Hanging up the boots

James and Melissa Simmonds have hung up their boots on the Executive Committee of the Bourke Warriors Rugby League Club, to follow the football aspirations of their boys, who came through the grades in Bourke. Melissa and James will still be in the background and on the sidelines whenever they can. Photo supplied

After eleven years at the helm of the Bourke Warriors Rugby League club, James ‘Simmo’ Simmons and his wife Melissa, have stepped down.

The existence of rugby league in Bourke owes a lot to Melissa and James, who both took on the task of reviving league in Bourke in 2013 after an almost 5-year absence of the sport.

Mel and Simmo have stepped down from their roles within the club to allow the local club to be guided by a new executive.

New club President Darrell Brookson can’t speak highly enough of Mel and Simmo and their efforts for rugby league, and for Bourke sport generally.

Darrell recalls Mel and Simmo jumping on board to get the Bourke Warriors club up and running again about ten years ago.

“Mel and Simmo had enormous dedication, drive and a desire to get the club back to what it was in the heyday.

“What they achieved back then was huge, but to keep it alive and thriving for so many more years is unexplainable. It’s hard to find the words to describe what they have done for rugby league and this town.

“Without them there would not have been a resurgence after the extended time the club spent out of the comp.

“And many sports in Bourke wouldn’t be what they are now without their efforts. They have been staunch supporters of the swimming club, pony club, rugby league and a swag of other activities.

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