2027 Development Cup Set for Biggest Season Yet

The Development Cup, is back again supporting the growth and development of rugby league pathways in the Western Corridor of Queensland. The concept is set for it’s biggest season yet, expanding to three division across the U17 Male, U16 Female and newly introduced U19 Male divisions.

The 2027 competition will be proudly brought to you by our new naming rights partner Articulate Framing.

Since the Clydesdales’ return to the competition, the two clubs have come together and agreed to field two teams each in every division. The Jets’ once again bring back foundation naming rights partner for 2027, Lyndons, who are backing the City Jets and new for this year, FertPro, who are behind the Country Jets, reflecting the growing support behind the region’s junior pathway program. The Western Clydesdales will look to announce their two sides identities heading into the 2027 season.

Blake Mara, Pathways & Junior Development Manager at the Ipswich Jets, said the scale of the 2027 expansion reflects the depth of talent across the region.

“The Development Cup was always about a level of competition for aspiring players, and giving kids a genuine reason to stay connected to the pathway and Rugby League Ispwich.” Mara said. “Growing to four teams across three divisions, including our new U19 Male draw, shows just how much talent is out there across the Western Corridor once you give it the right pathway. The relationship between the Jets and the Clydesdales has been central to that growth, and 2027 is set to be our biggest and most far-reaching season yet.”

Darren Burns, Pathways Manager at the Western Clydesdales, agrees the expansion is a sign of the region’s talent.

“Having our six-sides competing across the various grades in Development Cup, will not only support our State-wide Pathway’s teams in 2027 through the development of players, but it also gives an opportunity to more coaches to be actively involved and assist with their development as well which plays a major part in the success of player development. We are enjoying our relationship with the Ipswich Jets in the pathways space and look forward to more mutually beneficial collaboration in the future.”

Since launching in 2023, the Development Cup has attracted more than 340 participants and produced over 45 graduates into statewide pathway programs including the Cyril Connell Cup and Mal Meninga Cup, with a first-ever female draw in 2026 drawing more than 40 participants. The 2027 draw will kick off in early February and run across three regional rounds — in the Ipswich Country, Western Clydesdales, and Ipswich City/Metro regions — before finals in early March.