Legends Of League - Kick Off In Hinchinbrook

Herbert River Crushers President Matt Chiesa, Legends of Legue’s Craig Teevan, Mayor Ramon Jayo, Legends of Legue’s Troy Byers, Crusher’s Rhys Swarbrick, and Crusher’s Sarah Castles, together in front of the mural at the Hinchinbrook Shire Council offices. Photo credit: Victoria Velton‍Hinchinbrook is set to take centre stage this winter, with rugby league greats heading to Ingham for a major community event that promises to bring excitement on and off the field. The International Legends of League will draw former stars from across Australia, giving locals a rare chance to see some of the game’s biggest names up close. With a mix of school visits, community activities and a headline exhibition match, the event is expected to attract strong crowds while delivering a boost to grassroots sport, local businesses and community pride across the region.‍‍FOOTY LEGENDS TO FIRE UP HINCHINBROOK THIS JULY ‍Footy fever is set to hit Hinchinbrook when former rugby league legends take the field in Ingham this July as part of a four‑day community event. Running from 15-18 July 2026, the event will culminate in a Saturday exhibition match, the first International Legends of League event in the Hinchinbrook Shire. Hinchinbrook Shire Council is backing the event, which will see an Australian Legends team, including several former North Queensland Cowboys, compete against a local All Stars Legends team. The Australian Legends team will be made up of high profile former NRL, State of Origin and Test rugby league players. Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo said the event would deliver important social, sporting and economic benefits to the region. “Footy is part of the fabric of our community, and events like this give us the chance to celebrate that while also delivering real benefits for our young people and local clubs,” Mayor Jayo said. “Having the Legends of League in Hinchinbrook puts our region again in the spotlight after the successful Tones and I concert in February. It just shows what we can achieve when community, sport and tourism come together.” As part of the visit, players will undertake school visits, sharing messages around teamwork, resilience, respect and healthy lifestyles. International Legends of League Founder Craig Teevan said the Hinchinbrook event was a significant milestone for the organisation. “This will be our 102nd Legends of League event, but our first time bringing the legends to Hinchinbrook, and we’re really excited about it,” Mr Teevan said. “We use the profiles of former players to engage with young people, support grassroots rugby league and deliver lasting positive outcomes for regional communities.” A Corporate Day will be held on Friday 17 July, featuring a Bowls Day and Dinner, offering local businesses the opportunity to get involved while supporting grassroots sport. Herbert River Crushers Rugby League Club President Matt Chiesa said the event would be a major boost for local rugby league. “This is a huge opportunity for our club and for the wider rugby league community in Hinchinbrook,” Mr Chiesa said. “Not only will fans get to see legends of the game up close, but the funds raised will go straight back into grassroots footy where it’s needed most.” Game day on Saturday 18 July will feature a full program of rugby league action, including local men’s, women’s and junior games, before the headline Legends clash. Visiting teams from outside the region are expected to travel to Hinchinbrook, providing a boost to local accommodation and hospitality businesses. All food and beverage sales on game day will stay in the community, along with a percentage of gate takings, ensuring the event delivers direct benefits to local rugby league and community groups. Corporate partnership packages are now open, with businesses across the region encouraged to take part. For corporate enquiries, contact Craig Teevan on 0412 627 497. Further event details will be announced in coming weeks. Caption: Herbert River Crushers President Matt Chiesa, Legends of Legue’s Craig Teevan, Mayor Ramon Jayo, Legends of Legue’s Troy Byers, Crusher’s Rhys Swarbrick, and Crusher’s Sarah Castles, together for the announcement at Hinchinbrook Shire Council offices. Photo credit: Victoria Velton