The schoolboy league carnival which gave greats their start is off because of the coronavirus crisis

The schoolboy rugby league carnival which gave Queensland greats like Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott and Cameron Munster a start has been cancelled because of uncertainty surrounding the COVID19 crisis. The time-honoured Confraternity Carnival is off.

The schoolboy rugby league carnival which gave Queensland greats like Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott and Cameron Munster a start has been cancelled because of uncertainty surrounding the COVID19 crisis.

The time-honoured Confraternity Carnival will not be played for the first time since its inaugural year in 1980.

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The Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Rugby League made the difficult decision this afternoon.

“This was a particularly difficult decision but, with the sensible measures that governments have put in place and the uncertainty of the months ahead, we were left with no choice,” the QISSRL committee said.

Visitors to Bundaberg enjoying the Confraternity Carnival matches on 2019.

“We desperately wanted to play this year, mindful of how much this carnival means to its

players and schools, particularly for those players in Year 12. Confraternity Carnival will be back in 2021.

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“In the meantime, we send out best wishes to all Year 12 students for their final year of

school.”

The committee announced that Iona College, which was preparing to host this year’s carnival

from June 29 to July 3, would now host next year’s event.

Mackay, which was scheduled to host next year’s event, will host the 2022 carnival.

Brayden Crawford, Daniel McCoy, Jack Shields and Matthew Shields supporting St Johns Roma at the Confraternity Carnival last year.

The Confraternity Carnival started in 1980 with six teams before growing to become one of the best-known schoolboy rugby league nurseries in the country.

The 40th Confraternity Carnival in Bundaberg last year drew more than 1000 boys from 48 schools across Queensland.

QISSRL president and Padua College Rector Peter Elmore said the Confraternity Carnival brought together teams united by a Christian background.

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“The carnival has grown in size since it was first contested in 1980 but it remains an event in

which sportsmanship, respect and fellowship are most highly valued,” Mr Elmore said.

“We are proud of the many catholic schools and players who have contested this event over the decades.

St Mary's College Toowoomba's hooker Jake Simpkin runs the ball in 2018

“While there is a great list of former Confro players who have gone on to the game’s

highest levels, we’re just as proud of the manner in which the carnival is played.

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“We are also pleased to announce that the QISSN Carnival will also be in Brisbane in 2021 at the Nissan Netball Arena.

“Both organisations hope to continue to work with their new major sponsor Central Queensland University as well as each associations’ existing sponsors in 2021.’’