Townsville’s junior girls’ rugby scene will receive a massive boost when the Queensland Reds take on Fijiana Drua in Saturday’s Super W Grand Final at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
The premiership decider will take place before the men’s Reds take on fierce rivals the NSW Waratahs, with Council delighted to be supporting this historic double header in Townsville.
The Reds women’s team are playing in Townsville for the first time and Mayor Jenny Hill said it was great for local girls and boys to be able to see role models right here in their hometown.
“Council is delighted to be supporting the Super W grand final and the Reds Super Rugby Pacific clash with the Waratahs on Saturday night,” she said.
“We have thriving junior rugby competitions for girls and boys in Townsville and it’s a great chance for these youngsters to see their heroes in action and get up close and personal with them.
“The Reds have done a great job in both their visits this year engaging with local schools and Townsville and District Rugby Union (TDRU) teams, really proving they are a team for all of Queensland.
“This massive rugby double header also helps cement Townsville as the events capital of the North and a sustainable destination that embraces and participates in the arts, sports and recreational activities.”
TDRU director of Rugby Dan Withers said bringing the Super W grand final to Townsville would provide a huge boost for young girls in the region.
“Having the Super W grand final being played here in Townsville really is massively important for our local girls in junior rugby,” Withers said.
“Ten years ago we re-started our women’s competition and we’ve gone from three teams playing 10 a side to a six team women’s competition with about 140 players which is awesome to see.
“Then about five years ago we restarted our junior girl’s comp to make our female pathway sustainable and now we have about 350 women and girls playing across all age divisions.”
Having the Queensland Reds win through to play the grand final on home soil makes the occasion even more special, with one of Townsville’s representative team set to meet the players during a special training session on Friday.
“In particular for the girls in our under-13 comp, which is brand new this year, and our girls who have been to play for Townsville against Cairns this weekend, to see a Super W final played in their hometown is amazing,” Withers said.
“The fact that it is their own Queensland Reds playing in the final makes it even more special and it’s an opportunity they’ve never had before.
“The buzz among our Townsville team for getting to see the Reds and Fijiana and to be able to rub shoulders with them later in the week will be really special and you can already feel that excitement.”
Over the past 12 months Council has delivered over 60 inclusive events for community, including events like the seniors’ lunches, Anzac Day, NAFA, Carols by Candlelight and Townsville Eats, while working to attract a range of additional events for Townsville residents.
