Titans And Cq Have Clear Differences

This news item was posted at 12:17 pm on the 27th March, 2012

There has been much said and written recently about the Titans and most of the discussion concerns the club’s finances. My main interest, however, was the announcement of their signing of Dave Taylor to a multiyear playing contract commencing in 2013. If there was anything that confused me a little about Queensland’s newest NRL club was their propensity to sign New South Wales players and coaches.

FULL ARTICLE: www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/03/tita ... fferences/

Titans And Cq Have Clear Differences

This news item was posted at 12:17 pm on the 27th March, 2012

There has been much said and written recently about the Titans and most of the discussion concerns the club’s finances. My main interest, however, was the announcement of their signing of Dave Taylor to a multiyear playing contract commencing in 2013. If there was anything that confused me a little about Queensland’s newest NRL club was their propensity to sign New South Wales players and coaches.

FULL ARTICLE: www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/03/tita ... fferences/

CQ NRL Bid Supports Tour De Cure

1,500 km bike fundraiser from Biloela, via Rugby League Central to present 40,000 signature petition than to the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Article - www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/04/cq-n ... r-de-cure/

CQ NRL Bid Supports Tour De Cure

1,500 km bike fundraiser from Biloela, via Rugby League Central to present 40,000 signature petition than to the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Article - www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/04/cq-n ... r-de-cure/

www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJD6wVZr ... r_embedded

CQ NRL Bid Junior Camp 2012

www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJD6wVZr ... r_embedded

CQ NRL Bid Junior Camp 2012

The Spotlight – Junior Development Camp & Cup Success

Report on the recent CQ NRL Bid U14 Development Camp (rated as one of the leading programs at that age) and Capras (crowd among the top in QCup - 1500 last week) and Mackay Cutters success, Rhys Wesser Shield, Young Guns, Where are they now.

Includes U14s expected to play matches in likely Bundaberg, Mackay and Rockhampton against Northern and Brisbane teams this year (can't mention another potential big match up)

www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/04/the- ... el-morgan/

The Spotlight – Junior Development Camp & Cup Success

Report on the recent CQ NRL Bid U14 Development Camp (rated as one of the leading programs at that age) and Capras (crowd among the top in QCup - 1500 last week) and Mackay Cutters success, Rhys Wesser Shield, Young Guns, Where are they now.

Includes U14s expected to play matches in likely Bundaberg, Mackay and Rockhampton against Northern and Brisbane teams this year (can't mention another potential big match up)

www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/04/the- ... el-morgan/

Developing Our OWN

Last week the CQ NRL Bid development squad conducted their first camp of 2012 at Yeppoon, under Head Coach Lionel Harbin and his very professional coaching staff. This year, the first team to wear the CQ NRL Bid colours are under 14. Even though it is less than twelve months since they came together for the first time, I have noticed some dramatic differences in their persona. The young and often shy and insecure 13 year olds of last year are now much more confident and mature young men. It is the measure of this wonderful program that these changes are more than obvious.


www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/04/developing-our-own/

Developing Our OWN

Last week the CQ NRL Bid development squad conducted their first camp of 2012 at Yeppoon, under Head Coach Lionel Harbin and his very professional coaching staff. This year, the first team to wear the CQ NRL Bid colours are under 14. Even though it is less than twelve months since they came together for the first time, I have noticed some dramatic differences in their persona. The young and often shy and insecure 13 year olds of last year are now much more confident and mature young men. It is the measure of this wonderful program that these changes are more than obvious.


www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/04/developing-our-own/

Premier's stand won't hurt: Bid

Kerri-Anne Mesner | 18th April 2012 4:00 AM





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Tags: campbell newman, denis keefe, nrl stadium
CORPORATE boxes and an NRL stadium in Central Queensland are not the same, according to CQ NRL Bid chief executive officer Denis Keeffe.

CEO Denis Keeffe
CHRIS ISON
Advertisement

CORPORATE boxes and an NRL stadium in Central Queensland are not the same, according to CQ NRL Bid chief executive officer Denis Keeffe.

Mr Keeffe's statement comes after an SMS was published in the Morning Bulletin, by Col, the Caves, who believes Premier Campbell Newman's cut of government hospitality boxes at NRL stadiums was a sign the Liberal National Government didn't support sports.

Mr Newman announced last week the boxes would be relinquished or hired to private users.

He said as was part of his plan to cut waste and save taxpayers money, he had directed Cabinet ministers at the first meeting of the cabinet to not retain the boxes.

Mr Keeffe, and bid chairman Geoff Murphy, were in Brisbane yesterday, meeting potential sponsors and government departments.

Mr Keeffe said as a private citizen and taxpayer, he supported Mr Newman's decision about the corporate boxes.

He said this decision would not impact financially, or the design, of a Central Queensland NRL stadium.

"As far as we are concerned, they will be occupied by companies," Mr Keeffe said.

He said the bid crew allocated the number of corporate boxes for the local NRL stadium.

"We haven't allocated anything for government usage.

"One of the things we are doing while we are here is talk to different elements of government about the stadium."

The CQ NRL Bid needs $500,000 from the State Government for stage one, which is known as the licensing and approval stage.

This includes examination of the proposed site, soil testing and any necessary steps to gain ownership of the land.

Then the bid would be at "shovel ready" stage, which has to be done by the end of the year.

The LNP earlier this month sidestepped the $500,000 question, but confirmed its commitment to a stadium within the normal budget process.

www.themorningbulletin.com.au/st ... -hurt-bid/

Premier's stand won't hurt: Bid

Kerri-Anne Mesner | 18th April 2012 4:00 AM





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Comments (2) »

Tags: campbell newman, denis keefe, nrl stadium
CORPORATE boxes and an NRL stadium in Central Queensland are not the same, according to CQ NRL Bid chief executive officer Denis Keeffe.

CEO Denis Keeffe
CHRIS ISON
Advertisement

CORPORATE boxes and an NRL stadium in Central Queensland are not the same, according to CQ NRL Bid chief executive officer Denis Keeffe.

Mr Keeffe's statement comes after an SMS was published in the Morning Bulletin, by Col, the Caves, who believes Premier Campbell Newman's cut of government hospitality boxes at NRL stadiums was a sign the Liberal National Government didn't support sports.

Mr Newman announced last week the boxes would be relinquished or hired to private users.

He said as was part of his plan to cut waste and save taxpayers money, he had directed Cabinet ministers at the first meeting of the cabinet to not retain the boxes.

Mr Keeffe, and bid chairman Geoff Murphy, were in Brisbane yesterday, meeting potential sponsors and government departments.

Mr Keeffe said as a private citizen and taxpayer, he supported Mr Newman's decision about the corporate boxes.

He said this decision would not impact financially, or the design, of a Central Queensland NRL stadium.

"As far as we are concerned, they will be occupied by companies," Mr Keeffe said.

He said the bid crew allocated the number of corporate boxes for the local NRL stadium.

"We haven't allocated anything for government usage.

"One of the things we are doing while we are here is talk to different elements of government about the stadium."

The CQ NRL Bid needs $500,000 from the State Government for stage one, which is known as the licensing and approval stage.

This includes examination of the proposed site, soil testing and any necessary steps to gain ownership of the land.

Then the bid would be at "shovel ready" stage, which has to be done by the end of the year.

The LNP earlier this month sidestepped the $500,000 question, but confirmed its commitment to a stadium within the normal budget process.

www.themorningbulletin.com.au/st ... -hurt-bid/

www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/leag ... 1x7q4.html

Strong interest by broadcasters in a second Brisbane team may prompt the ARL Commission to ask TV networks to lodge a separate rights bid for an 18-team competition.
Both Fox Sports and Channel Nine are keen to televise a second Brisbane team and capitalise on the parochial ratings of Queenslanders.

www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/leag ... 1x7q4.html

Strong interest by broadcasters in a second Brisbane team may prompt the ARL Commission to ask TV networks to lodge a separate rights bid for an 18-team competition.
Both Fox Sports and Channel Nine are keen to televise a second Brisbane team and capitalise on the parochial ratings of Queenslanders.

Central Queensland’s bid for an NRL Team has ramped up even further with the CQ NRL Bid announcing the engagement of Brisbane and Sydney based PR/Media consultants. The CQ NRL Bid has engaged Major League Corporate Marketing (Brisbane) and Active Communications & PR (Sydney). CEO Denis Keeffe says it is a vital step for the CQ NRL Bid.

“The CQ NRL Bid has made significant progress with our Business Plan submission and the implementation of our Grassroots Programs that will carry through to the NRL Team. Now is the vital time to ensure that the Southern media is fully aware of the great work we are doing and of the compelling nature of our bid for an NRL license.”


Major League Corporate Marketing has worked with such clients as the Wallabies, Socceroos, Brisbane Broncos and Queensland Reds. Jodie Hawkins of Active Communications & PR has had extensive experience in PR roles for NRL clubs over the last 10 years.


The CQ NRL Bid continues to present a compelling case for NRL expansion with 40,000+ Bid Members, 12,000 Leagues Club members, 9,600 Facebook members and over 150 Corporate Partners.


Major League Corporate Marketing - Jason Greenhalgh – 0400 716 166
Active Communications & PR – Jodie Hawkins – 0418 295 335


www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/04/cq-n ... nsultants/


Get Ready!

Central Queensland’s bid for an NRL Team has ramped up even further with the CQ NRL Bid announcing the engagement of Brisbane and Sydney based PR/Media consultants. The CQ NRL Bid has engaged Major League Corporate Marketing (Brisbane) and Active Communications & PR (Sydney). CEO Denis Keeffe says it is a vital step for the CQ NRL Bid.

“The CQ NRL Bid has made significant progress with our Business Plan submission and the implementation of our Grassroots Programs that will carry through to the NRL Team. Now is the vital time to ensure that the Southern media is fully aware of the great work we are doing and of the compelling nature of our bid for an NRL license.”


Major League Corporate Marketing has worked with such clients as the Wallabies, Socceroos, Brisbane Broncos and Queensland Reds. Jodie Hawkins of Active Communications & PR has had extensive experience in PR roles for NRL clubs over the last 10 years.


The CQ NRL Bid continues to present a compelling case for NRL expansion with 40,000+ Bid Members, 12,000 Leagues Club members, 9,600 Facebook members and over 150 Corporate Partners.


Major League Corporate Marketing - Jason Greenhalgh – 0400 716 166
Active Communications & PR – Jodie Hawkins – 0418 295 335


www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/04/cq-n ... nsultants/


Get Ready!

Interview: Multi-millionaire backer Geoff Murphy on why CQ must be the next NRL franchise

geoff-murphy

Born, bred and diehard Queensland rugby league man Geoff Murphy has made a substantial fortune from construction – estimates put it at $120 million – so he knows the importance of strong foundations.

Away from his day job as General Manager of his JM Kelly (Project Builders), and his chairmanship of Beef Australia, he is the driving force and funding source behind a Rockhampton-based Central Queensland bid to enter the National Rugby League.

The tireless, knockabout 70-year-old – “I’m like a wild boar,” he says – has travelled around the world on behalf of the bid, tying up a sister club deal with NFL’s Green Bay Packers, and ploughed an amount “in the millions” of his own money into the three-years-and-counting project.

A significant proportion of that money has gone towards a business plan which is almost complete. It is the foundation of the CQ story and the document Murphy believes has his bid towering above other contenders including Perth, Ipswich and a second Brisbane outfit.

A key component of that plan is a report commissioned from Colin Smith, a powerful and significant name in the realm of TV rights. Smith, a director of Global Media & Sports, is being paid as a consultant by the Australian Rugby League Commission as it pushes for new deal, expected to surpass the AFL’s recent $1.25 billion TV bonanza.

The ARLC has yet to set a time table for expansion, although a report in the Sydney Morning Herald last week suggested they were investigating the level of extra rights money that could flow from a ninth match each week. That story suggested TV executives from Fox and Nine favour a fourth Queensland team to be based in Brisbane, but Murphy says that is not backed up by Smith’s report.

“I employed him to do the research for us in August 2011 but we haven’t made it public because we decided to keep the report as part of our business plan,” Murphy tells SportBizInsider.

Murphy is excited by Smith’s judgement and although he is keeping the full report in house he is happy to share its conclusion, saying: “I want to read you the last paragraph.

“Choice of location for an expansion team should be based on the chance of success of the new team. The success of the new team will be determined by local support of fans and business. The survey shows fans’ support will be the highest for a Central Queensland expansion team. Given the propensity of Queenslanders to support their NRL team, television audiences for a new team in Brisbane, Ipswich or Central Queensland will not vary. Likewise, pay television subscription growth is not expected to vary depending on the location of the new franchise.”

“So he’s saying we are as strong as anywhere in some areas but stronger in others.”

Since commissioning the Smith report Murphy and the CQ team, including CEO Denis Keeffe, have continued to build their business plan, including paying for a preliminary design of the stadium.

“We have a fantastic business plan but we’ve gone a step beyond that and had it reviewed by PricewaterhouseCoopers, so when it goes to the NRL it will have been ticked off by one of the major five.”

If Murphy’s approach is basement up, he feels one of the bids main rivals, the Brisbane Bombers, is doing the opposite, working on the fittings rather than the foundation first.

“We haven’t gone out there and announced players and colours and names and coaches,” says Murphy. “That’s what the Bombers have done in Brisbane. They haven’t put together a decent business plan, they’ve just gone out and named who they’re going to go and buy as players and who their coach is going to be.”
Murphy said naming teams and potential signings before the bid was successful was horse-before-the-cart thinking.

“It was a deliberate step that we wouldn’t go out to the market place with unfounded announcements until we could be sure we could do what we were saying we could because we think we would lose credibility,” Murphy says. “Sooner or later we will do that but we’ve concentrated on putting down the foundations, ticking all the boxes.

“We believe the decision the NRL will make will be based on viability. We think that’s the most important thing and the colours and names are things that aren’t critical yet.”

He believes that when expansion happens a fourth Queensland team is “a given”.

“From there I think the most important thing the Commission will look for is look for is long-term viability,” Murphy says.

“The reason I say that is we have a new Commission, we have a team like Melbourne for example who haven’t been able to survive off their own money, who are still supported by News Limited and I believe that sooner or later that understanding of on-going support will stop.

“When it does, if the Storm can’t survive under their own steam where are the funds going to come from? I believe the NRL will have to continue to support it because I believe it will be critical that a team remains there.

“If the NRL has to do that it will be heart-wrenching for them and I don’t believe the Commission is going to want to put another team in where it might have to put its hand in its pocket to support it down the track. Viability is very important. And that’s why we are saying we are putting together the best viable bid to win it.”


Geoff Murphy on . . .
. . . His rugby league passion

“I grew up always following rugby league. I played rugby league in my school days and after I left high school only until I was about 18. It was then that I started my own business and I never really had the opportunity to play. From then my passion was to watch the game rather than play it because I was involved in developing a business and bringing up a young family. I’ve always been very passionate about rugby league, it’s the game I’ve always loved. I was born and bred in Toowoomba and in those days the Darling Downs was a great breeding ground for footballers. My two sons both played rugby league and I’ve got grandchildren looking at playing soon.”
. . . Why CQ is rugby league central

“In the area of CQ we have 600,000 people and their main sport is rugby league – we’re the heartland of the game and I don’t say it lightly. For State of Origin last year Central Queensland had the highest viewing rating per person of population of anywhere in Australia. There are no national sporting teams in our areas; no other teams in soccer, AFL, basketball, whatever. The people here are very passionate about rugby league.

“It’s a the perfect place for expansion in Queensland because you’re tying up the heartland for rugby league. It is seven hours drive to Brisbane and a bit more to Townsville. The people here love the game so much many travel to Brisbane or Townsville to see games. We do feel we’re entitled to a team in CQ; consider the number of young lads bred here who just don’t make it when they go away from their home base, their daily support.”
. . . A second Brisbane team

“I think it’s important to look at failures in the past, like the Crushers, and about congestion. We have two NRL teams in South East Queensland already, in the Broncos and Titans. The Broncos are one of the top teams in the NRL and that’s fantastic and we aspire to be as good as them – some people say we would be weakening them but that’s wrong. The Titans need support, they have had bad times. Another team in SEQ is going to put pressure on both of those, so what about this gap in the centre of the state where there are no teams but there are avid, passionate rugby league supporters?”
. . . Why CQ deserves to be a front runner

“We’ve been going for about three years. We are well organised, we have our junior development in place. We have a scholarship for 12 young lads who we’re putting through school at the moment, we’re out promoting and have a development officer in 120 schools in the area. What puts us ahead of the others is that we’re developing the grass roots right now. I don’t believe any of the other bid teams are doing that. We’re out there developing the game in CQ, giving young lads an opportunity now to start developing their careers.

“On top of that we’re blue sky. There’s no other competition to compete against, not just in rugby league. In SEQ for instance they have national cricket, basketball, the Roar, the local league comp, the Broncos, there is so much sport to go to and you split the sporting spend and sponsorship. Clubs in SEQ have to fight for sponsorship. Up here people are looking to sponsor something.”
. . . His dream scenario

“My dream is kicking the butt of the Broncos, kicking the butt of the Titans, kicking the butt of the North Queensland Cowboys! Central Queensland always gets eaten up by those people so we’ll love kicking their butts! Really? My dream is regularly paying NRL games in Central Queensland every couple of weeks.”


Bid milestones*

Received $440,000 from a consortium of leading companies in the coal mining industry to fund the development of a comprehensive business plan to be submitted to the NRL. These companies led by BMA are committed to working together to develop a long-term sponsorship of the CQ NRL Team.
Commitment from Queensland Government to build a new stadium in Rockhampton that will hold 20,000 people. The Stadium will be based on the model of Skilled Park on the Gold Coast.
Links with the Green Bay Packers.
More than 10,000 junior rugby league players registered in CQ region.
A burgeoning Leagues Club that has more than 11,000 members and has experienced over 500 percent growth in membership in the last two years.
Moe than 40,000 Bid members, 150 Corporate Partners and 10,000 Facebook fans.
QR National sponsors the Schools Program where a development manager attends 120 schools in CQ annually delivering Rugby League and healthy lifestyle programs.
QR National sponsors the Scholarship Program – it provides educational scholarships to 11 disadvantaged youths in CQ. Funding to these families offsets education and sporting expenses. Eleven former NRL players are on board as mentors including greats of the game Gary Larson, Jason Hetherington, Matt Sing, Mark Graham and Steve Bell.
CQ NRL Bid Junior Development Program. Started in 2011 a highly innovative Junior Development Program that focuses on the holistic development of a select group of elite U13s and U14s players from the Central Queensland region. This team will form the core of the Under 20 team in the NRL. The CQ NRL Club will comprise mostly CQ players, coaches and staff. Committed to 75 percent of all players and staff in CQ NRL Team to be local products.
Major sponsors: JM Kelly Builders, QR National, APN Publications, WIN Television, Telstra, CQ University
Commercial business ventures and links with Indigenous Traditional Owner groups and peak Indigenous organisation in the Region CQID.
CQ University MOU and Heads of Agreement

*Supplied by the CQ NRL bid team.

sportbizinsider.com.au/news/inte ... franchise/

Interview: Multi-millionaire backer Geoff Murphy on why CQ must be the next NRL franchise

geoff-murphy

Born, bred and diehard Queensland rugby league man Geoff Murphy has made a substantial fortune from construction – estimates put it at $120 million – so he knows the importance of strong foundations.

Away from his day job as General Manager of his JM Kelly (Project Builders), and his chairmanship of Beef Australia, he is the driving force and funding source behind a Rockhampton-based Central Queensland bid to enter the National Rugby League.

The tireless, knockabout 70-year-old – “I’m like a wild boar,” he says – has travelled around the world on behalf of the bid, tying up a sister club deal with NFL’s Green Bay Packers, and ploughed an amount “in the millions” of his own money into the three-years-and-counting project.

A significant proportion of that money has gone towards a business plan which is almost complete. It is the foundation of the CQ story and the document Murphy believes has his bid towering above other contenders including Perth, Ipswich and a second Brisbane outfit.

A key component of that plan is a report commissioned from Colin Smith, a powerful and significant name in the realm of TV rights. Smith, a director of Global Media & Sports, is being paid as a consultant by the Australian Rugby League Commission as it pushes for new deal, expected to surpass the AFL’s recent $1.25 billion TV bonanza.

The ARLC has yet to set a time table for expansion, although a report in the Sydney Morning Herald last week suggested they were investigating the level of extra rights money that could flow from a ninth match each week. That story suggested TV executives from Fox and Nine favour a fourth Queensland team to be based in Brisbane, but Murphy says that is not backed up by Smith’s report.

“I employed him to do the research for us in August 2011 but we haven’t made it public because we decided to keep the report as part of our business plan,” Murphy tells SportBizInsider.

Murphy is excited by Smith’s judgement and although he is keeping the full report in house he is happy to share its conclusion, saying: “I want to read you the last paragraph.

“Choice of location for an expansion team should be based on the chance of success of the new team. The success of the new team will be determined by local support of fans and business. The survey shows fans’ support will be the highest for a Central Queensland expansion team. Given the propensity of Queenslanders to support their NRL team, television audiences for a new team in Brisbane, Ipswich or Central Queensland will not vary. Likewise, pay television subscription growth is not expected to vary depending on the location of the new franchise.”

“So he’s saying we are as strong as anywhere in some areas but stronger in others.”

Since commissioning the Smith report Murphy and the CQ team, including CEO Denis Keeffe, have continued to build their business plan, including paying for a preliminary design of the stadium.

“We have a fantastic business plan but we’ve gone a step beyond that and had it reviewed by PricewaterhouseCoopers, so when it goes to the NRL it will have been ticked off by one of the major five.”

If Murphy’s approach is basement up, he feels one of the bids main rivals, the Brisbane Bombers, is doing the opposite, working on the fittings rather than the foundation first.

“We haven’t gone out there and announced players and colours and names and coaches,” says Murphy. “That’s what the Bombers have done in Brisbane. They haven’t put together a decent business plan, they’ve just gone out and named who they’re going to go and buy as players and who their coach is going to be.”
Murphy said naming teams and potential signings before the bid was successful was horse-before-the-cart thinking.

“It was a deliberate step that we wouldn’t go out to the market place with unfounded announcements until we could be sure we could do what we were saying we could because we think we would lose credibility,” Murphy says. “Sooner or later we will do that but we’ve concentrated on putting down the foundations, ticking all the boxes.

“We believe the decision the NRL will make will be based on viability. We think that’s the most important thing and the colours and names are things that aren’t critical yet.”

He believes that when expansion happens a fourth Queensland team is “a given”.

“From there I think the most important thing the Commission will look for is look for is long-term viability,” Murphy says.

“The reason I say that is we have a new Commission, we have a team like Melbourne for example who haven’t been able to survive off their own money, who are still supported by News Limited and I believe that sooner or later that understanding of on-going support will stop.

“When it does, if the Storm can’t survive under their own steam where are the funds going to come from? I believe the NRL will have to continue to support it because I believe it will be critical that a team remains there.

“If the NRL has to do that it will be heart-wrenching for them and I don’t believe the Commission is going to want to put another team in where it might have to put its hand in its pocket to support it down the track. Viability is very important. And that’s why we are saying we are putting together the best viable bid to win it.”


Geoff Murphy on . . .
. . . His rugby league passion

“I grew up always following rugby league. I played rugby league in my school days and after I left high school only until I was about 18. It was then that I started my own business and I never really had the opportunity to play. From then my passion was to watch the game rather than play it because I was involved in developing a business and bringing up a young family. I’ve always been very passionate about rugby league, it’s the game I’ve always loved. I was born and bred in Toowoomba and in those days the Darling Downs was a great breeding ground for footballers. My two sons both played rugby league and I’ve got grandchildren looking at playing soon.”
. . . Why CQ is rugby league central

“In the area of CQ we have 600,000 people and their main sport is rugby league – we’re the heartland of the game and I don’t say it lightly. For State of Origin last year Central Queensland had the highest viewing rating per person of population of anywhere in Australia. There are no national sporting teams in our areas; no other teams in soccer, AFL, basketball, whatever. The people here are very passionate about rugby league.

“It’s a the perfect place for expansion in Queensland because you’re tying up the heartland for rugby league. It is seven hours drive to Brisbane and a bit more to Townsville. The people here love the game so much many travel to Brisbane or Townsville to see games. We do feel we’re entitled to a team in CQ; consider the number of young lads bred here who just don’t make it when they go away from their home base, their daily support.”
. . . A second Brisbane team

“I think it’s important to look at failures in the past, like the Crushers, and about congestion. We have two NRL teams in South East Queensland already, in the Broncos and Titans. The Broncos are one of the top teams in the NRL and that’s fantastic and we aspire to be as good as them – some people say we would be weakening them but that’s wrong. The Titans need support, they have had bad times. Another team in SEQ is going to put pressure on both of those, so what about this gap in the centre of the state where there are no teams but there are avid, passionate rugby league supporters?”
. . . Why CQ deserves to be a front runner

“We’ve been going for about three years. We are well organised, we have our junior development in place. We have a scholarship for 12 young lads who we’re putting through school at the moment, we’re out promoting and have a development officer in 120 schools in the area. What puts us ahead of the others is that we’re developing the grass roots right now. I don’t believe any of the other bid teams are doing that. We’re out there developing the game in CQ, giving young lads an opportunity now to start developing their careers.

“On top of that we’re blue sky. There’s no other competition to compete against, not just in rugby league. In SEQ for instance they have national cricket, basketball, the Roar, the local league comp, the Broncos, there is so much sport to go to and you split the sporting spend and sponsorship. Clubs in SEQ have to fight for sponsorship. Up here people are looking to sponsor something.”
. . . His dream scenario

“My dream is kicking the butt of the Broncos, kicking the butt of the Titans, kicking the butt of the North Queensland Cowboys! Central Queensland always gets eaten up by those people so we’ll love kicking their butts! Really? My dream is regularly paying NRL games in Central Queensland every couple of weeks.”


Bid milestones*

Received $440,000 from a consortium of leading companies in the coal mining industry to fund the development of a comprehensive business plan to be submitted to the NRL. These companies led by BMA are committed to working together to develop a long-term sponsorship of the CQ NRL Team.
Commitment from Queensland Government to build a new stadium in Rockhampton that will hold 20,000 people. The Stadium will be based on the model of Skilled Park on the Gold Coast.
Links with the Green Bay Packers.
More than 10,000 junior rugby league players registered in CQ region.
A burgeoning Leagues Club that has more than 11,000 members and has experienced over 500 percent growth in membership in the last two years.
Moe than 40,000 Bid members, 150 Corporate Partners and 10,000 Facebook fans.
QR National sponsors the Schools Program where a development manager attends 120 schools in CQ annually delivering Rugby League and healthy lifestyle programs.
QR National sponsors the Scholarship Program – it provides educational scholarships to 11 disadvantaged youths in CQ. Funding to these families offsets education and sporting expenses. Eleven former NRL players are on board as mentors including greats of the game Gary Larson, Jason Hetherington, Matt Sing, Mark Graham and Steve Bell.
CQ NRL Bid Junior Development Program. Started in 2011 a highly innovative Junior Development Program that focuses on the holistic development of a select group of elite U13s and U14s players from the Central Queensland region. This team will form the core of the Under 20 team in the NRL. The CQ NRL Club will comprise mostly CQ players, coaches and staff. Committed to 75 percent of all players and staff in CQ NRL Team to be local products.
Major sponsors: JM Kelly Builders, QR National, APN Publications, WIN Television, Telstra, CQ University
Commercial business ventures and links with Indigenous Traditional Owner groups and peak Indigenous organisation in the Region CQID.
CQ University MOU and Heads of Agreement

*Supplied by the CQ NRL bid team.

sportbizinsider.com.au/news/inte ... franchise/

The Spotlight – CQ to bring on challenges!



The VERY Crowded Sporting Landscape – South East Queensland has two NRL clubs and has a lot of risks associated with expansion.

"Walson Carlos (CQ NRL Bid Business and Community Development Manager) was asked by The Spotlight – how will Central Queensland achieve this, and states “we have a very robust business plan and would enter the NRL competition if granted a license as one of the most viable sporting franchises in Australia. This viability will be secure and constant through our major backers and not reliant upon top-up grants from the NRL. "

Community Ownership Model for CQ?


FULL Blog at www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/05/the- ... hallenges/

The Spotlight – CQ to bring on challenges!



The VERY Crowded Sporting Landscape – South East Queensland has two NRL clubs and has a lot of risks associated with expansion.

"Walson Carlos (CQ NRL Bid Business and Community Development Manager) was asked by The Spotlight – how will Central Queensland achieve this, and states “we have a very robust business plan and would enter the NRL competition if granted a license as one of the most viable sporting franchises in Australia. This viability will be secure and constant through our major backers and not reliant upon top-up grants from the NRL. "

Community Ownership Model for CQ?


FULL Blog at www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/05/the- ... hallenges/

www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... cVTf4jW3OI

Mackay NRL match

www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... cVTf4jW3OI

Mackay NRL match

Give Us The Real Reasons – Please

www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/05/give ... ns-please/

Give Us The Real Reasons – Please

www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/05/give ... ns-please/

The Spotlight – CQ bleeds Maroon Success!

www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/05/the- ... n-success/

The Spotlight – CQ bleeds Maroon Success!

www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/05/the- ... n-success/

State Government Backing Rock Solid For CQ NRL Stadium

www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/05/stat ... l-stadium/

State Government Backing Rock Solid For CQ NRL Stadium

www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/05/stat ... l-stadium/

Loomans visits Bundy kids

29th May 2012 5:10 AM





Have your say »

Tags: bundaberg, children, development workshop, rugby league, sport




Bundaberg South State School student Zac Ambertel gets some tips from former NRL player and Central Queensland NRL Bid representative Justin Loomans.
Max Fleet BUNNRL

BUNDABERG students turned into footy stars yesterday, showing off their skills at a development workshop hosted by the CQ NRL bid crew.

Students at Bundaberg South State School and Bundaberg High School were given some rugby league tips by former Cowboys and Rabbitohs player Justin Loomans.

"They were wonderful ambassadors," Bundaberg South principal Chris Brittain said of the visitors.

"All the kids were totally engaged and enthralled.

"All the kids had a great time."

www.news-mail.com.au/story/2012/ ... yer-visit/

-------------------

"Bundaberg SHS U/14s after a great session today. Followed up by a fun visit if the QR National Schools Program to Bundaberg South Primary School. Should be good story in the Bundaberg NewsMail tomorrow."

Loomans visits Bundy kids

29th May 2012 5:10 AM





Have your say »

Tags: bundaberg, children, development workshop, rugby league, sport




Bundaberg South State School student Zac Ambertel gets some tips from former NRL player and Central Queensland NRL Bid representative Justin Loomans.
Max Fleet BUNNRL

BUNDABERG students turned into footy stars yesterday, showing off their skills at a development workshop hosted by the CQ NRL bid crew.

Students at Bundaberg South State School and Bundaberg High School were given some rugby league tips by former Cowboys and Rabbitohs player Justin Loomans.

"They were wonderful ambassadors," Bundaberg South principal Chris Brittain said of the visitors.

"All the kids were totally engaged and enthralled.

"All the kids had a great time."

www.news-mail.com.au/story/2012/ ... yer-visit/

-------------------

"Bundaberg SHS U/14s after a great session today. Followed up by a fun visit if the QR National Schools Program to Bundaberg South Primary School. Should be good story in the Bundaberg NewsMail tomorrow."

The Spotlight – CQ Deserves the STADIUM!

www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/05/the- ... e-stadium/

The Spotlight – CQ Deserves the STADIUM!

www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/05/the- ... e-stadium/

CQ licence can stem AFL surge

Griffith Thomas and Griffith Thomas | 30th May 2012 8:40 AM
ONE of rugby league's favourite sons believes a National Rugby League team based in Central Queensland would do wonders for the Fraser Coast.

Hervey Bay’s Joshua Sander is one of many junior players on the Fraser Coast who could one day be playing for Central Queensland in the NRL.
Alistair Brightman

ONE of rugby league's favourite sons believes a National Rugby League team based in Central Queensland would do wonders for the Fraser Coast.

While in Maryborough yesterday, retired Gold Coast Titans star Preston Campbell said if the CQ NRL Bid was awarded an NRL licence it would be beneficial to regional junior players wanting to play at the elite level.

"I think it would be great to have a team around this area," he said.

"You look at Brisbane down south and the Cowboys up north, that's a long way in-between.

"You do get a rare guy from around here that gets to go down (to Brisbane) and show their wares, whether it's at summer training or with a squad, but it would be good to see if there were more opportunities for them.

"Obviously more opportunities gives them more of an opportunity to make it."

Central Queensland is among several locations vying for an NRL franchise, including Perth, Ipswich and a second Brisbane-based team.

Although it has produced current NRL players Nick Emmett and Maurice Blair, the Fraser Coast isn't regarded as a fertile breeding ground for rugby league prospects.

But Campbell believed a Central Queensland team would quickly change that.

"It would give the young fellas in and around the area something to aspire too," he said.

"They'll know that when they're playing for their local club, their community and their families."

A country boy himself hailing from Inverell in northern New South Wales, Campbell said another reason why the NRL should consider expanding to Central Queensland was so it could curtail any future plans the AFL might have of making a push into the rugby league heartland.

"There is always going to be talk about that and the AFL is of course massive and has a lot more money than rugby league," he said. "But hopefully when they (ARL commission) have the TV (rights) talks, that brings a boost to the game."

But he said no amount of money would ever see the AFL win over the hearts and minds of rugby league diehards.

"The AFL can afford to give all these giveaways to kids and that's what draws them in, but the thing rugby league has on its side is that people still love the game and they want to play it," he said.

"They feel it in their hearts and that's what keeps them turning up."

www.frasercoastchronicle.com.au/ ... ser-coast/

CQ licence can stem AFL surge

Griffith Thomas and Griffith Thomas | 30th May 2012 8:40 AM
ONE of rugby league's favourite sons believes a National Rugby League team based in Central Queensland would do wonders for the Fraser Coast.

Hervey Bay’s Joshua Sander is one of many junior players on the Fraser Coast who could one day be playing for Central Queensland in the NRL.
Alistair Brightman

ONE of rugby league's favourite sons believes a National Rugby League team based in Central Queensland would do wonders for the Fraser Coast.

While in Maryborough yesterday, retired Gold Coast Titans star Preston Campbell said if the CQ NRL Bid was awarded an NRL licence it would be beneficial to regional junior players wanting to play at the elite level.

"I think it would be great to have a team around this area," he said.

"You look at Brisbane down south and the Cowboys up north, that's a long way in-between.

"You do get a rare guy from around here that gets to go down (to Brisbane) and show their wares, whether it's at summer training or with a squad, but it would be good to see if there were more opportunities for them.

"Obviously more opportunities gives them more of an opportunity to make it."

Central Queensland is among several locations vying for an NRL franchise, including Perth, Ipswich and a second Brisbane-based team.

Although it has produced current NRL players Nick Emmett and Maurice Blair, the Fraser Coast isn't regarded as a fertile breeding ground for rugby league prospects.

But Campbell believed a Central Queensland team would quickly change that.

"It would give the young fellas in and around the area something to aspire too," he said.

"They'll know that when they're playing for their local club, their community and their families."

A country boy himself hailing from Inverell in northern New South Wales, Campbell said another reason why the NRL should consider expanding to Central Queensland was so it could curtail any future plans the AFL might have of making a push into the rugby league heartland.

"There is always going to be talk about that and the AFL is of course massive and has a lot more money than rugby league," he said. "But hopefully when they (ARL commission) have the TV (rights) talks, that brings a boost to the game."

But he said no amount of money would ever see the AFL win over the hearts and minds of rugby league diehards.

"The AFL can afford to give all these giveaways to kids and that's what draws them in, but the thing rugby league has on its side is that people still love the game and they want to play it," he said.

"They feel it in their hearts and that's what keeps them turning up."

www.frasercoastchronicle.com.au/ ... ser-coast/

Hawk hopes to fly

www.themorningbulletin.com.au...play-for-stor/


Storm signs young front rower

www.melbournestorm.com.au/new...nt-rower/56604


CQ Capras captain signs with Storm.

Hawk hopes to fly

www.themorningbulletin.com.au...play-for-stor/


Storm signs young front rower

www.melbournestorm.com.au/new...nt-rower/56604


CQ Capras captain signs with Storm.

Capras eager for televised fixture

Alan Kennedy | 5th June 2012 6:13 AM





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Tags: brenton williamson, cq capras, intrust super cup
CQ Capras chief executive Brenton Williamson is counting down the days before the first television transmission of an Intrust Super Cup fixture.

Capras CEO Brenton Williamson checks out one of the camera angles from above Browne Park.
Sharyn Oneill Rokscapra

CQ Capras chief executive Brenton Williamson is counting down the days before the first television transmission of an Intrust Super Cup fixture from Browne Park.

"It is an experience we have never been able to offer before," he said.

While the Capras enjoyed good corporate support, to be able to provide a little extra in the form of a live game being beamed across the state is a bonus.

In the past, clubs in the south-east of the state have had the luxury of having a couple of games televised from their home ground and this provides the bonus of being able to assure sponsors of televised matches being screened and their company name relayed.

"For clubs in the south-east corner the likelihood of televised games increases," he said.

"Our sponsors haven't had the same exposure for their signage."

With less than two weeks to the big day on June 17, Williamson is busy ensuring the Capras make the most of this unique opportunity.

"Capricorn Enterprises will be the game day sponsor," he announced.

"The club is very grateful to Capricorn Enterprises."

A part of the match day promotion for Capricorn Enterprises will be having their logo painted on the Browne Park playing surface.

"It is a great opportunity to be live on Channel 9," he said.

Williamson is confident the game being live will not have a detrimental effect on the match day attendance. In fact Williamson believed the game would produce a bumper crowd with a total of 3000 spectators confidently expected.

The Capras CEO is also aware the success of the live game will assist the CQ NRL Bid.

Last weekend the area expected to feature as CQ's main rival Ipswich was the feature game against Northern Pride. The match lacked atmosphere with a small crowd in attendance.

"If we can get 3000 people at Browne Park and they are vocal it will be great," he said.

"We want people in Central Queensland to vote with feet."

The televised match against Norths Devils only provides a part of the afternoon's entertainment with Gladstone visiting for matches against Rockhampton in both A-grade and under-20s.

It is almost like a trial run on Sunday for the Capras as they face the Wynnum Manly Sea Eagles at Browne Park.

The match is a test to see how far the young CQ team has progressed after the drubbing it received from the Sea Eagles in the first round.

Players who were a part of that severe mauling will be looking to exact revenge on a very good Wynnum side.

Surprisingly the Sea Eagles suffered a few reversals in recent weeks but that could provide the hunger to get back on track.

Williamson was looking at a crowd of 2000 for the game with the CQ public wanting to assist the Capras in setting the records straight.

Sunday's game is at 2.30pm with Junior Capras trial games taking place throughout the day from 8am.


www.themorningbulletin.com.au...ure-super-cup/


Ipswich 500-600 vs potentially 3000 for Rocky in QCup.

Capras eager for televised fixture

Alan Kennedy | 5th June 2012 6:13 AM





Have your say »

Tags: brenton williamson, cq capras, intrust super cup
CQ Capras chief executive Brenton Williamson is counting down the days before the first television transmission of an Intrust Super Cup fixture.

Capras CEO Brenton Williamson checks out one of the camera angles from above Browne Park.
Sharyn Oneill Rokscapra

CQ Capras chief executive Brenton Williamson is counting down the days before the first television transmission of an Intrust Super Cup fixture from Browne Park.

"It is an experience we have never been able to offer before," he said.

While the Capras enjoyed good corporate support, to be able to provide a little extra in the form of a live game being beamed across the state is a bonus.

In the past, clubs in the south-east of the state have had the luxury of having a couple of games televised from their home ground and this provides the bonus of being able to assure sponsors of televised matches being screened and their company name relayed.

"For clubs in the south-east corner the likelihood of televised games increases," he said.

"Our sponsors haven't had the same exposure for their signage."

With less than two weeks to the big day on June 17, Williamson is busy ensuring the Capras make the most of this unique opportunity.

"Capricorn Enterprises will be the game day sponsor," he announced.

"The club is very grateful to Capricorn Enterprises."

A part of the match day promotion for Capricorn Enterprises will be having their logo painted on the Browne Park playing surface.

"It is a great opportunity to be live on Channel 9," he said.

Williamson is confident the game being live will not have a detrimental effect on the match day attendance. In fact Williamson believed the game would produce a bumper crowd with a total of 3000 spectators confidently expected.

The Capras CEO is also aware the success of the live game will assist the CQ NRL Bid.

Last weekend the area expected to feature as CQ's main rival Ipswich was the feature game against Northern Pride. The match lacked atmosphere with a small crowd in attendance.

"If we can get 3000 people at Browne Park and they are vocal it will be great," he said.

"We want people in Central Queensland to vote with feet."

The televised match against Norths Devils only provides a part of the afternoon's entertainment with Gladstone visiting for matches against Rockhampton in both A-grade and under-20s.

It is almost like a trial run on Sunday for the Capras as they face the Wynnum Manly Sea Eagles at Browne Park.

The match is a test to see how far the young CQ team has progressed after the drubbing it received from the Sea Eagles in the first round.

Players who were a part of that severe mauling will be looking to exact revenge on a very good Wynnum side.

Surprisingly the Sea Eagles suffered a few reversals in recent weeks but that could provide the hunger to get back on track.

Williamson was looking at a crowd of 2000 for the game with the CQ public wanting to assist the Capras in setting the records straight.

Sunday's game is at 2.30pm with Junior Capras trial games taking place throughout the day from 8am.


www.themorningbulletin.com.au...ure-super-cup/


Ipswich 500-600 vs potentially 3000 for Rocky in QCup.

CQ Continues To Produce Great Rugby League Talent

www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/06/cq-c ... ue-talent/

CQ Continues To Produce Great Rugby League Talent

www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/06/cq-c ... ue-talent/

The NRL STADIUM confirmed

June 19th, 2012

Great News Central Queensland! The Stadium that is vitally important to the CQ NRL Bid’s success in acquiring a NRL license has been confirmed by the State Government. Last week, the CQ NRL Bid Chairman, Geoff Murphy and I, met with the State Government Minister for Sport, Steve Dickson, in his office at Parliament House in Brisbane, and with his Director General Mr Rhys Turner. Minister Dickson delivered this great news to us personally. “If the CQ NRL Bid acquires a NRL License, the Government will provide the compliant Stadium, and you can guarantee this to the NRL – it will happen – it is written in stone” Minister Dickson said last week.

FULL ARTICLE - www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/06/the- ... confirmed/

The NRL STADIUM confirmed

June 19th, 2012

Great News Central Queensland! The Stadium that is vitally important to the CQ NRL Bid’s success in acquiring a NRL license has been confirmed by the State Government. Last week, the CQ NRL Bid Chairman, Geoff Murphy and I, met with the State Government Minister for Sport, Steve Dickson, in his office at Parliament House in Brisbane, and with his Director General Mr Rhys Turner. Minister Dickson delivered this great news to us personally. “If the CQ NRL Bid acquires a NRL License, the Government will provide the compliant Stadium, and you can guarantee this to the NRL – it will happen – it is written in stone” Minister Dickson said last week.

FULL ARTICLE - www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/06/the- ... confirmed/

Mackay NRL Mania A Huge Plus For CQ NRL Bid
www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/06/mack ... q-nrl-bid/

Mackay NRL Mania A Huge Plus For CQ NRL Bid
www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/06/mack ... q-nrl-bid/

The Spotlight – Mackay NRL Support A Success
www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/06/the- ... a-success/

The Spotlight – Mackay NRL Support A Success
www.cqnrlbid.com.au/2012/06/the- ... a-success/