Broncos And Pj Link With Central Queensland Comets
Talented footballers from Central Queensland have a direct pathway to the NRL after the announcement of a new rugby league relationship today.
The WOW Brisbane Broncos will have an official affiliation with the Central Comets for the next three years after a landmark deal between the two clubs.
Players from the area who sign agreements with the Broncos will have the capacity to stay and work or study in Central Queensland, while playing with local State League entity, The Central Comets, until they are required for NRL duty.
Underpinning the affiliation today was the dual registration of State of Origin-experienced hooker PJ Marsh with both the Broncos and Central Comets.
In effect, Marsh - a Central Queenslander himself, originally from Blackwater - is now eligible for the Comets in the Queensland Cup.
"Our idea is that talented kids should be able to stay in Central Queensland without it denigrating their NRL dreams," said Broncos Elite Player Development manager Peter Nolan.
"We want to create an environment where rugby league players can develop without having to move to the 'big city'.
"Even if players from the area do come to Brisbane to train, if they are required to turn out in the Queensland Cup, they will be sent back to play for the Comets."
Central Comets executive officer Rob Crow said the agreement was mutually beneficial to both parties.
"The affiliation provides a direct path to the NRL from Central Queensland, with players who are currently signed available to play for the Comets when not required by the Brisbane Broncos," said Crow.
"It will allow talented Central Queenslanders to play for the Broncos while being able to stay local and commence university, trade qualifications or career opportunities until the NRL club requires their services.
"This agreement also allows a combined approach from both the Broncos' High Performance Unit and the Comets and Central Queensland Rugby League junior and senior development plans.
"From our point of view this agreement provides the best possible outcome for the future of Central Queensland rugby league."
In addition, the Broncos will provide game development services, most particularly in the strength, conditioning and skill areas, to further help the Central Queensland region.
For Marsh, who has joined the Broncos after eight seasons in the NRL with clubs in both Sydney and New Zealand, the scheme provides a framework not present when he began his career.
"I was forced to leave Central Queensland to chase a rugby league career in Sydney, and then even in another country," said the former Blackwater, Rockhampton Brothers and Central Comets player.
"With an agreement like this, kids from Rockhampton, Gladstone, Blackwater, Emerald, Biloela and any other town in central Queensland can follow their dreams without moving too far from home."
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