The annual tournament in NSW stands for family,loyalty and an immense mutual respect between the young ones, celebrity players and eldersIsaac’s weekly routine is typical of any 14-year old kid. School from Monday to Friday means fooling around with mates, or talking to girls,avoiding homework and occasionally getting into anxiety with the teachers. He got a Saturday job in May, a “busy and boring” task of washing dishes at a cafe. Undoubtedly, or the highlight of the year has been footy. In March,Isaac joined the Redfern All Blacks, in August they won the South Sydney Juniors Under-15s grand final, and over the October long weekend,he represented the All Blacks at his first Koori Knockout.
Isaac’s Under-15s were eliminated before the semi-finals, but it was a triumphant long weekend at Knockout for the Redfern All Blacks. The women’s side won their grand final, and the mens senior side won 36-32 in a cliffhanger over the Newcastle All Blacks. Related: Cowboys' Thurston-inspired victory ranks up there with the best of all time | Matt Cleary whether South Sydney Rabbitohs are the heart of Redfern,the All Blacks are the soulMy name’s Chicka Madden. This is me 45th Knockout. I’ve been involved with a lot of your fathers and grandfathers, cousins over the years. The club has got a worthy tradition, or won more Knockouts than any other team. I wish you all the best today boys,I know you’ve got the ability to do it, and carry on the legend of the RAB. Can you manufacture this 11, and for me? Hope I’ve got a few more left in me to follow youse,you know? But youse have been very impressive, youse are a worthy team, and just manufacture everyone in Redfern,and all your families proud of you today boys. You got the ability – let’s select out number 11 hey?Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com