Ron Lane
Every year at the completion of the annual Noosa Triathlon, there is always one or two stories behind the scenes that is often not just of interest, but also beneficial to our community.
As the saying goes, there are always two sides to a coin. And this year is no different.
If a gruelling pre-season training campaign isn’t enough to get you motivated for the upcoming 2023 NRL season, then one should add a dose of the Noosa Triathlon to really get you in the groove.
According to the Noosa Pirates Rugby League Flyer, this was exactly the mind set and approach of Moses Mbye. Now playing for St George and formerly Noosa Pirates Rugby League club, he headed home to put himself to the test during the Garmin Noosa Triathlon.
But that was not the only reason for him to come home. He was also here to rollout his Treasure Chest Initiative that will directly help support local Noosa junior players and their families.
As part of the recent NRL grand final weekend, Moses returned home to host his inaugural event at the Noosa Golf Club, bringing to life a major fundraising event that incorporated a golf day and sporting luncheon. The day was a huge success. Players, present and past, club supporters and local business man from across the coast were in attendance.
Also in attendance was another former Pirate and now retired NRL great, Jake Friend. Along with Jake was ex-NRL star Reni Matau. Both took part in the day’s activities.
The event raised well over $10,000. This will now go directly towards making life better for some families who might be doing it a bit tough while also helping to grow the game of rugby league in Noosa.
Moses said, “I am excited to be back home to take part in the Garmin Tri and launch the Treasure Chest Initiative. It’s something that I am really proud of, proud that I can now give back to Noosa and the Pirates club that helped me greatly to have the privilege career that I still enjoy today.
“Personally, I can’t thank the Noosa community enough. They really got behind me to make the event such a success and it’s great to tie it all together while I am back home. And also, being lucky enough to be competing in such an iconic event as the Noosa Tri, (virtually) in my own backyard.”
Treasure Chest Initiative
As part of the Treasure Chest Initiative, Moses who is also a member of the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) Player Advisory Group, will work closely in partnership with the Noosa Pirates to distribute financial assistance in the following ways:
* Every third child of the same family who plays for the club will have their registration paid in full.
* Every second child of the same family who plays for the club, will have their registration fees subsidised by 20 per cent.
* Financial assistance will be available to support families in need by subsidising gear, equipment and camps.
* Investment in schools’ development, to grow greater participation in the local region for rugby league.
“Rugby league and the people of Noosa have done so much for me. I have never forgotten the sacrifices that my family and those in my local community made for me.
“It was a great struggle for my family at times, but the support I received enabled me to embark on the wonderful sporting career. Now it’s time to start giving back and pay it forward.’’
Like a lot of other Pirate supporters, I had the pleasure of watching this young man’s last game at Pirate Park, before embarking for the greener pastures of Sydney NRL. His ball control and his well- balanced, swerving runs was a joy to watch.
Having now reached the top in the NRL as well as having played State of Origin for Queensland, he was now visiting his home town. Visiting to not only say thank you, but also launch a program that will greatly assist young players, and most important of all, the player’s family.
In a time of such financial difficulties, when so many families will struggle to make ends meet, this gesture by Moses Mbye and his support group, should not go unnoticed.
Noosa Athletics
Noosa Little Athletics had three members qualified for the Australian All School Championships. This resulted from their achievements at the Queensland School track and field championships.
Marlon Andrews finished fourth in the 12 yr 100m final and third in the 200.
Luca Gerrard finished second in the 13yr triple jump and Marilee Scott -Jones first in the 16 yr 400m hurdles. Marlon will compete in the 10- 12 yr old Australian All School championships, 18-19 November in Brisbane, while Luca and Mailee will travel to Adelaide for the 13-17 yr old Australian All School 9-11 December.
Coach Mick Hooper said, “Our club is very proud of their excellent results. This weekend will be the Sunshine Coast Little Athletics regional relays to be held at the USC Track Sippy Downs and we will have lots of teams competing in various age groups.”
They will all be trying for a top three finish to qualify for their Queensland State Relay Championships. We wish our little people all the very best.
