The Queensland Murri Carnival kicked off at Brendale's South Pine Sports Complex on Tuesday.
Run by the Arthur Beetson Foundation, this year’s tournament is the largest yet and it features and expanded junior offering to include Under 13, Under 15 and Under 17 boys and Under 15 and Under 17 girls, as well as women's and men's divisions.
Running until October 5, the carnival is about more than just rugby league as it also has a major focus on health, vocation and education.
The venue will provide a smoke, drug, alcohol and sugar free environment; and all players have to complete a “health check” as a requirement to participate.
In addition to this, junior players must have attended school 90% of time.
Arthur Beetson Foundation chairperson Steven Johnson said while there was a key focus is on life outcomes; it was important that the carnival expand the junior participation to create better player pathways,
This includes into the both the NRL and Intrust Super Cup for young Murri talent that may otherwise not be afforded that opportunity.
David Fifita is the latest graduate from the carnival and showed that the Under 15 program could help lead into the NRL.
He also said the carnival provided players with an avenue to show their skills, with the carnival being a valid pathway event not just for young players, but senior players as well who might have been previously overlooked in the past.
A player who typifies this is Ipswich Jets superstar Michael Purcell from Mitchell who is now an Intrust Super Cup top performer.
Queensland Murri Carnival 2019 – all you need to know:
Draw: upcoming fixtures for the carnival can be found at Queensland Murri Rugby League 2019 fixtures
Results: carnival scores can be found at Queensland Murri Rugby League 2019 results
View: You can livestream the games on the Queensland Murri Rugby League livestream
The Queensland Under 16 Murri team will also be selected from performances from the carnival. Get to know the new coach Bert Tabuai: New Under 16 Murri coach looking to continue legacy
