QRL renews partnership with QPS to make a difference

Since 1998, the Queensland Rugby League has held a longstanding and proud relationship with the Queensland Police Service.

Even from its humble beginnings before a formal agreement when Queensland greats Mal Meninga and Wayne Bennett actively served whilst playing for Queensland; the alliance has been one of strength with the core aim of making a difference in communities across the state.

Over the last 23 years, both staples of Queensland have been able to join forces to influence many, and that formidable partnership is set to continue with the two organisations agreeing to a five-year extension of the collaboration.

The re-affirmed agreement commits to creating healthy and safe rural and remote communities in Queensland - aligning to the strategic plans of both organisations - and will use the QRL Outback football program as a platform to engage with these areas.

In extension to the shared responsibility agreement, the QRL have agreed to a funding program with the QPS rugby league team; leveraging their representative calendar to deliver community programs which target vulnerable persons, young people and victims of domestic and family violence directly in conjunction with these events statewide.

Signing on the dotted line to the new relationship until 2026, QRL chairman Bruce Hatcher said it was only logical for the game to extend the QRL’s relationship with QPS to make a difference.

"We’re extremely proud to extend our partnership with the Queensland Police Service and their future endeavours with their rugby league team because they are all about providing opportunities for their members to be actively involved in the game," Hatcher said.

"This can only make a positive impact in local communities throughout the state, where rugby league brings so many people together.

"The QPS has always had strong ties to rugby league with the likes of Wayne Bennett and Mal Meninga coming through their ranks, so we’re thrilled to be able to help keep this tradition alive."

Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the Queensland Police Service is very proud to partner with Queensland Rugby League again.

“Today, the QPS signed on to continue our partnership with Queensland Rugby League, which provides opportunities for rural youth to be engaged and educated on making healthy life choices,” Commissioner Carroll said.

“This partnership has positively impacted many within the QRL community, including players and spectators through the connection and commitment of local police.

"I look forward to hearing further success stories and seeing positive outcomes.”

In one of the first events as part of the new agreement, the Queensland Police Service team will travel to Murgon to face off against the QRL Central Frank Fisher Invitational team as part of the region's domestic violence awareness round.

That match will be broadcast live and free on QRL.com.au and the QRL Facebook page.

Queensland Police recruitment officers will also engage with players attending this weekend’s Outback Junior Carnival in Cloncurry.