Family backs central Qld NRL bid | Emerald Rugby League | NRL Rugby in Emerald

Moana and Mele (front), Pelenatita, Taniela and Felise (middle), Magz, Malia and Monica Kaufusi (back) are all in favour of a new NRL team for the Central Queensland region.

Max Fleet

ANTONIO Kaufusi had to leave his family in beautiful Bundaberg for the stormy weather of Melbourne to launch his NRL career.

But if a bid to launch a Rockhampton-based NRL side is successful, other talented Bundaberg youngsters may be spared from the same fate.

With their sons Antonio and Patrick now signed with the Townsville-based North Queensland Cowboys and Felise signed with Melbourne Storm, Pelenatita and Taniela are hoping the bid will be successful.

“It would have been nice for Antonio stay here and be close to his family,” Mrs Kaufusi said.

Organisers of the new Central Queensland side have said the new club's catchment area would spread from Bundaberg to Mackay.

More details on the proposal are expected to be released tomorrow when powerbrokers behind the deal officially launch their campaign in Rockhampton.