How a teen rescued his footy club from collapse, coached them to glory

A persistent teen is behind one of rugby league’s most extraordinary underdog tales after rescuing the Barcaldine Sandgoannas from the brink of collapse.
The embattled club began the year with numbers so low they couldn’t field a team and had no prospective coaches on hand, except for their very keen 17-year-old captain, Mannix Hunt.
President Rhys Peacock admits the committee was initially apprehensive because of Hunt’s age and the often-critical nature of rugby league onlookers.
But the club allowed the teen to have a crack and ultimately gave way to a story that will go down in Barcaldine history.
“Mate, what a story,” Mark Levy told Hunt. “It’s a great yarn.”
Press PLAY below to hear Mannix Hunt retell the incredible seasonÂ
Image: Nine NewsÂ