Looking out for veteran mates on and off the field

Teammates at the Brisbane Veterans Rugby League Football Club always make it their mission to look out for each other on and off the field. 

According to team coach Hammer, helping fellow players to stay on top of their game both physically and mentally is part of their unique and lifelong connection through ADF service. 

‘The Brisbane Jackals is all about the wellbeing of its footy recruits, family members and supporters,’ he explained.  

‘We are mates on and off the field. It is really rewarding to be part of a team where you have each other’s backs.’ 

The former captain of the Army’s Thunder football team says he is driven by his continued passion for the game and his desire to help his fellow veterans. 

‘I was a physical training instructor with the Army and over the years I have helped NRL teams and players to up their fitness military style,’ he said.

‘I had the background to help and I have found it personally very rewarding. I made lifelong friends in the Army and you can’t get that kind of camaraderie anywhere else. It’s the same feeling with the Brisbane Jackals, it boosts your morale.’

The Jackals have certainly taken it to their opposition in the 2025 season, finishing third out of 22 teams in the recent Vegas 9s Rugby League Festival. 

They also took out the inaugural Jim Molan Cup in March defeating the Bellingen Valley/Dorrigo Rugby League Football Club. The charity match was played in honour of fallen comrade, Sgt Matthew Locke, who was fatally wounded by Taliban extremists in 2007.  

Hammer says the team of ‘banged up veterans’ are always on the lookout for new recruits. 

If you would like to get in touch with the team, email bvrlfc@gmail.com

We provide military-aware and trauma informed care to the veteran community, current serving ADF personnel and their immediate families. 

Call us 24/7 on 1800 011 046.