Queensland Rugby League Set to Expand
As any Queenslander knows, footy is a big part of life for communities right across our state. And it’s a part of life that’s set to become even bigger, with the NRL exploring its options for expansion.
QR National is proud to support the push to bring a rugby league team to Central Queensland.
The Central Queensland NRL Bid
A bid team has been created in the effort to secure a Central Queensland based NRL 
team.
The catchment for the potential new Central Queensland team fills a large gap for rugby league which stretches as far north as Mackay, south to Bundaberg and west to the border.
As at August, a phenomenal 35,000 signatures have been secured for a petition supporting the bid. 10,000 members have joined the CQ Bid Leagues Club, and over 150 local businesses have pledged their support.
Queensland’s Premier Anna Bligh has also committed to building a 20,000 seat stadium in Rockhampton if the bid is successful.
So join us in getting behind the CQ NRL bid. Click here to sign the petition, or to find out more information.
QR National's Support
With around 4,000 employees living and working in Central Queensland, QR National was pleased to throw its support behind this initiative signing up as an Official Sponsor of the Bid.
Our Rockhampton QR National staff have enthusiastically supported the bid, adding more than 300 signatures to the petition when the bid’s CEO Denis Keeffe visited us earlier this year.
QR National’s sponsorship also supports two significant education programs managed by the bid team:
Schools Program:
Aimed at primary schools across the CQ region, the QR National Schools Program provides a flexible program that is tailored to the individual needs of each school.
The program provides schools with coaching and development options, as well as promoting sun safety, healthy eating and active lifestyles.
Each school receives a rugby league pack that includes footballs, water bottles and carrier, sunscreen and a gear bag.
The bid team and QR National hope to engage up to 120 schools in the program every year.
Click here if you'd like a visit by the QR National CQ Bid Schools team.
Scholarship Program:
The QR National Scholarship Program will provide scholarships for between five and ten disadvantaged Central Queensland youths every year.
The scholarships will provide a significant contribution towards their tuition and boarding fees, allowing them to pursue sporting and academic excellence.
Scholarship recipients will also receive training in life skills, education and sport, as well as having the opportunity to be mentored by first grade rugby league players.
For more information or to apply for a scholarship, click here.