Sport
9 April, 2025
Junior Miners show plenty of spirit in Matt Scott Shield
The Mount Isa under-13 team pulled out all stops to make it to Longreach.
Mount Isa’s under-13 rugby league team drew praise from Cowboys legend Matt Scott, who was overwhelmed by its dedication to play in the tournament named in his honour.
The junior Miners were so keen to play in the Matt Scott Shield that they slept in the bus on the side of the road at Kynuna on Friday night so they could get to Longreach for their matches.
Road closures in the North West meant the Landsborough Highway was blocked to traffic last week, but the Mount Isa team took the gamble and left for Longreach in the hope that the road would be open by the time they arrived.
It wasn’t, but rather than turn around, the team camped in the bus and made an early start to get to Longreach to take part in the eight-team tournament.
Organisers managed to juggle the fixture to allow Mount Isa time to prepare.
The Miners won their first match, beating Blackwater 20-12 in what was a successful weekend.
Mount Isa won three of its six matches over the two days, with its losses to the two strong Emerald sides, and Yeppoon.