Tim Wood - QRL Outback
After more than a decade on the sidelines, the Drummond Range Cup made a long-awaited return over the weekend, with Alpha playing host to a celebration of regional Rugby League rivalry, pride and community spirit.
First contested in 2007, the Cup has its roots in a light-hearted wager between former Central West President Brett Harvey and Central Highlands President Graham “Storky” Campbell, with nothing more than a keg of XXXX Gold on the line. Central West claimed bragging rights on that inaugural occasion, and in doing so, sparked what would become a fiercely contested annual representative fixture between the two regions.
The Drummond Range Cup ran through until 2012 before slipping into hiatus, remembered fondly by those who took part and those who watched on.
Fast forward to 2026, and the Cup has been brought back to life thanks to the passion and persistence of some of the game’s most dedicated volunteers. With “Storky” Campbell returning as Central Highlands President, discussions began with Central West President Nadia Hoad to breathe new life into the concept and re-establish the fixture on the Rugby League calendar.
After months of planning and collaboration, the decision was made to host the revived Drummond Range Cup in Alpha, expanding the format to reflect the growth of the game across both regions.
The 2026 edition wasn’t just a single match—it was a true whole-of-game event.
Supporters were treated to a bumper six-game program, featuring Under 13s, Under 20s, Open Women’s and Open Men’s representative clashes between Central West and Central Highlands, alongside Central West/Longreach Under 15 and Under 17 sides taking on Blackwater in relocated Central Highlands competition fixtures. The expanded format provided a platform for players across multiple age groups and pathways to showcase their ability while representing their regions with pride.
It delivered everything you’d expect from country Rugby League.
A strong crowd gathered at Alpha, creating a fantastic atmosphere and enjoying a full day of competitive, action-packed football. Across all matches, the contests were close, physical and played in great spirit, with the unmistakable passion for regional representation evident in every jersey worn.
Importantly, the day also carried a heartfelt tribute.
In honour of Phillip “Flop” Rooney, each Player of the Match award was dedicated to the former Blackall Magpies and Emerald Tigers stalwart, who recently passed away. A respected figure across both Central West and Central Highlands, Rooney’s impact on the game—as both a player and club president—was fittingly recognised, ensuring his legacy remains front of mind in a fixture built on community and connection.
On the field, Central West proved dominant in the representative clashes, claiming victories in the Under 13s, Under 20s, Open Women’s and Open Men’s matches. Blackwater emerged victorious in the Under 15 and Under 17 contests, ensuring the expanded program showcased competitive football across all grades.
Beyond the results, however, the success of the day was measured in something far greater.
The return of the Drummond Range Cup reinforced the strength of Rugby League in regional Queensland—bringing communities together, providing meaningful representative opportunities, and celebrating the people who continue to drive the game forward in the bush.
Following such a successful revival, there is little doubt the Drummond Range Cup has reclaimed its place as a marquee event, with strong momentum behind it to become a regular and much-anticipated feature on the Rugby League calendar for years to come.
DRUMMOND RANGE CUP RESULTS
U13’s - Central West 18 defeated Central Highlands 16 – “Flop” Rooney Player of the Match – Connor Richardson (Central West)
U15’s - Blackwater Crushers 36 defeated CW/Longreach 28 - “Flop” Rooney Player of the Match – Leon Ryder (Blackwater)
U17’s - Blackwater Crushers 20 defeated CW/Longreach 16 - “Flop” Rooney Player of the Match – Albert Maher (Blackwater)
U20’s – Central West 30 defeated Central Highlands 22 - “Flop” Rooney Player of the Match – Billy Barron (Central West)
Open Women – Central West 12 defeated Central Highlands 4 - “Flop” Rooney Player of the Match – Chloe Powell (Central West)
Open Men – Central West 36 defeated Central Highlands 22 - “Flop” Rooney Player of the Match – Mitchell Hauff (Central West)
