Super seaside shopping sale Tough Maroons heading north

Billy Slater to showcase team before Origin 3

l FAR NORTH

| Nick Dalton

THE Maroons are heading to the Far North to meet fans before game three of the Origin series this year.

Coach Billy Slater – who hails from Innisfail – will bring the team to Barlow Park in Cairns on July 4th for the first time with the help of Cairns Regional Council and Queensland Rugby League.

l MACHANS BEACH

DOZENS of homes at Machans Beach are expected to open their doors for the annual 'super suburb sale’ on Sunday.

Garage sales, a trash and treasure sale, entertainment and breakfasts are all part of the festivities in the seaside suburb.

Dympna Leonard of the Machans Beach Community Association said the closeknit community was ready for the annual sale from 8am.

“In years past over 40 homes opened their doors at one time to join the town in the festival atmosphere the event always creates, and this year we may even surpass that number,” she said.

Ms Leonard said participants should meet at the Machans Beach School Multi-Purpose Hall where the P&C would be serving their famous brekkie burgers and coffee.

“You can pick up your map for a gold coin donation which will give you a clear idea of where all the garage sales are being held and purchase a ticket in the everpopular raffle,” she said.

“And as if the garage sales at the ‘super suburb sale’ weren’t enough, this year also sees the return of the trash and treasure sale in the Machans Beach Community Hall in Tucker St.

"The sale is always a huge hit attracting visitors from all over Cairns in search of a bargain and a fun day out.

“They simply turn up, grab a map, search out the many bargains to be had and have a fabulous day out.”

Supporters will be able to watch the Maroons train and meet their favourite Origin players, who will also spend time with community groups and junior participants involved in Far North Queensland Rugby League (FNQRL) competitions.

“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,” Mr 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.”

Cairns 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,” he 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.

“When it comes to sport, there wouldn’t be a team that Queens- landers love more than the Maroons, so I am sure there’ll be a huge turnout for the fan day.”

QRL North chairman Clinton Begg said fans in North Queensland “are very passionate about the Maroons, so this opportunity for Cairns to host the fan day is really exciting for the region”.

“The excitement that a five year-old gets from seeing the Maroons up close is something we should be embracing and cherishing,” he said.

Mr Begg said the Maroons’ visit to the region would provide another boost for the FNQRL.

“A lot of hard work has gone into the FNQRL over the last few years and I think this is a great reward for that as well,” Begg said.

“We’ve got a great team in QRL North who are very passionate about working with our clubs and volunteers to deliver rugby league in the area.

“Our participation numbers in FNQRL are really strong and that’s something that we’re very proud of and something that we’re going to continue to foster and grow.”

July 4 schedule at Barlow Park

• 8.30am: Player signing and meet and greet

• 10.30awm: Junior league clinic

• 11.30am: Maroons training session