Rugby League in Brisbane

So you want to play? Comps for men, women and kids

Most people in Brisbane live within one kilometre of their nearest rugby league club. The sport caters for junior players from the ages of six to 18 and has several levels of competition for senior footballers. Those wanting to be involved in other areas such as refereeing, coaching, conditioning, administration or volunteer work are also encouraged. The easiest way to find out where your nearest club is and who to contact is to visit www.playrugbyleague.com and follow the maps.

Women’s rugby league

Women's rugby league is thriving. Check out the latest news and information on the local competition.

Kids

For kids, there is an organised competition that encourages participation, safety and fun. The South East Juniors include teams from Under 7's to Under 18's. Check out the website for club details and more information.

For children there is also the school-based program called Kids to Kangaroos. It is for boys and girls aged 5 – 12 years. Contact the ARL foundation or your school for more details.

Local rugby league clubs

The ourbrisbane.com directory has a comprehensive listing of rugby league clubs.

State of Origin

'State of Origin' rugby league is a relatively modern fixture on Australia's sporting calendar. The first Origin game was held in 1980 at Lang Park (now Suncorp Stadium). Arthur Beetson, 35 years old and now recognised as one of rugby leagues immortals, led the maroons to victory over NSW 20-10.

Widely considered as THE best rugby league contest in the world, State of Origin even excites people who don’t normally follow the game. Everyone becomes an expert. The talk around the office water cooler at Origin time is of hamstrings and groins, niggling injuries and impact players, tackle counts and memories of previous triumphs. Kids talk in hushed tones of the King, Geno, Alfie and the Axe; and modern day heroes like Darren Lockyer, Johnathan Thurston and Greg Inglis.

Check out our countdown of the ten most memorable moments in the history of State of Origin.

International Rugby League

Australia has been the dominant rugby league force internationally for nearly three decades. The Australian Rugby League team, the Kangaroos, have not lost a Test series for over twenty years. Australia plays regular test matches against traditional rivals England, New Zealand and France; and against lesser rugby league powers such as Papua New Guinea, Wales, Scotland, Fiji, Tonga and the USA from time-to-time.

Rugby League World Cup

The inaugural Rugby League World Cup (an initiative of France) was played in France in 1954 between France, Great Britain, New Zealand and Australia. Of the thirteen World Cups played, Australia has won ten. The only other winner has been Great Britain, successful in 1954, 1960 and 1972.

In 2008 the Rugby League World Cup will be held in Australia, marking the centenary of the game in this country. The World Cup final will be held in Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on November 22.

Rugby League Tri-Nations

The Rugby League Tri-Nations is a relatively new concept for rugby league, though it can be seen as a logical continuation of the early world cup structure, in which the best teams in the world play in a round robin tournament leading to a final.

The first competition was held in 1999 in Australia and New Zealand. The second one was held in 2004 and culminated in Great Britain. The format for the second competition was altered slightly, with each team facing each other twice prior to the final (home and away). Australia was the winner in both 1999 and 2004.

National Rugby League

Australia’s elite national competition is run by the National Rugby League (NRL). The NRL was formed in 1998 at the end of the Super League war out of ARL and News Limited representatives to administer the national premiership competition. There are currently 16 teams in the national competition.

Brisbane Broncos

Brisbane’s team in the NRL is the Broncos, five time winners of the premiership (1992, 1993, 1998, 2000, 2006).

Gold Coast Titans

In 2007, the Gold Coast Titans became the 16th team in the National Rugby League competition.

Queensland Rugby League (QRL)

Rugby league is one of the oldest organised sports in South East Queensland, having set up in 1908 as Queensland Rugby League (QRL). The QRL administers the game in Queensland and today the popularity of the sport has grown so much that there are 441 senior and junior clubs throughout the State.

The Queensland Cup

The Queensland Cup has been running in its current format since 1996. Prior to this was the Winfield State League Championship that had been running since 1982 and was run in parallel with the Brisbane Rugby League premiership until 1997. In 1998, the Queensland Cup took over as the "premiership" and is now the sole competition played at the top level.

Brisbane has four teams competing in the State-wide Queensland Cup competition, which runs weekly from March 12 until the September 17 grand final at Suncorp Stadium. Norths, Easts, Souths Logan and Wynnum are the city’s representatives, while nearby areas such as Redcliffe, Ipswich, Burleigh and Tweed Heads also boast Queensland Cup teams.

Why not get along to a game? You can find out more information on your local team here.

Footy tipping comps

Half the fun of supporting a team in the NRL is getting involved in a footy tipping competition. Across Australia, in places of work, in pubs and clubs, even in Parliament House in Canberra, footy fans of all persuasions are submitting their tips each week. Footy tipping comps come in all shapes and sizes. Some are free with bragging rights the only prize for the winner, whilst others require an entry fee and have cash prizes for picking the round and for the overall competition winner.

There are heaps of footy tipping comps online:

News, results and other handy rugby league links

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