The Napranum Bulldogs will dust off the cobwebs this weekend when they play their first competitive game for two years at the Gordonvale Indigenous Rugby League Carnival.

With no organised competition in Cape York this year and COVID-19 killing off games in 2020, the Bulldogs have been training for a long time to prepare for a string of carnivals.

Jason Nixon has been leading the team on the field and says the side, made up of players from Napranum, Weipa and a few former Western Cape stars, was in good shape heading to Gordonvale.

“We’ve got Denzel King playing for us and he was with the Northern Pride this year. His brother Seamus was going to play but now he’s with the Storm he won’t be able to,” the veteran playmaker said.

“They are from Weipa so its not like they are ring-ins.

“We definitely want the team to come from the Napranum area and represent the Cape.”

Margie Nixon has been doing a lot of the work behind the scenes, securing sponsors and lining up fundraisers.

She said the support of the local community had been immense.

“Everyone we asked has said yes and helped out in some way,” Ms Nixon said.

“We’re going down to Gordonvale and then we’re backing up in the Dan Ropeyarn Cup in Bamaga. It’s expensive to attend carnivals and buy uniforms so we’re grateful for all the support.”

This article appeared in Cape York Weekly, 19 October 2021.