QRL acknowledges generosity of licensed clubs
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Queensland Rugby League will this weekend celebrate the immense contribution of licensed clubs and their endless support of grassroots rugby league throughout Queensland communities.
As players prepare to take the field in another bumper weekend of Hostplus Cup fixtures, the QRL and Leagues Clubs Australia (LCA) will come together to host the inaugural Licensed Clubs Round in Queensland.
The initiative will deservedly shine the spotlight on the input of LCA and its member clubs, who are proud supporters of rugby league and the wider community.
Last year alone, licenced clubs contributed 17 million dollars to junior rugby league clubs in Queensland, and the impact of this support is not lost on QRL chief executive officer Ben Ikin.
“With 68,000 participants and 356 clubs spread out across 34 leagues, community rugby league is going strong, and we must always remember that it’s the place where Queenslanders first fall in love with the game,” Ikin said.
“And it’s important to acknowledge that rugby league at the grassroots level would struggle enormously without the generosity of licensed clubs.
“From the jerseys our kids wear, to the ground maintenance and clubhouses and facilities, so much of it is made possible by the support from registered clubs.”
League great Gorden Tallis and current Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons captain Ali Brigginshaw are proudly backing Licensed Clubs Round.
“Rugby league wouldn’t be the game it is today without the support of registered clubs,” Brigginshaw declared.
“Support the local club that supports you,” Tallis said.
Match: Pride v Devils
Round 6 -
home Team
Pride
4th Position
away Team
Devils
5th Position
Venue: Barlow Park, Cairns
Licensed Clubs Round officially gets underway this Saturday at 3pm when the Northern Pride hosts the Norths Devils in Round 6 of the Hostplus Cup.
It is the first of six ‘Super Saturday’ games, with the final match of the round to be played on Sunday between the Brisbane Tigers and Central Queensland Capras.
Both of these teams are backed by licensed clubs, and fittingly the match day coverage on the Qplus.tv feature game will acknowledge the ongoing support of LCA and its member clubs.
LCA chief executive officer Don Hammond thanked both the QRL and New South Wales Rugby League for their ongoing support of member clubs.
“Licensed clubs support of junior rugby league is vital because it not only enhances the development of young players, male and female, but also fosters a sense of belonging and community engagement,” Hammond said.
“The $17 million investment underscores the significance of nurturing grassroots talent and promoting the values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship from an early age.
“Licensed clubs often serve as hubs for social interaction and community engagement.
“By supporting these clubs, you're not just investing in sports but also in the social fabric of communities.”
