While there have been changes in club affiliations for the current year, the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) remains committed to its support of a statewide competition model, distinguishing it from the structure in place in New South Wales.
According to QRL CEO Ben Ikin, the decision to adopt a decentralised pathway to the NRL and NRLW aligns with the decentralised nature of Queensland. With a significant portion of the state’s population residing outside major metropolitan areas, including the capital city, Queensland is known for its decentralisation.
In contrast, the model in New South Wales originated from the old New South Wales Rugby League and was primarily focused on the competition within Sydney. This model was well-suited for the specific needs of that jurisdiction and has a long-standing history.
“Our Origin teams and the extensive network of competitions in Queensland predate the establishment of NRL clubs. Therefore, attempting to retrofit a different structure in Queensland after the introduction of NRL clubs wouldn’t have been logical,” Ikin explained.
He further emphasized that there is no definitive right or wrong approach. Instead, the focus is on implementing the most effective and suitable solution for delivering the game in Queensland.
The belief shared by the QRL is that by fostering strong rugby league programs in regional areas, not only does the footprint of the sport expand, but it also ensures higher-level competition and a broader reach across the state. This approach helps maintain a strong connection between the sport and the people of Queensland.
