More than 260 of the state's best junior rugby league players will converge in Mackay this week for the annual QRL State Junior Championships.
All three QRL Division / Regions (SEQ Water Dragons, Central Crows and Northern Marlins) will be represented in Under 14 and Under 16 Boys and Girls divisions across four days of competition at the Mackay Junior Rugby League Fields, South Mackay.
The competition kicks off on Thursday (July 5) and will run through until Sunday, July 8.
QRL Northern Region Manager Scott Nosworthy was looking forward to hosting the event.
"QRL Northern are extremely honoured to host the State Junior Championships and with us getting the opportunity to host the event once every four years, Mackay will play host on behalf of the region this year," Nosworthy said.
"Mackay is a rugby league heartland and have produced many Origin and international stars in the past and I'm sure they will continue to produce quality players into the future.
"The facility at the Mackay Junior Rugby League Grounds is one of the best in the state and they have a very hard-working league and proactive clubs who will ensure all four days of competition are a success.
"We welcome all visitors to the north and we trust you will have great few days at the carnival."
Following changes last year, the Under 16 Boys Queensland team will again be selected from the carnival, with chosen players to take on rivals New South Wales in the annual interstate clash.
High performance staff will also have a keen eye on the Under 14 age groups with talent identification for future Queensland Academy of Sport squads in both the boys and girls.
In a bonus for those not able to attend the event, all games on Field 1 will be live streamed on QRL.com.au.
Games will also be live scored throughout the carnival (via this link).
Gates open from 8am daily at the Mackay Junior Rugby League Fields (2 Casey Avenue, South Mackay) with a daily $5 entry fee for adults.
The team lists of the participating regions will be available on QRL.com.au shortly.
QRL STATE JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS DRAW
THURSDAY, JULY 5
| TIME | AGE GROUP | GAME |
| 9am | Under 14 Boys | SEQ Green v SEQ White |
| 10am | Under 16 Boys | SEQ Green v SEQ White |
| 11.15am | Under 16 Girls | Northern v SEQ |
| 12.15pm | Under 14 Girls | Northern v SEQ |
| 1.15pm | Under 14 Boys | Central v Northern |
| 2.15pm | Under 16 Boys | Central v Northern |
| 3.30pm | Under 16 Girls | Central v SEQ |
FRIDAY, JULY 6
| TIME | AGE GROUP | GAME |
| 9am | Under 14 Girls | Central v SEQ |
| 10am | Under 14 Boys | Central v SEQ White |
| 11.15am | Under 16 Boys | Central v SEQ White |
| 12.15pm | Under 14 Boys | Northern v SEQ Green |
| 1.15pm | Under 14 Girls | Central v Northern |
| 2.15pm | Under 16 Girls | Central v Northern |
| 3.15pm | Under 16 Boys | Northern v SEQ Green |
SATURDAY, JULY 7
| TIME | AGE GROUP | GAME |
| 10am | Under 14 Girls | Central v SEQ |
| 11am | Under 16 Girls | Central v SEQ |
| 12pm | Under 14 Boys | Central v SEQ Green |
| 1pm | Under 16 Boys | Central v SEQ Green (Field 1) |
| 1pm | Under 14 Boys | Northern v SEQ White (Field 2) |
| 2.15pm | Under 16 Boys | Northern v SEQ White (Field 1) |
| 2.15pm | Under 14 Girls | Northern v SEQ (Field 2) |
| 3.30pm | Under 16 Girls | Central v Northern |
SUNDAY, JULY 8
| TIME | AGE GROUP | GAME |
| 9am | Under 14 Girls | Central v Northern (Field 1) |
| 9am | Under 14 Boys | 3 v 4 Final (Field 2) |
| 10am | Under 16 Girls | Northern v SEQ (Field 1) |
| 10am | Under 16 Boys | 3 v 4 Final (Field 2) |
| 11.15am | Under 14 Boys | 1 v 2 Final |
| 12.15pm | Under 16 Boys | 1 v 2 Final |
| 1.30pm | Presentations | |
