Qld Government partners with QRL for Country Week spectacular

Sports Minister Tim Mander has today delivered welcome news for regional and rural Queensland communities with the unveiling of the 2025 Country Week schedule.

With the Queensland Government again backing Country Week, presented by Ford, a full round of the Hostplus Cup will be played throughout regional Queensland next month.

Speaking during the broadcast coverage of today’s Hostplus Cup feature round match, Mander confirmed Yarrabah, Moranbah, Charters Towers, Emerald, Augathella, Gayndah and Goondiwindi would host Round 19 games across the weekend of July 26-27.

“The Crisafulli Government is proud to support Country Week, recognising the role that rugby league plays in communities across regional Queensland,” Minister Mander said.

“The economic benefits of Country Week will be substantial, but the greatest benefit for these communities will be seeing first hand current and future NRL stars and future Maroons in the Hostplus Cup.

“The QRL will run coaching and referees’ courses for local volunteers, and I encourage everyone to get out and see how they can be a part of it.”

QRL competitions manager Dave Maiden acknowledged the support of the Queensland Government and Ford, as well as the Hostplus Cup clubs.

“The 2025 season is one of the closest and most fiercely contested on record, and with so many even match ups across this round, local footy fans are in for an absolute treat,” Maiden said.

“But it is not just about the footy because history tells us that Country Week delivers many benefits to regional areas, long after the full-time siren at each ground.

“Young boys and girls get to meet and watch many players with NRL experience, and the players themselves receive a big lift from the experience because they get a glimpse of the challenges that many outback teams face just to get a game.”

Country Week has a proud history of displaying the game’s future NRL and State of Origin stars to regional Queenslanders.

Sixty-three towns will have hosted Country Week games by the completion of this year’s round following the addition of Augathella and Gayndah as host venues.

QRL statistician Brad Tallon has listed some notable games and appearances from previous Country Week matches, including:

·       Cameron Munster and Cody Walker shining for the Tigers in their 34-12 win over the Capras at Emerald in 2014; and

·       Jahrome Hughes and Corey Jensen leading the Townsville Blackhawks to a 36-28 win over an Ipswich Jets team featuring Kurt Capewell at Charters Towers in 2015.

Country Week, presented by Ford:

Saturday, July 26:

Yarrabah – Burleigh Bears v Northern Pride

Moranbah – Mackay Cutters v Brisbane Tigers

Charters Towers – Townsville Blackhawks v Souths Logan Magpies

Emerald – Central Queensland Capras v Western Clydesdales

Augathella – Norths Devils v Wynnum Manly Seagulls

Gayndah – Sunshine Coast Falcons v Tweed Seagulls

Sunday, July 27:

Goondiwindi – Ipswich Jets v Redcliffe Dolphins*

* Feature round game: Qplus.tv, Kayo Freebies, 9Now

All other games streamed live on Qplus.tv