Viking Cup Brought Three Days Of Footy Fever

Whitsunday Raiders U-16 team. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville

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The 15th annual Viking Cup brought a footy frenzy to the Whitsundays, with around 900 young players from more than 70 teams taking to the field at Whitsunday Sports Park for three days of rugby union.  

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Teams travelled from Mount Isa, Rockhampton, Townsville and Mackay, with President of the Whitsunday Sportspark Tim Oberg saying about 55 came from outside the region.  

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“The guys who came down from Mount Isa, none of them had ever been here before,” Tim said.

“The feedback has been phenomenal and people are already signing up to come back next year.”

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“The sports park is just such a good venue now, so to have that facility, it just makes the whole thing look so much more impressive and professional.”

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The carnival’s growth was on full display this year, expanding to three days for the first time and giving younger players their own day on the field, while older juniors stepped up to help referee their games.

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“It was really cool to see a good community vibe,” said Whitsunday Junior Rugby League Treasurer Amber Smithson.  

“I feel like now we're definitely ready for the international teams, whereas last year, we were ready for the next part but we weren't ready to take that kind of leap.  

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“But now it definitely feels ready for four days and to expand out to international teams.”

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The Whitsunday Raiders enjoyed the chance to play hosts, welcoming visiting teams for some end-of-season rugby and friendly banter between games.

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“It’s good to actually bring people from all around the state, well, almost all around the state to come and have a crack up here,” Whitsunday Raiders Under-16 Coach Jay Robinson said.  

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