Fresh leadership, fresh future: Caboolture Snakes begin a new era

By Chase Christensen

The Caboolture Snakes have long been regarded as a heavyweight club across multiple sporting codes, boasting a proud history filled with premiership success. However, the 2025 season proved challenging at the junior representative level. The club failed to reach a grand final in the junior international divisions, from under 13 to under 17, with their only grand final appearance coming in the open women’s competition, where they fell short of victory. 

Rather than shy away from a disappointing year, the club has confronted it head on. A completely new junior board has been appointed, led by David Reynolds as junior president and Heidi Wecker as treasurer, signalling a decisive shift in leadership and direction. 

Early signs suggest the rebuild is already gaining momentum. The new board has reportedly secured $80,000 in sponsorships within just three weeks, an amount that exceeds what the previous administration achieved over a five-year period. While yet to be officially confirmed, the figure represents an extraordinary start and a clear statement of intent before the season has even begun. 

One of the most ambitious plans on the table is a proposed $14 million clubhouse development. The project would see a new facility spanning wider than the main seating area, making it the largest local rugby league clubhouse in the region. A member of the board described the vision as creating the ultimate “place to be,” attracting players and spectators from across the area to Caboolture Snakes’ fixtures. 

Looking ahead, the Caboolture Snakes Junior Open Day for the 2026 season will be held on Saturday January 17. The event will feature activities for children, food and drinks, along with opportunities to meet coaches, board members and club representatives. A major highlight of 2026 will also be the introduction of the club’s inaugural under 9 girls’ team. Girls only teams at this age level remain rare in the local league, making this a significant step forward for Caboolture rugby league. 

A central goal of the new committee is to unify the junior and senior clubs under a single identity, known as ‘one snake pit’. This vision was showcased during a combined training session held on Tuesday December 16, attended by both junior and senior players. The session offered a strong glimpse of the culture and unity the club is striving to build. 

Newly appointed junior president, Dave Reynolds, shared his perspective on the issues that contributed to the lack of success in 2025 and why he believes results will turn around in 2026. According to Reynolds, the primary problems were off the field rather than on it, ranging from difficulties retaining volunteers to limited success in securing sponsorships. Addressing these behind-the-scenes challenges has been the focus of the new administration, prompting major moves even before the new year. 

Player development is also a key priority. Former NRL player Dunamis Lui will work alongside coaching coordinators to help lift standards and improve pathways. Reynolds identified several teams expected to be particularly exciting in 2026, including the under 17 boys, under 17 girls, under 15 girls and under 16 division one boys. 

The Caboolture Snakes Rugby League Club is entering a new chapter, guided by long time club contributors and strong female leadership, united by a clear vision of one club, one culture and one future. 

In Image: Rebecca Duff (Secretary), Sweetie Faresa (Football OP Manager), Dave Reynolds (Junior President), Heidi Wecker (Junior Treasurer) and John Wicks (Junior Vice President).