Black Magic, Highlanders under-18s impress on debut at hotly contested event

Central Queensland’s rugby league talent was on show at the keenly contested event. See who impressed here.

Central Queensland teams shone and a number of their players earned selection honours at the Queensland Murri Carnival.

For the first time, the region was represented in the under-18 boys and girls divisions.

The boys, playing as Black Magic, went through undefeated to take the title.

Their dynamic fullback Matt Hill was Player of the Carnival.

He was also named in the Queensland Merit team, along with teammates Jondean Asse (front row), Kayden Deavea (second row), Matua Brown (wing/fullback) and Zodak Herron (halfback).

The under-18 girls, playing as Highlanders, lost just one game on their way to finishing as runners-up.

Four of them were named in the Queensland Merit team - halfback Shauna Barnham, second rower Teearna Cora, centre Waverley Marsh and lock Summer Nicholls.

The Highlanders women, who have a proud tradition at the carnival, played as the Mona Kielly Memorial team.

They enjoyed an unbeaten run to the grand final, only to be edged by Brisbane Natives.

Niccy Muller, who was co-coach of both the under-18 girls and the women’s team, said it was a fantastic result.

“The three teams represented our region really well,” she said.

“I want to really push junior development and ensure our Indigenous talent is getting noticed.

“To have the two under-18 teams was fantastic. It was an opportunity for them to be part of Queensland’s biggest Indigenous carnival and for them to be noticed.”

Muller said the result for the under-18 girls was particularly impressive, given that only one player of the team had been to the carnival before and the rest had limited rugby league experience.

She said Waverley Marsh was outstanding on debut, scoring nine tries.

“Across the park, the work ethic was amazing,” Muller said.

“I’m excited to see where they go from here.”