A century of games is a milestone many players dream of, but for Beaudesert Kingfishers dummy-half Jayden Fairhead, bringing up 100 matches for his hometown club made the occasion even more special.
Fairhead reached the milestone at a packed R.S. Willis Park on May 10, with the club intentionally resting him the week prior so he could celebrate the achievement on home soil in front of family, teammates and supporters.
The 26-year-old said there was no other club he would rather reach the milestone with.
“It was a good feeling,” he said.
“I couldn’t think of a better club to play 100 games at.”
Fairhead has been involved with rugby league since his junior years and said the sport had always been his main focus growing up.
He progressed through the Kingfishers junior ranks before moving into senior football at 18 years old and has now spent close to a decade around the senior setup, despite taking a few years away from the game during that period.
Among his favourite memories were grand final appearances during his junior career, including an under-15 premiership victory and another grand final appearance the following season in the under-16s.
Fairhead said this year’s senior squad had brought renewed energy to the club, with a blend of experienced players and emerging young talent helping shape the side.
“It’s been really good playing alongside the younger boys,” he said.
“They’ve brought a lot of energy to the team.”
When reflecting on some of the standout players he had shared the field with, Fairhead singled out former teammate Shallin Fuller as one of the most naturally gifted footballers he had seen.
Fairhead also credited his family for supporting him throughout his rugby league journey, thanking his partner and children for attending games over the years.
“My missus and my kids,” he said.
“They’ve always been to every single game.”
Despite already reaching the 100-game mark, Fairhead said he had no plans to step away from rugby league anytime soon.
“I’ll play until I can’t,” he said.
“I might give lawn bowls a crack if the body gives up.”
The Beaudesert Kingfishers senior men’s side currently sits second in the Gold Coast third grade competition.
