a spot on the Triathlon Australia Hall of Fame.

Her journey started in the small town of Moree before she joined with the local lifesaving club in Woolgoolga.

From Moree, to Woolgoolga – to the world stage. Picture: Quinn Rooney

The Woopi High School graduate went on to win a bronze medal winner for Australia in the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, as well as gold at the ITU Triathlon World Championship in 2009.

Moffy won World Championships in 2009 and 2010, proving untouchable in 2009 with four gold medals and a silver medal.

Moffy was awarded Australian Triathlete of the Year in 2007 and 2012.

Elizabeth Cambage – Basketball

Cambage currently holds the single-game scoring record in the WNBA with a whopping 53-point star performance against the New York Liberty in 2018.

Cambage holds the single-game scoring record in the WNBA with an impressive 53-point performance against the New York Liberty in 2018. Picture: Ian Hitchcock

A former Bishop Druitt College student, Cambage made the big move to America, representing the LA Sparks in the Woman's NBA.

Having represented The Opals (Australian national team) from 2009 to 2021, Cambage went on to win gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, silver at the 2018 World Cup, and bronze at the 2012 Olympics.

Lachlan Miller – Rugby League

Miller is one of Coffs Harbour’s most exciting current talents, the Cronulla Sharks fullback just came off a successful second place finish in the NRL.

Miller recently spoke to the Coffs Coast Advocate about his journey to pro level – which is only at the beginning.

NRL Sharks player Lachlan Miller is still early into his career, but the signs are bright. Picture: Matt Gazy

“I think I play better in Coffs Harbour – there’s less pressure on me and I have my family and friends that I grew up with watching me,” he said.

Marjorie Jackson-Nelson – Runner

Former governor for South Australia and Coffs Harbour girl Jackson-Nelson was a two-time Olympic gold medallist who represented Australia as a runner.

She was inducted in the Sports Hall of Fame in 1985 before being handed the “legend of Australian sport” title in 1995.

Marjorie Jackson at full flight in 1950. Picture: supplied

Jackson-Nelson is known for being the first Aussie female runner to break a world record and the first to win an Olympic athletics gold medal.

Ben Newton- Wheelchair Rugby

At just two-years-old, Newton was involved in a car accident that left him an incomplete quadriplegic.

Newton began his pro wheelchair rugby career in 2004 while residing at the Coffs Coast, after seeing the state representative teams competing.

Ben Newton was in the state wheelchair rugby team that won the State Disability Sports awards team of the year. Picture: Chris McCormack.

In the 2010 Queensland Wheelchair Rugby State Championships, Newton was named the MVP of the competition.

He has also represented Australia at the 2012 Summer Paralympics.

Michael Ennis – Rugby League

Infamous for being one of rugby's “most hated players” due to the sheer amount of penalties Ennis committed, the Coffs Harbour star featured in 274 matches in the NRL.

In sporting terms, being hated is often high praise.

Michael Ennis was known as one of the games “most hated players”. Picture: Brett Costello

He is now behind the microphone as a commentator for FOX Sports.

Ennis also represented NSW as a hooker in State of Origin.

Clint Greenshields – Rugby League

Greenshields was a Toormina High School graduate before joining the St George Illawarra Dragons.

He made the move to France to represent the Catalans Dragons in 2007, where he immediately became a key player.

Clint Greenshields recently coached the Sawtell Panthers. Picture: supplied

The former Sawtell Panthers fullback later represented France against Australia in the 2013 Rugby League world cup.

More recently, the 41-year-old has proved he still has it – winning two grand finals in 2017 and 2019 respectively with the Grafton Ghosts.

Last year, he returned to his roots and coached the Sawtell Panthers.

Attila Abonyi – Football

Born in Hungary but now residing in Coffs Harbour, Abonyi was a football player and manager who represented the Socceroos.

At age 20, Abonyi made his debut for Australia in 1967, eventually earning 61 caps.

Australia’s then assistant coach Attila Abonyi (R) with player Frank Farina after game against Juventus at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in 1984. Picture: Peter Muhlbock

He played in Australia’s first ever world cup squad in 1974 and scored 11 goals in his first nine matches for the Socceroos.

Norm Carr – Rugby League

Carr, described as “one of league's' toughest”, was born in 1955 in Coffs Harbour and played NRL in the 70s and 80s.

Representing QLD in the State of Origin, Carr played his professional career in the Brisbane rugby league premiership as a lock, achieving grand final wins with two teams.

Norm Carr with his son Cameron. Picture: Darren England

Alexandra ‘Alex’ Croak – Diving / Gymnastics

Alex Croak was born in Coffs Harbour in 1984 and became the first Aussie to win gold medals in two different disciplines – diving and gymnastics – at the Commonwealth Games.

The multi-talented athlete represented Australia as a gymnast at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney and was selected for Australia‘s diving team for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

The multi-talented Alexandra Croak in action. Picture: Lindsay Moller

Croak attended the AIS for gymnastics and diving.

Honourable Mention: Ryan Gilchrist – Mountain Bike Racer

Although not quite established enough to nab a spot, Ryan Gilchrist is making huge waves in the mountain biking world.

Last year, he beat some of the best riders in Australia to take out two races at a highly regarded festival.

He was recently awarded the sportsperson of the year award during Coffs Harbour’s Australia Day Ceremony.

Ryan Gilchrist is hitting heights on the track.

Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos said there was “endless” sporting talent in Coffs Harbour.

He said the town was an attractive spot for athletes to retire and a difficult spot for talented sportspeople to leave, for the same reasons.

“There’s always pub talk about athletes that could’ve forged successful careers but opted to stay in the town,” Mr Amos said.

Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos says Coffs is awash with sporting talent

He recalled his Jetty High school days with Gary Phillips – a talented athlete who went on to play football professionally – but not before he played rugby league with Mr Amos, alongside cricket, tennis, golf and surfing.

A master of many sports, Mr Amos said Phillips was “a freak in my eyes”.

Phillips most recently coached the women's Cook Islands national team but now lives on the Coffs Coast.