Even a suspected broken collarbone was not enough to wipe the smile off the face of the very talented Kyle Schaberg in Redcliffe on the weekend.
Kyle was one of four players from the Manly Sea Eagles Physical Disability rugby league team who competed in the Commonwealth Championships.
A two-time winner of the NSWRL Physical Disability Player of the Year award, Kyle was in fine form for the Australian team that competed against a New Zealand side and a Commonwealth All-Stars team.
He was joined in the Australian team by fellow Manly player Dylan Jobson while their Sea Eagles team-mates in Bow Lennon and Rylee Lowe played for the All Stars side.
Australia – coached by former Wests Tigers NRL player Shaun Spence - won the Commonwealth Championships by downing New Zealand in the grand final on Saturday.
NSWRL Physical Disability Rugby League Association Director, Marco Quintao, said all four Manly players did very well.
“Kyle played in all four pool matches but missed the preliminary final after being injured in a big tackle against the Kiwis in their last pool game,’’ said Marco
“Before he got injured, he was outstanding and scored the winning try against New Zealand in the first pool game.
“The grand final was a classic Australia versus New Zealand contest. There were some big hits and the crowd was certainly on their feet.
"Dylan played very well in the decider and along with Kyle, deserved their Gold Medals.
“Following the championships, they named an honorary World Nines side with three players chosen from each team. Kyle was the only Sea Eagles player to make the team, so it was a big honour for him.”
Kyle, Dylan, Bow and Rylee will run out for the Sea Eagles again this season when the Kari NSWRL Physical Disability premiership kicks off on Saturday, March 24.
The Sea Eagles congratulate Kyle, Dylan, Bow, and Rylee on their performances at the Commonwealth Championships and wish them well for the season ahead.
