We're very excited to see what we colloquially know as the 'fourth State of Origin' descend on Miles this weekend as Queensland Outback prepares to take on NSW Outback.
The men's and women's contests, which will be streamed live on Qplus, will take place ahead of the Hostplus Cup Activate! Queensland Country Week match between Redcliffe Dolphins and Burleigh Bears.
It has been a long time between drinks - 12 years I'm told - and we're committed to making these annual fixtures, alternating with our counterparts in NSW.
We've decided this is the opportune time to pay tribute to two legends of outback rugby league - Arthur Beetson and Ron Gibbs - and their contribution has inspired us to name the men's game the Beetson-Gibbs Outback Interstate Challenge.
We all know the story of 'Big Artie', who rose from community outside Roma to become the inaugural Queensland Maroons captain and first Indigenous skipper of an Australian representative sporting team.
His pathway was something that a lot of people in the outback aspire to, in particular the Indigenous players of our game.
Beetson had to overcome a lot of hurdles to become one of the best ball-playing forwards in Australia, needing permission just to leave his community and play in the Roma competition.
It was only through his perseverance and love of the game that he was able to move on from those competitions in Roma to the big smoke, to Redcliffe to the Roosters and so on.
The Arthur Beetson Foundation continues to do wonderful work in his name around the state and in communities in the Central region, and we thank the Beetson family for allowing us to put Artie's name to this trophy.
When we asked NSW Outback who they wanted to honour, they straight away said Ronny "Rambo" Gibbs, the former Easts, Manly, Gold Coast, and Wests backrower.
Born in Brewarrina and raised in Bourke, Gibbs continues to dedicate himself to creating opportunities for players in outback NSW and will travel to Miles with the teams.
In time for the return clash next year, we hope to have established an appropriate name for the women's challenge.
In all honesty, Queensland is blessed to have had so many wonderful female rugby league pioneers come from the Outback and we want to take some extra time to make sure we choose the right person to highlight.
But it is no less significant for our women, as this will be their first ever Outback interstate game.
While Blues are our enemies at this time of year, we really have to thank the NSWRL for getting behind the initiative and they're just as keen to showcase their Outback footballers.
I'd also like to say good luck to all the Central region venues which will be hosting Country Week games.
Along with Miles, we've got Biloela, Stanthorpe, Wondai and Kilcoy hosting Hostplus Cup games and some local curtain raisers in which players, coaches and staff from the visiting Hostplus Cup clubs will be getting in the thick of.
To those playing in the supporting games, you never know who's watching, so I'm sure their involvement will help encourage every player to put their best foot forward.
Beyond this weekend, we will be approaching the pointy end of many of our A grade competitions and getting stuck into finals.
We fully expect all participants to continue building on the values brought to the fore in Respect Round earlier this year and maintain a positive environment and strong culture between players, officials and spectators.
Shout out
A shout out to the Bundaberg Junior Rugby League committee including president Wayne Bender, treasurer Christine Hicks and registrar Gaye McCormack for ensuring volunteer roles were filled as well as volunteering themselves to ensure the smooth running of the QRL rebel State Development Series and the QRL Central Region Under 17 Girls Championships held at Salter Oval in Bundaberg from June 30 to July 2. Nothing was too much trouble for them over the three days.
Celebrating our team
Bryce Holdsworth
Role: Area manager, Wide Bay
Hometown: Originally from Queensbury, England, but my hometown is Bundaberg, which is the land of the Taribelang Bunda people
Favourite Maroons player: Any player that dons the mighty Maroons jersey
Favourite Maroons Origin moment: Favourite moment is split between the decade of dominance and Fatty's Nevilles in ‘95
Why you love your job: I love my job because I love to give back to the game I grew up loving. I have been involved as a player, coach and administrator and I am so grateful to be the area manager of Wide Bay. This is the region I grew up in and it’s super pleasing to see the different communities working together all for the love of the greatest game of all
What Bryce brings to the team: Bryce is totally committed to the success of all levels of rugby league in Wide Bay. Whilst working with the Bundaberg, South Burnett, Fraser Coast, Central Burnett and Northern Districts senior and junior leagues to increase participation and improve competitions, Bryce was also instrumental in forming the Wide Bay Bulls statewide competitions club which provides a pathway for Wide Bay male and female players.
