Souths Logan Magpies captain Rory Ferguson believes that the Broncos’ success in the NRL Pre-Season Challenge serves as a testament to the strength of the Hostplus Cup. With the Queensland Rugby League competition kicking off today, there have been significant changes compared to the 2023 season, as several clubs have formed new affiliations with NRL teams.
While the Brisbane Tigers and Sunshine Coast Falcons have maintained their affiliation with the Melbourne Storm, other clubs have undergone transformations. The Broncos fielded different teams in their two Pre-Season Challenge victories, with the lineup that defeated Manly consisting mainly of players from the Magpies, Wynnum Manly Seagulls, and their new affiliate, the Burleigh Bears.
After participating in the pre-season with Brisbane through a train-and-trial arrangement, Ferguson expressed his satisfaction with the experience and highlighted the positive contribution made by Hostplus Cup players to the team’s victory.
Ferguson expressed his excitement about winning the Challenge and commended the performance of all the players in that game.
Given the presence of more NRL-experienced players like Brandon Wakeham and Brad Parker on the Manly side, many expected them to outperform the Broncos. However, Ferguson pointed out that the Broncos’ team consisted of many players from the Hostplus Cup, demonstrating the high level of talent in the competition. He found it exhilarating to see the Cup players compete effectively against their NRL counterparts.
In a significant change, the Burleigh Bears have ended their affiliation with the Gold Coast Titans, which had been in place since 2007, and have instead entered into a three-year agreement with the Brisbane Broncos. In response, the Titans have strengthened their ties with the Tweed Seagulls.
The Titans have also established a partnership with the Ipswich Jets, designating them as a feeder club. This arrangement allows players who are not part of the NRL top 17 to have regular playing opportunities between both clubs.
Titans chairman Dennis Watt emphasized the importance of having multiple feeder clubs to ensure that players outside the NRL top 17 have the chance to play consistently. The collaboration with the Jets, in addition to their longstanding affiliation with the Tweed Seagulls, aligns with the Titans’ commitment to bringing success to the Gold Coast.
The Ipswich Jets will also maintain their pathway partnership with the Sydney Roosters, with halfback Sam Walker being an Ipswich junior.
Former Brisbane Broncos affiliate Norths Devils made a significant move last year by joining forces with The Dolphins. This decision led to the Broncos expressing gratitude to the Devils before severing ties early and reallocating players to Wynnum Manly and Souths Logan.
This year, the Norths Devils will become part of the growing stable of clubs under The Dolphins, which already includes Redcliffe and the Central Queensland Capras. The Dolphins have also continued their development program for players from the PNG Hunters, building on the initiative launched last year.
Terry Reader, CEO of The Dolphins, expressed enthusiasm about the Devils’ partnership, noting that it will contribute to the growth of the game in the North Brisbane area. The collaboration will facilitate the Dolphins’ involvement in grassroots junior clubs and provide local players with a stronger connection to their elite NRL and NRLW Dolphins Academy, which focuses on nurturing future NRL and NRLW players.
