NEWS NOW: Two teams have announced a two-year association arrangement.

The Townsville Blackhawks, a famous Hostplus Cup team, and the South Sydney Rabbitohs are excited to announce a two-year affiliation arrangement that will enhance the Rabbitohs’ elite paths into north Queensland.

This deal follows last week’s announcement that one of the top sporting schools in south-east Queensland, Keebra Park State High School, would be participating for the following three seasons.

The agreement with the Blackhawks will give the Rabbitohs access to more elite junior players from Townsville and the surrounding districts, preseason training and playing opportunities for elite players from the Blackhawks, more high-caliber players in Australia’s second-tier competitions, a pathway for players from north Queensland into the Rabbitohs’ system, and professional development opportunities for coaches and staff from both organizations.

The Rabbitohs’ emphasis on local pathways has helped the team win the NSW Cup Premiership, the NRL State Championship this season, and the Jersey Flegg Cup under 21s Premiership in 2019. The collaboration with the Blackhawks will support that effort.

According to Brock Schaefer, Chief Operating Officer of the Rabbitohs, the affiliation arrangement with the Townsville Blackhawks will allow the Rabbitohs access a wider range of outstanding players.

“The Townsville Blackhawks are an organization that we much respect and admire. Numerous shared principles exist between both groups, and both put the community at the center of what we do. We’re excited to begin working with the Blackhawks because we believe this will present excellent chances for both teams’ players, coaches, and staff, according to Mr. Schaefer.

We have stated in our strategic plan and football review that, similar to our agreement with Keebra Park State High School, we must continue to expand our presence and enhance our commitment in our elite pathway programs. At the NRL level of the game, this has been shown to be a sign of success, and this affiliation arrangement will support the regional pathway we have established in the NSWRL.