It was a quiet week on the green at Wangaratta Bowls Club with only Sunday mixed bowls played.

Three rinks of triples ended in Sue Shearing, Dave Kilpatrick, and Pat Tracey claiming the trophy having defeated Deb Beel Penny Warren Graeme Read.

Others saw June Paynter, Linda Scells, and Barry Beel defeat Bron Tolcher, Laurie Land, and Joe Paynting, while Sugar Brunker, Bill Myer, and Anthony Cresswell defeated Deb Retchless, Isobel Wheeler, and Kennedy Whitton.

Competition Results: On Sunday morning the next round of the Mixed Pairs was played with Lyn and Geoff Danvers defeating Margaret Wilson and Kennedy Whitton in another close game.

This Saturday the club will host its annual Come and Try afternoon at the club.

If you have always wanted to try lawn bowls, here is your chance. Be at the club by 1pm for a 1.30pm start.

The club will organise a set of bowls and it is plain sailing from there for a free afternoon with afternoon tea afterwards.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

‍

Sunday's Winners Sue Shearing and Pat Tracey receiving their prize from Barry Beel

On Wednesday, nine players enjoyed perfect weather for a game of social bowls at Proserpine Bowls Club.  

Heather Brown played double second in a game of triples in a game that saw Jim Bownds, Heather, and Peter Lawton defeat Bruce Uhe, Heather, and Sandy Daffara, 26-16.  

In a game of pairs, Mary Hedgelong and Philip Brown defeated Pat Bownds and Jim Quod, 22-19.  

On Sunday afternoon we had Dawn Franklin and Brian O'Neill visiting from Moore Park Beach Bowling Club in Bundaberg.  

Peter Lawton and Dawn Franklin defeated Sandy Daffara and Heather Brown, 27- 22, while Bruce Uhe and Brian O'Neill defeated Jimmy Quod and Barry Zillmann, 21-11.

Reminder: Proserpine Bowls Club’s AGM will be held on Sunday, October 16 at 10am.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

Tuesday: Airlie Beach Bowls Club hosted Kev Mezzina from Kawana Thunder Bowls Club on the Sunshine Coast travelling with wife Fiona.

Mr Mezzina snapped up the prestigious Health Hub award, showing the club what a wonderful bowler he was.

But he was second best on the day, losing out to skipper Mark Mawson with lead Juanita Matterson and Robin Brown who played outstanding consistent bowls winning all the prizes on the day.

Wednesday: Skipper John Brown with Alan Pershouse played some outstanding bowls and ran away with the prizes, while club favourite Rick Galea won the Health Hub award.

Northern Beaches Ladies Cup Invitational Fours was being held in Mackay, with the travelling Airlie Beach team winning five games with 50 points.

Ladda Purdie as skipper with talented Elaine Hadlow at third, and Jill Spencer at second with Sue Swift from Northern Beaches at lead were convincing winners over the two day carnival.

The club’s other team of Betty Nicole as skipper with Margo Stanley at third, Betty Whitehorn at second with Marie Duck from North Mackay at lead also won five games and finished on 35 points to come second in the carnival.

Wednesday night saw Business House Bowls resume its final spring competition for the year, welcoming back Ian and Debbie Whittaker from Battery World, who had Rob Turner also making a return.

Saturday: The club resumed Scroungers and first round winners were Andy McDougall, Margo Stanley, Russell Jackson, Graham Cowling, Garry Tiff, and Neil Moore.

However, it was the final was played between Andy McDougall and Margo Stanley which served as the most inspiring game of the weekend, with Andy the eventual winner. Tony Whitehorn won the Group B for the second time.

Sunday: The club welcomed new bowlers in the morning and Sunday afternoon saw Mark Mason with skipper Nik Fernbach the winners of the day.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

‍

The club’s oldest members at the recent Annual General Meeting, Paul Osborne and Herb Secomb

The U15 Pitbulls clipped Roosters wings in the first game of the Cricket Mackay Competition season, led by an astounding individual performance.

Opening bowler D. Pettiford (0-21) and A. Hardy-young (0-8) kept things tight at the start of play.

Z. Henry (1-13) was given the ball and got his first wicket of the season with a corker that went through the corridor to rattle the stumps, and he was well supported by A. Geisel (0-14) from the southern end.

Roosters weren’t deterred and put 54 runs in their second wicket stand to be 1-68 until C. Stroud (1-15) strutted to the popping crease.

He stamped his authority on the game with a caught and bowl, backing it up with a screamer of a catch off a brilliant ball from J. Watson (1-9).

J. Williams (1-6) came and worked the batsman over before pitching a stump shattering ball that left the opposition at 4/87.

The Roosters dug in and piled on another 29 runs before M. Gabey (1-23) had seen enough and took a wicket in the dying overs with the help of A. Geisel’s classic catch.

The roosters run out of overs, posting a formidable total of 5/135.

Pitbulls needed a good start to chase down the total, and captain B. Valmadre decided fire power was the order of the day.

After pushing a few runs to get in, Valmadre monstered a four but fell for a quick fire nine straight after. The Roosters were ecstatic, getting their prize wicket early and leaving the Pitbulls whimpering at 1/21.

C. Stroud had other ideas: for the next 68 deliveries he bashed the Roosters, hitting 17 fours and one six, scoring 93 in the process and just falling short of a maiden century.

The rest of the Pitbulls’ batsmen chipped in, ending with a convincing total of 5/166 securing a win in their first hit out of the season.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Valmadre

Another great day for our October Monthly Medal with 30 players turning out for the day.  While it was a bit windy the temperature was good and the conditions made for some good golf.  

The ladies’ winner was Tiina Badenhorst on a c/b with 70 points, second on c/b was Jacqui Wall (70), and in the rundown were Robyn Whitham (70), Moya Bradley (70), and Jenny Hounsell (73).  

The men’s winner was John Roser with 70 points, second was Barry Mortimer (72 c/b), and in the rundown were Albert Pini (72), Phil Luckett (73), and Vic Feldman (73).  

Winners of the pin shots for the men were Albert Pini (B grade on 2nd), Barry (A grade on 9th), Gerald Lovell (B grade on 9th), and Peter Browning (B grade on 16th).  

The ladies’ pin shot winners were Leanne Alexander (A grade on 2nd), Beryl Nosworthy (B grade on 2nd), Tina Badenhorst (A grade on 9th and 16th), Tiina Randmae (B grade on 9th), and Heather Luvis (B grade on 16th).  

Chip ins were Jacqui Wall (had 2), Tessa Aitken, Elaine Philpott, Trevor Paroz, Nick Apruzzese, and John.  

Least putts were Jacqui Wall (26 putts), Phil Luckett (27 putts), and John Roser (27 putts).  

There will be no golf next Tuesday as the course is undergoing some maintenance.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

‍

Jacqui Wall and John Roser

The mixed foursomes trophy event was held on Sunday, October 9, with the winning team newcomer Elise Hodgsen and Gerald Lovell.

Runners up on the day were Jackie Wall and Clay Coles, while The Bradmans award went to Pam Casey and Mark McDougall.

Longest Drives went to Linda Wardroper and Penny Wardroper. Pin shots were claimed by Karen Rix, Dean Kercher. Next Sunday will be a single stableford event.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan

‍

L- R Pam Casey, Gerald Lovell, Elise Hodgsen and Mark McDougall

On Saturday the Allenbuild stableford and the fifth round of the Handiskins were run in conjunction. The top player to play the local Handiskins final is Lew Tuck, who finished with a best three round total of 118.

Brendon Spann 115, Allen Roberts 114 and Wayne Fitzgerald 111 were the others to make the final. This will be played on Sunday November 13, for a prize pool of $1200. The overall winner was David O’Connor with 41 points on a count back from Fraser Simpson. In third place was Lew Tuck on 40. The ladies’ winners were Tina Badenhorst, 39, on a count back from Trish McNeill, followed by Ann Gardel and Heather Luvis 35.

Nearest the pins went to Noelene Spurway and Craig Smith on two, Tiina Randmae and Rob Stanley, nine, Kelvin Stephens 13 and Dean Kercher 16. On Wednesday the ladies played their monthly medal in conjunction with a single stableford for the men.

The Medal winner was Viv Demartini with 65 nett, from Jan Shuwalow on 70. The place getters were Ann Gardel, 71, followed by Vickie Wallace and Diane Chard on 72. The stableford winners were Trevor Paroz and Aaron Prosser, 33, and Rees May 30. On Thursday the ladies’ winner was Diane Chard with 66 nett, equally the best score of the day. The division one winners were Barry Mortimer and Aaron Watts, 70 and John Grosskreutz 72.

Division two winners were Rees May and Greg Walker, 66 and Steve Mitchell 68 on a count back. Next Saturday, the event is a single stroke.

Contributed with thanks to Peter Lewis

‍

Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was a single stroke for the October midweek Monthly medal sponsored by the club.

Ladies’ winner on a countback was Grace Nott, 65 nett, with runner up Lynelle Riley, 65 nett.  

Pin shots to Lisa Raisbeck, Michelle Campbell, Anne McGowan, and Tanya Gaudry, while Men’s winner was Graham Seaborne, 67 nett, and runner up Cliff Querro, 68 nett.  

Saturday’s competition was the Men’s October monthly medal.

Winner Mitchell Greenbank, 67 nett, runner up on a countback Andrew Glossop 68 nett.  Sunday’s competition was the Ladies October Monthly medal.  Winner June Kirk 68 nett, runner up Pauline Martin 71 nett.  Pin shots to Robyn Slade, Grace Nott & Viv Clark, who also had an outer ball pool.  Both competitions sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Bowen Golf Club.

This weekend’s competition is an 18-hole, 2-person ambrose sponsored by Carlton United Brewing Company.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

‍

Midweek Monthly Medal ladies’ winners Grace Nott and runner up Lynelle Riley

Weekend Monthly Medal runner up Pauline Martin

This week 95 people ran, jogged and walked the 5km waterfront course, of whom 30 were first timers and 7 recorded new Personal Bests. Well done to Steve, Chloe, Jay, Therese, Hoffie, Shane and Geoff. Louise completed her 50th parkrun and Kara completed her 100th week as a volunteer.

The event was made possible by 16 wonderful volunteers: Nick, Kara, Chris, Leigh, Greg, Sarah (photographer), Heather (run director), Kirsty, Susanne, Lilliana, Laura, Lynne, Braxton, Dennis, Joanne and Tina.

Airlie Beach parkrun is celebrating 'parkwalk' for the month of October, with the goal of having as many walkers as possible. New participants are encouraged to come along and walk the 5km course – there is even a ‘parkwalk’ volunteer to look after them.

Every Saturday Airlie Beach parkrun meets at 6:50am for a briefing at area D, Coral Sea Marina (adjacent to the top carpark). Parking is free in the lower carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard. Post parkrun coffee and chat is held at My Rainbow Bakery, Shingley Beach.

The best-kept secret about parkrun is that it’s not about running - it’s about bringing people together in public parks and open spaces across the world to have some fun in a friendly, social and supportive environment. You can walk or run the 5k course (pushing a pram or with one dog on a short lead if you want to!), lend a helping hand as a volunteer in a wide range of super-easy roles, or simply spectate and socialise on the sidelines.

There are no winners at parkrun and nobody comes last – the Tail walkers do. Regular participation is rewarded rather than performance, with ‘parkrun milestone shirts’ available to people to recognise their achievements in coming along.

The full results and a complete event history can be found at https://www.parkrun.com.au/airliebeach/results/latestresults/

Further photos and details about registering can be found on the Airlie Beach parkrun facebook page.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun

‍

Airlie Beach firefighters were out to keep fit at parkrun last week

Kara has volunteered for 100 weeks at parkrun

The team of dedicated volunteers for Airlie Beach parkrun

Twilight Race: Another week, another enjoyable sail for the 20 yachts who took part in last week’s twilight race conducted by Whitsunday Sailing Club.  

A gentle 10 knot south easterly breeze and slight seas provided enjoyable sailing for skippers and crew alike.

The start for the first fleet saw some aggressive tactics by some boats, with a couple of boats baling out at the last moment.  This didn’t affect Treasure VIII (Rob Davis), who positioned the boat well for a clean get away.  By the first mark, QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) held a slight lead over Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) and Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez).  There was little to separate these three, with Reignition (Charles Wallis) ready to join the party, but gradually Bobby’s Girl eked out a gap, crossing the finish line 1 minute ahead of Smooth Criminal and QMS Ponyo.  Corrected time results went to Reignition from Smooth Criminal and Bobby’s Girl.

A strong start from Masquerade (Tom Vujasinovic) in Division 3 was short lived as Matchless (Terrence Stevens) and Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli) soon took the lead, leaving Masquerade to battle with Alabaster (Kate Warren), Aquatarius (Tom Parker) and Shiraz (John Cable).  The mid fleet battle was fierce, with several boats competing for honours, with positions constantly changing.  Finally Matchless crossed the finish line 1 minute ahead of Alabaster, with Wobbly Boot a further 15 seconds back.  Corrected time results went to Lighthorse (Dianne Forster) from Masquerade and Norbert G (Ghigo Casalini).

G’nome (Terry Archer) had some competition this week in the form of Overdrive (Rupert King), with Overdrive taking the initial lead at the start, but G’nome soon taking control on the water. The lead spread out to 7 minutes at the finishin G’nome’s favour, while on corrected time, Overdrive came out on top by 2 minutes.  

Full results are available at https://app.sailsys.com.au/club/85/profile?tab=results.  Races start from 4:30pm each Wednesday afternoon, so those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 2:30 pm (limited spots available).

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm

‍

Close racing in Division 2 at the turning mark

The first of Airlie Beach’s competitors representing the country at a series of World Championship Ironman events crossed the finish line last Sunday.

Whitsunday local Michael Kimpton, 68, took part in the Ironman World Championships in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, one of the “most incredible events on the planet and the pinnacle of triathlon sport.”

The iconic event saw some of the world’s very best triathletes embark on a 3.8-kilometre ocean swim, 180-kilometre cycle, and finish with a 42-kilometre run through the barren lava fields of Hawaii.

Kimpton said the atmosphere was off the dial before the race.

“Plenty of nervous energy from all athletes, music pumping while we patiently waited for the announcement to enter the water,” he said.

“The ocean was kind to all with calm conditions but a little bit of swell running. Lovely warm water. The cycle course was unbelievable, the road surface is to die for: an undulating course with a tough climb halfway.

“[It was] very wise not to push too hard on the bike; it got very hot as the heat and high humidity from the barren lava fields made it challenging. A bonus we train in Airlie Beach in slightly similar conditions!”

Kimpton is a relative newbie to the sport but is making a late charge representing his country in his retirement from working life.

In Hawaii, he’s found himself alongside some of the greats, including fourth placed fellow countryman, Max Neumann, who broke the course record alongside four others.

Although he might not have been on the podium come the end, the experience for Kimpton was something he’ll never forget.

“Near the end, you could hear the music way up front. I just love the last couple of kilometres as the adrenaline kicks in,” he said.

“The final 500 metres is remarkable. Spectator support so exhilarating that all of a sudden the body feels invincible; I was pumped and ready to take my turn as being welcomed as an ‘Ironman’.

“I can safely say: I love my life, and I love Ironman.”

‍

Michael Kimpton completed the World Championship course in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, the first of two ironman distance events he’ll compete in this month

Kimpton, a newbie to the sport, experienced something few people in the world ever do: competing for his country on the world stage

‍

The coaches named Harris Delac as the Swim Star of the week for his 100-metre IM.  Congratulations to Matilda Nicholes and Lucas Korosec for winning the Chocolate Awards for the best personal bests.  

Club Secretary Giselle Burton presented Upgrade Certificates to Max Smith, Molly Smith, Lucas Korosec, Remy Hedges, Lily Maher, and Millie Groom.  

The coaches, Ken Crittenden and Mark Erickson, were impressed by all the Cannons who took up the challenge to swim longer distances.

Highlights include Jy Parkinson and Jacob Bell swimming 1500-metre Freestyle, which was 60 laps with lots of turns.  

Nelson Malady, aged 10, swam a huge 56.96 second personal in his 800-metre Freestyle (32 laps).   Jack Ganter, aged 13, swam his first 800-metre Freestyle in a time of 11.17.05.  

Don Algie, aged 8, swam extremely well, swimming 400-metre Freestyle in 6.22.86 and 400-metre IM in 7.32.07.  

Eloise Chegwidden, only seven-years-old, swam a cracking 100-metre Freestyle in 1.52.46 and 100-metre Breaststroke in 2.13.69.  

Remy Hedges, aged 14, was very excited with her 400-metre Freestyle in 5.01.56 with a 0.07 second personal best.  

Harris Delac, aged 8, swam two massive personal bests in his 100-metre Freestyle and 200-metre IM.  He swam a whooping 85.38 second personal best in his 200-metre IM.

Harris’s sister Tora swam a fantastic time for her 400-metre Freestyle which was just under 6 minutes.  

Lily Maher, aged 13, swam super times in her 200m Freestyle and 100m Breaststroke, both swims had personal bests over 20 seconds.  Celeste Orenshaw, aged 9, swam an excellent time of 1.45.19 in her 100-metre Freestyle which was a 33.08 second personal best.

Well done to all the swimmers and big thank you to all the wonderful parents for their support!

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

‍

Lucas K with Upgrade and Chocolate awards

Max Smith upgrade

The Whitsunday Colts team battled it out against a mixed senior’s side in Bowen in late September in a heavily anticipated trial match.

Senior players, supporters and sponsors of the squad were out in force, wondering if the young Colts side could hold their own in the up-and-coming season of the seniors 20/20 competition.

Adorned in new uniforms, the side didn’t let the club and its sponsors down.

Batting first, the young-guns sent in their most experienced to set the tone: M.Pettierford (6) and D.Milne (4), who both won premierships in the seniors competition last season.

But they had to face the fierce S.Mcintosh (0-15), who streamed in from the northern end with a 30-knot breeze behind him.

After a bit of chin music to unsettle the batsmen, L.Blundell (4-31) reaped the rewards when he got the ball talking, and batsman walking, picking up M.Pettierford (6), C.Woodhouse (10), and J.Pini (2) in consecutive overs.

When D.Milne (4) fell to the off spin of D.Williams shortly after, the Colts were in trouble at 4/33.

B.Valmadre (17) got a start but threw his wicket away five balls before drinks break. B.Altmann (4) was next to fall and a direct hit from the outfield by evergreen M.Hope had C.Stroud (10) short of his crease and fingernails were disappearing quickly in the crowd.

Knowing Big Tom was striding to the middle was calming the nerves of players and supporters but the nerves were redlining when he departed with a second ball duck.

Tom was the fifth batsman stumped in the innings, and Colts were now reeling at 8/99.

W.Homewood (41) made a day of it with his man of the match performance with the willow, guiding the Colts to a defendable 9/128 with the help of N.Kleinert (12no) and R.Blain (1no).

Full of confidence, the senior side were looking to make short work of the young’uns total.

M.Valmadre (1) was first to have an early shower, and D.Williams (11) popped one back to one of the comeback kids this season: R.Blain(1/30).

Followed by S.Mcintosh (16), the seniors were 3/46 in the ninth.

M.Coventry had the bat blazing with an unbeaten 67, but with tight bowling and a constant flow of wickets - with C.Woodhouse (2/9), M.Pettiford (1/29), D.Milne (1/5), and C.Stroud (1/36), and some great pressure building bowling from N.Kleinert (0/17) in the dying stages - the Colts were able to hold their nerves for a hard fought two run win, leaving the seniors 6/126 from their 20 overs.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Valmadre

‍

A group of 30 lucky participants enjoyed an intimate clinic session with ‘Face of Bowls Australia’ Barrie Lester at Airlie Beach Bowls Club last Friday.

The 40-year-old bowling sensation has represented Australia internationally countless times and now shares his wisdom, including his effective philosophy, to clubs all across Australia.

Local bowls club member, Shane Spann, is good friends with Barrie and took the time to organise the clinic which he said was very popular with the other members.

“I managed to sneak him in last year, but this year everyone wanted to meet him – we only had 30 places and they got booked real quick – we even had a waitlist!” said Shane.

During the two-and-a-half-hour clinic, the 30 avid bowlers learnt everything from the merits of regular exercise to enhance your bowling skills, through to how to maximise your concentration and focus.

Hanging around for the whole weekend, Barrie was available to meet everyone at the club and spent time discussing tips, tricks and all things bowls.

He also played in six games across the weekend.

“It was really good to see so many people from all demographics, the really young to the more experienced, come together,” said Barrie.

“I hold clinics whenever I can – I love to give back at the grassroots level, it’s great to see the reward players get out of it.”

In golf you often have access to a golf pro, but in bowls it is not as common.

“I like to get on the road a bit, get to the rural areas, upskill players who live, breathe and love the game!”

Barrie started lawn bowls 25 years ago, his dad was a keen bowler and he enjoyed heading down to the green with him.

He got his first sponsorship from Lakes Entrance Bowls Club 22 years ago and since then has made a career out of the sport he loves.

“It’s taken me all around the world and I’ve loved every second of it!” he said.

“The ‘Jackaroos’ are like a family, we all support each other and it is such a great environment – the team is the best part about it.

“It’s a very welcoming sport and anyone can give it a go!”

Next up, Barrie will be playing in the Australian Championships which are due to be held in the Gold Coast next week.

He will then participate in the Bowls Premier League which will be held in Brisbane in November and televised on FOX Sports.

Image: International bowling legend Barrie Lester teaches a clinic at Airlie Beach Bowls Club

‍

It is unlikely Will Crossley will ever move his left arm again.

The Mt Julian father of three no longer has muscle tone in the limb from the shoulder down – a sign doctors assure him is “very bad”. His left leg from above the knee to his foot is entirely numb, although it has some movement.

He can walk with difficulty and assistance – a better sign, doctors say.

On Saturday, August 13, in a late-season match-up against the Kuttabul Camelboks, Will Crossley pulled on the Whitsunday Raiders shirt for likely the last time as a player before suffering a life-altering injury.

During a ruck in what was a must-win game for the Raiders to qualify for finals, “someone came in to clear out”, collecting Will in the act, not hard or malicious, but from the side - an illegal move.

Their shoulder connected with the back of Will’s head, and he immediately felt the entire left side of his body from the ear down go numb, but he thought it was just a knock at first.

His teammates held his neck until the ambulance came. He thought feeling was coming back and he’d be okay but a scan alerted doctors that he needed to be flown immediately from Proserpine to Townsville’s University Hospital.

Will had broken the C5 vertebra and ruptured the C5-6 disks in his spine – both of which had prolapsed inwards. The fluid from inside those spinal disks – which are pressurised - erupted into his spinal cord, causing widespread damage.

He underwent major surgery two days after arriving at Townsville.

The once junior Whitsunday Raider, and colourful character whose family has “been around Proserpine for three generations”, is now facing the prospect that much of his life will be spent in a wheelchair.

In the aftermath of the injury, the Whitsunday Raiders Rugby Union Club began a GoFundMe page to support Will’s recovery and costs surrounding it by raising over $16,000.

Those funds have assisted Will in the short-term and he remains in hospital care, while more fundraising efforts are on the way.

Will said the rugby community’s support had been a light in dark times.

“You hear stories about the community and how good they are in situations like this and it’s truly humbling to experience it first-hand,” he said.

“It’s been extremely difficult mentally, to put it lightly, but this has been incredible.”

He’s received over 170 messages of support - from people he played two or three games of rugby with in years past, to Wallabies players like Dave Porecki and Tom Wright.

As well, he’d even been sent a video shoutout from Wallabies players on the pitch just before kick-off their Bledisloe Cup match against New Zealand.

But it has had its more than difficult moments – six hours of physical therapy rehabilitation a day, six days a week – as well as major mental challenges.

“Realistically, I might not ever get use of my arm again; I might never get to throw the ball with my kids again. And it’s not about playing rugby, it’s about being a dad,” Will said.

“I was working as a security guard during the night and looking after the three kids during the day, and I’m really not sure what I’ll do now for work."

The 32-year-old single father will eventually move to Brisbane Spine Care Clinic as soon as a bed becomes available to continue his rehab as part of a “long journey” to a semblance of recovery.

His doctors have told him: “miracles can happen”.

For now, Will has two things on his mind: his children and his rugby. To be there for them, and to give back to the community that has given him so much.

“My long-term goal is to get back and give back. I want to get into junior coaching, through Australia Rugby I’ll use my Level Three Reffing and Coaching badges,” he said.

“The best thing for me to do is to take my 15 years of experience playing and help build the grass roots. I want to give back to my rugby family.”

You can donate to Will’s GoFundMe Page here: https://bit.ly/3ycnRUd

‍