The Queensland Maroons will launch their State of Origin preparations from the Charleville Showgrounds in a stunning coup for rugby league fans in the south west region.
Located 680km west of Brisbane, the town with a population of 3300 can now rejoice at the incredible opportunity to welcome Queensland’s flagship team into its community.
QRL leaders Robert Moore and Rohan Sawyer joined Murweh Shire Council representatives in Charleville today to announce details of the Maroons Fan Day to be held on Tuesday, May 28.
Maroons coach Kevin Walters will put his team through its paces for their first session at the Showgrounds, the same ground which hosted the Intrust Super Cup Country Week game between Ipswich and Burleigh in 2016.
Along with having the unique chance to watch the Maroons get down to work on the training field, the Fan Day event will feature:
- Free family activities and entertainment from 10am to 3pm
- NRL Development skills and drills
- Player appearances and autograph opportunities
- Maroon Membership activities and Queensland Maroons merchandise
Moore, who has witnessed numerous Maroons Fan Days in regional Queensland in his time as QRL Managing Director, said it was shaping up to be a once in a lifetime experience for many fans.
“We’re delighted to be able to bring the Maroons to such a fiercely proud rugby league region, which is fortunate to have a progressive local council and rugby league representatives who are passionate about the game,” Moore said.
“Many people in this town and surrounding regions may have never before experienced anything like this.
“To have some of the very best rugby league players in their own community is going to make for a memorable experience; and of course, we can’t thank Kevvie and his team enough for their willingness to embrace our regional fans.”
Today’s Fan Day announcement was made in conjunction with the opening of the sixth annual Adrian Vowles Cup, a popular development carnival featuring a record 27 junior teams this year.
Read > Outback carnival keeps junior footy spark ignited
For proud Charleville rugby league identity and Murweh Shire Councillor Shaun Radnedge, the Fan Day takes on a special meaning.
“This event is huge, not only for our Shire, but also surrounding shires as everyone has come on board to be involved,” Cr Radnedge said.
“Many of our communities have battled eight years of drought, so to come to a central point to celebrate and meet their Origin heroes in person will be uplifting for their spirits and morale.
“Murweh Shire has already forged a number of positive partnerships from this initiative, starting out with The Hope Project, who assisted with our submission to the QRL.
“We can’t thank the QRL enough for putting on this event, as well as coming to Charleville today to make the announcement and support the Adrian Vowles Cup.”
- Queensland Maroons Charleville Fan Day – Tuesday, May 28
In addition to the free activities, tickets are available to the XXXX Garden Bar for $30 per head. This includes two complimentary beverages and lunch. The XXXX Garden Bar will be hosted by plenty of Former Origin Greats with live entertainment at the Charleville Racecourse.
