Sport has long created connection, identity and a sense of belonging, particularly for young men navigating life’s challenges.
Shane & Sheldon’s Bulldogs Rugby League Football Club was established in 2022 in memory of two young brothers, Shane and Sheldon Shorey, aged just 7 and 6, who were tragically killed in a hit and run incident in Wellington in central western New South Wales while walking home with their family.
Their loss was sudden and devastating, felt not only by their family but across the community.
Shane and Sheldon had strong connections to the Wellington community and to their Aboriginal culture. They spent time with family and grandparents, engaged in cultural practices, and were deeply connected to place and people. Following their passing, their burial on Country reflected the importance of culture, identity and belonging in their lives.
At the centre of this response is their father, Joseph Shorey.
In the face of profound grief, Joseph has created something that honours his boys in ways that reflect who they were and supports others. Through the team, he has built a space where young men can come together, connect and feel part of something meaningful.
With an average age of 22 and 25 players a side, the team offers more than sport. It provides structure, connection and shared purpose, all of which are critical for young men who may otherwise feel disconnected.
The loss of Shane and Sheldon is not only a family tragedy but a loss for the entire community.
When a connection is disrupted or when trauma occurs, the impacts can be complex and long lasting.
At the same time, these same connections can also be a source of strength.
For young men, particularly those navigating grief, having spaces where they feel safe, seen and connected can make a significant difference in how they carry trauma over time.
The Protective Power of Connection
At EveryMan, we witness firsthand how connection can act as a protective factor in the face of trauma and adversity.
When individuals have access to safe, consistent and supportive environments, it can help to:
- Reduce isolation
- Build emotional regulation over time
- Create opportunities for positive identity and belonging
- Strengthen informal support networks
And although connection does not remove trauma, it can influence how it is carried.
Community sport is one of the most underestimated spaces where this can happen naturally. It provides routine, shared goals and peer connection, without requiring men or young men to formally engage in services before they are ready.
For many, it becomes a first step.
Carrying Memories Forward
Each year, the team participates in three major rugby league knockouts across regional New South Wales:
- Central West Black Trackers Knockout, Wellington
- Arthur “Musso” Hooper Shield, Brewarrina
- Dubbo Waratahs Knockout
These events are not only about competition. They are about showing up. For each other, for the community, and for Shane and Sheldon.
Through this, their memory continues to shape something grounded in connection, culture and shared purpose.
Why This All Matters
Initiatives like Shane & Sheldon’s Bulldogs RLFC highlight the important role community-led efforts play in supporting wellbeing.
For community organisations, getting behind these initiatives is not just about sponsorship or visibility. It is about strengthening the environments in which early connection, support, and positive identity are formed.
When organisations invest in community based initiatives, they help create spaces where young men can stay connected, build resilience and access informal support before challenges escalate.
These are the foundations of prevention.
By supporting local initiatives, organisations contribute to stronger communities, better outcomes for individuals and families, and a more connected system of support overall.
If you are interested in getting behind Shane & Sheldon’s Bulldogs Rugby League Football Club, visit here
