Under 18 Boys State Trials
Bamaga Enterprises Limited (BEL) supported Meun Nona-Lifu to play at the Under 18 Queensland School Boys Rugby League State trials, held at Kawana Oval on the Sunshine Coast from 22 to 25 May.

The four-day round robin allowed up-and-coming talent to put their skills on show in front of potential recruiters.

BEL contributed $500 to assist with accommodation for Meun’s parents, allowing them to support and watch their son compete against some of the state’s best players.

Seventeen-year-old Meun was a member of the Peninsula team, with the side winning two out of four games – the other two challenging matches were against the reigning premiers.

“Meun played really well and was able to learn from other rugby players from around the Peninsula,” Naianga Nona, Meun’s mother, said.

“We thank BEL for the sponsorship – without them, none of this would’ve been possible.

“It made a huge difference and we were able to travel without any burdens,” Ms Nona said.

Under 15 Boys State Trials
St Teresa’s Abergowrie College student, Toni Newman, was also on the Sunshine Coast in May representing the Northern Peninsula Region at the Under 15 Queensland School Boy State Trials.

Toni put in a great performance throughout the carnival with his team winning three out of their four games and just narrowly missing out on playing in the finals.

“It was good to see Toni play with and against some of the best players in the state,” Toni’s father, Eddie Newman, said.

“Toni enjoyed the experience and it was a big learning curve. He played really well in a team and made some friends along the way.”

BEL donated $850 to assist Toni and his family with the costs of the competition, which included flights, player fees, team photos and administrative costs.

“This donation from BEL meant a lot to us and ensured Toni didn’t miss out on this important opportunity,” Mr Newman said.

BEL has again supported inspiring young sport star, Olive Whap, after she was select

Olive Whap represented North Queensland

ed to represent North Queensland in the Under 15 Northern Girls Junior Rugby Team from the Townsville District at the State Championships in May 2021.

The 15-year-old is consistently recognised as ‘Best Player’ in the competitions she participates in and was recently awarded ‘Player of the Year’ for Under 16s at the Junior Miners Competition in Charters Towers.

Olive’s mother, Mabelene Whap, said the tournament in Cairns went well, and Olive’s team finished fourth on the ladder.

“I was so grateful when BEL’s General Manager, Chris Foord, called us with the good news about my daughter’s sponsorship,” Ms Whap said.

“Olive was the only person from her school selected for the State Championships and it’s really good to see the support BEL is giving the younger generation.

“Having come out of her shell, Olive has been sharing her skills and encouraging her fellow players, including her twin sister, Maria. Seeing these two young ladies running on the field together is just amazing – they are going to be unstoppable!”

The Queensland Rugby League (QRL) and National Rugby League (NRL) held a Junior rugby league development camp in Bamaga for children in the NPA region at the beginning of May.

BEL provided accommodation to the value of $3,000 for the four staff members running the camp, including NRL Game Development Officers and League and Club Coordinator, Terry Abednego.

The camp was an opportunity to initiate a Junior Rugby League competition in the community as a structured sporting event promoting good health, and an initiative to help decrease youth boredom.

A range of age groups attended the four-day camp, which was well received throughout the community. As part of the QRL and NRL commitment to the camp, all kids who registered were supplied with a hat, water bottle, camp shirt and bag. The organisations are planning on returning at the end of year to coordinate another development camp.

Jewlz Mara and Rasheeda Soki Bond

Two students from Northern Peninsula Area State College (NPASC), Jewlz Mara and Rasheeda Soki-Bond, travelled to Cairns to attend the Peninsula Rugby Team trials on 20 July.

BEL contributed to the girls’ trip, sponsoring $200 for each student to cover the costs of flights.

The girls represented the Torres District for the one-day carnival, scoring two tries each and playing a big part in helping their team go undefeated. Due to their strong performances, the girls were asked to participate in another match towards the end of the day for final selection.

Both students were selected to be shadow players for the Peninsula Rugby Team.

“The girls played extremely well and we were all very proud of the way they conducted themselves throughout the tournament,” NPASC teacher, Danielle Hewes, said.

“It was great for the girls to not only be able to showcase their skills, but it was important for them to form relationships, expose them to new experiences, interact with students from other areas and give them a sense of pride and honour to represent the Torres region in an event like that.”