A GROUP of 11 and 12-year-old Capalaba Warriors players donned the blue and white of Charleville junior rugby league club earlier this month at one of Queensland's longest running football carnivals.
A lack of players had threatened to put the Charleville side out of the Zone 4 under 12 carnival until 10 Warriors players stepped in to get the team on the park.
Priscilla Columbus, whose son Mitchell received an invitation to fill in for Charleville, said a dwindling number of bush footballers and injuries had seen the club scramble to fill a team.
"Through their determination to avoid becoming the first team to not participate since 1963, they invited a group of boys from the Redlands to join their team," she said.
"Coaches, managers, parents, family and friends from both clubs fund raised for all the boys to participate in the carnival and to receive their clothing and equipment kits.
"The boys were honoured and proud to be invited and grabbed the opportunity with much pride and happiness."
The makeshift team exceeded all expectations, winning three out of five games to finish runners-up and receiving a trophy for most points scored.
Four team members also took home awards for best back, forward and sportsmanship.
"One of the Charleville locals said last year the side went through the whole carnival without scoring a point," Ms Columbus said.
"This year you give a handful of country kids the chance to mix it with some of the best kids in southern Queensland.
"It was a show of real sportsmanship and an overall amazing experience that will never be forgotten."
