TOP flight rugby league is headed to North Stradbroke Island again when Intrust Super Cup teams Wynnum Manly and the Tweed Heads Seagulls clash at Dunwich.
The Queensland Cup will showcase some of the state’s best rugby league talent on Sunday, March 19, in what some consider the second best rugby league competition in the world.
It is the third time Wynnum Manly has played at Ron Stark Oval, overlooking Moreton Bay.
The Intrust competition boasts current NRL players and emerging talent.
The day will include appearances from former test players Steve Renouf and Jarahl Yow Yeh.
Wynnum Manly chief executive Hanan Laban said it was a fantastic opportunity for the club to engage with the Redlands community.
“It’s also a chance to promote some very positive messages, including Indigenous recognition, Redland City tourism and rugby league participation,’’ he said.
Wynnum Manly Seagulls operations and events manager Joh Wood said the Deadly Choices health program and NRL had teamed up with both Intrust sides to put on community events on the Saturday.
“NRL Development will be hosting a free clinic from 11am to 2pm which will include coaching from both ISC sides as well as former Australian, Queensland and Broncos player and Deadly Choices ambassador Jarahl Yow Yeh,’’ he said.
Mr Wood said the Straddie Sharks and Indigenous community groups Yulu-Burri-Ba dancers and Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation had been instrumental in bringing the event to the island.
Mayor Karen Williams said the match would continue Redland’s reputation as an events’ hotspot and build economic and community ties.
“It is fantastic to see an event that promotes positive messages about reconciliation and healthy lifestyles held in what can only be described as one of the most beautiful locations in Queensland, North Stradbroke Island,’’ she said.
“You only have to look at the faces of local kids at these football games to know how much these events mean to them and council is proud to support the match and the broader messages it represents.”
Stradbroke Ferries will have discounted fares on Saturday, March 18 and Sunday. Tickets can be pre-booked tickets by calling either the Wynnum club or Stradbroke Ferries.
Events will be at Ron Stark Oval, Dunwich, and will include an Under 12 curtain raiser between the Dunwich Darkies and Tweed All Blacks in recognition of Lionel Morgan. He was the first Indigenous Australian to be selected to play in a recognised rugby league test and played for the Tweed and Wynnum.
The main game starts at 12.40pm and Wynnum players will wear Indigenous jerseys designed especially for this game.
