Paul Bowman Challenge 2022: Proserpine to host junior football carnival

What do you get when you bring together 76 teams of keen U9 footballers from across Queensland? Read to find out.

Bowen Seagulls Black's Matiu Mone (right) is chased by Proserpine Whitsundays White's Chevy Faust at the Paul Bowman Challenge for under 9s rugby league players at Proserpine.

A junior football frenzy will sweep into the Whitsundays this weekend as the much-anticipated Paul Bowman Challenge returns for its 14th year.

From all across Queensland, 76 U9 teams will participate in the rugby league carnival, luring more than 5000 people into the small town of Proserpine.

The carnival at the Proserpine Junior Sporting Complex – named in honour of football great and homegrown hero, Paul Bowman – has swelled from its humble beginnings of 16 participating teams in 2008.

Bowman, or “bear” as he is affectionately known, is a legend within the North Queensland Cowboys’ alumni, getting his start with the Proserpine Junior Rugby League Club before moving to A Grade with the Senior Brahmans.

The first game of the Bowman Challenge kicks off at 7.45am on Saturday with round robins, with the finalist teams facing off from 1.45pm on Sunday.

Bowen Seagulls Red's Isaiah Palmer (with the ball) is ahead of the pack in the match against Proserpine Whitsunday Blue at the Paul Bowman Challenge for under 9s rugby league players at Proserpine.

Games spanning across eight fields will run for 20 minutes straight without a halftime break.

There is also a Sam Faust Memorial Relay at midday on Sunday which pays tribute to the late Cowboys member, and father of three, who lost his two-year battle to acute myeloid leukaemia in 2009.

A canteen and food trucks will service carnival attendees, with the Pluto Brahman Bar opening from midday on both days.

A main car park is located along Crystalbrook Rd; there will be a temporary car park set up on the grounds next to the footy field; and parking will also be available at the Proserpine Lawn Cemetery.

Entry is a gold coin donation, with proceeds helping to fund the RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter service.

The sporting complex is located at 333 Crystalbrook Rd, Proserpine.