Wheelaroos representative player Shaun Harre is also a star volunteer. Shaun has been an active member of SEQWRL for years and is the organisation’s current president.

Shaun Harre first became involved with WRL as a player when he had the opportunity to participate in a Come & Try session with South East QLD Wheelchair Rugby League (SEQWRL) in 2014/15.

Finding WRL

Shaun and Cory Mostran, his friend and brother-in-law, wanted to play a sport where they could be teammates. “My brother-in-law, who requires the use of a wheelchair due to a spinal injury he suffered, was looking for a sport that we could play alongside one another,” says Shaun.

Shaun had played for the Beachmere Rugby League team, and they were both long-time NRL fans, so playing a wheelchair version of the running game had great appeal. Five-on-five, each team has a maximum of two players without a disability on the court in a team of ten.

“Wheelchair Rugby League gave us an inclusive avenue for us to compete alongside each other,” says Shaun.

Athletic achievements

Shaun and Cory posted some impressive results as Wheelchair Rugby League athletes, including winning interstate clashes between Queensland and NSW.

Shaun recalls his playing career: “My biggest achievements as a player would be my ten caps for QLD and making the 2021 Wheelaroos World Cup team that travelled to the UK.”

Contributing as a volunteer

In addition to becoming a star player, Shaun has been busy contributing to the game as a volunteer for training and game days, an administrator, and a club president.

Shaun attributes his willingness to help out to his parents. “From an early age, my parents invested a lot of time into organisations – my mum was a volunteer, and my dad was a president. They both worked hard to make the organisations they were involved in successful.”

It was natural for him to take part in the running of sessions, equipment maintenance and general duties of his WRL club. He also lent a hand in organising many fundraising events during his time with SEQWRL and gained experience with other aspects of running a not-for-profit sports organisation. “I put my hand up to be president in 2023/24 after vacating the position. I am still the president and hope to be after our upcoming AGM,” says Shaun.

Community Impact

Shaun reflects, “Being around the sport, I have realised the amount of effort that is required to run these organisations – from the small things to the big things – and what impact an organisation such as SEQWRL can have on our community, the players, the volunteers and anyone involved.”

Witnessing the personal development of athletes who take up Wheelchair Rugby League is a highlight for Shaun. “I have been lucky enough to be heavily involved in our development program at SEQ, witnessing and coaching young players – with or without disabilities – and seeing them improve, session after session.”

As a volunteer trainer and administrator, he can watch individuals transform. Shaun says, “Seeing them all put the unknown or the stigma around disabilities aside and love the game, support their teammates and our small community – and the personal growth in each individual – is truly amazing!”

Shaun encourages others to join in as the game of Wheelchair Rugby League continues to grow in Australia and discover the many ways they can make a difference. “People can spectate, they can volunteer, they can sponsor or provide support for SEQWRL. They can also follow Wheelchair Rugby League on social media and share content to assist in raising awareness. Any individual’s assistance or involvement can help build and grow our organisation – and the sport in general.”

Personal impact

Shaun points out, “Volunteering can be very rewarding for your personal growth. It can give you purpose and educate you about the various disabilities people live with and how to support them. Without volunteers, these organisations just wouldn’t exist. Everyone involved makes a difference. If you aren’t already a WRL volunteer, I’d encourage anyone to be involved!”

Volunteering is particularly rewarding for family groups who want to join a sporting community while supporting players with a disability. “I have seen many families involved with the sport, and they have contributed in many ways,” says Shaun.

Enthusiastic volunteering has driven the growth of the sport in South East Queensland. “Without people giving their time and making these organisations successful, then there is truly no way of making this sport grow,” says Shaun.

Welcoming more volunteers

The local Wheelchair Rugby League community that Shaun and Cory have helped to build up is very active and welcoming to newcomers. Shaun comments, “I have seen the purpose and enjoyment this sport can give people. It is infectious in a way – once you are involved in a friendly, caring community, you can’t help but want to come back and be involved and bring more people.”

Shaun is proud to follow the example of voluntary work set by his family in his formative years. “From a young age I could see their efforts and the impact these had on people around them. Hard work and dedication always pay off.”

Shaun’s efforts have been recognised with a nomination for the Wheelchair Rugby League Volunteer program.

Do you know someone involved in the sport we could feature in our next story?

You can nominate someone to be a Wheelchair Rugby League Volunteer of the Month.

Go to this link to share their story and help us recognise their voluntary contribution to our game for all.