Rugby's finest come together for rep clash with Italians
Eastern Yalanji Rugby
The finest Eastern Kuku Yalanji Rugby League players from across the Far North region, stretching to Wajul, will come together tomorrow as the first ever representative team to take on a touring Australian Italians team at Mossman Showgrounds.
In a showcase of local rugby, an action packed day starts at 3pm, with a Masters clash between Mossman Sharks and Mareeba getting the on field action happening from 5pm.
A Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony will pave the way for the big clash, Eastern Kuku Yalanji players decked out in new playing kits purchased especially for the event with a $10,000 commitment to the day coming from Douglas Shire Council.
Tmatch will be held in place of a NAIDOC rugby league carnival that was cancelled due to sorry business.
Eastern Yalanji coach Adam Fischer says the boys, led by captain Harry Cobb, are primed for the game and already looking ahead to options for more representative football for the dedicated playing group.
“We have no doubt the Italians will be tough,’’ Fischer said.
“They have been touring around Far North Queensland playing these types of games. To have an Indigenous representative team together to be able to take them on is a great thing… something we hope to do more of.”
Cobb had no doubt his side was in for a battle, but the players were keen for the challenge.
“We are all just pumped to be able to show what we have got,’’ he said.
The event starts at 3pm and closes at 11pm.
