The team traveled by bus to Mitchell, in the Western Downs, to compete against the Central West and the South West sides in the carnival held Saturday, June 18. 

Mount Isa lost both games, but coach Alan Baillie said the team performed well considering the circumstances. 

The time it took for travel, and the injuries and shortage of players were hindrances against the team. This was reflected in the score. 

Central West beat Mount Isa 38-30 in the first game.

“That was a very, very close encounter,” Baillie said. 

However, the team demonstrated resilience in their next game against the South West side, the carnival winners, and it was a commitment that made the coach proud. 

“While we had a number of injuries, the courage and commitment shown by the team was exemplary,” the coach said. 

At half time Mount Isa was leading 18-10. 

“And then for the next 20-25 minutes we didn’t have the ball at all, and they led 46 points,” the coach said. 

“We started to regain control and a little bit more possession and scored some great tries. 

“We almost ran them down to lose 46-38.” 

Mount Isa had some injuries in the key positions, particularly in the backs, and there were few replacements. 

“I’m really proud. They knuckled down and didn’t throw the towel in,” he said. 

“Donald Simmonds came on in the last 10 minutes injured (bad ankle) and had a try and set up another in the last five minutes. 

“It was truly courageous by all of the fellows. 

“I was just very proud. We simply did the very best we can and werre courageous, not one of those players let us down at all.” 

Three players on the team were also selected to be in the outback representative team. 

Rohan Shultz, Brenton Stonier and Jimmy Baieri were the three Mount Isa players chosen to play for the northern outback side. 

But other standout players who also deserved consideration were Nathan Giles and Adam Kleier, their coach said. 

“They were very, very unlucky not to be selected,” Baillie said. 

“Nathan Giles was the best forward I saw there.” 

Baillie said the outback carnival was a “great concept” from the Queensland Rugby League. 

“They really got it right with this concept, in supporting bush football and opportunities for playing in the bush to represent,” he said. 

It’s the first time that Baillie has coached the regional Mount Isa side, but in 2014 he coached local premiership winners, Wanderers. 

“I only ever coach because I really enjoy interaction with young people,” Baillie said. 

“All I can say is they were genuinely a top group of young men, and I had great satisfaction in being a part.”