Junior rugby league clubs are the heartbeat of their communities, a central meeting place for people and families united each weekend by the greatest game of all.
The Upper Ross Rams, formed over 40 years ago in 1981, are the pride of Kelso and its surrounding suburbs, and are committed to attracting an abundance of juniors to the club.
But it's not just the players who make the club, with parents, extended family and volunteers contributing to a family-friendly and welcoming feel.
As preparations for the 2023 season continue, a special skills and drills clinic hosted by the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys and supported by Smit Lamnalco and Play Rugby League North Queensland, went a long way to inspiring and upskilling the Upper Ross Rams teams.
Rams chairperson Kelli Herlihen said welcoming Indigenous All Stars representative Tahlulah Tillett was especially exciting for the club's female players.
"The girls were so excited to get down here, we talked to them about what was happening and they were keen to come and get involved,” she said.
"We have a huge number of girls; the implementation of league tag has really assisted the young girls from 4 and 5 year olds, they’re not scared of learning to play football and are developing the skills to continue playing as they grow older.
“We encourage our older players to work with our younger ones, even if it’s just to teach them to catch the ball; we really foster that relationship from the babies right through to the big kids.
"And they do it, our kids are beautiful kids, they do it all the time without us even asking."
Tillett was joined by former Cowboys players and club community ambassadors Gavin Cooper and Ray Thompson, teaching under 8s, 9s and 10s alongside visiting NRL development officers.
A sausage sizzle, provided and run by Smit Lamnalco representatives, rounded out the training session.
Kelli said that despite the junior club facing recent challenges, a weekend of trial games at home would be the perfect opportunity for the Upper Ross community to rally and support the club and its players, building on the impact the Cowboys had during the clinic.
"We have an amazing supporter base around the Upper Ross and it’s not just the parents, it’s the aunties and uncles, so we’re excited for our next home game weekend because it brings our community together," she said.
"Everyone is welcome, you walk in the gate and celebrate, we have people who come in at 7.30am and stay until the last game.
"That’s all we ever ask, is for people to come up here, support our kids and support our club."
