ROUND five in the Lewie Fire Mount Isa Rugby League is set to host the third annual Trevor Chong Memorial.
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This Saturday will mark the first year where the 2012 passing of Wanderers Devils legend Chong will be recognised as an entire round, rather than one fixture.
Chong’s brother-in-law and Wanderers player coach Anton Saltmere is buzzing for what should be another special weekend for all involved, and in particular to the Wanderers family.
“It’s sad that his (Trevor) life was cut short from cancer, but it’s exciting that we have this round to be a part of,” Saltmere said.
“He (Trevor) was a very valuable member for the Wanderers club and very well-respected obviously because this is an ongoing occasion. We’d like to thank Mount Isa Rugby League for making it a memorial round.”
In 2013, the Devils battered Town 54-20 to claim the Trevor Chong shield in its debut year before the reigning champions went back-to-back defeating Black Stars by six points last season.
Saltmere’s side, who welcome back experienced second-row Matt McNamara, come up against Black Stars for the second year in a row for the occasion and despite his team’s great form, he isn’t expecting a walkover.
“He (McNamara) gets a lot of work done in there for us. But no matter what has happened in the games before, Black Stars always come out strongly. Last season it was a close game and I’ll be expecting the same this year.”
Saltmere described Chong’s playing career as a decorated one that included selection for the merged Mount Isa and Mid-West representative team that won the Outback Carnival in Barcaldine in 2009.
“That was one of his (Trevor) big achievements. It was the first time Mount Isa won a North Outback carnival since it’s been running.”
But despite winning a premiership in 2006 as well, Chong always had held the one he earned with Wanderers in 2009 as his career highlight.
“That was a big year to beat Townies when the rivalry was bigger.”
The Wanderers player coach is looking to go one better next year with an invitational team tournament for Chong.
“Obviously Doomadgee is not involved any more so we want to invite those teams for a one-off thing. Trevor has background up from that way. Even though he played for Wanderers, Trevor was well-recognised from his peers across the other clubs in the community.”
Trevor’s father Gordon Chong is also keen to see this happen although is simply happy that Mount Isa Rugby League continues to recognise his son’s life each year.
“I’m proud that Trevor gets recognised for a good cause,” Chong said.
Wanderers will play Black Stars in the main game at Alec Inch Oval from 7.30pm after Brothers host Town.
There will also be a sprint-off challenge at half-time of the second game, which will involve a 100-metre men’s and women’s open race with prize money involved.
Women’s League Tag is set to continue at 7.30pm with Town taking on the All Stars.
LEWIE FIRE PREMIERSHIP ROUND 5 DRAW
3.30pm – U17 Rugby League
4pm – Cloncurry v Normanton at Cloncurry
5pm - Brothers v Town at Alec Inch Oval
6.30pm - Women’s League Tag – Town v All Stars at Alec Inch Oval
7.30pm - Wanderers v Black Stars at Alec Inch Oval
LADDER
Wanderers 7
Normanton 6
Townies 5
Cloncurry 4
Black Stars 2
Brothers 0