With VICTORIA NUGENT

PLAYERS from the New Zealand Warriors lapped up the sunshine around Townsville in the lead- up to their game against the Cowboys last night. James Gavet posted a pic with Castle Hill in the background on social media, captioning it: “It’s been a while Mr Sun”. In their down time it seems the boys enjoyed chilling by the hotel pool and games of ping pong. Hopefully they’ve also managed to fit in a bit of Townsville sightseeing. DINERS at the Watermark may have been a little surprised to spot beleaguered businessman Clive Palmer in their midst on Wednesday. Mr Palmer dined with a group of eight at the popular North Ward restaurant while on a flying trip to town. He sipped on a glass of Coke, unconcerned by being photographed. Then it was back to the airport for him to jet back out again. PAPUA New Guinean delegates who flew in to attend Youth With A Mission’s annual fundraiser breakfast yesterday had an extra reason to make the trip, all to do with the love of rugby league. Five PNG dignitaries were among those in the crowd for last night’s North Queensland Cowboys’ game, including PNG deputy prime minister Charles Abel. Mr Abel mentioned at the breakfast that he was looking forward to “watching the mighty Cowboys play”. Just goes to show how well loved the Cowboys are in PNG! SEEMS the eldest daughter of Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston is already following in his charitable footsteps. Frankie Thurston has celebrated her fifth birthday but instead of gifts, she asked for people to bring along a small donation to go towards an orphaned elephant she has fostered through the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Mum Samantha went online to give a “massive thank you to everyone who made her elephant adoption dreams come true”.