LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Queensland has launched a new Under 20s competition aimed at bridging the development gap between junior representatives and senior football, establishing a clearer pathway for young players from the Broncos, Cowboys, Titans, and Dolphins to the NRL.
According to reports from zerotackle.com, the NRLQ Under 20s Series, backed by the NRL and the state's top four clubs, is set to run for six rounds starting May 31.
This initiative is designed to follow Queensland's under-19 Mal Meninga Cup and aims to create a more consistent, club-aligned environment for emerging talent.
It will feature players aged 17 to 20 who are currently signed to NRL academies, and they will represent their clubs in full colours.
These matches will occur on the same weekends and at the same venues as the senior teams.
The new competition mirrors New South Wales' Jersey Flegg structure and is a response to a broader review concerning player development and retention in Queensland.
Historically, while New South Wales players have enjoyed the advantages of the Flegg system, Queensland players have encountered a disjointed pathway after their representative commitments conclude.