The QRL aims to "foster, develop, extend, govern and control Rugby League Football throughout the State of Queensland".

Discussion about breaking away from the rugby 'union' and forming a professional 'league' in Queensland can be traced as far back as 1905 through the visions of then Deputy State Premier, Michael Allison.

On 16 May that year a hastily assembled Queensland team played the touring New Zealand "All Golds" side in Brisbane.

Later that month there were three representative games against New South Wales, which acted as selection trials for a national team.

Other teams that entered the competition include: Milton (1909), South Brisbane (1909), West End (1910), Natives (1912), Merthyr (1917) and Coorparoo (1917).

Named after famous Queensland rugby league personalities Cyril Connell and Mal Meninga, the Cups have proved popular.

Since the revamp in 2000 it has only contested by the three largest cities in North Queensland; Cairns, Mackay and Townsville.