Rugby league teams from remote communities across North Queensland will descend on Cairns this weekend (June 16) for the annual Skytrans RARL (Remote Areas) Rugby League selection trials at Stan Williams Oval.
The four regions participating will be Southern Cape (comprising players from Hopevale, Wujal Wujal, Cooktown, Coen and Lockhart River), Northern Cape (players from Aurukun, Napranum, Mapoon and Weipa), Lower Gulf (Normanton, Doomadgee, Mornington Island, Burketown and Kowanyama) and Torres Strait (from Thursday Island and NPA).
Queensland Rugby League Northern Division Assistant Regional Manager Robbie Moore said every team would play each other over the weekend.
The games are being played at Stan Williams Park on Saturday from 10am and players will have an opportunity to showcase their talents for selection into the Skytrans NQ United team.
"The football will be fast and furious and is sure to be well supported by the Cairns community along with special guests General Manager of QRL Rob Moore and Northern Division Chairman Leigh Anderson who will be at the game," Moore said.
"The communities taking part in the carnival all love their rugby league, and it's all about bringing communities together and creating pathways for individuals to get to the next level both player, referees, sports trainer and coaching.
"Rugby league in remote areas has regular competitions in the Three Rivers, Cape York, Lower Gulf, NPA and Torres Straits and is the only sport that can boast true registered competing in regular comps.
"It's really pleasing this carnival will provide opportunities for the region's most talented players to show their skills.
"We also welcome back Skytrans who have partnered with the QRL to support the Remote Areas Rugby League and provide the opportunity for players from remote communities to travel and participate along with referee's and sports trainers who will attend and be mentored by NRL."
Following on from the carnival, a Northern United team will be selected to play against Queensland Outback on the Sunshine Coast on July 15 as curtain raiser to the Intrust Super Cup game between the Sunshine Coast Falcons and Wynnum Manly Seagulls.
