By Michael Hillier (QRL Media)
Queensland Rugby League has today released the Hostplus Cup and BMD Premiership draws with the spotlight shining on the initial assignments faced by the new teams involved in the state’s premier men’s and women’s competitions.
The Western Clydesdales are building strong momentum heading into their first season in the Hostplus Cup as a new entity, while expectations are high for both the Mackay Cutters and Norths Devils as they prepare for their debut seasons in the BMD Premiership.
The Clydesdales launch their 2023 campaign with a home clash against the Papua New Guinea Hunters at Clive Berghofer Stadium.
In the BMD Premiership, the Cutters are drawn to play the Wynnum Manly Seagulls and the Devils go up against perennial powerhouse the Burleigh Bears in the opening weekend of fixtures.
Round 1 of both competitions – Hostplus Cup and BMD Premiership – is locked in for March 11.
While the addition of the Clydesdales in the Hostplus Cup brings the number of competing teams to 15 teams, the BMD Premiership remains an eight team competition with the Cutters and Devils in for West Brisbane Panthers and the North Queensland Gold Stars.
After going down in a thrilling grand final to the Gold Stars last season, the Central Queensland Capras are striving to go one better in 2023.
The Capras open their season with a Round 1 clash against the Tweed Seagulls at Browne Park, while the Brisbane Tigers meet the Souths Logan Magpies to close out an intriguing opening round.
The opening round of the Hostplus Cup promises to be just as spectacular with all eyes on the first up performance of the Clydesdales.
The Clydesdales will be coached by former Canterbury Bulldogs player Jason Alchin, who goes up against another first-year Hostplus Cup head coach in Hunters rival Stanley Tepend.
QRL competitions manager Dave Maiden said the arrival of fresh coaching talent would add a new element to the season.
“We’ve had some massive change over the off-season with new coaches coming into roles, so that’s going to unveil different styles which is always exciting,” Maiden said.
“The Hostplus Cup has a proven track record of helping both coaches and players achieve their goals of progressing to the National Rugby League.
“This year alone there were 13 players who made the transition to the NRL and that is an achievement the rugby league community can all be proud of.”
Maiden said the Clydesdales had the right people in place to make a strong impact in their return to Queensland’s premier men’s competition.
“They’ve worked hard to make sure they embrace that south west identity, whilst having a connection with the Clydesdales name which is synonymous with the south west,” Maiden said.
“Their organisation is now staffed with enough good people to support their vision, and they’ve worked hard with the local league to ensure a successful joint venture.”
Two-time premiers the Norths Devils will be guided by Dave Elliott, who has joined the club from the Mackay Cutters.
The Devils will open their quest for a hat-trick of titles against the Burleigh Bears in Round 1, before their attention turns to the grand final replay against the Redcliffe Dolphins at Bishop Park in Round 2.
Other opening round fixtures will see the Townsville Blackhawks up against Sunshine Coast Falcons, Ipswich Jets at home to Souths Logan Magpies, the Dolphins taking on Brisbane Tigers, Wynnum Manly Seagulls in action against Mackay Cutters and the Central Queensland Capras playing Tweed Seagulls.
Northern Pride have the bye in Round 1.
Maiden confirmed the top eight teams at the completion of the regular season would again take part in the semi-finals series, with the Hostplus Cup grand final to be played at Redcliffe on the weekend of September 16-17.
The 2023 statewide competitions season will once again highlight the strong connection between clubs and the community, with the QRL driving themed rounds and initiatives including XXXX Rivalry Round, Indigenous Round and Turn to Me Round.
Fans can catch every game of the 2023 Hostplus Cup and BMD Premiership seasons live and on-demand on QPlus.tv, the streaming home of Queensland Rugby League.
The match centres for all 2023 fixtures will be live on qrl.com.au mid-January.
