Clubs shine at awards

IT was a big night for local rugby league, with all our teams recognised at the 2025 Sunshine Coast Rugby League End of Year Presentation, held at the Caloundra RSL on Friday, September 26.

Stanley River Wolves with their 2025 trophies. Photo: Fcaebook/ Stanley River Rugby League Football Club.

The Stanley River Wolves dominated the awards, with Jackson Sambrooks named Rookie of the Year and Ethan Szendrey taking home both Coach of the Year and SCJRL Volunteer of the Year awards. Ethan filled in as coach for the Wolves’ junior teams, having taken on coach for the U17 Boys for the majority of the season when their coach was absent.

The Wolves’ A-Grade men, who won the 2025 Grand Final, also finished the season as 2025 Minor Premiers, while their Under-15 Division 2 men’s side claimed the same honour.

The Kilcoy Yowies were also celebrated, with Michael Maher awarded SCJRL Volunteer of the Year, a recognition of his “fun, supportive, and positive environment for kids to learn the game”.

The Beachmere Pelicans also capped off a strong year, named Junior Club of the Year and celebrating Jake Wood’s achievement as top point scorer in the C-Grade competition. Club stalwarts Sharelle and Dan Costello also earned Volunteer of the Year honours in the junior league category, while Hannah Clough received the senior league award.

The Caboolture Snakes were also not left behind, with Aleki Schuster and Pat Cathcart recognised in the Under-19’s Best and Fairest tally, and Josh Totoro topping the A-Grade’s Best and Fairest with 23 points. Club volunteer Natasha Field was also honoured with a SCGRL Volunteer of the Year award, while Michaela O’Shea was named Volunteer of the Year in the junior category.

For the Bribie Island Warrigals, Gizzy Brooks was runner-up in the C-Grade’s Best and Fairest with 22 points, while Bobby Hunter took home Junior Volunteer of the Year honours, after having given 45 years of service to the club. The club’s Under-16 Division 2 men’s side were also named Minor Premiers.

Congratulations to all clubs, teams, volunteers and players for their 2025 achievements.

Photos: Phil Bradeley Photography.