History of the Comets

The Central  Queensland Comets have a short but strong history in the Central Queensland region, and participate in the state-wide Queensland Wizard Cup competition.

The story began in 1996, with a Central Queensland Representative Team playing state-wide in 1996, 1997 and 1998. During this time, the team was run by the Queensland Rugby League Central Division. The cost involved with running a team at this level is enormous, and the Central Division did a tremendous job to remain in this competition for three years.

For the 1999 season, the Capras Rugby League Football Club was formed, which relieved the Central Division of the cost, providing more funds to the Central Division to develop and maintain Rugby League in Central Queensland.

In 2000, the Capras team that participated in the Queensland Cup changed their name to the Comets Rugby League Football Club. With a new name and fresh look, the Comets have represented the top level of football in Central Queensland for six years. (The Capras still remains as the name for the Central Queensland representative sides).

In 2002 the Comets formed an alignment with NRL team North Queensland Cowboys. This close alignment provided opportunities for development of the Comets Rugby League Football Club, as well as providing opportunities and pathways for players to the NRL.

IN late 2007, the Comets ceased their alignment with the Cowboys and formed a far more beneficial alignment with the Brisbane Broncos. This relationship is still in place and has seen the Comets and the Broncos prosper through the development of local players. The arrangement with the Broncos sees Broncos-contracted players that are not named in the weekly NRL side return to their home region and play for the Comets. Dave Taylor, PJ Marsh, Tommy Hewitt, Ben Hunt and Guy Williams have all played for the Comets while being contracted to the Broncos.

The alignment with the Broncos has allowed current players to experience what it is like to train in a NRL environment. Through this arrangement, Aaron Summers, Jade Williams, Ty Haynes and Ian Webster got the opportunity to develop their skills under the watchful eye of Broncos coach Ivan Henjak by training with the Broncos side once a week during the 2009/10 preseason.

With facilities rated among the best in the competition, the Rockhampton Leagues Club and Browne Park provide a fantastic home ground for the Comets, and for Rugby League in Central Queensland. The support from local sponsors and fans has been outstanding over the years; without this support it is unlikely that the Comets could function successfully.

In terms of success, 2009 has been the Comets most successful season to date. During the season, the Comets side set a club record winning 10 matches in a row during the season and made the finals for the first time. The Comets finished the season in third place after beating eventual winners the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles in the first semi-final but losing out to the Northern Pride in the major semi-final.

The club currently has more sponsors and more supporters than ever before and with the majority of players returning, it’s hoped that 2010 can be bigger and better than last year.