Two new teams join the fray as Western Mustangs prepare for 2021 campaign

RUGBY LEAGUE: The Western Mustangs will field four teams across QRL competitions in 2021 after the announcement of an increased statewide system.

TJRL players will have a pathway to representative football with the Western Mustangs. Photo: Kevin Farmer

RUGBY LEAGUE: The Western Mustangs will field four teams across QRL competitions in 2021 after the announcement of an increased statewide system.

In addition to the traditional Mal Meninga Cup (U18s) and Hastings Deering Colts (U21s) competitions, a further two have been added to the rugby league calendar.

The Cyril Connell Challenge for U16 boys will make a return for the first time since 2016, while an U19s women's competition will feature for the first time.

It continues an increased emphasis on creating pathways for girls to reach the top level, and TRL chairman Rex Zeeman said it was an important competition to continue growth of the game, and is something the Mustangs wanted to be a part of.

“It’s a pretty recent decision by the QRL and it fits in with their pathways for girls and women to be able to step up to the U19s, the BHP Women’s Premiership and the NRLW,” Zeeman said.

“All teams have been invited to field a team and they’ll play under the Mustangs banner at the beginning of the year on the same program as the Mal Meninga Cup boys.”

While player availability has yet to be sourced, Zeeman expects a strong group to come together for the season for the Mustangs.

“Last year there was a very strong South West U16s team that performed well at the Central carnival, and there are some good young players coming through that group,” he said.

“There are some strong juniors that have come through the TJRL girls grades, and there was strong interest in the TRL women’s competition, with players at eligible ages for this competition.

“Everyone is optimistic that we will go alright.”

The competition will feature three games in the early stages of the 2021 season, with the Mustangs girls set to take on Sunshine Coast, Central Queensland and Wide Bay.

Originally published as Two new teams join the fray as Western Mustangs prepare for 2021 campaign