Sport
10 February, 2026
Welcome ‘home’ footy stars
RUGBY league royalty will converge on Innisfail for the International Legends of League later this month.
Since 2003, International Legends of League have organised events with Innisfail to host their 100th event.
The rugby league legends will visit local schools, where they will deliver inspirational words and encourage students to ‘dream, believe and achieve’ their goals, as well as talk about life during and after football.
These former NRL players will share how they achieved their dreams and overcame challenges, alongside positive messages about mental wellbeing, healthy eating, the importance of physical activity, as well as having a good support network of friends and family.
“We ask the students what their dream is. Then that’s what the players talk to the students about. You don’t have to make it early and if you don’t make it, don’t give up. The most important thing is not giving up on anything,” said International Legends of League event organiser Troy Byers.
“The players not only drive rugby league, but everyday life, the skills, sacrifices and exactly what is required to succeed,” he said.
There will be a bowls afternoon on Friday 20 February at the Innisfail Bowls Club, followed by a cocktail dinner at Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail.
On Saturday, the highly-anticipated game between the Goondoi Land and Sea Rangers Cassowary Coast All Stars team and the Lewie Fire Protection Australian Legends team, will take place at Callendar Park, Innisfail.
Hometown hero and current Queensland State of Origin coach Billy Slater will line up for the Cassowary Coast All Stars team, 25 years after he played in the Innisfail Leprechauns under-18 team, while former Australian and Innisfail flyer Kerry Boustead is part of the Legends team.
The team coached by Graham Clarke is made up from past players who are over the age of 35 years and includes former North Queensland Cowboys, Northern Pride and local players including: Ty Williams, Scott Bolton, Joel Reithmuller, Aaron Ketchell, Jonathan Growcott, Fabien Tauli, Sam Coffey, Ben Ketchell, Noel Higgins, Colin Wilkie, Ryan Ghietti, Robert Haren, Dean Howard, Steven Lacaze, Chris Zanoletti, Ryan Stepanoff, Luke Horsford, Ashley English, Chris Rummery, Steve Morice, Nicholas Accatino, Luke Romano, Shaun McLeish and Paul Ketchell.
The Australian NRL legends team will feature a star-studded line up, including Cliff Lyons, Sam Thaiday, Ben Hannant, James Tamou, John Hopoate, Gerald Beale, Stu Kelly, Michael Bani, Kerry Boustead, Antonio Winterstein, Neville Costigan, Kevin Campion, Noel Goldthorpe, Darren Smith, Craig Teevan, Jaiman Lowe and Luke Goodwin.
Discounted pre-sale tickets can be purchased via www.trybooking.com.