A new generation of First Nations rugby talent from North Queensland is getting the opportunity to take the next step, with Townsville players Jeffrey Tugai, Jerry Mipari and Milton Larry travelling to Brisbane to attend the Rugby Australia U18 Rugby 7s trials.
The three young men were identified through the Queensland Rugby Union and Rugby Australia First Nations Talent Identification (TID) work being delivered across North Queensland, including recent visits to Townsville.
Through these regional TID sessions, Matt Sonter, Rugby Australia First Nations Rugby Manager, and Dylan Blackman, Queensland Rugby Union Indigenous Strategy Manager, have been working closely to identify emerging First Nations players and connect them with higher-level rugby opportunities.
For Jeffrey, Jerry and Milton, the opportunity to travel from Townsville to Brisbane represents more than simply attending a trial. It is an important step in their individual rugby journeys and demonstrates the value of providing regional athletes with access to pathways that may otherwise be difficult to reach.
The goal is to continue supporting these young men through their development, giving them exposure to high-level coaching, competition and environments where they can test themselves against some of Australia best young athletes.
Their selection to trial also highlights why continued investment in regional First Nations rugby is so important.
By taking the pathway to communities such as Townsville, rather than expecting every player to travel to Brisbane to be identified, Queensland Rugby and Rugby Australia can create greater access and help uncover talent that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Jeffrey Tugai, Jerry Mipari and Milton Larry are now taking the next step.
Their journey from North Queensland TID sessions in Townsville to a Rugby Australia U18 7s trial in Brisbane is exactly the type of pathway we want to continue building for First Nations athletes across Queensland.
Congratulations Jeffrey, Jerry and Milton — enjoy the opportunity, represent North Queensland proudly and give it everything you've got!
