Cowboys chase another Laurie Spina shield record

COWBOYS CHASE ANOTHER LAURIE SPINA SHIELD RECORD

The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys hope to attract another record entry to the annual Laurie Spina Shield under-11s rugby league carnival, presented by Guildford Coal, in June.

Team nominations for the 2012 carnival are now open for clubs throughout Queensland and will close on Monday, 23 April.

The two-day carnival honours the first captain of the Toyota Cowboys, Laurie Spina, and is one of the largest junior rugby league events held in Queensland each year.

The preliminary rounds as well as the quarter-finals and semi-finals are held at the Brothers club in Townsville, with the finalists, depending on NRL scheduling, having the honour of playing on Dairy Farmers Stadium prior to the North Queensland v Canberra NRL match in round 16.

Last year, a record 58 teams took part - an increase of two on the previous record - and Cowboys development manager Dean Payne said having at least 60 in the draw was the goal for 2012.