Sport
13 January, 2024
Chuffed cousins
TULLY sporting cousins Sasha-May and Thomas Flegler have been recognised by Cassowary Coast Regional Council for their outstanding achievements in netball and rugby league.
Playing for Australia in the 18 and under netball team in the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games Fast5 competition, Ms Flegler became an inaugural champion when Australia won gold against South Africa.
She said she was excited as well as proud of her recognition, sharing how she plays sport for fun instead of competition.
“I’m so proud to tell people I come from Tully, Ms Flegler said.
“It’s lovely to be acknowledged.
“Lots of people take sport so seriously, but it’s when you just enjoy it and want to turn up every week that it’s the best.
“Tully really provides that opportunity for young kids.”
Thomas Flegler’s meteoric rise through the ranks of rugby league in 2023 saw him represent Queensland in the State of Origin, and Australia in the 2023 Pacific championships.
Mr Flegler said it was great to be recognised by the community.
“It’s pretty special coming from a small town,” he said.
“Tully’s produced many people who’ve made it to a high level in the sporting world.
“It’s a privilege to be acknowledged by council. Hopefully we can inspire some younger kids in the area to follow in our footsteps and reach their goals too.”
Cassowary Coast Mayor Mark Nolan presented them both with a plaque of recognition last year at the December local government meeting in Tully, saying that it’s not every year that a regional township of 3000 people produced two international sports stars.
“The Flegler family clearly doesn’t do anything by halves,” he said.
“Producing two international sports stars in one year is quite the achievement.”
“Sasha-May Flegler has been a talented and dedicated team player representing Tully Netball Club since the age of eight-years-old.”
“Thomas Flegler was raised through the ranks of Tully Tigers Rugby Leage Club before his recruitment to the NRL by the Brisbane Broncos in 2019.”
“They’re an inspiration to us all.”
