Tag: rugby league

Ipswich State HS Talent Baxter Best Lands Big Break with Brisbane Broncos

Ipswich State High School student Baxter Best has signed a four-year deal with the Brisbane Broncos, setting the stage for a promising NRL career—following in the footsteps of his older brother and NSW Origin star, Bradman Best.

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The sixteen-year-old outside back, who has been making waves in Queensland’s junior ranks, chose the Broncos despite interest from several NRL clubs. His decision marks a major win for Brisbane’s development programme.

Baxter Best, a Future Origin Star?

Despite his brother’s NSW allegiance, Baxter qualifies for Queensland due to his family’s relocation. The talented teenager has already impressed at the representative level, starring in Queensland’s under-15s schoolboys team and excelling in the Cyril Connell Cup.

With Baxter now in Maroon territory, the prospect of a Best versus Best Origin clash looms. While Bradman remains a proud Blue, he acknowledges the unique family dynamic.

Path to Professional Rugby

Baxter will continue his development with the Souths Logan Magpies under-17s this season, competing against players a year his senior.

Ipswich State HS continues its legacy of developing NRL talent, adding Baxter to a list of alumni that includes several professional players. His rise through the school’s system, coupled with interest from NRL talent scouts, reinforces the institution’s reputation as a breeding ground for Queensland’s next generation of rugby league stars.

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With his brother’s rapid rise to Origin football serving as inspiration, Baxter Best’s journey from Ipswich to the Broncos’ system is just beginning. If his trajectory mirrors Bradman’s, the Broncos may have secured their next big star.

Published 30-January-2025

Ipswich Jets Secure Backing as Queensland Aims for NRL Expansion

Plans for a fifth National Rugby League (NRL) team in the state have been endorsed, with the Ipswich Jets’ bid potentially bringing professional rugby closer to Springfield Lakes residents.

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Potential locations and government support

Miles has suggested the Ipswich Jets or the Brisbane Tigers—both clubs that currently play in the Hostplus Cup under the Queensland Rugby League banner—as possible contenders for the new team.

The Queensland government is backing the NRL’s plans to establish an 18th team by 2028, citing the success of the Redcliffe-based Dolphins, who joined the league last year, as evidence to support this campaign.

The government believes that an additional Queensland team would further strengthen the state’s status as a “rugby league heartland.”

“If the NRL are going to add teams to the competition, they absolutely have to seriously consider a Queensland bid,” Miles said.

Ipswich Jets secure funding

The Ipswich Jets have recently secured $40 million in funding for their NRL bid, with the aim of joining the expanded competition by 2028. This funding, sourced from local government and private investors, is allocated for infrastructure, facilities, and community development. 

If successful, the team would be based in Ipswich, with Wayne Bennett as head coach. Bennett has led the NRL’s newest team, the Dolphins, to one win away from reaching the finals in just their second season.

Third team at Suncorp?

Despite his enthusiasm for a new team, Miles has ruled out the construction of a new stadium. He suggests that any additional team would play at Suncorp Stadium in Milton, noting that there are still weekends when the venue is not used for rugby league.

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At present, Sydney hosts nine teams in the NRL, while Brisbane has only two. For residents of Springfield Lakes, a new team could bring top-tier rugby league action closer to home, along with increased community engagement and opportunities for local involvement in the sport.

Published 05-September-2024