NRL on tour: Legends and current players of the great game to head to Warwick, Stanthorpe and Goondiwindi this month

The NRL is going on a road trip to the Rose City and surrounds in a matter of weeks, giving Southern Downs rugby league fans an opportunity to meet legendary players of the great game.

Rugby league legends will head to the Rose City, Granite Belt, Tenterfield and Goondiwindi regions in a matter of weeks to showcase regional footy.

While regional Queensland often gets snubbed for metro areas, the NRL’s Road to Regions tour will demonstrate the organisation’s “commitment to the heartlands of rugby league”.

The NRL says the objective of the program is to support and empower rugby league communities, to ensure their success and to grow the game.

The program will provide a unique opportunity to give back to communities and fans from towns that aren’t frequently visited, and provide support to communities which have recently been affected by natural disaster.

The NRL's Road to Regions program gives back to regional areas which are passionate about footy but often miss out (Photo: NRL)

“We are thrilled to see the Your Local Club NRL Road to Regions program kick off for another year, with players and former stars set to embark on a series of visits to schools and grassroots sporting clubs in regional and remote communities right across the state,” Clubs NSW chairman Dr George Peponis OAM said.

“The relationship between local clubs and the NRL is a very natural one, and Clubs NSW — under the Your Local Club banner — is so proud to be the presenting partner of the Road to Regions program for the fourth year in a row.

“This initiative brings joy and excitement to communities that rarely have the opportunity to engage with NRL clubs or players.”

Warriors stars Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and NRLW heroes Emma Tonegato, Jaime Chapman and Shannon Mato are just some of the players jumping on board deliver the 2024 key message ‘Simply Your Best’.

This year’s theme aims to lead and inspire school students and aspiring NRL stars to be the best they can be, by providing pathways and opportunities to live positive, respectful and healthy lives.

Johnathan Thurston was one of the most popular guests to walk down Warwick's main street during the Queensland Maroons Fan Day street parade on a gloomy day in 2022. (Photo: file)

“In 2024, we aim to ensure rugby league continues to play a major part to connect communities right across Australia and to bring people together and enrich their lives through the NRL’s community programs and engagements,” NRL executive general manager of strategy and transformation Andrew Every said.

Footy mad Warwick most recently welcomed NRL players in 2022, when the Maroons visited the Rose City for a Fan Day during that year’s State of Origin series.

While exact dates and players are still unknown, this publication can confirm the NRL will be in the southwest Queensland and Tenterfield areas from February 20-22.