The Queensland Rugby League and Queensland government are teaming up to bring a rugby league extravaganza to regional and rural communities, with five towns preparing to host an Intrust Super Cup fixture for the first time.
As part of the highly-anticipated 'Activate! Queensland' Country Week, all seven round 14 matches from Queensland's premier men's competition will head to the regions across the weekend of July 17-18.
Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe announced the match-day locations during the QRL's broadcast of the Wynnum Manly Seagulls v Redcliffe Dolphins clash.
The towns, which include Richmond, Dysart, Murgon, Chinchilla and Quilpie will get their first taste of the Intrust Super Cup, while Atherton will host its fifth Cup game and Gladstone its 23rd.
Minister Hinchliffe said the Intrust Super Cup will be a fantastic footy experience for regional and outback communities.
"I know how much rugby league means to these areas, and the local hospitality will be sensational," Mr Hinchliffe said.
The weekend will carry extra significance for the many current Intrust Super Cup players and coaches whose rugby league journeys commenced in regional and outback Queensland.
Ipswich Jets coach and 2015 premiership-winning captain Keiron Lander is one proud participant with a strong connection to bush footy, having started out with the Quilpie Magpies.
Mr Lander has the privilege of taking the Jets squad to his home town of Quilpie for their match against the Redcliffe Dolphins.
With a population of approximately 600, the tiny town in south western Queensland will provide a stunning backdrop.
It will be a similar story across the other Country Week locations, which will see:
- Burleigh Bears taking on the Wynnum Manly Seagulls in Chinchilla (home of the Chinchilla Bulldogs)
- Sunshine Coast Falcons meeting the Tweed Seagulls in Murgon (home of the Murgon Mustangs). Broadcast: (exclusive on Kayo Freebies)
- Northern Pride up against the PNG Hunters in Atherton (home of the Atherton Roosters)
- Souths Logan Magpies clashing with the Townsville Districts Blackhawks in Richmond (home of the Richmond Tigers)
- Mackay Cutters mixing it with the Norths Devils in Dysart (home of the Dysart Bulls); and
- Brisbane Tigers going head to head with the CQ Capras in Gladstone (home of Rugby League Gladstone, playing out of Marley Brown Oval). Broadcast: (Kayo Freebies, 9Now, QRL.com.au, Intrust Super Cup app, Intrust Super Cup Facebook)
QRL managing director Robert Moore said the round was shaping up to be one of the highlights of the season.
"We're grateful to the Queensland government for its sponsorship and support of this initiative, as they share our passion for the game in rural and regional Queensland," Mr Moore said.
"I've witnessed the excitement this event brings to regional communities, and for our players and coaches who showcase their skills and engage with local fans."
