The Sunshine Coast Falcons have announced they will pause plans to field an A-grade development team, despite receiving final approval earlier this year.
In January, the Falcons and Sunshine Coast Gympie Rugby League (SCGRL) confirmed the entry of a Falcons development team into the local A-grade competition.
The new side was set to operate under a defined team selection model, requiring a mix of open-age, under-21 and under-19 players to be selected each week.
The initiative was designed to strengthen the pathway for local talent into the Hostplus Cup squad.
Falcons coach Brad Henderson said the decision was disappointing.
“It’s a little disappointing as we felt we were trying to give the development of young players on the Coast a much-needed boost,” he said.
“Early on, the concept was well received and there were a number of clubs who could see what we were trying to do. But two to three months after final approval, we were still going back over things that we’d already agreed on.
“It became clear that if we pushed ahead without everyone being on the same page, it was only going to create further friction.”
Henderson said the Falcons’ focus had always been on doing what’s best for the region and keeping strong working relationships with community clubs.
The Falcons have not ruled out revisiting the plan in the future, but for now the focus will remain on their existing programs and Hostplus Cup commitments.
The Falcons will take on the Broncos in a pre-season clash at Sunshine Coast Stadium on February 14.
