The Western Mustangs will team up with the Toowoomba Rugby League to strengthen the region’s elite player pathway.

The TRL has previously provided some support for the Mustangs’ under 18 and under 20 squads playing in the QRL’s Elite Competitions, but the two entities have largely worked independently of each other in the past.

That will now change formally in a boost for the region’s emerging elite players.

The TRL will now, in conjunction with Mustangs officials, help administer operations of the two current Mustangs squads.

A sub-committee made up of representatives from the TRL, TJRL and Mustangs Boards has been established to oversee the Mustangs squads for 2021:

• Joe Hannant (Chairman)
• Dan Aldons
• Michael Burns
• Tony Coonan
• Ben Drewe

Mustangs officials will continue to campaign for inclusion in the Intrust Super Cup in the future, with COVID dashing any hopes of inclusion in 2021.

The Mustangs have also elevated Michael Burns from Director to Chairman following the resignation of previous chair Frank Martin. Burns paid tribute to the contribution of Martin and outgoing Board members in helping the club navigate the COVID pandemic.

“It’s important that our club competing in the QRL’s Elite Competitions has the backing of the rugby league community across Toowoomba and the south-west which means the Western Mustangs formally joining forces with the TRL is a boost for our club and the talented players coming through,” Burns said.

“The TRL Board is supportive of what the Mustangs are trying to achieve with our under 18s and colts, as well as our aim to play in the ISC, so we’re looking forward to working with the TRL to provide elite opportunities for our region’s talented players.”

TRL Chairman Rex Zeeman added: “The TRL Board fully supports the Mustangs pathway and is happy to help where we can to strengthen the game in our area,” he said.

“It’s important the game provides opportunities for our talented players to test themselves at the highest levels in the state, otherwise they will need to leave our area and the TRL Board is keen to see our top players remain in our region.”

The Mustangs sub-committee is now working towards getting squads ready to compete in 2021.

The QRL is still to announce details on the structure of next year’s Elite Competitions, although the Mustangs anticipate we will again field two teams.