Matt Cockbain and Shirley Russell come to Top End ahead of Hottest Sevens
The Top End rugby community is primed for another edition of the ever-famous Hottest Sevens, with two Australian rugby legends making the trip north for the occasion. Find out what’s going on.
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NT Rugby will roll out World Cup winning Wallaby Matt Cockbain and Wallaroos trailblazer Shirley Russell as part of its 2024-25 season recruitment drive.
The legendary pair headline a series of community activations and tournaments this month including the return of NT Rugby’s Hottest 7s.
They will also host Classic Wallaby holiday clinics and coach education sessions before the NTRU season kicks off in October.
Cockbain was a key member of Australia’s golden era from 1998-2003, with 63 test appearances including the 1999 World Cup final career.
Meanwhile, Russell’s name is synonymous with the Top End after her stint playing in Darwin during her Wallaroos career.
Cockbain and Russell will host clinics across Katherine (25 Sep), Darwin (26 Sep) and Palmerston (27 Sep) ahead of the Hottest 7s (28-29 Sep) in Marrara.
“Matt and Shirley are accomplished players and coaches and will help create lifelong memories for our next generation of players,” an NT Rugby spokesperson said.
“With the help of Rugby Australia and the Classic Wallabies, we hope to inspire more boys and girls to pick up a rugby ball this season and enjoy our great game.”
The upcoming Hottest 7s has already attracted widespread interest with teams from Sydney, Fiji, Brisbane and even further afield set to light up Darwin this year.
Three-time defending men’s champions Tabadamu will push for their fourth consecutive Croc title and will again be the side to watch.
However, they will face stiff opposition from the likes of Central Australian Fiji, Veivanua Brothers, Saunaka, Duiyasana and the Tahi 7s as they chase an eye-watering $10,000 winner’s cheque.
Meanwhile, defending women’s champions Lillian Amazons are also tipped to return after the travelling Fijians swept all-comers on the way to the Jabiru title.
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