Suzuki Queensland Sets Sights On Future Stars
Suzuki Queensland is backing Brisbane league team, the Brisbane East Tigers in its 2023 bid to find and nurture the next budding NRL superstar.
With a track record that already includes helping shape players like Cameron Munster, Felise Kaufusi, Kenny Bromwich and Christian Welch, the Tigers’ extensive player development and career pathway programs are a proven method of bringing players with potential, through the ranks to play at the most elite levels.
Suzuki Queensland, as the state importer and distributor of Suzuki vehicles, has supported the Tigers for the past 13 years in a multi-layered involvement that has included the training and employment of players, provision of financial support, jersey and stadium sponsorships as well as strategic assistance.
Former player and Chief Executive of the club, Brian Torpy said Suzuki’s involvement went far further than support for a football club – it has played a significant role in the development of young leaders and responsible citizens in local communities.
“These youngsters – both male and female – come to us with football dreams. We do everything we can to expand those dreams into them becoming highly respected and valued members of our community,” Mr Torpy said.
“As an example, the Tigers have school visiting and education programs where impressionable youngsters can see firsthand what can be achieved with the right mindset in terms of their development as people, as well as their sporting skills.”
“That’s a real investment and one that extends far wider than the football field,” he said.
Suzuki Queensland Marketing Manager, Jake Tobin, himself sporting a creditable schoolboy football career in New Zealand, said: “The Tigers run junior teams from under sixes to under 18’s at Easts Juniors at Holland Park and through various affiliate clubs in Brisbane and Logan, as well as state competition sides for under 16’s and under 18’s and then Colts before graduating to first grade”.
“The Tigers also have female state competition teams in the U19 and open women grades,” he said.
“Their programs touch many places in the community and therefore we have made a commitment to supporting the club this year with the provision of vehicles as well as other forms of support, over the next 12 months.
“It would be a tremendous achievement if Suzuki’s involvement helps identify a few more elite players, but nurturing youngsters into excellent role models ranks right up there with making the finals in our opinion.”
Further information:
John Daffy
PR Manager
Suzuki Auto Co
Ph: 0403 180 178
Brian Torpy
Chief Executive
Eastern Suburbs Tigers
Ph: 3397 4541
www.thetigers.com.au