Queensland Government and QRL Launch ‘Mini Maroons’ Junior Development Initiative

The Queensland Government and Queensland Rugby League (QRL) have announced a major grassroots partnership with the launch of Mini Maroons, a statewide clinic program designed to bolster junior participation and state pride.

Aimed at boys and girls aged 5–12, the initiative focuses on inclusivity and “Maroon pride,” serving as a strategic bridge between community rugby league and the elite State of Origin arena.

The program’s rollout is timed to capitalise on the momentum of the upcoming men’s and women’s Origin series. Supported by government funding, the clinics will be delivered across both South-East and regional Queensland, commencing in Mackay on May 1 and culminating on Queensland Day (June 6).

Strategic Alignment with Queensland Day

The initiative is a central pillar of the Queensland Government’s 2026 Queensland Day celebrations.

Queensland Sports Minister Tim Mander highlighted the cultural significance of the program during the official launch at Aspley.

“Queenslanders love their footy and what better way for our kids to get involved than putting on a maroon jersey and learning from coaches and their State of Origin heroes.”

“How good will it be to see a sea of mini maroons on footy fields across the state, celebrating what it means to be a Queenslander,” Minister Mander said.

Commercial and Participation Objectives

For the QRL, the Mini Maroons clinics represent a sophisticated fan-recruitment and retention strategy. Access to the clinics is unlocked via a new QLDER Junior membership, creating a direct commercial pipeline that converts clinic participants into long-term digital and financial stakeholders of the Maroons brand.

Emphasising the broader social impact of the clinics, QRL CEO, Ben Ikin, said: “The Mini Maroons clinics are all about inclusion—kids of all abilities coming together to have fun, make friends and feel part of something special.”

“If we can light that spark early and make kids feel proud and connected to the Maroons, we’re setting them up for a lifelong love of rugby league,” Ikin said. 

Regional Reach and Star Power

The launch featured high-profile ambassadors, including Dolphins forward Tom Gilbert, Broncos NRLW star Julie Robinson, and several Former Origin Greats (FOGS), illustrating the “cradle-to-grave” connection the QRL maintains with its athletes. The regional schedule is designed to ensure geographic equity:

• Mackay: Friday, May 1
• Gold Coast: Wednesday, May 27
• Barcaldine & Brisbane: Saturday, May 30
• Mount Isa: Friday, June 5
• Sunshine Coast: Saturday, June 6 (Queensland Day)

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