Rugby League in 2016 is just around the corner
- CQ NRL Bid
- Jan 2, 2016
- 2 min read
It feels as though we have only just finished the last rugby league season, but already the regional Intrust Super Cup teams are about to start their pre-season training. CQ Capras new coach Kim Williams has taken the reins and has announced the 2016 playing squad, as has Mackay Cutters new coach David Simpson and the other regional teams.
After having a poor season this year, the Capras have signed quite a number of new players and are bringing some of their own products back home. Signings include Aleki Falepaini and Justin Tavae from the Mackay Cutters; Bill Cullen from the Cowboys; Brandon Manase, Chanel Seigafo, Maipele Morseau and Kerisome Kerisome from the Melbourne Storm; Liam Pickersgill from the Broncos plus another 7 new signings.
The Cutters also have a lot of changes including the signing of former Canberra raiders player John Papali; Leonati Feiloakitau-Fetuani from Manly; Michael Uluakiola from Belconnen and Leroy Rankin from Tully. Mackay Cutters fans and fans of rugby league generally will be delighted with the announcement that former Cutters stalwart Jardine Bobongie is returning to the Cutters after a couple of years playing club football.
In Cairns, Joe Callaghan has invested in developing a strong off field team with his coaching team comprised of himself as head coach and 3 assistant coaches – Shane O’Flanagan, Leon Hallie and Darren Ferricks. Testament to the investment made in staff by Intrust Super Cup teams is the number of staff involved. The Pride, as have all of the clubs, has a Team Manager, Assistant Managers – Home and Away; First Aid Officer; Medical Officer; and Welfare Officer. These positions are complimented by the High Performance Unit which includes a Sports Science Consultant, High Performance Manager, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Rehab Coordinator; Sports Dietician and Mental Edge Coach. Every club has dozens of volunteers who ensure that the home games tick along nicely.
The CQNRL Bid Under 15 team had a very successful campaign in Sydney recently. They played the premiership winning Penrith Panthers team and were able to hold them to a 10 all draw and the following day thrashed the Parramatta Eels by 42 -16. The strength of the region was evident to those who witnessed the games which included the very influential Phil Gould who commented that he would like his staff to head up to CQ next year to see what we do, with a view to replicating it.
The CQNRL Bid squad is made up of players from the length and breadth of greater Central Queensland with players from Mackay to Hervey Bay and out to Longreach and beyond. The Bid has been working with schools across the region for a number of years with a view to strengthening the already strong league in the region.
The number of members of the Bid is increasing every week and we ask that you continue to support our efforts with a view to having an NRL club in CQ in the near future.
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