NRL 2022: Western Clydesdales to join Hostplus Cup, Selwyn Cobbo’s sponsor tug of war

Legendary Queensland club the Western Clydesdales have been given their return date for the Hostplus Cup in part thanks to a feeder club agreement with an NRL powerhouse.

Selwyn Cobbo is caught in a corporate tug of war between Nike and Asics, with Nike reportedly preparing to offer the Broncos’ star a 10-year deal. Picture: Getty Images.

The Queensland club that helped nurture some of the NRL’s greatest ever players is back in business – with the support of a Sydney powerhouse.

The Western Clydesdales have gained entry to the Hostplus Cup from 2023 after 17 years in the rugby league wilderness.

Formerly Toowoomba, the Clydesdales were the Brisbane Broncos’ feeder club from 1996 to 2006.

During that time, NRL stars Sam Thaiday, Dave Taylor, Carl Webb, Justin Hodges, Lote Tuqiri and Ben Ikin were among the many Broncos players to pull on a Clydesdales jersey.

The Clydesdales went bust after the 2006 season and could not field a team in the 2007 Queensland Cup.

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The Western Clydesdales will join the Hostplus Cup from 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

But they have come back to life over the past 18 months to put in place the administrative, player and coach development, and commercial structures to support a Hostplus Cup team.

The Clydesdales have struck up a feeder club arrangement with the Canterbury Bulldogs and will work with the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) to grow the game in the western corridor.

The Queensland Rugby League confirmed the Clydesdales’ admission on Friday.

QRL statewide competitions director Darryl Van de Velde acknowledged the work of the

Clydesdales board and executive, and the significance of the club’s inclusion in Queensland’s premier men’s competition.

“The south-west region is immersed in rugby league history and today’s announcement

marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the Clydesdales,” Van de Velde said.

The Western Clydesdales will run an under-19 women’s team. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“The Clydesdales’ entry is aligned to recommendations from the 2021 QRL statewide

competitions review which identified the south-west area as a priority for expansion.

“With 7000 playing participants, the Clydesdales have an impressive footprint which

extends across 11 junior and senior local league competitions.”

From 2023, the Clydesdales will field teams right through the male age groups in the under

16s, under 18s, under 21s and the open Hostplus Cup, along with an under 19 women’s

squad.

“This is absolutely fantastic for the Western Clydesdales and rugby league across south west Queensland,” Western Clydesdales chairman Tony Coonan said.

The Western Clydesdales have come to an arrangement with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“South west Queensland is rugby league heartland and it is really exciting that players from

our region can now see a clear and complete pathway from their home town and junior club

to the elite levels of our great game.

“For too long, aspiring players from the south west have had to leave our region to chase

their footy dreams, but no more.

“They can now stay with their families and friends in their hometown, develop their craft under the guidance of an NRL club, and progress through the ranks to the point where they can make it to the NRL, hopefully with the Bulldogs.”

MORTAL ORIGIN ENEMIES BURY THE HATCHET

They were once mortal Origin enemies. But there was a beautiful sight at Red Hill on Tuesday — Maroons legend Wally Lewis and NSW rival Benny Elias sharing a warm laugh as they watched Broncos training.

Lewis and Elias waged some ding-dong battles in the Origin arena.

‘Balmain Benny’ was in his element in 1994, kicking two field goals in that year’s decider to ruin Mal Meninga’s farewell game for Queensland and help NSW to a series win with arguably his finest Origin match.

Elias stopped into the Broncos to spruik new technology involving LED lighting at NRL matches and spent at least 30 minutes talking with ‘The King’.

“We genuinely hated each other in our playing days,” Elias said as Lewis stood beside him nodding in agreement. “But now as the years have passed, you celebrate the memories and the great contests. It’s great to stop by and see Wally, who I had so much respect for as a player.

“But I must say, I still loved ruining Mal’s farewell and sticking it up those bloody Queenslanders.”

The King (L) and Benny Elias at Broncos training.

Wally Lewis and Benny Elias were once mortal enemies, but have now made peace.

NIKE’S DEAL TO MAKE COBBO NRL’S TIGER WOODS

Sporting giants Nike are in talks with Broncos sensation Selwyn Cobbo on a mega sponsorship deal that will make him the Tiger Woods of the NRL.

Sport Confidential can reveal Cobbo’s management have opened negotiations with Nike representatives on a 10-year endorsement contract in the wake of his meteoric rise to the State of Origin arena.

Just 12 months ago, Cobbo was a rugby league unknown, a baby-faced 18-year-old from Cherbourg on a basic $60,000 contract with Brisbane’s feeder club Wynnum Manly.

Now, Cobbo is a Broncos matchwinner, a Queensland Origin representative and, in the eyes of Nike officials, one of the most bankable poster boys in the NRL.

Selwyn Cobbo is caught in a corporate tug of war between Nike and Asics, with Nike reportedly preparing to offer the Broncos’ star a 10-year deal. Picture: Getty Images.

Golfing superstar Tiger Woods’ first Nike contract in 1996 was a five-year deal worth $40 million. His most recent eight-year deal is worth between $20 million and $40 million a year.

While those numbers are in a different universe to anything in rugby league, the move to secure Cobbo to a long-term sponsorship deal is evidence of the esteem in which he is held by Nike Australia bosses.

With his raw talent, speed and laid-back smile, Cobbo has already become a fan favourite at the Broncos. He is currently at the centre of a corporate tug of war, with Nike facing stiff competition from rival Asics – the Broncos’ apparel sponsor – for his signature.

Asics are trying to use their Broncos apparel sponsorship to try to land Cobbo, but he is expected to stay loyal to Nike. Picture: Getty Images.

But despite Asics’ desire to lure Cobbo to their sporting stable, the Maroons rookie is tipped to stay loyal to Nike. Last year at Wynnum Manly, Cobbo was given four pairs of free boots and four pairs of sneakers by Nike and the flying winger has not forgotten their support when he was on the way up.

While Cobbo stands to make big bucks, his management is not rushing a Broncos contract extension. The Broncos are keen to secure the 100kg utility back until the end of 2025, but Cobbo has been told to focus on his maiden Origin series.

“We’ve put talks on hold for the moment,” said Cobbo’s manager Tas Bartlett of PSM. “Selwyn is happy at the Broncos, so there’s no issue there, but the next six weeks is huge for him so I just want Selwyn to focus on playing well for Queensland. We will pick up talks after the Origin series.”

QUEENSLAND MEDIA LEGEND RETIRES

Queensland sports media giant Pat Welsh is calling it quits after an incredible 47 years with Channel 7.

Welsh will retire from his television job at the end of the year following nearly five decades with the broadcaster.

Welsh joined Seven in April, 1975, after missing out on a cadet job at The Courier-Mail.

He has covered nine Olympic Games (six summer, three winter), countless major golf tournaments as well as Kangaroos and Ashes tours.

But there is one moment that stands out among them all.

Queensland sport media legend Pat Welsh will retire after 47-years with Channel 7. Picture: Richard Walker

“I was the first to interview Cathy Freeman after she won gold (400m) in Sydney (2000 Olympics),” Welsh said.

“Being there in front of 120,000-odd people was without doubt the most memorable night.

“It was the biggest thing that happened sports-wise in this country. To have a front-row seat for Australian history was pretty awesome.

“I’ve done a lot of golf. I travelled for the best part of 30 years with Jack Newton.

“I had a very good relationship with Greg Norman and lived life vicariously through him for a while. He trusted me so I’d fly around in his private jet and go to dinner. That’s living a surreal life.”

Welsh was also behind the microphone for hurdler Sally Pearson’s memorable interview after she collected silver at the 2008 Beijing Games.

“That was unbridled joy, sheer pleasure, all I said was ‘congratulations’ and off she went,” Welsh said.

Welsh and Ian Healy have signed with SEN Radio for another year to continue their breakfast show while Ben Davis will replace him as Channel 7’s sports editor.

And we may not have seen the last of Welsh yet, especially with an Olympics on home soil in 10 years.

“I’d love to see if there was any way to be involved in Brisbane 2032,” he said. “I am rapt for that. Brisbane will do it really well.”

Not long ago Corey Oates was on the outer at Brisbane, now Kevvie says he’ll fight to keep the star winger. Picture: Getty Images.

NO ROLLED OATES FOR KEVVIE

Brisbane coach Kevin Walters has vowed to fight tooth-and-nail to keep in-form winger Corey Oates at the Broncos beyond this season.

Oates remains off-contract past the midway point of the season and the Broncos have still yet to table a deal for 2023, triggering fears he could be squeezed out by salary-cap pressures as the club moves to upgrade his wing partner Selwyn Cobbo.

While he is a fan favourite with Broncos supporters, the reality is Oates faces a hefty pay cut to remain at the club next season.

The 27-year-old has been linked with the Dolphins by virtue of his relationship with former Broncos coach Wayne Bennett, but Walters is adamant Oates will not be forced out of Red Hill.

“I believe ‘Oatesy’ will stay,” Walters said. “It’s something we need to negotiate with him and his management but we’d like to think we can find a spot here for him.

“This is the best I’ve consistently seen Corey play in his career.

“He has knuckled down and focused on things that are important to him. This club is important to Corey and we’d love to make him a Bronco for life.”

Ryan Matterson is close to making an announcement on his NRL future. Picture: NRL Photos

MATTER OF FACT FOR DOLPHINS

Parramatta have upped the ante in a desperate eleventh-hour attempt to stop Ryan Matterson from quitting the Eels to join the Dolphins next season.

Sport Confidential understands Matterson, the newly-crowned NSW Origin forward, is close to making a call on his future.

The Dolphins were considered the favourites to pull off a poaching raid after tabling a four-year, $2.6 million package to Matterson worth around $650,000 season.

But the Eels have hit back, also offering a four-year term to Matterson. While Parramatta’s estimated offer of $600,000 a season is not as lucrative, Eels officials are privately confident Matterson will keep the faith and knock back the Dolphins’ overtures.

Should the Dolphins miss out on Matterson, it would be a blow.

The Dolphins wined and dined the 27-year-old last month, including a chat with super coach Wayne Bennett, who views Matterson as the ideal No. 13 to complement the likes of Kenny and Jesse Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi.

But the Eels believe Matterson is happy in Sydney close to family and friends and are backing their offer to keep him in blue and gold.

Blake Mozer is one step closer in his journey to the NRL after making his Hostplus Cup debut. Picture: Liam Kidston.

BOOM BRONCO TAKES NEXT STEP

Broncos young gun Blake Mozer has taken the next step in his journey to the NRL after making his Hostplus Cup debut.

Mozer came off the bench for Souths-Logan in the Magpies’ 26-22 loss to PNG last weekend.

The dynamic hooker punched out 44 minutes, ran four times for 32m and set up a try in a promising debut.

Mozer will spend the remainder of the year in Queensland’s top competition before getting another NRL pre-season under his belt with the view to debuting in 2023.

TITANS SPEEDSTER STRANDED

The Hostplus Cup’s leading tryscorer can’t get a run for the last-placed Gold Coast Titans.

Burleigh flyer Alofi Khan-Pereira has bagged 10 tries in 10 games for the Bears this season to lead Queensland’s top competition. The winger has scored nine of those tries in his past five games as Burleigh rocketed to the top of the ladder.

But Khan-Pereira can’t get a crack at the NRL, with Titans coach Justin Holbrook continually fielding error-riddled wingers Jamayne Isaako and Esan Marsters.

Isaako will join the Dolphins next year and Marsters is off-contract while Khan-Pereira is the fastest player on the Titans’ books but can’t get a go.

Jahrome Hughes has revealed he weighed up playing for Queensland before pledging his allegiance to the Kiwis. Picture: Getty Images.

NO ORIGIN REGRETS FOR STORM ACE

Star Melbourne halfback Jahrome Hughes has revealed he weighed up playing State of Origin for Queensland before pledging his allegiance to New Zealand.

As he prepares for the Storm’s top-four blockbuster against the Broncos on Friday night, Hughes concedes he could have easily found himself in a Maroon jumper instead of the black and white of the Kiwis.

Born in Wellington, Hughes played in Maroons junior-rep teams and represented the Queensland Residents in 2016. But at a time when the Maroons had gun halfbacks Cooper Cronk and Daly Cherry-Evans, Hughes was yet to break through as a champion No. 7 at the Storm.

In 2019, Hughes made his Test debut for New Zealand and played three matches off the bench. Three years later, as Melbourne’s first-choice No. 7, Hughes, at age 27, would be the perfect Maroons successor to Cherry-Evans, but he is content to be a Kiwi.

“I gave some thought to playing Origin,” Hughes said. “There was an option there with Queensland, but a few years ago I couldn’t see myself breaking into the Maroons and I always considered myself a Kiwi, so I’m proud to represent New Zealand.”

New Zealand coach Michael Maguire believes Hughes can be the Kiwis’ X-factor in bringing down Australia at this year’s World Cup.

“Jahrome is a huge X-factor for us,” he said. “He has become a matchwinner at Melbourne and he has been doing it consistently for the Storm the last two or three years.

“Jahrome has been an integral part of the Melbourne spine and the way they play, so I’m hoping he can bring that dominance to the Kiwis.

“I’m glad he didn’t choose Origin, he has developed his game so much over the last four years, he is a real leader down there at Melbourne.”

DONAGHY HEADS INTO STORM

Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy will return to Melbourne for the first time since his controversial exit from the Storm.

Donaghy will be at AAMI Park on Friday night to watch Brisbane gun for an eighth straight win against Melbourne. Donaghy departed the Storm last year to replace Paul White at the Broncos, but it was far from a smooth transition.

Storm chairman Matt Tripp took him to court to impose a six-month non-compete clause, which left Donaghy sidelined at Red Hill.

The parties eventually settled and Donaghy started at the Broncos in May. He insists there’s no bad blood with the Storm ahead of his return to Melbourne.

The Wests Tigers are such a rabble they announced Luciano Leilua’s move to North Queensland before the Cowboys had finalised the deal. Picture: Getty Images.

TIGERS BOTCH LEILUA EXIT

The Wests Tigers are such a rabble they couldn’t even announce Luciano Leilua’s exit without bungling it.

Leilua has been released from the Tigers to join North Queensland immediately, but the transfer has been far from smooth. The Tigers announced on their website that Leilua had been released on Tuesday before any paperwork was finalised with Wests.

And the Cowboys were no way near finalising their end of the bargain when it came to bringing Leilua north for the remainder of 2022.

FENECH EYES FEROCIOUS TEST

Australian boxing legend Jeff Fenech believes his young protégé Brock Jarvis has the potential to one day challenge George Kambosos.

The exciting Jarvis has amassed a formidable 20-0 record, 18 by knockout, and is set to take on Mackay sensation Liam Paro (22-0, 13KO) as the main event of Matchroom’s first show in Australia in September.

But eventually, Fenech believes Jarvis, 24, would be a dangerous opponent for Kambosos, who is entertaining triggering a rematch clause after his disappointing loss to Devin Haney at Marvel Stadium a fortnight ago.

The only issue is Jarvis’ body continues to grow and he may struggle to meet Kambosos in the lightweight division.

“I would let Brock fight George Kambosos for sure,” Fenech said.

“I would let Brock fight him tomorrow. I know how good George is and I know how talented Brock is. I would never disrespect George and call him out. But I think in the next year or so, Brock would be ready to fight Kambosos.

“There are some big things on the horizon for Brock.

“Brock has time, he is a kid, but he can handle himself against anybody in the weight division. I’m hoping after his next fight he will get close to No.1. I think within the next 12 months he will be in a position to fight Kambosos.”

Originally published as NRL 2022: Western Clydesdales to join Hostplus Cup, Selwyn Cobbo’s sponsor tug of war