By Michael Hillier (QRL Media)
Queensland Rugby League has today released four junior statewide competition draws for season 2023.
With the Hostplus Cup and BMD Premiership schedules released earlier today, all six statewide competition draws are now available for those itching to plan their footy escapades.
The four junior statewide competition draws released today are:
The Hastings Deering Colts commences on the weekend of April 22-23 with 12 of the competition’s 14 teams in action over the ANZAC weekend.
Townsville Blackhawks took out the Colts in 2022, with a hard-fought game against Redcliffe Dolphins at Moreton Daily Stadium.
The Blackhawks are drawn to play Tweed Seagulls in Round 1, while the Dolphins are at home to the Ipswich Jets.
The Harvey Norman Under 19 competition sees 15 teams in 2023, with games kicking off on February 18 with three Pool C matches.
This competition is an important step in the rugby league pathway for girls in Queensland, which saw plenty of young players make the step to the BMD Premiership in 2022.
Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup fixtures will once again showcase the leading male under 18 players from across Queensland.
Souths Logan Magpies, coached by now Hostplus Cup coach Karmichael Hunt, were the victors in 2022, beating Townsville Blackhawks 38-26 in the grand final at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
The Magpies have drawn the Redcliffe Dolphins in Round 1 – one of three matches to open the season on February 18.
The Cyril Connell Challenge also gets underway on this weekend with 15 teams competing across seven rounds.
The competition is named after the late Cyril Connell, a renowned talent scout famous for identifying and mentoring some of the state’s most successful rugby league players over many decades.
The match centres for the competitions will go live mid-January.
