For Gold Coast 18 Boys coach Troy Skinner, the journey to Junior State Cup 2025 in Rockhampton has been a decade-long commitment to a group of young boys who have grown up together in the Gold Coast jersey.
Troy’s coaching story began following in the footsteps of his brother, Leon Skinner, a coach who helped shape the pathways of many young players, including now NRL player Jye Gray.
Since then, Troy has guided the same team of players from the age of seven, building a culture of commitment to sport that has led to remarkable on-field success. But for Troy, the wins are only part of the story.
“I’ve been waiting for us to get to this stage for years,” Troy shared. “From when I was coaching them in under 10s and we’d lose and they’d cry, I’d tell the boys ‘Don’t worry, one day we will get there, mate. I’m with you.’”.
That belief was forged in moments like the Under 12s Grand Final, when the team was down by two. One of the boys subbed off in tears, and Troy told him, “Just go and get one.” They returned to the field to score, sparking a comeback that ended with a miracle long ball on the hooter and a diving try from a young winger, sealing a win the team still talks about today.
These moments of belief have turned into a culture of doing everything within their control – playing fast and honing in on their skills. Troy notes it’s not about arrogance, but about intent.
“People might think we’re cocky, but it’s not cocky at all. We’ve just got that mentality that we play to win.”
While the group enters their final year in the 18s division with a strong legacy, there is a new chapter being written. About 5-6 players will step up into their first year in the 18s, joining a team of players who have been through the ups and downs together, often balancing their touch commitments with rugby league.
This year’s preparation has had its challenges, with a busy representative calendar, weather disruptions, and limited opportunities to train together. Yet the team’s morale remains focused on their goals for Rockhampton in July.
“It’s been hard. We’re lucky because we’ve played together for so long, but we’ve barely been able to train,” Troy admits. “We’re definitely going in it to win it though, that’s for sure.”
As Junior State Cup 2025 in Rockhampton approaches, stories like Troy’s highlight the commitment of volunteer coaches and the lasting bonds built through touch football. For players and parents alike, it’s a reminder that beyond the results, it’s the friendships, lessons, and memories made along the way that leave the greatest mark.
