Roma set to host elite level cup game

LEAGUE: More Western Clydesdales supporters are set to get a taste of Norths Devils – Hostplus Cup football.

Roma is set to host the Devils in July as part of a Queensland Rugby League and State Government venture to take elite rugby league to the rural communities.

QRL chief executive officer Rohan Sawyer said Activate Queensland! Country Week was always an annual highlight on the rugby league calendar.

“Regional Queensland is very much the heartland of rugby league,” Sawyer said.

“Events like this bring people together, and we’re grateful to the Queensland Government for its sponsorship and support of a program.

“Activate Queensland! Country Week is about much more than a game of football – there’s school visits, community fundraisers and opportunities for our coaches and referees to upskill through course updates in each area.”

The Roma showdown between Norths Devils and Burleigh Bears is sure to draw a massive crowd with league part of the region’s DNA.

The likes of Darren Lockyer and Willie Carne played junior football in Roma and the oval is named after league legend Arthur Beetson.

Former Queensland Maroons players Dane Carlaw, Ash Harrison, Brad Meyers, Carl Webb and Adam Mogg all played in the first game at Arthur Beetson Oval in 1999.

Round 16 of the Hostplus Cup will serve as Activate Queensland! Country Week.

Picture: Kevin Farmer WRAPPED UP: Norths Devils Jacob Gagan takes on the PNG Hunters’ line during the Hostplus Cup clash at Toowoomba’s Clive Berghofer Stadium. The Devils are set to play a game in Roma as part of the Activate Queensland! Country Week initiative.