Check the news on the youngest football club in the NRL

One Community

In just six months, the One Community initiative has grown into the largest and most comprehensive community relations program in Aussie sport.

It’s a groundbreaking initiative by the NRL, ARL, ARLD, NSWRL, QRL and CRL, together with NRL clubs, sponsors and players. The plan seeks to make a difference to the lives of children who are in need.

While NRL clubs and players strengthen their hands-on commitment to the community, One Community works at developing strategic partnerships with government, media, charities and community organisations. In the key areas of health, education and social welfare, the entire game of rugby league is working together to make a difference.

Tiny Preston’s massive impact

Preston CampbellJetstar Gold Coast Titans’ fullback Preston “Presto” Campbell recently spent six weeks on the sidelines recovering from a serious knee injury. Although the pint-sized superstar wanted nothing more than to get back on the field, a trip to the remote Far North Queensland town of Pormpuraaw was an experience Presto will remember for years to come.

While Pormpuraaw might not be considered a rugby league hot spot, the NRL does some of its best and most important work in these smaller communities.

An early morning Jetstar flight to tropical Cairns set this caped crusader on his way. Presto then boarded a charter flight to Pormpuraaw, some 600 kilometres north-west of Cairns. This Aboriginal community of around

700 people sits right on the crocodile-filled beaches of the Gulf of Carpentaria. While Pormpuraaw is a long way from his hometown of Tingha, near Inverell, for Presto it was like looking back in time.

“Looking at all these kids and how excited they are to see me makes me really happy,” he says. “I think this is what football is all about, and it’s a great  opportunity to give something back to these kids. They’re just like me a few years ago, so I know how much visits like these mean to them and to all the communities around Australia.

“It’s a beautiful place up here and the kids are great, and if I can provide them with a little bit of encouragement, like Big Paul Sironen (the Balmain Tigers legend) did when I was a young bloke, then it’s been a very worthwhile journey and it’s a great project to be a part of.”

During his visit, Presto helped launch the government’s Healthy Community campaign which encourages children to make positive, healthy choices and promotes an active lifestyle.

The naturally talented young players, both male and female, were thrilled when Presto launched a junior rugby league competition, and refereed the first two games. Before heading back to Cairns, there was a quick fuel stop in Kowanyama, where hundreds more league fans were thrilled to see their hero in the flesh.

“It was great to meet all the kids and I’ve promised them I’m going back fishing when the footy season is over,” says Presto.

Junior development

The Jetstar Gold Coast Titans, together with the Australian Rugby League Development and Bananacoast Credit Union have been instrumental in driving junior rugby league on the Coast. Nearly 400 kids aged between 5 and 12 took part in the Gold Coast Titans Junior Development Kids to Kangaroos’ (K2K) clinic held during the Queensland school holidays.

The K2K clinics aim to provide kids with a fun, positive rugby league experience in a safe, inclusive environment. No league experience is necessary as skills are taught through various activities and games on the day. Best of all, Jetstar Titans players, including co-captain Scott Prince, actively participate in the clinics. Every child who takes part in the clinics receives a K2K backpack, which includes a drink bottle and mod-sized football.

Check the Jetstar Titans’ website (www.titans.com.au) for details on the next clinic!

Tune in with Jetstar Titans Radio!

The Jetstar Gold Coast Titans are taking to the airwaves, with the recent launch of Jetstar Titans Radio on JetSound, our inflight audio entertainment program. It’s your one-hour fix of all things Titans, featuring player interviews, chart-topping music and competitions! The Jetstar Gold Coast Titans invite you to fasten your seatbelt, crack open a cool drink, sit back and tune in.

Looking ahead

Get ready to take off with the Jetstar Gold Coast Titans! Fly Australia’s favourite low cost carrier Jetstar and support the Jetstar Titans as they play their final match.

Visit the Jetstar Titans’ website (www.titans. com.au) to book your tickets to the game and www.jetstar.com to book your flights.

Jetstar Gold Coast Titans v Melbourne Storm – Olympic Park, Melbourne – 2 September 7:00pm.

What’s what:
ARL Australian Rugby League ARLD Australian Rugby League Development
CRL New South Wales Country Rugby League
NRL National Rugby League NSWRL New South Wales Rugby League
QRL Queensland Rugby League

Captain’s capers

We sat down for a chat with co-captain Scott Prince in between training sessions.

Scott Prince

Who’s your most annoying team mate?
Without doubt it’s Nathan Friend. The little fella is great on the field, but away from the game he’s a real pest who’s always playing with his hair and flicking his mullet from side to side!

Who do you enjoy playing with in the team?
I really enjoy playing with everyone but Anthony Laffranchi has been in sensational form this year. He should have been in the State of Origin team. He gets through a ton of work and he’s the ultimate professional, both on and off the field. Luke Bailey is another guy who’s a great natural leader and makes my job much easier. He’s fit and strong enough to dominate in his position.

How do you rate coach John Cartwright?
I can’t speak highly enough of John. I have been really impressed by him this year – he’s a coach that all of the players really want to play and train hard for, and you can tell he feels every tackle. He’s just a very passionate and honest fella.

What’s the best advice you can offer to a young player?
Make sure that you complete school and study hard. Make sure that you enjoy your footy; the reason that we all play – at the end of the day – is because we love it. Practise hard and prepare as well as you can for each game, but most importantly, don’t lose heart if you have a bad game or don’t get picked in a side, just use it to make you more determined next week.

Is it hard being co-captain?
There is a little bit more pressure associated with being the captain but it’s a great privilege to be co-captain of the Jetstar Titans with Luke Bailey, especially in the club’s first year. I actually really enjoy being captain, I think it brings out the best in me. It certainly has worked well for Bull [Luke Bailey] – he’s playing the best footy of his career.

GET THE GEAR

Show your colours by buying a Jetstar Titans jersey

Why not check out the great range of Jetstar Gold Coast Titans merchandise, like these official jerseys RRP AU$150 (adult mens only). To see the full range, and to purchase Jetstar Titans’ merchandise online, visit www.jetstar.com/titans

All prices are in Australian Dollars. Prices do not include postage and handling and are subject to change without notification.