Warriors infiltrate Broncos heartland with creation of new training academy in Logan

The Warriors have launched a trans-Tasman assault on the Broncos after setting up a poaching program one of rugby league’s most fertile breeding grounds.

The Warriors have launched a trans-Tasman assault on the Broncos after setting up a poaching program in the region that produced Queensland legend Cameron Smith.

The New Zealand NRL club will on Monday announce the creation of a new training academy and community program in Logan – one of rugby league’s most fertile breeding grounds.

Future NRL Immortal Smith emerged from Brisbane’s southern hub to forge one of the game’s greatest careers with Melbourne, Queensland and the Kangaroos.

Maroons enforcer Josh Papalii is another Logan junior who was pounced on by the Raiders and is now Canberra’s most-capped player (322 NRL games).

Now Brisbane is facing a fresh recruitment threat from the growing Warriors, who are formally extending their reach across the ditch and targeting a region that’s already under assault from the Gold Coast Titans.

The Warriors will set up a training academy in Logan.

Warriors CEO Cameron George said the club would base permanent staff in Logan to oversee the operation in the hope of signing the game’s best young talent.

“As a club, we focus on the person first and foremost,” he said.

“It’s not just about footy – it’s about providing opportunities to all young people so they can reach their potential.

“Our elite academy for boys and girls in Logan will provide a direct pathway to the New Zealand Warriors NRL and NRLW teams.

“Through the community program we’ll also be offering come-and-try days, school visits and talent identification.”

The Broncos long had renowned talent scout Brian ‘Pinky’ Edwards spotting talent in the Logan area, signing the likes of David Fifita and Ezra Mam.

Brisbane legend Corey Parker is also a Logan junior.

The Broncos have targeted New Zealand in recent years, signing the likes of Jordan Riki, Xavier Willison and Deine Mariner from the Warriors’ home.

The Warriors snared Broncos sensation Reece Walsh in 2021 briefly and are now coming back to Brisbane for more.

The Warriors are going all-out on Logan, with the academy to offer elite training and talent identification programs as well as support for career opportunities outside football.

Logan City Council will provide the Warriors with access to fields and office space as part of the partnership.

The Broncos have already got fierce competition from the Dolphins and Titans in South East Queensland and Logan Mayor Jon Raven said the Warriors were moving into the region strongly.

David Fifita and Cameron Smith were both scouted from the Logan area. Picture: Scott Davis/NRL Imagery.

“So many league legends have come from Logan and we’re thrilled to welcome the Warriors to our city to nurture more NRL stars of the future,” he said.

“Logan is the leading rugby league nursery in the nation and has one of the largest populations of people of New Zealand and Pacific Island descent outside of Auckland.

“The Warriors are known for their strong community connections and supporting development opportunities for young people, which are values we love here in Logan – the youngest, most diverse and fastest growing city in Queensland.”

The Warriors will make an appearance for a fan day and captain’s run at Logan Metro Sports Park in Browns Plains on August 22 ahead of their round 25 match against the Titans on the Gold Coast.