By Firehawks and Capras Media
The Brisbane Firehawks and the Central Queensland (CQ) Capras are pleased to announce the clubs have agreed to a 5-year affiliation agreement, contingent on the Firehawks becoming the NRL’s 17th team.
The affiliation will see the Capras become a feeder club to the Firehawks.
Under the agreement players from the Firehawks playing squad will be allocated to the Capras to play Intrust Super Cup, when not selected to play in the Telstra Premiership Competition for the Firehawks.
The agreement will also see the establishment of a co-branded academy in Rockhampton, which will focus on elite players from the U16-U18 age-groups.
Pathways and participation will also be a focus with the Firehawks committed to providing assistance, both financial and through coaching expertise, to the Capras in the delivery of club and school-based programs.
The affiliation will also see the Firehawks take both trials and fixture games to Rockhampton during the agreement term. These games will provide significant economic benefit to both Rockhampton and the Capras.
The Firehawks will commit to not only providing games but a wide range of additional events including corporate lunches, race days, coaching clinics within the schools and junior leagues and most importantly an ongoing commitment to supporting worthy causes within the local community.
The Firehawks will charter several aircraft from Alliance Airlines to bring our Brisbane based supporters to these games further stimulating the local economy.
Capras CEO Peter White said, “an NRL Affiliation agreement is a vital step towards providing clear pathway opportunities for our players and coaching staff”.
“Central Queensland has always provided top line rugby league talent and current players such as Cameron Munster, Harry Grant and Tamika Upton are just a small example. Player talent and rusted-on rugby league support is something we bring to the table, and we are very pleased that the Firehawks have offered our club this opportunity on the back of these attributes”, White added.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams welcomed the news that Firehawks and Capras affiliation could become a reality if they (Firehawks) became the 17th NRL team.
“Having home-grown players linked to the Firehawks and be able to play in Rockhampton was a great opportunity for the local community to watch a high-profile players in their home town,” Mayor Williams said.
Firehawks CEO Brian Torpy said “the Firehawks are very excited to affiliate with the Capras. The Central Queensland and Wide Bay region is a rugby league heartland and have produced a multitude of NRL stars”.
This long-term agreement will provide ongoing support and stability to the Capras, provide a significant economic stimulus to Rockhampton and provide a better pathways for young rugby league players from Central Queensland to become NRL players.
“We will assist the Capras with co-branded pathways and participation programs, as well as offering opportunities for Capras players and staff to train and work with the Firehawks playing group and staff”, Torpy added.
“Finally, we understand how important it is to the Capras to take trials and fixtures to Rockhampton and we know this will help rejuvenate the area with regards to both player participation and fan engagement”.
CONTACTS
Shane Richardson
Head of NRL Bid – Brisbane Firehawks
P: 0438 013 696
Brian Torpy
CEO – Brisbane Firehawks
P: 0459 811 059
Peter White
CEO – CQ Capras
P: 0447 276 256
