Leader of the Nationals and Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud has welcomed news the Australian Ruby League Commission (ARLC) has backflipped on its decision to withdraw funding from the Western Clydesdales.
Last November, leaked emails from National Rugby League (NRL) chief executive officer Andrew Abdo to the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) revealed the ARLC did not support the Clydesdales’ inclusion in the QRL Hostplus Cup competition as it did “not consider that such participation is in the best interests of the game as a whole”.
However, QRL CEO Ben Ikin confirmed this week that the ARLC had reversed its decision and would support the Clydesdales this season after a raft of support from some of the game’s greatest.
Mr Littleproud said the decision was the right one as Western Queensland had produced some of the greatest players ever including Darren Lockyer, Arthur Beetson, Dale Shearer, Willie Carne and Kurt Capewell.
“It is pleasing to see the NRL acknowledge that Western Queensland is not only in the best interests of the game of rugby league, but it is in fact vital to the game of rugby league,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Some of the game’s greatest players have come from the Maranoa and this decision to support the Western Clydesdales will ensure the next generation of legendary players have a clear pathway to the big time.
“I congratulate the QRL for ensuring this outcome was achieved and I look forward to seeing the Clydesdales be successful off and on the field in the future.”
The Western Clydesdales’ will begin their Hotsplus Cup and BMD Premiership campaigns on March 9 against the
Central Queensland Capras in Toowoomba.
