The annual Matt Scott Cup primary school rugby league carnival in Ilfracombe will be one of the highlights of a four-day tour of Queensland’s Central West by the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys next week.
Leading the trip, which is supported by the Queensland Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing, will be Cowboys game development manager Ryan Mahoney, who will visit schools in Blackwater, Emerald and Springsure as well as junior and senior clubs in the district as the Cowboys continue their commitment to regional Queensland communities.
Ryan will be accompanied by NRL game development officers Rod Dahl and Sally Galloway and Cowboys game development offer Gavin Lloyd.
The school-based visits include engaging the students in rugby league skills training sessions, as well as talking about how to live a healthy lifestyle.
The Matt Scott Cup, named in honour of the North Queensland co-captain who grew up in Ilfracombe, just east of Longreach, is contested by primary schools in the Central West.
In its fifth year, the cup will feature 10 teams and will be held on the final day of the tour which starts with a coaches update in Blackwater on Monday night.
“We’re looking forward to a great few days in the Central West, ending off with the Matt Scott Cup which is always one of the highlights of our year,” Mahoney said.
“The kids in the region really love their rugby league, and there are plenty of Cowboys supporters there who we’re looking forward to catching up with.
“As well as talking about footy, we get to share some important messages, especially on the importance of exercise and healthy eating.
“They’re always enjoyable visits that the kids getting something out of and we also learn more about what is happening in their lives.”
Itinerary*
Monday 21 July
6pm: Blackwater JRL coaches update
Tuesday 22 July
9am-11am: Blackwater North State School
1pm-3pm: Emerald North State School
5pm-6pm: Springsure JRL coaching clinic
6pm-7pm: Springsure JRL coaches update
Wednesday 23 July
9am-12pm: School visits (TBC)
2pm: Development Cup Schoolboys final – St Patrick’s (Emerald) v Frenchville (Rockhampton)
5pm-6pm: Gemfields Giants coaches update, Sapphire
Thursday 24 July
8.30am-2.30pm: Matt Scott Cup, Ilfracombe
5pm: Longreach women’s league training session
*Please note session times are estimated times only and will depend on travel times between venues.
