The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys are proud to unveil their 2019 women’s rugby league program that will continue to support North Queensland grassroots development and eventually lead to the formation of a women’s NRL premiership side.
With increased women’s competitions, extended pathways and record participation levels observed by the NRL, including a record 1,367 players already registered for the current North Queensland season, the Cowboys are committed to nurturing and creating opportunities for the region’s talent.
In 2019, the Cowboys women’s program will comprise:
- Sponsorship and support for the QRL Northern Region Women’s Championship, 4-5 May
- Hosting and support for the 2019 Cowboys Girls Clinic, 4 May
- Sponsorship of the Townsville & District Women’s Rugby League
- Sponsorship of the Cairns District Women’s Rugby League
- Sponsorship of the Mackay District Women’s Rugby League
- Support for the 2019 Karyn Murphy Cup
- Ongoing game development activity in conjunction with QRL and NRL
A highlight on the program will be the partnership with the Queensland Rugby League and Harvey Norman to deliver the QRL Northern Region Women’s Championship, taking place in Townsville on the first weekend in May.
For the first time a Northern Outback team will be added to the regional ranks of Mackay, Townsville and Cairns teams, with the winners travelling to Mackay to take on Central Region, culminating in a Queensland Country side for the Harvey Norman National Women’s Championships.
According to Cowboys Chief Operating Officer Micheal Luck, the club’s support of the championship forms a greater commitment to women’s rugby league in the region.
“Our partnership with Harvey Norman to support the Northern Region Women’s Championship is a continuation of our commitment to the broader region, and one we look forward to building on,” Luck said.
“As the only NRL premiership team north of Brisbane and the one with the largest footprint, we’re proud to be working with our partners in QRL, NRL, regional league and community-minded contributors like Harvey Norman to help women’s rugby league go from strength to strength.”
The Cowboys and Harvey Norman, with the support of the NRL, will also be running a girls’ rugby league clinic for juniors aged 5-12, to be guided by former Jillaroo players and former Cowboys players before the championship games kick off.
Harvey Norman proprietor Barry Smith said they are proud to lend their support to the clinic and championship.
“It’s encouraging to see the growing interest in women’s rugby league and we couldn’t be prouder to be involved on the regional and national level,” Smith said.
“We especially believe in this competition because it directly helps women from our region show their skill on a platform which might eventually lead to the national competition.”
QRL Northern Region manager Scott Nosworthy said that events like these would not be able to happen without the support of the Cowboys and Harvey Norman.
“They are both fantastic supporters of the women’s game and we’re very excited to have them on board for the regional women’s championships,” Nosworthy said.
“It’s going to be a great weekend, taking place at the Townsville Sports Reserve which is the historical home of the Foley Shield.”
For more information, including the draw, go to QRL Northern Region Women’s Championship.
