Suncorp Media Release
Get ready regional Queensland, it’s kick-off time.
From Monday, April 18 to Thursday, April 21 – Suncorp and Queensland Rugby League (QRL) will hit the road to bring newly-appointed XXXX Queensland Maroons coach Kevin Walters and the State of Origin Shield to you, on Suncorp’s Regional Origin Shield Tour.
The three-day tour will see four of Queensland’s Former Origin Greats (FOGs) such as Justin Hodges, Brent Tate, Michael Hancock and Gary Belcher join Walters to deliver a “fan-tastic” afternoon for rugby league enthusiasts in Cairns, Townsville and Rockhampton.
As part of the tour, children aged 5-13 will have the opportunity to register for an NRL Development clinic which will run alongside a family fun day in each location.
Local fans will be also be given the opportunity to record their own pre-game pump-up speech for the Maroons for their chance to win a money-can’t-buy State of Origin experience at Suncorp Stadium.
Queensland coach Walters said he is looking forward to heading to regional Queensland to share the success of the Queensland Maroons 2015 series win with some of the state’s biggest rugby league fans.
“There’s no denying the stronghold North and Central Queensland has on rugby league,” Walters said.
“The region is home to some of the country’s greatest teams and talent; and it’s crucial we recognise how important this part of the state is to the future of our game.
“This tour is our way of sharing the success of the Queensland Maroons with those who live and breathe the sport.
“We’ll have the Shield on display, signings and photo opportunities with the FOGs, footy challenge games, face painting, competitions – the whole lot.
“And those who register for the development clinic will have the opportunity to train alongside some of Queensland’s greatest ever rugby league players.”
Suncorp Bank Regional Manager Tom Troy said he was pleased to see the partnership between Suncorp and the QRL open up exclusive opportunities to regional Queensland families.
“Suncorp is proud to support organisations and initiatives that foster young talent and deliver lasting benefits to regional communities,” Mr Troy said.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with QRL and bring the Shield to people in Cairns, Townsville and Rockhampton.
“It will be great to share some Origin excitement with the communities that love the sport the most.”
The family fun days are free to attend with the first being held at West Barlow Park, Cairns on Monday, April 18 from 3.30pm to 6pm.
The Townsville event will take place on Tuesday, April 19 from 3.30pm to 6pm at Townsville Sports Reserve, while the final leg of the tour will take in Rockhampton on Thursday, April 21 – also from 3.30pm to 6pm.
For more region specific information or to register children to participate in any of the development clinics, head to www.originshieldtour.com.au.
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