All of us in Queensland Rugby League's Central region are thrilled to see the fantastic starts made by the Hostplus Cup teams representing our communities.
And there’s plenty of work being done at the grassroots to add more talented players to the pathway.
Central Queensland Capras, who have long demonstrated a commitment to helping locals emerge, have won every game so far and Sunshine Coast Falcons are not far behind them.
It was pleasing to see the Western Clydesdales get their first win too against Ipswich, which will be the first of many I’m sure.
The club will be vital in giving opportunities to young players in Toowoomba and across southwest Queensland and more success will serve to inspire the next generation.
I think sooner rather than later there will be a BMD Premiership team under the Western Clydesdales banner; Toowoomba already boasting one of the strongest female A grade competitions in the state.
It’s a testament to all the volunteers and administrators at the Toowoomba Rugby League and its clubs, who have worked incredibly hard to fast-track this development.
Sunshine Coast has a similarly strong female competition and won’t be far away either in joining the Capras, who have more than held their own in the BMD Premiership this year.
There’s going to be plenty of opportunities for anyone from the Central region who is good enough and who’s got the desire and wants to work hard moving forward.
The upcoming XXXX 47th Battalion carnival will be one of those opportunities to get on the radar for the top level, if they’re not already.
The women’s section of the competition started in 2011 and has been proven as the ideal step up from local league, with the likes of Tamika Upton, Chelsea Baker and Teagan Rolfe progressing through the carnival in the past.
We have six women’s teams and eight men’s teams heading to host city Emerald next week, with Toowoomba and Rockhampton eager to defend their respective women’s and men’s crowns.
Shout out
A shout out to Stanley River from president Mary-Anne Hallam right down to all those volunteers behind the scenes. The Wolves have undergone a massive expansion in the under 6s and under 7s compared to last year, jumping up to seven teams across these age groups, which equates to 61 players up from 37. Being able to cater for so many more players is no mean feat.
Upcoming key dates
April 29-30: XXXX 47th Battalion
May 6: Outback Junior Muster, Charleville
Celebrating our team
Jackie Stephson
Role: Area manager – South West
Hometown: Mackay
Favourite Maroons player: Billy Slater
Why you love your job: Helping the players and volunteers in the game. My favourite part is watching the Under 6s
What Jackie brings to the team: Jackie is a very experienced QRL employee having cut her teeth as a volunteer in Toowoomba Junior Rugby League before becoming chairwoman of that League. This experience paved the way for Jackie to seamlessly transition to a QRL employee as a League and Club Coordinator before recently be promoted to Area Manager South West.
