Yeppoon Seagulls beat Emu Park to win Rhys Yore Memorial Shield

The Seagulls have etched their name on the Rhys Yore Memorial Shield once again, downing Emu Park in an emotional showdown. See who was instrumental in the victory.

Pam McKay

2 min read

June 3, 2025 - 6:00PM

News Sport Network

Yeppoon Seagulls' A-grade captain Sam Holzheimer receives the Rhys Yore Memorial Shield from Shane Yore. Photo: Leeann Booth

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The Yeppoon A-grade men produced their most polished performance of the season to reclaim the Rhys Yore Memorial Shield.

The Seagulls scored a commanding 24-nil win over reigning champions Emu Park in a grand final rematch enshrined in emotion.

The two rugby league teams have, since 2021, battled for the treasured trophy named in honour of St Brendan’s College Year 11 student Rhys Yore who died in a car accident in January of that year.

Rhys, 16, was known for his sense of humour and easy-going nature and was a talented sportsman, who enjoyed surfing, motorbike riding and footy.

St Brendan's College Year 11 student Rhys Yore died in a single-vehicle accident in Yeppoon in 2021.

Yeppoon skipper Sam Holzheimer said it was a day of mixed emotions but it was important Rhys was always remembered and his family was embraced and supported.

“It’s a sad one but it’s also very special,” he said.

“We didn’t win it last year so to get it back this time was great, especially with Rhys being a Yeppoon junior and his family being there with their Seagulls gear on.

“Our boys really dug in for it and it was good to get the win.”

Yeppoon has now won the shield four of the five times.

Yeppoon’s Jake Oberhardt takes a charging run. Photo: Leeann Booth

Holzheimer is hoping the result could be the turning point for his team.

“It was the sort of game we’ve been looking for all season,” he said.

“To keep Emu Park to nil was probably the most rewarding thing for us.

“We managed to stick to the game plan, which we haven’t been doing, and it worked really well for us.

“We’re at the halfway point (of the season) now so hopefully it’s starting to click for us.”

Holzheimer said the team’s defence was strong, with some decisive efforts on the tryline to hold out Emu Park’s attack.

The Seagulls’ dynamic duo of Jace O’Neill and Jesse Johnson each bagged a double, with centre Hayden Doyle completing the scoring.

Holzheimer said O’Neill, who normally plays centre, came on through the middle and proved difficult to contain, with one of his tries a brilliant individual effort.

Yeppoon Seagulls A-grade fullback Zac Sainsbury had a brilliant game against Emu Park. Photo: Leeann Booth

He also praised Zac Sainsbury who was brilliant on Saturday, having found his niche at fullback after transitioning from the halves in the past few weeks.

Second rowers Tully Barritt and Max Ward were at their barnstorming best, while teen powerhouse Jake Oberhardt brought plenty of energy off the bench.

Yeppoon are sitting fourth in the eight-way competition and Holzheimer is hoping his troops can keep the momentum rolling.

The team heads to Gladstone to take on Valleys in their Round 8 fixture at 3pm on Sunday.