CUP HOPES SOAR
Mustangs within reach of Intrust Super Cup return
RUGBY LEAGUE: The dream of a Toowoomba and southwest-based team re-entering the prestigious Intrust Super Cup competition is a step closer following a breakthrough announcement.
Western Mustangs chairman Frank Martin yesterday confirmed his club could return to the open-age competition as early as next year after being given preliminary approval by Queensland Rugby League.
The Mustangs hopes of promotion to the Cup now hinge on a critical meeting to be held at Clive Berghofer Stadium next Saturday where financial backing and support for the move will be discussed with potential sponsors.
Admission to the statewide Cup is dependant on attracting sufficient financial support.
The Mustangs currently field under-18 and under-20 teams in the QRL Mal Meninga Cup and Colts competitions with the club’s long-term goal to progress those players to senior level.
The club has an estimated 21 players from its region presently playing for other teams in the Intrust Super Cup.
“It’s exciting news,” Martin said.
“If we are accepted into the Intrust Super Cup competition, it will provide a pathway for our young future stars to play in that competition instead of leaving this area.
“It’s provisional on the proviso we get the sponsors.”
Next Saturday’s critical 5pm meeting coincides with the Hastings Deering Colts and Mal Meninga Cup matches featuring the Mustangs and Townsville Blackhawk.
Admission to the games is free.
“This will be the telltale point, I think, after this game,” Martin said.
“If we can get the support of the people and the sponsors can see that people are interested in it, then hopefully they’ll all come on board and we’ll be able to meet the commitments that we have to meet.”
Positions created by the club’s possible Intrust Super Cup acceptance include a CEO, director of coaching, paid coach and paid players.
“We have to have all the information in by the first of April, but the QRL won’t make a decision until the end of June,” Martin said.
“We have met most of the requirements but the main one is getting sponsorship.”