Murri Gummaz to face Flight Centre in charity match ahead of Samoa tour

Joseph Guenzler
Joseph Guenzler Published May 14, 2025 at 10.30am (AWST)

Indigenous women's rugby league team the Murri Gummaz will take the field in a special charity touch match against Flight Centre later this month to help fund their historic tour to Samoa.

The event, to be held at Musgrave Park on 30 May from 11am, will feature Murri Gummaz players, coaches and special guests in a friendly showdown with the Flight Centre team.

There will be prizes, entertainment and community spirit on display, with all proceeds supporting the team's 2025 Samoa tour.

Team manager and co-director Sharnee Hegarty said the event is part of a broader push to secure funding for 45 players and staff to travel to Samoa in September.

"We just need eyes," Ms Hegarty said.

"The more we can get the word out to different audiences, the better it will be.

"It just takes one person to say, 'I'll back this.'"

The team has raised more than $4000 for their trip, though more support is needed. (Image: Supplied)

The Murri Gummaz have remained undefeated for three consecutive years at the Queensland Murri Carnival and Mackay All Blacks Carnival.

Despite their success, Ms Hegarty said the team has struggled to secure major sponsorship.

"We don't fit the criteria for government support," she said.

"We're not a charity, we're not an incorporated business, but our girls are incredible, and they deserve this opportunity."

Funds raised will go towards flights, accommodation and travel costs for the tour, which includes cultural exchanges on the Samoan islands of Upolu and Savai'i.

"This is a legacy trip. No women's or girls' team from Australia has ever gone over to play in Samoa," Ms Hegarty said.

"We want to do it right - with respect, culture and community at the centre."

The 30 May event at Musgrave Park is open to the public.

Supporters can also donate to support Murri Gummaz via GoFundMe.

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National Indigenous Times

Disclaimer: This function is AI-generated and therefore may mispronounce.