The 2024 Illawarra Rugby League Centenary Scholarship to the University of Wollongong was awarded to Helensburgh player Brendan Douglass at a presentation at the Steelers Club on Friday, July 5th, 2024.
Brendan is a former Holy Spirit Bellambi student. He is now pursuing a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education Degree at UOW.
Brendan played Junior Rugby League with Thirroul before transferring to Helensburgh Tigers for the 2024 season. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn ACL in a trial match, which has kept him out of Rugby League for the current season. Brendan continues to attend training and has committed to the Tigers’ senior grades for 2025.
“I am studying for a Bachelor of Physical Education at the University of Wollongong. Sport has always held a significant place and passion in my life, which is why I chose to pursue this degree,” Douglass said at today’s announcement.
“Receiving the Col Purcell scholarship is a profound honour that holds a special place for both me and my family.
“This scholarship alleviates a significant portion of the financial costs associated with my studies and provides me with the necessary resources such as textbooks, study materials, and university fees to excel academically.
“To me, this scholarship is not just financial aid but an investment in my future. It allows me to focus more on my studies, enabling me to share my passion for sport by educating the next generation.
“This scholarship also allows me to stay dedicated, connected and committed to the Illawarra Rugby League throughout my studies.
“The Col Purcell scholarship has done and continues to produce great things within the Illawarra Rugby League and studying university students.
“I would like to extend my deepest thanks to the donors once again for selecting me as the recipient of this prestigious award and to everyone involved in contributing to today’s event.
“I am truly grateful for being the recipient of this prestigious award.”
The award was presented to Brendan in a special ceremony at the Steelers Club on Friday, July 5th, 2024. The presentation was made by Nina Rhodes, Senior Manager, Alumni Relations & Engagement – UOW, and Steelers Director, Bob Millward OAM, adding a sense of importance to the occasion.
The annual scholarship, introduced in 2012 as the final project of Illawarra Rugby League’s Centenary celebrations, plays a significant role in supporting and encouraging the future of Rugby League. It aims to assist our talented youth from the Illawarra and South Coast region to continue their studies at UOW.
The name chosen for the annual award—Col. Purcell Centenary Scholarship—is in memory and recognition of Colin Purcell, OAM’s contribution to junior rugby league in the region. Colin was made a life member of six local Rugby League organisations. Col’s wife, Billie, also received a life membership from the Illawarra Junior Rugby League for her outstanding contribution.
Brendan Douglass is the first winner of the scholarship from the Helensburgh club.
The previous winners are 2013 – Zack Baker (Wests); 2014 – Brendan Woods (Wests); 2015 – Max Bailey (Thirroul); 2016 – Riley Lord (Thirroul); 2017 – Jackson Walsh (Collegians); 2018 – Jack Butler (Collegians); 2019 – Riley Graham (Thirroul); 2020 – Chelsea Aylett (Woonona-Bulli); 2021 – Keele Brown (Illawarra Steelers – Tarsha Gale Cup) and Benjamin Lavender (Illawarra S. G. Ball); 2022 – Will Olteanu (Thirroul); 2023 – Michael Mouawad (Thirroul).
Main picture: Bob Millward (Steelers Director), Brendan Douglass (Scholarship recipient), Nina Rhodes (UOW)