School rugby league stars compete for national honours

Schoolboy rugby league stars from across Australia will compete in the 2008 Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League 15 Years National Championships in Brisbane next week (beginning 29 June).

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the Wynnum Manly Leagues Club would host the competition from Sunday 29 June to Friday 4 July.

“I’d like to congratulate all athletes who have risen to the top of their game and I wish them every success at the national championships,” Mr Welford said.

“The competitors have been selected for their hard work, dedication, talent and skill – all worth celebrating in 2008, the Year of Physical Activity.

“This event is a great opportunity for these young players to compete at a high level while meeting and sharing experiences with their peers from across Australia.

“I have no doubt some of these students will follow in the footsteps of former competitors who have gone on to successful careers in the sport at national or international level.”

Mr Welford thanked the dedicated teachers and school staff who had worked hard to make the championships a success.

“Without countless hours of hard work and dedication by teachers, parents, umpires, volunteers and others events like these wouldn’t be possible,” he said.

Students from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory are competing in the championships.

Ten teams in total will compete in two pools, with New South Wales represented by three teams (Combined High Schools, Combined Independent Colleges and Combined Catholic Colleges) and Queensland Secondary Schools by two teams (Queensland Maroon and Queensland White).

At the completion of the Championships two Australian Merit teams will be selected, one from each playing pool.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000