Game on for Queensland Murri Carnival

The Murri Carnival is back on for 2021 and after last year's hiatus, mob from around the state could not be happier.

Queensland Murri Carnival

Queensland Murri Carnival is back for 2021. Source: Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council

The Queensland Murri Carnival is a highlight each year, and mob usually flock from far and wide to attend, connect with friends, and hopefully see a victory. 

But this year the excitement has been brought up a notch, following the community event's cancellation last year due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Gulf Warriors players Boshay Satrick, Mark Rosendale, Bernard Lewis and Kieshon Hunter-Flanders.
Gulf Warriors players Boshay Satrick, Mark Rosendale, Bernard Lewis and Keishon Hunter-Flanders. Source: NITV News
Players like Zane Hendriks, from North Stradbroke Island, are grateful to be able to get on the footy field.

"Playing with the mob, playing with the brothers, seeing the other boys, and the ladies playing and having a rip, it's just a good day," he said.

"It's a good atmosphere and we're playing the sport we love."
Bo De La Cruz, the first Indigenous woman to represent Australia at senior level of touch rugby, said it's been great to see people getting a chance to catch up with their mob after having to stay apart for so long.

"It's so good to have that community feel back," said the two-time World Champion.

"Everyone loves community rugby league, especially our mob, it's something we can all gather for, like our modern day corroboree to all get together.

"To have the Murri Carnival back on the calendar, seeing all the mob come down from as far as the Torres Strait, Doomadgee and Normanton, all the mob from the Gulf, it's been really good.

"You can see that everyone is enjoying catching up with all their mob from around Queensland."
Clayton and Meileen Saltner.
Meileen and Clayton have come from Cherbourg to watch their son play A-grade for the first time at the Murri Carnival. Source: NITV News
Clayton and Meileen Saltner came from Cherbourg to see their son 18-year-old son play for the first time in the A-grade at the Carnival. 

"He made me very proud, and his mother (too)," Clayton said.

"He played real good."

They're not the only proud parents waiting on the sidelines; the grounds are filled with families from all over the state.
(Front)Rochelle Davidson and Jordon Alberts, (back) Antwone and Paddy Alberts.
(Front)Rochelle Davidson and Jordon Alberts, (back) Antwone and Paddy Alberts enjoying the footy. Source: NITV News
Fisher family Murri Carnival
The Fisher family enjoying a day out for the whole mob. Source: NITV News
Elders like Turrbal woman Aunty Vicki Dale are having just as much fun as the young mob.

"It's great to have fun with the other Elders," she said.

"It's been great to see everyone having fun, and the football has been great too."

Of course, there's also some former and current NRL stars dotted amongst the crowd.

Former Queensland prop Petero Civoniceva said he loves to see the up and coming talent getting in and having a go.

"To see our kids out there playing in great spirit, enjoying themselves, having fun, that's what it's all about," he said.

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Published 24 September 2021 2:20pm
Updated 24 September 2021 2:29pm
By Keira Jenkins
Source: NITV News


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