Karratha Kangaroos Named NRL Community Club of the Year

The Karratha Kangaroos Junior Rugby League, located 1,530 kilometers north of Perth, has been awarded the NRL's Community Club of the Year. This recognition marks a significant achievement as it is the first time a West Australian club has received this honor, surpassing clubs from the traditionally rugby league-dominant states of Queensland and New South Wales.

The announcement was made by NRL officials in August, and representatives from the Kangaroos attended the official presentation during the NRL grand final in Sydney. Club president Josh Cruice expressed his excitement, stating, "I’m over the Moon at the acknowledgement. It just goes to show what the club's about — we're an inclusive community club. Everyone's a volunteer and puts hundreds and hundreds of hours into the club. We couldn't be prouder."

The NRL highlighted the club's "inclusive culture, innovative spirit, and unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for young players" as key factors in their selection. For players like 12-year-old JC Pukeke, the impact of the Kangaroos extends beyond the sport itself.

Every week during the season, JC and his mother, Char, make a 10-hour round trip from Tom Price to Karratha so that JC can play for the Kangaroos. The travel expenses and time commitment are justified by the positive effects on JC's well-being. He has faced serious mental health challenges, including bullying and body image issues, which led to suicidal thoughts. To help him, Char took him back to New Zealand to reconnect with his heritage, where he discovered rugby league.

"I didn't think much about it, but when Mum took me there, it did make me feel like I was connected to home," JC said. Char noted that being exposed to his traditional community and the rugby league environment allowed JC to make significant progress. "He was able to see for his own eyes by looking at other people who are like him and the same size. After four months in New Zealand, he ended up saying to his coach and to myself that 'I love my body.'"

Since returning to Western Australia, JC has found a similar sense of belonging with the Karratha Kangaroos. "It feels like I'm part of a pack, like a wolf pack but it's rugby," he said. "And I get to express how strong I can be on the field."

Char believes that the lessons learned through rugby have contributed to JC's personal growth. "There are times when you're going to fall and hit the ground — in rugby league we get back up, grab that ball and go forward. That's the same thing in life, and that's what he's done so far."

If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available through various services, including Lifeline and Beyond Blue.