Atherton Junior Rugby League will host one of the biggest junior rugby league events to be held locally in recent years, with 18 junior teams from Under 13s to Under 16s to play in the inaugural NQ Country trials on May 11-12.
The trials will attract more than 300 boys and girls from as far afield as Mount Isa and Torres Strait.
They will converge on the junior rugby league grounds at Golf Links Road, Atherton and play for the chance to be selected for a NQ Country team to compete in the NQ Junior Championships in Townsville from June 7-9.
The concept for NQ Country trials has been developed to give a greater number of players from the regional areas an opportunity to play at a representative level, gain experience and the opportunity for further representative selection.
The logistics for the event has been massive, with many months of planning by QRL and NRL staff along with club volunteers to bring the event to fruition.
A total of 33 games will be played across the weekend and as well as players, it will involve coaches, staff and referees from throughout North Queensland.
“This is the first time a project like this has been undertaken in the QRL Northern Region and although it has been a lot of hard work by all involved, I believe the outcomes of so many young players having a new representative pathway will far outweigh the hurdles encountered along the way," QRL Northern Region Manager, Scott Nosworthy said.
"These types of events can’t take place without our great volunteers at both club and league level and I'd especially like to thank all of them, as well as the QRL and NRL staff and our sponsorship partners for their contributions.
"A special thank you to the Atherton Roosters JRL and Eacham JRL for hosting the event in its inaugural year.
"I hope everyone gets there to watch some great rugby league from the boys and girls involved."
Full NQ Country - competing teams:
Under 13 - Eacham, Innisfail, Cape / Torres and Mount Isa
Under 14 and 16 Boys - Eacham, Innisfail, Cape / Torres and Mount Isa
Under 15 Boys - Eacham and Innisfail
Under 14 Girls - Eacham, Innisfail, Cape / Torres and Mount Isa
Under 16 Girls - Eacham, Innisfail, Cape / Torres and Mount Isa
Draw - Saturday, May 11 - all games played over 25 min halves
8.30am
Under 16 Girls 1: Cape / Torres v Mount Isa
Under 14 2: Cape / Torres v Mount Isa
9.30am
Under 14 Girls 1: Cape / Torres v Mount Isa
Under 13 2: Cape / Torres v Mount Isa
10.30am
Under 14 Girls 1: Eacham v Innisfail
Under 13 2: Eacham v Innisfail
11.30am
Under 14 1: Eacham v Innisfail
Under 16 Girls 2: Eacham v Innisfail
12.30pm
Under 16 1: Cape / Torres v Mount Isa
Under 15 2: Eacham v Innisfail
1.30pm
Under 16 1: Eacham v Innisfail
Under 13 2: Innisfail v Mount Isa
2.30pm
Under 14 1: Eacham v Cape / Torres
Under 13 2: Eacham v Cape / Torres
3.30pm
Under 14 1: Innisfail v Mount Isa
Under 14 Girls 2: Innisfail v Mount Isa
4.30pm
Under 16 1: Innisfail v Mount Isa
Under 16 Girls 2: Innisfail v Mount Isa
5.30pm
Under 16 Girls 1: Eacham v Cape / Torres
Under 14 Girls 2: Eacham v Cape / Torres
Sunday May 12 -
8.30am
Under 16 1: Eacham v Cape / Torres
Under 13 2: Eacham v Mount Isa
9.30am
Under 14 1: Eacham v Mount Isa
Under 14 Girls 2: Eacham v Mount Isa
10.30am
Under 13 1: Innisfail v Cape / Torres
Under 15 2: Eacham v Innisfail
11.30am
Under 16 1: Innisfail v Cape/Torres
Under 16 Girls 2: Innisfail v Cape/Torres
12.30pm
Under 16 1: Eacham v Mount Isa
U16 Girls 2: Eacham v Mount Isa
1.30pm
Under 14 1: Innisfail v Cape / Torres
Under 14 Girls 2: Innisfail v Cape / Torres
2.30pm
Under 15 1: Possible v Probables
