Rugby league has always been a major part of Lionel Harbin’s life.
Since a young age, he has lived it and breathed it, whether it was through watching his father, John, as a coach or through taking to the field as a player himself.
With this passion, experience and knowledge behind him, it came as little surprise last year when Harbin took over as Central Queensland Capras head coach and helped inspire the club from a 2021 wooden spoon to their first finals campaign in 13 years.
Last year’s Hostplus Cup coach of the year, he then said he felt no pressure in trying to meet high expectations this season following 2022’s success. But 2023 has certainly thrown a lot at both the Capras and Harbin personally.
While injuries, suspensions and a new NRL affiliation have challenged Central Queensland on the field, the revelation Harbin has a cyst on his brain forced him to step away from the game he loves so much earlier this year.
Now, back at the helm as the Capras prepare to fight for a grand final spot in this week’s preliminary finals showdown with the Brisbane Tigers, Harbin shares with Queensland Rugby League the story of his year – from keeping the team on track to having to put his health first to playing for the Central Queensland community.
How league was the remedy for Harbin’s health: ‘Best medicine for me’ | QRL
