Two Group 20 clubs in NSW’s central west, Lake Cargelligo Sharks and the Hay Magpies, are shining example of how Rugby League is the game for all.
The Sharks are proud to have Coden Stenhouse in their Under 14s side, while the Hay Magpies share the same pride with Sophia Gorliss-Gee in their Under 16s League Tag team.
Both players have Down Syndrome but are vital members of their Junior Rugby League teams.
“He’s been with us since Under 6s and actually won a grand final against Narrandera in Under 12s so he’s an important member of our club,” said Lak Cargelligo President Carl Vagg.
“I think there’s a photo of him somewhere doing a ‘shoey’ after that win. He’s a valued teammate.
“He’s pretty athletic, albeit he’s tinier than the rest,” he said.
Stenhouse plays on the wing and has experienced no difficulties in training-playing with the Sharks.
“It’s a small town and everyone knows Coden, whether it’s school or at the footy, he’s just part of the scenery. We all feel we’ve grown up with him,” Vagg said.
“Definitely the game welcomes him and his teammates love having him around.”
Mum Deanna said Coden started playing at five years-old.
“It was the minute he could register as Rugby League is obviously big in his father and my families. We are not an Aussie Rules family and out at Lake Cargelligo it’s only league or rules.
“He did try Aussie Rules but he liked the structure and the set plays of Rugby League a lot more. It suited him rather than just running around chasing a ball.
“His brother played and his sister played League Tag so it was just normal for Coden to play Rugby League.
“We’re not trying to do anything special for him. It’s what his siblings and cousins are doing so it’s nothing different to our regular family timetable.
“He’s just as involved as everyone else.”
Deanna said her family was deeply appreciative of Coden’s coaches, teammates, even the opposition players.
“They’ve been absolutely wonderful. He’s had a few different coaches of the years and Coden is treated no differently to the other players and that’s how he wants it.
“If he does anything wrong at training he does the same penalties as everyone else.
“We actually tried to not play him this year because in Under 14s some of the players are still very big and Coden is smaller than them.
“He’s played with the same team and against the same teams since he was five so they’re all very aware of Coden.
“They used to let him score tries in the last two years but that’s not allowed any more. He runs and they tackle him but it’s not a forceful hit. They just grab him and bring him down.
“It’s amazing to watch. These boys are not told ‘Go easy on the little kid’ they do it instinctively.
“The whole of Group 20 has been so inclusive and that’s what the game is about right?”
