Mini Maroons: Torres traveller gets her just reward

If you are willing to put in the sacrifices, good things usually come and it's particularly true for Kitty Mari.

The rising star from Thursday Island excelled at the recent Queensland Rugby League North rebel State Development Series, taking home the player of the match award for the Far North Queensland under 15/16 team in their opening game.

It was the culmination of an incredible effort just to be considered to play, making her way to Cairns from the Torres Strait for three of the RISE player development sessions in previous months.

NRL game development officer and FNQ RISE coach Peri Creamer said Kitty, whose totems are the eagle and manta ray, was tackling girls twice her size at the carnival last week and she and her family had plenty to be proud of.

"She sort of yeah doesn't have everything at her, at her doorstep up there. They've obviously put in a bit of time there and a bit of money to be a part of it," Creamer said.

"She's just, so determined and committed. She listens to everything you tell her.

"She's just willing to get it and have a go. She's the ideal player."

Kitty's mum Liz Mari put her hand up to act as team manager during the carnival, so was there to cheer her daughter on.

Creamer said it showed why every effort was being made to make rugby league as accessible as possible.

"I guess it goes to show what you can do with a bit of commitment and also, that's why we try to get out to why NRL and QRL try to get out to those communities as much as we can because we know there's committed players," he said.

Kitty's younger brother Timothy, a boarder in Cairns, participated in the under 13 RISE program.

Nate Myles Cup a real hit

It's carnival season in the North and it was a particularly special one in Gordonvale, south of Cairns, last month.

The Nate Myles Cup brings under 13 teams from around the state to the hometown of the former Maroons hardman and member of Billy Slater's coaching staff for our 2023 champions.

The carnival hosted 34 teams and an amazing vibe with good-spirited games all round, made possible with the help of volunteers Southern Suburbs Junior League.

Souths Townsville flew the flag for the North in the final but just fell short to Albany Creek Crushers, who made the trip from Brisbane.

Player of the final was Matte Kairua, while Tatum Hiley from Caloundra Sharks was player of the carnival.

Moranbah Miners won the spirit award at the carnival.

Island kids lap up first 'city' carnival experience

The Laurie Spina Shield is one of the biggest junior carnivals in the state and was the perfect opportunity for players from the outer islands of the Torres Strait to have their first taste of the carnival atmosphere.

Some players in the under 11 'Strait Stars' team had not even played a game together before hitting the field in Townsville.

The team was coached by former Melbourne Storm player Sam Joe, who is working hard with the QRL on creating more opportunities for our junior players in the most remote parts of the state.