Despite the recent announcement by the ARLC that expansion would be put on the back-burner until at least 2015, that has not stopped a big announcement coming from Central Queensland – with the CQ NRL Bid and the CQ Capras to merge to form a new entity, the CQ Capras.
The change will see a few positional restructures, with Geoff Murphy to be the Chairman of the Board, Doug Webber to be the Deputy Chairman, Dennis Keeffe to be the dual CEO of the CQ NRL Bid and the CQ Capras, and Walson Carlos as the CQ Capras Operations Manager.
With initial concerns that it may alienate previous support for either former entity, the Rockhampton Leagues Club will remain a crucial part of the merged entity, as they will continue their association and provide financial support.
In what is a huge boost for RL in the Central Queensland area, the move has been endorsed by all three major parties – the Queensland Rugby League, the National Rugby League and the Australian Rugby League
Commission.
Chairman of the Board, Geoff Murphy, says that the announcement is a terrific boost for the sport in the area.
“I'm excited by the potential of this merger and I'd like to acknowledge the great work done by the former Capras board,” Mr Murphy said.
Deputy Chairman Doug Webber is also pleased at the news, as he looks forward to his new role within the merged entity.
“It's great to have people of the calibre of Geoff Murphy and Denis Keeffe with the expertise and experience in rugby league and business, and I look forward to working closely with them to take the Capras to the next level,” he said.
The key now, according to dual CEO Dennis Keeffe, is for the residents of Central Queensland to get behind the new merged entity, to make it as successful as possible.
“I feel sure the CQ Capras will be successful on and off the football field and will make the region very proud of our performances,
“I'd like to challenge any former players, officials, spectators, members, supporters and sponsors to contact the club about the wonderful opportunities that now exist.”