MORE THAN A GAME: QUEENSLAND MURRI CARNIVAL RETURNS THIS FRIDAY
One of Queensland’s most significant First Nations sporting events returns to Brisbane this week, carrying forward a legacy built around rugby league, health, education, culture and opportunity.
BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND — 16 September 2026: The Queensland Murri Carnival (QMC) returns to South Pine Sporting Complex, Brendale, from Friday 18 September, bringing First Nations players, families and communities together from across Queensland for a celebration that reaches far beyond the football field.
The senior men’s and women’s competitions will open the carnival from 18–20 September, before the focus turns to junior competition and the next generation of First Nations rugby league talent.
For more than a decade, the Queensland Murri Carnival has demonstrated what can happen when sport becomes a vehicle for something bigger.
Established from the vision of rugby league Immortal Arthur Beetson and Tony Currie, the carnival was created to give First Nations Queenslanders their own major rugby league carnival and a place to compete, connect and represent their communities with pride.
Today, that vision continues through the Arthur Beetson Foundation.
RUGBY LEAGUE WITH A PURPOSE
Participation in the QMC carries expectations beyond performance on the field.
Players are required to complete a current 715 health check to be eligible to compete. Education also forms an important part of the junior program, with school attendance embedded within the carnival’s participation framework.
The event operates as a smoke-free, vape-free, drug-free, alcohol-free and sugar-free environment, reinforcing a longstanding commitment to healthier communities.
It is an approach that has made the QMC distinctive: using the reach and influence of rugby league to encourage conversations and action around health, education, wellbeing and personal responsibility.
At the same time, the carnival provides First Nations players with an important opportunity to showcase their ability within a structured rugby league environment.
Queensland Rugby League representative programs and broader player pathways create opportunities for participants to continue developing their game, while QMC representative opportunities have previously taken players beyond the carnival itself.
But pathways are not measured only by how far a player progresses in football.
For many participants, pulling on a jersey represents family, community and Country.
For younger players watching from the sideline, it provides something equally important: the opportunity to see what may be possible for them next.
CONTINUING ARTHUR BEETSON’S LEGACY
Arthur Beetson became the first Indigenous Australian to captain his country and remains one of rugby league’s most significant figures.
His legacy, however, extends beyond what he achieved on the field.
The Arthur Beetson Foundation was established following his passing to continue his commitment to improving opportunities and outcomes for young Australians, particularly First Nations young people, across health, education and welfare.
The Queensland Murri Carnival has become one of the most visible expressions of that legacy.
What began as a rugby league carnival has developed into an annual gathering where competition sits alongside culture, community, health, education and connection.
And when the first whistle sounds in Brendale this Friday, another generation will become part of that story.
2026 QUEENSLAND MURRI CARNIVAL
Senior Men’s and Women’s Carnival
18–20 September 2026
Junior Competition
20–24 September 2026
Location
South Pine Sporting Complex
Brendale, Queensland
Supporters are encouraged to attend the carnival and follow the Queensland Murri Carnival’s official Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube channels for stories, results and coverage throughout the event.
For family, community and supporters unable to attend in person, matches will also be broadcast live through the IN SPORT App as the QMC’s Official Live Broadcasting Partner.
ENDS
Queensland Murri Carnival returns this Friday.