Queensland Rugby Junior State Championships called off amid Covid restrictions

NORTHERN Territory junior sides were forced to withdraw from the Queensland Rugby Junior State Championships due to ongoing Covid restrictions in both states

Cale Maurice was expected to impress for the under 14s side

NORTHERN Territory junior sides were forced to withdraw from the Queensland Rugby Junior State Championships due to ongoing Covid restrictions in both states.

The NT under-16s and under-14s have been training hard for the past three months to get their chance to represent the Territory.

But one day before the sides were set to head to Queensland the competition was cancelled due to recent coronavirus outbreaks in both states.

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NTRU chief executive Shane Sullivan said it was a shame for the young sides who had worked hard for the opportunity. However, Sullivan also confirmed that a future opportunity this year was not off the table with potential in the September school holidays.

“It’s quite disappointing and upsetting particularly for the players and coaching staff who have put in so much hard work,” Sullivan said.

“They’ve been training twice a week over the past three months and off the field they’ve also been working hard fundraising.

“They were just a day out from leaving and have had the rug pulled out from under them so it’s disappointing but they have their heads up.

“We will be looking at further opportunities later in the year so that our boys get their chance to put all their hard work on show.”

Players from across the Territory including Katherine and Alice Springs were set to take part in a side that was rated as a show of the growing talent across the Territory.

Players such as Mack Jackso and Cale Maurice from Swampdogs were expected to star for the NT.

“This is a real show of the growing talent in the Territory particularly after the change of local season to the wet season,” Sullivan said.

“It’s also important to note this team has representatives from across the Territory as well as including those who have moved interstate for schooling.”

Current Territory lockdowns may also affect the Australian Sevens squad’s upcoming visit to Darwin.

The national side is currently in camp in Townsville with plans of returning to Darwin for a second heat adjustment training camp prior to heading off to Tokyo for the Olympics.

AOC chief executive Matt Carroll said the country’s sports all had Covid contingency plans.

“We have just got to be very agile, the way we go about things, because you can plan ahead but you have got to work with what is in front of you,” Carroll said.