Race to get seat on final flights
Far North prepares for epic weekend of top live music and footy showdown
A WAVE of Far North rugby league fanatics is about to crash upon Sydney to cheer on three of the region’s finest rugby league talents on grand final night.
Even Kennedy MP Bob Katter, who usually prefers watching his footy alone, is planning the trip for Sunday’s face-off between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Melbourne Storm.
“The Cowboys had no chance of going the distance, but here they are. They are an inspiration,” Mr Katter said.
Innisfail boy Billy Slater will be sporting the Melbourne jersey when he faces off with a fellow hometown hero in Cowboys veteran Scott Bolton.
Bolton’s mum Veronica said she spent Saturday night “jumping around the lounge” while she watched the Cowboys’ historic victory over odds-on favourites the Sydney Roosters.
“He rang and asked me if I was still alive after the game,” she said.
“I told him I was buggered – I played the whole game with him.
“His try at the end was just the icing on the cake.”
Ms Bolton was up until 3am yesterday making sure she had her flights booked.
“I could have waited for the charter flights, I guess, but I just wanted to be safe. We paid extra, but oh well,” she said.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor John Kremastos said the NRL was all anybody was talking about in Innisfail yesterday.
“Having the two boys playing against each other speaks volumes for the sport’s strength up here,” he said.
Mareeba caravan park owners Murray and Megan Hampton will make the pilgrimage to cheer on their son, Cowboys playmaker Ben Hampton.
“We were there last year too, when Ben played the finals with Melbourne,” Mr Hampton said. “We’re both very proud.” Queensland State of Origin great Kerry Boustead was confident the Cowboys could upset the Storm.
“If anyone could beat them, it is going to be the Cows. They’re relentless,” he said.