The Queensland Cup premiers have defeated the New South Wales Cup premiers both times the NRL State Championship Match has been played as the NRL grand final curtain-raiser.
In 2014, the Cairns-based Northern Pride defeated Penrith 32-28, and in 2015 the Ipswich Jets beat Newcastle 26-12.
Who will be the Queensland Cup premiers in 2016?
Before the season gets underway, you’ll get close to the following odds with the various betting agencies:
• Townsville Blackhawks $3.25
• Papua New Guinea Hunters $6.50
• Redcliffe Dolphins $9
• Easts Tigers $11
• Northern Pride $11
• Sunshine Coast Falcons $11
• Ipswich Jets $12
• Mackay Cutters $12
• Wynnum Manly $15
• Norths Devils $17
• Tweed Heads $17
• Burleigh Bears $21
• Central Queensland Capras $34
• Souths Magpies $34
The Queensland Cup has a top-six finals system. In 2015, the top six in finishing order were Townsville, Papua New Guinea, Ipswich, Wynnum Manly, Easts and the Northern Pride.
Ipswich ultimately won their first ever premiership by defeating minor premiers and favourites Townsville in the grand final. It was the Blackhawks’ debut season in the competition, but the Jets’ unconventional attacking style of play – encouraged by coaches Ben and Shane Walker – ultimately triumphed.
NRL clubs have raided the Jets’ ranks for 2016, with livewire hooker Matt Parcell (Manly) being the highest profile departure.
The Blackhawks are once again the competition favourites with the bookmakers, with sentimental favourites the Papua New Guinea Hunters also right up there. It will be the Hunters’ third year in the competition, and they will be better for their experience of finishing sixth in 2014 and as preliminary finalists in 2015.
Redcliffe finished seventh in 2015 but are traditionally strong performers. They will be looking for an improved performance under new coach Adam Mogg, the former Canberra Raiders and Queensland State of Origin representative. Last year’s semi-finalists Wynnum Manly have drifted in the betting, but are also traditionally strong performers.
The Queensland Cup is a strong second-tier competition and an important breeding ground for future NRL players.
For those who follow it, what are your predictions for 2016?
Peter Savage
Roar Rookie
Agree with Townsville as favourites, they play like a professional team, so well structured maybe to a fault. Hard to see the Jets going back to back losing Rod Griffin and Matt Parcell. As a Wynnum fan I'd happily take that $15. The smokey of that group to me is actually the Magpies. If they get their Broncos contingent for the majority of their games, they would be hard to beat.
Mike from tari
Guest
Townsville will defiantly have a big say in the comp, Hunters have lost some very influential players, so it will be interesting to see how they go, East tigers & Sunshine Coast will share the Storm players, so that will be a keystone for their chances, but The Tigers will be missing Tom Butterfield until May, he will be a big loss, Wynnum & Ipswitch will be there & I think Redcliffe will be up there but once again it will be a close competition, I will put my money on Easts Tigers @ $15.
Glenn Smith
Guest
The 'mighty' Ipswich Jets will be there or thereabouts in the end - but from what I saw last year Townsville will be all the better for Grand Final loss, and go a step further. Also hoping the Capras put up some fight - the Central Coast deserve better.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
My reply is a couple of comments down, I hit the wrong button.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
I agree it would be great to see them get a go to break up the "formula" style of play in the NRL. As you say they proved that style of play was not only entertaining but also effective.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
The Queensland Cup is semi-professional. Players get paid but you certainly wouldn't be able to make a full time living out of it unless you are contracted to one of the NRL clubs. Most if not all of the players would have would have day jobs. There is no salary cap in place, but clubs generally don't have a lot of money to spend. Fringe NRL contracted players who play in it are paid by their NRL club, not the Qld Cup team. Some Queensland Cup teams have relationships with NRL clubs. It is a very good standard of competition though, and many NRL clubs use it as a scouting ground. It is also generally thought to be much better preparation for the NRL than the current Under 20s competition. Young players get to test themselves against men rather than just talented under 20s. Some clubs prefer their Under 20s to come through competitions like the Queensland Cup accordingly. For older players in NRL squads who don't make the 17 each week, they are usually farmed back out to play for clubs in the Qld and NSW Cups.
Kingcowboy
Guest
Would love to see the Walker Brothers get a shot at coaching in the NRL. I said in a previous post a couple of months ago that the Titans should move King Henry into a different role and give the Walker boys ago. Not only has their style shown to be highly entertaining but also successful.
SirAlfie
Guest
For a Q-Cup novice like myself, can you inform me as to whether the comp is completely amateur, or is there a salary cap in place, etc. Just like to know what the next level down from NRL holds for players in terms of being able to make a semi living out of it
John Coomer
Roar Guru
I hope you're right, it would be great for the game to see the Hunters break through.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
I'm tipping the PNG Hunters to beat my Blackhawks in the QCup final. Easts and Falcons to get knocked out in the semi-finals, Pride and Ipswich knocked out in the quarters. Capras for the wooden spoon.