Sport
16 September, 2025
TJRL welcomes Broncos Captain to Gala event
On Saturday, football clubs from across the region converged on Pittsworth for the Toowoomba Junior Rugby League (TJRL)’s annual Gala Dinner. The night was made all the more spectacular by the presence of Adam Reynolds, Captain of the Brisbane Broncos.
About 350 committee members, club representatives, under 17 players, sponsors and life members attended the gala at the Pittsworth Town Hall which was decorated in colours of green and red.
Daniel O’Sullivan, President of the Pittsworth & District Junior Rugby League (PDJRL), said it was a night to remember.
“The night was a real vibe and celebration of the Toowoomba Junior Rugby League competition,” he said.
Pittsworth welcomed representatives from Highfields, Oakey, Newtown, Valleys, Gatton, Souths, Dalby, Brothers, Wattles, Goondiwindi, Collegians and South Burnett.
The Stanthorpe club was unable to attend.
Each of the club captains was interviewed on stage and Pittsworth’s Orla Balmain and Tyson Moore spoke well.
The night was a celebration of community spirit and highlighted the importance of fostering the enthusiasm and skills of the next generation of young footballers.
A highlight of the evening was listening to Broncos halfback, Adam Reynolds, interviewed by radio presenter, sports journalist and rugby league commentator, Ben Dobbin.
This is the skipper’s 15th year in the National Rugby League (NRL) and he currently sits as the second highest points scorer in NRL history with over 1000 goals, second only to Cameron Smith.
Reynolds has been sidelined for the past month after suffering a hamstring injury in Round 23 of the Telstra Premiership.
A Broncos jersey, signed on the night by Reynolds, was auctioned off for $4000.
Every year, the TJRL recognises a volunteer from each club for their essential contributions to the game and their respective club.
For Pittsworth, Karla Trott was named Volunteer of the Year.
Mrs Trott has served the PDJRL for many years as secretary, and is always the first to help when needed, whether it’s administration, game day support or mentoring new volunteers, she is always willing to step up and keep the club operating at a high standard.
Mr O'Sullivan said Mrs Trott has been vital in maintaining the strong culture of the PDJRL and is reliable, generous, passionate, and a highly respected and valued member of the club.
It has been a rewarding season for the Junior Danes, who have one of the highest retention rates in the TJRL.
The Under 17 Girls managed to make it through to the preliminary finals this year, only to be beaten on the buzzer in a thrilling contest.
"2026 is shaping up to be another great year for the club as we continue to grow and improve," Mr O'Sullivan said.
The TJRL accommodated four new clubs this season: Wattles, Goondiwindi, Collegians and South Burnett.
