Sunshine Coast Bunyas thrilled as inaugural southeast Queensland knockout tournament takes shape

A strong mix of Indigenous pride and rugby league talent will combine for a ‘deadly’ weekend at the inaugural southeast Queensland knockout rugby league tournament.

Indigenous pride and rugby league passion will combine for a ‘deadly’ weekend at the Nambour Crushers rugby league fields when the Sunshine Coast Bunyas host an inaugural southeast Queensland knockout tournament.

Teams from Brisbane, Cherbourg, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Goondiwindi and more will descend on the Crushers’ fields to contest under-14, under-16, under-18 boys and girls as well as the open men’s and women’s divisions.

Bunyas president Brad Beetson, son of legendary Australian and Maroons player Arthur Beetson, said he was looking forward to hosting the Sunshine Coast Bunyas Knockout tournament on October 15-17.

“We’ve all been to plenty of Indigenous tournaments so it’s great to be able to host one on the Sunshine Coast,” he said.

“The talent will be great and the entire culture exchange that goes on at Murri carnivals is another great element to the tournament.

“For people to catch up with friends and family will be great and even more so for those who maybe haven't been able to see each other due to Covid-19.”

Gavin Hazel, Brad Beetson and Robert Peters are excited for the inaugural southeast Queensland rugby league tournament hosted by the Sunshine Coast Bunyas at Nambour.

The 20 teams will each battle it out for the opportunity to come away with a share of the $6000 prize pool.

Beetson said he was looking forward to seeing the range of sporting talent on show.

“There’s a lot of good young footballers running around, so for them to be able to showcase what they can do will be good,” he said.

“The team from Goondiwindi will be strong and are making the 450km trip after they won the Toowoomba competition.”

Friday will feature the official knockout draw, a traditional fire ceremony and a masters game.

After a 10-team trial carnival at Nambour last year Beetson said this year’s official event was the first of its kind.

“A knockout tournament had never been done before so this one is very unique,” he said.

“Sport alone always brings everyone together so to be able to celebrate rugby league talent and culture will be great.”