South Sydney has expanded its operations north of the border by snatching up one of north Queensland’s most dominant teams, which is guaranteed to enrage Cowboys supporters.
To become a feeder club for Souths, The Bunnies have agreed to a two-year contract with Townsville Blackhawks of the QLD Cup.
The Titans are hurt by the news because Souths recently signed an exclusive contract with Keebra Park High School, one of the top rugby league schools in the nation.
The Bunnies’ aggressive approach north comes as they try to strengthen their elite pathway systems, giving Souths direct access to some of the greatest junior talent in north Queensland, which has long produced some of the sport’s top players.
The Townsville Blackhawks are a team that we esteem and like greatly, according to Brock Schaefer, Souths’ chief operations officer.
‘We’re excited to begin this cooperation with the Blackhawks as we envision this providing wonderful opportunity to players, coaches, and staff from both organizations. Our teams share many principles and both place the community at the core of our operations.
“Like the arrangement we have with Keebra Park State High School, we have determined in our strategic plan and football review that we must keep expanding our reach and increasing our commitment in our premier pathway programs.
The affiliation arrangement will complement the regional pathway we have established in the NSWRL competitions, which has shown to be a sign of success at the NRL level of the game.
We fully respect that many young players from Townsville and the surrounding areas may choose to pursue their careers with the Cowboys, but we will work with the Blackhawks to encourage players who wish to broaden their horizons and look elsewhere to make the Rabbitohs their choice of NRL club.
Although Souths had a disappointing season in 2023, missing the finals for the first time since 2017, taking over top rugby league nurseries is guaranteed to pay out in the future.
Titans supporters will be miffed by the club’s association with Keebra Park High School, which has produced some of the NRL’s most gifted athletes, including Benji Marshall, Reece Walsh, and Payne Haas.
The Cowboys, who just ended a nine-year connection with the feeder club, will take the news that the Blackhawks have also signed with the Rabbitohs very badly.
The new arrangement will provide opportunities for coaches from both sides to further their careers, avenues for Townsville players to join Souths’ system for training and playing opportunities, and the creation of a cooperation committee.
