Key appointments, a programme name and a combine have been confirmed as the One New Zealand Warriors’ landmark partnership with the City of Logan takes shape.
The Ausbuild-backed joint venture with Logan City Council was revealed in late July to set up an academy along with a community initiative in the South East Queensland area.
One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George has today announced it will be known as the ‘Warriors Inspire Logan’ programme while confirming the appointment of ex-Warriors NRLW and Australian Jillaroos coach Brad Donald as football manager, former Warriors front rower Mark Tookey as community manager and Claire Gilmour in an accounts and administration role.
Also inked in is a combine for under-16 boys and under-16 girls from the Logan City area to be staged on Saturday, December 6.
“Together with the city, we see the ‘Warriors Inspire Logan’ programme providing a real breakthrough for rugby league in the area,” said George.
“Our vision is to inspire pride and opportunity in Logan by connecting the community to the heart of the One New Zealand Warriors.
“We’re excited about having Brad and Mark on board in the key roles of football manager and community manager. They have achieved so much in rugby league and bring a great understanding of who the Warriors are and what we are about as a club.”
Donald was unbeaten as the Australian Jillaroos’ head coach as he guided them to back-to-back Rugby League World Cup victories in 2017 and 2022 while he also stepped in to coach the Warriors in the Covid-affected 2020 NRLW campaign.
Tookey, a Logan Brothers junior, was a cult hero during his 67-game career as Warrior #76 from 2000-2004 during which time he played in the club’s first grand final side in 2002.
Gilmour has spent time with the commercial teams at both the Warriors and the Gold Coast Titans this year.
Through its vision the ‘Warriors Inspire Logan’ (WIL) programme will seek to inspire players of the future with opportunities “empowering training and personal growth to help players become the best versions of themselves”.
In schools and the community, WIL will “inspire pride, deepening engagement with the One New Zealand Warriors and what we stand for”.
The first opportunities for aspiring players will come on December 6 with a combine for under-16 boys and girls interested in joining the One New Zealand Warriors’ Logan Academy. Starting at 8.30am, the combine will be held at the Logan Metro Sports Complex, 349 Browns Plains Rd, Heritage Park, QLD, 4118.
Players considered must be born between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010, and must be Logan residents or attend a Logan-based school or are a member of a Logan sporting club.
Registrations close at 4.00pm on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Limited spots are available.
Register HERE.
“Our elite academy for boys and girls in Logan will provide a direct pathway to the New Zealand Warriors’ NRL and NRLW teams,” said George.
“It’s a two-pronged approach between Logan City and the One New Zealand Warriors to work with the community for better outcomes for locals though work programmes and to form a rugby league academy to create another pathway for young boys and girls to chase their dreams.”
“We have a network of academies throughout New Zealand doing a terrific job and see a real opportunity with this partnership to connect with New Zealanders in Australia.
“We’re excited about what lies ahead and we really appreciate Logan City’s support.”
City of Logan mayor Jon Raven said it was an exciting next chapter for the city.
“Our love for league runs deep in Logan, but it’s not every day our youth get opportunities like this one,” he said.
“If you’re an under 16s player who wants footy to be your future, this is the fast track you’ve been waiting for.
“Our city has a proud history of producing sporting superstars. We’re ready to find the next one.”
Ausbuild managing director Matt Bell said the partnership with ‘Warriors Inspire Logan’ will provide career opportunities for young people.
“Sport can be a great way to make connections with community and find employment opportunities, including apprenticeships and jobs,” he said.
“Ausbuild has a history of working with clubs to build pathways for young people and that’s why we’re so excited to join with the One New Zealand Warriors and Logan City Council. It’s a fantastic fit.”
The level of interest from the community was palpable when 5000 fans engaged with the One New Zealand Warriors during their final training session ahead of their round 25 match against the Gold Coast Titans in August.
Register here for the December 6 combine.
More ‘Warriors Inspire Logan’ opportunities for other age grades will be announced in due course.
