Teams encouraged to fill last spots in first ever Townsville Mendi 9s rugby league tournament at Jack Manski Oval

Players are being urged to act fast and get their registrations in ahead of the inaugural Townsville Mendi 9s rugby league tournament kicking off on the King’s Birthday weekend.

Mendi 9s Tournament Director Mitch Doyle and Mendi Blackhawk and Mendi 9s registered player Jake Bourke.

The countdown is on for final registrations as excitement builds for the inaugural Townsville Mendi 9s rugby league tournament, set to launch on the King’s Birthday long weekend.

Open to players of all experience levels, teams will compete in the fast-paced game consisting of 9 players on each side and shortened halves.

The competition also has a prize pool of more than $20,000 on offer.

Tournament director Mitch Doyle said the tournament was not only a sporting event, but a social, community-focused festival.

Mendi Blackhawk and register Mendi 9s player Jake Bourke with Mendi 9s Tournament Director Mitch Doyle.

“We are hoping to bring not only footy players, but the local Townsville community and out as wide as Mount Isa,” he said.

“There is a love of rugby league in Townsville, and even if you don’t play rugby but you love the sport and want to have a great weekend, this is the spot for you.”

“We will have social events as well. Brothers (Leagues Club) are kind enough to allow us to play here at probably one of the best spots to play football in Townsville.”

The Mendi 9s competition will open with a Friday meet and greet even and tying in with the NRL Grand Final weekend, the will end with the big game being shown on the big screen at the club for players and spectators to enjoy.

“We’re really excited by the number of registrations we’ve received from men’s and

women’s teams throughout the region, but there are still a few spots left for any

teams who want to get in quick to secure their spot in what’s shaping up to be a

fantastic tournament, and we expect to see it grow into a key fixture on Townsville’s

rugby league calendar,” Mr Doyle said.

Keen to get the competition started is Mendi Blackhawks hooker Jake Bourke, who has registered as part of the KNB Kings team.

“Our team is full of schoolmates. A few boys are coming from Brisbane, one boy coming from Toowoomba, a few from Charters Towers, so we’ve got boys coming from far and wide,” he said.

“We’re a very mixed group, with some of us who have played Queensland Cup and A-Grade playing together with boys who haven’t played footy since they were 12.”

Mr Bourke said he was looking forward to the fast-paced action.

“It’s going to be a lot faster, a lot more space on the field. It’s going to be a festival atmosphere, I think it’s going to be great for the community.”

The inaugural Townsville Mendi 9s Tournament will be held at Brothers Leagues Club 4-6 October 2024. 

For more information visit www.mendi9s.com.au.

Originally published as Teams encouraged to fill last spots in first ever Townsville Mendi 9s rugby league tournament at Jack Manski Oval