The Souths Logan Magpies have found their new nest and are ready to swoop.
The club is set to play its first game at Logan Metro Sports Park this Saturday (March 18), thanks to a partnership between Logan City Council and Queensland Rugby League (QRL).
Council's premier Heritage Park venue is set for revival as a flagship rugby league facility under the stewardship of the new leaseholders.
The QRL's exciting game plan for the venue will build on the City of Logan's proud reputation as a junior rugby league powerhouse.
Clubs in Logan have produced the likes of:
- Former Kangaroos, Maroons and Melbourne Storm captain Cameron Smith
- Samoa World Cup, Maroons and Canberra star Josh Papali'i
- Former Australian and Queensland representative and Bronco Corey Parker.
- Australian and Queensland representative and NRLW Premiership player Tallisha Harden
The main field at Logan Metro is the same size as the playing surface at Suncorp Stadium, the home of State of Origin.
The Magpies kicked off their 2023 season with a strong Round 1 result under their new head coach Karmichael Hunt, who is a rugby league and rugby union international who also had a stint in the AFL.
The multi-field complex is also the new home ground for the Browns Plains Bears RLFC.
School rugby league carnivals will be held at the venue, which will also facilitate new talent pathways for local players, coaches and referees.
Mayor Darren Power said rugby league has proud traditions in the City of Logan.
"Our city is a proven breeding ground of rugby league talent and this new arrangement ensures that will continue," Cr Power said.
"The next generation of rugby league legends will get to hone their skills in their own backyard."
The partnership will see Logan City Council invest in facilities and opportunities in support of the QRL's activation of the Logan Metro Sports Park.
QRL CEO Rohan Sawyer acknowledged the support of Logan City Council.
"We're extremely proud of this partnership and the many benefits it will deliver to the Logan community in the years to come," Sawyer said.
"We know how much rugby league means to people in communities right across Queensland, which is why we're thrilled to partner with Logan City Council to provide another safe and inclusive space for rugby league participants.
"This particular project strengthens rugby league talent pathways, a key component of the QRL's recently released Infrastructure Strategy. Logan already has a proud history of producing NRL players and it's exciting to think about the array of talent coming through the area via the Browns Plains Bears and Souths Logan Magpies."
City Lifestyle Chair Councillor Laurie Koranski said the reimagined Logan Metro was another example of Council making sport more accessible to local athletes and their families.
"We are delighted to support the development of a sporting facility that will allow clubs like South Logan Magpies and the Browns Plains Bears to stretch their wings," Cr Koranski said.
"We are also looking forward to the venue becoming a place where rugby league can be enjoyed and celebrated by the entire City of Logan community, starting with the Magpies' first home game this weekend."
Division 8 Cr Jacob Heremaia said that Heritage Park residents join the rest of the Logan community in welcoming the redevelopment of Logan Metro.
"This partnership is a boost for not only the passionate rugby community in Logan, but its local residents who will benefit from the reinvigorated facility," Cr Heremaia said.
"Logan Metro is more than just a top-of-the-line facility, it is a home and a heart for sports in our community."
The redevelopment of the facility comes following extensive community consultation on the project led by Council's Advisory Committee which included Councillors Jon Raven, Tim Frazer and Scott Bannan alongside the Mayor and Councillor Koranski.
Hunt, whose love of league began as a junior Souths player, hopes the Magpies' move will inspire future City of Logan champions.
"It's a great facility for us as a community club and a semi-professional one, to have all this field space and the gym access," Hunt said.
"It's nice to bring our whole operation to Logan… (and) have a presence in the community that we represent."
Logan Metro Sports Park is at 357 Browns Plains Road in Heritage Park.
