THREE Muddies union players have become rugby stars, one captaining Australia and the other two playing in the national team, the Wallaroos.
Redland City Council hosted a morning tea and honoured them with certificates of appreciation at its general meeting today.
Mayor Karen Williams said the three players – Shannon Parry, Cheyenne Campbell and Fenella “Nella” Hake – were outstanding district representatives.
“To have three Redlands Rugby Union players be selected to compete overseas for the Wallaroos in Ireland in August is a remarkable testament to the sporting spirit in our city,” she said.
“To have one of our players also named captain for the Australian team competing for the world cup is outstanding and a tribute to the hard work of Shannon and the club.”
Cr Williams said while Shannon travelled the globe representing Australia in rugby 7s and rugby 15s her true home ground was the Muddies at Birkdale.
Nella Hake started playing rugby at six and later joined Cheyenne when a women’s team started at Redlands.
“Since then she says it has been the best experience … not only for the sport but the family environment, the connection with everyone at the club and the support they receive both on and off the field.”
Fenella made her World Cup squad debut a month ago when she represented Australia against New Zealand.
She said given that she was NZ born, it was a great honour to play her first international game in front of family and friends.
She said it was an extremely tough game from which she still bore some bruises.
Cheyenne, who was not at the council meeting, is a core Wallaroos leader and a standout player for Australia during the 2014 World Cup and represented Australia in NZ.
She also grew up in NZ, ironically playing back yard footy with Quade Cooper, the Reds and Australian fly half.
Cheyenne also will go to Ireland next month.
