Hope for outer island juniors

to be in play.

The competition will kick off with a new Queensland derby clash between Titans and Cowboys at Cbus Super Stadium, followed by premiers Newcastle taking on St George Illawarra at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Round One will also feature standalone matches at Sunshine Coast Stadium (Brisbane Broncos against Sydney Roosters in the first ever NRLW primetime fixture) and CommBank Stadium (Parramatta Eels against premiership debutantes Wests Tigers).

New teams Cronulla and Canberra will face off in the final clash of the first round, as part of a Sharks-club double header at PointsBet Stadium.

The new Premiership will feature nine standalone double headers in all club markets (Townsville, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney and Canberra), as well as 18 club double headers (NRLW matches before NRL fixtures).

STORY AND PICS BY ALF WILSON

Former Melbourne Storm player Sam Joe, who lives on Mabuiag Island, says he is confident the formation of an Outer Islands Junior Rugby League competition will ensure talented young boys and girls will have the pathway to top level football.

Sam, who played two NRL games for the Storm in 2008, coached the Strait Stars team who contested the recent Laurie Spina Shield carnival for under 11 players in Townsville.

That side included boys and girls from many remote islands who showed some wonderful talent.

“They got to play eight games at the carnival including one at the Cowboys Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Up here they only play a game from time to time,” he said.

Three Strait Stars players who shone were Panawiene Mooka (Dauan Island), Moses Dau (Boigu) and Daniel Kris (Mabuiag).

“Daniel is a cousin of Sebastian Kris who is going well with the Canberra Raiders in the NRL,” he said.

A QRL spokesperson said Sam was working hard to create more opportunities for junior players in the most remote parts of the state.

Contact us

TN0590 1wk: 20-07-23 AdsIn E Excel E Dummy E