The Queensland Premier Rugby season will kick-off on Saturday, March 29 with today’s unveiling of the draw for the nine men’s and women’s clubs.
Premiers Brothers will play their opening two matches, after a first round bye, at home at Crosby Park in the 2025 StoreLocal Hospital Cup.
Clubs will play 18 regular season rounds before the three-week finals series hits a climax with grand final weekend at Ballymore Stadium on August 30-31.
The opening round on March 29 will pit grand finalists Wests against Bond University at SciFleet Stadium. Easts will host Norths at Bottomley Park, Souths are at Chipsy Wood Oval to face Sunnybank and University of Queensland are at home at St Lucia against GPS.
The re-match between the 2024 grand finalists is locked in for Round Five when Brothers will host Wests at Crosby Park.
Brothers premiership skipper Will Wilson was upbeat about the draw and the new season ahead.
“Everyone is keen to go again. We will largely keep the same core of players and the chance to go for three premierships in a row is an exciting challenge,” Wilson said.
“It’s definitely good to have a few home games at Crosby Park to open the season in front of our own crowd.
“Sunnybank (April 5) are an improving side.
“GPS (April 12) beat us at home this year so that will be a good opportunity to get one back on them.”
One player who won’t be returning is backline stalwart Paddy James, who today confirmed his retirement.
The three-time premiership winner has hung up the boots after more than 140 games in the top grade.
“I told family and a few close friends before the grand final that it would be my last game. I can say now, that’s it. I’m pretty sure,” James said with a smile.
“Winning the grand final this year was absolutely the best way to go out on top. I was playing with a special group with a lot of close mates.”
Brothers will also have a March date in the Australian Club Championship where they will have the rare opportunity to go back-to-back.
The Brethren will face Sydney premiers Easts with details yet to be announced.
All StoreLocal Hospital Cup games throughout 2025 will again be broadcast live and on demand via Stan Sport with select matches at the backend of the season and the finals series to also be broadcast LIVE via 9Gem.
