I was looking through some old ironman photos and came up with the above from about a decade ago. The caption was “Rhys Drury: even ironmen don’t like getting splashed in the face,” which I thought was quiet ironic.
While on Rhys, I heard a very interesting story about his post-ironman career.
Apparently his young bloke plays for the Kawana Dolphins under 10s and earlier this year Rhys decided to help out at training.
This would be quite normal seeing he is an ex elite athlete plus, if you listen to him, he also had a budding rugby league career at Thirroul Butchers Rugby League before he had to make a decision on whether to be an ironman or a footy player.
Judging by his looks and what happened at under 10 training, he made the right decision.
The diehard Dragons supporter jumped into ball work with his little mates like he was still playing the game until he executed his famous (in his mind, anyway) “show and go” move and pulled a hammy. You still look good mate!
Another local legend who’s still got it
Just on local legends, former Falcons star and rugby league journeyman Jye Ballinger has still got it, too.
Just to digress, I remember Jye scoring two enormous tries for the Falcons v East Tigers back in the 2017 finals where, in one of them, he made former Origin star Nate Myles look pedestrian and also outsprinted their fullback to the try line, which was impressive beyond belief. In fact, I actually thought I was dreaming when I was watching it.
The year before, he scored the winning try in a massive upset against the Blackhawks in the 2016 finals series, where he managed to fly high and collect a bomb, where again I thought I was dreaming.
So last weekend, the big man was playing in the BRL Grand Final for Valleys against Wests and set up their opening try and, yes, scored the winning one in the dying seconds of their come-from-behind win.
Devilish victory a cracker
The Intrust Cup Grand Final was a cracking game at Dolphin Oval last weekend, with an enormous win for the Norths Devils over the Wynnum Seagulls.
It was a game that I thought challenged the NRL decider in the entertainment stakes with a magic try to the Devils to win the game in the dying minutes as well.
Really entertaining and well refereed by young Nick Pelgrave, and I am hoping some of the NRL officials were watching so they get an idea on what 10m looks like and a flowing game of footy.
Dolphins in the NRL
Just on the Dolphins, it seems I upset a few people a few weeks ago when I was quoted about whether I would support the Dolphins’ NRL bid. I was asked about the Falcons’ involvement, which is how I answered as we have a good deal with the Storm. But I want to clear something up. I have no problem supporting their bid as I think they deserve it. They have long been a successful footy club and business so well done.
Have a crack at dragon boating
My good friends in Dragon Boating, the SCDA Mavericks, are having a Come and Try Day on Saturday at Lions Park Fisherman’s Rd Maroochydore from 9am with free morning tea provided. No experience is necessary and they provide everything, including fun and camaraderie. Those interested can contact Robyn on 0439 333575 or Viv on 0409 022375. I guarantee you will have an awesome time as they are a great group of people.
SEND IN YOUR SPORT TIPS: If you have a newsworthy sporting story, or even a fundraiser for a club, team or individual, please drop me a line at Tugboatash@gmail.com and, hopefully, I can help you out and I must say it is awesome writing for a local publication, owned by locals supporting our community.
