Three Queenslanders have been selected for the 2013 Flying Boomerangs, with the team set to depart for a 10-day tour of New Zealand on Thursday.

Kobe Broome (Holland Park West), Lenny Christie (Kendron) and John Pupangamirri (Mullumbimby) will represent the sunshine state as members of the 24-man squad.

The Flying Boomerangs program a personal development and leadership program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young men aged 14 -15 years-old.

Founded in 2006, the Flying Boomerangs program has helped develop some of the game’s most promising indigenous players, including elevated mini-draft pick Jack Martin who graduated through the program in 2013.  

The Boomerangs will be accompanied by AFL Indigenous programs mentor and former Melbourne Demons star Aaron Davey on tour.

AFL Head of Diversity and International Jason Mifsud said this is a great opportunity for these talented young men to develop on and off the field.

“The Flying Boomerangs squad is made up of the best rising Indigenous talent in the nation and they will be given the chance to represent their country and showcase Australia’s game in New Zealand when they play two exhibition matches against local teams.

“Throughout the tour the players will be exposed to elite training, as well as many cultural experiences which will be focussed on addressing the four core pillars of the program; Resilience, Identity, Decision Making and Communication.

“The tour to New Zealand is a significant event in the Boomerangs’ program as it focusses on personal development and leadership, helping the participants to develop into confident young men and leaders in their community.”