Popularity of sport in league of its own

THE future of junior rugby league in North Queensland is bright if the success of the third-annual Dean Schifilliti Shield for Under 8s is anything to go by.

The Ingham competition was held for the first time in 2018, with Schifilliti’s son Ben, an AFL fan, playing his first game of rugby league.

The retired NRL veteran with almost 200 caps said his son was no longer playing AFL having seen the light.

“He’s playing league at school, he plays a bit of everything, but loves his rugby league now, he’s a mad Cowboys supporter and like all kids, it’s pretty hard not to be a rugby league supporter in North Queensland,” he said.

Schifilliti said son Ben was an example of how the Ingham tournament was helping spread the rugby league gospel.

“To not only grow the game, but to grow enjoyment,” he said.

Herbert River Junior Rugby League U8 Nathan Clark against Townsville Brothers. Pictures: Cameron Bates

Will Carlson of the Proserpine Whitsunday Junior Rugby League Club.

Lakyn Trundle of Cairns Brothers Junior Rugby League Club.

Xander Kelly of Cairns Brothers Junior Rugby League Club.

Herbert River Junior Rugby League U8 Korbin Ellis.

Herbert River Crushers versus Townsville Brothers.

Centrals ASA of Townsville versus the Tigerhawks.

Braxx Boyce of Townsville Brothers White.

Dean Schifilliti speaks after a game.