Hundreds of Moranbah families turned out to meet Dolphins NRL players during a community visit that brought professional sport, local mining and regional pride together.
The visit, supported through Anglo American’s partnership with the Dolphins, saw players spend time with local students, rugby league juniors, mine workers and community members across several days in town.
A community barbecue at the Moranbah Miners Rugby League Club attracted large crowds, while local school students had the chance to train alongside Dolphins players during football clinics focused on teamwork, confidence and resilience.
Moranbah State High School Head of Department for HPE Lauren King said opportunities like this were particularly valuable for regional communities.
“Being a regional town, these opportunities don’t come by all the time so we’re very fortunate and I know the kids really appreciate having events like this to attend,” Lauren said.
The timing was especially welcome with the school’s Schoolboys Trophy campaign just around the corner.
“It was really good for them to come down, have a run and meet some of the players.
“Spending time around these players is so invaluable for the boys, even just talking about club footy and their positions and what happens in their game plays.”
For 13-year-old Moranbah State High School student and Moranbah Miners player Cooper Bowmaker, meeting members of his favourite NRL team was a highlight.
“It’s pretty cool, my favourite team coming out to watch us play and playing with them,” he said.
Cooper, who has played rugby league since he was five years old, said having the Dolphins spend time with local young people was something the community would remember.
“It’s pretty good having the Dolphins out here coming to teach us and stuff. When things like this happen it’s pretty good and exciting.”
The visit also generated excitement across the wider community, with local fans gathering at Moranbah Airport to welcome the players after weather delays affected their arrival.
Nine-year-old Dolphins supporter Lane Ross waited for hours to meet the team.
“I came to the airport because I wanted to meet Dolphins players and get pictures with them,” he said.
“I got some autographs, some pictures and watched planes arrive.”
While in Moranbah, the players also toured Moranbah North Mine, gaining a firsthand look at underground coal mining and spending time with workers learning about life on site.
Moranbah North Mine General Manager Paul Stephan said the annual visits had become an important part of bringing the partnership to life in the communities where Anglo American operates.
“In communities like Moranbah, sport is more than just a game – it connects people across generations, industries and backgrounds,” he said.
“This is the third year we’ve brought the Dolphins to the communities where we operate.
“Seeing professional athletes take the time to connect with our people and our young community members sends a strong message – that they matter and there are pathways to success no matter where you’re from.”
