CQ NRL BID AND CAPRAS JOIN FORCES

www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/10/cq-n ... in-forces/

CQ NRL BID AND CAPRAS JOIN FORCES

www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/10/cq-n ... in-forces/

CQ NRL merger endorsed by the game's major heavyweights
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26th Oct 2012 9:56 PM

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» Merger to kick off powerful new CQ rugby league entity
» Merger means more pathways for CQ league players
» Nine boss keen for NRL expansion

Geoff Murphy * newly appointed Capras chairman. CQ Capras and CQ NRL Bid announce they are joining forces. Photo Sharyn O'Neill / The Morning Bulletin Geoff Murphy * newly appointed Capras chairman. CQ Capras and CQ NRL Bid announce they are joining forces. Photo Sharyn O'Neill / The Morning Bulletin Sharyn O'Neill ROK261012sleague3

RUGBY LEAGUE: The united entity, CQ Capras, has the support of heavyweights in the game.

The merger was endorsed by the NRL, Queensland Rugby League and the Australian Rugby League Commission, which all see it as a massive boost to rugby league in Central Queensland.

The CQ NRL Bid's Denis Keeffe and Geoff Murphy recently met in Brisbane with the various parties, including Brisbane Broncos chief executive Paul White.

"The Capras have been affiliated with the Broncos for the last few years and they want to be more active in promoting their brand here, and they are considering bringing a couple of Broncos games to Central Queensland," joint CQ NRL Bid and CQ Capras' CEO Denis Keeffe said.

However, nothing was set in concrete and he was not sure when the games would occur or how many, he said.

Keeffe said White was committed to the Broncos' association with the Capras going forward, and intended to get more involved with the CQ club and foster the link.

The CQ Capras also intended to ramp up the Capras' community involvement, and try to reinstate their home ground Browne Park to its glory days.

"We want the Capras to be something all of CQ is proud of," Keeffe said. "We want to get league to another level so people can see the real potential CQ has. "We want to get Browne Park back to how it was 10 years ago - packed houses for home games, there to see local players."

www.themorningbulletin.com.au/ne ... rs/1599492

CQ NRL merger endorsed by the game's major heavyweights
Have your say »

26th Oct 2012 9:56 PM

Story Tools

Related Items

» Merger to kick off powerful new CQ rugby league entity
» Merger means more pathways for CQ league players
» Nine boss keen for NRL expansion

Geoff Murphy * newly appointed Capras chairman. CQ Capras and CQ NRL Bid announce they are joining forces. Photo Sharyn O'Neill / The Morning Bulletin Geoff Murphy * newly appointed Capras chairman. CQ Capras and CQ NRL Bid announce they are joining forces. Photo Sharyn O'Neill / The Morning Bulletin Sharyn O'Neill ROK261012sleague3

RUGBY LEAGUE: The united entity, CQ Capras, has the support of heavyweights in the game.

The merger was endorsed by the NRL, Queensland Rugby League and the Australian Rugby League Commission, which all see it as a massive boost to rugby league in Central Queensland.

The CQ NRL Bid's Denis Keeffe and Geoff Murphy recently met in Brisbane with the various parties, including Brisbane Broncos chief executive Paul White.

"The Capras have been affiliated with the Broncos for the last few years and they want to be more active in promoting their brand here, and they are considering bringing a couple of Broncos games to Central Queensland," joint CQ NRL Bid and CQ Capras' CEO Denis Keeffe said.

However, nothing was set in concrete and he was not sure when the games would occur or how many, he said.

Keeffe said White was committed to the Broncos' association with the Capras going forward, and intended to get more involved with the CQ club and foster the link.

The CQ Capras also intended to ramp up the Capras' community involvement, and try to reinstate their home ground Browne Park to its glory days.

"We want the Capras to be something all of CQ is proud of," Keeffe said. "We want to get league to another level so people can see the real potential CQ has. "We want to get Browne Park back to how it was 10 years ago - packed houses for home games, there to see local players."

www.themorningbulletin.com.au/ne ... rs/1599492

AS COMMITTED AS EVER

November 5th, 2012

When the ARLC Chairman, John Grant, recently announced that the NRL would not address expansion until 2014 some heads dropped and in some regions and cities, the “cue was put firmly back in the rack” i.e. some NRL expansion Bidders threw their hands in the air and gave up the fight or at least put their expansion activities “on indefinite hold”.

FULL ARTICLE: www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/11/as-c ... d-as-ever/

AS COMMITTED AS EVER

November 5th, 2012

When the ARLC Chairman, John Grant, recently announced that the NRL would not address expansion until 2014 some heads dropped and in some regions and cities, the “cue was put firmly back in the rack” i.e. some NRL expansion Bidders threw their hands in the air and gave up the fight or at least put their expansion activities “on indefinite hold”.

FULL ARTICLE: www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/11/as-c ... d-as-ever/

The Queensland Telegraph & CQ NRL Bid article with ARLC saying CQ is a front runner - "cqnrlbid is "right up there". That's the assurance Geoff Murphy has been given from the NRL Commission."



https://www.facebook.com/queenslandtelegraph

The Queensland Telegraph & CQ NRL Bid article with ARLC saying CQ is a front runner - "cqnrlbid is "right up there". That's the assurance Geoff Murphy has been given from the NRL Commission."



https://www.facebook.com/queenslandtelegraph

CQ CAPRAS – exciting times ahead
A few weeks ago the CQ Capras and the CQ NRL Bid consolidated their considerable resources into one dedicated and coordinated organization to operate the CQ CAPRAS in the Intrust Super Queensland Cup (ISC Q Cup). The CQ NRL Bid Chairman, Geoff Murphy is the new CQ Capras Chairman. His very competent board comprises directors from the Bid board and the former CQ Capras board. I will serve as CEO of both the Bid and the CQ Capras and Walson Carlos will retain his responsibilities as Community and Business Development Manager of the Bid along with the vital role of Operations Manager of the CQ Capras. John Harbin will be the head Coach and he has retained the bulk of his dedicated support staff from last season. The team is not finalised yet but it comprises mostly local CQ players with a few “imports” who will complement the “born and bred” players most of whom represented the CQ Capras last year with a great deal of pride and resolve. We are all dedicated and determined to make the CQ Capras successful both on and off the field.

FULL ARTICLE - www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/11/cq-c ... mes-ahead/

CQ CAPRAS – exciting times ahead
A few weeks ago the CQ Capras and the CQ NRL Bid consolidated their considerable resources into one dedicated and coordinated organization to operate the CQ CAPRAS in the Intrust Super Queensland Cup (ISC Q Cup). The CQ NRL Bid Chairman, Geoff Murphy is the new CQ Capras Chairman. His very competent board comprises directors from the Bid board and the former CQ Capras board. I will serve as CEO of both the Bid and the CQ Capras and Walson Carlos will retain his responsibilities as Community and Business Development Manager of the Bid along with the vital role of Operations Manager of the CQ Capras. John Harbin will be the head Coach and he has retained the bulk of his dedicated support staff from last season. The team is not finalised yet but it comprises mostly local CQ players with a few “imports” who will complement the “born and bred” players most of whom represented the CQ Capras last year with a great deal of pride and resolve. We are all dedicated and determined to make the CQ Capras successful both on and off the field.

FULL ARTICLE - www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/11/cq-c ... mes-ahead/

CQ Capras hope membership packages entice fans to Browne Park

Michelle Curran
21st Nov 2012 4:39 PM

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The CQ Capras hope to pack out Browne Park at all of their home games in 2013. Photo: Chris Ison / The Morning Bulletin. The CQ Capras hope to pack out Browne Park at all of their home games in 2013. Photo: Chris Ison / The Morning Bulletin. Chris Ison

RUGBY LEAGUE: The Central Queensland Capras have issued a challenge to the public to get behind them and support them in 2013.

Next season, they want to see Browne Park return to its glory days, where crowds flooded into the Capras' home ground fired up and ready to support their team, making it an intimidating environment for the Queensland Cup opposition to visit.

"It used to be part of the culture in Rockhampton to come down to Browne Park on a Friday or Saturday night after work and support the Capras - they were a founding club in the Queensland Cup. People knew the players having watched the players progress through the junior ranks to senior level," CQ Capras' chief executive Denis Keeffe said.

Keeffe and Capras' head coach John Harbin were at Rockhampton Leagues Club yesterday (Wednesday) to announce the club's enticing 2013 membership packages, and said it was a momentous day for the club who recently merged with the CQ NRL bid.

"We have issued a challenge to the public to get behind the Capras this season...if the team is to be successful, it has to start with the public and then the corporate support will come after that," Keeffe said.

The CQ Capras set a conservative figure of registering 500 members to begin with, which Keeffe thought was achievable with the great packages available for adults, children and young adults, as well as families.

"I was in Rockhampton during the halcyon days of Browne Park when it was always packed, with an intelligent crowd, who knew when it needed to get behind the team to lift them...we have mostly CQ blokes playing for the Capras, we need to get some wins, and make Browne Park a formidable place to play at again," Keeffe said.

That was in 2002-03, when Keeffe was CEO for the North Queensland Cowboys and the Capras (then Comets) had an affiliation with the NRL team.

Meanwhile, Harbin added a solid member base and the support of the public in the Capras' 12 home games (two trial matches and ten Intrust Super Cup matches) next season would be invaluable to the team.

It would also help provide the Capras with the resources needed to create a professional environment which players looked for in a club, particularly when there was no cash incentive for them.

"There have been times where we have overachieved and that has been due to the public, who we hope will come back to rugby league - a full Browne Park is a sight to see and we can achieve that if we produce the kind of football the crowd want to see," Harbin said.

Crowd numbers at Browne Park had fluctuated throughout the years, but the coach said people spoke of the "Glory Days" during the 1960s where huge crowds would attend games and in later years where a trial match would attract crowds of around 5000. In 2008, Browne Park hosted the seventh place playoff of the Rugby League World Cup where Tonga thrashed Scotland and engrossed a crowd of almost 6,000.

For information on the CQ Capras' membership packages and to join up, go to www.capras.com.au


www.themorningbulletin.com.au/ne ... o/1631336/

CQ Capras hope membership packages entice fans to Browne Park

Michelle Curran
21st Nov 2012 4:39 PM

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The CQ Capras hope to pack out Browne Park at all of their home games in 2013. Photo: Chris Ison / The Morning Bulletin. The CQ Capras hope to pack out Browne Park at all of their home games in 2013. Photo: Chris Ison / The Morning Bulletin. Chris Ison

RUGBY LEAGUE: The Central Queensland Capras have issued a challenge to the public to get behind them and support them in 2013.

Next season, they want to see Browne Park return to its glory days, where crowds flooded into the Capras' home ground fired up and ready to support their team, making it an intimidating environment for the Queensland Cup opposition to visit.

"It used to be part of the culture in Rockhampton to come down to Browne Park on a Friday or Saturday night after work and support the Capras - they were a founding club in the Queensland Cup. People knew the players having watched the players progress through the junior ranks to senior level," CQ Capras' chief executive Denis Keeffe said.

Keeffe and Capras' head coach John Harbin were at Rockhampton Leagues Club yesterday (Wednesday) to announce the club's enticing 2013 membership packages, and said it was a momentous day for the club who recently merged with the CQ NRL bid.

"We have issued a challenge to the public to get behind the Capras this season...if the team is to be successful, it has to start with the public and then the corporate support will come after that," Keeffe said.

The CQ Capras set a conservative figure of registering 500 members to begin with, which Keeffe thought was achievable with the great packages available for adults, children and young adults, as well as families.

"I was in Rockhampton during the halcyon days of Browne Park when it was always packed, with an intelligent crowd, who knew when it needed to get behind the team to lift them...we have mostly CQ blokes playing for the Capras, we need to get some wins, and make Browne Park a formidable place to play at again," Keeffe said.

That was in 2002-03, when Keeffe was CEO for the North Queensland Cowboys and the Capras (then Comets) had an affiliation with the NRL team.

Meanwhile, Harbin added a solid member base and the support of the public in the Capras' 12 home games (two trial matches and ten Intrust Super Cup matches) next season would be invaluable to the team.

It would also help provide the Capras with the resources needed to create a professional environment which players looked for in a club, particularly when there was no cash incentive for them.

"There have been times where we have overachieved and that has been due to the public, who we hope will come back to rugby league - a full Browne Park is a sight to see and we can achieve that if we produce the kind of football the crowd want to see," Harbin said.

Crowd numbers at Browne Park had fluctuated throughout the years, but the coach said people spoke of the "Glory Days" during the 1960s where huge crowds would attend games and in later years where a trial match would attract crowds of around 5000. In 2008, Browne Park hosted the seventh place playoff of the Rugby League World Cup where Tonga thrashed Scotland and engrossed a crowd of almost 6,000.

For information on the CQ Capras' membership packages and to join up, go to www.capras.com.au


www.themorningbulletin.com.au/ne ... o/1631336/

CQ NRL Bid Development Staff Member & Former NRL/ESL player Justin Loomans helps startup new Junior RL club at Emu Park in the Rockhampton JRL Competition.

www.themorningbulletin.com.au/ne ... t/1628607/

CQ NRL Bid Development Staff Member & Former NRL/ESL player Justin Loomans helps startup new Junior RL club at Emu Park in the Rockhampton JRL Competition.

www.themorningbulletin.com.au/ne ... t/1628607/

Tails wag as Bulldogs are set to return for Mackay match
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Andrea Davy
24th Nov 2012 6:08 AM

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Related Items

» Storm and Bulldogs to play in Mackay
» Tickets for NRL game selling fast
» Doggies' fans get jump for tickets
» Behaviour at stadium 'fantastic'

NRL fans will get to see this sight again with news the Bulldogs will play another match in Mackay next year. NRL fans will get to see this sight again with news the Bulldogs will play another match in Mackay next year. Lee Constable

THE tails of Doggies fans in Mackay will be wagging after Friday's announcement that Canterbury Bulldogs will play the Newcastle Knights in Mackay next year.

The much-awaited 2013 NRL premiership draw clearly stated Virgin Australia Stadium would host another Bulldogs home game on Sunday, July 7.

This is a huge win for stadium committee members who campaigned hard to bring another NRL match to Mackay after the stadium hosted its first successful match in July.

Virgin Australia Stadium chairman Greg Sutherland said it was a sign that they had obviously got it right the first time they hosted the Bulldogs Mackay game.

There was even talk there might be another Bulldogs match brought to town just two weeks after the July 8 match was scheduled, Mr Sutherland said.

The 2013 NRL premiership draw has this Bulldogs vs Storm match venue labelled "to be advised".

Mackay provided a sell-out crowd when the Bulldogs defeated the Melbourne Storm earlier this year and the forthcoming July match will include a strong local flavour as well.

Dally M Medal winner Ben Barba clearly thrived under the influence of a home-grown crowd in July.

He will be joined by his good mate and Knights player Dane Gagai as well as experienced Knights forward Nev Costigan, all players who started out in the Mackay Junior Rugby League.

Bulldogs chief executive officer Todd Greenburg said the game would be as memorable as their first match in Mackay.

"We are thrilled to once again take a Bulldogs home game to Mackay where we will take on the Newcastle Knights in round 17 on Sunday, July 7," Mr Greenburg said.

"Some locals who had never seen a live NRL game not only witnessed home-grown junior Ben Barba at his brilliant best but also watched the two 2012 grand finalists go head to head.

"It is memories like these that last forever and create life-long supporters of our great game."

He said next season's game would be a ripper.

"This (next year's) match will be broadcast on free to air with the games host broadcaster Channel Nine," he said. "This will provide incredible exposure and branding for the city of Mackay and will provide significant economic impact for the region.

"Last season's sold-out game is a great indicator of the area's passion for rugby league.

"To be able to deliver another NRL game to Mackay is a great result for all stakeholders.

"Speaking with Wayne Bennett it is clear the Knights are very supportive and I have no doubt this season's game will be even bigger and better."

www.dailymercury.com.au/news/rep ... g/1634505/

Tails wag as Bulldogs are set to return for Mackay match
Have your say »

Andrea Davy
24th Nov 2012 6:08 AM

Story Tools

Related Items

» Storm and Bulldogs to play in Mackay
» Tickets for NRL game selling fast
» Doggies' fans get jump for tickets
» Behaviour at stadium 'fantastic'

NRL fans will get to see this sight again with news the Bulldogs will play another match in Mackay next year. NRL fans will get to see this sight again with news the Bulldogs will play another match in Mackay next year. Lee Constable

THE tails of Doggies fans in Mackay will be wagging after Friday's announcement that Canterbury Bulldogs will play the Newcastle Knights in Mackay next year.

The much-awaited 2013 NRL premiership draw clearly stated Virgin Australia Stadium would host another Bulldogs home game on Sunday, July 7.

This is a huge win for stadium committee members who campaigned hard to bring another NRL match to Mackay after the stadium hosted its first successful match in July.

Virgin Australia Stadium chairman Greg Sutherland said it was a sign that they had obviously got it right the first time they hosted the Bulldogs Mackay game.

There was even talk there might be another Bulldogs match brought to town just two weeks after the July 8 match was scheduled, Mr Sutherland said.

The 2013 NRL premiership draw has this Bulldogs vs Storm match venue labelled "to be advised".

Mackay provided a sell-out crowd when the Bulldogs defeated the Melbourne Storm earlier this year and the forthcoming July match will include a strong local flavour as well.

Dally M Medal winner Ben Barba clearly thrived under the influence of a home-grown crowd in July.

He will be joined by his good mate and Knights player Dane Gagai as well as experienced Knights forward Nev Costigan, all players who started out in the Mackay Junior Rugby League.

Bulldogs chief executive officer Todd Greenburg said the game would be as memorable as their first match in Mackay.

"We are thrilled to once again take a Bulldogs home game to Mackay where we will take on the Newcastle Knights in round 17 on Sunday, July 7," Mr Greenburg said.

"Some locals who had never seen a live NRL game not only witnessed home-grown junior Ben Barba at his brilliant best but also watched the two 2012 grand finalists go head to head.

"It is memories like these that last forever and create life-long supporters of our great game."

He said next season's game would be a ripper.

"This (next year's) match will be broadcast on free to air with the games host broadcaster Channel Nine," he said. "This will provide incredible exposure and branding for the city of Mackay and will provide significant economic impact for the region.

"Last season's sold-out game is a great indicator of the area's passion for rugby league.

"To be able to deliver another NRL game to Mackay is a great result for all stakeholders.

"Speaking with Wayne Bennett it is clear the Knights are very supportive and I have no doubt this season's game will be even bigger and better."

www.dailymercury.com.au/news/rep ... g/1634505/

CQ NRL Bid's plea for support from Fraser Coast
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Griffith Thomas
29th Nov 2012 8:27 AM

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CQ NRL Bid and chairman Geoff Murphy and CEO Denis Keefe. CQ NRL Bid and chairman Geoff Murphy and CEO Denis Keefe.

CQ NRL Bid representatives have forecast they will have a team playing in the competition by 2017 and reckon there is every chance one of their foundation players could come from the Fraser Coast.

CQ NRL Bid CEO Denis Keefe and chairman Geoff Murphy flew into town yesterday to present their bid strategy to more than 60 people at the Combined Chamber of Commerce Breakfast at Susan River Homestead.

It was the bid team's first attempt to spread the gospel throughout the Fraser Coast.

Keefe said they remain as committed as ever despite the Australian Rugby League Commission delaying expansion talks until 2014 and how the Fraser Coast can benefit.

"Regional Queensland is proudly different; We are not metro. We want to passionately support something that belongs to us and we think a rugby league team would probably be the core of what we want," he said.

"We think the Fraser Coast will play a vital role.

"For Fraser Coast people, rugby league dominates as a pastime for sport.

"We are trying to build a membership right across the region."

So far that membership is at 40,000 with a target of reaching 100,000, while more than 150 corporate partners have committed their support.

While the CQ NRL Bid's southern boundary extends to Bundaberg, Keefe said he was excited to build a presence on the Fraser Coast which will spike once they help resurrect a Bundaberg Intrust Super Cup (formerly known as Queensland Cup) program.

He said the Fraser Coast was a "wonderful" breeding ground for NRL talent and hoped local juniors would come through their development programs and end up playing for CQ in the NRL.

"We want to base a Q Cup program in Bundaberg to involve the Fraser Coast and the greater Wide Bay area," he said.

"After school there is clearly no defined pathway for talented people and for the mass of people who participate (in rugby league).

"Our idea is to provide those pathways and provide opportunities. We are working with people in Bundaberg to set up a steering committee.

"We think we will be up and running by 2014 or 2015."

To support the CQ NRL Bid, visit www.cqnrlbid.com.au and become a Bid or corporate member.

CQ NRL Bid's plea for support from Fraser Coast
Have your say »

Griffith Thomas
29th Nov 2012 8:27 AM

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CQ NRL Bid and chairman Geoff Murphy and CEO Denis Keefe. CQ NRL Bid and chairman Geoff Murphy and CEO Denis Keefe.

CQ NRL Bid representatives have forecast they will have a team playing in the competition by 2017 and reckon there is every chance one of their foundation players could come from the Fraser Coast.

CQ NRL Bid CEO Denis Keefe and chairman Geoff Murphy flew into town yesterday to present their bid strategy to more than 60 people at the Combined Chamber of Commerce Breakfast at Susan River Homestead.

It was the bid team's first attempt to spread the gospel throughout the Fraser Coast.

Keefe said they remain as committed as ever despite the Australian Rugby League Commission delaying expansion talks until 2014 and how the Fraser Coast can benefit.

"Regional Queensland is proudly different; We are not metro. We want to passionately support something that belongs to us and we think a rugby league team would probably be the core of what we want," he said.

"We think the Fraser Coast will play a vital role.

"For Fraser Coast people, rugby league dominates as a pastime for sport.

"We are trying to build a membership right across the region."

So far that membership is at 40,000 with a target of reaching 100,000, while more than 150 corporate partners have committed their support.

While the CQ NRL Bid's southern boundary extends to Bundaberg, Keefe said he was excited to build a presence on the Fraser Coast which will spike once they help resurrect a Bundaberg Intrust Super Cup (formerly known as Queensland Cup) program.

He said the Fraser Coast was a "wonderful" breeding ground for NRL talent and hoped local juniors would come through their development programs and end up playing for CQ in the NRL.

"We want to base a Q Cup program in Bundaberg to involve the Fraser Coast and the greater Wide Bay area," he said.

"After school there is clearly no defined pathway for talented people and for the mass of people who participate (in rugby league).

"Our idea is to provide those pathways and provide opportunities. We are working with people in Bundaberg to set up a steering committee.

"We think we will be up and running by 2014 or 2015."

To support the CQ NRL Bid, visit www.cqnrlbid.com.au and become a Bid or corporate member.

CQ - A Changing Market

The CQ NRL Bid staff travel all over Central Queensland regularly, and often beyond what we would categorise as the normal boundaries of CQ.

When we present the benefits and merits of the CQ NRL Bid and then ask for questions the most common questions almost always concern the location, tactics, and chances of success or otherwise of the "opposition" compared to our Bid. This "opposition" refers to other bidding regions and cities. E.g. NSW Central Coast (Gosford), Perth, Brisbane Bombers, PNG, Ipswich, etc. I do consider these regions in our tactics but I do not malign them or their motives because they are NOT the real opposition.

The real opposition is the AFL and I am not being derogatory or dismissive of the AFL. In fact I envy many of their achievements and ambitions to dominate the Australian sporting landscape. The AFL is resourced and committed and their stated tactic is to target the "heartlands" of Rugby League. This policy is ongoing and is currently being implemented very openly in the western suburbs of Sydney and at the Gold Coast. Many observers do not realise that other more strategic and longer term attacks are also very current.

PJ Marsh is a good friend, a wonderful former player and a genuine good man. He originates from Central Queensland; he has resettled here in his post NRL life and developed a career in the vast coal mining industry of CQ. PJ provides his time and energies to the CQ NRL Bid in many capacities and is a very valued mentor in the development and scholarship programs of the Bid. His passion for Rugby League and for his community is obvious and enduring.

PJ called me last week from his home in Middlemount, where he works and lives. He is always so positive and happy so I always enjoy our football discussions, whether these discussions involve talking about a promising young player in the Central Highlands or just talking generally about the upcoming NRL or Q Cup seasons. Last week PJ was very upset and I was immediately concerned.

He was agitated and kept asking me about the Bid's progress. He said a few times "mate, we have to get our own NRL club in CQ". The reason that PJ was not his normal happy and enthusiastic self was the AFL. Their development staff were in Middlemount and had just signed PJ's son up to their respected "AFL Auskick" program. In fact in the last few days, PJ was asked to go to one of the program's sessions, as a parent, and help out ? of course PJ obliged. PJ and his son went to the local AFL ground in Middlemount ? that's right an AFL ground right in the very middle of our "heartland".

Has the Rugby League community lost PJ's son? I don't know and neither does PJ but as PJ said "I am going to support my son all the way, so if he decides to do AFL, I'll back him all the way".

CQ is now an avid Rugby League market but it is changing quickly and some of these changes are significant.
Please go on line and apply for membership NOW.

Please support the CQ NRL Bid by going on line at www.cqnrlbid.com.au and become a Bid or Corporate member -
from the desk of the CEO, Denis Keeffe

www.cqnrlbid.com.au

CQ - A Changing Market

The CQ NRL Bid staff travel all over Central Queensland regularly, and often beyond what we would categorise as the normal boundaries of CQ.

When we present the benefits and merits of the CQ NRL Bid and then ask for questions the most common questions almost always concern the location, tactics, and chances of success or otherwise of the "opposition" compared to our Bid. This "opposition" refers to other bidding regions and cities. E.g. NSW Central Coast (Gosford), Perth, Brisbane Bombers, PNG, Ipswich, etc. I do consider these regions in our tactics but I do not malign them or their motives because they are NOT the real opposition.

The real opposition is the AFL and I am not being derogatory or dismissive of the AFL. In fact I envy many of their achievements and ambitions to dominate the Australian sporting landscape. The AFL is resourced and committed and their stated tactic is to target the "heartlands" of Rugby League. This policy is ongoing and is currently being implemented very openly in the western suburbs of Sydney and at the Gold Coast. Many observers do not realise that other more strategic and longer term attacks are also very current.

PJ Marsh is a good friend, a wonderful former player and a genuine good man. He originates from Central Queensland; he has resettled here in his post NRL life and developed a career in the vast coal mining industry of CQ. PJ provides his time and energies to the CQ NRL Bid in many capacities and is a very valued mentor in the development and scholarship programs of the Bid. His passion for Rugby League and for his community is obvious and enduring.

PJ called me last week from his home in Middlemount, where he works and lives. He is always so positive and happy so I always enjoy our football discussions, whether these discussions involve talking about a promising young player in the Central Highlands or just talking generally about the upcoming NRL or Q Cup seasons. Last week PJ was very upset and I was immediately concerned.

He was agitated and kept asking me about the Bid's progress. He said a few times "mate, we have to get our own NRL club in CQ". The reason that PJ was not his normal happy and enthusiastic self was the AFL. Their development staff were in Middlemount and had just signed PJ's son up to their respected "AFL Auskick" program. In fact in the last few days, PJ was asked to go to one of the program's sessions, as a parent, and help out ? of course PJ obliged. PJ and his son went to the local AFL ground in Middlemount ? that's right an AFL ground right in the very middle of our "heartland".

Has the Rugby League community lost PJ's son? I don't know and neither does PJ but as PJ said "I am going to support my son all the way, so if he decides to do AFL, I'll back him all the way".

CQ is now an avid Rugby League market but it is changing quickly and some of these changes are significant.
Please go on line and apply for membership NOW.

Please support the CQ NRL Bid by going on line at www.cqnrlbid.com.au and become a Bid or Corporate member -
from the desk of the CEO, Denis Keeffe

www.cqnrlbid.com.au

Son of former NRL star takes to Aussie Rules instead
Have your say »

Rebekah Polley
5th Dec 2012 10:24 AM

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PROGRAM NEEDED: PJ Marsh, pictured with Joel and Jacob Van Zanden, wants to see a rugby league program for local youngsters. PROGRAM NEEDED: PJ Marsh, pictured with Joel and Jacob Van Zanden, wants to see a rugby league program for local youngsters. Chris Ison

FORMER NRL great PJ Marsh was not his usual, enthusiastic self last week.

Marsh had just called CQ NRL Bid CEO Denis Keeffe and Keeffe said Marsh hadn't been himself because he had just signed his son up to the AFL's Auskick program.

While Marsh said he supported his son in whatever endeavour he chose, he questioned why the NRL did not have a similar program for youngsters.

He said AFL had made its presence known in the mining town of Middlemount, where the Marsh family was based, but rugby league had not made the same effort in the three years he lived there.

"It is like the NRL in general has taken its popularity in western and central Queensland for granted and not followed up with junior programs, like Auskick, therefore losing kids to different football codes," Marsh said.

"I don't know what the NRL should do, but obviously the AFL do.

"The NRL needs to step up."

Growing up in Blackwater, Marsh said he remembered an AFL field but not playing on it and not knowing much about the code until he was 12 or 13 years old. Meanwhile, his son was a professed West Coast Eagles fan and knew the players in the team. He suggested the NRL needed to talk to the AFL because it had obviously implemented a program that worked. Above all, Marsh encouraged central Queensland to get behind the CQ NRL Bid.

"We need to get behind it and push harder," Marsh said.

www.cqnews.com.au/news/taken-for ... d/1647529/

Son of former NRL star takes to Aussie Rules instead
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Rebekah Polley
5th Dec 2012 10:24 AM

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PROGRAM NEEDED: PJ Marsh, pictured with Joel and Jacob Van Zanden, wants to see a rugby league program for local youngsters. PROGRAM NEEDED: PJ Marsh, pictured with Joel and Jacob Van Zanden, wants to see a rugby league program for local youngsters. Chris Ison

FORMER NRL great PJ Marsh was not his usual, enthusiastic self last week.

Marsh had just called CQ NRL Bid CEO Denis Keeffe and Keeffe said Marsh hadn't been himself because he had just signed his son up to the AFL's Auskick program.

While Marsh said he supported his son in whatever endeavour he chose, he questioned why the NRL did not have a similar program for youngsters.

He said AFL had made its presence known in the mining town of Middlemount, where the Marsh family was based, but rugby league had not made the same effort in the three years he lived there.

"It is like the NRL in general has taken its popularity in western and central Queensland for granted and not followed up with junior programs, like Auskick, therefore losing kids to different football codes," Marsh said.

"I don't know what the NRL should do, but obviously the AFL do.

"The NRL needs to step up."

Growing up in Blackwater, Marsh said he remembered an AFL field but not playing on it and not knowing much about the code until he was 12 or 13 years old. Meanwhile, his son was a professed West Coast Eagles fan and knew the players in the team. He suggested the NRL needed to talk to the AFL because it had obviously implemented a program that worked. Above all, Marsh encouraged central Queensland to get behind the CQ NRL Bid.

"We need to get behind it and push harder," Marsh said.

www.cqnews.com.au/news/taken-for ... d/1647529/

AFL grows in central Qld's rugby league heartland
By Paul Robinson

Updated Wed Dec 5, 2012 3 in saying that, PJ said he would much rather his son pursue a career in rugby league.

"He's been surrounded, in some ways inundated, by the promotion of the AFL game in Central Queensland."

Mr Keefe says the AFL is pouring money into rugby league areas.

"We're outnumbered on the ground probably three or four to one by the AFL and we're out resourced as far as straight money," he said.

"Remember that up until now the AFL received a lot more money from their media partners than what the NRL did so they are much more resourced than us and they're using that resource to attack our heartland."
Rugby league dominates

The AFL says it does not expect to break rugby league's dominance in central Queensland in the near future.

Scott Smithwick from AFL Capricornia says numbers taking up the sport in Central Queensland are rising, but rugby league still dominates.

"It's gradually getting more and more popular but at the moment I think league's pretty safe," he said.

"We are trying our hardest of course to try and give the kids an option other than rugby league but it seems to be the top dog at the moment and I can't see that changing any time in the future.

"Out at Emerald we get 100 Auskickers per year, Blackwater we got 80-odd this year, so it's gradually growing in numbers from what it has been in the past."
AFL plans

Mr Smithwick says the AFL Capricornia competition in Rockhampton and Gladstone is strong, and he would like to revive a competition on the Central Highlands.

"Whether it's 18 a side competition or whether it's a competition involving the new hybrid game of AFL Nines which have brought out, so it's a little bit more flexible than 18-a-side competitions," he said.

"In the end I believe that we are actually going to be pushing towards that.

"It might not be for 10 years, but in the end I think we will be aiming for that."

www.abc.net.au/news/2012-12-05/a ... nd/4409852

AFL grows in central Qld's rugby league heartland
By Paul Robinson

Updated Wed Dec 5, 2012 3 in saying that, PJ said he would much rather his son pursue a career in rugby league.

"He's been surrounded, in some ways inundated, by the promotion of the AFL game in Central Queensland."

Mr Keefe says the AFL is pouring money into rugby league areas.

"We're outnumbered on the ground probably three or four to one by the AFL and we're out resourced as far as straight money," he said.

"Remember that up until now the AFL received a lot more money from their media partners than what the NRL did so they are much more resourced than us and they're using that resource to attack our heartland."
Rugby league dominates

The AFL says it does not expect to break rugby league's dominance in central Queensland in the near future.

Scott Smithwick from AFL Capricornia says numbers taking up the sport in Central Queensland are rising, but rugby league still dominates.

"It's gradually getting more and more popular but at the moment I think league's pretty safe," he said.

"We are trying our hardest of course to try and give the kids an option other than rugby league but it seems to be the top dog at the moment and I can't see that changing any time in the future.

"Out at Emerald we get 100 Auskickers per year, Blackwater we got 80-odd this year, so it's gradually growing in numbers from what it has been in the past."
AFL plans

Mr Smithwick says the AFL Capricornia competition in Rockhampton and Gladstone is strong, and he would like to revive a competition on the Central Highlands.

"Whether it's 18 a side competition or whether it's a competition involving the new hybrid game of AFL Nines which have brought out, so it's a little bit more flexible than 18-a-side competitions," he said.

"In the end I believe that we are actually going to be pushing towards that.

"It might not be for 10 years, but in the end I think we will be aiming for that."

www.abc.net.au/news/2012-12-05/a ... nd/4409852

CQ NRL Bid reflect on the last 12 months

CQ NRL Bid's year I come back to one person and his family. A few months ago when John Grant announced a NRL expansion consideration date of around 2014, my heart sank, but only for a very short time.

Instinctively I called Geoff Murphy and asked him if this announcement was a hindrance to his dream of a NRL club for Central Queensland. In his normal controlled and very positive demeanour, Geoff explained to me that his commitment to the establishment of CQ's own NRL club was absolutely rock solid with even more resolve than before the announcement. I felt a twinge of guilt for even a moment's doubt.

I suppose only history will judge Geoff's allegiance to his beloved Rugby League and to Central Queensland but in the present, I know that the CQ NRL Bid would not have been the central focus of my 2012, without his loyalty to this sometimes elusive dream.

In 2012 the CQ NRL Bid continued to establish and operate its Rugby League development programs including the QR National (the new QRN company name is Aurizon) sponsored Schools and Scholarship programs as well as the 13's and 14's CQ Development Program. Recently the Bid also accepted the Queensland Rugby League's invitation to joint venture manage the three CQ Capras teams in the ISC Queensland Cup (Cyril Connell 16's, Mal Meninga 18's, and Intrust Super 1st grade). It has been a "building and reinforcement" year and personally very rewarding.

We had many contributors to our successful 2012 and this space is not large enough to thank them all for sharing the vision and dream.

I have mentioned Geoff Murphy and his whole family. These people are providing the vision and the bulk of the resource that is driving the whole community benefitting endeavour. The directors of the Bid, Capras, and Leagues Club boards are always providing the strategic guidance needed in these complex organisations. I appreciate your valuable contributions. CQ NRL Bid and Capras' staff of Walson and Dominique are the wheels that never stop turning the process forward. They are to be congratulated for their work ethics and result driven attitudes. They are supported by the management and staff of the associated Leagues Clubs and we all need this ongoing support.

To all of the other vital stakeholders, including the media, the political representatives, the corporate partners of the Bid and the Capras, the thousands of members and to all those who want the Bid to succeed and the Capras to be the pride of Rugby league in CQ, I wish you all a safe and a happy Christmas and thanks for reading this non-journalistic written column.

Please support the CQ NRL Bid by going on line at www.cqnrlbid.com.au and become a Bid or Corporate member - from the desk of the CEO, Denis Keeffe

www.cqnrlbid.com.au

CQ NRL Bid reflect on the last 12 months

CQ NRL Bid's year I come back to one person and his family. A few months ago when John Grant announced a NRL expansion consideration date of around 2014, my heart sank, but only for a very short time.

Instinctively I called Geoff Murphy and asked him if this announcement was a hindrance to his dream of a NRL club for Central Queensland. In his normal controlled and very positive demeanour, Geoff explained to me that his commitment to the establishment of CQ's own NRL club was absolutely rock solid with even more resolve than before the announcement. I felt a twinge of guilt for even a moment's doubt.

I suppose only history will judge Geoff's allegiance to his beloved Rugby League and to Central Queensland but in the present, I know that the CQ NRL Bid would not have been the central focus of my 2012, without his loyalty to this sometimes elusive dream.

In 2012 the CQ NRL Bid continued to establish and operate its Rugby League development programs including the QR National (the new QRN company name is Aurizon) sponsored Schools and Scholarship programs as well as the 13's and 14's CQ Development Program. Recently the Bid also accepted the Queensland Rugby League's invitation to joint venture manage the three CQ Capras teams in the ISC Queensland Cup (Cyril Connell 16's, Mal Meninga 18's, and Intrust Super 1st grade). It has been a "building and reinforcement" year and personally very rewarding.

We had many contributors to our successful 2012 and this space is not large enough to thank them all for sharing the vision and dream.

I have mentioned Geoff Murphy and his whole family. These people are providing the vision and the bulk of the resource that is driving the whole community benefitting endeavour. The directors of the Bid, Capras, and Leagues Club boards are always providing the strategic guidance needed in these complex organisations. I appreciate your valuable contributions. CQ NRL Bid and Capras' staff of Walson and Dominique are the wheels that never stop turning the process forward. They are to be congratulated for their work ethics and result driven attitudes. They are supported by the management and staff of the associated Leagues Clubs and we all need this ongoing support.

To all of the other vital stakeholders, including the media, the political representatives, the corporate partners of the Bid and the Capras, the thousands of members and to all those who want the Bid to succeed and the Capras to be the pride of Rugby league in CQ, I wish you all a safe and a happy Christmas and thanks for reading this non-journalistic written column.

Please support the CQ NRL Bid by going on line at www.cqnrlbid.com.au and become a Bid or Corporate member - from the desk of the CEO, Denis Keeffe

www.cqnrlbid.com.au

QRL hosts its annual summer camp
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22nd Dec 2012 6:00 AM

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» Plenty of strife in a spectacular rugby league season

Bennett Ladbrook ready to make a quick pass at the NRL Development Camp held in Yeppoon. Bennett Ladbrook ready to make a quick pass at the NRL Development Camp held in Yeppoon. Chris Ison

ASPIRING rugby league players from around the region converged on the Capricorn Coast as the Queensland Rugby League hosted its annual summer camp.

The camp aimed to assist the development of rugby league in Central Queensland. It began on Monday at Yeppoon Active Recreation Centre, Cooee Bay.

Around 70 kids from Bundaberg, Middlemount, Gladstone, Roma, Longreach, Emerald, Tannum Sands, Charleville, Blackall and Rockhampton attended the week-long camp.

Event co-ordinator and NRL Game Development officer Dominic Draper said the camp not only offered development, but also an opportunity for the kids to enjoy themselves.

"Its along the lines of 'come along, have a good time and also learn a lot about the game'," Draper said.

"We're trying to help the kids develop and not just in rugby league, but also in their life skills and stuff like that because it's really important for them."

Draper said the camp provided a lot of development, interaction with other players as well as giving coaches and volunteer staff the opportunity to further their skills.

"The camp is a part of the Game Development division of the NRL and nearly all the staff at the camp have been coaches for representative teams, as well as former NRL coach Murray Hurst and former Manly Assistant Dennis Moore working with the players," Draper said.

"It's also about developing coaches and first aiders, we're giving back to the volunteers as well."

The camps were supported by the CQ NRL Bid and Draper said the QRL Central Division was very appreciative.

"We have some CQ NRL bid representative players attending the camp and the CQ NRL bid is the major sponsor of the event. Without their sponsorship we wouldn't be able to hold the camp," he said.

"With their support it makes it affordable for kids to come along and it has been great. They've helped out with prizes and have been fantastic about it."

Draper said while the camp was open to anyone who wanted to come along, there were a few kids attending who were handpicked to attend.

"Two kids from out west, one from Charleville and one from Blackall, received an award at a carnival and Prime Properties in Rockhampton sponsored them to come along," Draper said.

"We have a few rep players as well as a few aspiring to be there.

"You don't have to be a rep player to come along, it's a good mix of kids and they have been absolutely fantastic.

"They've probably been the best group we've had together and they've just been unreal and really well behaved."

As this year marks the third year of the development camp, Draper said he was looking forward to future events.

www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/new ... p/1695412/

QRL hosts its annual summer camp
Have your say »

22nd Dec 2012 6:00 AM

Story Tools

Use this content
Related Items

» Plenty of strife in a spectacular rugby league season

Bennett Ladbrook ready to make a quick pass at the NRL Development Camp held in Yeppoon. Bennett Ladbrook ready to make a quick pass at the NRL Development Camp held in Yeppoon. Chris Ison

ASPIRING rugby league players from around the region converged on the Capricorn Coast as the Queensland Rugby League hosted its annual summer camp.

The camp aimed to assist the development of rugby league in Central Queensland. It began on Monday at Yeppoon Active Recreation Centre, Cooee Bay.

Around 70 kids from Bundaberg, Middlemount, Gladstone, Roma, Longreach, Emerald, Tannum Sands, Charleville, Blackall and Rockhampton attended the week-long camp.

Event co-ordinator and NRL Game Development officer Dominic Draper said the camp not only offered development, but also an opportunity for the kids to enjoy themselves.

"Its along the lines of 'come along, have a good time and also learn a lot about the game'," Draper said.

"We're trying to help the kids develop and not just in rugby league, but also in their life skills and stuff like that because it's really important for them."

Draper said the camp provided a lot of development, interaction with other players as well as giving coaches and volunteer staff the opportunity to further their skills.

"The camp is a part of the Game Development division of the NRL and nearly all the staff at the camp have been coaches for representative teams, as well as former NRL coach Murray Hurst and former Manly Assistant Dennis Moore working with the players," Draper said.

"It's also about developing coaches and first aiders, we're giving back to the volunteers as well."

The camps were supported by the CQ NRL Bid and Draper said the QRL Central Division was very appreciative.

"We have some CQ NRL bid representative players attending the camp and the CQ NRL bid is the major sponsor of the event. Without their sponsorship we wouldn't be able to hold the camp," he said.

"With their support it makes it affordable for kids to come along and it has been great. They've helped out with prizes and have been fantastic about it."

Draper said while the camp was open to anyone who wanted to come along, there were a few kids attending who were handpicked to attend.

"Two kids from out west, one from Charleville and one from Blackall, received an award at a carnival and Prime Properties in Rockhampton sponsored them to come along," Draper said.

"We have a few rep players as well as a few aspiring to be there.

"You don't have to be a rep player to come along, it's a good mix of kids and they have been absolutely fantastic.

"They've probably been the best group we've had together and they've just been unreal and really well behaved."

As this year marks the third year of the development camp, Draper said he was looking forward to future events.

www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/new ... p/1695412/