Jump on board and let's get a team

Lisa Maynard | 9th October 2012 8:02 AM





Tags: cq nrl bid, gladstone, rugby league
CQ NRL Bid director encourages residents to get behind the push for a team, citing the social and economic benefits, and the boost it would give local league.

CQ NRL Bid Gladstone director Peter White urges everyone who wants to see a local team playing in the national league to get online.
Christopher Chan
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THE CQ NRL Bid set a target of 100,000 members, which they hoped to reach by the end of the year.

Membership is just over 40,000, which prompts the question: have you become an online member yet?

Earlier on in the year, bid chief executive Denis Keeffe said he wanted at least 10,000 of those 100,000 members to come from Gladstone.

CQ NRL Bid Gladstone director Peter White encourages the Gladstone public to embrace the project.

White said that apart from the obvious economic and social benefits that having a Central Queensland-based NRL club will have, there would also be an enormous benefit to local junior and senior rugby league players, as they would have a direct path to the best rugby league competition in the world.

"Not only that, but they will be able to remain in their own region with the supporting network of their own family and friends," he said.

"That is a huge plus for our players and something which at the moment is non-existent."

White said support was great at the moment and he knew everyone really wanted to see the CQ NRL bid be granted a licence.

"I think a lot of people, however, are unwilling to allow themselves to believe that it could really happen," he said.

"I understand this.

"However the best way that people can assist in ensuring that it will happen is to get online and become a member. It's free and it is vitally important.

"I urge anyone who really wants to see and experience our own NRL team to take two minutes of their time and show their support."

www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/sto ... q-nrl-bid/

Jump on board and let's get a team

Lisa Maynard | 9th October 2012 8:02 AM





Tags: cq nrl bid, gladstone, rugby league
CQ NRL Bid director encourages residents to get behind the push for a team, citing the social and economic benefits, and the boost it would give local league.

CQ NRL Bid Gladstone director Peter White urges everyone who wants to see a local team playing in the national league to get online.
Christopher Chan
Advertisement
<div style="display();</script><noscript><a href="clk.atdmt.com/2D1/go/229344756/direct/01/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="view.atdmt.com/2D1/view/229344756/direct/01/" /></a></noscript></>

THE CQ NRL Bid set a target of 100,000 members, which they hoped to reach by the end of the year.

Membership is just over 40,000, which prompts the question: have you become an online member yet?

Earlier on in the year, bid chief executive Denis Keeffe said he wanted at least 10,000 of those 100,000 members to come from Gladstone.

CQ NRL Bid Gladstone director Peter White encourages the Gladstone public to embrace the project.

White said that apart from the obvious economic and social benefits that having a Central Queensland-based NRL club will have, there would also be an enormous benefit to local junior and senior rugby league players, as they would have a direct path to the best rugby league competition in the world.

"Not only that, but they will be able to remain in their own region with the supporting network of their own family and friends," he said.

"That is a huge plus for our players and something which at the moment is non-existent."

White said support was great at the moment and he knew everyone really wanted to see the CQ NRL bid be granted a licence.

"I think a lot of people, however, are unwilling to allow themselves to believe that it could really happen," he said.

"I understand this.

"However the best way that people can assist in ensuring that it will happen is to get online and become a member. It's free and it is vitally important.

"I urge anyone who really wants to see and experience our own NRL team to take two minutes of their time and show their support."

www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/sto ... q-nrl-bid/

eep the faith in bid

Lisa Maynard | 9th October 2012 7:42 AM





Have your say »

Tags: gladstone, nrl bid
HAVE faith, it will happen. That's the message CQ NRL Bid chief executive Denis Keeffe wants to get across.

CQ NRL Bid chairman Denis Keeffe is confident a new team will be added to the league.
Sharyn Oneill
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HAVE faith, it will happen.

That's the message CQ NRL Bid chief executive Denis Keeffe wants to get across.

After Australian Rugby League Commission chairman John Grant's recent comments to The Queensland Times and other outside speculation on NRL expansion after the Nine and Fox Sports recent broadcasting announcement, Keeffe said he wanted to let people know that they should hold the line.

"This thing's not going away," he said.

Keeffe said it was only a week and half ago that he and bid chairman Geoff Murphy spoke to Channel 9 boss David Gyngell and Fox Sports chief executive Patrick Delany in Sydney, at which time neither party had ruled out the advantage of additional teams.

He said Gyngell believed there needed to be another Queensland team in the league sooner rather than later.

Both Gyngell and Delany were on stage when the broadcasting announcement was made, so their support was nothing to shrug off.

"I haven't had anything confirmed by John Grant," Keeffe said.

"I am very confident that we have made a compelling argument. It's business as usual for us."

Keeffe said a team in CQ was likely to prove as popular with the public as the North Queensland Cowboys, and nothing should be assumed until NRL's strategic plan was finalised.

The NRL Commission's board will meet on Friday, when the expansion issue and the strategic plan will be discussed.

ARLC media manager John Brady said he would not pre-empt the meeting's result.

"The strategic plan will be discussed at the meeting and we'll be closer to it at that point, but there is no set time frame for the release of the plan," Mr Brady said.

www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/sto ... Gladstone/

eep the faith in bid

Lisa Maynard | 9th October 2012 7:42 AM





Have your say »

Tags: gladstone, nrl bid
HAVE faith, it will happen. That's the message CQ NRL Bid chief executive Denis Keeffe wants to get across.

CQ NRL Bid chairman Denis Keeffe is confident a new team will be added to the league.
Sharyn Oneill
Advertisement
<div style="display();</script><noscript><a href="clk.atdmt.com/2D1/go/229344756/direct/01/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="view.atdmt.com/2D1/view/229344756/direct/01/" /></a></noscript></>

HAVE faith, it will happen.

That's the message CQ NRL Bid chief executive Denis Keeffe wants to get across.

After Australian Rugby League Commission chairman John Grant's recent comments to The Queensland Times and other outside speculation on NRL expansion after the Nine and Fox Sports recent broadcasting announcement, Keeffe said he wanted to let people know that they should hold the line.

"This thing's not going away," he said.

Keeffe said it was only a week and half ago that he and bid chairman Geoff Murphy spoke to Channel 9 boss David Gyngell and Fox Sports chief executive Patrick Delany in Sydney, at which time neither party had ruled out the advantage of additional teams.

He said Gyngell believed there needed to be another Queensland team in the league sooner rather than later.

Both Gyngell and Delany were on stage when the broadcasting announcement was made, so their support was nothing to shrug off.

"I haven't had anything confirmed by John Grant," Keeffe said.

"I am very confident that we have made a compelling argument. It's business as usual for us."

Keeffe said a team in CQ was likely to prove as popular with the public as the North Queensland Cowboys, and nothing should be assumed until NRL's strategic plan was finalised.

The NRL Commission's board will meet on Friday, when the expansion issue and the strategic plan will be discussed.

ARLC media manager John Brady said he would not pre-empt the meeting's result.

"The strategic plan will be discussed at the meeting and we'll be closer to it at that point, but there is no set time frame for the release of the plan," Mr Brady said.

www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/sto ... Gladstone/

CQ NRL bid on the agenda

TICK tock. Tick tock.

Decisions at a NRL Commission board meeting today could bring a timeline and criteria for expansion of the league.

However, don't hold your breath for an announcement by the end of the day.

That is how CQ NRL Bid chief executive officer Denis Keeffe thinks.

The board meeting today will discuss the NRL Commission's strategic plan, of which any future expansion would be part.

"Some of the things in the strategic plan have already been implemented," Keeffe said.

He said any decision at the meeting could be weeks before being announced publicly as there were a number of bodies to report to.

"I think they will set some criteria and timelines," Keeffe said.

Meanwhile, the bid's development squads will head to Brisbane on Wednesday to play against Marsden State High School.

www.themorningbulletin.com.au/ne ... a/1579856/

CQ NRL bid on the agenda

TICK tock. Tick tock.

Decisions at a NRL Commission board meeting today could bring a timeline and criteria for expansion of the league.

However, don't hold your breath for an announcement by the end of the day.

That is how CQ NRL Bid chief executive officer Denis Keeffe thinks.

The board meeting today will discuss the NRL Commission's strategic plan, of which any future expansion would be part.

"Some of the things in the strategic plan have already been implemented," Keeffe said.

He said any decision at the meeting could be weeks before being announced publicly as there were a number of bodies to report to.

"I think they will set some criteria and timelines," Keeffe said.

Meanwhile, the bid's development squads will head to Brisbane on Wednesday to play against Marsden State High School.

www.themorningbulletin.com.au/ne ... a/1579856/

Murphy green with envy Wowed by NFL fans
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Michelle Curran
11th Oct 2012 6:28 PM

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CQ NRL BID: Central Queensland NRL Bid chairman Geoff Murphy is still reeling from an incredible experience that would cause sports fans to turn green with envy.

Murphy returned to Rockhampton on Monday following a trip to the United States, where he caught up with Mark Murphy, chief executive and president of the Green Bay Packers' franchise.

"Mark (Murphy) invited me to sit in the executive box at Lambeau Field to watch the fourth round match against the Saints.

The executive committee are a really nice bunch of people and they really lay it on for you in the box," Murphy said.

While the crowds piled into fill the 73, 094 capacity stadium in Green Bay, people dressed in Packers' memorabilia partied in the streets surrounding the Green Bay venue, which was closed off to traffic.

"They keep partying until well after midnight...it was only early on in the season - football is like religion to the Green Bay fans," Murphy said.

"Before kick off, four air force jets flew overhead, and the 300 piece Wisconsin Brass Band performed - they also played at halftime and again at fulltime. They say they are the best brass band in the States, and they were magnificent."

The game was a close one, with the Green Bay Packers narrowly defeating the New Orleans Saints by a point - thrilling the droves of fans that had flocked to the Packers' home ground.

While Murphy prefers watching rugby league, he was starting to understand gridiron, especially after one of the executive members spent some time explaining the rules to him.

Earlier this year, Murphy met the Packer's CEO/President in Wisconsin, where he clinched a "sister club" agreement with the NFL's most successful franchise.

During that visit, Mark Murphy agreed to come to Rockhampton for Central Queensland's first match in the NRL.

Last month's visit to Wisconsin was to develop the relationship established in January and the opportunity to attend the Packers' game and experience the passion of NFL fans, was the highlight of his trip, Geoff Murphy said.

He added the Packers' franchise was inspirational, and one of his major aims was to duplicate what the Green Bay Packers had done to become so successful.

"The similarities with Green Bay and Rockhampton is amazing - meat packing is the major industry, Green Bay have a population of around 100,000 - Rockhampton has 120,000 people...even our surnames are the same which is ironic," Geoff Murphy said referring to the Packer's CEO.

"We could learn a lot from them."

During Murphy's visit to America, he also took a tour of Cowboys Stadium, the impressive home ground for the Dallas Cowboys, in Arlington, Texas. The stadium, which seats 80,000, opened in 2009 and cost US$1.3 billion to complete.

"The four sided TV screen was worth US$40 million alone...when you compare the stadium to the one we would build here in CQ, which would seat 20000 people for AU$150-160 million, it is absolutely mind-boggling."

Meanwhile, Murphy and the CQ NRL Bid team are waiting for the NRL Strategic Plan to be released before February, when they will learn if NRL expansion will go ahead.

www.themorningbulletin.com.au/ne ... s/1579420/

Murphy green with envy Wowed by NFL fans
Have your say »

Michelle Curran
11th Oct 2012 6:28 PM

Story Tools

CQ NRL BID: Central Queensland NRL Bid chairman Geoff Murphy is still reeling from an incredible experience that would cause sports fans to turn green with envy.

Murphy returned to Rockhampton on Monday following a trip to the United States, where he caught up with Mark Murphy, chief executive and president of the Green Bay Packers' franchise.

"Mark (Murphy) invited me to sit in the executive box at Lambeau Field to watch the fourth round match against the Saints.

The executive committee are a really nice bunch of people and they really lay it on for you in the box," Murphy said.

While the crowds piled into fill the 73, 094 capacity stadium in Green Bay, people dressed in Packers' memorabilia partied in the streets surrounding the Green Bay venue, which was closed off to traffic.

"They keep partying until well after midnight...it was only early on in the season - football is like religion to the Green Bay fans," Murphy said.

"Before kick off, four air force jets flew overhead, and the 300 piece Wisconsin Brass Band performed - they also played at halftime and again at fulltime. They say they are the best brass band in the States, and they were magnificent."

The game was a close one, with the Green Bay Packers narrowly defeating the New Orleans Saints by a point - thrilling the droves of fans that had flocked to the Packers' home ground.

While Murphy prefers watching rugby league, he was starting to understand gridiron, especially after one of the executive members spent some time explaining the rules to him.

Earlier this year, Murphy met the Packer's CEO/President in Wisconsin, where he clinched a "sister club" agreement with the NFL's most successful franchise.

During that visit, Mark Murphy agreed to come to Rockhampton for Central Queensland's first match in the NRL.

Last month's visit to Wisconsin was to develop the relationship established in January and the opportunity to attend the Packers' game and experience the passion of NFL fans, was the highlight of his trip, Geoff Murphy said.

He added the Packers' franchise was inspirational, and one of his major aims was to duplicate what the Green Bay Packers had done to become so successful.

"The similarities with Green Bay and Rockhampton is amazing - meat packing is the major industry, Green Bay have a population of around 100,000 - Rockhampton has 120,000 people...even our surnames are the same which is ironic," Geoff Murphy said referring to the Packer's CEO.

"We could learn a lot from them."

During Murphy's visit to America, he also took a tour of Cowboys Stadium, the impressive home ground for the Dallas Cowboys, in Arlington, Texas. The stadium, which seats 80,000, opened in 2009 and cost US$1.3 billion to complete.

"The four sided TV screen was worth US$40 million alone...when you compare the stadium to the one we would build here in CQ, which would seat 20000 people for AU$150-160 million, it is absolutely mind-boggling."

Meanwhile, Murphy and the CQ NRL Bid team are waiting for the NRL Strategic Plan to be released before February, when they will learn if NRL expansion will go ahead.

www.themorningbulletin.com.au/ne ... s/1579420/

CQ NRL juniors stun bigger team

Michelle Curran
18th Oct 2012 7:50 PM

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RUGBY LEAGUE: Skipper Conrad Green steered the CQ NRL Bid junior development 13s team to a stunning 34-10 win over Marsden State High School in Brisbane today.

The pivot took control of his troops who stunned a bigger, more physical Marsden State High School team in the opening match of their four day south east tour.

CQ gradually ground the Brisbane opponents down with their fast pace and ran seven tried to Marsden's two tries.

Centre Ben McGowan and wing Tyson Curtis scored two tries a piece while William Mohr, Dawson Cross and Mitchell Downie also ran in a try each.

Meanwhile, Hayden Tanna scored the opening try in the 14's match against MSHS with Caleb Tull converting it. MSHS replied with a try but trailed by two after missing the conversion.

CQ wing Jackson Weir scored out wide to extend their lead to 12-4 when Tull booted another conversion before Marsden ran in a soft try before half time leaving the score at 12-8.

The hosts scored another try after half time to hit the lead with the teams battling over possession for the rest of the half until Marsden found space out wide to score a converted try which sealed the victory 20-12.

www.themorningbulletin.com.au/ne ... m/1588509/

CQ NRL juniors stun bigger team

Michelle Curran
18th Oct 2012 7:50 PM

Story Tools

RUGBY LEAGUE: Skipper Conrad Green steered the CQ NRL Bid junior development 13s team to a stunning 34-10 win over Marsden State High School in Brisbane today.

The pivot took control of his troops who stunned a bigger, more physical Marsden State High School team in the opening match of their four day south east tour.

CQ gradually ground the Brisbane opponents down with their fast pace and ran seven tried to Marsden's two tries.

Centre Ben McGowan and wing Tyson Curtis scored two tries a piece while William Mohr, Dawson Cross and Mitchell Downie also ran in a try each.

Meanwhile, Hayden Tanna scored the opening try in the 14's match against MSHS with Caleb Tull converting it. MSHS replied with a try but trailed by two after missing the conversion.

CQ wing Jackson Weir scored out wide to extend their lead to 12-4 when Tull booted another conversion before Marsden ran in a soft try before half time leaving the score at 12-8.

The hosts scored another try after half time to hit the lead with the teams battling over possession for the rest of the half until Marsden found space out wide to score a converted try which sealed the victory 20-12.

www.themorningbulletin.com.au/ne ... m/1588509/

CQ NRL Bid Juniors front up to drilled Keebra Park talent

Michelle Curran
19th Oct 2012 5:59 PM

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RUGBY LEAGUE: Central Queensland NRL Bid Junior Development 14s bounced back from a loss in their opening game on tour, to draw 16-16 with a top class Keebra Park team.
The 13s and 14s ticked off the main aim of their four day South East Queensland tour today (Friday), when they played the renowned league school, and matched them.
In Thursday's match against Marsden State High School, the 14s were out muscled by the students going down 20-12, but coach Lionel Harbin could not fault the boys' attitude and the effort they put into the game.
Today (Friday) they stepped up against the Gold Coast school with an enviable rugby league programme that has produced players such as Benji Marshall and Ben Te'o.
Both sides traded early tries, with five eighth Jacob O'Shea scoring first for CQ off the scrum. Josh Jackson put CQ in front early in the first half but Keebra Park fought back to tie up the scores 12-12 just before halftime.
The two sides were evenly matched in the second half, with both teams defending well and taking chances when they got the ball. With three minutes to go, the score was still 12-12, until Coby Gibbs ran in a try for the visitors.
The lead was short-lived however, when Keebra Park replied to even up the scores again in the dying minutes of the game.
Meanwhile, the 13s lost their second game of the tour, going down to Keebra Park, 16-8.
It was a top effort from the side who beat MSHS in Brisbane on Thursday, 34-10. The undefeated Keebra Park side which had plenty of size, maintained their undefeated record this year.
Development and community development manager for the CQ NRL Bid Walson Carlos said he and the staff could not be anymore prouder of the boys, who fronted up against well-drilled, bigger sides.

www.cqnews.com.au/news/cq-nrl-bi ... n/1589625/

CQ NRL Bid Juniors front up to drilled Keebra Park talent

Michelle Curran
19th Oct 2012 5:59 PM

Story Tools

RUGBY LEAGUE: Central Queensland NRL Bid Junior Development 14s bounced back from a loss in their opening game on tour, to draw 16-16 with a top class Keebra Park team.
The 13s and 14s ticked off the main aim of their four day South East Queensland tour today (Friday), when they played the renowned league school, and matched them.
In Thursday's match against Marsden State High School, the 14s were out muscled by the students going down 20-12, but coach Lionel Harbin could not fault the boys' attitude and the effort they put into the game.
Today (Friday) they stepped up against the Gold Coast school with an enviable rugby league programme that has produced players such as Benji Marshall and Ben Te'o.
Both sides traded early tries, with five eighth Jacob O'Shea scoring first for CQ off the scrum. Josh Jackson put CQ in front early in the first half but Keebra Park fought back to tie up the scores 12-12 just before halftime.
The two sides were evenly matched in the second half, with both teams defending well and taking chances when they got the ball. With three minutes to go, the score was still 12-12, until Coby Gibbs ran in a try for the visitors.
The lead was short-lived however, when Keebra Park replied to even up the scores again in the dying minutes of the game.
Meanwhile, the 13s lost their second game of the tour, going down to Keebra Park, 16-8.
It was a top effort from the side who beat MSHS in Brisbane on Thursday, 34-10. The undefeated Keebra Park side which had plenty of size, maintained their undefeated record this year.
Development and community development manager for the CQ NRL Bid Walson Carlos said he and the staff could not be anymore prouder of the boys, who fronted up against well-drilled, bigger sides.

www.cqnews.com.au/news/cq-nrl-bi ... n/1589625/

CQ NRL Bid major announcement

RUGBY LEAGUE

THE CQ NRL Bid has late today called a press conference for a “major announcement” this Friday.

“The most significant announcement for the CQ sporting landscape in decades,” the release reads.

www.facebook.com/pages/The-Queen ... ts&fref=ts

Only the start of good things to come

CQ NRL Bid major announcement

RUGBY LEAGUE

THE CQ NRL Bid has late today called a press conference for a “major announcement” this Friday.

“The most significant announcement for the CQ sporting landscape in decades,” the release reads.

www.facebook.com/pages/The-Queen ... ts&fref=ts

Only the start of good things to come

CQ NRL bid joins forces with Capras in boost for league
Have your say »

26th Oct 2012 10:16 AM

CQ NRL Bid CEO Denis Keeffe. CQ NRL Bid CEO Denis Keeffe. Contributed

THE CQ Capras and the CQ NRL Bid have joined together to form a powerful and progressive new rugby league entity.

Prominent businessman Geoff Murphy will chair the newly formed board and former Capras chairman Doug Webber will be deputy chairman.

Representatives from the CQ NRL Bid board and the current Capras board will make up the new CQ Capras board.

Denis Keeffe will assume the joint role of CEO of the CQ NRL Bid and CQ Capras, while CQ NRL Bid's business and community development manager Walson Carlos will serve as the CQ Capras operations manager.

Longstanding major sponsor, the Rockhampton Leagues Club, will continue its association with the new CQ Capras entity, providing vital financial support for Central Queensland's premier rugby league club.

The merger has been endorsed by the QRL, NRL and ARL commission and will be a massive boost for rugby league in Central Queensland.

Mr Murphy said it was a great day for rugby league in the region.

"I'm excited by the potential of this merger and I'd like to acknowledge the great work done by the former Capras board," Mr Murphy said.

Former Capras chairman Doug Webber, who will now fill the role of vice-chairman for the new Capras board, said he couldn't be happier with the partnership.

"It's great to have people of the calibre of Geoff Murphy and Denis Keeffe with the expertise and experience in rugby league and business, and I look forward to working closely with them to take the Capras to the next level," he said.

Mr Keeffe said it was time for Central Queenslanders to unite and get behind the exciting new entity.

"I feel sure the CQ Capras will be successful on and off the football field and will make the region very proud of our performances,

"I'd like to challenge any former players, officials, spectators, members, supporters and sponsors to contact the club about the wonderful opportunities that now exist."

www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/new ... e/1598099/

CQ NRL bid joins forces with Capras in boost for league
Have your say »

26th Oct 2012 10:16 AM

CQ NRL Bid CEO Denis Keeffe. CQ NRL Bid CEO Denis Keeffe. Contributed

THE CQ Capras and the CQ NRL Bid have joined together to form a powerful and progressive new rugby league entity.

Prominent businessman Geoff Murphy will chair the newly formed board and former Capras chairman Doug Webber will be deputy chairman.

Representatives from the CQ NRL Bid board and the current Capras board will make up the new CQ Capras board.

Denis Keeffe will assume the joint role of CEO of the CQ NRL Bid and CQ Capras, while CQ NRL Bid's business and community development manager Walson Carlos will serve as the CQ Capras operations manager.

Longstanding major sponsor, the Rockhampton Leagues Club, will continue its association with the new CQ Capras entity, providing vital financial support for Central Queensland's premier rugby league club.

The merger has been endorsed by the QRL, NRL and ARL commission and will be a massive boost for rugby league in Central Queensland.

Mr Murphy said it was a great day for rugby league in the region.

"I'm excited by the potential of this merger and I'd like to acknowledge the great work done by the former Capras board," Mr Murphy said.

Former Capras chairman Doug Webber, who will now fill the role of vice-chairman for the new Capras board, said he couldn't be happier with the partnership.

"It's great to have people of the calibre of Geoff Murphy and Denis Keeffe with the expertise and experience in rugby league and business, and I look forward to working closely with them to take the Capras to the next level," he said.

Mr Keeffe said it was time for Central Queenslanders to unite and get behind the exciting new entity.

"I feel sure the CQ Capras will be successful on and off the football field and will make the region very proud of our performances,

"I'd like to challenge any former players, officials, spectators, members, supporters and sponsors to contact the club about the wonderful opportunities that now exist."

www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/new ... e/1598099/

VIDEO: www.centraltelegraph.com.au/vide ... rge/15680/

VIDEO: www.centraltelegraph.com.au/vide ... rge/15680/

"New joint CQ NRL Bid & CQ Capras chief executive Denis Keeffe (left), CQ NRL Bid and CQ Capras chairman Geoff Murphy, deputy chairman Doug Webber and Rockhampton Rugby League (RLC board member) chairman Mick Johns at today's exciting announcement for rugby league in this region."



https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Quee ... 3536525802

"New joint CQ NRL Bid & CQ Capras chief executive Denis Keeffe (left), CQ NRL Bid and CQ Capras chairman Geoff Murphy, deputy chairman Doug Webber and Rockhampton Rugby League (RLC board member) chairman Mick Johns at today's exciting announcement for rugby league in this region."



https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Quee ... 3536525802

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
Have your say »

26th Oct 2012 9:56 PM

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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

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
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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/

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/

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

Updated Wed Dec 5, 2012 3:01pm AEDT
PJ Marsh would prefer his son to play rugby league than AFL Photo: PJ Marsh would prefer his son to play rugby league than AFL (Getty Images)
Map 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 3:01pm AEDT
PJ Marsh would prefer his son to play rugby league than AFL Photo: PJ Marsh would prefer his son to play rugby league than AFL (Getty Images)
Map 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