Ipswich State High School celebrated the launch of its 2024 Rugby League season for the Girls and Boys High-Performance Academies on Wednesday night. The event featured special guest Michael Hancock from the Brisbane Broncos, who shared his insights and experiences in a Q&A session, inspiring the young athletes with his journey and advice on striving for excellence.
The event was attended by Mayor Harding, Councillor David Cullen from Ipswich City Council, sponsors, families, and other special guests. They gathered to hear about the plans for the upcoming season and to witness the announcement of team captains.
The captains for the 2024 season are:
- Girls Year 7/8 Co-Captains: Noreenlupe Too and AJ Yakapo-Maori
- Boys Year 7 Captain: Cooper Hunt
- Boys Year 8 Captain: Malachi Kirk
- Girls Year 9/10 Co-Captains: Charity Fa’alogo and Tofi Ulugia
- Boys Year 9 Captain: Blake Tikinau
- Boys Year 10 Captain: Innocent Baruani
- Girls Open’s Co-Captains: Sky-Yvette Faimalie and Shalom Sauaso
- Boys Reserves Captains: Jet Anderson and Isiah Pene
- Boys Open’s Captain: Sam Martin
Michael Hancock praised the environment created by the school’s Rugby League program, saying, “Build it and they will come! Joshua Bretherton has created an environment that boys and girls want to be a part of, hence the success they are having. Good people are the key.”
Joshua Bretherton, Director of Rugby League at Ipswich State High School, expressed his gratitude for the community’s support. “I love the season launch. It’s such a great chance to get all the key supporters and contributors to our program in one place. We are so thankful for the support of the Ipswich community inside and outside the school. It makes all of the Rugby League program very proud,” he said.
Acting Principal Susan Taylor highlighted the program’s positive impact on both the school and the community. “The Rugby League Program makes a huge difference to the school and community. The support that can be seen from the community is very special and will be vital for the ongoing success of the program on and off the field in the lives of the students,” she remarked.
The event set a positive tone for the upcoming season, with the community and school united in their support for the young athletes.
0 Comments