Wizard Cup launches Saturday

SUBURBAN warfare comes to the heart of the city on Saturday when the 2007 season of the Queensland Wizard Cup is launched in the Queen Street Mall.

A platform for countless weekend warriors, local legends and more than 400 NRL players, the Wizard Cup is entering its twelfth season under the modern format.

There to help celebrate bringing up the dozen will be the likes of current Kangaroos Justin Hodges and Brent Tate, along with MCs Kevin and Steve Walters.

All have previously played or coached in the Wizard Cup - a competition which has also featured Greg Inglis, Shaun Berrigan, Sam Thaiday, Petero Civoniceva, Billy Slater and Matt Bowen in recent years.

Throughout the launch, which runs from 10am to noon, there will be prizes up for grabs, appearances by representatives of each of the competing clubs and a chance for a photo with the Test heroes.

Among the free merchandise to be distributed to fans on the day are two special commemorative posters from Wizard, one featuring all 11 club logos and the other depicting Cup graduates Inglis and Hodges in Australian colours.

Stick-on QLD Wizard Cup tattoos will also be doing the rounds, while a pass-the-ball competition offers the chance to go in the draw for jerseys, hats and footballs.

Joining in the fun, top-rating Nova 106.9FM will perform a live cross to the river end of Queen Street amid the morning