The pride of Kingaroy played host to the pride of Queensland, as the Kingaroy Red Ants hosted the Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons as part of a memorable Footy Fest that encapsulated the Queensland squad’s fan day and series launch plus an action-packed day of junior rugby league matches.
The historic event brought thousands of people together from the South Burnett region, in an inspiring display of country rugby league’s community spirit on the eve of the first game of the Women’s State of Origin series.
The relationship between the region of South Burnett and Rugby League is storied to say the least.
A production factory of Maroons superstars - the region home to only 35,000 people, is also home to the likes of Selwyn Cobbo, Gavin Cooper and Steve Renouf.
Going back even further through the years, Ian ‘Bunny’ Pearce – the legendary player and coach who won player of the year in the 1977 season of the BRL as both Captain and Coach for the Redcliffe Dolphins, was born and raised in Blackbutt.
Northwest of Blackbutt sits the region’s largest town, Kingaroy, which has produced a plethora of representative talent, with Maroons representatives such as Chris McQueen and Matt Ballin, as well as Kangaroo Brad Tessman.
Despite their impressive resume of home-grown talent, the Jewel in Kingaroy’s crown is their century-old club, the Kingaroy Red Ants.
For Seniors Vice-President, Allen Christensen, the visit might have been the most enjoyable day in the club’s history.
“It was without doubt one of the top one or two events or days we’ve ever put on across the board,” said Christensen.
“Everyone from the club pulled together, there would have been 3000-4000 people there on the day.
“Between the 17 girls teams and their parents as well as all of the local clubs there, it looked like there were ants all over the field at one stage.
“We had to activate the cricket fields, soccer fields and all our footy fields just to accommodate everyone.”
But for Allen, the hospitality and engagement shown by the Maroons stole the show.
“Ali (Brigginshaw) and Tamika Upton were getting swamped, I was doing my duties on the day but when I was in the fan zone, they certainly had plenty of kids around them – but so was everyone, they had so much time for the kids.”
“At the series launch in Coonabunia, it was an incredible night. The Maroons were talking to the public one-on-one at the tables, and they all spoke so well on the night.
“Sports in rural communities really forms the fabric of the town, it’s a reflection of the community in small towns. When our sporting teams are doing well it lifts the community, it truly helps build the culture here.”
The general manager of Queensland Rugby League’s Pathways & Performance, Glenn Ottaway, believes that events like these are crucial to recognising the vital role that regional rugby league plays in the health of the sport around the state.
“We want kids to stay in their local areas where they have their support networks while they are young, developing and aspirational.” Said Ottaway.
“We also want young athletes know that our current crop of stars come from all parts of the state. Many of our greatest Origin players have started their journey in Regional QLD.”
Ottaway also made sure to reaffirm his support for developing talent within the female game in the regions.
“Our community teams are always looking at new initiatives to not only engage new female participants but also retain those that do decide to trial Rugby League.
“We invest a lot in education around positive club environments and coach behaviour.”
The Red Ants Juniors Vice-President, Toby Broomhall, said it was the perfect time for the Maroons to venture to Kingaroy, citing the rapid growth of the women’s game and the talent within the town,
“Rugby League has such a strong presence within the region, the girls who are about to finish high school and who’ve just graduated, they just have so much talent – I’d be quite surprised if we didn’t see one of them making the Maroons in the next few years,” said Broomhall.
Kingaroy, despite their success in the men’s game, are still yet to produce a female Maroons representative, but considering the success of last weekend’s footy fest and series launch, it might not be too long until Kingaroy has a Harvey Norman Queensland Maroon to call their own.
