THE football field at Pinklands was adorned with a huge red and green shield on the weekend in honour of Capalaba man Josh Pople.
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The third annual Josh Pople Shield match on Saturday afternoon saw the Redlands Parrots coming away with a 14-10 victory over the Capalaba Warriors in front of a several hundred-strong crowd.
Pople, the guest of honour, is celebrating his 11th year as a league safety officer and is heavily involved with local rugby league teams despite living with cerebral palsy.
Father Jeff Pople said as safety officer, Pople attended matches and training sessions, distributing water to players from his wheelchair, delivering messages on the field and giving pep talks.
"He's almost like their coach," Mr Pople said.
The first Josh Pople Shield match was played in 2017, organised by two of Pople's closest rugby friends.
The avid rugby fan is closely involved with both clubs and wore a half and half jersey during the match so he could support both teams.
Mr Pople said many Pople and many boys in the teams had played together since they were children.
"Josh started playing (rugby) at primary school (where) he made up his own rules so he could play in his wheelchair," he said.
Pople continued rugby through high school, getting involved with local clubs wherever he could.
"He's a footy nut," Mr Pople said.
"It's about the mateship. The boys are all really close."
Ms Pople said the red and green shield with Pople's name sprayed on the field was a surprise organised for Pople by the players and the clubs.
"He was very excited, it really brought the house down," he said.
"He got a bit teary."
Mr Pople said he hoped the shield matches would continue for many years to come.
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