Seven aspiring Rugby League stars have returned to the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) with their heads held high, after competing against some of the best Under 16s players Queensland has to offer

With a sporting sponsorship of $3,500 from Bamaga Enterprises Ltd (BEL), Jyren Whap, Marco Williams, Asuelu Aniba, Owen Babia, Oki Namai, Solomon Woosup and Frank Ropeyarn played off in the Under 16 Arthur Beets

on Foundation (ABF) Murri Carnival in Brisbane.

“The team played every game in good spirits, putting in 100% effort, regardless of winning or losing,” Kelly Jackson, Team Manager, said.

“This was evident throughout the carnival and many different people asked where we were from; our team’s bond, cheerful nature, and overall attitude were infectious and on show for all to witness.”

The ABF was founded by the Beetson family, which aims to continue their father’s sporting legacy and passion for his people. The ABF is dedicated to bettering health, education, and employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through sport, particularly Rugby League, which led to the ABF Murri Carnival being formed. 

“The boys’ side consisted of players from different regions across Queensland and they stayed together at Anglican Church Grammar School, giving them the opportunity to form friendships and bonds with kids from across the state they wouldn’t usually meet,” Mabelene Whap, Jyren’s mother said.

“For a lot of these boys it was the first time they had the chance to compete in a strong competition located outside the NPA.

“The carnival was also an opportunity to open the boys’ minds up to a number of different opportunities that exist beyond a remote community and show them what it takes to chase a career in elite sports.”

The event took place at the South Pine Sporting complex in a round-robin-style format with teams playing off against each other across three days from 21-24 September.  Emil Jawai, a previous NPA resident who now attends Anglican Church Grammar School in East Brisbane formed the team known as the “Zei Balas”.

Zei Balas competed in four games throughout the carnival, with the team’s highlight coming in the first match when they defeated MurriUnited 30-20. The following three games were against tough opposition and the Zei Balas were defeated 0 to 52 vs Goori Storm, 4 to 20 vs Toowoomba Warriors and 16 to 42 vs Bayside Brothers.

“Team Zei Balas played amazingly well throughout the carnival; while we would’ve liked some results to be better, we are better for the experience and the team can hold their heads high,” Ms Jackson said.

“Unfortunately, our side was depleted through COVID-related circumstances, and some players could not make the carnival due to restrictions. However, the young men from the NPA stood up when this challenge was thrown at us.”