Hostplus Cup sides stand up for Western Clydesdales amid ARLC snubbing

Queensland’s biggest rugby league clubs have slammed the NRL, questioning the governing body’s potential ‘ulterior motive’ while circling the wagons around the under siege Western Clydesdales. See each club’s reaction here as the relationship between the state and NRL continues to worsen.

Several Hostplus Cup clubs have thrown their support behind the under siege Western Clydesdales after their recent snubbing from the Australian Rugby League Commission.

In an email obtained by this masthead, NRL CEO Andrew Abdo questioned the importance of the Clydesdales in the Hostplus Cup, less than one year after their long-awaited return to the competition.

“The ARLC, as you are aware, has not approved the participation of the Western Clydesdales in the QRL Hostplus Cup and does not consider that such participation is in the best interests of the game as a whole,” Abdo said.

The decision has been slammed by several Hostplus Cup teams who have shown solidarity with the Toowoomba side, a move that has delighted Clydesdales CEO Shane Sullivan.

“It is fantastic that we have that support from the other clubs across the statewide competition,” he said.

“They have been supportive all the way along, from our introduction, to this fight now and certainly have been supportive of us expanding with the BMD side as well.

“They can see the strength of the competitions in our region so it feels good to have that backing behind us from the other clubs.”

See how clubs have responded to the shock backflip below.

Blake Mozer of Souths Logan Magpies against Western Clydesdales. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Souths Magpies

“It shows how out of touch the NRL Executive is on pathways and competitions,” CEO Steven Bretherton said.

“I believe Wayne (Bennett) has already been on record saying: Where do they think NRL players come from?”

“Toowoomba, Lockyer Valley and the Western Downs has a population of over 250,000 and is Rugby League heartland.

“Ben (Ikin) has been extremely vocal about the Statewide footprint all us Hostplus Cup clubs cover within Queensland and the Northern Rivers New South Wales region.

“The Western Clydesdales are an integral part of that and must be supported in the same way as the rest of us, albeit under resourced from the ARLC since Covid.”

Brisbane Tigers forward Tristan Powell scores a try. Photo - QRL

Brisbane Tigers

“The Clydesdales won the inaugural Queensland Cup, won two premierships and competed in four of the first 11 grand finals before they left the competition,” coach Matt Church said.

“To see them back in our state’s premier competition is great for the region and allows their young players to remain at home on the development journey.

“That is so important as many of their best young talent in the past 15 years have had to leave home to chase their dreams.

“Toowoomba has a rich history of beating the touring Great Britain sides, any rugby league region would love that legacy.

“Rugby league is strong when regions like Toowoomba are strong.

“They were a hard side to beat this year, really connected with their community and you can just see they will be a force in the years to come.”

JJ Collins on the move for Central Queensland Capras against Western Clydesdales. Picture: Kevin Farmer

CQ Capras

“I think it’s great that the Western Clydesdales are in the Hostplus Cup again,” coach Lionel Harbin.

“They are very similar to us in regard to being a regional team encompassing a big area.

“In the past, there have been a lot of talented players to come out of that southwest corner so having the Clydesdales in the competition gives those up-and-coming talented players a pathway on to the NRL without leaving their region.”

Redcliffe's Lachlan Timm runs the ball up in the Hostplus Cup. Picture: Brendan Radke

Redcliffe Dolphins

“I’m supportive of the Clydesdales,” CEO Scott Clark said.

Keenan Palasia playing for Wynnum Manly Seagulls. Picture: Michaela Harlow

Wynnum Manly Seagulls

“We definitely support the Clydesdales,” CEO Wayne Weekes said.

“We support the QRL and the Western Corridor, they have spent a lot of time trying to develop a club to enter the competition and the QRL have backed that up.

“We need a club out there that integrates into our state-level competition.

“There is obviously an ulterior motive from the NRL commission at the moment, they have to be a lot more supportive of rugby league, particularly in western Queensland.”

Blackhawks’ Edene Gebbie celebrates a try. Picture: Evan Morgan

Townsville Blackhawks

“We 100 per cent support the Clydesdales being in the competition,” chairman Glenn Carroll said.

Mackay Cutters’ Kyle Schneider. Picture: Michaela Harlow

Mackay Cutters

“The Western Clydesdales represent an important footprint for Rugby League across Queensland, and we align with the QRL’s decision to progressively grow the game within our state,” CEO Mitch Cook said.

“In the Toowoomba region, like Mackay it’s crucial that Rugby League maintains strong connection from grassroots to pathways with state league competitions opening the door to NRL/NRLW.”

Ipswich Jets’ Ratu Jope Rotavisoro. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Ipswich Jets

“The Jets have always supported the inclusion of the Clydesdales into our competition and worked with them in their current form, to help with their set up including advice on various aspects of the operation to ensure they were ready and set,” CEO Richard Hughes said.

“We also took games down there in the interim to feed the senior side appetite the community has, to again help maintain the desire of the community.

“We also welcome the rivalry of a team up the range so in short yes, we very much support the continuation of the club and a strong Clydesdales just adds to the value of the competition.”

This masthead has approached Andrew Abdo for further comment but at this point in time, he has not responded.

Burleigh Bears

“We support the inclusion of West Clydesdale but we don’t support the NRL’s decision strategic direction of the game.” Burleigh Bears CEO Damian Driscoll