Qld Murri carnival kicks off

The Queensland Murri Carnival officially began this weekend, launching an eight-day celebration of rugby league, culture, health, and education at the South Pine Sporting Complex in Brendale.

Organised by the Arthur Beetson Foundation with the support of Queensland Rugby League, the event runs from today through to September 27, bringing together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teams from across the State.

Now in its 12th year, the Murri Carnival continues to honour the vision of rugby league great, the late Arthur Beetson.

What began as a grassroots carnival has evolved into one of the most important events on the Indigenous sporting calendar.

The senior competition, featuring men’s and women’s teams, will headline the opening weekend, followed by junior divisions in Under 14, 16 and 18 boys’ and girls’ categories.

The carnival is about more than results on the field. Health, education, and community connection remain central pillars.

Every adult participant must undergo a health check and be enrolled to vote, while junior players must both complete a health check and maintain at least 90 per cent school attendance to be eligible.

The Arthur Beetson Foundation has committed a significant portion of its generated revenue back into Indigenous rugby league programs endorsed by QRL.

The long-term goal of the Murri Carnival is to increase Indigenous representation in the National Rugby League from the current 11 percent to 15 percent over the next five years.

By providing structured pathways in a supportive, culturally rich environment, the carnival aims to nurture the next generation of elite players.