Hostplus extends investment to strengthen Queensland pathways

Queensland Rugby League is pleased to announce a partnership extension with Hostplus that will further strengthen the connection between the state’s pathway competitions and elite rugby league.

In a significant boost for the game in Queensland ahead of the start of the 2023 season, Hostplus will continue as the naming rights partner of the Hostplus Cup until at least 2025.

The three-year deal also includes investment in the QRL’s elite performance programs over the same period, with Hostplus to appear on the lower back of Queensland’s male and female State of Origin jerseys

The Hostplus Cup is Queensland’s premier senior male competition that boasts a unique statewide footprint following the inclusion of the Western Clydesdales in 20

Since its inception as the then Queensland Cup in 1996, the competition has a history of producing elite players, including many of the greatest players in Origin history.

The likes of Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and current Maroons head coach Billy Slater all learnt their trade in Cup before linking with Melbourne Storm in the National Rugby League.

The pathway is still effective to this day, with 18 members of Slater’s Game I squad having played in the Queensland competition, amassing 394 games in total.

Maroons star and 2022 Wally Lewis Medal winner Patrick Carrigan returned to his old club at Brisbane Tigers where he spoke about the strength of the QRL’s pathways alongside Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons star Evania Pelite and Tigers playmaker Ryley Jacks

QRL chief executive officer Rohan Sawyer described the partnership with Hostplus as symbolic.

“It’s wonderful news for us to be in a position today to announce such a valuable partnership extension,” Sawyer said.

“Hostplus has a history of long-term, sustained performance as a fund that benefits all members.

“The connection between the Hostplus Cup and our elite programs is also about sustained performance, with many Cup players each year developing their skills and earning their way to the next level of footy.”

Hostplus chief executive officer David Elia said it was a “valued partnership for Hostplus”.

“We’re thrilled to be broadening our QRL relationship with the Queensland Maroons, and extending the Hostplus Cup for a further three years,” Elia said.

“This partnership is an indication of the value Hostplus places on our strong heritage and presence in Queensland, as a result of our mergers with Intrust Super and Club Super.

“Excitingly, this partnership provides Hostplus with, arguably, one of the country’s most watched and attended sporting assets – further supporting Hostplus’ growth nationally and serving to drive favourable member outcomes through increased scale.”

About Hostplus

Hostplus is one of the largest industry super funds in Australia with 1.6 million members, more than 280,000 contributing employers and more than $95 billion in funds under management. Hostplus continues to evolve and grow as the lifetime fund of choice for Australians and employers from a broad range of backgrounds and industries.