Leagueability stars shine at Cbus

Six Leagueability teams played prior to the Titans vs Panthers game, with plenty of excitement, smiles and enthusiasm coming from all 60 players.

The All-Abilities game was first to kick off, with players playing a modified game of Rugby League.

It was all smiles and plenty of tries, with both teams coming away with plenty of points on the board and lots of cheers from supporters in the stands.

The All-Abilities match was followed by the highly competitive physical disabilities game, which finished in a draw.

The PDRL White team finished with a try on the final buzzer, bringing the final scoreline into a 12-all draw, a representation of the grit, competitiveness and high calibre of players on both teams.

The final game of Intellectual Disability Rugby League (IDRL) wrapped up an electrifying afternoon, with the game finishing with a 16-12 win to the IDRL Blue team.

The IDRL game welcomed plenty of fans into the stadium, with Jarrod Wallace and former Titans player Brad Meyers also joining in to play in the games.

Gold Coast Titans Chairman Dennis Watt said the growth of each player in the program continually makes the community proud.

“All of the Leagueability teams, the players and their families capture exactly what the heart of this club is,” Mr Watt said.

“The players and the enthusiasm, passion and love for the club is evident every time they run onto the field.

“As a club and in the wider community, we feel so lucky to be able to watch all of the players and their growth each time they pull on their Titans jersey.

“For some of the players, this is the first time they have been involved in playing a sport, or part of a team, which makes it even more special,” he said.

For Chris and Abby Hinckesman’s mum, Linda Williams the Leagueability program has opened up many new opportunities for her children.

“Chris’ time with the Titans has been extensive over the last few years and the opportunity that the club gives him to be a part of the real community has been enormous,” Ms Williams said.

“He obviously went and started with PDRL, he loves rugby league so it was an opportunity for him to play and get to play in a renowned stadium, which is awesome.

“Chris is obviously a natural fit for rugby league, given he is male and loves the game so much.

“Abby on the other hand is very quiet and very reserved, and as a result of the Leagueability program, she has come out of her shell.

“She is running around, interacting with others, living a full life, which is just incredible.

“If anyone would have met Abby three years ago, they would not believe that same person ran out on to the field at CBUS to play footy.

Gold Coast Titans CEO Steve Mitchell said the Leagueability program is a great representation of the Titans values.

“The Leagueability program truly embodies what our values set in the Selflessness of our support staff and volunteers, the participants’ Trust in our club, our Accountability to all involved, and their Relentless desire to play our great game,” Mr Mitchell said.

“The players, their families, volunteers and supporters make our club and all of our communities so proud.

“It’s not hard to see every time they attend training, games and club events, their energy and love for the Club and the game of Rugby League.

“The games played last month at CBUS were brilliant and we are looking forward to the teams playing again later this year,” he said.