NRLQ Under 20 launched

In collaboration with the NRL and four Queensland-based clubs, the Queensland Rugby League is set to launch the NRLQ series.

This competition will follow a home-and-away round robin format featuring Under 20 teams from the Brisbane Broncos, Dolphins, Gold Coast Titans, and North Queensland Cowboys.

The primary objective of the NRLQ series is to strengthen elite development pathways for aspiring players.

It aims to fill the gap that emerged for Queensland-based NRL clubs after the conclusion of the QRL’s junior representative competitions, which include the Mal Meninga Cup for Under 19 players and other related representative matches.

Designed to balance Queensland and New South Wales NRL clubs, this series allows Queensland’s teams to compete in a manner similar to their NSW counterparts participating in the NSWRL Jersey Flegg competition.

This initiative concurrently represents a significant step forward as part of a broader pathways review aimed at creating a more conducive system for player development in the future.

The NRLQ series will integrate with select NRL game days, providing a unique platform for showcasing young talent.

The six-round competition is scheduled to commence on Saturday, May 31, with the opening fixtures set to see the Gold Coast Titans challenging the Dolphins at Cbus Super Stadium and the North Queensland Cowboys taking on the Brisbane Broncos at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Teams participating in the NRLQ series will wear their respective NRL premiership colours, ensuring a strong visual connection to their parent clubs.

Players on development and academy contracts, ranging from Under 17 to Under 20, will compete at an elite junior level while wearing the NRL club badge.

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