By Casey OÇonnor
Granite Belt and Southern Downs players and coaching staff were a big part of the Queensland Police Rugby League Memorial Day held at The Dolphins Oval in Brisbane on Saturday.
The event was a tribute to the fallen officers, Constables Rachel and Matthew Arnold but also a chance for family and friends of those who were involved on many levels to come together reflect remember and hopefully allow some healing as the big crowd embraced the spirit of the event.
There were no shortage of super stars on and off the field and plenty of faces familiar to the Southern Downs
State of Origin legends Wally Lewis, Billy Slater and Darren Lockyer mixed with players and fans and called the game for Channel Nine.
Three games were played and former NRL or NRLW players took their places in the sides.
While many of the former NRL super stars have been away from the game for many years the likes of Petero Civoniceva Justin Hodges and Matty Bowen certainly have not lost the ability to step, swerve, throw cheeky out passes and set up tries.
Queensland Police Women’s Dream Team (coached by Warwick’s Tony Chandler) and Queensland Police Women’s All Stars to kick off the afternoon. NRLW players Chelsea Baker, Steph Hancock, Meg Ward and Samantha Bliss laced on the boots. Steph Hancock showed she has lost none of her talent scoring the last try to tie the scores at 12 all.
Taking her place in Steph’s team was Warwick officer Steph McConnell and, although she is more versed in Touch Football, played well.
The Arthur Beetson Foundation Immortals were next up and played the QPS Legends.
Former Gremlin, Matthew Buzza Hendry lined up as hooker for the QPS Legends and clearly enjoyed taking on the likes of Hodges and Civoniceva.
There to watch Buzza were his parents John (Chook) and Maria and his sisters and family.
For the record the Arthur Beetson Foundation Immortals, which included a pretty impressive line-up, ran away with the game despite the hot conditions.
The QPS Dream team played the final game against the QLd Police All Stars. Before the game there was an emotional tribute to the Rachel McGrow and Matthew Arnold and Poet Rupert McCall left no one with a dry eye when he delivered a poem he had written in their honour.
Det Sen Constable Jim Doyle pulled on a jersey for this game as did Warwick Cowboy’s player and OFRS officer Ben Sullivan .
I did not see either player post game, I reckon Ben would have been in better shape than Jim.
The day wrapped up with a series of concerts in a lighter mood.
This was an outstanding day and one I am proud and pleased to have attended. I am sure the fund raising was a great success, but the day was about so much more.
May Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold Rest in Peace
May those who served beside and with them find some peace solace and comfort.
