Queensland Cup Feeder Clubs

[Jeffles]

Reading RLW this week, I was shocked to find out that all Qld Cup clubs have NRL affiliates. I thought this was only for a select few, but it seems that NRL clubs have a finger in every pie in Qld.

Brothers-Valleys: Dragons
Burleigh: Bulldogs
Central Comets: Cowboys
Easts: Panthers
Ipswich: Rabbitohs
Norths: Storm
Nth Qld: Cowboys
Redcliffe: Roosters
Souths-Logan: Raiders
Toowoomba: Brisbane
Tweed Heads: Eels
Wynnum: Manly

What's the point? The point is that Premier League is in the same boat as Qld Cup (ie. it is a second grade) but there are some pies that have no NRL tie (namely Norths and NEWTOWN).

This is an opportunity that NRL clubs are missing out on. Smart clubs like Saints, Dogs, Penrith, Souths, Roosters, Canberra, Parra and Manly have a second grade affiliate in both NSW and QLD.

Every club except Wests Tigers, Newcastle, Cronulla and the Warriors has an affiliate in QLD.

Every club except Broncos, Cowboys, Warriors and Storm has and affiliate in NSW. These are the clubs that are missing out on a huge opportunity with the Jets.

Everyone of these clubs have signed a New South Welshmen in their existence. A NSW base for these players is one of the great opportunities we can offer.

I'm not bagging the Jets. We have proven ourselves in PL to be competitive and to be a good nursery for players. It's the NRL clubs that should wake up to this opportunity.

 

[zulu]

The bottom line is, we need more of an NRL presence in south east queensland so leeching Sydney clubs can stick to their own backyards and young players can stay in Queenlsand.

Bring on the Gold Coast, then Brisbane United!

 

[Jeffles]

While another NRL team in SE QLD will help ease the flow of players, it will not stop it. Nor will it stop NRL clubs from taking an interest in affiliates. Clubs are very self interested. They will do what they can to get the best team on the park.