'Spirit is Alive in 2025' is the motto for the CQUniversity Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Confraternity Rugby League Carnival, hosted by The Cathedral College, launched last week at a special Sponsors event at the Rockhampton Leagues Club.
QISSRL President, and Rector of Padua College, Brisbane Mr Peter Elmore said the Spirit of Confraternity relates to the carnival’s underpinning Catholic heritage and the Christian ideals of respect, building community and serving others, transcending the game to enrich lives.
The Carnival which had its humble beginnings in 1980, alongside the commencement of the State of Origin series, when 6 Christian Brothers Colleges formed the first Confraternity Carnival has grown to 72 Boys and Girls teams in 2025.
One of Confraternity’s first players, Diocesan Director, Catholic Education Rockhampton Mr Michael McCusker remembered the special historical carnival 45 years ago held in Bundaberg and is looking forward to it being played in the Rockhampton Diocese again next year.
The College expects around 6000 visitors to Rockhampton for the week-long event which will commence on Sunday 29 June, 2025 with the Opening Mass and Ceremony for the 1500 players and associated coaching staff in St Joseph’s Cathedral.
Past TCC Confraternity player and Broncos forward Kobe Hetherington spoke of 'respect' as being the enduring memory for him of Confraternity and his time here at TCC.
“At Confro there was a different feeling on the field. It was one of sportsmanship, respect and playing with your mates which I’ll remember forever,” he said.
The Sponsors event was compered by Mr Mick Busby who also welcomed past Australian player Jason Hetherington and NRL premiership winning player and TCC Open A’s Coach Tony Martin as the special guest speakers.
After many years of playing professional Rugby League, Mr Martin recalls the unique Spirit of Confraternity he experienced as a parent in 2021 when Confraternity was hosted by Iona College.
The event also welcomed Sponsors and potential Sponsors together with the many volunteers who will make this Carnival a success.
Mr Paul Dever is the Confraternity Convenor and is assisted by Miss Kirby Richardson.
For further information relating to Sponsorship and how you can be involved please contact the College Office on 4999 1300.
