North Queensland's youngest Maroons fans are getting ready to lace up their footy boots as they're given the chance of a lifetime to take to the field tonight during the State of Origin's blockbuster series opener in Townsville.
The under-10s players from the Weir State School and Belgian Gardens State School will take centre stage when they play a game during half-time.
Weir principal Judd Burgess said it was a huge opportunity for the students, who were selected by the schools based on attendance records and their learning efforts.
Mr Burgess said he hoped the event would inspire a few young sporting stars.
The Maroons newest fan
Townsville parents Tahia and Brendan Galvin welcomed the newest Maroons supporter virtually on the eve of Origin.
Baby Florence was born on Monday as footy fever swept through the city — but she's been taking it all in her stride.
"We would have liked to go [to the game] but we had other priorities so it will be a quiet night in for us but we will be cheering from the Mater Hospital," Ms Galvin said.
Florence is the second Origin baby the Galvins have welcomed into the world. On Origin night in 2017, they checked into hospital to give birth to their first daughter.
This time the couple came prepared.
Homegrown heroes
Students at Ignatius Park College will be donning maroon today.
It will be an extra special State of Origin for the school, with Queensland players Valentine Holmes, Kyle Feldt and Cohen Hess all going through Ignatius Park's Rugby League Program as teenagers.
Former student Kalyn Ponga was also named in the side but will sit out of Game I due to injury.
The school's head rugby league coach, Steven Lanksey, said representing Queensland in front of their home town was "what dreams are made of".
"Ignatius Park College are proud of all the old boys who have gone on to become representative players."
Principal Shaun Clarke said combining a good education with the school's rugby league program was vital.
"When their hard work pays off, and they get to play in their home town surrounded by family and friends, it is a tribute to their dedication for their sport and their career choice," he said.
