Michael Hillier & Lachlan Prince
Rival Intrust Super Cup captains Cameron Cullen and Sam Scarlett squared off today to launch XXXX Rivalry Round, where every team will rise to another level in an intense battle for supremacy this weekend.
The iconic XXXX and Queensland Rugby League partnership will come to the fore throughout the round, with all players from the Intrust Super Cup and BHP Premiership to wear XXXX-themed socks.
Replica socks will be sold at each ground for $15 to raise funds and awareness for Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) initiatives.
Ahead of their blockbuster clash at BMD Kougari Oval on Sunday, the opposing Wynnum Manly Seagulls and Redcliffe Dolphins captains got into the spirit by pulling on the red and gold socks.
Scarlett’s Wynnum Manly team heads into the round on top of the table after three-straight wins, while Cullen’s Dolphins have won two of their opening three games to be in hot pursuit.
The fierce bayside rivals will also be vying for the Herald Cup, which they first contested in 1979.
It is one of seven massive Intrust Super Cup games to be played across the weekend, with the competition to be just as fierce across the four BHP Premiership fixtures.
XXXX sales director Patrick Donohue said the weekend was shaping up to be a fabulous showcase of both rugby league and community spirit.
“XXXX and rugby league in Queensland go hand in hand, and this initiative showcases our proud 30-plus year partnership, and XXXX’s more than 142 years of being a great mate of the Sunshine State,” Donohue said.
“We see this as a great opportunity to support another icon in Surf Life Saving Queensland, who are the unsung heroes on coastlines from Cape York to Coolangatta.”
SLSQ chief executive officer Dave Whimpey thanked both the QRL and XXXX for their support.
“We are delighted to partner with QRL for the XXXX Rivalry Round this weekend,” Whimpey said.
“We encourage everyone attending the games to show their support for our surf lifesavers by purchasing a pair of the XXXX-themed socks.
All funds raised will go directly into purchasing equipment and training our volunteers.”
A complete list of all XXXX Rivalry Round matches to be played across the Intrust Super Cup and BHP Premiership competitions is provided below.