Only months after the ARLC and Andrew Abdo withdrew financial support for the Western Clydesdales it seems common sense has prevailed and the decision has been reversed.

Last November, leaked emails from National Rugby League (NRL) chief executive officer Andrew Abdo to the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) revealed the ARLC did not support the Clydesdales’ inclusion in the QRL Hostplus Cup competition as it did “not consider that such participation is in the best interests of the game as a whole”.

QRL CEO Ben Ikin has confirmed that the ARLC had reversed its decision and would support the Clydesdales this season after a raft of support from some of the game’s greatest.

Nationals leader Mr David Littleproud said the decision was the right one as Western Queensland had produced some of the greatest players ever including Darren Lockyer, Arthur Beetson, Dale Shearer, Willie Carne and Kurt Capewell.

“It is pleasing to see the NRL acknowledge that Western Queensland is not only in the best interests of the game of rugby league, but it is in fact vital to the game of rugby league” he said.

“I congratulate the QRL for ensuring this outcome was achieved and I look forward to seeing the Clydesdales be successful off and on the field in the future.”

The Western Clydesdales’ will begin their Hostplus Cup and BMD Premiership campaigns on March 9 against the Central Queensland Capras in Toowoomba.

The backflip makes you wonder how the Commission withdrew its support in the first place.

Ultimately the ARLC has listened to the strong reaction from Queensland ex players and officials and so another win for Queensland.

This article appeared in On Our Selection News, on 22 February 2024.