This week was unforgettable for many of the remarkable young people who participate in PCYC programs.
From Sunday through to Thursday, the NRL HOGs tour roared into five PCYCs – South Burnett, Goondiwindi, Rockhampton, Bundaberg and Toowoomba. Each morning, NRL stars including Brad “Freddy” Fittler and Greg Inglis joined our young people for team-building activities and program sessions— and what a fantastic experience it was for everyone.
The engagement was outstanding and the young footy fans were given an experience they’ll always treasure. The success of the tour is a direct result of the hard work and dedication put in by our program staff, QPS partners and the youth participation teams. Coordinating such a huge effort takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work, and I’m very proud of the efforts of everyone at the clubs who made it all come together. I’m also appreciative of the time and effort the NRL put into these visits, and the genuine connection and engagement with young people which was visible to all who were there.
This week highlighted the strength of our partnerships and the impact we can have when we work together. I look forward to seeing this collaboration continue to grow in the future.
Thank you again to all involved for making this week a huge success!
The young people, who are engaged with PCYC Queensland’s youth programs, participated in team-building activities with NRL representatives including founder Brad Fittler along with mentors from PCYC and Queensland Police Service (QPS).
The HOGs Tour, now in its 14th year, is touring Queensland for only the second time, stopping at regional areas and championing the importance of rugby league and sport as a positive force in regional communities.
PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz said the NRL HOGs team spending the morning at PCYC Toowoomba was a fantastic opportunity for the young people in the area.
“We are really excited for the team at PCYC Queensland to be working with our QPS partners and the NRL on this HOGs Tour, which really celebrates young leaders in Queensland communities,” he said.
“The young leaders involved are integral parts of their communities, they are very involved with PCYC and they truly embody the best of Queensland’s young people.”
Brad said the HOGS tour was a great experience for all involved.
“The NRL HOGS National Tour is all about connecting with and celebrating regional communities who are the fabric of our great game,” Fittler said.
“They register to play, watch our NRL & NRLW stars, and contribute so much to Rugby League. This tour is our opportunity to give back to them.
“We ride into town, invite all the juniors out on the field for a community clinic and provide them dinner.
“We visit local businesses in each town, including PCYC Clubs and Westpac branches, connecting with the entire community. I can’t thank our amazing partner Westpac for making this happen again in 2025.”
TWENTY-FIVE young men from across Queensland enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime experience on Monday, when they spent the afternoon with the Kangaroos: participating in team building activities, learning more about their idols, and simply talking.
The event was thanks to a collaboration with the Kangaroos, PCYC Queensland and Queensland Police Service (QPS), designed to foster mentorship, build relationships and inspire. The boys were selected through their involvement with PCYC’s youth development programs and for their potential as young leaders.
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga said this was an important event for the team as well as the young men.
“This sort of thing is really important for us, because these young fans are what it’s all about,” he said.
“The players know who they represent – and that’s these boys and their communities. It’s a privilege to spend time with impressive young people like this and see what the Kangaroos jersey really means to them.
“The team had a great time with the kids and gained as much as they gave. One of the most powerful things about sport is the connections it creates—that’s what it’s all about.”
The 25 young people were selected from five PCYCs across the state – Bundaberg, Sunshine Coast, Deception Bay, Palm Island and Rockhampton – due to their commitment to their communities and strength of character. They were accompanied by their club’s Youth and Community Program Manager, QPS officers who run PCYC’s youth development programs.
PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz said all of the young people had been recognised for their involvement in their communities, and being role models to younger children.
“They, like all young men, really benefit from having meaningful interactions with positive role models, and spending time with footy legends they’ve only seen before on TV is something they will always remember,” he said.
“We are really grateful to the Kangaroos for today, and for the positive impact they will have on these young people.
“Through all of our programs, we know the lasting benefits of this kind of mentoring and skill building – learning about discipline, dedication and hard work can broaden perspectives and give them a sense of possibility that they will take home with them.”
QPS Community Safety Group Superintendent Rob Fleischer said QPS is committed to working with partners to take initiative in the early intervention and engagement space, to help change the lives of young people.
“There’s no doubt that these young men will head home and be the talk of the town, sharing their experience of mentorship with some of their footy idols,” Superintendent Fleischer said.
“An experience like this can change the trajectory of a young person’s life, simply by boosting confidence, self-reflection and provoking motivation to be the best individual they can be for their community.
“I can’t thank PCYC and the Kangaroos enough for working with us to make this day happen, it’s partnerships like this which have a real impact, and I know we all felt a sense of pride watching that play out in real time during this event.”
