Richest tournament cash prize in NQ sports history up for grabs at Townsville Mendi 9s Rugby League

Timed to coincide with NRL grand final weekend on October 5-6, a total prize purse of $20,000 will be won by teams across two tiered men’s divisions and an open women’s division.

Male and female players of the tournament and top tryscorers will also win cash prizes.

Tournament director Mitchell Doyle said it was the most lucrative prize for an end-of-year sporting event North Queensland has seen.

“I hope this prizemoney can bring in some real competitors, from Charters Towers, even Mount Isa, Cairns and beyond,” Doyle said.

“Part of the reason why the 9s format is great is because it’s accessible to players from other codes. We want people from rugby union or AFL to come across and give rugby league a go in a fun format.

“People out there will have this opportunity to come and play a brand of footy and also win a bit of money if they can put a side together to win.”

All 24 men’s teams will be in with a shot to win the $10,000 prize for first place.

The top three teams from four day one pools will be elevated into the Mendi 9s Championship competition, with the bottom three teams from the same pools contesting the $5,000 Northern Air Shield.

The 10-team women’s competition will also play for a chance at $5,000.

Two tournament MVPs, one from each of the men’s and women’s competitions, will take home $500 each while the leading tryscorers will pocket $250 each.

“We wanted to bring something to Townsville that hasn’t really been done yet,” Doyle said.

“We don’t just want it to be a footy carnival, we want it to be an event where parents can come down and bring their kids to experience a festival vibe.

“This year be can be the stepping stone for something that becomes an annual event in Townsville and is ongoing for the region.”

Food trucks and music will be the backdrop at Townsville Brothers Rugby League Club’s famous Jack Manski Oval over the two days of the tournament.

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NRL star Kyle Feldt has signed on as an event ambassador alongside Queensland Cup legends Kalifa Faifai-Loa and Shaun Nona.

Registrations open on May 20.

More information is available from www.mendi9s.com.au.

Originally published as Richest tournament cash prize in NQ sports history up for grabs at Townsville Mendi 9s Rugby League