Pirates hit the road for biggest carnival in North Queensland
THE experience could almost be more important than the results when hundreds of Far North touch footy players travel to Townsville for the Junior State Cup North.
This tournament is the pinnacle for a number of young touch footy players, though it doubles as a selection opportunity for the National Youth Championships.
Cairns Touch’s Col Beckitt said the chance to make the NQ Cyclones side would spur the older players, but for the youngest participants, like eightyear-old Jimmy Anderson, it’s as much about the experience as it is playing – and winning – games.
“It’s the biggest tournament for the NQ region, and is a big steeping stone for kids who want to go on to bigger things,” Beckitt said.
Teams from Cairns, Gordonvale, Innisfail and Tully will compete at the carnival, which will be shown live on the Cairns Post website. All four teams will feature in the live stream.
Games on the main field will be part of the live stream, which will culminate with Monday’s finals.
Cairns will take seven teams, with the under-18 boys side, led by Beau Hodges, a championship dark horse.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they upset a lot of people and went on to
win,” Beckitt said. “Beau is a grassroots touch footy player, he’s a member of the Australian under-18s squad and has come through the age groups.
“The 16 boys are in for a good show, and our 10s and 12s are a mix of new and experienced players.”
Scan the code above to see the live stream schedule.