QLD Premier Rugby 2025

[JRugby2]

It's an interesting question but a Wynnum would ideally work with Redlands Rugby to build enough mass, just like Ipswich would need to work with Springfield and Goodna. But as someone said it's tribal and they don't play well together. So the QRU need to develop a strategy to work with these areas (not clubs) to build the momentum and realize that is where the future lies and invest people and $$$$. I know this opinion will not be popular with the QPR brigade though. But it's for the good of the game.

Is it if they can't attract any decent players who would rather play at established clubs, with established systems who are competitive - and so they just get pumped every week.

Can't see any expansion team ever being competitive without getting a significant leg up from the QRU in the form of funnelling players there and or grants - which they shouldn't get in principle and would be against how they've operated in the past. Clubs need to be able to stand on their own both on and off field.

I like the idea of successful expansion, but it needs to be an organic thing - rather than a forced merger of some subbies clubs or done opportunistically.

 

[Outsider]

Is it if they can't attract any decent players who would rather play at established clubs, with established systems who are competitive - and so they just get pumped every week.

Can't see any expansion team ever being competitive without getting a significant leg up from the QRU in the form of funnelling players there and or grants - which they shouldn't get in principle and would be against how they've operated in the past. Clubs need to be able to stand on their own both on and off field.

I like the idea of successful expansion, but it needs to be an organic thing - rather than a forced merger of some subbies clubs or done opportunistically.

When Ipswich joined what is now QPR in the 70's they imported heaps of Kiwi players and struggled. The region is much bigger population wise and a centrally located club (maybe Springfield could do it). Either way as @JRugby2 it needs to be organic but the QRU need to plan for it.

 

[Spamnoodle]

It's an interesting question but a Wynnum would ideally work with Redlands Rugby to build enough mass, just like Ipswich would need to work with Springfield and Goodna. But as someone said it's tribal and they don't play well together. So the QRU need to develop a strategy to work with these areas (not clubs) to build the momentum and realize that is where the future lies and invest people and $$$$. I know this opinion will not be popular with the QPR brigade though. But it's for the good of the game.

Goodna has a rugby club?

 

[Mismatch]

Is it if they can't attract any decent players who would rather play at established clubs, with established systems who are competitive - and so they just get pumped every week.

Can't see any expansion team ever being competitive without getting a significant leg up from the QRU in the form of funnelling players there and or grants - which they shouldn't get in principle and would be against how they've operated in the past. Clubs need to be able to stand on their own both on and off field.

I like the idea of successful expansion, but it needs to be an organic thing - rather than a forced merger of some subbies clubs or done opportunistically.

Agree, that there would need to be direct assistance & planning from QRU as well as organic growth. to @Outsider point that those clubs would need to represent their respective regions not actually merge with clubs.

The problem with clubs like Caboolture, Wynnum and Ipswich is that they have quite a decent junior base and lose players as they can't offer a pathway to premier grade rugby or even to decent grades. As currently, there is no competition pathway or even a framework a club outside of Premier can strive too. A key issue in the previously failed clubs has been governance (prime example, logan) and being able to stand on their own feet, so long-term 5-10 year planning & investment before entering top grade would be critical to the expansion club.

Expansion is good for the game and you could argue the reluctance to change, evolve or expand has probably added to the demise of rugby over the last 10 years in Qld but I am sure everyone agrees the last couple of months it feels like that tide might be turning.

 

[new recruit_ brisbane]

Agree, that there would need to be direct assistance & planning from QRU as well as organic growth. to @Outsider point that those clubs would need to represent their respective regions not actually merge with clubs.

The problem with clubs like Caboolture, Wynnum and Ipswich is that they have quite a decent junior base and lose players as they can't offer a pathway to premier grade rugby or even to decent grades. As currently, there is no competition pathway or even a framework a club outside of Premier can strive too. A key issue in the previously failed clubs has been governance (prime example, logan) and being able to stand on their own feet, so long-term 5-10 year planning & investment before entering top grade would be critical to the expansion club.

Expansion is good for the game and you could argue the reluctance to change, evolve or expand has probably added to the demise of rugby over the last 10 years in Qld but I am sure everyone agrees the last couple of months it feels like that tide might be turning.

Which is why Wynnum left Subbies (dying competition) to play in Sunny Coast comp - there is nothing else locally for them to play competitive footy.
They managed to attract players like Tyrees Wilson, Richie and Conrad Skelton.
they have Colts, 2 men’s teams and a womens
- the bones are there. Just need some sort of strategic plan to work out towards from QRU.
it can’t be sustainable travelling 90mins + for away games every second weekend. But shows the appetite the club has for ensuring they are playing in highest level possible.

 

[JRugby2]

Which is why Wynnum left Subbies (dying competition) to play in Sunny Coast comp - there is nothing else locally for them to play competitive footy.
They managed to attract players like Tyrees Wilson, Richie and Conrad Skelton.
they have Colts, 2 men’s teams and a womens
- the bones are there. Just need some sort of strategic plan to work out towards from QRU.
it can’t be sustainable travelling 90mins + for away games every second weekend. But shows the appetite the club has for ensuring they are playing in highest level possible.

Sadly their move hasn't resulted in much success at all - but I know that's beside the point.

Couple of good players (realistically most non-QPR clubs' A-Grade side have a handful of premier grade quality players in both Subbies and Country comps) and some juniors aren't enough to bridge the gap. They need much more to be competitive. Considerable depth in the registered playing base to stretch to at least 3 teams, at least 2 colts and then a lot of cash to help fund the 'rugby departments' and the club.

Not impossible in the literal sense of the word, but pretty much so in every other sense.

 

[noknowledgeatall]

QPR has already done a successful expansion when Sunnybank stepped up in mid to late eighties.
Surely the model / program / process could at least be revamped and put on the table for Wynnum / Ipswich / Caboolture to possibly implement.

Yes the Bank got pumped for a few years - they brought in a few existing players / coaches to help the ball get rolling - I think Richard Leslie from Wests Bulldogs was one.
They put huge efforts into bringing their organic juniors into colts and then Prems/Grade so as a strong culture was the foundation.
Some smart executives also made sure there was a good cash flow into the place which helps.

 

[noknowledgeatall]

Moved for the 2024 season to Souths. Has he gone back to UQ?

rumour is he wants to as he hasn't received the financial incentive he was promised to go to Souths.

 

[noknowledgeatall]

Let’s shift the focus back to QPR25 - who is going to step up or down?, Will Brothers do a three-peat? Can Norths crack a top 4 spot? What player recruitment or movement are we hearing?

UQ are chasing a hooker or 2 as Jake Tierney is off to Sydney.

 

[Bulldog]

If the Rebels cannot work financially with the support of RA, Logan after looking promising was a disaster, as were the Sunny Coast Stingrays (without a financial backer fell apart quickly despite some excellent facilities).
There is no spare cash in the game in Australia so it - expansion - won’t happen but it is interesting to posture.

 

[Bulldog]

I hear changes at the top at Crosby Road with Geoff Rogers finishing his reign as club president. Well done to a great servant of the game.

 

[Mismatch]

If the Rebels cannot work financially with the support of RA, Logan after looking promising was a disaster, as were the Sunny Coast Stingrays (without a financial backer fell apart quickly despite some excellent facilities).
There is no spare cash in the game in Australia so it - expansion - won’t happen but it is interesting to posture.

Yeah mate I agree, more of a long-term goal if rugby keeps heading in the right direction.

 

[noknowledgeatall]

If the Rebels cannot work financially with the support of RA, Logan after looking promising was a disaster, as were the Sunny Coast Stingrays (without a financial backer fell apart quickly despite some excellent facilities).
There is no spare cash in the game in Australia so it - expansion - won’t happen but it is interesting to posture.

wont happen if we keep saying it wont.

maybe it could be a long term plan for say 3 to 5 years away or more.

The population of Brisbane (SEQ) is growing rapidly.

Collectively we need to have a plan / discussion on What the game looks like in 10 years , 20 years and beyond. Once this is the target then strategies and actions can be put in motion.

Or we can just say fuck it and get whatever we feel like when we wake up each morning.

 

[JRugby2]

wont happen if we keep saying it wont.

maybe it could be a long term plan for say 3 to 5 years away or more.

The population of Brisbane (SEQ) is growing rapidly.

Collectively we need to have a plan / discussion on What the game looks like in 10 years , 20 years and beyond. Once this is the target then strategies and actions can be put in motion.

Or we can just say fuck it and get whatever we feel like when we wake up each morning.

All of the other clubs would need to buy into expansion - and when they're MO is just to grow and grow and grow, I don't see why they would suddenly be feeling altruistic about a Wynnum or Caboolture joining the comp and increasing the competition for players across the grades.

 

[Mismatch]

All of the other clubs would need to buy into expansion - and when they're MO is just to grow and grow and grow, I don't see why they would suddenly be feeling altruistic about a Wynnum or Caboolture joining the comp and increasing the competition for players across the grades.

Yeah that's another hurdle. The big clubs want 9th grade playing on Friday nights

 

[Pfitzy]

Yeah that's another hurdle. The big clubs want 9th grade playing on Friday nights

What's the structure at the moment?
I've heard that Subbies clubs play against Premier 6th Grade, so does that mean 5 Grades + Womens XV + Colts for every QPR club?

 

[noknowledgeatall]

What's the structure at the moment?
I've heard that Subbies clubs play against Premier 6th Grade, so does that mean 5 Grades + Womens XV + Colts for every QPR club?

Some cant get a 4th Grade ( Bond)
Some only have 2 grades of Colts
It is what ever the club can organise

 

[HarryElite]

UQ are chasing a hooker or 2 as Jake Tierney is off to Sydney.

Tierney off to gordon
Peoples off to hunter
kait'uu of to Easts
Dobbins to sydney uni
Tupu and a couple others from wests to warringah
Bronson taukipulu to easts

 

[noknowledgeatall]

Tierney off to gordon
Peoples off to hunter
kait'uu of to Easts
Dobbins to sydney uni
Tupu and a couple others from wests to warringah
Bronson taukipulu to easts

East Sydney or Easts Brisbane ??????

 

[HarryElite]

East Sydney or Easts Brisbane ??????

sydney