Sport
17 October, 2026
Dallas and Joey Play Rugby in UK
Gilgandra local Rugby League players were picked to play with a special team in England
By Molly Shannon
Gilgandra boys, Dallas Burrell and Joey Lamb, have been on an international adventure playing rugby league in England with sporting tour group Wanderers Australia.
In 2025, when the two boys were in year six at Gilgandra Public School both Joey and Dallas received the news that they had been picked for the under 14s and U13s international rugby league teams. Wanderers Australia are a travel company that accommodates international trips for junior sports players all over the world.
Joey and Dallas were picked for the 2026 England tour, and it is the first time either young league player has crossed the pond.
“I’m looking forward to trying all different foods, meeting new people, and versing other teams in footy,” said Joey, before their departure. “I’m most excited for exploring a new country and playing against other teams as well,” Dallas said.
On Thursday, October 1, Joey and Dallas, accompanied by dads Justin Lamb and Doug Burrell, flew from Sydney to London, making a quick stop at San Francisco along the way. From the first day, there was no time to rest with the itinerary jam packed full of sightseeing, training, and games.
The team will spend 18 days abroad, and will arrive back in Australia on Saturday, October 18.
When parents to Dallas and Joey, Lindy and Doug Burrell and Krystal and Justin Lamb, received the news that their boys’ had been picked to play in a team overseas, the resounding feeling they had was pride.
“I was excited,” said Doug. “It was a real proud dad moment,” he said.
Getting overseas wasn’t an easy feat, with the families campaigning hard over the months before they went away to raise money for the trip.
Krystal organised four bake sales over the last year, and a garage sale.
Lindy and Krystal are both grateful for the community's support, and for the dads joining the boys on their trip.
“Lindy and I are very proud of our boys,” Krystal said.
“We both are so grateful for all the support they’ve received and are grateful to their dads for joining them on their trip,” she said.
“I also just want to thank the community for the support they showed me during the baking sales and garage sale, as that was something I did separately to help raise funds for Joey to go,” said Krystal.
Part of the trip included training at the renowned international rugby league team, the Widnes Vikings, stadium in Cheshire England.
The boys played numerous games against English rugby league teams, including versing the biggest junior rugby league club in England.
Now that the work is done, it is time for play.
After the games, the team and parents will get to enjoy the tourist side of things, visiting renowned monuments such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the tower of London and so much more.
Then the team will be hoping on the Eurostar to head to Paris, where they will see the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame, and the Arc.
