Bringing the Maroons to the South Burnett Region
At the core of Queensland Rugby League is the unwavering connection between its elite State of Origin stars and the grassroots communities that nurture the game’s future. This year, the Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons Footy Fest and Series Launch in Kingaroy will bring that vision to life, uniting regional Queenslanders and inspiring the next generation of rugby league stars. More than just an event, it’s a celebration of the players, volunteers, and fans who make rugby league the beating heart of Queensland.
The Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons Footy Fest
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the Kingaroy Red Ants Rugby League Club will host the Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons Footy Fest, an event designed to bring the state’s top rugby league stars face-to-face with the fans who support them every week. The festival will provide a family-friendly, interactive experience featuring meet-and-greets with Maroons players, an engaging fan zone with membership and merchandise opportunities, and activations from key partners. Local food vendors will be on hand, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the community's passion.
Rugby league will be the main event, with rolling club games taking place throughout the day. From 8 AM to 6 PM, junior competitions will highlight the region’s rising talent, with peak activity expected between 10 AM and 2 PM when Under-8 and Under-10 teams take the field. Around 18 teams and up to 300 young players will be involved, creating a festival of footy that showcases the next generation of stars.
Be sure to join in on all the action and register for free here.
A Historic Maroons Series Launch in Regional Queensland
Later that evening, the excitement continues with the Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons Series Launch at The Old Hangar at Bethany in Coolabunia. For the first time, this prestigious event will be held in a regional town, reaffirming the Maroons' commitment to the communities that fuel Queensland Rugby League. The cocktail-style gathering will officially introduce the 2025 Maroons squad, giving fans and stakeholders an exclusive glimpse of the players set to represent their state on rugby league’s biggest stage.
The evening will offer a premium networking and hospitality experience, featuring locally sourced food and live entertainment, creating a celebration that embodies the spirit of the South Burnett region. This landmark occasion will not only honour the past and present of Queensland Rugby League but also inspire future generations who dream of one day wearing the Maroon jersey.
With the Footy Fest bringing grassroots rugby league to life during the day and the Series Launch setting the stage for the Maroons’ next campaign, April 26 promises to be an unforgettable day for rugby league fans in South Burnett. These events serve as a reminder that the passion for Queensland Rugby League extends far beyond the stadiums of Brisbane, reaching deep into the communities that have shaped the game for generations.
A Rugby League Stronghold in Kingaroy
The South Burnett Rugby League region has experienced significant growth in recent years, making it the perfect location to host these milestone Maroons events. Participation numbers have surged, with total players increasing from 853 in 2021 to 1,025 in 2024. The most impressive growth has come from female participation, which has more than doubled, jumping from 96 to 214 players in just three years. Coaching and volunteer numbers have also flourished, with female coaches rising from zero to 14 and female volunteers increasing from 39 to 112.
This region has long been a breeding ground for some of Queensland’s rugby league greats. Kingaroy has produced talents like Matt Ballin, Chris McQueen, and Brad Tessman, while Murgon boasts legends such as Gavin Cooper and Steve Renouf. Cherbourg has contributed stars like Selwyn Cobbo and Willie Tonga, and Blackbutt is home to the revered Ian ‘Bunny’ Pearce. While no Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons players have yet emerged from South Burnett, the increasing participation and development of local competitions suggest it is only a matter of time before the region sees one of its own in the famous Maroon jersey.
