Girls make their mark

Outback footy teams have the time of their lives at carnival.

HARD HIT: Pania Cash from the Outback Queensland rugby league side goes in hard for the tackle. Picture: Hineata Cash

Rugby League: Talented football players from across the state travelled to Coolum at the weekend for the 2018 Glyn Rees Carnival.

With more than 500 players from teams from Outback Queensland, Warwick, Toowoomba, Central Highlands, Sunshine Coast and SEQ went head to head at the Coolum Colts Rugby League grounds.

Queensland Outback and Central Region operations manager Peter Rafter said the carnival catered for under-13, U14 and U16 players and was the first year for the U14 girls' competition.

"There were no scores kept or man of the match awards or trophies handed out at the end of the carnival,” Rafter said.

"It makes for a different atmosphere with no pressure placed on players, coaches or referees.

"We know everyone still likes to win and keeps their scores but this makes for a far more enjoyable carnival.”

The Queensland Police Service, Rural Organised Crime Squad and the Recruitment Team also attended the carnival with an increased number of inquiries being made by the young players, and their parents, about a future with the Queensland Police Service.

"A large number of these inquiries were from young females who have obviously been influenced by the attendance at the carnival by Senior Constable and Queensland State of Origin and Jillaroos player Stephanie Hancock,” Rafter said.

"Steph also had her first coaching experience with the U14 Queensland Outback girls' team who responded to her coaching and played like a bunch of champions throughout the carnival.

"Overall the players, as well as the coaching staff and parents, should be extremely proud of their efforts on the weekend, both on and off the field.

"They all had the time of their lives and will have the memories for a lifetime.”