Bush wrap: All the latest news from Queensland’s footy leagues
Mango Bowen and Ray Thompson are set to head west to spread the word of rugby league. Check out their schedule and all the latest Bush Footy news from around Queensland.
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QUEENSLAND great Matt ‘Mango’ Bowen and former North Queensland Cowboy Ray Thompson are hitting the road next month to put on a footy clinic for young and old.
The Queensland Rugby League have funded a western Queensland roadtrip, which will see the pair head to Richmond for a two-day visit on September 6-7.
The dynamic duo are likely to stop off at the Hughenden State School along the way before putting on a rugby league clinic for juniors and seniors in Richmond.
A community event is being planned for the Saturday at Charlie Wehlow Oval, where juniors from Hughenden, Richmond, Julia Creek and Normanton will get to play alongside the senior women’s and men’s teams.
The area was affected by severe flooding earlier this year and the QRL is hoping to add some positivity to the region with the visit.
FINALS HEATING UP
Queensland’s bush footy scene is reaching the pointy end of the season with several competitions playing out their grand finals in the coming weeks.
Toowoomba Valleys Roosters clinched the minor premiership last weekend in the Hutchies A Grade Cup and have earnt a well-earned break this weekend.
Meanwhile Roma Cities continue their dominance in the Roma and District Rugby League and Kawana face Caboolture this weekend for a spot in the Sunshine Coast Rugby League grand final next weekend.
However, there are two grand finals of note which Queensland Rugby League managing director Rob Moore is particularly keen to see.
“Two upcoming grand final days are worth noting for several reasons,” Moore said.
“These are the Cape Peninsula grand final (Remote Areas Rugby League) on August 17 at Andoom Oval Weipa, as well as NPARL grand final (Remote Areas Rugby League) on October 5 at Yusia Ginau Memorial Field, Bamaga.
“What makes these games so significant is the fact that they are now part of self-sustaining competitions, a massive achievement given the many challenges that come with organising sport in remote areas.
“The Northern Region deserve kudos for providing the foundations.
“It is pleasing to note that these finals will be supported by a group of female match officials who are making a positive impact in their communities.”
STAR STUDDED DAY
As revealed by The Courier-Mail, footy fans are in for a treat during the Intrust Super Cup Grand Final day.
Not only will the talented young prospect Sam Walker be on show for the Australian Schoolboys but Brayden Paix, brother of Broncos signing Cory, will also feature in the newly formed Queensland Under-16 Country side taking on their City counterparts.
Jayden Campbell, son of NRL great Preston, is also on track to play as his Burleigh Bears side sit top of the table in the Hastings Deering Colts competition.
With just three games remaining in the Colts competition, Burleigh will be hoping to stave off second-placed Wynnum-Manly. The Townsville Blackhawks are in third.
Campbell, Burleigh’s fullback and captain, has terrorised the competition, scoring 20 points last week against the Western Mustangs and a hat-trick the week before against the Redcliffe Dolphins.
ROARING LIONS
The Western Lions in Townsville’s A-Grade competition piled on the points last weekend in an 84-12 victory over Norths at Peggy Banfield Park.
Fullback Jake Riley had a four-try haul to add to his side’s 16-tries-to-two win.
The win helped keep the Lions in third spot on the ladder as they head into the finals this weekend.
REFFING GOOD MILESTONE
It’s worth noting the milestone 100th game for Intrust Super Cup referee Tyson Brough.
The colourful character of the Queensland Cup has been a popular match official in the local competition and will control Sunday’s clash between Sunshine Coast Falcons and Townsville Blackhawks.
Brough, the son of Channel 7 newsreader Rob Brough, took to social media this week to express his gratitude.
“So this little fella will be refereeing his 100th ISC (Queensland Cup) game on the weekend,” Brough wrote.
“Been through some highs and devastating lows, which have challenged me in more ways (than) one.
“But I’m pretty proud of myself to get to 100 and hopefully can do a few more along the way.”
Fellow referee Nick Pelgrave also celebrated his 100th match during the ISC Country Week last month.
WOMEN’S WINNERS
NRLW star Julia Robinson may not have been playing but her local Brisbane club West Brisbane Panthers claimed their maiden premiership win earlier this month.
The Brisbane Broncos signing missed the epic clash due to a broken leg but was on the sidelines to cheer her teammates to victory.
The Panthers’ 20-8 win brought an end to the Burleigh Bears’ four-year reign as the South East Queensland Division 1 women’s champions and Robinson said she was proud of the result.
“It was such a great game,” Robinson said.
“The club is like a family to me. I’m super proud of them and everything they’ve achieved.”
With the NRL and Intrust Super Cup celebrating Women in League round, Robinson said it was a great chance to thank female rugby league identities.
STAR OF THE WEEK
Nathaniel Bowman, of Townsville Brothers, kicked 11 conversions in his side’s 66-6 win over Charters Towers last weekend. Bowman, 36, hung up the boots last season but was coaxed out of retirement by new coach Roy Baira.
QLD FOOTY CALENDAR
August 24
Central Highlands Rugby League grand final day, Dysart, from 4pm.
August 24
Rockhampton Rugby League grand final day, Browne Park, from 12.30pm.
September 8
Toowoomba Rugby League grand final day, Clive Berghofer Stadium, from 10am.
September 14
Bundaberg Rugby League grand final day, Salter Oval, from 4.30pm.
September 19-22
Queensland State Schools Under 11/12 girls carnival, Burleigh.
September 24-28
Queensland Rugby League Murri carnival, Redcliffe
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