November 8, 2023
Member for Maranoa David Littleproud has slammed an Australian Rugby League Commission decision to withdraw funding from the Western Clydesdales.
Mr Littleproud said the Queensland Rugby League had been left to help fund the Clydesdales, which is based in Toowoomba and competes in the statewide Hostplus Cup competition.
“The administration of NRL seems more interested in walking the red carpet in the US than supporting grassroots rugby league,” Mr Littleproud said.
“The heart and soul of rugby league is in the country and this decision is a kick in the guts to all footy lovers in regional Queensland.”
Mr Littleproud, who is club patron, said the Clydesdales had produced some of the game’s best players since its inception in the 1920s with more than 40 players going on to the NRL and 50 representing Australia.
The Clydesdales is currently a feeder team to the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
Mr Littleproud said the decision was proof ARLC chairman Peter V’Landys and NRL chief executive officer Andrew Abdo were “city administrators, who are becoming out-of-touch with the grassroots base of rugby league”.
“This is a recipe for sending the game down the same road as rugby union,” Mr Littleproud said.
