Leader in his field shocked at award

HELENSVALE State School teacher Ian Scrimgeour has been honoured as the Gold Coast’s rugby league teacher of the year by the NRL.

The 56-year-old PE teacher began teaching just six years ago, after a lifetime of raising five sons and coaching in rugby league drew him to the noble field.

The NRL recognised his contributions to the sport at Helensvale’s primary school as exceptional.

“It was a complete shock to me,” said the teacher, who goes by “Mr S” in class.

“I didn’t become a teacher until later in life and didn’t start university until I was in my 40s.

“Being a dad and a rugby league coach was the idea that got me into teaching in the first place.

“It’s a passion I’ve had all my life.

“Rugby league teaches camaraderie, teamwork, skill development and it’s a confidence-builder.

“It doesn’t matter about ability, my big belief is that whatever issues you may have in life, we’re teaching you that you can be a somebody.

“That’s what it’s all about: so kids believe in themselves.”

Scrimgeour learned the art of coaching from Canberra Raiders recruiting guru Peter Mulholland, who he met while coaching junior representative rugby league in Western Australia.

Training under Mulholland, and coaching alongside Dragons great “Lord” Ted Goodwin and 300-game referee Matt Cecchin, showed Scrimgeour that the pathway to a career in the NRL was real.

“They went on to bigger and better things but I was just there for the kids,” Scrimgeour said. “It was always about the kids.”