sport, local-sport, Cowboys, Beaudesert Kingfishers, CHarlie Love, Queensland Country Credit Union

THE young Beaudesert man who proudly ran in the Queen's Baton Relay ahead of last year's Commonwealth Games, earned his spot after writing an impressive essay on sportsmanship. Charlie Love has had his share of challenges in the past few months, not least of which was the decision to stop playing rugby league for the Kingfishers on medical advice. After suffering several concussions, not all of them related to rugby league, Love's doctor recommended that he hang up his footy boots rather than risk serious damage should he sustain another head injury. Queensland Country Credit Union Beaudesert manager Ken Noble said he had heard of Love's plight and wanted to do something for him. "We are sponsors of the Cowboys and we were more than happy to have them sign a jersey for Charlie," he said. Mr Noble said the Cowboys had gone the extra distance to video a personal message from Cowboys forward Gavin Cooper. A big fan of the Cowboys, Love was taken by surprise on Monday when he received the gift from his favourite team. He was overwhelmed with emotion when he saw the video of the second rower, who offered words of encouragement. "Remember to always keep your head up," he said. "There are so many ways you can still be involved in rugby league." At the end of the presentation, Love said he was grateful. "I'm just so honoured they have done all this," he said. "A couple of months ago I had a really bad concussion and the doctors advised me not to play any more. "But I'm still helping at the club because I just love rugby league and it's a massive part of my life." Kingfishers president Matt Haack said Love was an important part of the team. "Charlie captained the under 14 team last year and he always gave inspirational speeches at the end of every game," he said. "He would always lead by example and always had words of encouragement. He's a good leader." Mr Haack said Charlie had used his positive attitude to stay involved with the game he loved. "A medical condition may have finished his rugby career but he still turns up every week and runs water for the team," he said. "And this season he has started refereeing and he has elevated two levels in that time. "I was lucky enough to be his coach for a few years from when he was in the U7s. "His passion for the game is awesome and he is an extremely great role model." Read more at beaudeserttimes.com.au

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