Cape York Rugby League Blitz Timetable
Setting out Sunday, November 12, the Cape York Rugby League Blitz will cover more than 3000km as its treks back and forth between some of Australia's most inaccessible communities.
Starting out in the relative metropolis of Cairns, the troupe will journey up the coast to Wujal Wujal, then basing themselves in Cooktown, visiting Hope Vale and Laura before heading right across the other side of the Cape to Weipa, Napranum, Mapoon and Arukun.
The Blitz will then split into two as it visits indigenous communities at Pormpuraaw, Kowanyama and Lockhart River.
From there it's back in the 4x4 and off to the northern tip, taking in Bamaga, Umagico, New Mapoon, Injinoo, Seisa, then over the water to Horn and Thursday Island.
The visit to the islands coincides with the staging of the Torres Strait Cup, an annual event that has become a feature of the Rugby League calendar. The long trip home will see the crew visit isolated Coen.
"Our whole trip is going to be fantastic; meeting so many kids and putting a smile on their faces," QRL coaching and development officer Peter Narducci said.
"The love of rugby league in these areas is just fanatical and it's not often they get the opportunity to receive this kind of coaching.
"We might even have a few special guests with us at different stops along the way."
The mood towards rugby league in Cape York and the Torres Strait has been buoyed in recent times on a number of fronts.
Settlements such as Pormpuraaw and Kowanyama now participate in the structured Gulf Community League.
Hope Vale's Matthew Bowen has of course gone on to represent Queensland and Australia, while cousin Brenton is entrenched with the North Queensland Cowboys. Yam Island descendent Sam Thaiday also represented his State and nation this season.
At Wizard Cup level, Torres Strait sensation Jacob Fauid was stunning for the Toowoomba Clydesdales, with Napranum's Gordon Rattler previously playing for the Ipswich Jets.
Weipa kids Wilfred Jackonia, John Whittle and Don Chambers have been picked for curtain-raisers to this year's Tri Nations series.
In just the last few weeks, Thursday Island police officer and rugby league administrator Tony Bani has watched nephews Michael (Manly Sea Eagles) and Aaron (QLD Indigenous 16s) both take off with their budding careers.
Blitz officials will seek to further harness the ability of the region with coaching updates, skills clinics and games spread over the 17 days of their ambitious journey.
Foundations will also be laid for proposed junior and senior competitions.
Further enquiries can be directed to Peter Narducci on 0409 554844. Narducci will be contactable throughout the Blitz on the same number.
