Brisbane’s premier gay and inclusive rugby union side, the Brisbane Hustlers, have returned to tradition with the relaunch of their much-loved fundraising calendar, only this time, they’re wearing decidedly less kit. Blending confidence, camaraderie, and an unmistakably queer sense of fun, the 2026 edition offers fans an intimate new perspective on the team that has long been at the heart of Brisbane’s LGBTQ+ sporting community.
For the Hustlers, reinstating the calendar was more than a nostalgic nod. As club president Steve Bevan explained, it was a conscious part of the team’s longer-term vision. “Bringing back the calendar was always something we hoped to do,” he told QNews. “It’s another fundraising channel, of course, but it’s also a project that future Hustlers can take part in, something that becomes a legacy of sorts.”
To bring the vision to life, the club enlisted renowned photographer Joel Devereux, whose portfolio is filled with evocative, empowering portraits, often of subjects stepping in front of a camera in a state of undress for the first time. His experience proved invaluable. “Photography is really a people job,” Devereux said. “The gear matters far less than making someone feel comfortable. When everyone’s united in creating something special, the nerves melt away.”
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The inspiration behind the shoot would be familiar to many rugby fans: France’s iconic Dieux du Stade calendar, famous for its artistic nude and semi-nude portraits of players. The Hustlers embraced that same spirit—celebrating bodies of all shapes and sizes, encouraging players to choose exactly how much (or little) they wanted to reveal, and leaning into a sensual yet playful aesthetic that feels unmistakably queer.
Set amongst the lush surroundings of Cedar Creek, thanks to the generosity of Luke Mansini of Relik Design, the outdoor shoot balanced glamour with Queensland realism. “We’re no strangers to extreme weather,” Devereux laughed. “But having a beautiful, private location with so much natural variety really made the whole experience magic.”
The official pre-order announcement captures the mood perfectly: The boys are back… with a little less kit than usual. Each month showcases a new facet of the team: unapologetic, unfiltered, and utterly Hustler.
Cheeky, bold, and brimming with pride, the 2026 Brisbane Hustlers Calendar is set to be a must-have for fans, supporters, and anyone who loves seeing queer sport celebrated in all its glory. Grab yours today and help support the team as they charge toward next year’s Bingham Cup.
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