Earlier this week, rugby league legend – and Bond University student - Scott Prince held a mentoring session and had a quick game of touch footy with rural and indigenous rugby players from St Teresa’s College, Abergowrie, a remote location in far north Queensland.
The 20-strong St Teresa’s team are being hosted by Bond University and enjoying our outstanding sporting facilities, accommodation and dining services throughout their week-long stay on the Gold Coast, as part of the annual Queensland-wide schoolboys’ rugby league competition, The Confraternity Carnival.
St Teresa’s College has developed a reputation as a breeding ground for young up-and-coming rugby league players, with former student Matthew Bowen going on to become one of the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys’ biggest stars.
The boys from St Teresa’s were keen to grill Scott about his thoughts on rugby league champions, past and present, as well as ask his advice on pursuing a career in rugby league.
Scott, who is currently studying a Diploma of Sports Management at Bond, was quick to stress the importance of education to the eager young sportsmen.
“Regardless of what pathway you choose, or whether or not you want to be a professional rugby league player, getting a good education is vital,” Scott said.
“With the average career in league lasting around 50 professional games, and the chance of sustaining injuries part and parcel of the game, you have to make sure you’re thinking, and planning, about life beyond football.
“It’s also essential to make sure you are professional, both on and off the field, and most importantly never to lose your love for the game – get out there and enjoy it!”
The Confraternity Carnival has grown from humble beginnings in 1980, when just six teams participated, to become one of the most formidable schoolboy rugby league competitions in Australia, this year attracting 40 teams across five divisions from all over Queensland. Aquinas College is hosting this year’s Confraternity Carnival, which runs from 29 June to 4 July.