By Roxanne Moates
For many involved in rugby league, the game is more than what happens on the field. It is a lifelong community built on mateship, resilience and looking after one another when it matters most.
Tracey, a 61-year-old rugby league stalwart from St George in Queensland’s western region, knows this better than most.
Tracey faced one of the biggest challenges of his life in early 2025.
Tracey has been involved in rugby league for nearly three decades; starting out as a junior player with St George in Western Queensland, he later dedicated countless hours to the game as a coach, administrator, and representative team selector and manager.
Like so many volunteers across the rugby league community, his contribution often happened quietly behind the scenes, simply because he loved the game.
After what initially appeared to be a minor toe injury, complications arose due to diabetes. When the injury failed to heal, further scans revealed a severe infection that had spread to the bone, leaving doctors with no option but to amputate part of his leg.
Following surgery, Tracey began an intensive rehabilitation program through the STARS Rehabilitation Service at the Royal Brisbaneand Women’s Hospital before transitioning into an NDIS-supported share house north of Brisbane.
With the support of his care team and housemate, he is now working tirelessly towards regaining his mobility using a prosthetic leg.
His determination is already paying off. Tracey can now walk distances of up to 520 metres on his prosthetic and continues to build strength and endurance through daily rehabilitation.
While doctors estimate it may take up to two years, Tracey’s goal is clear – to return to the construction industry where he spent his working life as a leading hand across major residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
Throughout his recovery journey, Family of League has been proud to support Tracey, assisting with equipment to aid his rehabilitation and, just as importantly, providing ongoing personal support and connection.
For Tracey, that connection has meant everything.
“I personally would like to say thank you to Roxanne and Ron for all that you have done and the great support you have given me,” Tracey said.
“Not only the monetary support with the upper body conditioner, but also on a very personal level with the one-on-one time. I’m very sure this is why the support team and program are so successful.”
Tracey said the regular visits and conversations helped keep his spirits high.
“My meetings with Ron, the laughs, the knowledge, and reminiscing about rugby league stories, you just can’t buy that,” he said.
“After each meeting with Ron I can’t wait until our next visit and chats. I’m just like a kid waiting to be picked up to go to the lolly shop.”
Stories like Tracey’s are a powerful reminder of what Family of League stands for – ensuring that those who have given so much to the game are never left to face life’s toughest challenges alone.
Because in rugby league, family always comes first.
