SCHOOL RUGBY LEAGUE STARS VIE FOR STATE HONOURS

More than 220 school footballers from across the state will converge on the Gold Coast for the Queensland School Sport 15 years-and-under Rugby League State Championships next week (10-13 May).

Education and Training Minister, Rod Welford, said the rising rugby league stars were selected from thousands of hopefuls to represent their school sport region at state level.

"I congratulate each of the players on their selection and wish them every success on the field during the four-day event," Mr Welford said.

"It's a wonderful opportunity for these young athletes to compete at a high level while meeting and sharing experiences with their peers from across the state.”

The championships will be played at Pizzey Park in Miami.

Eleven of the 12 Queensland sporting regions are being represented at the championships including Metropolitan West, Metropolitan North, Metropolitan East, South West, Wide Bay, Capricornia, Darling Downs, Northern, Peninsula, South Coast and Sunshine Coast.

There will also be a special “President’s XIII” team made up of six representatives from the North Western region and “shadow” players from other regions.

“There will be six games played on the first day, and the top eight teams from round one will battle it out for state honours over the final three days,” Mr Welford said.

“Those teams with the lowest points from round one will also play on, in the Consolation Cup.”

At the conclusion of the event, 40 players will be selected to represent Queensland at the Australian Secondary Schools’ Rugby League National Championships in Adelaide in June.

“This is the first time Queensland has been invited to enter more than one team into the national competition,” Mr Welford said.

“There will be 20 players on each of the teams – Queensland and the Queensland Whites.”

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 32371000