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Sport

14 February, 2025

Wattles Juniors kick off season at Charleville

All roads lead to the South West Queensland hub of Charleville on Friday and Saturday, February 21st and 22nd, with the much-anticipated junior rugby league carnival the Adrian Vowles Cup underway at the Charleville Showgrounds.


Wattles JRL Club Under 16 team to contest the upcoming Adrian Vowles Carnival in Charleville. Back from left: Darren O’Neill (Trainer), Jaylan Fuller, Bailey Naumann, Zac Wheeldon, Riley Fitzgerald, Angus McArthur, Ben Rauchle, Cayleb O’Neill, Will Peters, Adam May (Manager), Lee Schwenke (Coach). Front: Zavier Dalsanto, Orry Gilmore, Ty Betts, Jonte May, Lawson Slater, Nash Schwenke, Marty May, Cooper Locke, Jojo Beresford. Photo, Kristen Henry
Wattles JRL Club Under 16 team to contest the upcoming Adrian Vowles Carnival in Charleville. Back from left: Darren O’Neill (Trainer), Jaylan Fuller, Bailey Naumann, Zac Wheeldon, Riley Fitzgerald, Angus McArthur, Ben Rauchle, Cayleb O’Neill, Will Peters, Adam May (Manager), Lee Schwenke (Coach). Front: Zavier Dalsanto, Orry Gilmore, Ty Betts, Jonte May, Lawson Slater, Nash Schwenke, Marty May, Cooper Locke, Jojo Beresford. Photo, Kristen Henry

Clubs are travelling from across Queensland for the carnival, including the local Wattles Warriors Junior Club which will field Under 14 and Under 16 boys’ teams.

President Aaron Gilmore considers the Carnival a tremendous opportunity for
all involved.

“I’m sure it will be a special life memory for all the young players involved, and I am well aware they are certainly looking forward to the footy extravaganza” he said.

Challenging times for junior league around Charleville just over a decade back inspired local rugby league lovers, including Murweh Shire Mayor Shaun Radnedge, to launch the carnival named in honour of his mate and 1994 Maroons State of Origin representative Adrian Vowles.

Vowles was born in Cunnamulla, playing juniors for the Cunnamulla Rams, before moving to Charleville where he played for Charleville All Whites and later Railways.

The Cup had a rocky start, with only three teams in 2014, but the appetite grew as clubs made repeat appearances and spread the word about the rare and exciting experience.

This season the carnival  will cater for boys’ Under 14 and Under 16 teams, with girls lining up in Under 14 and Under 17 grades.

“The Adrian Vowles Cup has been massive in keeping country rugby league alive,” Vowles said.

“It has allowed kids in the bush to play footy and keep their dream alive if they want to play at a higher level as many from the bush did before them.”

Jack Burton capped off an outstanding two days of league last year when named Wattles’ Player of the Carnival, but injury will see him absent from the Under 16 line-up this season.

With team mates Ty Betts and Ryan Donadel, Jack was named in the 2024 Adrian Vowles Cup
Under 14 Dream Team at the event presentation ceremony.

- Glyn Rees

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