Twenty years later, Mount Isa’s North West Stars ‘schoolboys’ team is still together.
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The Stars, who include rugby league international Scott Prince, are competing at their third Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games (JPPMG).
Scott assembled the team, which included a former teacher from that era, the original coach and siblings of the ’95 team.
“I’m playing with my brother, the Kyle brothers and others who we played with back in Mount Isa when we were 10,” Scott said.
“We have a shield that we give to the best player of the games to hold on to. It keeps the spirit alive in the team and adds a bit of competition.”
He also acknowledged the support of local Mount Isa businesses who helped bring the team and their families to the event.
“We all flew or drove down. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get together and play alongside each other but also for the families as well, to catch up, have a beer and enjoy the festivities,” he said.
“Without the JPPMG we probably wouldn’t get this opportunity to get together and it’s great, not only the competitive side, but it’s good that everybody is getting in and giving it a go.”
As much as it is about competition, the social aspect is a major part of the games, with the games village being a hub for the ‘big kids’.
“I had a bit of a look at the village last night with Petero (Civoniceva). Of course as the team manager I had to suss out the village to make sure everything was sweet for the team to see,” laughed Prince.
“I had a great time.”
The 10th biennial Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games was held on November 5 – 13 on the Gold Coast.
The event showcased competition in 43 sports and is hosting 13,000 participants from Queensland, interstate and overseas.