Maroons Westpac Fan Day confirmed as stars celebrate start of club rugby league

Author: Michael Hillier QRL Media
Timestamp: Wed 13 Mar 2024, 12:56 PM

The Queensland Maroons will have the opportunity to further inspire the Darling Downs region, one of the state’s leading rugby league nurseries, during this year’s State of Origin series.

In a coup for the region that unearthed Origin players of the ilk of Shane Webcke, Steve Price, Johnathan Thurston and the late Carl Webb, maroon will be the dominant colour when the Billy Slater-coached team visits Toowoomba on Tuesday, June 18 for the Queensland Maroons Westpac Fan Day.

Queensland Rugby League chief executive officer Ben Ikin speaks from Clive Berghofer Stadium in Toowoomba.
Posted by Queensland Maroons on Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Fans will even get the chance to watch the Maroons train, with Slater to put his squad through their paces at Toowoomba Sports Ground in preparation for Game II of the 2024 series.

“We’ve seen the huge impact our Maroons fans days have on Queensland communities for many years now,” Slater said.

“The Cairns region is still buzzing after last year’s visit because this team is such an inspiration to so many people.

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“It gives the players a big lift as well. I felt that myself when we went out to places like Longreach, Emerald and Bundaberg, especially if they’re faced with a little bit of adversity.

“It’s really special to see the enjoyment on so many faces.”

Queensland Rugby League chief executive officer Ben Ikin was in Toowoomba for today’s Maroons announcement, which also highlighted the unique opportunities provided by club rugby league.

“The journey for all of our Maroons players, coaches and support staff starts on community rugby league fields, a place where they first fell in love with the game,” Ikin said.

“I’m standing on one of those fields today, and I can tell you it’s great feeling to know that places like this provide wonderful experiences for young boys and girls, some of whom will continue on through our statewide competitions into the NRL and Origin arena.

“So while our Maroons teams prepare to fight hard again this year, we can’t forget the contribution of the 356 community clubs, where many good people coach and manage, serve in canteens, mow fields and register players.”

Toowoomba’s future stars showcased their skills today under the guidance of the NRL development team and Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons representatives Ali Brigginshaw and Shenae Ciesiolka.

As senior players with the Western Clydesdales in the BMD Premiership, Brigginshaw and Ciesiolka are well versed in the many benefits of club rugby league.

While their key message to participants today was to simply have fun, they also spoke about the qualities associated with club rugby league – strength, resilience, mateship and community.

The club registration process is currently open with all junior community rugby league competitions commencing after the Easter School holidays.

To find your local club, visit the Play Rugby League website.