STUDENTS from St Mary of the Cross School, Windsor, have been chosen as the “face” of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
It came about when every student at the school took part in a six-week long rugby league clinic, which focused on ball skills, tactics, fitness and teamwork.
As a reward for their hard work they were offered an amazing opportunity to meet their heroes and stars of the rugby league world, including the Australian, New Zealand and Papua New Guinean captains and coaches, during a launch at Suncorp Stadium.
The 2017 Rugby League World Cup will be the 15th staging of the tournament with 14 teams playing 28 games over five weeks – all hoping to be crowned world champions.
In addition to playing matches at venues in Australia and New Zealand, this world cup will witness three pool matches played in Papua New Guinea in front of some of the world’s most passionate rugby league fans.
During the launch the students were involved in clinics, face painting and advertising shoots for the world cup marketing campaign.
Twelve-year-old student Isabella said it was great to practice the skills and then meet the best in the world at the sport while Louisa, also 12, said could not believe her luck at meeting Australian captain Cameron Smith.
“I was so excited when he signed my shirt,” she said.
Students Nate and Myles said they just wanted to meet David Mead from Papua New Guinea.
“He was so great and he passed the ball to us,” they said.
Principal Matt Beacroft said it was an amazing experience for the students and some staff at the school.
He said the students worked hard during the six-week skills training and were rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime experience which had them kicking bombs with current Queensland and Australiancaptain Cameron Smith on the pitch at Suncorp Stadium.
“It was an amazing experience for all the students and hopefully in the 2033 world cup we will see some of our male or female students on the big stage inspired by the day,” he said.
