League great Petero Civoniceva has launched the countdown to the 2018 Rugby League Commonwealth Championship to be played in the Moreton Bay Region in February.
A proud local who shot to international prominence after starting out with the Redcliffe Dolphins, Civoniceva is thrilled to bring the “world” to his backyard for the rugby league Nines extravaganza.
With less than a month until 11 nations descend on the region, the former Maroons and international forward is putting the call out for footy fans to join in the excitement across two action-packed days at Dolphin Stadium.
“This will be rugby league Nines at its finest, with thrilling attack, desperate defence and all the passion and culture of the international game,” Civoniceva said.
Rugby League 9's Commonwealth Championships
Preparations are now in full swing for the championships, which kick off on Friday, February 23 with the first of 20-opening day matches across three divisions – Men’s Women’s and Physical Disability.
The tournament will culminate with some spectacular gold and bronze medal matches on the Saturday evening.
The full draw will be released shortly, along with team lists and live streaming details.
Moreton Bay Regional Mayor Allan Sutherland said February would be ‘Rugby League Heaven’ in the Moreton Bay Region.
“Before all the action of the Commonwealth Games gets under way there’s one place to be – Moreton Bay,” he said.
“We’re no stranger to hosting large sporting events here and we’re thrilled to be welcoming players, coaches, staff and die-hard league supporters from around the world for the 2018 Commonwealth championship.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see some of the hottest talent in the world duke it out before your eyes in Dolphin Stadium, where the seats are so close to the field you’re almost part of the action.
“So if you want to be a part of history, you’ll need to get your tickets quickly!”
Snapshot: 2018 Rugby League Commonwealth Championship:
• Friday, February 23 & 24
• Dolphin Stadium, Redcliffe
• 9-a-side tournament featuring 11 Commonwealth nations:
o Men’s Under 23’s teams – Australia, Fiji, Scotland, Wales, England, PNG, Samoa, Tonga
o Open Women’s teams – Australia, Fiji, Samoa, Canada, Cook Islands, Tonga
o Physical disabilities teams (Australia, New Zealand, Commonwealth All-Stars)
Tickets are now on sale at www.rugbyleague9smoretonbay.com.au
Main image: Neil Wharton (QRL Head of Football), MP Yvette D'Ath, Mayor Allan Sutherland and Petero Civoniceva at the Rugby League Commonwealth Championships announcement at Redcliffe last year.
