Capras cut ties with Titans
CENTRAL Queensland Capras chief executive Dominique McGregor says Gold Coast have missed out on a golden opportunity after the two clubs cut their feeder arrangement short.
The Titans last November announced a two-year partnership with the Capras, essentially granting them first access to Rockhampton’s rich rugby league talent pool.
But the Bulletin can reveal the Capras successfully sought a release from the deal after just eight months due to a lack of support from their NRL affiliate.
McGregor said various other concerns such as the imminent sale of the Titans had meant her club had fallen down the priority list and were unable to reap the rewards they had dreamt of.
“They just couldn’t focus on a club that was out of town I guess,” she said.
“We’re looking to be a genuine feeder club and having players go backwards and forwards.
“Obviously with the 20s going out at the NYC (National Youth Competition) level next year, we’re looking for a bit of financial support to help with their development as well.
“But after our meeting with them (the Titans) in approximately July, both of those things are off the table.”
Their contract with the Titans did not involve financial support. Instead, for example, Gold Coast players including Dan Sarginson flew north to make guest appearances at the Capras’ fan day in February.
The Capras took the wooden spoon this season after losing their last 11 matches.
But with the region’s track record proven by NRL stars including Cameron Munster, Ben Hunt and Corey Oates, McGregor feels Gold Coast have missed out.
“We have got 8000 registered players here,” she said.
“We have got the biggest catchment area in all of the Intrust Super Cup clubs so it is certainly a very big cherry for an NRL club to get a hold of all of those people.”
Titans boss Graham Annesley confirmed the Capras’ exit from the agreement.
“They asked if they could be released from it because frankly, I think they got a better offer,” he said.
Central Queensland are the only Queensland-based second-tier club not currently aligned with an NRL side.