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Titans Pathways Manager Matthew Keating, Cowboys Challenge Head Coach Tyreeq Saleh-Medows, Mackay State High School Head of Department of Sporting Academies Zach Schill and Head Coach of the Gold Coast Titans (NRL) Josh Hannay.
A new partnership between Gold Coast Titans and Mackay State High School was officially launched this week, marking what school leaders described as the beginning of an exciting new chapter for rugby league pathways in the Mackay region.
The announcement was celebrated on school grounds alongside students, families, coaches and staff, with Titans Head Coach Josh Hannay and Titans Pathways Manager Matthew Keating visiting the school to speak with players and mentoring staff.
The visit included program discussions with Mackay State High’s rugby league coaching staff, as well as a question-and-answer session with students involved in the school’s sporting programs.
Head of Department of Sporting Academies in HPE at Mackay State High School Zach Schill said discussions surrounding the partnership had been ongoing for several months, with both organisations focused on ensuring the collaboration had genuine long-term purpose.
“Today is very exciting. We’ve got to announce our partnership with the Gold Coast Titans,” Mr Schill said.
“It’s been a few months in the making now.
“We didn’t want to rush into something and just have it be a placeholder, we wanted to have real meaning and make sure that what the Titans want to do and what we want to do as a school are aligned.”
Mr Schil said the involvement of Josh Hannay, who comes from the region, had been instrumental in helping establish the partnership.
“He was very passionate about getting into this area, but doing it the right way,” he said.
“I think that’s been exemplified by him flying up here in the middle of the NRL season. He doesn’t have to do that, but he’s gone out of his way to come here and speak to our students and give time to our staff.”
Mr Schill also highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for regional students, saying travel demands and distance often placed country athletes at a disadvantage compared with metropolitan schools.
Titans Pathways Manager Matthew Keating said the partnership grew through conversations with Mackay State High School Principal Felicity Roberts and a shared vision for developing rugby league opportunities for both male and female students.
“It’s an exciting new venture for the football club as well as the school,” Mr Keating said.
He said the program aimed to provide students and coaches with greater exposure to high-level rugby league development and football education.
Students Cooper Forster and Hayden Murry, both in Year 11, spoke with gratitude and excitement about what the partnership means for young athletes across regional Queensland, describing it as a rare pathway into elite-level opportunity from a local setting.
“It’s pretty exciting for me, coming from a small regional town. All I’ve wanted to do is play footy my entire life,” Cooper said.
“Most of us never get to meet NRL coaches, let alone get trained by them every now and then.”
“I’ve been playing rugby league since under 12, so about six years now. It’s the best part of my life.”
Hayden Murray shared a similar passion for the game, reflecting on how early it became part of his life and identity.
“I’ve been playing footy since I was really little, probably prep or around six years old.”
“I just love playing footy and going up and playing with mates. It’s the competitiveness and rivalry against other teams — that’s what I enjoy most.”
As a former student of Mackay State High School, Cowboys Challenge Head Coach Tyreeq Salleh-Meadows reflected on his connection to the school and the importance of giving back to the next generation.
“Being a former student here, I really hold it very close to my heart,” he said.
“Coming through as a player and also a student, I’ve learned a lot from my previous mentors.”
“Being able to give back to these young players and young athletes, and seeing their drive and willingness to learn, it really shows how determined we are to flip the school culture and get it back on track.”
“This partnership with the Titans gives an unreal opportunity for these young athletes to really blossom and develop and actually show their character and what they’re wanting to achieve within rugby league.”
During the event, Titans mentors also spoke to families and players about balancing school and sport, encouraging students to take pride in their school, value teamwork and appreciate the support of teachers, coaches and parents.
School representatives described the partnership as only the beginning, with hopes the collaboration will help strengthen rugby league development pathways for Mackay students into the future.
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