‘Can’t wait’: Cairns to host historic AFL tournament

Ask Rossville teenager Rushon George about the chance to play in an international AFL carnival in Cairns this week and the fleet-footed winger can’t help but smile.

Rushon George (Rossville), Ranadi Nadredre (Bamaga), Marrel Lui (Yam Island), Shinaya Wilson (Mornington Island) and Chad Wilson (Aurukun) will represent the Cape York Crusaders against teams from Papua New Guinea and Cairns this weekend.

Ask Rossville teenager Rushon George about the chance to play in an international AFL carnival in Cairns this week and the fleet-footed winger can’t help but beam with excitement.

“I can’t wait,” the softly-spoken southern Cape York teen said. “Definitely special.”

Starting today, George will be one of 160 players taking part in a historic junior tournament, with matches played at Cazalys Stadium and AFL Cape York House in Portsmith.

Taking the field in the round-robin event will be under-16s boys and girls representative teams from Cairns, combined Cape York and Torres Strait squads as well as Papua New Guinea’s national teams.

Around 40 teenage boys and girls from Cape York and the Torres Strait will take part in this week’s tournament, featuring four teams the Papua New Guinea Binatangs and Kurakums.

AFL Cape York development co-ordinator Kieran Sciberras said the competition had the potential to forge stronger ties between Cairns and PNG with the carnival set to be a celebration of dance, culture, customs and traditional dishes from across the Pacific.

“It’s the first time we’ve had this event and it’s just huge for us,” Sciberras said.

“Hopefully it’s something that we can build up for years to come.

“We want it to be a regular fixture and have young people, particularly from remote communities, access more sporting opportunities.”

AFL Cape York House Manager Rick Hanlon is a strong supporter of developing AFL talent in Papua New Guinea. Photo: Brendan Radke

To welcome its Pacific neighbours, AFL Cape York will also host a ‘Big Kick’ clinic on Saturday morning, with children aged five-to-11 from across Cairns invited to attend.

“PNG has many cultures and there’ll be an opportunity for cultural exchange between the two countries,” Sciberras said.

“We know footy’s growing a lot through Cape York and the Torres Strait.

“There are shared values and ties historically, so any chance to strengthen those we see as important.”

AFL Cape York general manager Rick Hanlon, said the tournament had the potential to drive significant growth within the game in the future.

“We feel this could be really important in terms of developing a Northern Australian AFL team and creating a pathway that includes Papua New Guinea within that.

“They should be a part of the conversation around how a Northern Australia team could service PNG development.”

The Big Kick clinic will start at 10am on Saturday at AFL Cape York House, located at 53 Buchan St in Portsmith.

Health workshops will also be held with visiting players receiving “wellness packs” as part of the event.

Originally published as ‘Can’t wait’: Cairns to host historic AFL tournament