Gympie Devils’ youngsters excited for Qld city to host Origin stars
Gympie is gearing up to paint the town maroon with the Queensland 2025 State of Origin team headed to the regional city, with interest growing on whether a hometown hero will join them. WATCH THE REACTION:
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Gympie is gearing up to paint the town maroon with the Queensland 2025 State of Origin team headed to the regional city ahead of game two of the series.
Former Origin star Steve Price delivered the news at the city’s historic Albert Park on Tuesday, against a backdrop including several of the Gympie Devils’ young stars and Mayor Glen Hartwig.
It was announced the squad, which would be based at the Sunshine Coast, would head up the Bruce Hwy for the day on Tuesday, June 10.
The only mystery was whether hometown here Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, who was raised at nearby Widgee, will be among those to join the fan day fun.
The region’s youngsters had their eye on some of the other players likely to fill the squad, too.
Milly Garrett said it was going to be “nice to watch them train and play”, and she was keen to meet “everyone”.
Scarlett Hanna had meeting Ben Hunt at the top of her list as he “just plays good footy”, and Kahlia Smith was looking forward to meeting Kalyn Ponga “if he makes it this year”.
“He tries a lot of things and I just like watching him play,” Kahlia said.
Mayor Glen Hartwig said it was an “exciting” time for Gympie with fans no doubt travelling from across the Sunshine Coast and the Wide Bay.
“I grew up watching Origin in the 80s … and Queenslanders understand origin is actually part of our DNA,” Mr Hartwig said.
“That’s the difference between us and the Mexicans on the other side of the border.
“We get it, they don’t.
“There is nothing that stops people watching Origin.
“To have the Origin greats and the current Origin team coming for a fan day … is just a wonderful thing.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Gympie Devils’ youngsters excited for Qld city to host Origin stars
Next-gen Broncos half stars in Langlands Park City-Country stoush
Qld Country halves Adam McSherry and Grange Womal worked wonders in their team’s boilover win against City on Wednesday. More here on how the U17 male and female rep games went at Langlands Park, including our best photos.
Hospital Cup: Rd 3 talking points, team of the week revealed
The StoreLocal Hospital Cup team of the week includes an impressive Souths winger, the brother of a Wallaby spark plug and a Reds-aligned weapon delivering the goods for Easts. Read here for your round 3 club rugby scoop.
Noosa to the Gabba: Brisbane’s backline bolter queuing behind greatness
One of the Brisbane Lions’ best rising talents has opened up on his debut season and contract extension as he battles to fight his way back into the premiership winning team.
Harvey Norman Under-19s Team of the Year named
Named: The 2025 Harvey Norman U19 Team of the Season. The bumper squad includes players from Cairns to Tweed and everywhere in between. See who made it here.
‘Been a whirlwind’: Roaring teen Lion ready to fill forward void
The Brisbane Lions are reportedly scouring the country looking for for a Joe Daniher replacement. However, the answer may be right under their noses with a home-bred star on the rise.
Meninga Cup Team of the Week includes rising Titans, Dolphins juniors
The Meninga Cup Team of the Week includes two rising Dolphins from regions brimming with potential NRL players - and also a Gold Coast Titans ace from league made Logan City.