SIXTEEN rugby league teams hailing from areas as far as Redcliffe to the central west will kick off the Adrian Vowles Cup in Charleville this Friday night.

Even though a few teams dropped out because of issues travelling the distance to south-west Queensland, support for the cup continues to grow.

The 2017 edition of the cup, which will see U14s and U16s play, will also include two female teams.

Charleville-born and bred Adrian Vowles, who is currently coaching the Queensland women's State of Origin team said rugby league now provides the same opportunity for girls to play as it does for boys.

"The girls game is the fastest growing part of rugby league,” Mr Vowles said.

In the 2016 Adrian Vowles Cup, the first team from Brisbane competed in Charleville, offering local players a new depth of competition.

Vowles said the aim of the cup is to ignite support for local football and bring money into Charleville.

"The cup is bringing players, their families and supporters which will help the town,” Vowles said.

On the field it is all about local players getting experience.

"For country kids, it's an opportunity to see where they are at,” Vowles said.

Players from the coast and city get to experience what it is like to travel hours on end to get to the game and see how country football is done.

"It gives an appreciation of both lifestyles,” Vowles said.

Prizes includes caps for all players and a special jersey for the best team.

Co-ordinators of the event are also looking to host a netball carnival over the same weekend as the cup in the future.