More volunteers are needed for the Western Cape Rugby Cluster to make a triumphant return in 2026 after the competition faded out in 2022. Photo: Western Cape Rugby League, Facebook.
Western Cape York may be full of rugby league talent waiting to be unlocked, but more volunteers are needed to ensure the field can see action for years to come.
Expressions of interest for a Western Cape Cluster tournament are closing on 15 April, marking the final chance for teams and volunteers to step up and help bring rugby league back for men and women in the region.
Queensland Rugby League (QRL) league and club coordinator — Cape & Torres, Rachael Morgan, said the response from teams had been positive so far, but organisers were still establishing a working group to get the competition up and running.
“Everyone loves to play, but we really struggle to find the people to support the teams and get them on the paddock,” she said.
“Team management staff include coaches, registrars to help players get registered, then you have water runners and someone to also have a voice for that team.
“The EOI is for teams to nominate, but part of that nomination is to nominate someone to be a sports trainer, which is a first aid officer, and a referee — they’re two areas that we struggle quite a lot in remote areas to fill.”
With courses to qualify for those positions not readily available in remote areas, Ms Morgan said the QRL was currently working with councils to finalise plans for a May activation round, during which a referee course would be available.
She highlighted that volunteers did not need to have referee or sports trainer qualifications when submitting the EOI.
“We will work towards helping them with accreditations,” she said.
“A lot of the courses can be done online. Some of them require a little bit of face-to-face, like the referee and sports trainer, but the rest of our courses can actually be done online.
“We want to get rugby league back to the Western Cape, but we need people to help and volunteers to take on some of the load.”
Ms Morgan said it would be great to have the cluster tournament make a triumphant return since it died out in 2022, especially as sporting opportunities for adults in remote communities were few and far between.
“Historically, the Western Cape competition was quite a strong one in that region, with around 250 to 300 participants back in its heyday,” she said.
“Cape York’s full of people who love rugby league, and it creates a space of engagement and connection for these young adults to come together.”
