Mulga Cup a great excuse to head west

With the Queensland borders closed, now has never been a better time to explore the great state, especially with an opportunity to combine an exploring getaway with a bit of rugby league.

The annual Mulga Cup is scheduled to be played in just under a month's time, pencilled in for the first weekend of the upcoming school holidays in Charleville.

The under 11 carnival was first held two years ago, hosting six teams; and grew to 11 teams in 2019.

Organiser Ross Walton is hoping for a further increase in teams this year.

"It was just an idea that I had when I sat down with a mate of mine, Andrew Short... we got talking over a beer and he said 'why don't you just do it?'" the Charleville junior rugby league president said.

"We had six teams compete in the first year and the rest is history.

"Last year, we had 165 kids playing [at the Mulga Cup], which brought around 350 people into the town.

"It really does boost our economy and helps our tourism."

Any under 11 club team from across the state can attend September 19 and 20.

"This year will be a bit harder for us with COVID, but there is a fair bit of interest there and we are hoping to get at least 10 teams again this year," Walton said.

"There is a fair bit to see in Charleville like the Cosmos Centre and the bilbies, so it's a good opportunity to get away for a bit of a holiday and come out to the bush and have a look."

The carnival will provide a further boost for the Murweh club, that has already seen registrations almost double this season.

"Last year, we had 42 kids registered... this year we have 72," Walton said.

"The surrounding towns like Cunnumulla, Augathella and Quiplie didn't form after the COVID break, so we decided to just play each other on Friday nights and have done for the last four weeks.

"We have teams in the under 6, 8, 10 and 12 age groups and I think the increase in numbers has been simply because we're not travelling as much."

In addition to the Mulga Cup's positive news, the Adrian Vowles Cup is also preparing to be played in 2021, with the popular under 14 and 16 carnival proposed for February 26 and 27 next year.

Nominations for the 2020 Mulga Cup are $150 per team and close on Sunday, August 30.

To nominate, contact Ross on 0427 465 410 or Andrew on 0428 357 732.