Post match scenes sum up Country Week success

This year’s Country Week round has been an overwhelming success with enthusiastic crowds enjoying the opportunity to watch enthralling Hostplus Cup rugby league matches at their local ground.

Seven matches were held across rural and regional Queensland thanks to the support of the Queensland Government and Ford.

The heartwarming scenes at many grounds following the full-time siren summed up the significance of the Country Week initiative.

Hundreds of children and spectators stepped out onto Brassington Park at Augathella to get a photo and signature with Wynnum Manly Seagulls star Selwyn Cobbo, who scored a try in his team’s tight loss to the North Devils.

The Devils’ gritty 16-8 win saw the defending premiers return to the top of the table with four regular season rounds remaining.

The post-match scenes at Augathella were repeated at grounds all over the state.

Youngsters in Yarrabah engaged with the players after the tight tussle between the Burleigh Bears and Northern Pride, while juniors in Goondiwindi flooded the Redcliffe Dolphins’ dressing room after their victory over the Ipswich Jets.

Emerald played host to the clash between the Western Clydesdales and Central Queensland Capras, with each team taking home a competition point after a thrilling 20-20 draw.

Souths Logan Magpies upset the Townsville Blackhawks 38-20 in Charters Towers, while the Sunshine Coast Falcons beat Tweed Seagulls 24-12 at Gayndah.

Brisbane Tigers’ trip to Moranbah was a successful one, with the Langlands Park club defeating the Mackay Cutters 26-12 at Darryl Bourke Oval.

QRL teams spread across the state to support the community activity, while NRL game development officers and Hostplus Cup players and coaches engaged with hundreds of students and registered club players in the lead up to each Cup game.