Queensland Rugby League insisted on the strict observance of distinct boundaries in 1956 and the result was that Marian, Sarina and Finch Hatton clubs, which considered themselves strong enough to play in the Mackay competition, were forced to play in the Mirani League.

It also meant that several players who could have gained places with Mackay clubs were also kept out of the Mackay competition. The Mackay Rugby League and the town clubs were not too pleased with the North Queensland edict. There were only four teams playing in the Mackay competition, Magpies, Carltons, Bucas and Southern Suburbs while Marian, Finch Hatton, Sarina, Calen and Eton made up the Mirani league. The North Queensland League changes its mind for the next season and Marian, Finch Hatton and Sarina played in Mackay to boost competition to take the Mackay premiership to a seven team competition. It made 1957 a boom season for Mackay with many of the Mirani League players succeeding in Mackay and winning places in the Mackay Foley Shield side.

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