AN Australia-first partnership with the New Zealand Warriors rugby league club could see professional games played in Logan.
But first, at least one of the city’s sporting fields will need a major upgrade.
It was announced late last month that the Warriors will partner with Logan City Council to set up the club’s first “home away from home”.
The partnership is exclusively Logan’s, with the club promising not to expand elsewhere.
“We have got five years here to make this the best we possibly can,” Warriors CEO Cameron George said.
“Our focus is purely here in Logan.”
But what does this mean for local fans? Could the city host a game or two of pro footy a season?
Mr George says yes, but first Logan would need significantly better infrastructure.
“That doesn’t mean that we can’t start that march now and work with the council in approaching the appropriate personnel at the state government and the likes, and getting the NRL on board as well, because it is a great opportunity to host different fixtures here.”
Mayor Jon Raven said he would love to see professional NRL games played in Logan.
“We would probably have to get a media tower and we’d have to get a grandstand in there – these are things that we already started looking at last term and we’re happy to continue investigating.
“We can always look at what we can do in the future, especially when the community leans in. If we see the community loves this and supports the Warriors, then we’ll support the club as well.”
The academy will offer an “elite” training and talent identification program in Logan, as well as a community program to help local young people connect with sport and career opportunities outside football.
The council will provide the Warriors with access to local fields and office space at the Logan Metro Sports Park in Browns Plains, and in return the league team will work directly with the city’s clubs, providing support to local coaches and players.
Mr George said the club wasn’t looking to steal talent from the Broncos or Titans, but would be happy to walk away with “two or three footballers” a year.
“If you do play footy, that’s great. We’ll give you the opportunity to be the best you can be,” he said.
“If that means we do get some exceptional young girls or boys come out of here to play in our colours, that’ll make us really proud and make the local community proud.
“At the end of the day, we’ve got so many kids in New Zealand through our academies that are fit for purpose. But it doesn’t mean we can’t come here and attract some of the kids.”
A community day with the full Warriors squad will be held on Friday 22 August at the Logan Metro Sports Park ahead of their game against the Gold Coast Titans.
The Warriors will be signing autographs and entry is free.
