Western Clydesdales prepare for entry into 2023 Hostplus Cup

The Queensland Rugby League has today confirmed its support for the Western Clydesdales to enter the Hostplus Cup in 2023.

The announcement follows the QRL Board’s review of a detailed submission from the Clydesdales, who have worked closely with the QRL during the past 18 months to put in place the administrative, player and coach development, and commercial structures to support a Cup team.

The QRL will continue to work with the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) on support for the Clydesdales and growth of the western corridor.

QRL statewide competitions director Darryl Van de Velde acknowledged the work of the Clydesdales board and executive, and the significance of the club’s inclusion in Queensland’s premier men’s competition.

“The southwest region is immersed in rugby league history and today’s announcement marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the Clydesdales,” Van de Velde said.

“The Clydesdales’ entry is aligned to recommendations from the 2021 QRL statewide competitions review which identified the southwest area as a priority for expansion.

“With 7000 playing participants, the Clydesdales have an impressive footprint which extends across 11 junior and senior local league competitions.”

The admission of the Clydesdales, who have a partnership with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, means the region will be represented at the state’s top level for the first time since 2006.

From 2023, the Clydesdales will field teams right through the male age groups in the under 16s, under 18s, under 21s and the open Hostplus Cup, along with an under 19 women’s squad.

“This is absolutely fantastic for the Western Clydesdales and rugby league across southwest Queensland,” Western Clydesdales chairman Tony Coonan said today.

“Southwest Queensland is rugby league heartland and it is really exciting that players from our region can now see a clear and complete pathway from their home town and junior club to the elite levels of our great game.

“For too long, aspiring players from the southwest have had to leave our region to chase their footy dreams, but no more. They can now stay with their families and friends in their home town, develop their craft under the guidance of an NRL club, and progress through the ranks to the point where they can make it to the NRL, hopefully with the Bulldogs.”