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Interstate winners presented with NACCHO Deadly Choices trophy
Arthur Beetson Foundation representatives present the Argun Warriors with the NACCHO Deadly Choices Interstate Murri v Koori Interstate Champions trophy. Image supplied
By Mark Bousen rganisers are hopeful a Torres Strait Under 15 side will compete at the Murri Carnival in Ipswich in September. Plans for the team were discussed during a visit to the Torres Strait to present the NACCHO Deadly Choices Inter-State Murri v Koori Inter-State Champions Trophy, won by Argun Warriors earlier this year. The Warriors were the first Queensland team to take out the trophy, defeating the NSW Knockout carnival winners Newcastle Yowies 28-24 in extra time during February. It was presented to the Argun Warriors and the people of Badu on Badu on Friday, May 17. Among the party were immortal Arthur Beetson’s sons Brad and Christian. Troy Byers, from the Arthur Beetson Foundation, said the trophy was a symbol for the young players.
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“We’re really confident we can get a Torres Strait Under side to the carnival. There is community support for the idea from our discussions while we are here,” he said. The Murri Carnival is to be held in Ipswich from September 26-29 to decide the Queensland winners to play the Koori (NSW) champions. An Under 15 carnival is held in conjunction with it. However, anyone available for the Under 15 side must have a 90 per cent school attendance record and undergo a compulsory health test. Each player must take the health test. Testing of about 3200 players and family members revealed about 600 with the first stages of diabetes, while a 15-year-old had the pressure of a 70-year-old. The presentation of the Champions Trophy was held in
conjunction messages about healthy living. Ian Lacey, Manager Preventative Health Team with IUIH (Institute for Urban Indigenous Health), said message was about making healthy choices. Lacey, a former prominent rugby league player, said: “It’s about healthy living, and empowering our communities from the ground up. “And to make the right choices. “Education and leadership are the cornerstones of the project.” Byers said there already been considerable interest in this year’s Murri Carnival from Torres Strait. “Kulpiyam from Badu are very keen, while Argun Warriors certainly will defend their crown. There could be as many as four Torres Strait teams in the carnival,” he said. 2012 Cairns All Blacks winner Curacoa Crusaders, who include many players of Torres Strait descent, also are likely to nominate.
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