Queensland Rugby League announced its Under 18 Emerging Origin squad last week with two Mackay locals’ a part of the squad.

Young lads Baden Robinson and Xavier Kerrisk – both Mackay Brothers Football Club alumni and QCCS Mackay Cutters Junior Representative Players - made the 30-man Emerging Origin Squad through the elite Queensland pathways program.

Xavier Kerrisk is also a North Queensland Toyota Cowboys contracted player.

The two lads joined their teammates to take part in a two-day training camp in Brisbane on May 7-8.

Head of Football at the Mackay Cutters, Kim Williams was overjoyed when the young players received the news.

“This is a fantastic achievement by both players and one that they should be very proud of,” Mr Williams said.

“Their performances throughout the Mal Meninga Cup competition this year were outstanding and they both thoroughly deserve their selection in the Origin squad.

“As a club we are extremely proud of their achievement.”

The Emerging Origin program has lofty ambitions for the young athletes, hoping to develop them into highly skilled rugby league players for Queensland representation.

Head coach of the Emerging Origin Squad Guy Williams managed the 30-member squad throughout their two-day training camp at the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre (QSAC) in Brisbane.

The young Mackay lads were ecstatic when they found out they’d be given an opportunity to represent at “the peak of footy” for their age group.

“It was a bit of a shock when I first found out. I felt like I’d played well in the squad but it was still a bit unreal,” Xavier Kerrisk said.

“It was very different from the usual training camps. It was a bit more focused on the little things you do in a game.

“I liked it a lot because it was a different experience. Off the field, it was a lot more trying to understand what it’s like to be maroon. Taking care of yourself and things like that.”

Xavier has been playing the game since Under 6s, and said he was proud to have impressed the coaches enough to be a part of the side.

“From a young age, you have the goal to play origin. It’s the peak of football. The older I’ve been getting, the more I’ve been trying to make it,” Xavier said.

“If I keep doing what they’re saying and impressing them, I can maybe get there.”

The Grade 11 student is making a name for himself in Queensland and hopes he can keep the momentum going alongside his teammate.

“It was good to have a lad alongside me from the Cutters. We’ve been at the same clubs our entire lives; it was good to be not the only one from Mackay,” he said.

“Hopefully we can keep playing good footy and keep making sides like that.”

‍Young gun Xavier Kerrisk made the Under 18 Emerging Origin Squad in early May

Alongside him is promising star Baden Robinson

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The McDonald’s Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes played host to the Brisbane Capitals in the Crater on Saturday night.

The first game of the night saw the Mackay Meteorettes suffer their first defeat of the season, going down to a classy Brisbane outfit 103-67.

While they didn’t get the win, Miela Goodchild impressed the crowd in her Meteorettes NBL1 North debut posting 21 points, seven rebounds and three assists.

Shaneice Swain also shone adding 12 points, four rebounds and four assists.

The second game of the night saw another thrilling NBL1 North win for the Mackay Meteors, defeating the Capitals 69-66 in a nailbiter.

Biwali Bayles dropped a 19 point and 15 rebound double-double with Emmanuel Malou adding 15 points and nine rebounds.

The win takes the Meteors’ record to three wins and one loss after Round 4️.

Both teams will now start preparations for a triple-header road trip south next weekend where they’ll face Gold Coast Rollers, North Gold Coast Seahawks and Logan Thunder.

Mackay’s next home games will take place at Mackay Basketball Stadium on June 4 against USC.

Action from the Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes against the Brisbane Capitals last weekend. Photo Credit: Kieron Place Art & Photography

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After recent rain had ripped apart our district’s rural roads, this year’s Club Championships for the Mackay Cycling Club was as much a state of survival as it was about strength and endurance.

The undulating 48km circuit around the back roads of Walkerston finished at the top of the steep rise on Stockroute Road, a set of hills that had to be conquered four times on the loop track. But the corner leading to the finish proved to be the real obstacle, with a large pothole creating punctured tyres which spelled the end of the race for some.

Those who dodged the damage will reap the rewards at the club’s prizegiving later in the year. Kyle Marwood and Brendon Brauer broke from the bunch early on and remained out of the front of the race for its entirety. Marwood crossed the line first to win the race outright, claiming the M1-2 title, with Brauer winning the M3-4 category. Craig Larsen was third across the line giving him second place in the M3-4. He was followed by the peloton with Ethan Weiss breaking early to claim the J19 title. Winning the bunch sprint behind was track sprinter Hamish Wright, placing him in third for the M3-4 category. Tenille Galea was not far behind to cross first for the women, taking out the W3-4 title.

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

Junior Men U19

1 Ethan Weiss

2 Lockie Bourke

Men Masters 1-2

1 Kyle Marwood

2 Peter Ransome

Men Masters 3-4

1 Brendon Brauer

2 Craig Larsen

3 Hamish Wright

4 Ben Sutton

5 Luke Schatkowski

6 Scott Manning

Women Masters 3-4

1 Tenille Galea

Men Masters 5-6

1 Shane Edwards

2 Martin Cahill

3 Alan Simonsen

Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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Today will be Shaun Brown’s 28th sprint distance triathlon in a row as he closes in on his goal of completing 50 triathlons in 50 days.

Every day over the last month, Shaun has swum 750 meters, rode 20 kilometres, and ran five to give back to those most vulnerable in the community, all through the power of sport.

He’s up at 5am for his roughly hour and a half ritual before work, but not just because he’s a fitness fanatic, it’s also an altruistic athletic pursuit.

The goal: to raise awareness for community charities, local triathlon clubs, and the personal benefits of exercise – as well as some much-needed donations for those local causes.

“I’ve come to a point in triathlons where I didn’t have many challenges left and I wanted to give back to the community I love,” Shaun said.

“I didn’t have money but what I did have was time and so I offered that.

“You see big sportsmen do big sports fundraisers all the time - and I’m not that – but I said, I’ll see what I can do! I think it’s been a great vessel for me and for everyone to see what you can give back to the community.”

His two charities of choice are Chances Café and Op Shop and the Australian Street Aid Project – both non-for-profits that help the homeless.

He aims to raise them $10,000 dollars - of which he has already raised $8,000. Those funds will directly help the charities, with the funds at Chances being used to run their regular breakfast facilities, which have helped feed those needy in Mackay.

Local businesses like Muscle Garden Gym and Gold Coast clothing company Self Aware have generously donated to raise the funds, while triathlon clubs in the region and locals have jumped on board for the message.

The idea to donate those funds to two grassroots charities in Mackay came from Shaun’s wife.

“She’s been working at the PCYC for 18 months and some of the stories I would hear about youth and families and struggles – especially social housing which is an issue all across Australia,” Shaun said.

“It’s needed everywhere. People everywhere are being affected by homelessness.”

On Day 24, he recalled riding near South Bank after relentless rain the night before.

“There would have been 40 homeless people there under a bridge, and it’s horrible to see that. It’s like seeing it in a movie; it’s surreal. You don’t expect to see it in Australia,” Shaun said.

“I think: how can that happen? As a society I think we have a bit to look at and to do better.”

By the end of his 50 days, Shaun will have ridden his bike 1000 kilometres, swam 35 kilometres, and run 250 kilometres, but the distance doesn’t drive him – it’s about continuing to get the word out.

“I haven’t got to the end yet, but I’d like to keep it going; what it stands for. I want to get people involved and to take it on, I want them to spread the word and the conversation to inspire others,” he said.

Shaun said Hero50 is open to anyone interested to come along and participate in a swim, bike, or run. His own Hero50 will finish up on June 18 at Chances Café for a sausage sizzle in the early morning.

If you’d like to follow Shaun’s journey or support him through donations, head to the hero50 website, Facebook, or Instagram.

Shaun Brown is completing 50 triathlons in 50 days to raise money for local charities

Shaun has been joined by countless friends over his first 28 days

Local triathlon clubs have regularly come out to run, swim, and bike alongside Shaun during his mammoth effort

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Photo credit: Amanda Wright

The Mackay Athletics Club Carnival was held last weekend, in unseasonably cold conditions. The occasional drizzle and chilly wind didn’t deter the athletes, with records falling across a large number of events. Nearly 500 athletes travelled from across Queensland to compete. Competitors from local clubs including Mackay and North Mackay, Moranbah, Sarina, Bowen and the Whitsundays were well represented among the list of record breakers in the 2022 event.

Mackay And District Record Breakers

Hayleigh Lucas - Age: 6 – Mackay

Girls 60 Metre 6yrs 11.20 (1) Previous Carnival Record: 11.72

Girls 80 Metre 6yrs 14.96 (1) Previous Carnival Record: 15.45

Girls 100 Metre 6yrs 19.18 (1) Previous Carnival Record: 19.35

Girls Long Jump 6yrs 2.36m (1) Previous Carnival Record: 2.06m

Harper Miles - Age: 7 - Mackay

Girls 200 Metre 7yrs 38.35 (1) Previous Carnival Record: 38.64

Girls Discus 500g 7yrs 12.29m (1) Previous Carnival Record: 12.10m

Alanna Oliver - Age: 7 - Mackay  

Girls 60 Metre 7yrs 10.73 (1) Previous Carnival Record: 10.76

Eleanor Bryant - Age: 8 - Mackay

Girls High Jump 8yrs 1.00m (1) Previous Carnival Record: 0.97m

Vogue Miles - Age: 9 - Mackay

Girls 800 Metre 9yrs 3:09.09 (1) Previous Carnival Record: 3:09.94

Girls Shot Put 2.0kg 9yrs 5.53m (1) Previous Carnival Record: 5.24m

Ayla Moon - Age: 10 - Mackay

Girls 100 Metre 10yrs 14.71 (1) Previous Carnival Record: 14.99

Girls 200 Metre 10yrs 31.13 (1) Previous Carnival Record: 31.40

Girls 400 Metre 10yrs 1:11.05 (1) Previous Carnival Record: 1:16.40

Girls 800 Metre 10yrs 2:51.72 (1) Previous Carnival Record: 2:53.30

Girls 1500 Metre 10yrs 5:50.18 (1) Previous Carnival Record: 6:08.06

Girls Long Jump 10yrs 3.74m (1) Previous Carnival Record: 3.71m

Lanie Hazeltine - Age: 11 - Whitsunday

Girls 200 Metre 11yrs 29.64 (1) Previous Carnival Record: 29.70

Learnie Scott - Age: 11 - Mackay

Girls 100 Metre 11yrs 14.20 (1) Previous Carnival Record: 14.26

Skye Howarth - Age: 12 - Mackay

Girls 3000 Metre 12yrs 14:55.78 (1) Previous Carnival Record: 16:53.18

Blake Lewis - Age: 12 - Mackay

Boys 400 Metre 12yrs 1:08.59 (1) Previous Carnival Record: 1:10.15

Hayley Colless - Age: 13 - Mackay

Women 200 Metre Hurdles 76.2cm 32.52 (1) 13yrs Previous Carnival Record: 42.61

Dylan Ticehurst - Age: 13 - Mackay

Men 200 Metre 13yrs 27.14 (1) Previous Carnival Record: 27.44

Men 400 Metre 13yrs 1:04.68 (1) Previous Carnival Record: 1:05.40

Elizabeth Lee - Age: 15 - Mackay

Women Long Jump 15yrs 4.87m (1) Previous Carnival Record: 4.72m

Toby Rule Age: 15 - Mackay

Men 3000 Metre 15yrs 11:01.80 (1) Previous Carnival Record: 11:22.21

Men 2000 Metre Steeplechase 76.2cm 7:23.20 (1) U16 Previous Carnival Record: 7:50.79

Mikayla Webb - Age: 15 - Mackay

Women 200 Metre 15yrs 25.24 (1) Previous Carnival Record: 28.08

James Galea - Age: 16 - Mackay

Men Shot Put 5.0kg U18 12.68m (1) Previous Carnival Record: 12.29m

Men Hammer 5.0kg U18 36.08m (1) Previous Carnival Record: 17.47m

Julia Monckton - Age: 17 - Mackay

Women 400 Metre Hurdles 76.2cm U18 1:09.25 (1) Previous Carnival Record: 1:10.85

Oliver Rule - Age: 17 - Mackay

Men 3000 Metre U18 9:45.67 (1) Previous Carnival Record: 9:56.45

Men 2000 Metre Steeplechase 84cm 6:56.12 (1) U18 Previous Carnival Record: 7:33.58

Masters

Miles Kerr Moranbah, 30-34 Men 800m 2:34:76

Kayla Porter North Mackay, 30-34 Women Discus 24.41m

Ben Ross Mackay, 35-39 Men Triple Jump 9.65m

Anthony Porter North Mackay, 35-39 Men High Jump 1.54m

Andrew Wieland Moranbah, 40-44 Men 800m 2:33:64

Men 1500m 5:27.46

Men 5000m 20:11:12

Kristie Brown Mackay, 40-44 Women 800m 3:30:01

Women 1500m Walk 9:15.84

Amanda Wright Queensland Masters, 40-44 Women Hammer 26.97m

Justin Rule Mackay, 45-49 Men 800m 2:28:87

Men 1500m 5:02:51

Men 5000m 19:43:33

Men 3000m Steeplechase 12:36.84

Men High Jump 1.40m

Men Throws Pentathlon 1182

Kelly Ross Bowen, 45-49 Women Hurdles 15:07

Women Long Jump 3.83m

Women Triple Jump 8.75m

Women High Jump 1.35m

Chris Carney Mackay, 45-49 Men Long Jump 4.72m

Lorraine Rutland Mackay, 50-54 Women 60m 9:26

Women 200m 32:97

Women High Jump 1.15m

Annette Wilson Whitsundays, 60-64 Women Throws Pentathlon 1849

Terry Ryan Mackay, 65-69 Men 60m 9:44

Men Long Jump 3.42m

Dan Conroy Mackay, 70-74 Men Triple Jump 5.68m

Anthony Galea Mackay, 80-84 Men Javelin 12.58m

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A Mackay local will lay it all on the line this weekend working as a protection athlete at the final stage of the 2022 PBR Monster Energy Tour Origin Series in Brisbane.

Shane “Maddog” Simpson returned from an eight-year retirement last year and is back on the big stage this Saturday ensuring both rider and bull leave the arena safely.

Retiring after a decorated bullfighting and protection athlete career, Shane said he was at a bull riding event in Townsville recently when the urge to return hit him.

“I got a bit emotional about it because it’s been part of my life for so long and I thought to myself ‘You know what? I think you can still do it,’” he said.

After four months of preparation, Shane had his body ready for action.

The role of a protection athlete is to ensure the riders complete their ride safely and get out of the pen without injury, as does the bull.

He says knowing a bit about cattle and how they operate is a vital part of the role, as well as looking after your body.

“If you’re eating right and feeling good and the body’s feeling good, well, it all should fall together for you,” he said.

Shane started bull riding while working with cattle in the gulf country in the early 90s.

Participating in rodeos and camp drafts on weekends, Shane slowly progressed to bigger and better events until Australian bull riding legend and PBR World Champion Troy Dunn invited him to ride in Australia’s first major bull riding event in Mackay.

“Mackay, to put the first major bull riding event on the map, it was a real honour to do it, being my hometown,” he said.

Bull riding has taken Shane as far as America, Canada, and Mexico, and he says fighting bulls in the world finals in 2008 was his career highlight.

“As any bullfighter that’s on that sort of level, that’s their goal, to be able to fight bulls at the world finals because it’s the most elite stage you can fight on,” he said.

Shane is heading to Brisbane on the weekend, thanks to his sponsor Deftec, for the deciding round of the 2022 PBR Monster Energy Tour Origin Series.

Modelled after the rugby league concept, Queensland and New South Wales are all tied up after rounds in Newcastle and Tamworth.

Shane says both teams are pumped but he’ll be supporting the boys from the sunshine state.

“I’ll be backing the QLD boys because I’m born and bred in Queensland,” he said.

Shane “Maddog” Simpson is heading to Brisbane on Saturday as a protection athlete at the 2022 PBR Monster Energy Tour Origin Series

Brisbane hosts the deciding round of the Origin Series after rounds in Newcastle and Tamworth. Photos: supplied

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One of the youngest contenders at the Queensland Mud Trials Championships also had one of the biggest smiles.

11-year-old Eli Thomsett has a love of building things, which his latest project had been a Honda Civic to have some muddy great fun.

Ripping through sloppy fields and flicking mud as far as the eye could see is all part of the appeal of the annual event held in Sarina, and Eli wanted to take part.

Last year, Eli went to the Mud Trials and was able to help friends of his parents. His mother Nell said from there he was hooked.

“Friends of ours have been racing it since it began and let Eli help out.

“He’s been driving the ride-on mower since he was six and has been driving machinery with his dad around our property any chance he gets,” Nell said.

Eli makes money by selling free range eggs from the family farm and put some of this towards purchasing a Honda Civic from Buy Swap Sell.

“He was hands-on throughout the project. His dad Russell is a mechanic, auto electrician and fitter so this came in handy,” Nell said.

“Eli had to strip out the inside, remove the seats and air conditioning and wires, then had to waterproof the car and motor as much as possible. They installed a roll cage and removed the glass.

“The waterproofing and removing the windscreen were the hardest parts.”

Eli powered to fourth position in his category overall out of five races during the weekend in his first ever mud trials.

Eli says his favourite part was going fast.

“Dad says go faster so I just put my foot to the floor,” he said.

Eli hopes to race again next year and will keep the Honda Civic for a few more races. He’s caught the bug so much that next month he’s already lined up to drive the mud races in Kabra.

“He’s happy to race anything he can,” Nell said.

Eli Thomsett in his transformed Honda Civic. Photos: Nell Thomsett

Shelby and Eli after having muddy great fun at the Queensland Mud Trials Championships in Sarina

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Members are advised that nominations for the ‘8 a side’ competition for all clubs is on the notice board. Teams for this comp comprise four ladies and four men: make up your own team and nominations close shortly.

Nomination sheets for the mixed pairs and fours are up. Pairs games commence on 23rd July, Fours commence 30th July

The two bowl triples winners for 2022 are Ian Beveridge, Dave McKendry and Clint Vassie. Congratulations boys.

On Saturday our division two men’s pennant teams had two wins and best overall score to receive 5 points: Mackay City 1. Division three played Northern Beaches and won both games to receive 5 points and Division four won one and lost one but had best overall score to receive 4: RSL one.

Social Results Week Ending 15 May

Monday winners were Peter Crawford and G. Fakey, with Andrew Coates and Ryan Vigliante second. Lucky draw winners were Trevor Laurens and Doug Dungavell.

Wednesday Ladies winners were Pam Louis, Maryann Bartolo and Bev Svenson. In second place was the team of Cecelia Lee, Ann Smith and Daphne Offield.

Thursday pairs was taken out by Margaret Fogg and Barry Lehmann. Runners up and greens voucher winners were Michelle Stockton, Peter Madden and Barry Jackson.

There will be no Friday games until men’s pennants are over.

Saturday results were not available.

Contributed by Tony Allsop.

Men’s Third Division team. Back row, Ray Walker, Wayne Trannore, John Stronach John Priest

Front row, Mick Mackenzie, Ken Lane, Ray McCarthy and Peter Miller.

Men’s fourth Division team. Back row, Wayne Mietzel, Andrew Coates, Peter Madden, Marshall Howland.

Front row, Col Carey, Maurie Pearson, Alex Cameron, Vern Mietzel.

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The cream of Queensland’s emerging rugby league and netball talent will be on show when Mackay hosts the 2022 CQUniversity Confraternity and QISSN Carnivals next month.

All roads will lead to the Mackay region when historic St Patrick’s College and Mercy College Mackay host the coveted schools sporting extravaganza - regarded as the biggest of its type in Queensland - from June 26 to July 1.

It will be the first time that St Patrick’s and Mercy Colleges will run both the prestigious QISSRL and QISSN events together.

More than 2000 secondary school athletes from Cairns in the Far North, Mount Isa in the west and Gold Coast in the south will showcase their skills in the rugby league and netball arena in quest of the Confraternity Shield and Netball Championship trophies.

QISSRL Convenor and Mercy College Assistant Principal Curriculum Scott McSherry said the city of Mackay was excited to be hosting CONFRO again for the first time since 1996.

“The CQUniversity Confraternity and QISSN Carnivals will bring a huge economic boost to the Mackay community,” Mr McSherry said.

“It is an important annual event on the Queensland sporting calendar and is set to inject some $5 million into the Mackay region.

“Sporting enthusiasts will get the opportunity to watch the State’s best young rugby league prospects and netballers in action throughout the week,” Mr McSherry added.

St Patrick’s College Mackay is steeped with tradition and success in the Confraternity rugby league competition.

Since the event’s conception in 1981, the College has lifted the trophy on eight occasions and unearthed future Kangaroos internationals in prop Martin Bella, wingers Brett Dallas and Wendell Sailor and half back Daly Cherry-Evans.

St Patrick’s brought home the Confraternity Shield in five successive years from 1988 to 1992 before adding another three titles in 2000, 2001 and 2003.

The College has also produced a wealth of talented NRL players in Ben Barba, Paul Tideman, Anthony Bella, Michael Corrie, Butch Fatnowna, Dennis Scott, Robert Bella, John Manning, Nathan Sologinkin, Michael Roberts, Shannon Hegarty, Chris Paterson, Luke Duffy, Mark Christensen, Ashley Alberts, Simon Phillips, Grant Rovelli, Brett Seymour, Danny Williams, Selasi Berdie and Mitchell Dunn over the years.

Fifty-eight QISSRL schools - including 48 boys and ten girls teams - are featured in the rugby league carnival while the Netball championship has attracted 72 QISSN schools comprising 64 girl teams plus eight boys teams.

The CQ University Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball was formed in 2000 with a modest 16 teams and has now grown to a membership of 64 colleges including teams from Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran and Independent schools from across Queensland.

The richness of CQ University QISSN’s history is evident in its success as an esteemed carnival for secondary school girls and this year was expanded to include eight boys’ teams - a unique step in the development of QISSN.

With over 700 girls and boys playing netball, along with the multitude of volunteers who coach and manage, umpire, co-ordinate, first aid and make up the Executive Staff, QISSN is one of the largest school-based sporting carnivals in Australia.

Contributed by Chris Karas

The QISSN Carnival will arrive at St Patrick’s College and Mercy College host the competition

The CQUniversity Confraternity is going to bring the goods as the school’s host the competition

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A promising batch of St Patrick’s College Mackay rugby league colts are set to realise a childhood dream.

Young guns Will Shears, Xavier Kerrisk, Matthew Watts, Liam Doherty, Jason Purdue, Kai Simon and Kayne Smith along with twins Henry Thorpe and Harry Thorpe and Levi Love have secured their immediate sporting futures by signing NRL contracts with the North Queensland Cowboys and Canberra Raiders respectively.

The local Mackay Cutters junior products will spearhead a powerful St Patrick’s Open XIII at the upcoming CQUniversity Confraternity Rugby League Carnival that features the best schoolboy and schoolgirl talent from across Queensland.

All ten prospects are players to watch when the 2022 QISSRL Confraternity Shield kicks off in Mackay on June 26 and runs through to July 1.

St Patrick’s College and Mercy College Mackay will host the prestigious CQUniversity Confraternity Rugby League and QISSN netball events that return to the Mackay region after a 26-year hiatus.

Under the guidance of Mackay Cutters Assistant First Grade coach and Mercy College staff member Michael Comerford, the St Patrick’s Open team are shaping as a force to be reckoned with.

Shears, a dynamic 17-year-old fullback and Capricornia representative, has the class and skills to go a long way and is one of seven St Patrick’s players to ink deals with NRL club North Queensland.

The dashing custodian, who skippered Mercy College to a Year 10 Cowboys Challenge premiership triumph last season, is joined by rising hooker Kerrisk, a crafty number nine and rugged defender who was part of the Emerging Queensland Origin Under 18s squad.

Alongside them will be skilful half back Purdue - who was Player of the Match for Mercy College in their Cowboys Challenge Grand Final win over St Brendans in 2021 and elusive goal kicking centre Simon.

The giant, ball playing prop Watts will feature alongside strong running back rower Doherty and outstanding 16-year-old lock Kayne Smith, who has impressed keen judges with his ball skills, power running and no-nonsense defence.

In tough middle forward Levi Love, utility half Harry Thorpe and his talented twin brother Henry, a smart hooker/lock, the Raiders have snapped up three budding young hopefuls.

Other key St Patrick’s players to keep an eye on include sharp winger Bailey Anderson and robust utility forward Bray Tait.

“Our Open team is very strong this season with a good mix of youth and experience and are keen to do well against the best schoolboy rugby league sides in the State” said Mr Comerford.

“The boys have worked hard in the lead up to this year’s CONFRO and will represent the Mackay region with pride” he added.

With Pool matches against St Peter Claver College Ipswich, Rockhampton Grammar and Iona College Brisbane, the St Patrick’s outfit is banking on a winning start to progress to the finals and hopefully collect a ninth championship title.

St Patrick’s College Mackay has proved a thriving rugby league nursery over the years and has produced a host of NRL top graders and representative stars including future Kangaroos in prop Martin Bella, winger Brett Dallas, dual international winger Wendell Sailor, half back Daly Cherry-Evans and Queensland excitement machine Ben Barba.

The College has recorded eight Confraternity Shield trophy wins to date including five in a row from 1988 to 1992 as well as title victories in 2000, 2001 and 2003.

Several Mercy College and St Patrick’s College staff members are connected to the Mackay Cutters in the QRL Hostplus Cup including star first grade half back Brandon Finnigan, gun centre Blake Paskins (Mercy College) and quicksilver utility back Jake Riley (St Patrick’s).

Michael Comerford (Mercy} and Chad Buckby (St Patrick’s) are the Cutters’ Assistant First Grade coaches for 2022 while Mercy College’s Ethan Roberts is a valuable utility with the Cutters’ Under 20s team

Contributed by Chris Karas

St Patrick’s have had a slew of players sign professional NRL contracts this year, including players like Xavier Kerrisk

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Mackay Road Runners hosted the 4th Annual Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield in honour of Shawn Claydon, a member who passed away in 2018.

The event, sponsored by Forsyths Accounting Services, incorporated the club’s 10km Club Championship, a race that Shawn won many times throughout his illustrious running career.

Road Runners welcomed Shawn’s family Sharon, Jeff, John, Bonny, Donna, and Mikaela, as well as Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williams to speak of Shawn’s invaluable contribution and legacy in the Mackay community and to start the race.

Shawn’s friend Dr Rachel Bidgood also spoke, delivering insightful and professional advice on pancreatic cancer.

Over 80 runners participated in the 5km and 10km races, with Angus Jacobs and Tahnee Malagueno crossing the line first to be crowned champions of the Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield and have their names immortalised on the trophy that hangs in the office of Forsyth Accounting Services.

Lily Levin and Nick Rewald ran the 5km race in blazing times and walked away 5km champions.

Nicole White of Forsyths Accounting Services presented trophies to the winners who took away replica photo frames of the perpetual trophy as their prize.

Random draw raffles were also held to raise money and funds raised from raffles, race nominations, and donations were 100% donated to Pancare Foundation, a charity committed to inspiring hope, raising awareness, supporting families, and funding research for upper gastrointestinal cancers.

L-R Shawn’s cousin Donna, sister Sharon, dad John, and mum Bonny thanked Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson for starting the 4th Annual Forsyths Accounting Services Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield and Mackay Road Runners Club Championship event

Special Guest Speaker Dr Rachel Bidgood with champion veteran runner Judy Zahn

Lily Leven and Nick Rewald claim gold in the Shawn Claydon Memorial Shield 5km

The Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield is awarded to Tahnee Malaguena and Angus Jacobs by Forsyths

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Ray has fished me for a long time, but it had been a while since we’d last had the chance to fish together. Hailing from the waters of Tinaroo Dam it’s a big call to come to Peter Faust to fish, but Ray is very familiar with impoundment barra fishing and lives for it.

The fishing had been good in the leadup and the weather forecast for the day was fantastic. So all factors were aligned for a good day, but we didn’t anticipate just how good it was going to be!

The first spot we pulled up on produced a metre plus fish almost right away and Ray got dusted by another in the timber. Then things went a little bit quiet, so I decided to look at a different part of the dam.

Sounding around some likely areas, we started to find fish in good numbers. The sounder screen came alive with a big school so we pulled up and it was on! Double headers were frequent with the fish all quality models over 90 centimetres and the action never really let up.

We bounced around fishing spots in the general proximity for an action-packed afternoon on the water. We released well over 40 barramundi between us.

The recent rain has not had much effect on the water level at the dam with it only rising very slightly but it’s been good to see a return of blue skies and epic sunrises over the last few days.

While the water temperature has dropped slightly, the fishing remains constant and with the warm autumn days it should continue.

Last month the stocking society released close to 6000 sooty grunters in the dam so we’re looking forward to those fellas growing up and adding more variety into a day on the dam.

Contributed with thanks to:

Luke Fallon | Luke Fallon Sport & Game Fishing | www.fishingfaust.com.au

Photos –

Sunset on the dam over the weekend

Ray with a nice barra

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A system of buoys, piles and lights, known as IALA Buoyage System ‘A’, is used to assist safe navi-gation. These are the equivalent of road signs on highways. Each type of mark has a unique combi-nation of colour, shape, topmark and light. You must be able to recognise these and pass them safely on the correct side. Some of the more common ones are listed below.

When going upstream (away from the sea) keep red (port-hand marks) on the left hand side (to port), and keep green (starboard-hand marks) on the right-hand side (to starboard).

When going downstream (towards the sea) keep red (port-hand marks) on your right-hand side (to starboard) and keep green (starboard-hand marks) on your left-hand side (to port).

Lateral marks

Port and starboard marks are referred to as lateral marks. They indicate the port-hand and star-board-hand sides of navigable waters (channels). When both a port and starboard mark are placed near to each other, travel directly between them. On a pile beacon, look for the shape and colour of the top mark.

Often lateral marks are not placed in pairs. The safe side to pass a lateral mark is generally deter-mined by the direction of travel to or from the sea, or a predetermined local direction of buoyage.

Cardinal marks

A cardinal mark indicates where the deepest and safest water can be found. It may also indicate the safe side on which to pass a danger and to draw attention to a feature in the channel such as a bend or junction.

NORTH Safe water to the north of the cardinal. Topmarks point ‘up’ toward the north for safest water. At night the frequency of the flashes are an uninterrupted quick flash.

SOUTH Safe water to the south of the cardinal. Topmarks both point ‘down’ towards the south for safe water. The frequency of flashes is 6 quick flashes in a group followed by a long flash.

EAST Safe water to the east of the cardinal. Topmarks are in the shape of an egg, so remember the e of egg is for safe water to the east. The frequency of the flashes is 3 quick flashes in a group.

WEST Safe water to the west of the cardinal. Topmarks make the shape of a wine glass so remem-ber the w of wine glass is for safe water to the west. The frequency of the flashes is 9 quick flashes in a group.

Low Rock Reef off Shute Harbour is one of just 2 places in Australia where all cardinal marks are together.

VMRW membership is cheap insurance at just $80., you can join at https://vmrwhitsundays.com.au/join/

Contributed with thanks to Mal Priday from Whitsunday VMR.

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This week was round 7 of the 19-round Airlie Beach Premier League Darts season, and there were only four matches that took place on Sunday at Mika on Airlie Esplanade.

First up was Andy Peel taking on Seumas Rose.

Before a dart was thrown, both players were neck and neck on the league table, Andy with a slight one-point advantage over Seumas in the current standings.

Andy led the match from the front, winning it 7/1 which leapfrogged him into 3rd place on the ladder sitting nicely on 10pts.

Next up was Aaron Paull against Gary Robbie.

Much like the previous match, Aaron had full control of this game from the get-go, defeating Gary by the same score line 7/1. Aaron is now up into 6th place currently on 6pts.

Nathan O’Hara continued his fine winning streak with another victory over Lorraine Woods by a 7/3 score line. Nathan is now into the top 8 for the first time, and Lorraine is still searching for that first point of the season.

Up last was Joe Wilson against Kameron Reason.

Joe kept his 100 per cent win record intact; one of only three players this season to still have an undefeated record.

Joe dominated the proceedings with a 7/0 win over Kameron.

He hit a 180 in that win which takes him to 4th on the ladder with 8pts. Kameron sits just outside the top 8 currently occupying 10th place on the ladder with 4pts.

The Premier League is sponsored by Mika Bar and BBQ, and Whitsunday Tattooing.

Thanks for supporting the darts.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

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The Airlie Beach Ballers have continued their unbeaten run-in round 2 of the all-new Friday Nights Under Lights basketball competition.

In the first match of the evening, The Cannonvale Crocs faced off against the Proserpine Pirates.

The Pirates team had been boosted by several new recruits however it wasn’t enough to get them home, with the Crocs prevailing 31-21.

The Pirates took on the Ballers for the second match of the evening. In a high scoring affair, the Ballers got their night off to a winning start with the final score of 40-25 not doing justice to what was a tight tussle for much of the match.

Coming into the final game of the evening, all the talk was around whether the Ballers could keep their unbeaten streak going against the Crocs.

This match was an absolute thriller with scores tied leading into the final minute. A clutch free throw in the closing seconds was all that separated the two teams, with the Ballers getting up 26-25. What a game!

"I'm so proud of the way all of the kids are playing,” Team Manager of the Airlie Beach Ballers, Kara Nahas said.

“They are really giving it there all but are not losing sight of the fact that this is all just for fun. The sportsmanship has been first class and of course I'm thrilled that the Ballers are 4 wins from 4 starts!"

This is the inaugural term of the Friday Nights Under Lights concept, brought to the community by Whitsunday Basketball.

Games are held at Cannonvale State School on Friday evenings from 5pm and are for children aged 8 to 16 years.

The goal is to create a basketball competition for children in the Whitsundays which doesn't require parents to have to take them to Mackay every second weekend.

It is hoped that the Bowen Breakers will join the competition in the coming weeks.

Contributed with thanks to Tim Oberg

The Airlie Beach Ballers are staking their claim as the top dogs in the new competition

Shooting for three

The entire set of teams at the Friday Nights Under Lights basketball competition

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