In early August, the Kirwan Crusaders attended Clontarf’s annual Queensland Cup Rugby League Tournament on the beautiful Sunshine Coast.
The adventure kicked off with a visit to the NRL Dolphins headquarters, where the boys, along with other academies and partners, participated in insightful talks and a Q&A session. The lineup included players and coaches like Kirwan Academy Clontarf alumnus Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Josh Kerr, Dolphins Assistant Coach Christian Wolfe, and QRL Boss Ben Ikin. The boys were fully engaged, especially with Hamiso, a favourite among the Kirwan crew, who shared inspiring stories and advice on healthy habits and dedication to their rugby league craft.
The following day was all about the Queensland Cup competition, where the boys played with true Clontarf spirit, relishing the intense but friendly competition. A standout moment was when Clontarf staff and partners took on boys from all Queensland academies in a lively game of touch football, filled with laughter, smiles, and playful banter.
After the tournament, the academies enjoyed some relaxation at the Sunshine Coast beach and a visit to the iconic Australia Zoo. They were treated to thrilling shows, including croc feeding and birds of prey demonstrations. The excitement continued with a ping pong tournament, where each academy entered boys into singles and doubles events. The supportive atmosphere, with boys cheering on their mates, was a highlight of the camp.
On the final day, the boys from the North Queensland Region visited the Alexandra Heads Surf Life Saving Club for a partner presentation. The boys expressed their gratitude to the SLSC for their hospitality and learned about ocean safety, surf lifesaving, and how they could support the Foundation in the future.
Overall, the camp was an incredible experience for the boys, filled with unforgettable moments on and off the field.