MOMENT THEY’LL NEVER FORGET
Cbus Super Stadium has played host to some big occasions but a game that took place last weekend was in a league of its own, writes
EVERY now and then a great moment in sport comes along that truly inspires.
These moments, spoken about with such reverence that you’d think sporting fans were reciting scripture, often include a group of underdogs overcoming monumental adversity.
This past Sunday, one of the greatest moments in Gold Coast sporting history played out at 11.25am, in front of no more than a couple of hundred people, at the home of the Titans.
One player declared: “I’m going to tackle Preston Campbell, I’m going to smash him.”
It was at this moment that it became very clear this “exhibition” game of footy between the Gold Coast Titans Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) team and the Titans Legends, was more than just a game.
The dressing shed was full of chatter ahead of, what was for many of the 15 players in the PDRL team, the first time they would cross the line to compete in a contact game of footy.
For most, the journey to this point has been arduous to say the least. Some of the boys are amputees, others have physical or mental disabilities, while a few have acquired injuries from diseases or medical conditions. What they all had in common though was a desire to play the game of rugby league. This was more than just a fleeting moment for these players. They wanted to savour it.
Younger players ripped into their new kit, excitedly tearing open the packaging to put on socks, shorts and jerseys. The excitement levels were high as the players threw on their footy boots.
“I reckon I’ll score two today,” one player yelled across the room.
Another, a little more timidly: “I can’t wait to tackle someone.”
The clouds parted, the sun beamed down and the players walked on to the field at Cbus to warm up.
Captain Terry Litton delivered a rousing speech, firing the boys up for the occasion – if they weren’t already champing at the bit.
“Do the right thing by your teammates … help each other out, talk to each other,” Litton said.
“Have a look around, look where you are, you’re playing on Cbus Stadium today, the Titans’ home ground. It’s a big honour for all of us.
“Enjoy yourself, that’s the main thing, have a good time.”
One of the boys piped up: “Let’s get into them.’’
Titans front rower Jarrod Wallace wandered out on to the field, dressed in the PDRL kit. “Who’s ready?” he asked the others.
Suspended for two games, Wallace decided to have a run around with the lads. It’s a gesture that showed the heart of the Titans. He did not have to be there, he could have been sitting up in a corporate box in the aircon. Instead, he was down sweating it out with this team, having a crack against the legends of his club.
Wallace’s presence was a reassuring factor for some of the nervous players. They lit up at the sight of him, massive smiles spreading across faces when he encouraged them or gave a high-five. This is what footy is all about.
The boys lined up in the tunnels, the siren blared and Litton led them on to the field. Some sprinted out, sidestepping their way into position to receive the kick-off.
Before the game, team manager Callum Mitchener
had asked the boys if they wanted full-on contact. He was met with a unanimous yes. They got what they wanted.
From the first whistle, it was on. Some decent hits were put on from both sides. The game was played at a good pace and in the spirit it was meant to be.
The big boys of the PDRL team put in some barnstorming runs and there were slick plays in the backline.
The crowd and the players alike roared when Kane Ridgely opened the scoring for the PDRL team with a hard and fast run down the sideline.
Jarrod Wallace and his younger brother Cooper put a decent hit on their dad, Craig, playing for the legends, even if it was a bit late. Anno Pitt gave Preston Campbell a bit of grief on the ground.
And the PDRL team had their way for the rest of the game. Liam Reen scored a try, followed by Anno Pitt and Liam Hourigan. Clinton Toopi scored a consolation try for the Legends, but it was all over by that point. The PDRL side had done it.
There was jubilation among players on both sides. The weight of what had just played out on this hallowed ground was evident on the faces of the Legends side. The gravity of the game and what it meant to the PDRL team had become clearer as the game wore on.
No one wanted to leave the