Isaac teen tribute takes centre stage of footy blockbuster

He was the quintessential footy loving teen.

He was a mad North Queensland Cowboys supporter.

His cheeky grin lit up the Moranbah paddock when his hand gripped the footy as he eyed the try line.

This was Ethan Stevens. He tragically lost his battle with cancer in March this year. He was only 13.

Ethan’s story and passion for rugby league touched the hearts of organisers at International Legends of League and Isaac Regional Council.

Darryl Bourke Oval, where Ethan used to run on with this beloved Moranbah Miners, will play host to the blockbuster Isaac Region All Stars and Team of NRL Legends charity match.

The teams will play for the Ethan Stevens Memorial Trophy on Saturday, 18 September 2021.

Mayor Anne Baker said Ethan’s story resonated with residents across the Isaac region.

“Thank you to Michael, Kimberly and Jett, our community will always be here to support you, Ethan remains front of mind for us all and this is such an incredible tribute to a young boy who has inspired so many,” Mayor Baker said.

“Ethan had big dreams and these dreams will continue to emulate across all our grassroot sporting players in the Isaac.”

Mum Kimberly, dad Michael and brother Jett Stevens said they are very grateful that Ethan is being remembered in this way.

“No doubt he would be wearing the biggest grin knowing this game is being played in his name and have some cheeky pointers for the Isaac Region All Stars team given he knew most of them,” the Stevens family said.

“We would also like to thank the Legends of League and Isaac Regional Council for bringing this game to Moranbah, our community has been a great support to Ethan and ourselves and we hope they enjoy the day.”

Legends of League representative Craig Teevan said he understood Ethan had a constant routine of training.

“From what I have been told from people right throughout the community, Ethan was an extremely popular and dedicated young lad often doing extra sessions on his own to improve his game,” Mr Teevan said.

“I understand how difficult it can be for young kids in regional areas to get selected in Queensland teams and Ethan's achievement to do so is enormous and should be used as motivation for other local kids in the area to follow suit.

“I would also like to thank Michael, Kimberly and Jett for allowing us to name the memorial trophy after Ethan. This is about keeping his memory alive and those big dreams alive.”

Ex-Brisbane Broncos CEO Paul White and Central Queensland footy legend Frank Baker, who is Mayor Baker’s husband, are co-coaches for the Isaac Region All Stars with a coach for the Team of NRL Legends set to be announced for Scott Prince, Ben Hannant and Justin Hodges, just to name a few.

Money raised from the exhibition game will be donated to a local charity and local sporting groups operating food and beverage canteens retain its profits.

The exhibition game is set to kick off at 6pm with tickets available at Miners Leagues Club, Moranbah on 18 September as gates open at 1pm featuring various grades between Moranbah, Emerald and Dysart.

The event is also proudly supported by Community Mental Wellness Partner, the Queensland Government.