Brisbane Broncos Shane Webcke backs Western Clydesdales
League legend Shane Webcke has exposed the true issue threatening the code in the wake of news one of the NRL’s biggest production lines is on the brink of collapse.
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NRL and Maroons legend Shane Webcke holds grave fears for the future of rugby league with news one of the game’s greatest production lines is under threat of collapse.
Webcke has thrown his support behind the Western Clydesdales who issued a desperate $150,000 funding plea to save their junior pathways programs earlier this week.
The Clydesdales may have to scale back vital development programs, meaning the next Arthur Beetson, Steve Price or Darren Lockyer may never be discovered.
Scouted by legendary coach Wayne Bennett during an under-18 schoolboys game in 1993, Webcke swapped the tiny country Queensland town of Leyburn for the Brisbane Broncos before going on to play 254 games for the club.
A near perfect example of a country league player who made it big after being inspired by NRL stars, Webcke believes more needs to be done at the junior level.
“We need to capture the hearts and minds of the kids who play rugby league, boys and girls, it’s the end of the game if we can’t do that,” he said.
“At a time when it is increasingly difficult for everyone to commit to things like sport we have to find help make it easier. The grassroots level needs support from the top to survive.
“But the same goes for the top end of the game – they need each other to succeed and grow.
“We need the infrastructure, the pathways and support in place to help our juniors.”
Pathways and affiliations aside Webcke believes this is one battle rugby league has to win for a brighter future.
“It would be a massive shame to lose the Western Clydesdales (programs) and everything they offer,” Webcke said.
“I have a massive amount of respect for everything they do on next to nothing, they don’t have the assistance of an NRL club like the other (Hostplus Cup) clubs and yet they’re fully committed, passionate and dedicated.
“Unfortunately it is a very complex issue and there is no easy fix or solution.
“Money is a big part of the problem but it (money) alone will not fix the problem.”
The lack of a true NRL club affiliation has been a problem for the Clydesdales since their return to Hostplus Cup return in 2023.
The club linked with Canterbury Bulldogs in March of 2022 before parting ways in April 2024.
The Bulldogs were a key part of the Clydesdales return to QRL’s elite competition after a 15-year absence but it provided no other major positives for the two clubs.
“After recent discussions both parties (the Bulldogs and Clydesdales) reviewed what we want moving forward and decided we could not meet the needs of the relationship,” Clydesdales CEO Shane Sullivan said at the time.
“We’re very thankful and appreciative of all the support the Bulldogs have given us, without it we would not be here (in the Hostplus Cup), but now it’s time to move forward.
“Our goal is to strengthen and grow the club through partnerships that align with our vision.”
Originally published as Brisbane Broncos Shane Webcke backs Western Clydesdales
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