Newman host rugby league tournament to campaign against elderly abuse

Newman hosted the Honour and Respect our Elders rugby league tournament over the weekend, with teams from Port Hedland, Paraburdoo and Perth competing for a good cause. A Samoan representative side also joined the competition and a combined Hedland and Newman women’s team made the journey to Capricorn Oval. After Shire of East Pilbara president Anthony Middleton opened the tournament, the West Coast Pirates defeated the Newman Crushers 56-34 in game one as the home side was no match for the Perth powerhouse. In game two the West Australian Samoan side defeated the South Hedland Cougars 34-16. The hometown Crushers chalked up a win against the Paraburdoo Pirates 22-18 in a low-scoring, close contest to entertain the home crowd. Game four saw the West Coast Pirates dismantle the South Hedland Cougars 44-22 as they proved why they were the hot favourites heading into the tournament. In the final match, the Samoan representatives got over the Crushers 34-16 in a great showcase of rugby league and all for a worthy cause. West Coast Pirates’ Bailey Miller was awarded player of the tournament for his strong performances in all three matches. Prior to the Saturday tournament, Martu Mili held a campaign launch for the Stop Elderly Abuse Campaign. Newman Crushers president Eugene Hepi said it was an incredible day and he was proud of everyone involved. “We have so many wonderful humans to thank, so I will try not to forget anyone, what a day,” he said. “I’m truly humbled for all the endless work, effort, and hours you contributed to this event nothing short of amazing.” “None of this is possible without truly committed people who are the unsung heroes, the ones in the background doing the hard yards.” South Hedland Cougars president Matthew Levi said interest in the sport was growing and he hoped tournaments like this would create more buzz around the game. “Hopefully this new campaign will boost up rugby league interest in the Pilbara and hopefully it will kick off for next year,” he said. “This is the first time we have done something like this, it’s looking good for next year for sure.” 25 of Hedland’s junior players participated in the North West Rugby League development camp in Karratha earlier in the month. The Cougars women’s team has also been growing interest in Hedland and are still on the lookout for more players.