Petero Civoniceva with a young fan at Julia Creek
THE town of Julia Creek, in mid-northern Queensland, recently played host to a Town v Country match which got the wider community involved to enjoy the game of rugby league.
Member for Mt Isa Rob Katter was one high profile player to pull on the boots for Country but the biggest attraction was no doubt the former Australian and Queensland prop Petero Civoniceva.
With Country struggling on the field, back-up plan Civoniceva came on to help lift the team but could not stop Town from claiming the honours with their 42-18 win.
(It was an) awesome atmosphere (and) great to see the local community come out and support the boys who, for a lot of them, travelled a lot of distance and it was just awesome to be a part of, Civoniceva said after the match.
You can watch a video made by Bec Climie of the day here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6Mt7FT81wc
Photos of the day can be found at the Town v Country Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/TownVsCountry
Town and Country Game a Big Hit (from The North West Star September 23)
http://www.northweststar.com.au/story/1796444/town-v-country-game-a-big-hit/
McKINLAY Shire Mayor Belinda Murphy has hailed Friday night's Town v Country rugby league clash in Julia Creek as a resounding success.
Town eventually came away with the spoils 42-18 at Kev Bannah Oval, but it was the presence of former Brisbane and Queensland great Petero Civoniceva that stole the show.
The retired Civoniceva strapped on the boots and played with Country, while Member for Mount Isa Rob Katter also took to the field for an eye-catching cameo.
Cr Murphy praised the initiative and the work of organisers David McNab and Adam Hartley.
In the middle of the draught it was something that really brought the community together,' she said. It was so well received from a council perspective.
[I] think they had more than 450 people at the match, and the local boys, both in and out of town, enjoyed playing with and against each other. It was a terrific community event.
Cr Murphy was at a loss for words to describe Civonicevas generosity and consequent impact on the community.
He is the most amazing ambassador for the NRL,'' she said. [He] spent half the day with children at the state school then stayed around after the game and talked to everyone.
He even arrived in a helicopter and brought the match ball in as well.
Petero even said he would be excited to come back and maybe bring a few players with him.
