Australian Catholic University has thrown its weight behind the elite rugby league nursery that helped launch the careers of Queensland State of Origin greats Cameron Munster, Harry Grant and Daly Cherry-Evans.
Confraternity Carnival, a competition featuring the state's best Catholic and independent schools boys' and girls' teams, has struck a three-year naming rights partnership with ACU.
The partnership with ACU is another major step for the Confraternity Carnival which began in 1980, establishing its reputation as a statewide gathering of school rugby league teams that play in the "Spirit of Confraternity".
ACU Brisbane Campus Dean Professor Susan Dann AM said the university was proud to be associated with a competition that celebrates unity, fairness, education and physical activity.
"This iconic event brings together faith-based schools from across the state, celebrating sporting excellence and championing friendship and fair play," Professor Dann said.
"We are delighted to be an integral part of an event that means so much to young players and their communities.
"This event reflects the values at the heart of Catholic education – service, community and respect."
Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Rugby League President Peter Elmore said the partnership with Australian Catholic University underlined the growth of the Carnival since the inaugural gathering included six schools in 1980.
"We welcome ACU as the naming rights sponsor of a Carnival that has been a positive experience in the lives of so many young families over more than 40 years" Mr Elmore said.
"The Carnival is about more than rugby league. It's a true confraternity in the way that it brings together schools from across Queensland in an environment in which fair play, respect and fellowship are most highly valued.
"We look forward to partnering with ACU for the next three years and we thank them for their support of a carnival that has always been very well supported by faith-based schools across Queensland."
In its four decades, Confraternity Carnival has become one of the nation's most prolific rugby league nurseries.
Eight "Confro" graduates played in the Maroons team that won the 2025 State of Origin series: Cameron Munster (Emmaus College, Rockhampton), Valentine Holmes and Gehamat Shibasaki (Ignatius Park College, Townsville), Harry Grant and Kurt Mann (St Brendan's College, Yeppoon), Daly Cherry-Evans (St Patrick's College, Mackay), Lindsay Collins (Padua College, Kedron) and Xavier Coates (Marymount College, Burleigh Waters).
The 2026 event, the 46th Confraternity Carnival, will be held at Marist College, Ashgrove, from June 28 to July 3.
