LEAGUE LEGACY: Ipswich Jets players (from left) Rod Griffin, Carlin Anderson and Gerico Cecil show off their new jerseys for the Jets’ clash with the Magpies at Cherbourg.

LEAGUE LEGACY: Ipswich Jets players (from left) Rod Griffin, Carlin Anderson and Gerico Cecil show off their new jerseys for the Jets’ clash with the Magpies at Cherbourg. Kate Czerny

CHERBOURG and the Ipswich Jets share a rich history.

And their future looks very rosy too, based on a wonderful event taking place in Cherbourg today.

The Intrust Super Cup clash between the Ipswich Jets and Souths-Logan Magpies at Cherbourg's Jack O'Chin Oval this afternoon will be more than a game of football.

Vocational opportunities will also be a focus when Australian Defence Force and Queensland Police representatives are on hand to discuss career pathways for Indigenous people.

Barambah Regional Medical Service will be there to deliver free health checks.

Yesterday Jets captain Keiron Lander, a proud Indigenous leader, travelled to Cherbourg where he delivered the healthy lifestyle messages of the Deadly Choices program to children in the schools in the region.

He was about to speak to the students at Murgon State High when he told the QT about the expectation ahead of today's game amongst the locals.

"I spoke to a good mate of mine, Boy Hopkins, and he is so proud to be part of the event and to have it here in a community which has such a rich history in sport and culture," Lander says.

"He said how happy he was and you could just see the emotion. The fellas will be that proud and happy to be a part of something that has never been done before."

After last year's South Burnett grand final was held at Jack O'Chin Oval, the wonderful condition of the ground received rave reviews from a community convinced it was at a level to support a Cup game.

Jets chairman Steve Johnson later had a conversation with Indigenous educator Chris Sarra, a commissioner on the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) and former headmaster at Cherbourg State School.

"Chris said to me, 'Johnno, it would be so good if we could get a game at Cherbourg'," Johnson recalls.

"We look to do things where we can help make a difference and that conversation put a seed in my mind about bringing a game to Cherbourg."

Discussions were held with Souths-Logan CEO Jim McClelland and he was keen to move the Magpies home game there. Both clubs have embraced players from Cherbourg.

Injured Jets fullback Wes Conlon was born there. Tough forward Kurtis Lingwoodock is from Eidsvold, just up the road.

"Our former players such as Ricky Bird, Donald Malone, Francis Renouf and Gavin Cooper are from Cherbourg or Murgon next door," Johnson says.

"We have 32 Cherbourg people who have played at the Jets, which is a big number for a small town."

From 9am today through until dusk there will be junior rugby league games, senior games in the Burnett Championship and the Intrust Super Cup clash.

Ipswich Jets players (L-R) Rod Griffin, Carlin Anderson, and Gerico Cecil show off their new jerseys for Rivalry round. Photo: Kate Czerny / The Queensland Times Kate Czerny

"We are wearing a special jersey with Cherbourg's colours and Souths have a specially designed jersey particular to the area and we are leaving those behind to fund raise for the local community," Johnson says.

"On Sunday we have, in conjunction with the NRL, a training clinic which will also be conducted by players from both teams."

"Souths and the Jets are kindred spirits. We are not rich clubs monetarily but we are rich in soul and spirit because we care and we have a heart.

"That is why players want to come to our clubs because what we stand for is bigger than rugby league and something they want to be a part of."

Players from both clubs will bunk down in swags at the Murgon PCYC where they will pay for bed and breakfast. Those funds will be used in the work the PCYC does with the community's youth.

"The idea is that we are giving everything to the community and taking nothing out of it," Johnson says.

"We are hoping to raise enough money to set up their local rugby league for next year, and keep doing it every year."

For Lander, the event is a highlight of his playing career.

"It is something I will hold close forever. You don't get many of these moments in rugby league," he says.

"This is something special for all our Murri fellas. It will hit home when we run out. You want to get the two points, but for us it is all about giving back to the two communities of Murgon and Cherbourg.

"The communities here will be talking about it for many years."

Indigenous Jets fullback Carlin Anderson can't wait to get to Cherbourg.

"It means a lot to me," Anderson says. "I grew up in Gympie and I've played cricket in Cherbourg when I was younger.

"It is an awesome opportunity to play in the Cherbourg colours, represent the people and pay respect to the elders. It will just be good to get back up there. My mates can come down from Gympie and I'll catch up with family."

The Jets boast Aboriginal players from different communities who all unite behind a common cause.

"Ipswich prides itself on having Aboriginal players and our coaches Ben and Shane Walker are devoted to that," Anderson says.

"We all have a strong bond and we play blackfella' footy.

"Playing at the Ipswich Jets is awesome. It is not just a footy club. It is like family."