More than 350 Clontarf Academy members from across Queensland travelled to Brisbane in Term 3 for the annual Queensland Cup Rugby League Carnival, combined with activities designed to expose the boys to new experiences in the state’s capital.
Two representatives from each academy visited Queensland Parliament House for a special event hosted by Trevor Watts MP and Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki MP. The boys were welcomed on the Speaker’s Green, heard from both parliamentarians, toured Parliament House and met other members including Minister for First Nations Fiona Simpson MP. The visit also served as an early introduction to the Queensland Cup, offering insight into leadership and state-level decision making.
Meanwhile, the remaining academy members toured Queensland University of Technology, exploring facilities including the Esports space, participating in fitness testing, and learning about study pathways and future career opportunities.
The following day, 23 academy teams competed in the Queensland Cup. Palm Beach Currumbin claimed the Cup Final over Kirwan, while Goondiwindi won the Shield Final. For the first time, a representative fixture featured North Queensland against South Queensland, providing a high-standard showcase for some of the state’s most talented academy footballers.
Reflecting on the experience, Woree Academy member Julian Addo said, “It makes me feel included, makes me feel more confident,” while his Clontarf mentors highlighted his exceptional values and strong sense of mateship.
Clontarf partners attended to support the day, ensuring the carnival ran smoothly and demonstrating the strong relationships Clontarf maintains across Queensland.
Now a key fixture on the Queensland calendar, the Queensland Cup provides boys with more than football, combining sport, education, culture and leadership opportunities in one major event.
The Foundation would like to extend its sincere thanks to Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki MP and Trevor Watts MP for their warm welcome at Parliament House and their ongoing support of Clontarf. We are also grateful to our many partners who made the Queensland Cup possible, ensuring that academy members not only competed on the field but also gained valuable educational, cultural and leadership experiences during their time in Brisbane.
