Some of the biggest names in Queensland’s State of Origin history will feature at the Confraternity Carnival that has delivered dozens of future stars in Rockhampton next week.
Major sponsor FOGS (Former Origin Greats Queensland) will be represented by FOG #4 Mal Meninga, FOG #9 Wally Lewis, FOG #42 Bob Lindner and FOG #85 Matt Sing who will visit the carnival which begins with Sunday’s opening ceremony.
Meninga, one of the most influential figures in Queensland’s Origin history and the inaugural coach of the NRL’s Perth Bears, will be the guest speaker at Tuesday night’s Carnival dinner.
He will also visit the playing fields to take in action from the 72 competing teams in the same way he did in 2016 when Rockhampton last hosted Confro.
The visits of the former greats is part of the FOGS partnership with Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Rugby League (QISSRL), which runs Confraternity Carnival. FOGS are providing a range of initiatives including footballs for each of the 72 teams and generous fundraising support for regional teams.
Founded by the late Richard ‘Tosser’ Turner and Alan Graham in 1997, FOGS was created to preserve the spirit of State of Origin and honour the elite players who have proudly represented Queensland since 1980.
FOGS has grown to play a broader role across the state – supporting charities, mentoring Indigenous communities and promoting rugby league development throughout Queensland.
Lindner’s return to Confro is significant because he played in the inaugural carnival in 1980, starring for Aquinas College.
The Bob Lindner Trophy, presented to the team that wins the playoff for the second half of boys’ Division 1, is named in his honour.
Lindner will attend on Thursday to present the Confraternity Shield for the girls’ champions.
Lewis and Sing will be in Rockhampton on boys’ finals day on Friday.
Lewis said he was looking forward to the visit, continuing his interest in the grassroots football that helped to spark his remarkable league career.
The former Maroons captain finished his Origin playing career in 1991 before coaching Queensland in 1993 and 1994.
The following year, Sing played the first of his 24 matches for the Maroons.
All four of the FOGS to visit Confro this year are previous recipients of the FOGS Dick “Tosser” Turner Medal for playing at least 20 Origin matches.
Confro will include other FOGS who will play an active role in the carnival.
FOG # 163 Antonio Kaufusi will again coach Shalom College, Bundaberg. FOG #216 Brenko Lee will coach St James’ College, Spring Hill.
