The sound of footy boots on red dirt echoed through the Charleville Showgrounds as more than 300 young players took part in the annual Mulga Cup from 26–28 September, celebrating the best of junior rugby league in the outback.
Now in its eighth year, the Under-11s carnival has grown from humble beginnings, just a handful of teams back in 2017, into one of regional Queensland’s biggest junior league gatherings.
This year’s event featured 22 teams playing nearly 80 games over two and a half action-packed days.
The Mulga Cup was originally founded by Andrew “Shorty” Short, a former Charleville committee member who wanted to give kids from Charleville and the South West more opportunities to play footy against different opposition.
After running the carnival every year since its inception, Shorty proudly handed over the reins this year to the Charleville Comets Junior Rugby League, who took on hosting duties with great success.
Teams travelled from far and wide, representing leagues from the Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Warwick, Balonne-Barwon, Sunshine Coast, South Burnett, Western, Central West, Rockhampton, and Roma, all converging on Charleville for a weekend of mateship and memorable moments.
The weather was perfect, and Charleville Showgrounds were an absolute picture, thanks to the efforts of the Murweh Shire Council, with many families taking advantage of free camping and creating a real community atmosphere.
Long after the final whistle, kids could still be found kicking the footy under the lights, making the most of the outback hospitality.
In true development spirit, the carnival followed the QRL Player Development Framework, meaning no scores were kept, the focus was purely on participation, teamwork, and fun.
Every team recognised a Sportsmanship Award winner, while the “Spirit of the Carnival” Award went to the Carnarvon Cubs for their outstanding sportsmanship and the positive energy shown by their coaches and staff.
The event was a major boost for the local economy, with businesses and tourist attractions benefitting from the influx of visiting families.
A massive congratulations goes to the Charleville Comets JRL committee for putting on an exceptional carnival, and to all players, coaches, managers, support staff, parents and spectators for making the 2025 Mulga Cup a truly memorable celebration of outback rugby league.
Thanks also to all the carnival sponsors, as well as Murweh Shire Council and JD Sporting Photography, who were there to capture every tackle, try and team smile over the three days.
Photography: JD Sporting Photography
Author: Tim Wood
