Rugby League Gold Coast rule change could see the return of a former A-grade club

The door has opened for a former A-Grade Rugby League Gold Coast club to return to the league after the latest overhaul of its A-Grade competition. Plus, hear from the presidents as they react to the changes.

The door has opened for a former A-Grade Rugby League Gold Coast club to return to the league after the latest overhaul of its A-Grade competition.

The league has implemented a new player points system in a bid to stop teams buying premierships, promote equalisation and foster junior development.

It has now given the Mudgeeraba Redbacks the chance to return to the highest grade after withdrawing from the competition in 2023.

Gold Coast Rugby League semi finals - Reserve grade between Mudgeeraba Redbacks and Southport Tigers. 26 August 2023 Miami. Picture by Richard Gosling

Committee member Marilyn Tunnicliffe said it creates a much better chance for them to return.

“The difference in sides from the top teams to the other end was pretty significant but that wasn’t the only reason why were moved ourselves from the top grade,” Tunnicliffe said.

“We found ourselves struggling financially, that played a massive part in us not being able to compete.

“With the new points system, it will create and even playing field which is great for the competition.

“But we won’t be in it next season, we are more looking at 2025 to return.

“We don’t want to return too early and then find ourselves in this situation again and having to drop out of the league.”

The Redbacks were not the only team to drop out of the competition in 2023, with Ormeau Shearers joining them on the A-Grade sidelines.

Runaway Bay president Graham Gleeson said the points system is a great stepping stone for the competition.

“It still won’t stop the paying of players, you won’t ever be able to stop that and I know that from experience,” Gleeson said.

“But it will restrict clubs buying too many players.

“At the end of the day if clubs do want to buy more players, all they can field each week is 100 points.

“So there is no point buying 120-130 worth of points if you can only play 100 points.

“That will also drop down the ranks as well, heading into reserves grade and so on.”

Gleeson and the rule change was supported by outgoing Tugun Seahawks coach Clint Barends.

“We seem to be losing sides at the moment which isn’t good for the competition,” Barends said.

“I think from memory we have lost about two or three sides over the past five years which really isn’t good for the competition.

“I think they are looking at something that will stabilise it and make it a bit more even.

“We are in favour of trying something at least, especially if it helps grow the competition and makes it stronger.”

The major rule change that could reshape Rugby League Gold Coast

Rugby League Gold Coast has overhauled its A-Grade points system in a bid to stop teams buying premierships, promote equalisation and foster junior development.

It’s understood the governing body has revamped the old model following a tough 2023 campaign that resulted in two clubs – Ormeau Shearers and Mudgeeraba Redbacks – withdraw its A-Grade teams in part to financial woes, forcing the top level down to just six sides.

Officials hope the changes will mean clubs will no longer have a monopoly on players and have swiftly sought to adjust the rules after consultation across the competition.

The new player point system will create a more even playing field for the A grade competition in Rugby League Gold Coast. Photo: Regi Varghese

The new system will place greater restriction on clubs from using a financial war chest to field a team stacked with the likes of former NRL players against clubs who don’t have the means to sign the same type of players on lucrative deals.

Under the new points system, it won’t matter what the players will be getting paid, clubs will only be allowed to field two highly capped players each week.

The points system assigns players points on their experience, whether they are former professional NRL or Super League players, ones who have featured in the Queensland Cup and every division down.

RLGC president Matt Bradford said it will help create a more even competition.

“It is being brought in to balance the clubs and increase survivability,” Bradford said.

“They do it in Newcastle and southern New South Wales as well, on a point system that creates a better balance and share of quality of players.

“It allows clubs to be more financially resistant so they aren’t involved in a contracts war where players just go to the highest bidder.

“We looked at a salary cap with the points systems but opted just to stick with the points.

“We can’t stop someone who is extremely financially wealthy from paying players.

“So we took the main situation off the table and (want to) re-establish our A Grade comp with Mudgee and Ormeau who are clubs we lost because of the money (because) they were trying to fight those clubs financially.

“By going to a points system, it just evens the playing field out for everyone.”

The changes could pave the way for the likes of Ormeau and Mudgeeraba to return to A Grade.

“We are working on a timeline to allow Mudgee to come back into the competition,” Bradford said.

“They need to get themselves to a (strong) financial fundamental footing, which they have done a great job this year of doing.

“They are getting better over time and there is a bridge to that timeline, I don’t see it being in 2024 but we are absolutely working towards 2025.

“I think Ormeau needs to be assessed due to it being so surprising that they just dropped out of seniors so quickly.

“We would have liked to have more time to help them, I think they will need to demonstrate to us their ability to come back.

“But there would be some requirements for that to occur considering how they left.”

The new points system will also help promote junior development, player allegiance and sustainability within clubs.

Clubs will get discounts for junior players coming through the ranks and for players who have been at the club for a period of time.