Brisbane Tigers and Carina Juniors Rugby League Club Forge Pathways Partnership to Strengthen Rugby League in East Brisbane
In an exciting new collaboration, Brisbane Tigers and The Carina Leagues Club, home of the Carina Juniors are proud to announce a strategic affiliation aimed at enhancing the development pathways for rugby league talent in the East Brisbane region. This partnership, spanning the 2025-2027 seasons, will bolster Carina’s position as a central hub for junior representative and academy programs, providing players with a clear path from grassroots to elite-level competition.
The agreement aligns both clubs’ strategic priorities, creating opportunities for mutual growth and fostering a strong community presence. As part of this initiative, Brisbane Tigers are thrilled to introduce Ben Cross as the new Head of Football and BRL A Grade Coach for the Carina Junior Rugby League Club. Cross brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to fostering talent, leadership, and high-performance culture across all levels of rugby league.
Key Objectives of the Partnership:
- Talent Development and Pathways: Establish Carina Junior Rugby League as the base for Brisbane Tigers’ Junior Representative and Academy programs, enabling seamless progression from youth to senior levels.
- Cultural and Performance Enhancement: Under Cross’s leadership, the clubs aim to unify their coaching frameworks, fostering consistency and excellence in player development.
- Community Engagement and Growth: The partnership strengthens the ties between both clubs and the local community, creating more opportunities for engagement and participation.
Ben Cross will play a pivotal role in overseeing all football operations at Carina, guiding assistant coaches, and collaborating with Brisbane Tigers’ Pathways Manager to ensure talent strategies are in alignment. His responsibilities will also include recruitment and retention efforts, reinforcing a commitment to nurturing local talent and maintaining high standards in club performance.
This affiliation is set to provide Carina Junior Rugby League Club with access to Brisbane Tigers’ high-performance coaching resources, which will elevate the club’s football operations and ensure a strong, competitive presence across all levels of play.
The partnership is an exciting development for rugby league in East Brisbane, underscoring both clubs’ dedication to building strong foundations, fostering young talent, and enriching the local community.