Schoolboy league rises from COVID-19, with Broncos, Cowboys, Titans sponsored comps going on

Schoolboy rugby league will rise from COVID-19 oblivion, with the Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans and North Queensland Cowboys-sponsored competitions going ahead after seemingly having no chance of being played just a month ago.

Schoolboy rugby league will rise from COVID-19 oblivion, with the Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans and North Queensland Cowboys-sponsored competitions going ahead after seemingly having no chance of being played just a month ago.

The respective competitions, sponsored by the three Queensland NRL clubs and run by the Queensland School Sport Rugby League, will start seasons in late July or early August.

News followed last month’s confirmation the prestigious, top tier Langer Cup and Payne Cup tournaments would go ahead, with organisers working toward a July 29 kick-off.

Scrum time during the action as Marsden State High School clash against Coombabah SHS in the Walters Cup semi-final.

Queensland Schools Rugby League president Andrew Peach said the Renouf Shield (for year 8s), the Hancock competition (year 9) and Walters Cup (year 10) would go ahead across south east Queensland along with the Devere Cup (year 10) and Gee (open) second tier competitions.

He said the Titans-sponsored open boys and girls competition would also be played on the Gold Coast and the Cowboys-sponsored Aaron Payne (open) and Cowboys Challenge (year 10) would be contested between North Queensland schools.

However Peach said “total numbers would be limited to 100 people” attending games.

The open reserve grade Ipswich State High School Rugby league team which won the 2019 premiership.

“More information will be available to families early next term (July), but we have structured our competition to meet the Queensland Government guidelines requiring a maximum of 100 people in attendance,’’ Peach said.

“This means we will have two games only at each venue and no spectators.

“We are working on ways to be able to support families to be able to watch many of the games via live stream, and look forward to the opportunity to help our kids get back on the field.’’

Coombabah SHS coach Scott Marlow addresses his players in the in the Walters Cup semi-final against Marsden State High School.

Peach said the association was “really thankful’’ to the three Queensland-based NRL clubs and the Queensland Rugby League for supporting the competition.

“We are very fortunate to have such a strong community in rugby league working together to provide such great opportunities for our kids,’’ Peach said.

“We have a strong plan in place to support our students and staff in creating a COVID-19 safe environment, while returning to rugby league in term three.’’