WHEN you’ve grown up in Rosewood and supported the Roosters for many years, Jasmine Hassett took a natural step to become rugby league club secretary.
But after performing a number of assistant roles, Jasmine appreciated the support of former club secretary Kellie Bridge, who was now concentrating on her sports trainer role.
“Last year I was doing little bits and pieces and then come on this year as secretary,” Jasmine said.
“I’ve known Kellie for a little bit now so it was easy transition, which is always good for things like this.
“If I had any questions, Kel was always there to answer them . . . and she was able to guide me in the right direction.
“Rosewood is my home club and it has been for many years.”
Jasmine, a former Rosewood State High School student, enjoys being involved with what she calls “a family club”.
Her husband Josh and his dad Paul are senior team coaches.
Jasmine is also C-Grade manager.
She has watched her cousin Cody Adams rise from under-6s to join her husband Josh in senior football.
Cody’s brothers Conor and Joel also played this year and last season.
“Myself, Shane [club president Shane Brandley], all the committee – we do it for the love of the game and for the kids as well,” Jasmine said.
Another Hassett family member Amanda Emtage was the club’s head sports trainer in the first half of the season before stepping aside with work demands.
Level 1 sports trainer Kellie has added senior responsibilities to her work looking after Roosters junior teams and as co-coach of the club’s under-12 side.
“I was actually going to step back this year and just be a mum,” Kellie said.
But she displayed her ongoing loyalty helping out again.
Kellie joined the Roosters in 2017 when her son Thomas began playing. He is now in the under-12 side.
“It’s a family club,” she said.
“You are not just another number there. They actually get to know you.
“They appreciate the time and effort. That’s what I really like about it.”
Kellie grew up in Ipswich attending St Mary’s College and Bremer State High School.
She has a strong connection to Rosewood through her grandparents living in the area.
Having performed the club secretary role from 2019 until last year, Kellie said Jasmine was an ideal person to take on the job.
“She was born for that role secretary – her organisation and stuff,” Kellie said.
The Rosewood club mums share another connection.
Hairdresser Jasmine has contributed to Kellie’s distinctive coloured hair.
“I’ve always had bright colours in my hair, nothing standard, but the pink has been in me for the last two years,” Kellie said.
Jasmine said the Roosters were always looking for more volunteers to help out, especially for regular junior matches where Rosewood has nine teams from under 6 to under 16.
“Seniors, we scrape by, but it would always be amazing to have some extra hands on board,” Jasmine said.
“We are just one big club. We do whatever, wherever [is needed].
“The club has always been like that. If you were just visiting or you wanted to lend a hand, it was always that welcome feel.”
Kellie agreed.
“It’s a beautiful place,” she said.
The Roosters had to withdraw this year’s Reserve Grade side from the Rugby League Ipswich competition after round 10 due to injuries.
Rosewood club officials were upbeat with 60 players available for two senior teams at the start of the year.
However, nearly 30 injuries in recent weeks left the club no choice but to focus on C-Grade this year and try to rebuild again next year.
Being a sports trainer, Kellie understood the impact of injuries that sidelined players for weeks at a time.
She was already looking at the cause of this year’s problems and how to prevent them in future.
Jasmine said the most rewarding part of her time at the Roosters was seeing the smile of the faces of juniors, especially at Anzac Park.
“The kids love being able to play at home,” she said.
Kellie agreed.
“It’s seeing the passion the players put in,” she said.
Kellie praised the club’s under-16 team which recently displayed tremendous commitment despite having only 10 players.
“They gave 100 percent. They don’t let them that stop them,’’ she said.
“I couldn’t be more proud of those boys.”
