Sport
24 December, 2024
Sharks are just jaw-some
WITH the Far North Queensland rugby league season set to restart in March of next year, the Mossman Port Douglas Senior Sharks have been busy recruiting players for the 2025 season.
This time, however, instead of recruiting from ‘down south’, they have reached out to players who have previously represented the team and asked them to come back and have a run.
So far, four former players have agreed to wear the Shark’s shirt again – Mini Murgha, Aaron Daniel and former premiership players Lyle Murgha and Jimmito Harris.
Mossman Port Douglas Senior Sharks have also entered into a couple of partnerships with the reserves teaming up with Hopevale and the under-19s teaming up with Redlynch Razorbacks. These associations have been ongoing for some time, but now the club have made the relationships official which will have benefits to all clubs concerned.
As an example, Mossman players will have the luxury of knowing that they will have a full side to compete in each week, while Redlynch will use this opportunity to build towards a senior rugby league club.
For the new season, the Sharks are aiming to have four grades next season, comprising of A grade, reserve grade, under-19 and a women’s team.
The club encourages all team members to take part in weekly training for the next couple of weeks, on both Tuesday and Thursday nights. Formal training will commence mid-January next year.
In the meantime Mossman Junior Rugby League is currently seeking jersey sponsors and is calling out to all local business organisations and individuals to support the mighty Sharks.
The sponsorship is a two-year deal for a selected team in the league.
Emily Doolah, in charge of the sponsorship drive, said “we are still seeking businesses to sponsor the following teams, U6, U8, U11 and U12s”.
Mossman Junior Rugby League is a non-profit incorporated club that was formed by Allan and Pam Redgen in 1972. The club is run entirely by volunteers with the home field being located at the Mossman Showgrounds. In 2024, there were 254 players registered to the club.
“The club supports and promotes inclusivity, and currently 41 per cent of participants identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and 14 per cent identify as female,” said Ms Doolah.
“The club forms part of the Far North Queensland Rugby League (FNQRL) coastal competition, which supports teams from Tully to Cooktown. Participation is encouraged for both boys and girls from under six to under 17.
“Under the National Rugby League Safe Play code, teams from under six to under 12, participate and play a modified form of NRL. Competitive competition commences at under 13’s. This Safe Play Code framework supports our young athletes by allowing them to learn the basics of rugby league, in a safe, positive and inclusive environment.”
Sponsorship for gold, silver and bronze is now being finalised and Ms Doolah is excited about their new merchandise line being launched in 2025 at their sign-on day, which is generally held in February.
“We are grateful for Zinc and Club Mossman who have come back on board as gold sponsors again and joining them we have Ray White Port Douglas as a gold sponsor. We are excited to have new and returning silver and bronze sponsors as well,” said Ms Doolah.
