Country Week is about far more than the 80 minutes on game day. It’s an opportunity for the Central Queensland Capras to connect with the communities that have long been the heartbeat of rugby league across our region.

Ahead of this year’s Hostplus Cup clash in Blackwater, the Capras spent the week travelling through the Central Highlands, visiting schools in Duaringa, Dingo, Bluff, Emerald, Comet and Blackwater. At every stop it was the same story: running clinics, sharing a few laughs, signing plenty of autographs and inspiring the next generation of players and supporters.

The tour was about meeting communities where they are. Clinics ran in full swing across the Central Highlands, from Comet State School to Emerald North and Emerald State School. The week also made room for everyone in the game, with an All Abilities Clinic in Emerald and a Girls Only Clinic delivered alongside the NRL and the Emerald State High Open Women’s team. There were club visits with the Emerald Brothers and Blackwater Crushers, a coach development workshop, and a NAIDOC celebration that brought the community together off the field.

By Friday, the focus turned to Blackwater. The players spent the day connecting with the local community, visiting schools, sharing their love of rugby league and spending time with young fans, before the town came together for a community barbecue and fan engagement afternoon at Hinricks Oval. The Hostplus Cup Captain’s Run gave kids the chance to meet their Capras heroes up close, a reminder of exactly what Country Week is all about.

Whether it was signing autographs at school, kicking a football around with local juniors or meeting families at the Captain’s Run, the week was filled with moments that reflect what the Capras stand for. These visits strengthen the connection between the club and the communities it represents, giving young players the chance to meet their rugby league heroes and reminding everyone why regional Queensland remains the lifeblood of the game.

It all came together on Saturday 25 July at Hinricks Oval, where the Capras proudly represented Central Queensland on and off the field against the Brisbane Tigers. The crowd, the community, the Country Week atmosphere — it’s a weekend the club will treasure. A special thank you to Blackwater for the incredible hospitality and for making the Capras feel right at home.

A special thank you, too, to Whitehaven Coal. Their continued support helps make the Country Week tour possible and allows the Capras to bring elite rugby league experiences directly to regional communities, keeping the game that brings us all together thriving across Central Queensland.

Country Week reminded us that rugby league is about so much more than 80 minutes. It’s about communities opening their arms, kids dreaming big, volunteers making it happen and memories that last long after the final siren.

Your Region. Your Team. It’s more than a slogan. It’s what Country Week is all about.