Norths Devils have assumed the lease on Warburton Park in Virginia

One of Brisbane’s oldest football clubs has stepped in to ensure a prized sports field in the northern suburbs will stay in rugby league’s hands despite Aussie rules and soccer circling.

The Norths Devils have fought off interest from Aussie rules and soccer to take over the lease at Warburton Park, previously held by the Norths St Joseph's Junior Rugby League.

One of Brisbane’s oldest football clubs has stepped in to ensure a prized sports field in the northern suburbs will stay in rugby league’s hands despite Aussie rules and soccer circling.

Norths Devils have assumed the lease on Warburton Park in Virginia after Brisbane Rugby League advised long-term tenant Norths St Joseph’s that it would not register its club for next season because of declining numbers.

The Devils, who celebrated their 90th anniversary this season, have taken over a ground which has been in Norths’ St Joseph’s hands for almost 60 years.

The Devils have outgrown nearby Bishop Park at Nundah as its seven senior teams, including three women’s teams, fight for space with a junior club that has more than 30 teams.

The acquisition from Norths is a big move for local rugby league after the Brisbane City Council’s decision to allocate the new Nudgee Recreation Reserve to Football Queensland.

The home of Norths St Josephs Rugby League at Virginia. Picture: Facebook

The reserve, which will be completed this year, is just 2km from Warburton Park.

Quest Newspapers understands soccer had ambitions to take over Warburton Park to also cater for its growing numbers while it’s believed the AFL placed a tender for the Nudgee Recreation Reserve as both codes continue to challenge rugby league participation within Brisbane.

A Norths Devils spokesman said assuming the lease at Warburton Park would help grow the sport in the area.

The Norths Devils, who won back-to-back Hostplus Cup premierships in 2021 and 2022, are a powerhouse of rugby league in Queensland. Picture: Richard Walker

“As the statewide competition club for this area, Norths Devils is saddened by the loss of Norths St Joseph’s and the rich history that it has among our junior affiliate clubs,” the spokesman said.

“St Joey’s has much to be proud of in almost 60 years contributing to rugby league on the northside.

“Norths Devils has assumed the lease on Warburton Park and it will assist a growing rugby league base at Bishop Park, which now includes three women’s teams in our senior program.

“We will next year field teams in the women’s statewide premiership competition along with teams in the women’s Under-19 and Under-17 competitions.

“Our grounds at Nundah are overflowing and cannot accept any more rugby league activity.

“We will work with Brisbane Rugby League and the Norths Devils junior club to ensure Warburton Park remains a venue for the northside’s young rugby league players.”

The spokesman also said they expected Warburton Park to have significantly more junior activity next year.