Supporting the next generation of rugby: Laurie Spina takes to the field once again

WARRIOR, Stella Snr

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STELLA UROPI WARRIOR

Ngoelmun Kaz, Tukuyap, Babath, Ama, Koey – Ama, Kayadh.

Late of Jensen Street, Cairns. Passed away peacefully on the 30th May 2023. Warrior (Warria) and extended families respectfully invite all family and friends to attend Stella’s Funeral Service on Tuesday 4th July 2023 at 10.00am at Cairns Funeral Directors Chapel, 26 Pease Street, Manoora.

For further information contact Kuiku Marigeth: Ms Alieda Mast on Ph 0497 711 598

Queensland’s largest junior rugby carnival, the Localsearch

Laurie Spina Shield, is returning for its 26th year tomorrow and Saturday at the QCB Stadium in Townsville.

The competition was established in 1997 and was named after the North Queensland Cowboys’ inaugural captain, Laurie Spina.

The two-day rugby league carnival was open to players under 11. More than 70 teams were expected to play including two local junior teams – Zenadth Kes and the Strait Stars.

Zenadth Kes was recently awarded the title of Junior Club of the Year by the QRL and were excited to travel to Townsville to prove they deserve the title, Club President Anthony Moynihan said.

“So many people have worked tirelessly to not only get this award, but to create the club that holds these values,” he said.

“We’re excited that it’s given us opportunities like these carnivals so the kids can show the whole junior league how talented they are.

“The most important part of our journey is the experiences the kids get.

“They’re used to a small rugby league here on the islands and often play themselves, so to get the exposure of travelling to new towns, staying overnight with their mates, and making lifelong friendships in the name of the game is everything to them.”

Strait Stars Team

Manager Ella Kris said their kids “live and breathe” football.

“The kids live and breathe rugby, and an opportunity like this, to travel [to the] mainland and compete in a competition of this size is so important to them,” she said.

“Three of the kids are so dedicated that they will be travelling by dinghy to get to the airport because we can’t afford to charter a boat for them.

“Most of these kids have spent their whole lives in the Torres Strait, and because they live so remote they will need to travel to mainland Queensland to attend high school.

“So this will be their first opportunity to build connections and familiarise themselves.

“I hope it’s the stepping stone to their future that hopefully encourages them to return home one day and help the next generation have the same experiences.”

Laurie Spina played 169 NRL games and has been a tireless contributor to the development of junior rugby league in North Queensland.

“I’ve had a long and rewarding career in rugby, and it couldn’t have been done without the passion that was sparked in my junior years,” he said.

“Learning the value of good sportsmanship and respect for all that love the game was essential to becoming the player I was.”