The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have reaffirmed their strong links to the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area (NPA), recently completing a three-day community engagement and game participation tour at Thursday Island and Bamaga, thanks to Presenting Partner Suncorp
The trip was part of the Cowboys’ ongoing commitment to their boots-on-the-ground community engagement approach, delivering football, education and training programs across the largest geographic footprint in the NRL.
The club’s year-round player and ambassador activation and engagement delivery for 2025 impressively amounts to over 1700 hours, reinforcing a powerful message of connection, respect and opportunity through rugby league.
The northern tour began at Tagai College’s Junior Campus, where Years 4, 5, and 6 students participated in skill-building sessions and games led by the Cowboys Community team, including Game Participation Coach Joe Cockshott and Community Engagement Officer Krystal Blackwell.
Lunchtime touch football brought plenty of energy and laughter, followed by afternoon drills that kept spirits high until the final bell.
Day 1 concluded with a vibrant community event at Ken Brown Oval, supported by the Torres Strait Island Regional Council. Students from Horn Island State School joined in, creating a joyful atmosphere of play and connection.
On day 2, the team visited Tagai College’s Secondary Campus, delivering a mix of fun activities alongside the Try Time! Road to Success module, which included important lessons on the safe use of personal mobility devices (PMDs), thanks to StreetSmarts and Toyota.
That afternoon was spent at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, rotating through classrooms, before wrapping up with a lively session at Kaziwa Meta boarding facility.
Day 3 saw the Cowboys team warmly welcomed in Bamaga, visiting Bamaga State School, Ama Mary Eseli Injinoo Junior Campus, and Bamaga Secondary School, sharing the excitement of rugby league in one of Australia’s northernmost regions.
Cowboys Programs Manager Ray Thompson said the tour underscored the club’s unwavering commitment to connecting with communities across all of North Queensland.
“Everywhere the team visited, the reception was outstanding. From school sessions to community events, the enthusiasm and energy from students, staff, and locals was truly inspiring,” he said.
“These communities are deeply passionate about rugby league and are part of the Cowboys extended family. Given their remote location, they can sometimes feel disconnected which is why these visits are so important.
“Trip like this one strengthen relationships and deliver positive messages of respect, gratitude, and participation, inspiring the next generation through rugby league.
The Cowboys acknowledged the Torres Strait Island Regional Council, local schools, and community members for their warm hospitality and support in making the visit a success.
