Kyle Bader, a 17-year-old athlete born in Katherine in 2006, has demonstrated a deep passion for rugby league from a young age. His journey began at four years old when he played for the Katherine Mini Midgets, and he has since developed his skills through various sports, including Touch Rugby, Rugby Union, OzTag, and AFL. In addition to playing, Kyle contributes to the sporting community as a referee for rugby league, rugby union, and touch football. His leadership qualities are evident through his role as captain in various teams and his dedication to coaching and supporting younger players.

Kyle’s commitment to rugby league led his family to make significant sacrifices, including weekly 600km trips to Darwin so he could play. In 2022, he enrolled in Kirwan State High School in Townsville to further both his education and rugby skills.

Despite his relocation, he remains deeply connected to his Northern Territory roots, participating in NT representative teams and volunteering as a water runner and referee. His goal is to make it to the NRL, but he also has aspirations of becoming a physiotherapist if that dream doesn’t materialize.

In 2023, Kyle’s rugby career gained further momentum with selections for the Kirwan Bears, an NRL tour in Fiji, and the NTNRL All Stars. He captained the Northern Territory NRL Titans team in the National School Boys Competition in Western Sydney and represented the South West Team in a state school carnival. Despite his busy schedule, Kyle continued to give back by refereeing local games and sharing his experiences with younger players. His hard work was recognised with several accolades, including being named junior player of the year Western Lions club team.

Kyle’s accomplishments and leadership qualities have made him a role model for aspiring athletes in the Northern Territory. In 2024, he signed a contract with the Townsville Mendi Blackhawks U19s NRL team and became part of the Kirwan Bears squad, winning the Aaron Payne Cup Grand Final. He also represented North Queensland in the U18 Rugby Championship and played for the U19 State of Origin Clontarf Team in Sydney. His ongoing achievements, including a nomination for the NT Junior Sports Person of the Year, highlight his bright future in rugby league.

‍