MOREE police officer Gabby Suckling has been named Sports Person of the Year at the Moree Plains Australia Day awards ceremony at Jellicoe Park on Monday.

Gabby was part of the Moree Boars inaugural ladies tackle team, which hit the ground running in late 2024 and continued the momentum last year with big-scoring wins in dominant style.

Gabby, who captained the NSW Police Women’s team in April, was also selected for the Australian Police rugby league squad to play in New Zealand  – an outstanding achievement and a clear reflection of her commitment to excellence.

Gabby, the Country North captain, was last year also named Player of the Carnival at state level.

Her New South Wales team was unbeaten in the 2025 Australian Tri Series in July, after narrowly beating hosts Queensland Police 16-14 and the affiliated states team 34-nil at CBUS Stadium on the Gold Coast.

Gabby, who will later this year transfer closer to the coast, also played in the City versus Country Origin representative teams at Mudgee in June.

Known for her leadership, skill and consistency on the paddock, Gabby has carved a distinguished career in regional and representative rugby league competitions.

She has built a reputation as a reliable and influential player at local, state and national level in the ever-evolving women’s game.

At club level, Gabby has been a key contributor in the success of the Moree Boars women’s team, where she has delivered strong performances at premiership level.

Gabby Suckling (at front) leaves the field with team-mates after playing Wee Waa Panthers at Boughton Oval last season.

She said being named Moree Plains Sports Person of the Year was a huge honour.

“Representing the Australian police team was a great experience, and getting to do it in New Zealand against a strong New Zealand women’s team was amazing,” Gabby said.

“This year, I’ll play for the Ed John Saunders Memorial team in the Western Challenge knock-out in Moree, and also as many games as I can for the Moree Boars.

“The annual Police rugby league tournament is held in April, and from there the selection process begins for representative football within the Police Force,” she said.

Moree Boars 2025 women’s team captain, Kaya Williams, said Gabby is the teammate every footy side needs.

“Gabby always puts in the work at training and on game day, and you know exactly what you’re going to get from her – effort, reliability and a real, team-first attitude,” Kaya said.

“She leads by example without needing to say much, and her presence on the field brings a lot of stability.

“One thing that really stands out about Gab is how calm she is, even in the middle of a game. No matter what’s going on, she stays composed, which gives everyone around her a lot of confidence,” she said.

“Off the field, Gab is easy to get along with and always has her teammates’ backs. She brings such a positive, steady energy to the group and helps make the team a really good place to be.

“Seeing her recognised as Moree’s Sportsperson of the Year is so deserved, and I’m genuinely proud to call her a teammate and a friend,” Kaya said.

Being named Moree Sports Person of the Year not only acknowledges Gabby’s athletic talent, but also celebrates her role as a community figure and role model.

Sadly, for Moree and the Boars, her employment with NSW Police means she will transfer later this year.

“In May, I will have completed my three-year tenure at Moree Police Station,” Gabby said.

“I chose to move to Moree from Surry Hills, where I began my career and I’ve enjoyed policing in Moree. I’ve learned a lot – it’s very different from Sydney.

“I’m currently undertaking some training and going through the process to begin a career as a detective.

“Once May comes around, I’ll be looking to move closer to family around the northern rivers area,” she said.

Moree Plains Shire Council general manager Natalia Cowley said Gabby is a dedicated member of Moree Police whose achievements extend well beyond her professional duties.

“Her selection in the Australian Police Rugby League team is a significant personal achievement and an inspiration to her colleagues and the wider community,” she said.

“This demonstrates what can be achieved through dedication, teamwork, and perseverance.

“Gabby is a role model – in uniform and on the sporting field – and a highly deserving winner of this award.”

2026 Moree Plains Shire Australia Day award winners

Citizen of the Year: Todd Mitchell

Young Citizen of the Year: Corey Scriven

Volunteer of the Year: Michael McNamara

Sports Person of the Year: Gabrielle Suckling

Young Sports Person of the Year: Isabella Boland

Community Event of the Year: The Sound of Music

Community Volunteer Group of the Year: Moree Parkrun

Moree Online News will over the next few days have more stories about all award recipients, Moree Lions Club award winners, Moree’s newest citizens and Australia Day ambassador, Bruno Efoti.