Six young men from Murgon State High School will call Bishop Park home this weekend as they join the latest intake of the Norths Devils’ Deadly 1440 program.
The program was devised by Murgon High and the Devils in 2022 to provide an opportunity for young men to train with the Hostplus Cup team and to be part of the gameday experience for Saturday night’s home clashes with Mackay Cutters on Indigenous Appreciation Day.
It’s the fourth year that the program has run, funded by the Devils, Norths Devils Leagues Club and a Stronger Communities Programme Grant awarded by Federal Member for Lilley Anika Wells.
The young men had a surprise on Thursday night when they were invited on to Suncorp Stadium to watch the Dolphins warm up before their NRL victory over North Queensland Cowboys.
The program has ties to one of the Devils’ greatest players – Henry Hegarty came from Cherbourg as a young man to Nundah where he thrived as a dynamic centre in some of Norths’ greatest premiership teams.
Hegarty was a member of the Devils’ greatest-ever team alongside some of rugby league’s greatest names.
Six Murgon High students from Year 11 have been selected for this intake, training with the Devils’ Hostplus Cup squad tonight and then taking part in the team build-up for Saturday’s game and then sitting on the bench during play.
The 1440 title represents the number of each minutes in a day – aiming to make the most of every minute of each day.
“We thank Murgon High for their continued partnership in the Deadly 1440 program,” Devils CEO Troy Rovelli said.
“This continues to be a great opportunity for our club to learn from the students and staff of Murgon High and for those young men to see rugby league at this Hostplus Cup level with the premiers.
“The South Burnett has a special place in Devils’ history and we’re delighted that we have been able to continue this program into the fourth year.
“The support of the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Program means that we can provide extra experiences for these young men. We sincerely thank Murgon High, Norths Devils Leagues Club and the Dolphins for their wonderful support.”
The Deadly 1440 program is part of the Devils’ community outreach that includes its Belong program
Belong is rolled out at schools in the northern suburbs, teaching children about the importance of health and wellbeing in their lives. The program, which is delivered by the Devils, provides handy tips for students.
