Hostplus Cup Opening Round Postponed

The 2025 Queensland Rugby League Hostplus Cup season was scheduled to kick off this weekend, however, due to Cyclone Alfred hitting a large part of southern Queensland and northern New South Wales, the competition’s board decided to defer all round 1 games.

The Queensland Rugby League (QRL) Board released a press statement yesterday (Thursday, March 6th), announcing the postponement of the Hostplus Cup season opener to a later date due to the severity of the cyclone.

Most airports in Queensland have been closed temporarily, especially the affected areas mentioned, which makes flying difficult for the visiting teams. 

The press statement reads: “The QRL made every attempt to get teams on the field, while at all times assessing the safety of participants and the well-being of their families in line with government advice.

“However, due to the delayed arrival of Cyclone Alfred, and not being able to assess its impact prior to matches, all South-East Queensland games, including Hervey Bay junior representative fixtures, have been postponed.

“With airport closures taking effect, the Brisbane Tigers and PNG Hunters can no longer transit through Brisbane, meaning their respective Hostplus Cup games in Cairns and Mackay have been postponed as well.      

“The only statewide competition fixtures that will proceed as scheduled are the junior representative matches in Cairns and Mackay.”

The round 1 games will be rescheduled to be played during the season, while round 2 games will be hosted next weekend.