Mackay makes epic journey for biggest Adrian Vowles Cup yet

The Mackay Brothers Under 14s are embarking on an epic 850 kilometre one-way journey today to participate in this weekend's Adrian Vowles Cup in Charleville.

The idea to travel the colossal distance and participate in one of the most popular events on the rugby league calendar was encouraged by a group of parents who were keen for their kids to play in the pre-season carnival, according to coach and club president Andrew Battaia.

"We’ve got a pretty good bunch of parents here. They love their footy and are keen to get the boys to wherever they need to go," Battaia said.

"It got put to us at our presentation day last year as a good thing to do before the season started so we had a think about it and sent it out to see who was keen.

"We got 19 boys interested, so we’re all raring to go."

Not only is Battaia hoping the weekend will give valuable game time to his players to see how they're fairing before the season commences, but he is also hoping it will be a good bonding trip for his close-knit team.

"The main reason of going is that we want to give ourselves a test and see where we’re at," Battaia said.

"We’ve got a really keen bunch of kids with a lot of good players in our side who live and breathe footy and we’re keen to play a few different sides.

"The boys are definitely chomping at the bit [to play].

"We have done a pre-season as a club with all our older age groups together and all of our boys have been there every session and are keen and ready to go... they can’t wait."

In its eighth year, the carnival will play host to a record-breaking 40 teams, an achievement organiser Adrian Vowles never expected to happen when he and best mate Shaun 'Zoro' Radnedge first came up with the concept.

"We are very proud of how far we have come since 2014 when we had just three teams," the NRL and Super League journeyman said.

"For Zoro and I, it was just about keeping footy in the bush alive to allow the kids to play the greatest game of all.

"All we ever set out to do was grow it each year be it one team or four. What we didn’t account for was how popular it would become.

"Between myself, Zoro, Pete Rafter and Darren Curtis, and our helpers here, we have tried to make it fun and we have always been hands on with it from the start and running it our way.

"We are all mates with the people who attend the carnival now which makes it even more special."

With teams coming from everywhere across Queensland to be involved, Vowles believes teams make the adventure to the Outback to be part of the carnival's unique atmosphere.

"I think [people make the journey] because of the fun atmosphere and also the kids can make the dream team at the end of carnival and get specially made jerseys," Vowles said.

"We have winners but the carnival is played in such a great spirit.

"No one bags the referees, we don’t have touch judges and players fill in for other teams when they are short.

"We are one big family."

The 2021 Adrian Vowles Cup kicks off tomorrow in Charleville.

2021 Adrian Vowles Cup draw

Friday, February 26 - Baker Street Oval

Friday, February 26 - Charleville Showgrounds

Saturday, February 27 - Baker Street Oval

Saturday, February 27 - Charleville State High School

Saturday, February 27 - Charleville Showgrounds