Rugby League: Twelve teams travelled from throughout Queensland to compete in the Queensland State Secondary Schools under-19 rugby league carnival, in Roma.

While there were some nail-biting games spanning across the four-day carnival at Arthur Beetson Oval, South Coast clinched the championship in a thrilling 18-16 grand final against Northern.

All players were vying for selection in the Queensland team, a stepping stone for many players with dreams of making it into the NRL.

A squad of 20 boys from across all teams was announced at the presentation which will contest the National Championships in Canberra during July.

Queensland School Sport rugby league chairman Andrew Peach believes the four-day carnival has a proud tradition of success, with previous Queensland players going on to play for the NRL or to represent Australia.

The carnival is really valuable to their development,” Peach said.

"There was a high quality of rugby league being played on the field with the best of the best competing.

"Not only are those 20 players on the pathway to success with rugby league, even those not selected have gained some new skills to go on to bigger and better things.”

Peach believes Queensland School Sport has an obligation to support rugby league in regional areas and ensure all players have the same opportunities to progress.

Holding the carnival at different venues each year also boosts the economy of host towns, which experience an influx of big groups of players and their families.

"For most of the boys, this is the furthest out west they've travelled so it's important we highlight rural rugby teams.

"We aim to celebrate rugby league in as many communities as possible.”