SCHOOL RUGBY LEAGUE STARS VIE FOR STATE HONOURS

More than 220 school footballers from across the state will head to Dalby this week for the Queensland School Sport 18 years-and-under Rugby League State Championships.

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.

“The championships will be played at the Dalby Rugby League Football Club from Thursday 17 May to Sunday 20 May,” Mr Welford said.

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

“Most of the NRL clubs will have recruitment officers and player managers at the championships so it’s a great chance for our young Queensland athletes to demonstrate their skills.”

Eleven sporting regions will have teams competing 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 three representatives from the North Western region and “shadow” players from other regions.

At the conclusion of the event, 20 players will be selected to represent Queensland at the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League National Championships, to be held in Townsville from Monday 9 July to Saturday 14 July.

"The national semi-final will be played at Dairy Farmers Stadium on the Friday night as the curtain raiser to the Cowboys v Broncos NRL match,” Mr Welford said.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 32371000