Longreach to launch Qantaslink

Outback Longreach has staged a major coup, named as the official launch site for this year?s nationwide QANTASLink Bush Blitz.

Involving 14 NRL clubs across four states, the QANTASLink program provides a chance for those in the country to meet their idols, while also assisting with player development and promotion of the game.

Those to attend the February 16 launch in Longreach include NRL chief executive David Gallop, QRL general manager Ross Livermore and Queensland star Billy Slater.

The Melbourne Storm have been adopted as the region?s visiting team.

Elsewhere, the Brisbane Broncos will visit the South Burnett area of Wide Bay, North Queensland will travel to Mount Isa, while Cronulla will look after Mackay.

The significance of Longreach?s selection harks back to QANTAS?s own beginnings in rural Central Queensland.

QRL Central Division executive Rex Zeeman said the fanfare of the Blitz launch would be a ?shot in the arm? for the dry and dusty district

?It?s quite a big deal really,?? said Zeeman.

?Rugby league will get quite a kick along and hopefully we?ll attract some more juniors in an area where the numbers have dropped off recently.?

A series of coaching and development sessions will be staged in Longreach and nearby Barcaldine over the Feb 16-17 period.

Opportunities will exist for children in nearby towns such as Winton, Ilfracombe, Muttaburra and Isisford to travel to the centres.

As part of the promotion, the Central West Rugby League will hold a fund-raising function on the night of the 16th.

The launch will be one of the first events attended by new ARL Development officer for Central Queensland, Belinda Smith.

Smith previously represented Australia in athletics.

Last year?s QANTASLink launch was held in Dubbo in New South Wales.

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