Western Clydesdales start recruitment to fill Hostplus Cup spots ahead of 2024 Queensland Rugby League season

With a number of big name stars leaving in the off-season the Western Clydesdales have started the hunt for new talent. We reveal their 2024 recruitment strategy here.

The Western Clydesdales have ‘gaps’ to fill ahead of the 2024 Hostplus Cup season.

A number of big name players including inaugural club captain Darryn Schonig have left the club, but Clydesdales chief executive Shane Sullivan was adamant the club was moving in the right direction

“If we’re doing the right things our players should be moving to bigger and better things,” Sullivan said.

“Our job as a club is to develop our players – whether that is for the NRL, other professional opportunities or another club – we want to see them develop, progress and take that next step.

“Particularly our younger South West Queensland players, the more opportunities we can provide them through our junior and senior pathways programs the better.”

2023 Western Clydesdales skipper Darryn Schonig is heading to France to play for XIII Limouxin. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Hnaloan Budden is heading to France to play in the Elite One Championship. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Schonig headlines the off-season departure list with the barnstorming prop joining XIII Limouxin in the Elite One Championship – France’s top tier rugby league competition.

The Clydesdales’ first ever Don Saunders Medal winner will square off against a familiar face with teammate Hnaloan Budden joining RC Saint-Gaudens XIII.

With the 2023 Hostplus Cup season wrapping up at the weekend, the Clydesdales will up the ante as they look to recruit and retain players.

Melino Fineanganofo has joined the Canterbury Bulldogs. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Western Clydesdales Colts player Bud Smith has signed with the Canterbury Bulldogs. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Jordan Lipp will join Melbourne Storm in 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“Our primary goal is to retain the bulk of the squad from last season, particularly our local contingent,” Sullivan said.

“Offers to our players are out and we’re in the market now to bring in some new faces.

“We felt it was important to be mindful of the fact a lot of teams were still involved in finals footy over the last month or so, but now the bulk of that (finals footy) is over we will be a bit more active now.”

In a bid to ensure a smooth transition through the off-season the Clydesdales have retained head coach Jason Alchin and the majority of their other coaching staff.