What you need to know: Queensland Pacific Island Cultural Carnival

Author: Rikki-Lee Arnold Statewide content producer
Timestamp: Fri 28 Oct 2022, 09:38 AM

Pasifika pride, fierce rivalries and thrilling rugby league will all be on show at this year's Queensland Pacific Island Cultural Carnival (QPICC).

Kicking off in the evening of Friday, October 28, the best of the best will come together to celebrate their culture and take part in our game over three days.

Samoa will be the nation with the biggest target on their back, after they last year won four of the seven age divisions.

And this year's Samoa men's coach, Wayne Forbes, is not expecting an easy tournament for the reigning champions.

He is predicting big QPICC performances from the men's Tonga and Maori teams, but believes Samoa will be ready for the challenge.

The 2021 QPICC men's champions, Samoa. Picture: Jim O'Reilly/QRL

"I know how hard it is to win a carnival like this, especially when there’s so much pride in their country and so much respect," Forbes said.

"To win it is a massive thing but to go back-to-back, that really takes something special.

"I’ve seen a couple of the team lists and, on paper, Tonga is certainly going to be a team to watch.

"But the best thing about the Samoa boys is how seamlessly they form a bond and connect."

The Samoa men's team will open their campaign at 1.30pm on Saturday, October 29, against Cook Islands.

The entire carnival will kick off on Friday night, with the opening ceremony at 6pm.

Here's what you need to know for QPICC 2022.

Key information

When

Friday, October 28 until Sunday, October 30

Where

Beenleigh Multisports Association Complex

Teams

Men's

Queensland Nga Hau E Wha Maori Rugby League, Tokoua Tonga Rugby League Queensland, Rugby League Samoa Queensland, Cook Island Rugby League & Youth Development Queensland, Queensland Papua New Guinea, and Niue Rugby League Queensland.

Women's

Queensland Nga Hau E Wha Maori Rugby League, Tokoua Tonga Rugby League Queensland, Rugby League Samoa Queensland, Cook Island Rugby League & Youth Development Queensland, and Queensland Papua New Guinea.

Under 18 men

Under 18 women

Queensland Nga Hau E Wha Maori Rugby League and Rugby League Samoa Queensland.

Under 16 boys

Under 16 girls

Under 14 boys

Under 14 girls

Queensland Nga Hau E Wha Maori Rugby League, Tokoua Tonga Rugby League Queensland, Rugby League Samoa Queensland, and Queensland Papua New Guinea.

Schedule

Friday, October 28

6pm: Opening Ceremony
7pm-9pm: Opening pool matches for teams from under 18 boys, under 18 girls and under 14 girls

Saturday, October 29

8.30am-6.30pm: Pool matches for teams across all grades

Sunday, October 30

8.30am-1.30pm: Final pool matches for all grades, excluding under 18 girls and under 14 girls, who will complete pool matches on day two
11.30am-4.30pm: Semi-finals for all grades, excluding under 18 girls and under 14 girls, with the top two teams in each progressing straight to their respective grand finals
3.30pm-6.30pm: Grand finals for all grades

Full draw available at qpicc.com.au.