The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys, alongside Platinum Partner, XXXX, and the Brisbane Broncos have announced the launch of the Carl Webb ‘Stronger Together’ Community Grant, a new initiative designed to support rugby league clubs and communities across Queensland.
Unveiled ahead of Friday night’s highly anticipated XXXX Queensland Derby, the initiative brings together three of Queensland’s originals to further the legacy of Cowboy #168, Carl Webb, a player who represented both clubs and embodied resilience, toughness, and a deep connection to the communities that shaped his journey.
The program will provide $60,000 in direct funding via 12 $5,000 grants (6 each from Cowboys and Broncos) to community rugby league clubs and Club-led initiatives, with a focus on regional and remote Queensland.
Backed by combined contributions from the North Queensland Cowboys and the Brisbane Broncos and matched by XXXX, the funding pool supports the people and communities that are the lifeblood of the game.
For Cowboys Football Club CEO Micheal Luck, the initiative is a powerful way to recognise Webb’s lasting impact across both clubs and the state.
“Carl’s journey is deeply connected to both the Cowboys and Broncos, and more importantly to the regional communities that shaped him,” he said.
“This initiative is about giving back to those communities and ensuring his legacy continues to make a real difference where it matters most.”
Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy said the initiative was about ensuring Carl Webb’s legacy lives on far beyond the field.
“Carl represented everything that makes rugby league in Queensland so special, from strength and humility to an unbreakable connection to community,” he said.
“This grant is about backing the clubs and the people behind them, the volunteers, the committees and the communities that build the game from the ground up.”
The ‘Stronger Together’ Community Grant will support club facility upgrades, equipment, and community wellbeing programs connected to local rugby league clubs.
XXXX Partnerships Manager Damon Thompson said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to standing behind Queensland communities.
“XXXX has always been about backing Queenslanders, and alongside two of the state’s original clubs, there’s no better stage to launch this than the XXXX Derby,” they said.
“Clubs are at the heart of the game, they bring people together, build resilience and create lasting connections.
“This is about supporting those communities and recognising the role they play across Queensland.”
Nominations will open to rugby league clubs and community groups across the state, with recipients to be selected by a panel including representatives from the Cowboys, Broncos, XXXX, and the Webb family.
The Carl Webb Medal was again awarded on Friday night, to the player who best embodied Webb’s spirit and impact on the game, recognising his unique connection to both clubs and the communities they represent.
Carl’s three children Carter, Hunter and Brooklyn were on hand to present the medal on field post-match.
