Maroons bound for Far North

The Maroons are coming to Cairns.

Queensland’s State of Origin side will spend a day in the Far North before Game III of the 2023 series, with the annual Maroons Fan Day to be held in the tropics on Tuesday, July 4.

And there could be a local touch in the team.

It will be a homecoming of sorts for Maroons coach Billy Slater, one of Innisfail’s finest exports, who is excited about the opportunity to bring the Maroons to Cairns for the first time.

“Being a local boy from Innisfail, I know how much rugby league means to the region, and I know how much this team means to the people up there,” Slater said.

“It’s a great opportunity to be able to take the state’s most inspirational team there, and I think Cairns and the surrounding areas will be buzzing.

“Our Maroons fan days have a huge impact. I felt it as a player myself when we went out to places like Longreach, Emerald and Bundaberg … towns like that, especially if they’ve faced with a little bit of adversity. To see the enjoyment on faces is really special.”

And there could be a larger, tropical touch in the side, with the likes of Jeremiah Nanai (Cowboys), Heilum Luki (Cowboys), Thomas Flegler (Broncos) and Hamiso TabuaiFidow (Dolphins) are pushing their cases for selection in the Origin squad.

Cairns Regional Council mayor Bob Manning said the event would inspire junior participants throughout the region.

“Cairns is regional rugby league heartland … always has been and always will be,” Manning said.

“It is so important that we bring the next set of youngsters up through the ranks and events like this, where the kids get to see their heroes and give them a high five are just so important.

“I remember being a young kid and watching my footballing heroes in Cairns, so I know the impact that an event like this can have on someone. THE SCHEDULE – Tuesday, July 4 at Barlow Park, Cairns: 8.30am: Player signing and meet and greet, 10.30am: Junior league clinic, 11.30am: Maroons training session