The Toowoomba Rugby League has accepted an application from the Border Rugby League to enter an under 18’s team into the Toowoomba Rugby League under 18’s competition in 2016.

The new Under 18’s BRL Bushrangers team will draw on players from the Tenterfield, Stanthorpe, Wallangarra, Killarney, Texas, Millmerran and Inglewood areas to join forces to compete.

“Over recent years only a small number of players continued to play after their junior rugby league time had finished by travelling to Warwick or Toowoomba to compete with other teams,”  QRL Central Division Operations Manager Michael Jensen said.

“This initiative will enable players to train and play in their local areas and hopefully support their local senior teams when their Under 18’s time concludes.

“Planning for this application has been in the pipeline for many years and became an urgent consideration after the BRL had over 33, Under 18 players wishing to play matches in 2015, with no competition to play in,” Mr Jensen said.

Tenterfield Tigers president Brendan Minns welcomed the proposal.

“I think it’s great. It’s definitely very positive progression.

“Ideally these are the ones who are the future of rugby league in Tenterfield,” he said.

Poor numbers for this year’s under 18’s BRL competition was disappointing with Minns saying it ‘died a bit of a natural death’.

He suspects there could be around eight to 10 kids in Tenterfield who could look to partake in the Bushrangers outfit.

According to TRL Chairman, Brian Gilroy, the Board of Directors was happy to provide an opportunity for boys from their southern neighbours to play football in their own towns.

“We have a few details to work out, but I am sure that the Bushrangers will be welcomed by our clubs and will enhance our Under 18 competition,” Mr Gilroy said.

The QRL Operations Manager Michael Jensen and NRL Game Development Officer Jim Stevens will be planning numerous information and registration evenings in the various townships to support this initiative in coming weeks.