THE Ipswich Jets are ready to strike back as a powerhouse in the Queensland Cup competition after signing a new partnership agreement with NRL big guns the Sydney Roosters.
The club has struggled in recent seasons after the Broncos and other NRL clubs sent their fringe players to other Queensland clubs leaving the Jets as one of the few outfits with no elite player support.
The Roosters key management team has been watching the Ipswich district closely over the past few seasons and has no doubt being impressed with the youth development.
The quality of local juniors was brought to the fore by the Ipswich State High team which recently annexed the premier Queensland Schoolboy’s trophy, the Allan Langer Cup.
Just a few weeks ago Jets coach, Ben Cross, sat alongside the Roosters general manager, Craig Walker and their recruitment officer, former NRL coach, Daniel Anderson.
The two had travelled to Ipswich to talk to the Jets and to watch the Ipswich High team in action.
I was at the game and snapped a photo of the three but on request agreed not to run the photo (above) until the partnership contract was signed and sealed.
The agreement will see Roosters fringe players running around in Jets colours and more importantly gives local juniors a direct pathway into the NRL.
Jets coach, Ben Cross, was instrumental in getting the deal over the line.
Let’s hope we’ll see the Jets back on the premiership winners’ podium as they were in 2015.
