Three Queensland towns will this year host an Intrust Super Cup match for the first time as part of the acclaimed ‘Get in the Game’ Country Week initiative.
As revealed by the Hon Curtis Pitt MP on Channel Nine’s match-of-the-round broadcast today, fans in Charleville, Barcaldine and Ravenshoe will get their first taste of Intrust Super Cup action in their own backyards on the weekend of July 23-24.
Moranbah, Mount Isa and Gympie will also host Round 20 fixtures, which are once again set to deliver major statewide outcomes on the back of support from the QRL, NRL and Queensland Government.
Mr Pitt, the Treasurer, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Minister for Sport, delivered the exciting news from rugby league heartland in the Far North.
“The game of rugby league brings Queenslanders together like no other sport,” Mr Pitt said.
“That’s why the Queensland Government and the Queensland Rugby League have worked side by side in recent times to bring Intrust Super Cup matches to regional areas.
“This Country Week concept has provided a great boost for many rural and regional communities and I’m delighted to confirm today that ‘Get in the Game’ Country Week will return bigger and better in 2016.”
QRL Managing Director Robert Moore said the Country Week round was one of the highlights of the calendar.
“We can’t thank the Queensland Government enough for its commitment to this important and rewarding program,” Moore said.
“Regional Queensland is the heartland of rugby league. For many years now we’ve seen a string of born and raised country players achieve great things at representative level.
“We’re immensely proud of this and want to see it continue for many years to come. Not only that, we believe the Country Week initiative provides a unique avenue for our regions to showcase their communities to the rest of the state.”
The match in Gympie is between the Sunshine Coast Falcons and Tweed Heads Seagulls –and will be televised live on Channel Nine, Win and NBN.
Moore said QRL staff would work closely with Division Managers and Local Leagues over the next few months to finalise the on and off-field events at each of the Country Week grounds.
“It’s not only an exciting opportunity for country participants and fans, but for our staff and QRL Board Members who can look forward to spreading far and wide across the state to meet the many locals who make our great game tick,” he said.
· 2016 ‘Get in the Game’ Country Week matches – Round 20 (*July 23-24)
Charleville: Burleigh Bears v Ipswich Jets (first game)
Moranbah: Mackay Cutters v Wynnum Manly Seagulls
Barcaldine: Souths Logan Magpies v Norths Devils (first game)
Mount Isa: Townsville Blackhawks v Central Queensland Capras
Ravenshoe: Redcliffe Dolphins v Northern Pride (first game)
Gympie: Sunshine Coast Falcons v Tweed Heads Seagulls (TV game)
Port Moresby: PNG Hunters v Easts Tigers
*Match days and kick off times TBA
