RCC & Mendi Blackhawks Partnership Announcement

RCC and Blackhawks Unite to Strengthen Rugby League Pathways

7 October 2026

Ryan Catholic College (RCC) and the Townsville Mendi Blackhawks have joined forces in a new strategic partnership designed to strengthen rugby league development and create clearer pathways for students.

The partnership will bring together the resources, expertise and development programs of the two organisations with a shared commitment to supporting the next generation of North Queensland athletes.

The partnership represents an exciting next step across athlete development and rugby league pathways, with Blackhawks coaching expertise and high-performance practices to be embedded across the College’s rugby league development pathways.

Ryan Catholic College Principal Candi Dempster said the partnership was a fantastic opportunity to build on the College’s growing rugby league program while providing students with a strong local pathway to elite development.

“We want our students to see what is possible when they combine talent, hard work, education and the right opportunities,” Mrs Dempster said.

“The Townsville Mendi Blackhawks are an outstanding local organisation with a strong focus on developing athletes, and we’re thrilled to be working alongside them.

“This partnership gives our students and coaches the opportunity to learn from elite coaches, experience high-performance practices and see a clear pathway for their rugby league development, while remaining connected to their school and local community.”

Townsville Mendi Blackhawks GM of Football Ben Rauter said the partnership would provide young athletes with greater exposure to high-performance environments while strengthening the connection between school and elite rugby league.

“We’re excited to work closely with Ryan Catholic College and support the development of young players within their rugby league program,” Mr Rauter said.

“The opportunity to share our knowledge, coaching expertise and high-performance practices with students and coaches is a great outcome for rugby league in Townsville.

“Most importantly, this partnership is about creating opportunities for young people and helping them understand what it takes to progress through the pathway, both on and off the field.”

Through the partnership, Blackhawks coaching and performance staff will provide technical and tactical guidance, mentoring and professional development across RCC’s rugby league program.

This will include support with position-specific skills, contact and wrestle techniques, attacking and defensive systems, game management, strength and conditioning, recovery, nutrition, hydration and video analysis.

Ryan Catholic College Sports Program Leader Caitlin Keevers said the partnership would help retain local talent at RCC while creating new opportunities to identify and develop the growing pool of female rugby league talent.

“One in four students here at Ryan identify sport as their primary focus, and we are seeing exciting growth in the female game,” Ms Keevers said.

“This partnership will support targeted development opportunities for emerging male and female players, including skills, contact preparation and game education, while helping create stronger pathways for both males and females within rugby league.

“The relationship will also strengthen the connection between RCC students and the Blackhawks’ elite junior pathways, including the Cyril Connell Cup and Mal Meninga Cup programs.

“This is all part of a broader ambition to continue developing a strong, independent rugby league program while creating more meaningful opportunities for students both on and off the field.”

The partnership will span RCC’s U13, U15, Open Boys and Open Girls programs, with opportunities to extend development initiatives into younger age groups.

Beyond training and competition, the partnership will provide opportunities for athlete education, coaching development, career connections and engagement with the wider Blackhawks community.

The partnership will commence across the 2027 rugby league season, with both organisations looking forward to building a long-term relationship that supports the development of young athletes within the Townsville community.