Laurie Spina Shield shaping future footballers and saving lives

When it comes to Junior Rugby League (JRL) carnivals, the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys’ Laurie Spina Shield, presented by Localsearch, just keeps raising the bar.

From today, 78 under-11 teams from across the state will compete for the sought-after shield at Queens Park in Townsville which celebrates sportsmanship over scoring tries.

The event has served as a steppingstone for future NRL players with 9 current Cowboys, including captains Tom Dearden and Reuben Cotter, and two NRLW Cowboys, Lillian Yarrow and Lily Peacock, having played in the carnival as juniors.

Cowboys NRL and NRLW players provided some extra excitement for competitors at a signing session today.

“It’s definitely a unique carnival and something we as a club are really proud of,” said Cowboys Programs Manager Ray Thompson.

“I remember playing the Laurie Spina Shield as a young fella and it’s all about participation, fair play and just enjoying the great game of rugby league,” he said.

“The teams will be divided into eight pools and one team from each pool will be selected to play in exhibition matches at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday afternoon prior to the NRLW season-opener.

“Selection of these teams is based on multiple criteria including on-field team performance, attitude and behaviour towards officials and opponents, as well as the conduct of coaching staff, parents and supporters.”

“The teams then all take part in the traditional “Fastest Feet” relay across Queensland Country Bank Stadium, creating life-long memories for the young players.”

Last year, the carnival also helped to potentially save the life of the Cowboys legend it’s named after, when Laurie Spina dropped in to the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation Skin Check Truck on the last day of the carnival.

“I’m very proud to be associated with this event, it’s always wonderful to see so many enthusiastic, skilled and smiling young players enjoying the greatest game of all,” Laurie said.

“It’s also my annual reminder to get my skin checked, because if the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation hadn’t brought their Skin Check Truck here last year, who knows if I’d be here to tell the story,” he said.

“I wasn’t going to get a check-up, but my wife Anne gave me the nudge and thank goodness she did because it turns out I had a Melanoma which needed immediate treatment.”

The Australian Skin Cancer Foundation Skin Check Truck will be providing free skin checks at the 2-day carnival again this year and will be outside Gate A at Queensland Country Bank Stadium for the Cowboys v Storm game.

“The goal is to have our mobile Skin Check Trucks available for all communities across Australia is going well since launching in June 2023,” said CEO Australian Skin Cancer Foundation Jay Allen OAM.

“By having our first self-funded truck at the Laurie Spina Carnival in 2024 and possibly saving the life of Laurie Spina by detecting a melanoma on his stomach, is our why. It's why we do, what we do,” he said.

“We are just glad Laurie came by the truck, got checked and now everything is ok and we look forward to being part of the carnival and NRL Cowboys home game again this year and hopefully more lives can be saved, through the early detection of skin cancer.”

Jay said without the support of partners Ricky Richards, Toyota and the Cowboys it wouldn’t be possible to bring the Skin Check Truck to events like these.

“'We are proud to support Jay and the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation in their efforts to promote sun safety and glad our partnership with the Cowboys can help amplify their messaging in the Skin Cancer Capital of the World,” said Ricky Richards Marketing and Brand Manager Tom Arciuli.

“Being outside enjoying the water, sunshine and playing sport is a huge part of the NQ lifestyle but that also means the community is at a greater risk of sun damage.”

Together with Cowboys’ Principal Partner Toyota, Ricky Richards again committed to bringing the Skin Check Truck back to Townsville to provide free, potentially life-saving check-ups.

“As a long-term partner of the Cowboys for almost 25 years, at Toyota we understand the unique dangers North Queenslanders face due to sun damage,” Vice President of Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley said.

“By working together to provide the rugby league and Cowboys community with free skin checks, we can help promote positive skin health habits and make a huge difference to people’s lives, just like Laurie.”

Download event handbook: HERE