The Queensland Pacific Islander Cultural Carnival returns in 2021 with six nations entered to take part in three days of cultural sharing and rugby league.
United by rugby league, the annual gathering was cancelled last year due to COVID-19, but is back this weekend at Beenleigh's Multisports Complex.
The opening ceremony will take place tomorrow - Friday, November 5 - to usher in three big days that aim to connect Queensland Pasifika communities to help bond various cultures and identities together.
This year, teams representing Maori, Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, Tonga and Papua New Guinea will face off in Open men's, Open women's, Under 18 boys, Under 16 boys, Under 16 girls, Under 14 boys and Under 14 girls divisions.
There will also be cultural food and merchandising stalls operating on Saturday and Sunday, with Island food, drinks and clothing available for purchase.
The draw for each division is available at PlayRugbyLeague.
A number of familiar names and well-known players from this year's Intrust Super Cup and BHP Premiership have been named to represent their cultures, with games promising to be a showcase of rugby league talent.
Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons representative Tiana Raftstrand-Smith has been named alongside her sisters to represent the Maori women, while Hastings Deering Colts player of the year Cruise Ten will represent Papua New Guinea. Sunshine Coast Falcons try-scorer BJ Aufaga-Toomaga has also been named in the Samoa squad.
The opening ceremony and matches staged on Field 1 will be livestreamed on the QPICC Facebook page, powered by PacificAus Sports.
More information can be found at QPICC's new website or other their Facebook or Instagram pages.
