Top Confraternity Carnival players who have gone onto NRL, NRLW
With the 45th edition of the schools footy carnival set to kick off in Rockhampton, we identify the 190 players who have gone on to the NRL and NRLW, and reveal the 10 most decorated graduates.
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The Confraternity Carnival can lay claim to being the launching pad for some of the country’s leading rugby league talent - and here’s 190 reasons why.
That’s the number of players from the annual schoolboys and schoolgirls carnival who have gone on to the NRL and NRLW.
The next generation of stars will showcase their skills at the 2025 edition of the carnival, which kicks off in Rockhampton on Monday.
A record 72 teams - 56 boys and 16 girls - will take part, with each of those players keen to add their name to the extensive list of high-achieving graduates.
Rugby league historian and author Tony Price has been painstakingly maintaining the honour roll since the carnival started in 1980 (see it below).
One of the first inclusions was Bob Lindner, who starred for Aquinas College when it took out the inaugural event played in Bundaberg.
He, like a number who followed, would go on to not only forge a career in the NRL but also play Origin and represent Australia.
Here is a snapshot of the talent to have emerged from Confro’s ranks.
Johnathan Thurston (St Mary’s Toowoomba)
NRL: 323, Queensland: 37, Australia: 38
Undoubtedly one of the greatest halfbacks ever seen, he was inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame in 2024. There was little he failed to achieve in his career and few accolades he didn’t receive. He was instrumental in Queensland’s eight-year dynasty, and holds the record for the most consecutive Origin appearances with 36.
Bob Lindner (Aquinas, Gold Coast)
NRL: 97, Queensland: 25, Australia: 22
The mobile, hard-working forward made a big impression in a starring role for Aquinas in the inaugural Confro in 1980. Fierce and fearless, he was one of the toughest to play the game. was one of the toughest to play the game. He was a regular in the Queensland Origin and Australian Test teams for the best part of a decade. Unbelievably soldiered on in Game II of the 1989 Origin series with a broken leg?
Daly Cherry-Evans (St Patrick’s, Mackay)
NRL: 349 so far, Queensland: 26, Australia: 21
An experienced playmaker who expertly guides his team around the park and controls the tempo of the game. A respected leader, he has captained Manly since 2017 and led the Queensland Maroons in 18 games, which included three series victories.
Cameron Munster (Emmaus, Rockhampton)
NRL: 225 so far, Queensland: 20, Australia: 11
Has been considered one of the most exciting players since bursting onto the NRL scene with the Melbourne Storm in 2014. His brilliant, unpredictable style of play can change a game. A mainstay in the Maroons’ jersey, he was appointed captain in his 20th appearance, producing a Man of the Match performance in the must-win Game II in Perth.
Matt Scott (St Brendan’s, Yeppoon)
NRL: 268, Queensland: 22, Australia: 22
Played his entire NRL career with the North Queensland Cowboys and was co-captain in their memorable 2025 NRL grand final win. One of the game’s most influential front rowers, he was named International Prop of the Year in 2011. He was also a key figure in Queensland’s incredible eight years of Origin dominance.
Wendell Sailor (St Patrick’s Mackay)
NRL: 222, Queensland: 14, Australia: 16
A dual international whose size and strength made him a formidable opponent. An explosive winger and prolific try-scorer, he won four premierships with the Brisbane Broncos. He was top try-scorer and Player of the Tournament at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup.
Ben Hunt (St Brendan’s, Yeppoon)
NRL: 346 so far, Queensland: 20, Australia: 15
His enduring career has been defined by hard work and resilience - and he seemingly keeps getting better with age. A highly regarded player known for his leadership and footy IQ.
Mark Coyne (Clairvaux MacKillop, Brisbane)
NRL: 222, Queensland: 19, Australia 9
The St George legend who played in three NRL grand finals. Possibly best remembered for scoring THAT miracle try in Queensland’s Game 1 win in Origin 1994.
Harry Grant (St Brendan’s, Yeppoon)
NRL: 109 so far, Queensland: 12, Australia: 9
A tackling machine, he is equally recognised for his attacking flair with his dummy-half runs and ability to break tackles. A born leader, he was named captain of the Melbourne Storm in 2024 and appointed vice-captain of the Kangaroos for last year’s Pacific Championships.
Tamika Upton (Emmaus, Rockhampton)
NRLW: 38, Queensland: 8, Australia: 5
The superstar fullback has blazed a trail to the top of the women’s ranks, becoming the first player to win four NRLW premierships. The Dally M NRLW Player of the Year in 2023 and two-time Karyn Murphy Medals for player of the grand final, she has just been appointed co-captain of the Brisbane Broncos for 2025.
Confraternity 2025: Deadlock between competition heavyweights
The opening day of the schools rugby league carnival in Rockhampton delivered a scoreless thriller, a triumphant return to competition for one team and some impressive individual points tallies. Check out the highlights here.
Confro classic: Two most successful schools clash in Day 1 blockbuster
Reigning champs Ignatius Park will take on St Brendan’s as the 45th Confraternity Carnival gets underway in Rockhampton on Monday. Here’s what you need to know about the record-breaking carnival.