The 12th annual Arthur Beetson Foundation Queensland Murri Carnival came to a close on September 29 after eight days of cultural celebration and rugby league festivities at Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium and Dick “Tosser” Turner Sporting Complex.
Mass participation across divisions
More than 3000 players took part across multiple divisions, with teams travelling from as far away as Badu Island and the Queensland border. The action kicked off on September 22 with the Open Men’s and Women’s competitions, culminating in finals on September 24.
In the men’s final, the Michael Purcell Memorial Team defeated the Darkies Connection 26-16. The squad was honouring the late Michael “The Kangaroo Catcher” Purcell, who tragically passed away in 2022.
Meanwhile, the Mungindi Panthers took out the women’s decider 16-14 over defending champions Brisbane Natives.
Over 680 children then took centre stage at the Deadly Choices Junior Murri Carnival from September 25 to 26 in the U6 to U12 divisions. The U14 to U18 boys and U15 to U17 girls competitions rounded off the event from September 26 to 29.
Star power on display
Maroons forward David Fifita served as the 2023 ambassador. Other rugby league legends such as Nathan Blacklock, Mark Tookey, Donald Malone and Jamie Simpson also showed their support. They were joined by Deadly Choices ambassadors Steve Renouf, Petero Civoniceva, Willie Tonga, Brenton Bowen and Tyrone Roberts.
The Queensland Murri Carnival continues to grow as an important celebration of culture and sport for Indigenous communities across the state. After another successful year, participants and organisers are already looking ahead to 2024.
Published 6 October 2023
