
Queensland Rugby League is proud to announce a new partnership with rebel that will focus on further developing the statewide footprint that provides pathways for aspiring Queensland players .
In a significant boost for grassroots rugby league, the partnership will place a key emphasis on supporting the development of boys and girls aged 13 to 15 years through the rebel State Development Series.
More than 3500 players and 180 teams are expected to take part in fixtures to be held in five venues across the state in the July and September school holidays.
All players and coaches competing will be required to complete the NRL RISE player and coach development program to be eligible.
RISE is a QRL endorsed development program for players and coaches.
Designed by Neil Henry and launched in 2021, it provides participants with access to five sessions focused on skill, athletic and personal development.
In addition, Queensland rugby league players will be able to showcase their skills using the Steeden rebel match ball, which will be used across all competitions in the QRL except for the Hastings Deering Colts.
Media conference: Kaufusi and Lenarduzzi at rebel
Steve Lacey, rebel retail state manager for Queensland, said the partnership aligned with rebel’s core business of encouraging Australians to live a healthy and active lifestyle through playing sport and physical activity.
“Our vision is to inspire all Australians to chase their sporting dreams and passions,” Lacey said.
“We hope that with our partnership and support, we can help all Queensland rugby league players achieve their goals, dreams, and passion in the game.
“We also hope that we can further inspire the future men and women’s stars of the Queensland Maroons, like Felise Kaufusi and Chelsea Lenarduzzi who are with us today to launch this fantastic partnership.”
Confirmation of the partnership follows strong growth in the QRL’s statewide pathways offering since 2021, with the introduction of two women’s competitions and an additional male age group.
QRL chief executive officer Rohan Sawyer said it was an exciting time to team up with rebel to “champion access to pathways for communities right across Queensland”.
“This partnership is an important one for us because like us, rebel has a genuine passion for community sport, as well as participation and engagement,” Sawyer said.
rebel is the leading retailer of sporting and leisure equipment, apparel, and footwear in Australia.
Today, rebel has more than 155 stores across Australia, with more than 6000 employees. In Queensland, rebel has 39 stores supporting community sports in the state for over 30 years.
rebel is also a proud partner of numerous national sporting competitions.