Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) residents will be in for a treat next month when Sea Swift Northern Pride and Norths Devils players take to the field at Bamaga’s Yusia Ginau Oval in Round 24 of the Intrust Super Cup.
The most northerly town in Australia – where supplies are usually either shipped or flown in – will see a drop-off of a different kind when the Pride and Devils touch down for a 2pm kick-off on Sunday 23 August.
The game, supported by Skytrans, will be only the second Intrust Super Cup game to be played in Bamaga following Pride’s clash with Souths Logan Magpies in 2011.
Pride Chief Executive Officer Rod Jensen said the Bamaga game would not have been possible without local airline Skytrans’ sponsorship.
“Skytrans has been a driving force in making the game a reality for the NPA with a sponsorship investment exceeding $50,000,” said Mr Jensen.
“Thanks to the support of Skytrans and the QRL, we’re thrilled to confirm that the game will take place in the rugby league-loving community of Bamaga.
“It’s a huge exercise to take a state game to a regional area, and this event wouldn’t be taking place without the QRL’s backing and the support of the Bamaga community.
“I’d also like to thank our naming rights partner Sea Swift for their invaluable freight contribution to enable this game to happen.
“We’ve shown over the years that the Pride is always keen to give back to the region that we represent, wherever we can.
“So we’re thrilled to be able to offer the NPA community a game of this magnitude, and I’m sure everyone will witness a firecracker of a game.
“Bamaga is a superb choice to host this match – the Bamaga people love their footy, and have put so much into the game in our region over the years.
“It’s great to be able to recognise the community’s ongoing contribution to rugby league.”
Skytrans co-owner and community ambassador Johnathan Thurston said rugby league is an important part of the Australian culture and fosters a spirit of unity.
“It is important to me that our remote communities have the opportunity to experience first-hand the excitement a Queensland derby can provide, which is why Skytrans is right behind this initiative”, the Queensland Maroons star said.
Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council Mayor Bernard Charlie said he was proud that such a prestigious fixture would be played in his community.
“I actually received a personal phone call from Johnathan Thurston himself asking us to host this important community event,” Mayor Charlie said.
Located 61km north of the Jardine River and 983km north of Cairns, Bamaga is the most northern populated place in mainland Queensland, with a last recorded population of 784 people.
Northern Pride v Norths Devils (draft) Game Day schedule – August 23
Game 1: Under 15s Central Cape Suns v NPA Under 15s - 10am
Game 2: Women’s Game NPA v Cape/KRL - 11am
Game 3: NPA Brumbies v Cape Cluster - 12 noon
Welcome to Country/ Traditional Dancers - 1pm
Game 4: Northern Pride v Norths Devils - 2pm
Presentations/ Media - 3.30pm