Sport
25 July, 2025
Danes’ Indigenous jerseys honour injured team mate and friend
Following recent NAIDOC celebrations, the Pittsworth Senior Danes returned to the field on Sunday to compete against Highfield Eagles in the Toowoomba Rugby League (TRL)’s Indigenous Round. But for our local football talents who donned custom designed Indigenous jerseys, it was no ordinary rugby match - it was an opportunity to honour team mate and friend, Kade Warren, who was severely injured in a motor vehicle accident earlier this year.
Both Pittsworth and Highfields players showed a united front on game day, as the Clubs paid tribute to Kade, who spent his junior years playing for Highfields, and Senior years as a Dane.
He was also with Oakey Bears for a time.
Kade was injured in a single vehicle crash on the Millmerran Cecil Plains Road on February 1, 2025.
He suffered life threatening head and chest injuries, was airlifted to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, and placed in an induced coma.
An update from his family in April described Kade as medically stable with a long and complex recovery process ahead, and he was expected to remain in hospital for some time yet.
For the third consecutive year, local artist and recently debuted A Grade player Clay Dempsey, designed the Indigenous jerseys for Pittsworth.
It was Dempsey’s idea to include a tribute to Kade in the design.
A kangaroo which is the totem of Kade’s mob, the Kullili people, in Queensland’s south west region, is featured on the front and back of the jersey.
Dempsey, who is a Kalkadoon man, had the privilege of leading his team onto the field during the Smoking Ceremony on Sunday.
The Highfields Indigenous jerseys were designed by Charlie Waters.
After two weekends off, the A Grade side was refreshed and ready to kick off the run to the end of the season at Kuhls Road.
MATCH REPORTS
A Grade
Danes 48 - Highfields 16
Highfields started the better, taking advantage of a poor defensive effort down the Danes’ left edge to score from 50 metres out.
Pittsworth took control for the next 30 minutes of the first half with strong go-forward and quality play-making resulting in a double to Clay Dempsey, along with tries to Ted Stuart, Ethan Brose, and a length of the field intercept from David Woodbridge.
Cooper Bowyer returned to form with some bone-rattling defence and a try to boot. He was well supported by Blake Cullen in the middle and Cam Millar made a strong return to the field. “Dingo” Dempsey crossed for a third in the second half, with Ted Stuart and Ethan Brose both finishing with try doubles to round out the scoring and head home with a 48-16 victory.
Pittsworth will need to improve their ruck defence and game awareness before taking on third-placed Brothers on Saturday in a vital match up.
- Quinny, Sutto and Loz
Women
Danes 8 - Eagles 24
On Sunday we ventured to Highfields again, as we kicked off our extended season. With short notice for the season extension we came together to find extra players to strengthen the team. Four new players Anna, Jess, Jackie and Taleah stepped up. It was another tough battle, while we gave it our all we ultimately fell short. Tries scored by Alex and Amelia. Keep putting in the hard work at training and committing to the team.
- Daz, Bec & Daz
Reserve Grade
Danes 28 - Eagles 32
We had a slow start, which was probably the key to the outcome of the game, and that’s due to the poor training effort. When we get 5 to 8 at training, it’s hard to play as a team. Other than that, we were proud of the team fighting to get back into the game and finally leading, though it was short lived. In the second half the fitness and discipline told the story.
- Saygey & Mark
U19s
Danes 12 - Eagles 66
On Saturday at Highfields the U19 team was again let down with several players’ absence. Forced to take the field with only 13 players it was another courageous effort. We briefly had our tails up with Nick Duncombe scoring after half-time. But unfortunately fatigue and injuries took their toll, with Ethan Altodonna suffering a serious injury and Augustine Leuhude succumbing to a knee injury. To the team’s credit, Highfields had to go around us to score the majority of their points. The Players’ Player votes went to Tysne Stevens, Will Hanlon and Christian Griffiths.
- Trent & Gary
