Spreading message of Masters in north
AUSSIE RULES AFL Townsville president Maurie Soars has travelled north to spread the gospel of Masters footy.
Soars is also the country director of AFL Masters Queensland and is in town this week to drum up interest in the Far North ahead of the 2019 National AFL Masters Carnival, which will be held in Townsville from September 29 to October 5.
It’s expected more than 2500 people will travel to Townsville for the tournament from throughout Australia.
Townsville last hosted the competition in 2012 and Soars, who played for the old Cairns City Cobras in his younger years, is keen for a big Far North representation at the carnival.
The Cairns Stingers, the Far North’s AFL Masters club, already have a strong player base and they are looking for more, with Soars running a training session on Wednesday night at Holloways Beach.
“They are a great bunch of guys here in Cairns and we would like to see as many as possible attending the 2019 National Carnival in Townsville,” Soars said.
“This will be the first time the carnival has been held in North Queensland in seven years and we hope to give everyone a chance to play at the top level as close to home as possible. We want to see a big representation from Cairns, Mt Isa, Charters Towers and the rest, so we can have a big home ground advantage.
“We want to get more people involved.”
Masters footy is open to those aged from 35 up to well above 70, while women’s games will also be included at this year’s carnival. Games will be played in Townsville and on Magnetic Island. FORMER Brisbane Broncos captain, Queensland and Australian legend Corey Parker has been added to the guest list for the club’s visit to Cairns next week. The Broncos on the Road event will be held at Brothers Cairns on Friday, August 9, with Tevita Pangai Jr and Jack Bird on hand to share stories about their careers and life off the field. Tickets are $120. Find the event on Facebook, or visit the Brothers Cairns website for more information.
Basketball state titles
THE Sunshine State’s best teenage basketball players will hit the court today for the first day of the Queensland School Sport 13-15 years Basketball Championships. Peninsula last won the female 15 and under title in 2009, while the boys last triumphed in 2001. The competition will be held at Cairns Basketball Complex from today until Sunday. There will be no club games this week as a result.