A forum to discuss the challenges faced by rugby league in rural areas will be held in Charleville on November 10.
Convened by Queensland Rugby League Outback Central Division operations manager Peter Rafter, the event will encourage positive discussion and proactive steps around player retention and club sustainability.
"There are continued frustrations by the efforts to maintain player numbers, teams and clubs in smaller towns in particular," Rafter acknowledged.
"Concerns about the numbers of available referees, the scarceness of accreditation courses and other issue involved with running rugby league clubs are sure to be discussed.
"I ask everyone to attend with an open mind and I think it would be a waste if it was treated as a chance to blame the QRL or NRL for all the ills in rugby league.
"We are facing complex issues in many regional areas that are at the mercy of larger forces such as the economy, demographics and changes in social preferences.
"The fact is that rugby league will need to adapt, not expect the same things to always work, and this forum is an opportunity for new ideas, solutions and building confidence for the future."
QRL Central chairman Danny McGuire and regional manager Glenn Ottaway will be in attendance to contribute and answer questions, along with other guest speakers.
Those interested in attending or finding more information should contact Peter Rafter on p.rafter@qrl.com.au or 0430 303 643.
A survey will be sent out in advance of the event so that issues can be collated and distributed to attendees prior to the day.
The forum, held at Charleville RSL on Saturday, November 10, is open to all those participating or interested in the growth of rugby league.
