Footy booty a terrific score

On the ball: Ptes Johnathon Rowling (left), Nick Cronan and David Pearce pick up the footy gear donated from Aspley Devils Rugby League Club from Broncos Ben Ikin and Andrew Gee. Photo by Andrew Seymor

By WO2 Graham McBean

SOLDIERS from 7 Bde departing for Op Anode scored an unexpected bounty of rugby league gear from the Brisbane Aspley Devils rugby club.

The Aspley Devils, who are closely associated with the Brisbane Broncos, have donated the equipment to the people of the Solomon Islands.

Former Brisbane Broncos players Andrew Gee and Ben Ikin were present to hand over the 100 training balls, 70 shirts and 70 pairs of shorts and socks.

Andrew Gee said the training equipment was replaced each year and it was good to know the old equipment would find a good home.

“It’s going to a good home, they love their sport over there and hopefully it will be used by a lot of kids,” he said.

“It’s a great community activity that Aspley is doing, it’s a great idea to take it overseas and I look forward to doing it down the track again.”

The equipment will find new homes in the communities of the Solomon Islands, when the reservists from 9RQR and 25/49RQR have deployed.

The idea for the donation came from Sgt Adam McGuire, 9RQR, who has a son that plays with the Aspley Devils.