3PTAG carnival set for Marsden State High School

It will be a case of footy flair personified when the annual PTAG carnival is staged at Marsden SHS this month featuring a United Nations of junior talent, including NRL stars in the making.

3PTAG rookies Bailey Trew, Xavier Atoa, Tupou Francis, Saxon Innes, Ene Mills,Kylem Vunipola, Tayshaarn Tonga, Boston-Ricks Barnard and Javon Andrews in their country of origin colours. Picture, John Gass

It will be a case of footy flair personified when the annual 3PTAG carnival is held at Marsden SHS, November 18-20.

The brainchild of Marsden SHS Langer Trophy coach Matt Hartigan, 3PTAG is a non-contact modified rugby league game for under 13-18s.

“It is designed to provide opportunities for players to develop game sense and core skills in a game setting,’’ Hartigan said.

More than 50 teams have registered, with many players competing in the jerseys of their home nations representing the likes of Fiji, Tonga, Indigenous Australia, Maori, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands, Lebanon, Jamaica and Samoa.

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ENJOY THIS PICTURE GALLERY OF LAST YEAR’S 3PTAG CARNIVAL

“The rules of the game are unique, implemented to create thinking players, encourage attacking play and challenge the defensive line.

Tayshaarn Tonga, India Seeto and Montoya Hudson Picture, John Gass

“I have always loved playing a role in the development of young players and I am so excited to see it in a competition format.”

But Hartigan said aside from a fast and enjoyable sporting event, the idea of 3PTAG was to bring together All Nations from the multicultural diverse south east Queensland corner.

“The theme was built around the idea that this competition could enhance cultural connection and assist young athletes to leave a positive legacy,’’ he said.

3PTAG is coming to Logan.

“The All Nations competition is a celebration of the phenomenal multicultural society that exists within this local community and across Australia.

“We want to increase the knowledge around cultural practices and create an environment that is built around pride and respect.”

Highlighting how the 3PTAG was an attraction for elite junior talent, last year’s boys competition was dominated by the likes of Titans signing Keanu Kini, Cronulla Sharks’ Tre Fotu, Broncos signings Coby Black and Karl Oloupu and their Queensland teammate Josh Lynn. Adaquix Luke, Bailey McConnell and Zac Herdegen, all linked with NRL clubs, also shone.

On the girls side of the fence, 2022 representative stars Chantay Ratu, who is currently at the womens World Cup with the Cook Islands, and fellow rerpresentative stars Skyla Adams, Tavarna Papalii and Sienna Lofipo all starred.

The competition will be live streamed on the 3PTAG Facebook page, with the lead commentator the recently contracted Dolphins NRL player Sean O’Sullivan.

What: 3PTAG

When: November 18-20

Tournament location: Marsden SHS

Ages: U/13 – U/18 (Boys and Girls)

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