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Cowboys lock in five-year RLMD Partnership

Photo from North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Facebook page

What’s happening?

The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have signed a five-year partnership with Rugby League Mackay District (RLMD), running through the 2029 rugby league season.

This agreement strengthens grassroots rugby league development in the Mackay region, with the Cowboys providing financial support and becoming the naming rights partner for RLMD.

Why it Matters?

This partnership solidifies the pathway for young rugby league players in Mackay, linking them from junior competitions to the Mackay Cutters and eventually to the Cowboys’ NRL and NRLW squads.

The agreement ensures ongoing investment in player development, facilities, and the broader rugby league community in North Queensland.

Local Impact

The Cowboys’ commitment means every junior and senior player in RLMD, across both male and female competitions, will wear the Cowboys logo on their jerseys.

The partnership strengthens the club’s deep-rooted connection with the Mackay region, which has produced some of its greatest players.

By the Numbers

  • RLMD will receive five years of financial backing from the Cowboys, securing its future through 2029.
  • The Cowboys’ logo will be worn by all junior and senior RLMD players, including those in the Foley Shield competition.
  • The partnership follows a similar agreement signed with Rugby League Townsville District in 2024.

Zoom In

Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel highlighted the significance of the deal in fostering talent:

“This agreement means every male and female player in the Mackay District pathway will wear the Cowboys logo from under 6s right through to the NRL and NRLW. RLMD is the first step for young boys and girls in their rugby league journey and this partnership provides a clear pathway from local league in Mackay through to the Mackay Cutters and on to the North Queensland Cowboys.”

RLMD Chairman Dan Ross echoed this sentiment, emphasising the long-standing relationship between RLMD and the Cowboys:

“For more than 30 years, the North Queensland Cowboys have supported Rugby League in the Mackay District. This enduring partnership is a shared passion for the game and a mutual commitment to nurturing local talent here in Mackay.”

He also noted the funding’s impact:

“The funding provides resources for our junior and senior players, helps improve and maintain our local facilities that serve thousands of our local athletes and ensures that rugby league in our region remains strong, inclusive and a pathway for local talent to achieve their dreams.”

Mackay Cutters CEO Dave Roberts reinforced the importance of the deal:

“Our longstanding relationship with the North Queensland Cowboys has been paramount to both our past success and our bright future. The addition of RLMD to this collaboration reinforces the commitment of all parties to developing rugby league talent in the region.”

Zoom Out

Mackay has a strong rugby league legacy, producing stars such as Paul Bowman, Travis Norton, Josh Hannay, Reuben Cotter, and Tom Dearden.

The region remains a key part of the Cowboys’ recruitment pipeline, with NRLW standouts Emma Manzelmann and Jasmine Peters also hailing from Mackay.

What to Look for Next?

With the Cowboys’ continued investment, the next generation of Mackay’s rugby league players will have more opportunities to develop and advance in the sport.

The strengthened partnership could also lead to enhanced facilities, coaching programs, and further integration between RLMD, the Mackay Cutters, and the Cowboys.

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