Mackay takes glory at championships
MACKAY’S strong junior rugby league nursery was on full display after the district dominated the Northern Division Junior Rugby League Championships at Townsville’s Neil Stewart Park on the weekend.
More than 700 players competed, with Mackay winning all bar one of the divisions from under 13 to under 16 boys, as well as under 14 and under 16 competitions.
Townsville, featuring Cowboys star Coen Hess’ younger brother Eden, sealed the under- 14 boys title with a 12- 0 win over Mackay in the final match on Sunday.
Northern Marlins teams in under- 14 and under- 16 boys and girls will compete in the State Junior Championships at Mackay from July 5- 8. The under- 13 team selected will take part in a development camp in Townsville from July 1- 3.
QRL Northern Division regional manager Scott Nosworthy said Mackay’s results demonstrated the area’s abil- ity to band together. “They all work under the one body, they’re all called the Mackay Cutters and it’s really working for them,” Nosworthy said.
“All the entities are working together for a common goal.
“There’s a real good cross section in the under- 14 ( boys) team. There’s a Bowen boy and a Charters Towers boy, a Burdekin boy, kids from all different places.”
Charters Towers product Isaiah Vailalo made the under- 16 Marlins team after representing the Outback side, despite initially missing out on selection in the Townsville squad.
“It shows there’s still an opportunity for kids if you don’t make a team and you’re willing to have a go,” Nosworthy said.