
Tuesday Morning Fixtures Division 1: Nova Smashers (Doug Dungavell, Bryan Marshall, Ross DeBoer) defeated Orion Orbiters (Andrea Nicholson, Veronica Shepherd, John McGee) 7-5, Veronica came back in the 5th set to outlast Bryan (2,4,-11,-8,8). Astro Aces (George Camileri, Peter Goodson, Sally Muir) won against Eclipse Spin (Branko Vucurovic, Delma Knight) 7-5, the doubles was super close Branko and Delma came home strong defeating George and Peter (-14,3,-8,9,9). Division 2: Samurai Swords (John Hamelink, Robyn Bushell, Coral Morgan) won over Ninja Strikes (Frank Caruana, Pam Kuene, Chris Collins) 7-5, Coral only just came out on top against Pam (9,-10,6,-19,10). Viking Raiders (Kim Daffy, Louise Gould, Josie Davis) tied up 6-6 with Spartan Spin (Ian Dodds, Gloria Vella, Helen Ware), Kim defeated Gloria (-8,7,6,5). Division 3: Aztec Warriors (Kim Challendar, Janelle Kuene, Glenda Brookes) defeated Celtic Smash (David Muir, Trish Zamparutti, Myles Dutton) 10-2, David got up against Janelle (3,-9,-7,4,5). Mongol Power (Gerry Synnott, Laurie Bradshaw, Glenda Dutton) came home strong against Gladiator Grip (Sharon Muller, Allison Day, Madge Saunders) 8-4, Allison outlasted Gerry in close 5 sets (-7,4,-5,9,6). Tuesday Night Fixtures Division 1: Cockatoos (Mick Ruhl, Mark Sleeman, Neil Brown) took down Canaries (Josh Brown, Lily Boland, Yilin Jiang) 7-4, Yilin came back against Mark (6,-7,6,-11,8), Geese (Steve Whiting, Lee Brake, Janice Kent) won 6-5 against Curlews (Barry Patterson, Anne Sheridan, Geoff Cowan), Janice outlasted Anne with a close battle (-7,9,-5,6,4). Bowerbirds (Trent Day, Allan Edwards) defeated Budgies (Emma Widdup, Graham Brake) 6-3, with no 5 set matches, Emma defeated Trent in close 4 sets (-10,5,10,7). Division 2: Kites (Syed Hossain, Matt West, Simon Hogan) won against Owls (Ricky Zhan, Rod Mahumas, Peter Goodson) 6-5, Simon beat Peter in close battle (-10,9,9,-7,5). Doves (Will VanDeKaa, Daniel Warfield, John McGee) defeated Parrots (George Camilleri, Liz Burton, Delma Knight) 7-4, Will came back against George in the 5th set to win (6,-4,7,-7,9). Galahs (Donna Abbott, Mark Stam, Remy Zhan) overcome Eagles (Andrea Nicholson, Ollie Hamelink, Rachel Fiesta) 7-4, Andrea came from behind to win a very close battle with Mark (-4,-11,6,7,9). Division 3: This week Tiffany, Jeff, Craig, Abbas and Dylan all had very good wins to stay in the hunt for the top 4 positions. Contributed by Andrea Payne 1. Kim Daffy 2. Gloria Vella. Photos supplied
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More than 140 outrigger paddlers converged on Eimeo Beach earlier this month as the North Queensland Games brought high-energy racing and strong community spirit to Mackay’s coastline. Hosted by Sunset Bay Outrigger Canoe Club over the weekend of May 2-4, the regatta marked the club’s first major hosting role in eight years, with volunteers and members working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the event ran smoothly. Despite uncertain weather leading into the weekend, conditions eased just in time, allowing all scheduled races to be completed with only minor course adjustments. The headline event, the Eimeo Beach Challenge, launched the weekend in spectacular fashion, with 15 OC6 crews taking on the gruelling 22-kilometre course from North Wall Beach, around One Tree Island and back to Eimeo Beach. The Open Men’s crew from Coconuts Outrigger Canoe Club claimed line honours in an unlimited canoe weighing 90 kilograms, crossing the finish line in an impressive one hour and 59 minutes. Local crews also delivered standout performances on home waters. Sunset Bay’s Master Men secured fifth place overall in a time of 2 hours and 18 minutes, earning gold in the Master Men division. One of the biggest highlights of the race came from Sunset Bay’s Master Women crew, who powered home eighth overall in 2 hours and 30 minutes to become the first women’s crew across the line. Competitors and supporters gathered at Eimeo Surf Life Saving Club following Saturday’s racing for presentations and dinner, with medals presented by North Queensland Games Chair Councillor Rhonda Coghlan. Sunday celebrations continued at Northern Beaches Bowls Club after another full day of competition. Organisers described the weekend as a major success, crediting generous sponsors, volunteers and supporters both on and off the water. Local photographer Kia Millen and family business PaddleLifeTV captured the action across the weekend, with race highlights available online. Following the successful regatta, Sunset Bay thanked volunteers with a community barbecue and is now turning its focus toward the internationally renowned Hamilton Island Cup in June. More than 140 paddlers hit the water at Eimeo Beach for the North Queensland Games regatta, with local crews, volunteers and supporters helping deliver a successful weekend of outrigger racing hosted by Sunset Bay Outrigger Canoe Club. Photos supplied
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Week three of the Whitsunday Zone GNOT (Grand National Open Teams) event was played in Mackay last Saturday. Ten teams competed in the third round. Once the three weeks scores are collated, the top eight teams will play off in August to see who advances to the Final in Brisbane later in the year. Weekly Results Monday 18 May 2026 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild 1st Joy Hold / Ian Vary 2nd Patrick Rasmussen / Mary Rose Ramsden 2nd Geoff Taylor / Nancy Martin 3rd Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy 3rd Jewel Schmidt / Janine Rodgers Tuesday Evening 19 May 2026 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia 1st Jewel Schmidt / Janine Rodgers 2nd Janet Hansen / Ken Seaniger 2nd Terry Sheedy / Helen Van Den Broek 3rd Vicki Howard / Richard Wix 3rd Adrian Westcott / Patricia Garner Wednesday 20 May 2026 –8 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Max Holewa / Diane Holewa 1st Terry Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood 2nd Robert Carless / Joy Robinson 2nd Geoffrey Patterson / Sandy Patterson 3rd Geoff Taylor / Ian Vary 3rd Patrick Rasmussen / Mary Rose Ramsden 4th Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild 4th John Hunt / Simon Barnes Thursday Evening 21 May 2026 – 4 Table One Winner – Green Points 1st Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless 2nd Susan Gibson / Lynne O’Neill 3rd Mick Robins / Marilin Robins Friday 22 May 2026 –- 11 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy 1st Max Holewa / Diane Holewa 2nd Mick King / Geoff Cowan 1st Janet Hansen / Thelma Caruana 3rd Joy Robinson / Debbie Ludkin 3rd Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson 4th Karen Caldwell / Sue Mayer-Miller 4th Ming Ting / David Ting 5th Joyce Deguara / Shirley Worland 5th Christine Nice / Mary Rose Ramsden Saturday 23 May 2026 – Week 3 of GNOT - 10 Table Mitchell Gold Points Team Players 1st Conroy Janelle Conroy / Roland Taylor / Terry Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood 2nd Brown Alan Brown / Janet Hansen / Faye Wright / Marilin Robins 3rd Goodchild Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild / Ming Ting / David Ting 4th Taylor Geoff Taylor / Ken Seaniger / Nancy Martin / Margaret Lane 5th Lynch Annie Lynch / Joy Brunette / Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix Contributed by Joy Block Martin & Noel Novice Winners Novice Pairs Sandra, Helen, Annie & Jan Restricted Team runners up. Photos supplied
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The Government has announced that NRL Magic Round in secured in Queensland until 2032, with Mackay expected to benefit from a major push to grow regional tourism and community engagement around the event. The long-term agreement between the Queensland Government, the Australian Rugby League Commission and Brisbane City Council will expand Magic Round into a week-long festival of footy from 2027, featuring more matches, regional activations and tourism showcases across the state. As part of the new deal, a regional footy festival and junior carnival will be introduced, alongside live site activations in regional Queensland communities during Magic Round festivities. Premier David Crisafulli said the agreement would ensure communities across Queensland shared in the benefits of the major sporting event. “Lock it in to 2032 - Magic Round is staying in Queensland exactly where it belongs,” Premier Crisafulli said. “We are only just getting started on what Magic Round can be in Queensland – this new deal means it will be bigger, it will be better and we’ll make sure every corner of Queensland gets a chance to share in the magic.” The Government said the expanded event would not only strengthen Queensland’s reputation as Australia’s sporting capital but also encourage visitors to explore more regional destinations across the state. Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the initiative aligned with the Government’s Destination 2045 tourism strategy. “The Government’s Destination 2045 strategy is about turning major events into longer stays that deliver more for local businesses and communities and NRL Magic Round delivers exactly that,” Minister Powell said. “We want visitors to come for the footy, but stay for everything else Queensland has to offer, exploring more, staying longer, and supporting jobs across the State.” Australian Rugby League Commission Chair Peter V'landys said the expanded Magic Round concept would help showcase Queensland’s tourism destinations to national and international audiences. “Our focus is to expand on that impact by creating new experiences, showcasing some of the best tourism locations in the world, lifting visitation, creating regional junior football carnivals and building a calendar of industry, media and business events that add long-term value to the State,” he said. The expanded Magic Round festival is expected to begin from 2027.
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Bowen Bowls Club hosted a successful iteration of its Classic Weekend last week with 16 teams participating.
First place was taken by the tram of P. Martin, A. Hay, F. Watson, and C. Paine, while second went to Wayne Crowhurst, S. Hamilton, Mitch Wright, and Gus Munro.
G. Delaney, T. Serra, A. Peno, M. Defranciscis were the final place getters in third.
Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards
Bowen Bowls Club Classic Weekend winners P. Martin, A. Hay, F. Watson, and C. Paine with Abbott Point Operations’ Allen Brown

Saturday morning Scroungers’ first round at Airlie Beach Bowls was won by John Brown, Nik Fernbach, Rick Galea, and Warren Mills.
Tony Whitehorn again won Group B for the second consecutive week, playing some excellent bowls while he did so.
Sunday afternoon Social Bowls Open Day proudly sponsored by PRD welcomed close to 50 players, including from as far as Wangaratta and Proserpine.
Third place went to the team of Lynn Skeen, Lu Rogan, and Keith Bates at lead performing admirably, losing out to second place getters Betty Whitehorn, Sandra Argo, and Lane Telford.
The big winners were Elaine Kippen’s team of Demika Cuip, Jill Spencer, and Mark Mawson, all with an astonishing performance.
Airlie Beach Bowls Club reminds its members that the School Competition with participation from Proserpine High School, St Catherine’s High School, and Whitsunday Christian College begins this week.
The Men’s A , B and Senior Singles is progressing well, too, with results to be published soon.
Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Whitsunday Touch Football Association’s new season kicked off on Monday night with 25 teams nominating across its four divisions of Open A, Mixed A, Mixed B and Mixed C Family.
The season will run through to the Grand Finals in June, with the Association committed to encouraging participation and development of women, juniors, and referees.
Limiting teams to maximum of three on field males is hoped to give women, girls, and juniors greater opportunity to develop their skills and promote their enjoyment of the sport.
Players interested in refereeing accreditation should take the opportunity of the Level One Referees Course this Saturday, February 18, at 8.00am – 12.00pm at the Whitsunday Touch Fields.
Round One Results:
Open A
Trusty d Raiders Union
Vipers d Sea Eagles AFL
Mixed A
Ray White Mudcrabs (8) d The Guinea Fowls (6)
In the Crear (12) d G.E.T. Touch (2)
Raiders A (6) d Full Boar (2)
Slippery Salmons (6) d Concrete Feet (5)
Mixed B
Fumble This (8) d Raiders B (1)
Whitsunday Warriors (8) d Stingers (7)
Flametree Flames (12) d On Time (4)
Mixed C (Family)
Untouchables (7) d Escapees (2)
Mainlanders (6) d Raiders Family (4)
Contributed with thanks to Alita DeBrincat

Ten Cannonvale Cannons swimmers travelled to Brisbane to compete in the 2023 Queensland Sprint Championships last weekend.
Club coaches Mark Erickson and Ken Crittenden were very impressed with the swimmers and their outstanding efforts, with this being the first state competition for many of the attending Cannons.
The Whitsunday team achieved a total of 30 personal bests (PB) out of 35 swims.
Tora Delac, Ruby Harland, Anisa Helou, Ehsan Helou, Isaac Pisanello, Isabella Pisaniello, and Andie Reynolds swam extremely well, achieving personal best times in all their events.
Ehsan Helou swam a super 50-metre Breaststroke in 34.05 seconds and came eighth in Queensland, qualifying him for the Australian Age Championships for Breaststroke.
Ehsan’s sister, Anisa swam fabulous times: two of her best swims were her 50-metre Freestyle (under 30 sec) and 50-metre Butterfly in 33.29 seconds.
Don Algie swam two personal bests, as well as finishing in an exceptional time for the 50-metre Breaststroke, 49.52 seconds.
Charlie Doherty swam a fantastic time of 34.70 seconds in his 50-metre Freestyle, and Thomas Ganter swam two PBs, with one of his best swims being the 50-metre Backstroke in a time of 42.09 seconds.
Isaac Pisaniello, Ruby Harland, and Andie Reynolds swam a “cracking” 50-metre Freestyle, taking over 2.3 seconds off their previous best times.
Isaac’s sister, Isabella, had a very successful Sunday of racing, shaving close to two seconds off her Backstroke, Breaststroke and Butterfly.
One of Tora Delac’s best swims was her 50-metre Breaststroke which she swam in 41.31 seconds, a 1.68 second PB.
The club extended its congratulations to all the Cannons who competed at the Qld Sprint Championships.
Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen
The Cannonvale Cannons team which competed at the Queensland Sprint Championships last weekend

With last week a washout in the Proserpine Cricket Association calendar, four eager teams took to the grounds on Saturday on a damp outfield where scoring was hard to come by.
Batting first, the Whitsunday Colts were off to a shaky start as Ben Davis (1/24) and Scott Milne (2/31) made the early breakthroughs.
Michael Pettiford (73 not out) continued his run of good form, holding his bat through the entire innings. He found assistance in Wes Homewood (36) and Charlie Woodhouse (50 not out) as the Colts piled on the runs late in the innings.
Luke Thompson (1/40) was the only other Proserpine Canecutters bowler to add his name to the wickets column as Colts finished on 4/181 after 35 overs.
Canecutters never looked comfortable in response, as the youngsters piled on the pressure with the ball in their hands. Wickets fell at regular intervals as Roy Blain (1/24), Kohan Mau (2/17), Noah Wylie (3/23), Jackson Riley (2/13) and Michael Pettiford (1/16) shared the wickets between them.
Nine different bowlers were utilised for Colts with the youngsters sharing the workload together to ensure everyone felt part of the game. Liam Davies (66) was the only Canecutters batsman to show any resistance, whilst Ben Davis (12 not out) was the second highest scoring player for Canecutters.
The regular fall of wickets significantly affected the runrate, with Canecutters finishing on 9/130 after 35 overs to hand a convincing 51 run win to the Colts.
In the other game, Warriors batted first against Valleys and as with other match, the runs were hard to come by early. Ricky Parslow had the ball on a string and quickly sent three Warriors batsman back to the sheds. Randal ‘Red’ Porter (33) and Dan Leschke (22) steadied the ship to combine for a 45 run partnership, whilst Josh Large (24) provided some middle order impetus. Youngster Jacob Williams (3/29) was very handy with his off spin.
Machlin Turner (1/10) and Tony Hinschen (1/19) also assisted with the ball, however Ricky led the way returning the ridiculous figures of 5/6 in his 8 overs. Warriors were bundled out for 107, which was still somewhat competitive given the slow outfields.
Despite losing the two early wickets, Valleys were never under any real pressure chasing down the modest total.
Chris Wren grew another leg and bowled with pace that he hasn’t bowled for many seasons, however didn’t get the wickets we deserved returning figures of 1/40. He was assisted by Luke Valmadre (1/23) who was the only other Warriors bowler to add their name to the wickets column.
Fresh off his five wicket haul, Ricky (46 not out) continued his form with the bat despite only being on one leg with a quad injury he picked up bowling. Machlin Turner (47 not out) was the perfect foil to team up with Ricky, with the pair taking down the target at the end of the 17th over. Valleys remain undefeated so far in the 40 over competition.
This Saturday will see all teams receiving a bye as Pink Stumps Day taking centre stage in Bowen.
The Proserpine fixtures will resume on Saturday, February 25.
Any new or returning players can contact Dale Mengel (0410 895 191) or Craig Brown (4945 1983) for further information.
Contributed with thanks to Dale Mengel

The McDonald’s Mackay Meteorettes recently travelled to the Gold Coast to compete in the Basketball Queensland Under 18 State Championship.
The girls made it to an epic Division 1 Grand Final, finishing second in their pool and defeating the Gold Coast Rollers 63-51 in the semi.
In a decider that went down to the wire, the Meteorettes ultimately went down to the Logan Thunder 73-72.
Monique Bobongie starred, scoring 30 points, with Charli Bliss contributing 22 and Hannah Jensen 12.
Congratulations to Ross, Troy, Kylie and the girls on their massive efforts to secure Silver Medals.
The Mackay Meteorettes secured silver medals in the Basketball Queensland Under 18 State Championship on the Gold Coast last month. Photo supplied

There was a solid Mackay representation in the Under 15 Queensland North teams recently competing at the Southern Cross Challenge held in Victoria.
Congrats to the Mackay Basketball junior players who did Mackay proud.
Eden Catip, Isabel Smith, Maggie Thorburn, Skye Vaughn and Lily Mapp all made the girls team while Usai Bickley, Cooper Currie and Treyce Cianter represented the boys.
The Queensland North girls finished 4th with the Queensland North boys coming 8th.
Well done to all involved.
Eight Mackay players represented Queensland North at the U15 Southern Cross Challenge in Victoria last month. Photos supplied

Australian Indigenous centre court sensation Ainsley Carey heads a strong St Patrick’s College netball contingent that will represent Mackay at next Monday’s Capricornia trials to be staged at Mackay Basketball Stadium.
The gifted 17-year-old centre/wing attack, who shone for Queensland at the recent National Indigenous Netball Championships on the Gold Coast, is one of the brightest prospects in the State and a product of the Mackay Magpies Netball Club.
Ainsley is one of five St Patrick’s College players in the Mackay District School Sport Netball Senior 16 - 19yrs squad that will push their claims for Capricornia representative selection.
Other St Patrick’s whiz kids to watch include outstanding defenders Mischa Dinsdale and goalkeeper Kacee Ziegeler, centre Lillian Newland and shooter Rebecca Symons.
They’ll be joined by promising Holy Spirit College defenders Elizabeth Lee and Stella Brooks; Whitsunday Anglican College shooters Eden Bagley and Isabel Milful and Mackay State High School shooter Christa Nissen.
The squad will be coached by experienced and respected St Patrick’s College mentor Diana Bailey.
During the trials Mackay will compete against teams from Port Curtis, Central Highlands and Rockhampton.
………………………………………………………………
ST PATRICK’S players also dominate selections in the Mackay District School Sport Netball 13 - 15yrs Junior squad which includes emerging goalkeeper Shaylah Pershouse and centre court ace Tenille Cotter.
Talented shooters/goal attacks Kiana Dunn and Tahlia Anderson and goal attack/wing attack Lacie Clark will also fly the St Patrick’s flag along with leading coach Christine Newland.
Other players featured include rising Holy Spirit College trio Ava Symons (goal attack/shooter); Mia Slater (wing attack/centre/wing defender) and Alysse Atherton (goal defender/wing defence) and Mackay State High School’s sharp centre court/shooter Rhyanna Ape and impressive goalkeeper Addison Dee.
Exciting prospects Ziegeler, Pershouse and Cotter have been chosen to participate on the Wanderers Australia International Netball tour of England and France in 2024 where they’ll play eight matches against top club, county and representative teams in the United Kingdom.
The trio helped Mercy College capture the Division 6 Trophy at last year’s Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball (QISSN) tournament after edging out rivals Marist College Emerald 16-15 in a thrilling Grand Final contest.
Dinsdale was named the competition’s Most Valuable Player after classy performances during the series and caught the eye of Australian Diamonds great Vicki Wilson, who labelled the Mercy school girl “an exceptional talent.”
The skilful Rebecca Symons was named St Patrick’s Most Valuable Player at the 2022 QISSN event.
By Chris Karas
St Patrick's College senior netballers Lillian Newland, Mischa Dinsdale, Rebecca Symons, Kacee Ziegeler and Ainsley Carey will represent Mackay Schools at next Monday's Capricornia 16 - 19yrs netball trials

On the weekend of 11-12 February 2023, Pioneer Dolphins travelled to the big smoke, Brisbane, for an action-packed weekend of competition at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre.
The fastest in the state battled it out for absolute supremacy in the “sprint” distance of 50m over the four strokes.
Pioneer Swimming Club celebrated a whopping 32 Dolphins having qualified for the event with 16 travelling to compete – Kylie Smith, Jade Bounden, Kailu Bellear, Kingston Baker, Yasmin Seedwell, Ella Bounden, Zahli Herring, Georgie Brand, Alex Moss, Ariah Corrigan, Isabelle Miles, August Baker, Madison Malagueno, Joleigh Strydom, Annaliese Miles and Yvonne Bellear.
Special mentions for highlights over the weekend include Jade Bounden placing 2nd in 18-year Freestyle, 3rd in Breaststroke and 4th in Butterfly; Kylie Smith placing 5th in Open Backstroke and 9th in Butterfly; Madison Malagueno placing 3rd in 10-year freestyle; Alex Moss placing 7th in 11-year breaststroke; and personal bests being achieved by most of our state team.
Igor joined the team on the trip to Brisbane and was one very proud Coach!
Our Dolphins celebrated their phenomenal weekend of swimming at the Brisbane Eat Street before returning to Mackay to start preparation for our next exciting event, NQ Championships to be held in Townsville on 4-5 March.
Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno
Pioneer Dolphins travelled to Brisbane for the Queensland Sprint Championships over the weekend
Jade Bounden received medals in breaststroke and freestyle and finalist in fly
Kylie Smith finalist in Butterfly and Backstroke Finals
Madison Malagueno receiving her bronze medal for freestyle
Alex Moss received a finalist ribbon for breaststroke. Photos supplied

From the warm tropics of northern Queensland to the frosty southern temperatures of the Australian Capital Territory, at the northern tip of the Australian Alps.
That is the future lifestyle for promising St Patrick’s College rugby league forward Mark Morrow after securing a three-year NRL contract with the Canberra Raiders.
The power running forward is bound for the nation’s capital when he completes his schooling in Mackay and has already impressed Raiders officials with his natural athletic prowess, work ethic and skill set while attending a pre-season camp at the club’s headquarters in Braddon.
As the 2023 season moves into full swing, the 15-year-old Morrow is determined to make every post a winner when he trots onto the field for St Patrick’s in the region’s schoolboys competition ranks; club side Mackay Wests Tigers in the Mackay & District Junior League or the Mackay Cutters in the Under 16 Cyril Connell Cup series.
It is undeniably a heavy match schedule but one the super fit Morrow will definitely relish when the first ball is officially kicked off for the new season.
A delighted Mark described his trip to the ACT as “a memorable experience” and a valuable introduction and education on NRL operations.
“I met the Raiders NRL squad at the camp and was over the moon when Kangaroos World Cup star Jack Wighton came over and made me feel welcome,” beamed Mark.
“We had a talk about my rugby league journey to date and Jack passed on tips on how to improve my game,” he added.
The impact forward was part of a squad of 24 top juniors aged between 15 and 18 from across Queensland and NSW invited to trial with the Raiders down south.
Morrow chalks up a 10-year service milestone with his beloved Tigers this season when he lines up for the Under 16 black and golds.
He remembers playing in his first trophy decider for the Tigers back in 2017.
“We lost to the Townsville Western Lions by three tries to one (12-4) in the final of the Gorden Tallis Cup,” Mark recalled.
Mark participated in the Broncos Rugby League Academy from the age of 12 and the Cowboys Academy since turning 14 before linking with the Raiders.
He represented Capricornia at the Queensland School Sports Rugby League State Championships in Under 11s, Under 12s and Under 15s and last year also lined up at the State AFL titles as a defender.
Mark is one of the big guns in a powerful and hungry St Patrick’s Year 10 team that is on the prowl for another Cowboys Challenge Shield title.
Having tasted defeat after the bell in last year’s Challenge Grand Final this Raider in waiting is determined to get his hands on the trophy in 2023.
By Chris Karas
Emerging St Patrick’s College rugby league forward Mark Morrow will swap the sun and tropics for chilly winters when he takes up a three-year deal with the Canberra Raiders

Monday - mixed pairs draw was won by Lidia McCarthy and Ray McCarthy. Second draw winners were Vic Gaudian and Peter Miller, and the lucky prize draw was won by Marie Duck and D Evans.
Wednesday - NMBC Ladies Section winners were Lyn Tennant and Isla Comelli. Runners up were Debbie Mackenzie, Gloria Sam and Doris Dodds.
Wednesday was also the semi-final of the ladies club championship 4’s with the final played on Thursday morning. The final winning team players are Marie Bragg, Chris Hall, Michele Stockton, Dorothy (Nuggie) Pratt. Valiant runners up were Donna Gordon, Coral Francis, Deb Mackenzie, Lorna Bowers.
Thursday – Goosies first prize was taken out by Andrew Coates and Shayne Trannore. Second draw winners were Vern Mietzel and Pat Elgey.
Kitty Toucher was not won!
Friday - Mixed pairs best card winners were Col Crocker and Tom Crocker. Winners of the lucky draw were Vern Mietzel and Wayne Mietzel. Runners up were Eric Galletly and Shirley Bartolo.
Saturday - NMBC Men’s section winners were Kenny Dwyer, Shayne Trannore and Ernie Sealy. Runners up Eric Galletly, Asko Helenius and Kenny Lane.
Contributed by Ian Rowan and Suzanne Hazledine
“A” Grade Fours and NMBC Singles
Club Championship 4’s winners Chris Hall, Marie Bragg, Nuggie Pratt and Michele Stockton
Runners up Lorna Bowers, Deb Mackenzie, Donna Gordon, Coral Francis

While the Mackay Cutters took to the BB Print Stadium field on Saturday, a few key players were absent after being called into the Cowboys squad for their first Pre-season Challenge match against the Dolphins.
Hooker Kyle Scheider and halfback Adam Cook took to the field in Cairns on Sunday as the Cowboys played out a 22 all draw against the NRL’s freshest franchise.
Winger Laitia Moceidreke and centre Gehamat Shibasaki also played for their contracted club after appearing for the Cutters 18 and five times respectively in 2022.
Moceidreke, who played one NRL game for the Cowboys in 2021 and was the top try scorer for the Cutters in 2022, starred with two tries, including a clutch final-minute four-pointer to guarantee the draw.
The Dolphins were the first to score in the seventh minute followed by Moceidreke opening the Cowboys’ account just four minutes later.
The Cowboys led 18-4 after 32 minutes before the Dolphins made their way back into the game, leading 18-22 with eight minutes to play.
Moceidreke crossed untouched in the final minute to even things up at 22-22.
Schnieder’s consistency in attack and defence was on display, including a pinpoint kick in the 62nd to set up a try that was ultimately disallowed, and Townsville junior Cook got his first taste of the big time, donning the Cowboys jersey for the first time and taking the field with about 30 minutes to go.
“It’s obviously something I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid,” Cook said after the game.
“When I got on there, I was just trying to do my role and make sure we completed the sets and I thought we did that.”
Looking to the 2023 Cutters season, Cook said he’s looking forward to a good year.
“We’re looking really good,” he said.
“Commo’s (Coach Michael Comerford) got a good group of boys there ready to go so I'm looking forward to a good season.”
Cutters’ halfback Adam Cook donned the Cowboys jersey for the first time on Sunday. Photo supplied: North Queensland Cowboys

Over seventy runners braved the heat wave conditions as they competed in a one, two or three loop course around the beautiful, mostly shaded Gooseponds from the Willis Street dog park carpark.
The social event was a great start to the formal 2023 season with the first handicap points run on next Sunday morning at Wallmans Rd cul-de-sac, Rural View.
All runners must register online so that they are immediately eligible for club championship and handicap points towards end of year trophies.
Also check out the 2023 calendar on the website www.mackayroadrunners.com for weekly events, times and locations.
Please check regularly in case of any updates or changes to the program.
Many thanks to Mr Colin Meng who has once again generously accepted to be the Mackay Road Runners Club Patron, bringing his reign to over 15 years.
Col also formally announced the first race of the season with a welcome speech before cutting the ribbon to open the 2023 season.
Thanks to Col and his family for also providing Zooper Doopers for a much needed boost of hydration post-race.
The continuing temperatures can be fatal; therefore, all runners must ensure they seriously maintain their hydration levels throughout the week as well as on training and race days.
Thanks to Tim Magoffin and Andrew Short for setting up the course for the event, merchandiser Jo Hughes, registrar Julie Whibley and timekeeper Arthur Dick as well as the many helpers assisting in pack-up afterwards.
Contributed by Janelle Tilse
Over seventy Mackay Road Runners joined Patron Col Meng (standing far left) as he opened the first official run of the 2023 formal program
Jordan Miller enjoyed a lap of the Gooseponds with his kids
L-R Tim Magoffin, Therese Hackney and Alan Zamparutti share a laugh
Birthday boy Stuart Sprott turned 79 on the first run of the season and is going strong too
Toby Rule leads over seventy runners out of the starting chute. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

Footy returned to BB Print Stadium on Saturday, giving punters a look at what they can expect from the Mackay Cutters in 2023 with four teams playing their first trials of the season.
The Cutters hosted the Central Queensland Capras with Cyril Connell Challenge, Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup, Harvey Norman Under 19 Girls and Hostplus Cup teams all facing off.
The Cyril Connell Challenge sides were the first to take the field, with the under-16 boys kicking off in the heat of the early afternoon.
The arm wrestle of the first half finished with the Cutters and the Capras tied at 8-8, but the home team kicked into gear in the second half, finishing strongly with a 20-8 win.
It was the under 18 boys to run out next, with the Mal Meninga Cup sides facing off in an edge-of-your-seat thriller.
It was looking dire for the Cutters, as the visitors went into half time with a 0-16 lead, but an inspired second half effort saw the Cutters score 20 unanswered points to finish 20-16 victors.
The difference couldn’t be split between the Harvey Norman U19 Girls squads, with an 8-8 half time score resulting in an epic 16-16 draw at full time.
Finally, the Hostplus Cup squad showed positive signs under new coach Michael Comerford, defeating their central Queensland rivals 24-10.
The Cutters travel to Airlie Beach this weekend with the Hastings Deering Colts, BMD Premiership and Hostplus Cup sides all taking the field at Whitsundays Sports Park on Saturday.

Congratulations to the Mackay team on winning the Australia Day Swiss Teams in Townsville held 28th and 29th January 2023. This is a fabulous win, as it was a very competitive event. Team - Max, Diane, Janelle and Terry.
Big Congratulations to Eric Goodchild receiving first place in the James Sullivan Silver Master Award 2022 and Terry Sheedy receiving first place in the James Sullivan Grand Master Award.
Weekly Results
Monday 6 February 2023 – Week 3 of 23 Nation Wide Pairs 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild
2nd Alan Brown / Frances Brown
3rd Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy
4th Monica Darley / Robert Carless
E/W
1st Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris
2nd Margaret Lane / Barbara Tait
3rd Maria Setiyawan / Geoff Taylor
4th Angela Wilk / Ming Ting
Tuesday Evening 7 February 2023 – 5 Table Mitchell One Winner
1st Helen Van Den Broek / Terrence Sheedy
2nd Janine Rodgers / Jan Harris
3rd Ken Seaniger / Maria Setiyawan
4th Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan
Wednesday 8 February 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
2nd Janet Hansen / Del Ryan
3rd Maria Setiyawan / Frances Brown
4th Monica Darley / Kath Poole
E/W
1st Janelle Conroy / Alan Brown
2nd Jan Harris / Sandra Morris
3rd Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley
4th Joy Robinson / Robert Carless
Thursday 9 February 2023 –5 Table One Winner
1st Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless
2nd Geoff Taylor / Faye Wright
3rd Richard Wix / Patricia Garner
4th Mick Robins / Ann Whitmore
Friday 10 February 2023 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
1st Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole
2nd Monica Darley / Victor Mason
3rd Mary Rose Ramsden / Noel Saunders
4th Joyce Deguara / Toni Large
E/W
1st Christine Nice / Maria Setiyawan
2nd Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson
3rd Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy
4th Anne Whitmore / Julie O’Neill
Saturday 11 February 2023 – 12 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
1st Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger
2nd Antonia Tarradas / Christine Nice
3rd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan
4th Vicki Taylor / Toni Large
E/W
1st Ted Cullinan / Noel Saunders
2nd Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild
3rd Janine Rodgers / Terrence Sheedy
4th Helen Van Den Broek / Joy Brunette
Di, Max, Janelle and Terry won the Australia Day Swiss Teams in Townsville
Eric Goodchild receiving first place in the James Sullivan Silver Master Award
Terry Sheedy receiving first place in the James Sullivan Grand Master Award