Aspley replace Toowoomba and new SE Qld division formed

ASPLEY will join the Queensland Wizard Cup in 2007, while the QRL will also alter its Divisional structure before next season.

At the last QRL Board meeting for 2006, it was decided the Brisbane Broncos-affiliated Aspley club will become the 11th team in the State League, replacing the Toowoomba Clydesdales.

Citing financial shortfalls, Toowoomba withdrew from the Wizard Cup earlier this week.

Aspley has a strong foundation for its assault on 2007, having competed last year in both the FOGS Cup and FOGS Colts Challenge competitions, qualifying for the finals in the latter.

Aspley also boasts the third-highest number of juniors in Queensland, trailing only Redcliffe and Burleigh, both of which have successful Wizard Cup clubs.

In the other major news from today's Board meeting, it was agreed to form a new Division, South East Queensland, using the existing South East and Southern Division boundaries.

Presently the QRL is split into six Divisions, which administer rugby league for particular regions. This will become five Divisions in 2007.

The new Division will take in Greater Brisbane, stretching from Morayfield to Beenleigh and Dayboro to Stradbroke Island, while also encompassing the Ipswich and West Moreton region and both the coastal and hinterland areas of the Gold Coast.