New teams ready to make their mark in season 2023
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A talented playing group representing all Hostplus Cup and BMD Premiership teams proudly wore their club colours during the launch of the Queensland Rugby League’s 2023 statewide competitions season in Brisbane today.
Queensland’s premier male and female competitions kick off next weekend, with anticipation building ahead of the historic matches involving three new teams who are eager to make an early mark on the opposition.
The Western Clydesdales have gathered strong momentum heading into their first season in the Hostplus Cup, while expectations are high for both the Mackay Cutters and Norths Devils as they prepare for their debut seasons in the BMD Premiership.
QRL chief executive officer Rohan Sawyer said the inclusion of the new teams added another layer of excitement leading into the opening round.
“The work that all clubs have put in across the trial match period has been exceptional, and I’m sure this level of professionalism will ensure the 2023 season is one of the most entertaining and competitive years on record,” Sawyer said.
“We’ve already witnessed some spectacular rugby league across our junior statewide competitions, and the start of the Hostplus Cup and BMD Premiership seasons will raise the bar again.”
Today’s launch at Victoria Park Golf Club kicked off under the bright lights of the QRL’s ‘Make your mark’ campaign, which will highlight the many achievements of aspirational participants as they put their own stamp on the Queensland rugby league scene.
Live: QRL statewide competitions launch
The contribution of naming rights partners – both Hostplus and BMD – was also acknowledged during today’s formalities.
Hostplus last week confirmed it would be backing the men’s competition for a further three years, while BMD is in the second season of its three-year deal as the naming rights partner of the women’s league.
“We’re extremely fortunate to have two dedicated partners who share our passion for supporting participation and communities across Queensland,” Sawyer said.
“Their significant investment allows us to focus on running sustainable competitions for our aspirational players and coaches to put their best foot forward each week.”
The Clydesdales launch their 2023 Hostplus Cup campaign with a home clash against the Papua New Guinea Hunters at Clive Berghofer Stadium on Sunday, March 12.
Match: Clydesdales v Hunters
Round 1 -
home Team
Clydesdales
9th Position
away Team
Hunters
5th Position
Venue: Clive Berghofer Stadium, Toowoomba
In the opening week of the BMD Premiership, the Cutters are drawn to play the Wynnum Manly Seagulls and the Devils go up against perennial powerhouse Burleigh Bears.
Match: WM Seagulls v Cutters
Round 1 -
home Team
WM Seagulls
8th Position
away Team
Cutters
1st Position
Venue: BMD Kougari Oval, Brisbane
While the addition of the Clydesdales in the Hostplus Cup brings the number of competing teams to 15 teams, the BMD Premiership remains an eight-team competition with the Cutters and Devils in for West Brisbane Panthers and the North Queensland Gold Stars.
After going down in a thrilling grand final to the Gold Stars last season, the Central Queensland Capras are striving to go one better in 2023.
The Capras open their season with a Round 1 clash against Tweed Seagulls at Browne Park, while the Brisbane Tigers meet Souths Logan Magpies to close out an intriguing opening round.
The opening round of the Hostplus Cup promises to be just as spectacular with all eyes on the first up performance of the Clydesdales.
The Clydesdales will be coached by former Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs player Jason Alchin, who goes up against another first-year Hostplus Cup head coach in Hunters rival Stanley Tepend.
QRL competitions manager Dave Maiden said the arrival of fresh coaching talent would add a new element to the season.
“We’ve had some massive change over the off-season with 10 new coaches coming into roles, so that’s going to unveil different styles which is always exciting,” Maiden said.
“The Hostplus Cup has a proven track record of helping both coaches and players achieve their goals of progressing to the National Rugby League.
“Last year alone there were 13 players who made the transition to the NRL and that is an achievement the rugby league community can all be proud of.”
Hostplus CEO David Elia said “we continue to be exceptionally proud to have our name attached to the QRL in the form of the Hostplus Cup".
"And the extension of the competition to include the Western Clydesdales demonstrates the continued growth and competitiveness of the league," Elia said.
“We look forward to celebrating a fantastic season ahead, the continued exposure of the Hostplus brand, and the growth that key partnerships such as this provide.”
Two-time premiers the Norths Devils will be guided by Dave Elliott, who has joined the club from the Mackay Cutters.
The Devils will open their quest for a hat-trick of titles against the Burleigh Bears in Round 1, before their attention turns to the grand final replay against the Redcliffe Dolphins at Bishop Park in Round 2.
Other opening round fixtures will see the Townsville Blackhawks up against Sunshine Coast Falcons, Ipswich Jets at home to Souths Logan Magpies, the Dolphins taking on Brisbane Tigers, Wynnum Manly Seagulls in action against Mackay Cutters and the Central Queensland Capras playing Tweed Seagulls.
Northern Pride have the bye in Round 1.
All statewide competitions games will be livestreamed on QPlus.tv with one feature Hostplus Cup game and one feature BMD Premiership game free to watch each week.
