Queensland Rugby League is pleased to announce the head coaches and support staff for the 2026 City versus Country Under 17s program.
This year’s program activity commences on April 15 on the Gold Coast and will involve a four‑day camp featuring two men’s teams and two women’s teams.
John Mitchell, QRL state manager – coaching and performance, said the camp would include a combination of on‑field training and off‑field education sessions.
“This program is all about providing both players and staff with insight into elite‑level rugby league environments,” Mitchell said.
“The coaching staff will focus on developing our players across many facets, from strengthening their connection to the Maroons DNA, to building on fundamentals across attack, defence, game awareness and athleticism.”
The program will culminate in two matches on Sunday, April 19 at Burleigh’s UAA Park.
Both the women’s and men’s games will be played as curtain‑raisers to the Hostplus Cup fixture between the Burleigh Bears and Norths Devils.
“As the first entry point to the QRL’s Origin-eligible representative pathway, the Under 17 male and female matches are important fixtures on this year’s program,” Mitchell said.
Below is the list of SWC staff appointed to the 2026 City / Country program.
City women’s team
Head Coach: Matt Fitzgerald (Souths Logan Magpies)
Assistant Coach: TBC
Assistant Coach: Grace Griffin (Norths Devils)
Team Manager: Jess Roddick (Norths Devils)
Physiotherapist: Olivia McManus (Redcliffe Dolphins)
Strength & Conditioner: Hannah Ward (Wynnum Manly Seagulls)
Sports Trainer: Monique Armstrong (Souths Logan Magpies)
Country women’s team
Head Coach: Danny Gray (Sunshine Coast Falcons)
Assistant Coach: Nikki Carpenter (Central Queensland Capras)
Assistant Coach: Nick Sargent (Western Clydesdales)
Team Manager: Leanne Kelly (Ipswich Jets)
Physiotherapist: Jasmine Hardie (Wide Bay Bulls)
Strength & Conditioner: Liz Hollitt (Western Clydesdales)
Sports Trainer: Liz Martin (Ipswich Jets)
City men’s team
Head Coach: Will Pei (Burleigh Bears)
Assistant Coach: Ben Trim (Brisbane Tigers)
Assistant Coach: Geoff Eggert (Burleigh Bears)
Team Manager: Steve Crawford (Redcliffe Dolphins)
Physiotherapist: Archie Glassock (Redcliffe Dolphins)
Strength & Conditioner: Jake Stanton (Burleigh Bears)
Sports Trainer: Adrian Armstrong (Souths Logan Magpies)
Country men’s team
Head Coach: Nathan Norford (Townsville Blackhawks)
Assistant Coach: Grant Broadhurst (Central Queensland Capras)
Assistant Coach: Andrew Battaia (Mackay Cutters)
Team Manager: Bryce Holdsworth (Wide Bay Bulls)
Physiotherapist: Reuben Bikell (Central Queensland Capras)
Strength & Conditioner: Corey Wolski (Western Clydesdales)
Sports Trainer: Shannon Littleboy (Central Queensland Capras)
