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The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
From Cessnock to the Australian team: the sport on the rise in the Hunter
Harris WC Walker copped a hit so big in his first game of gridiron that his helmet went flying and he needed to take a moment to regroup. "That was kind of my welcome to football moment," Walker recalled. "We were two minutes into the game and I had to go to the sideline for a couple of minutes. "Ever since then, it's been awesome." Eight years' on, after being introduced to the sport by a schoolmate in year eight, and the Cessnock 22-year-old is set to represent his country in a sport that is gaining plenty of traction in Australia. It is the first time Australia has had a men's gridiron team in a decade. The team was picked from an invitational camp held this month on the Gold Coast, where Australia is set to play New Zealand on July 12. "I did the camp and made the team, so I'm really happy with that," Walker, who plays gridiron in Newcastle and Sydney competitions, said. "I'm just hoping for a good game and to see where I stand at a national level of a player base. "I've played overseas in America but I've never played another country before." The disability support worker spent three years in the United States college football system at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas between 2021 and 2023. On the horizon next year, he is exploring opportunities to play semi-professionally in Europe. On Sunday, he will feature in a historic moment for the Hunter Gridiron League (HGL), which comprises three teams and is looking at expansion. The talented wide receiver will be part of the HGL All Stars team set to play ACT in their first interstate challenge at Mayfield's Dangar Park (11am). HGL president Matthew Campbell described the match as a milestone moment for the sport in the region. "It's quite significant, just being able to promote the game at a national level," Campbell said. "This game is the only state game being played in Australia this year. So, being on the map for gridiron in Australia and being able to showcase that will be good, but also to promote football in the Hunter, to promote our players and show that there's football around here in Newcastle." Campbell and Walker play for Lake Macquarie Marauders, who won the HGL men's grand final in April. "It's a good team full of great talent," Campbell said of the HGL All Stars. "There's a lot of older guys who have been around the game for a while and some rookies. It's a strong team. You've got players like Harris, who is going to play for Australia. "There's guys who have trialled for Australia, people who have played for NSW, some guys have played college football in America. There's plenty of experience there." Campbell said having an Australian representative was as much a feather in the cap for Walker as it was for the Hunter. "I've played with Harris since the start, so it's special just to see him make it that far," Campbell said. "For the Hunter itself ... everyone makes out that we're this little bush league and there's not much going on in the Hunter. "But we've got a player who's going to represent Australia in one of the toughest positions in the game. It's a good way to say, 'Don't rule us out'. "It's a real good piece to promote the Hunter as a whole for American football, being able to say we've got an athlete going to represent Australia." Harris WC Walker copped a hit so big in his first game of gridiron that his helmet went flying and he needed to take a moment to regroup. "That was kind of my welcome to football moment," Walker recalled. "We were two minutes into the game and I had to go to the sideline for a couple of minutes. "Ever since then, it's been awesome." Eight years' on, after being introduced to the sport by a schoolmate in year eight, and the Cessnock 22-year-old is set to represent his country in a sport that is gaining plenty of traction in Australia. It is the first time Australia has had a men's gridiron team in a decade. The team was picked from an invitational camp held this month on the Gold Coast, where Australia is set to play New Zealand on July 12. "I did the camp and made the team, so I'm really happy with that," Walker, who plays gridiron in Newcastle and Sydney competitions, said. "I'm just hoping for a good game and to see where I stand at a national level of a player base. "I've played overseas in America but I've never played another country before." The disability support worker spent three years in the United States college football system at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas between 2021 and 2023. On the horizon next year, he is exploring opportunities to play semi-professionally in Europe. On Sunday, he will feature in a historic moment for the Hunter Gridiron League (HGL), which comprises three teams and is looking at expansion. The talented wide receiver will be part of the HGL All Stars team set to play ACT in their first interstate challenge at Mayfield's Dangar Park (11am). HGL president Matthew Campbell described the match as a milestone moment for the sport in the region. "It's quite significant, just being able to promote the game at a national level," Campbell said. "This game is the only state game being played in Australia this year. So, being on the map for gridiron in Australia and being able to showcase that will be good, but also to promote football in the Hunter, to promote our players and show that there's football around here in Newcastle." Campbell and Walker play for Lake Macquarie Marauders, who won the HGL men's grand final in April. "It's a good team full of great talent," Campbell said of the HGL All Stars. "There's a lot of older guys who have been around the game for a while and some rookies. It's a strong team. You've got players like Harris, who is going to play for Australia. "There's guys who have trialled for Australia, people who have played for NSW, some guys have played college football in America. There's plenty of experience there." Campbell said having an Australian representative was as much a feather in the cap for Walker as it was for the Hunter. "I've played with Harris since the start, so it's special just to see him make it that far," Campbell said. "For the Hunter itself ... everyone makes out that we're this little bush league and there's not much going on in the Hunter. "But we've got a player who's going to represent Australia in one of the toughest positions in the game. It's a good way to say, 'Don't rule us out'. "It's a real good piece to promote the Hunter as a whole for American football, being able to say we've got an athlete going to represent Australia." Harris WC Walker copped a hit so big in his first game of gridiron that his helmet went flying and he needed to take a moment to regroup. "That was kind of my welcome to football moment," Walker recalled. "We were two minutes into the game and I had to go to the sideline for a couple of minutes. "Ever since then, it's been awesome." Eight years' on, after being introduced to the sport by a schoolmate in year eight, and the Cessnock 22-year-old is set to represent his country in a sport that is gaining plenty of traction in Australia. It is the first time Australia has had a men's gridiron team in a decade. The team was picked from an invitational camp held this month on the Gold Coast, where Australia is set to play New Zealand on July 12. "I did the camp and made the team, so I'm really happy with that," Walker, who plays gridiron in Newcastle and Sydney competitions, said. "I'm just hoping for a good game and to see where I stand at a national level of a player base. "I've played overseas in America but I've never played another country before." The disability support worker spent three years in the United States college football system at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas between 2021 and 2023. On the horizon next year, he is exploring opportunities to play semi-professionally in Europe. On Sunday, he will feature in a historic moment for the Hunter Gridiron League (HGL), which comprises three teams and is looking at expansion. The talented wide receiver will be part of the HGL All Stars team set to play ACT in their first interstate challenge at Mayfield's Dangar Park (11am). HGL president Matthew Campbell described the match as a milestone moment for the sport in the region. "It's quite significant, just being able to promote the game at a national level," Campbell said. "This game is the only state game being played in Australia this year. So, being on the map for gridiron in Australia and being able to showcase that will be good, but also to promote football in the Hunter, to promote our players and show that there's football around here in Newcastle." Campbell and Walker play for Lake Macquarie Marauders, who won the HGL men's grand final in April. "It's a good team full of great talent," Campbell said of the HGL All Stars. "There's a lot of older guys who have been around the game for a while and some rookies. It's a strong team. You've got players like Harris, who is going to play for Australia. "There's guys who have trialled for Australia, people who have played for NSW, some guys have played college football in America. There's plenty of experience there." Campbell said having an Australian representative was as much a feather in the cap for Walker as it was for the Hunter. "I've played with Harris since the start, so it's special just to see him make it that far," Campbell said. "For the Hunter itself ... everyone makes out that we're this little bush league and there's not much going on in the Hunter. "But we've got a player who's going to represent Australia in one of the toughest positions in the game. It's a good way to say, 'Don't rule us out'. "It's a real good piece to promote the Hunter as a whole for American football, being able to say we've got an athlete going to represent Australia." Harris WC Walker copped a hit so big in his first game of gridiron that his helmet went flying and he needed to take a moment to regroup. "That was kind of my welcome to football moment," Walker recalled. "We were two minutes into the game and I had to go to the sideline for a couple of minutes. "Ever since then, it's been awesome." Eight years' on, after being introduced to the sport by a schoolmate in year eight, and the Cessnock 22-year-old is set to represent his country in a sport that is gaining plenty of traction in Australia. It is the first time Australia has had a men's gridiron team in a decade. The team was picked from an invitational camp held this month on the Gold Coast, where Australia is set to play New Zealand on July 12. "I did the camp and made the team, so I'm really happy with that," Walker, who plays gridiron in Newcastle and Sydney competitions, said. "I'm just hoping for a good game and to see where I stand at a national level of a player base. "I've played overseas in America but I've never played another country before." The disability support worker spent three years in the United States college football system at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas between 2021 and 2023. On the horizon next year, he is exploring opportunities to play semi-professionally in Europe. On Sunday, he will feature in a historic moment for the Hunter Gridiron League (HGL), which comprises three teams and is looking at expansion. The talented wide receiver will be part of the HGL All Stars team set to play ACT in their first interstate challenge at Mayfield's Dangar Park (11am). HGL president Matthew Campbell described the match as a milestone moment for the sport in the region. "It's quite significant, just being able to promote the game at a national level," Campbell said. "This game is the only state game being played in Australia this year. So, being on the map for gridiron in Australia and being able to showcase that will be good, but also to promote football in the Hunter, to promote our players and show that there's football around here in Newcastle." Campbell and Walker play for Lake Macquarie Marauders, who won the HGL men's grand final in April. "It's a good team full of great talent," Campbell said of the HGL All Stars. "There's a lot of older guys who have been around the game for a while and some rookies. It's a strong team. You've got players like Harris, who is going to play for Australia. "There's guys who have trialled for Australia, people who have played for NSW, some guys have played college football in America. There's plenty of experience there." Campbell said having an Australian representative was as much a feather in the cap for Walker as it was for the Hunter. "I've played with Harris since the start, so it's special just to see him make it that far," Campbell said. "For the Hunter itself ... everyone makes out that we're this little bush league and there's not much going on in the Hunter. "But we've got a player who's going to represent Australia in one of the toughest positions in the game. It's a good way to say, 'Don't rule us out'. "It's a real good piece to promote the Hunter as a whole for American football, being able to say we've got an athlete going to represent Australia."
Business Recorder
03-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
DC fast charging network: BYD Pakistan enters partnership with HGL
KARACHI: BYD Pakistan - Mega Motor Company (BYD|MMC) has partnered with HUBCO Green (Private) Limited (HGL) to launch the country's largest DC fast-charging network for new energy vehicles (NEVs). This nation-wide rollout of infrastructure marks one of the most significant developments in the country's shift towards electric mobility by addressing a critical gap in Pakistan's EV ecosystem, and establishing the most extensive NEV charging network, making clean, reliable, and sustainable transportation a reality for the people of Pakistan. As part of this strategic and groundbreaking roadmap, HGL will install approximately 128 DC fast chargers across the country over the next three years, with 50 installations planned by December 2025. The network will be strategically developed across three key areas: Urban centers will be powered through partnerships with major Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) such as PSO, PARCO Gunvor, and Attock Petroleum Limited; intercity highways and motorways with chargers placed every 150-200 kilometres to support long distance travel; and destination charging points at commercial hubs, malls, hotels, and hospitals to enhance customer convenience. Several key installations are already operational in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, including at PSO stations and BYD Pakistan dealerships. This initiative plays a pivotal role and directly supports Pakistan's transition toward sustainable mobility by making NEVs a viable and convenient choice for the masses. The move positions BYD Pakistan as one of the first auto manufacturers to invest in infrastructural development at an extensive level, cementing a commitment toward sustainable investment and development of Pakistan. 'Range anxiety remains one of the most significant barriers to NEV adoption across Pakistan,' said Danish Khaliq, Vice President Sales and Strategy, BYD Pakistan. 'Through this groundbreaking partnership with HUBCO Green, we are not just addressing a logistical issue but shaping the entire mobility landscape of the country. Our commitment goes beyond building the infrastructure; it's about giving confidence and assurance to our consumers that electric mobility is not only possible, but practical. As pioneers in this space, BYD is proud to lead the charge in making clean transportation a reality for the entire nation,' he added. Meanwhile, Masood Zafar, Vice President Projects, HUBCO, stated: 'We believe that the foundation of a green transportation revolution lies in vast, readily-available infrastructure. Through our partnership with BYD Pakistan, we are laying the foundation for a cleaner and greener future. More than a technological milestone, this initiative is our commitment to the national development and a part of our larger mission to lead Pakistan's sustainable transformation, empowering individuals, enabling industries, and redefining the green future of mobility in Pakistan' This initiative not only aligns with the government's climate action goals but also represents a significant step toward reducing Pakistan's carbon footprint. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
New Energy Vehicles: Pakistan's ‘largest DC fast-charging network' to be launched
BYD Pakistan-Mega Motor Company (BYD|MMC) has partnered with HUBCO Green (Private) Limited (HGL) to launch the country's 'largest DC fast-charging network for new energy vehicles (NEVs)', a statement said on Friday. According to the statement, HGL will install approximately 128 DC fast chargers across the country over the next three years, with 50 installations planned by December 2025. New Energy Vehicles: Sazgar delays launch till March 2026; expansion scaled up The network will be developed across three key areas: urban centers will be powered through partnerships with major oil marketing companies (OMCs) such as PSO, PARCO Gunvor, and Attock Petroleum Limited; intercity highways and motorways with chargers placed every 150-200 kilometers to support long distance travel; and destination charging points at commercial hubs, malls, hotels, and hospitals to enhance customer convenience. 'Several key installations are already operational in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, including at PSO stations and BYD Pakistan dealerships,' the statement said. 'Range anxiety remains one of the most significant barriers to NEV adoption across Pakistan,' said Danish Khaliq, Vice President Sales and Strategy, BYD Pakistan. 'Through this groundbreaking partnership with HUBCO Green, we are not just addressing a logistical issue but shaping the entire mobility landscape of the country. NEV policy tailored to meet national priorities: MoI&P Our commitment goes beyond building the infrastructure; it's about giving confidence and assurance to our consumers that electric mobility is not only possible, but practical. As pioneers in this space, BYD is proud to lead the charge in making clean transportation a reality for the entire nation,' he added. Meanwhile, Masood Zafar, Vice President Projects, HUBCO, stated: 'We believe that the foundation of a green transportation revolution lies in vast, readily-available infrastructure. Through our partnership with BYD Pakistan, we are laying the foundation for a cleaner and greener future.'
Business Recorder
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
HUBCO Green to develop ‘EV charging infrastructure' at Attock Petroleum locations
Attock Petroleum Limited (APL) has signed a collaboration agreement with HUBCO Green (Private) Limited (HGL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Hub Power Holding Limited, to develop and market electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at selected APL locations across Pakistan. APL shared this development in a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday. 'We are pleased to inform that Attock Petroleum Limited (APL) has signed a collaboration agreement with HUBCO Green (Private) Limited (HGL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Hub Power Holding Limited. 'Under the agreement, APL & HGL will develop and market electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at selected APL locations across Pakistan. The agreement was signed on April 24, 2025,' the notice read. HUBCO Green inaugurated its first EV charging station at Ocean Mall, Karachi on January 21, 2025, with plans to establish advanced and reliable EV charging infrastructure across the country, including motorways, highways, major cities and destination charging avenues including upscale malls and commercial areas. It later announced collaboration agreement with Pakistan State Oil Company Limited (PSO) in February 2025 for the installation of EV charging infrastructure at PSO locations across the country. To expand local EV production, the government granted licenses to 57 EV manufacturers in February this year, including 55 manufacturers for two and three-wheelers, while two for the assembly of four-wheelers. The government also announced to cut the tariff for EV charging stations by 45%, lowering it from Rs71.10 to Rs39.40, at the start of the 2025 to 'make EVs accessible to the masses'.
