Rugby league’s famous Confraternity Carnival will return to The Cathedral College for the fourth time after Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Rugby League (QISSRL) awarded the hosting rights for the 2025 event.
The 45th “Confro” for Boys and Girls will commence with the opening ceremony and Mass on Sunday 29 June followed by play from Monday 30 June to Friday 4 July 2025. Games will be played at Kettle Park and Saleyards Park.
Principal Rob Alexander said the College was excited to welcome Confraternity to Rockhampton for the wonderful benefits it delivers the whole community.
"With 4000 visitors expected for the week, Confraternity is a great boon for Rockhampton and it will showcase our College and students, not only the 40 players, although it will be beneficial for them, but the many that will be involved in the carnival," he said.
"It will provide many opportunities for our students and staff to shine in hosting, organizing and in hospitality that will give worthwhile experiences for growth and development," he said.
"We would have also loved to host the Queensland Independent Secondary School Netball (QISSN) Carnival however with 6 indoor netball courts within close proximity required we weren't able to offer this in Rockhampton," he said.
The 44th Confraternity Carnival wrapped up in Townsville recently featuring 52 boys’ teams and 12 girls’ teams. CQ University sponsors the Carnival that features Catholic and Independent schools from across Queensland who gather in the “Spirit of Confraternity”.
Dozens of Queensland State of Origin players are “Confro” graduates, including current captain Daly Cherry-Evans (St Patrick’s College, Mackay) while the Carnival has produced more than 140 future NRL players.
QISSRL President Peter Elmore said he was delighted that The Cathedral College would host the Carnival.
“This Carnival grows in size every year so it takes plenty of hard work to organise and we are grateful to have the energy and the expertise of The Cathedral College to stage the 2025 gathering,” Mr Elmore said.
“This Carnival provides a significant economic injection for host cities with more than 1600 players and coaching staff participating along with their many family members who attend for the week.
“We saw again in Townsville how much this Carnival means to the players who participate, their coaches and to their families. Memories are made at this Carnival that remain with the players for many years," he said.