“Disappointing”: Cowboys pitch ‘advanced relocation proposal’ to women’s team as angry players’ union responds

The NRLW’s players union has lashed out at the North Queensland Cowboys claiming the club failed to adequately consult its playing group over plans to relocate the women’s team to Far North Queensland.

Krystal Blackwell of the North Queensland Cowboys scores a try during the round seven NRLW match between North Queensland Cowboys and St George Illawarra Dragons at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville. The Cowboys’ NRLW team host the Dragons against this weekend. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

The NRLW’s players union has lashed out at the North Queensland Cowboys claiming the club failed to adequately consult its playing group over plans to relocate the entire women’s program to Far North Queensland.

The Cowboys held a crisis meeting with its players after being contacted by the Cairns Post earlier this week, outlining “an advanced relocation proposal” that would see the team playing in Cairns by 2026.

North Queensland Cowboys NRLW player Fran Goldthorp carries the ball during her team's trial match against the Gold Coast Titans last season. Picture: Alix Sweeney / Cowboys

It’s understood the team members then alerted the Rugby League Players Association of the shock development which would send the squad 350km north down the Bruce Highway by the end of next season.

The powerful union – which represents elite men and women in national and state league competitions – were privately angered not to have not been consulted about the potential move earlier.

NQ Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel at a press conference announcing the club’s successful NRLW bid. Cowboys officials have declined to comment on a potential move to Cairns. Picture: Evan Morgan

In a statement, an RLPA spokesman said it was disappointed players weren’t engaged sooner.

“The RLPA was not proactively approached by the club about this relocation proposal,” the spokesman said.

“Our plan now is to have more formal discussions with the Cowboys and NRL about this proposal so the RLPA can better understand the possible relocation and how it could positively and/or negatively affect players.”

The possible shift would impact the players, staff and their extended support networks, the spokesperson said.

“Relocating an entire team four hours away is a significant decision,” he said.

“It was disappointing that an advanced relocation proposal was presented to players without their input or feedback, despite some existing players already being contracted for 2026.

“Players are a club’s greatest asset and, regardless of future contracting, relocation decisions should be planned and designed with them.”

North Queensland Toyota Cowboys hooker Emma Manzelmann breaks in a Round 8 NRLW clash last season. Picture: Cowboys Media

Ahead of their clash with the Dragons this weekend, Cowboys coach Rick Henry and co-captain Tallisha Harden were tight-lipped when asked about the prospect of calling Cairns home.

“I’m not too keen to talk about it at the moment,” Henry said. “We’re focused on the Dragons. That’s all we’re focused on. When it’s time, the club will make comment to that.”

North Queensland Toyota Cowboys co-captain Tallisha Harden at training. Picture: Alix Sweeney / North Queensland Toyota Cowboys

The club had been highly supportive of the playing group ahead of its first home game of the season, Harden said.

“As a team, we’re just keen to get out there and repay that faith on Sunday and put in a good performance,” she said.

Cairns Regional Council, who have been in negotiations with the Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel and chair Lewis Ramsay for months, declined to comment.

Originally published as “Disappointing”: Cowboys pitch ‘advanced relocation proposal’ to women’s team as angry players’ union responds