Elite rugby league returns to the Fraser Coast
Fraser Coast rugby league fans will get a chance to watch elite players in action, and the region will receive a significant tourism boost when the Wynnum Manly Seagulls bring their Hostplus Cup clash with the Sunshine Coast Falcons to Maryborough on July 29.
Mayor George Seymour said it was the third time the Fraser Coast region had hosted a game of Queensland’s premier state-wide rugby league competition, further stamping its growing reputation as a major sports destination.
“This is the third year in a row the Seagulls have relocated a home game to the Fraser Coast, with this year’s game to be played at Eskdale Park in Maryborough at 2pm on Saturday, 29 July,” he said.
The match is an Indigenous recognition match, supported by Deadly Choices and Galangoor Duwalami Primary Healthcare, to promote healthy choices among Indigenous people within the Fraser Coast region and celebrate local Indigenous culture.
In the game last year, the Seagulls finished the game with a hard-fought 20-12 win over the Falcons.
“The Hostplus Cup is a pathway to the NRL for elite rugby league players in Queensland, and it will be fantastic for local fans and players to see such high-level games in their backyard,” Cr Seymour said.
“The games will benefit Fraser Coast tourism as the teams bring supporters and players to the region, while the Seagulls are also looking to incorporate training clinics and a fan day into their visit.”
Wynnum Manly Seagulls Chief Executive Officer Wayne Weekes said the Seagulls were looking forward to their Hostplus Cup clash with Sunshine Coast Falcons at Maryborough Saturday 29th July.
“Sport has such a positive role to play within our communities in the way of health, wellbeing, positive mindsets, and supporting local communities.,” he said.
“Not only is this match an opportunity to showcase the Hostplus Cup competition to the Fraser Coast region, but it is also a wonderful opportunity to connect with Galangoor Duwalami and the Fraser Coast Regional Council to support healthy and active lifestyles and stimulate local economic growth.
“The Wynnum Manly Seagulls would like to thank Deadly Choices, Galangoor Duwalami, Fraser Coast Regional Council, and the local Maryborough community for their hospitality and the opportunity to be part of this great event. See you all at the footy!”
The Galangoor Duwalami Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Service Chairperson, Graham Douglas, said the game was an excellent opportunity to promote healthy lifestyles.
“The Wynnum Seagulls game at Maryborough provides a great platform from which the Galangoor Duwalami Primary Healthcare Service can engage with our local communities and encourage people to book in for a health check and receive their Seagulls Deadly Choices shirt, to support the team on game day,” he said.
“We’re proud to have a small and dedicated Deadly Choices team that operates across Fraser Coast communities to provide education and encouragement around the benefits of leading a healthy life.
“Our teams encourage local Mob to exercise regularly, eat healthy food and avoid sugar, tobacco and alcohol to assist us in closing the health and life expectancy gap among our people.”
Cr Seymour said the Hostplus Super Cup game built on the steady stream of recent major sporting events on the Fraser Coast, including regular visits from the Brisbane Roar Football Club, state school Rugby Union competitions, sailing championships and state triathlon championships.
“Sporting events on the Fraser Coast bring in thousands of visitors who inject millions of dollars into our economy when they spend money with local businesses, such as accommodation providers and restaurants and cafes,” he said.
“Council is determined to build a strong and resilient local economy alongside a healthy and active community. Supporting sporting events like this game and visit by the Wynnum Manly Seagulls help us achieve those goals.”
Tickets can be purchased at the gate on Saturday 29 July and will be $10 for adults with children 15 years and under free.