Reuben rallies behind his junior club Sarina after fire

The Sarina Junior Rugby League Club has a rich history, with NRL stars like Reuben Cotter and Daly Cherry-Evans beginning their journeys on those very fields. Now, the club needs help to ensure the next generation of young players can do the same. You can donate here.

The Crocodiles are facing one of their toughest challenges yet after a devastating fire tore through its maintenance sheds, destroying vital equipment and leaving the club without the tools needed to keep its fields in playing condition.

“I was devastated by the news. They lost a lot in the fire,” said former Sarina club junior Cotter.

I really want to try and do my part and help the club that gave me so much.

Reuben Cotter

“I started junior footy when I was eight years old. The Crocodiles are a great club and the whole region really cares passionately about their rugby league.

“I loved growing up at that club so please jump behind the club and the region. Any donation will help, whether it’s footballs or markers or money, it all helps.

In true rugby league spirit, the community is coming together to support the Sarina Crocodiles. The Maroons Foundation has made a donation of $5000, which has been generously matched by XXXX. Whilst the Norths Knights Juniors from Rockhampton pledged their entire gate takings from their season-opening games weekend to help the club rebuild—a powerful show of support that highlights the deep bonds within the rugby league family. This collaborative effort underscores the dedication to fostering local talent.

The disaster struck while 70-year-old club legend Brian ‘Butch’ Macintyre was out on the ride-on mower, tending to the fields he’s cared for over decades. In the sweltering heat, Butch paused for a break under the shade of the sheds—moments later, the mower exploded. The fire left Butch with burns to his body, arms, and legs. While he is thankfully on the mend, he remains in and out of the burns unit as he recovers.

Tragically, the fire didn’t stop there. It engulfed the entire maintenance shed, destroying everything inside - goal post pads, field markers, tackle bags, and the essential tools needed to maintain the grounds. For a grassroots club that runs on community support, this loss is a major setback.

A GoFundMe has been launched to help replace the lost equipment and get the club back on its feet. Every donation, big or small, will make a difference in restoring the heart of rugby league in Sarina.

To support the Sarina RLFC and contribute to the rebuild, donate here