Rugby league carnival up and running for 2020

Rising talent show their stuff as Warriors Reconciliation Carnival kicks off for 11th year.

Ashley Jorrot on the attack for the Bo Duncan Memorial team against Toomelah at today’s Warriors Reconciliation Carnival at Oakey Rugby Leagues Club grounds. Picture: Nev Madsen

RUGBY LEAGUE: Players, families and supporters converged from all corners on Oakey Rugby League Club this morning for the 2020 Warriors Reconciliation Carnival.

Ten teams are contesting the 11th annual carnival featuring some of the region’s most promising aboriginal rugby league talent and veterans alike, combining on a gala day of football and friendship.

This year’s tournamet was won by Ash Boney Memorial who claimed the $8000 winner’s cheque from runner-up Hill Brothers Memorial from Cherbourg who took home $2000 second prizemoney.

The women’s exhibition game was won by Bo Duncan Memorial who defeated Oakey/Warriors

Carnival day official Alf Orcher has attended every day since event’s inception and said the competition provides aspiring players with an ideal platform to showcase their talent.

“Warriors are about grassroots,” Orcher said.

“There’s no NRL or Q Cup players here. A lot of them are from TRL clubs.

“There’s also a lot of TRL coaches and managers watching today to try and pick up players, while some of the older blokes like Rob Woodbridge and Damian Pearson are back for another year.

“It’s pretty intense football then at the end of the day we can all have a beer together and enjoy the catch-up. That’s what it’s all about.”

Pearson travelled from Chinchilla to be involved in the day co-organised by his long-time friend and Oakey Bears B-grade coach Tom Clevin.

“I’ve played here most years and I’ll probably have a run with Oakey reserve grade this year so it’s good to get some games in today,” Pearson said.

“It’s a great day. Family versus family and mate versus mate.

“There’s no family and mate friendship when we get out on the field but it’s all about being involved in the day.”

Coach Travis Lawton travelled from Charleville with his Warrego United team, keen to be part of a gala rugby league event.

“It costs a fair bit of money for us to be here, but his is my seventh year and it’s all about the boys having the chance to play footy,” Lawton said.

“League is struggling in the bush.

“These blokes only get to play three or four games a season and this is about them getting to do what they love.

“I reckon our players from one through to 25 are all good enough to play TRL so hopefully someone can spot their talent today and maybe give them a chance to step up.”