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Yarrabah to host historic first Intrust Super Cup game by Gavin Broomhead
N
orthern Pride has made the historic announcement that Yarrabah will host its first ever Intrust Super Cup game. The Far North Queensland Indigenous community will be the location of Pride’s Intrust Super Cup Country Week clash against Souths Logan Magpies next Sunday (4 August). Pride Chief Executive Officer Brock Schaefer said the Jilara Oval game would not have been possible without the support of the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) and Cairns District Rugby League club Yarrabah Seahawks. “Thanks to the support of the QRL and its chairman Peter Betros, we’re thrilled to confirm that the game will take place in the rugby league-loving community of Yarrabah,” Mr Schaefer said. “It’s a huge exercise to take a state game to a regional area, and this event wouldn’t be taking place without the QRL’s backing and the support of the Yarrabah community. “We’ve shown over the years that the Pride is always keen to give back to the region that we represent, wherever we can. “So we’re thrilled to be able to offer the Yarrabah community a game of this magnitude, and I’m sure everyone will witness a firecracker of a game. “Yarrabah is a superb choice to host this match – the Yarrie people love their footy, and have put so much into the game in our region over the years. “They’ve also restored junior rugby league in the community after a period without it, and have provided some great players to the Pride in recent seasons. It’s
great to be able to recognise the community’s ongoing contribution to rugby league.” Yarrabah Seahawks coach Vincent Schreiber said it will be a proud moment for his club and the Yarrabah community to see local players such as Hezron Murgha (pictured) who has just signed with the North Queensland Cowboys, and Noel Underwood run out for the Pride on their home paddock. “This game is a huge boost to our community, and Hezzie and Noel are just two examples to our younger kids that if they have the talent, they can play at this level too,” Schreiber said. “Both those boys came through our ranks, and it shows that we’re definitely a stepping stone to the next level – I’m a very proud coach.” Yarrabah Seahawks will host Cairns District Rugby League leaders Kangaroos as a curtainraiser to the big game, which kicks off at 2pm next Sunday. “This will also help make it a huge day for the community and for our great game, and we’re
expecting a massive crowd at Jilara Oval,” said Schaefer. As part of Intrust Super Cup’s Country Week, Round 20 will be spread far and wide with other matches around Queensland scheduled for the Whitsundays, Woodford, Toowoomba, Roma and the Gold Coast. QRL chairman Peter Betros said the Country Week Round would provide an enormous boost for the code in regional areas. “We’re very proud to be able to take the Intrust Super Cup to Yarrabah, Woodford and the Whitsundays for the first time,” Betros said. “For the code to remain strong and vibrant at the highest level, we need healthy local competitions. “You only have to look at the backgrounds of a host of XXXX Queensland Maroons players to get a gauge on how important country rugby league is to our code.” Northern Pride has played one game previously in Yarrabah, their first ever trial match in February 2008 when they beat a Cairns Select Squad 50-22.
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