FAMILY TIES MOTIVATE NEW COACH ROSENDALE
NORTHERN Pride flyer Mark Rosendale will make his first foray into coaching at the Gordonvale Indigenous Rugby League Carnival this weekend.
The Queensland Cup player, who made five appearances for the Pride last season, will take the reins of Mal Yabbas, a team representing the Hope Vale community, at the annual All Blacks Carnival.
”It means ‘good brothers,” Rosendale said.
“We all come from the same community – Hope Vale.
“It’s always a good feeling because you’re representing your home and playing with your family, your friends and your brothers.
“I’ve played in the carnival a few times with a few other teams, but I just thought it would be good to get everyone out of the community and give them something to do – there’s not much to do back there.
“I just hit them up to see who wanted to play, and a few boys put their hands up.”
The side will be bolstered by Yarrabah halfback and twotime Cairns District Rugby League premiership winner Charles Murgha, with Murgha’s Yarrabah teammate Keishon Hunter-Flanders to partner the veteran in the halves.
“I’ve played a couple of carnivals with him (Murgha) – he pops up every now and then,” Rosendale said.
“He’ll bring plenty I think.” Edmonton Storm young gun hooker Tyrell Anton and Rosendale’s Northern Pride teammate Evan Child will also line up for Mal Yabbas.
“We hang out a bit, me and Evan, and I just asked him if he wanted to have a game,” Rosendale said.
The two-day carnival will be held at Alley Park and has attracted 12 teams from across the Cape and Torres regions.
The action starts at 9am on Saturday, with the grand final on Sunday at 6pm.