Queensland Rugby League is pleased to announce the renewal of its partnership with the Former Origin Greats to drive grassroots participation.

The new three-year investment from FOGS will help the QRL direct more funding and resources into local competitions and programs.

The FOGS logo will be displayed on all QRL community match footballs, from Under 6s through to the senior men’s and women’s grades.

QRL Managing Director Robert Moore and FOGS Executive Chairman Gene Miles made the announcement at Bishop Park, home of the Norths Devils, today.

Moore said the partnership renewal marked an exciting time for the game with the start of the season fast approaching.

“Community rugby league is a major focus for us right now with the roll out of projects like the Player Development Framework testing phase,” Moore said.

“There are more than 60,000 participants who play club rugby league in Queensland each year and it is our responsibility to ensure they have the best possible experience.

“Support from an organisation like FOGS makes our job that little bit easier. We’re delighted to have FOGS continue on as a partner and we look forward to working with Gene and his team to drive further engagement for community rugby league.”

Miles said his organisation was thrilled to be able to make a meaningful contribution to grassroots football.

“Our founder, the late Dick ‘Tosser’ Turner, was always extremely passionate about seeing people reach their potential,” Miles said.

“We truly hope to see many young players achieve their dreams in the game throughout the course of this new partnership and beyond.”

Miles said FOGS have historically been a big supporter of Queensland competitions and programs, having sponsored the FOGS Colts Challenge, FOGS Cup and the Queensland Women’s Origin team over the past 10 years.

Trevor Gillmeister is one proud FOG who has been actively involved in many of these areas.

Fiercely proud of his rugby league upbringing, Gillmeister returned to his old stomping ground at Bishop Park today to meet the next generation of young Devils.

“It’s great to see the kids running around out here and playing with the new footballs,” Gillmeister said.

“One of our objectives at FOGS is to assist with the development of rugby league in Queensland and this partnership is doing just that.

“And who knows, there may be a boy or girl playing out here on this very field who goes on to play State of Origin for Queensland.”