Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio has welcomed the return of the Western Clydesdales ahead of their first game back into the top grade of Queensland Rugby League this Sunday at the Toowoomba Sports Ground.
Mayor Antonio said the return of the Clydesdales into the Queensland-wide Hostplus Cup was a great thing for the entire Toowoomba region.
“I congratulate everyone involved behind the scenes in getting the Clydesdales back into the Queensland-wide competition , it has been a long journey, but on Sunday, all of that hard work will have paid off as the players take the field in Clydesdale colours for the first time in 17 years.
“I’m sure there will be economic benefits for Toowoomba in having the Clydesdales back with travelling fans and opposition teams coming to Toowoomba for home games.
“Toowoomba is undoubtedly one of the great rugby league breeding grounds with a host of male and female players from our region representing Queensland and Australia over the years, with plenty of Toowoomba representation in the NRL each week.
“The Clydesdales now provide a pathway for local players right up into the NRL through a partnership with the Canterbury Bulldogs.
“One of the most famous defeats in the history of the English Rugby League team came at the hands of the Toowoomba Clydesdales in 1924. The English had retained the Ashes and beaten Australia but were no match for Toowoomba in front of 10,000 fans.
“Toowoomba Mayor at the time Doug Annand, coined the famous phrase ‘Galloping Clydesdales’ at a reception after that match, and all the Toowoomba players received a gold watch.
“The players who run out at the same ground this Sunday will have that legacy before them, and I wish them the best of luck in all grades for the 2023 season.
“I hope to see a great crowd there on Sunday supporting the Clydesdales as they kick-off the season,” Mayor Antonio said.
Games start from 11am this Sunday with Under 16, 18 and 19 matches against the Sunshine Coast Falcons before the main game between the Western Clydesdales and Papua New Guinea Hunters at 2.10pm. Entry is $10 for adults with kids free.
