By Lawrence Machado, Rouse Hill Times, 15AUG2017
Local Sports Star nominee Harry takes pain in his stride just to be part of his beloved rugby league.
FOR Harry Bazley, rugby league is not just a sport, it is a huge passion and his life.
Born with one short leg and extremely tight hamstrings, Harry has not let this hinder his playing or officiating.
This week’s nominee for Service to Sports is one brave little chap who has been a loyal water boy for his favourite NRL team, Melbourne Storm while refereeing every weekend.
“My hamstring usually hurts mostly after a game or refereeing,” said Harry, who turned 15 last week.
“I do also pull up quite frequently during refereeing.
“But I hope to continue to play footy and refereeing where I want to improve my skills to become a better referee.
“I would be playing on Sundays next year so hopefully referee more games on Saturdays and possibly become a trainer for a smaller team at my club like under-6s and 7s to give a bit back to my club.”
The Riverstone teen has been playing league since he was six, progressing steadily through the ranks to Division I with Quakers Hill Destroyers U14 and been a ball boy for the Storm during their NSW games for the past four years.
The John Paul II Catholic College student said he will be handling the ball boy duties for another couple of years with the idea of doing his work experience with the Storm in Year 10.
“My long term goal is to work in something sport related and this would preferably be in the Nrl,” Harry said. “I also hope to go to university.”
On Saturday mornings Harry referees the junior games before his own matches and runs the lines for the Penrith senior games on Sundays.
Harry helps set up and pack up for the matches while officiating the TryTime games on Sundays.
Harry’s caring stretches outside Australia and he has donated equipment to Fijian clubs in need.
He is currently working on a campaign to send supplies to Fiji through his league contacts.
Harry is involved in a program with his teammates called ‘handsup’ where they donate non-perishables to an organisation which feeds the homeless and uses his own money to fund his weekly donation.
The awards are sponsored by rebel, Featherdale Wildlife Park, Rooty Hill RSL, SportsTG and Your Local Club.
■ To nominate someone or find out more about the program visit: localsportsstars.com.au
■ The Local Sports Stars program is searching for outstanding athletes aged under 18, as well as those that love and contribute to making sport a great experience for everyone.
■ We also want to celebrate the parents, coaches and volunteers that help make it all possible.
■ There are five categories to nominate people in: Junior Sports Star Individual, Junior Sports Star Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual, Young Sporting Star Team and Service to Sport.
■ The awards are sponsored by rebel, Featherdale Wildlife Park, Rooty Hill RSL, SportsTG and Your Local Club.
■ To nominate someone or find out more about the program visit: www.localsportsstars.com.au
