Business backs students
New gear a huge boost for school
RUGBY LEAGUE: Gone are the days of pulling on a raggedy old cotton jumper before running out onto the field.
Oakey State High School’s junior sides have received a huge boost ahead of their upcoming rugby league season, with a donation of new playing gear.
The new jerseys, shorts and socks were generously donated by Neville Cherry Pest Control, which wanted to help continue the resurgence of rugby league in country towns.
Principal Danny Keenen said the new strips would give the students a massive morale boost.
“We don’t have the money to buy new gear every year or even every five years,” he said.
“The students are going to look a million dollars.
“Oakey has poorly earned a reputation as the poor cousins, which is complete and utter rubbish.”
Just last week the school welcomed Brisbane Broncos captain Darius Boyd.
“It was immense, but what was even more important was his message,” Keenen said.
“He talked about mental health, and told students it’s not weak to speak.”
Keenen is heavily involved with the coaching of the sides, and said the school placed emphasis on creating quality humans. “School sport is something special,” he said.
“Students are representing their school, their community and themselves.
“They need to have a 90% attendance, and if they are suspended, they don’t play.
“Football needs to be an extension of values and respect, both on and off the field.”
The new strip has incorporated stars into the design, a throwback to the 1950s, when the side was known as the Oakey Allstars.
Photo: Sean Teuma