QLD Premier Rugby 2025

[PhilClinton]

Easts in Sydney was impressive to me for that reason. Fully licensed bar and restaurant that attracts a regular non-rugby crowd and families booking out the outdoor space for birthday parties. Granted they probably have more money available than most to get that going.

I do think this is something that GPS missed the mark with the recent renovations.

There was an opportunity to build a genuine function space for hosting larger events, but they didn't even manage to install a proper bar setup with kegs, taps etc. I know Herbie is also trying to get the little bacon and egg burger canteen going during the week some mornings and in the offseason to sell breaky but again, I think a purpose-built little cafe would have actually done really well there instead of trying to run it out of a makeshift setup.

 

[SouthernX]

I do think this is something that GPS missed the mark with the recent renovations.

There was an opportunity to build a genuine function space for hosting larger events, but they didn't even manage to install a proper bar setup with kegs, taps etc. I know Herbie is also trying to get the little bacon and egg burger canteen going during the week some mornings and in the offseason to sell breaky but again, I think a purpose-built little cafe would have actually done really well there instead of trying to run it out of a makeshift setup.

I agree Phil.

I think gps butchered their upgrade. They should of built it over the main field and made it 2 level clubhouse

 

[eldiablo]

I remember the locals' big uproar about the concern that it would be too heavily commercialised (turning into a business hub, restaurants, etc.) and cause even more congestion/parking issues. The club came out and confirmed they weren't even allowed to as part of the funding/renovations. I could have remembered that wrong, though.

It would be unlike Herbie not to actively seek ways to make more money if he could...

 

[LevitatingSocks]

I remember the locals' big uproar about the concern that it would be too heavily commercialised (turning into a business hub, restaurants, etc.) and cause even more congestion/parking issues. The club came out and confirmed they weren't even allowed to as part of the funding/renovations. I could have remembered that wrong, though.

It would be unlike Herbie not to actively seek ways to make more money if he could...

the question needs to be put to the locals as "would you rather have businesses you'd patronise at GPS or a big mob of the midday pokie creatures hammering away at the video screens?"

 

[Hayden Ray]

Basically yes.

Those clubs set up "off farm" income streams by having clubs and pokies.
Means they don't have to rely on chook raffles, player subs and digging into the pockets of their core support group all the time.

Sunnybank is the only club that had the foresight to build a business that generates a cash flow for them.
Wests and Brownie have set up Sylvan Road with paying tenants ( and a future refurbishment possibility for pokies/club)
Brothers has the draft plans together for something out at Albion.

Once enough people agree that the old model isn't suited to what the future needs I guess we might see some change, if not we will become obsolete and a feeder system to the rest of the world.

We have the strongest junior development and schools program in the country but don't have a venue for them all to move into.

While financial backing can be a valuable asset, Sunnybank serves as a clear reminder culture is the foundation of success in rugby. Despite having the resources, the club is struggling both on and off the field, and it’s now looking increasingly likely they are firm contenders for the wooden spoon.

Money helps but a strong, unified culture consistently outperforms money alone, and keeps benefactors with deep pockets coming back (Brothers…).

 

[FNC Rugby]

While financial backing can be a valuable asset, Sunnybank serves as a clear reminder culture is the foundation of success in rugby. Despite having the resources, the club is struggling both on and off the field, and it’s now looking increasingly likely they are firm contenders for the wooden spoon.

Money helps but a strong, unified culture consistently outperforms money alone, and keeps benefactors with deep pockets coming back (Brothers…).

Culture at Sunnybank in embarrassing, having spent a few years there recently. The biggest issue they have is an ex-player who played for the Reds & Samoa and thinks he knows everything, people come and go yet he still remains and so do their struggles.

 

[PhilClinton]

Good to see the troops arrived after Easter to a couple of clubs. Grades numbers seem to be topped up at a few places and GPS have managed to get a Friday night team on the park. Funnily enough a few UQ boys jumped ship and have seen the light at Yoku to bolster those lower grades numbers.

Speaking of bolstering, Maile Ngauamo running around in 6th for GPS isn’t a bad recruit.

 

[Watchingrugby]

How long are the old boys at UQ going to keep quiet and put up what is happening there? - belted by Easts today - in a tight race now to avoid the wooden spoon