Highlights of the 2024 Laurie Spina Shield

The 2024 Laurie Spina Shield, presented by Localsearch, showcased exciting youth rugby league talent over two action-packed days in Townsville, Queensland. Organised by the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys, the event united over 1,000 young players in a celebration of sportsmanship and their love for the game.

Named in honour of Laurie Spina, the inaugural captain of the North Queensland Cowboys, the Laurie Spina Shield has nurtured junior rugby league talent since its inception in 1997. Laurie Spina’s enduring passion for the sport continues to inspire young athletes and supporters throughout North Queensland.

Day 1: Carnival Kickoff at Queens Park and Player Signing Session

The carnival kicked off at Queens Park with round games running from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Teams from all over Queensland battled it out on eight fields, creating a buzz of excitement as families and supporters cheered on the teams.

Later, at the Townsville Sports Precinct, junior players had the opportunity to meet their heroes during the signing session, chatting and taking photos with NRL All Stars.

Day 2: More Action and Exhibition Games

Day 2 continued the excitement with additional round games at Queens Park, followed by exhibition matches at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium later in the day. This provided selected teams with an opportunity to shine on a premier sporting stage, showcasing their skills and determination.

Localsearch representatives Fran McNaughton and Nikki Strano attended the event, where they presented the Laurie Spina Shield Sportsmanship Award. This highlighted the junior rugby league’s dedication to nurturing youth sports and recognising outstanding performance.

Fastest Feet Team Relay and the Cowboys vs the Sea Eagles

One of the carnival’s highlights was the Fastest Feet Team Relay, where junior rugby league players embraced the challenge of the ultimate relay race. They showcased their speed and agility during halftime of the NRL match between the Cowboys and the Sea Eagles, giving their all and creating an exciting atmosphere.