There’s not much that can top the honour of being named in an All Stars side which will take on Australia and New Zealand during a bumper carnival of rugby league.
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But for Tristan Gibbs, the fact he gets to run out alongside his brother makes it even more special.
Gibbs has been selected in the Physical Disability Rugby League Commonwealth All Stars side which will compete at the Commonwealth Championships in Queensland later this month.
As per competition rules, the side is allowed two able-bodied athletes in the squad as well and Tristan’s brother Drew is one of those players.
“We weren’t expecting Tristan to be selected. It’s a surprise,” Drew Gibbs said.
“I can’t wait. Not just for Tristan himself but for all the participants. They play with a lot of heart and it’s great to see their passion.”
The side will play six games at Moreton Bay, with the fact it is being held prior to the Commonwealth Games meaning rugby league will gain a huge amount of exposure. The Physical Disability Program is ever-expanding, with the likes o the United Kingdom, France and Hungary now also developing teams and competitions.
Tristan Gibbs is expected to be one of the key players from February 21-25, due to the fact he has collected a number of individual accolades in recent years.
Gibbs, who has received plenty of help from the team at breakthru Dubbo, has been a part of high-level representative sides for the best part of five years now.
“He changes. He’s a big gentle giant but when he gets on the field he’s a different bloke and it’s great to see,” his brother said.
“The family, we all support him and I just love seeing him and all the other participants get involved.”
A number of former rugby league players now assist in Physical Disability Rugby League.
“It’s great. No one disses their disability, everyone is just so supportive,” Drew said. “The mateship you see is unbelievable.”
That social inclusion is a massive part of the game, and representatives from breakthru have stated Tristan has given other people there the belief and confidence to make an impact in the community.
He has been doing it for a number of years and this selection marks just another representative call-up.
With travel to Sydney every month for either training or matches, as well as the huge amount of representative sides he makes, the family is always on the look out for sponsorship and financial support. Tristan played in New Zealand last year and while there is “a lot of opportunity” there is also a lot of costs and “traveling all over the place”.
There is some help now and Drew Gibbs added he was thankful for the support his brother receives from breakthru and the State Land Council.
While there is a disability league tag competition played annually at Dubbo and other opportunities, Gibbs added he would love to see a team from the local area travel to play rugby league at a higher level.
The disability matches run alongside men;s and women’s matches at the Commonwealth Championships.
Matches are played on February 23 and 24.