Around 1,200 spectators turned out for the 2026 QRL Country Round where the Mackay Cutters defeated the Redcliffe Dolphins 34-12 in a Hostplus Cup clash.
Clermont Bears president, long-serving coach and former prop Justin Barrett, said hosting the fixture was a chance to lift local spirits following the floods earlier this year.
“When the QRL reached out and gave Clermont the opportunity to host the 2026 Country Round, our goal was simple, put on an event that our community could be proud of.”
It took months of planning to turn that opportunity into reality, but volunteers, sponsors, and Isaac Regional Council worked hard to be ready.
The weekend began early, when development officers from the Redcliffe Dolphins, Mackay Cutters, QRL, NRL and Clermont Bears visited local schools on Thursday.
Students had the chance to meet players and coaches before the visitors joined junior and senior training sessions later that day.
“Watching the excitement on the kids’ faces as professional players and coaches spent time with them was incredibly rewarding,” Justin said.
“Those interactions are something they’ll remember for years.”
Both teams arrived in Clermont on Friday for their captain’s runs, and the excitement carried into Friday night’s Calcutta. By the time the main game arrived, Clermont Sports Field was buzzing.
Junior football opened the program with players from both the Cutters and Dolphins watching games, signing autographs, posing for photographs and spending time with young supporters.
“That sort of connection means more to country kids than people probably realise.”
Once play began, the Cutters quickly settled into the contest.
They completed their sets, controlled possession and won the battle through the middle, forcing Redcliffe to defend for long periods. The Dolphins continued to fight, but Mackay maintained the pressure and pulled away to secure a 34–12 victory.
While the Cutters claimed the points, some of the biggest wins came away from the scoreboard. Visitors supported local businesses, volunteers worked throughout the grounds and families travelled from across the region to be part of the event.
After meeting professional players at school, training alongside them and watching elite rugby league on their home ground, local juniors now have a clearer picture of where the game can take them.
“I genuinely believe we’ll see increased junior registrations next season because so many young players now have dreams they can chase after watching elite players in their own backyard.”
Justin would also like to give a big shoutout to Adam, Jade, Amber, Morgan and the entire QRL team, along with the Mackay Cutters and Redcliffe Dolphins players, coaches, chief executives and development officers.
Naming sponsor Electroquip was joined by Clermont Open Cut, Isaac Regional Council, Verax, JJ Richards, HIT FM and Clermont Signs, while the Junior and Senior Bears committees, volunteers, officials, first aid officers and other supporters kept the weekend running.
“Events like this simply don’t happen without great people.
“This weekend proved what country communities are capable of when everyone pulls together.”
The Junior and Senior Bears now hope Country Round can return to Clermont and lead to a long-term partnership with the Cutters and Dolphins.
Their goal is to create stronger development opportunities for children across Central Highlands rugby league and build a genuine pathway between junior football and the higher levels of the game.
For one weekend, Clermont’s young players did not have to travel to see what was possible.
The pathway came to them.
