Author : WWOS staff

League bosses endorse massive shake up to junior rugby league

In massive changes to the game’s junior rugby league ranks,? the NRL and NSWRL have greenlighted a plan to ban tackling until midway through under 7s and abolish competitive games until the age of 13.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the NSWRL will announce the changes in the near future as the ruling bodies look to implement the new laws? across NSW and Queensland for the 2023 season.

The significant shift is aimed at increasing junior participation numbers and protecting children from external pressure.

The amendments were put forward and signed off last week as the game moves away from tackle rugby league until midway through the under 7s season.

Children who are not eligible to play in tackle competitions will play League Tag – a non-contact version of the game where participants grab tags attached with velcro to a player’s shorts which indicates they have been “tackled”.

“TackleReady is our program that teaches correct and safe tackle techniques, preparing participants for tackle versions of rugby league,” an NRL spokesperson said.

Junior rugby league will undergo massive changes.

“The program aims to provide participants with a systematic introduction to tackling and being tackled, leading to a greater level of enjoyment.

TackleReady is based on research, trials and feedback, the results of which found 85 per cent reported increased confidence and 86 per cent increased competence.

“It also provides entry-level club coaches with the necessary skills and gives parents peace of mind by highlighting the game’s commitment to offering a safe, inclusive environment.”

Along with eliminating contact at an earlier age,? competitive matches will also be phased out for children prior to their teenage years.

As it stands in NSW, teams from under 6-8s do not have competition standings and don’t compete for competition points.

League bosses want to emphasise having fun and ?reduce the pressure from parents on their children to win.

The age barrier will change next year when the NSWRL increases the competitive age from under 9s to under 10s.

League bosses endorse massive shake up to junior rugby league (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

League bosses are set to announce the changes in a matter of weeks. (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

Under a four year plan? introduced by the NRL and NSWRL, there will be an increase in the non-competitive age from nine to 13 by 2026.

In 2023 competitive rugby league competitions will begin at under 10s, and then rise to under 11s in 2024, under 12s in 2025 and under 13s in 2026.

“In NSW we have taken a staged approach to phasing in the changes across our state which ultimately aims to further increase the enjoyment for all participants,

Especially children in the early stages of their rugby league experience,” NSWRL Community Rugby League manager Peter Clarke said.

“We’ve already witnessed great results from the ‘Rugby League Ready’ program last season and the initiatives in 2023 will assist children with their confidence and add to their enjoyment.”

Story unconfirmed by OurFootyTeam

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Author : NSWRL Media Release

Minto Cobras awarded #RESPECT Club of the Year

Minto Cobras JRLFC have been crowned the 2022 #RESPECT Club of the Year after successfully promoting the NSWRL initiative which encourages positive game day behaviour toward referees.

The Cobras will receive a prize to the value of $2000 thanks to the support of McDonald’s, with 250 clubs across the state taking the pledge this season.

“The club has a new committee this year and they are working really hard to ensure they run a good club,” NSW Community Rugby League Manager Peter Clarke said.

“I am pleased to see that their efforts throughout this weekend have lead to them receiving this award.

“A positive game day environment is important in attracting new players and referees to our game and it has been a great initiative with Clubs across the state all getting involved and spreading the message.”

#RESPECT Round, which was held in May, focuses on game day behaviour toward referees and serves as a reminder for more than 100,000 players, spectators and officials involved in Community Rugby League to promote a positive environment.

Community Rugby League team captains and referees enter the field of play together and give a thumbs up as they line up for a photo before the game, as well as sharing messages using the #RESPECT hashtag on social media.

#RESPECT Round also featured during the Country v City representative weekend with all 16 team captains and referees giving a thumbs up before kick-off across the three venues.

The #RESPECT campaign started in 2016 with 16,000 pledges being made online by participants across the game in line with the NSWRL’s vision to eliminate poor behaviour and promote a positive environment for all players, coaches, referees, volunteers, and families

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ROUND 2 SCHEDULE

2022 Peter Mulholland Schoolboy cup Rnd 1 Draw, Results, Ladder & Players’ Stat’s
Wednesday, June 22

12pm: St Dominic’s College v Hunter Sports High (Action Photo’s SOON)

12.30pm: Patrician Brothers Blacktown v Westfields Sports

1.30pm: Hills Sports v Endeavour Sports High

Wednesday, June 29

11am: Farrer MAHS v All Saints Maitland

TBC*

Illawarra Sports High v Hallam College

Erindale College v The Grange P-12 School

Patrician Brothers Fairfield v Holy Cross College, Ryde

Bass High v St Gregory’s College

*Games expected to be scheduled for start of Term 3

RE-WATCH THE ROUND 1 ACTION
Tuesday, May 31

ROUND 1 SCHEDULE
Tuesday, May 31

11am: Patrician Brothers Fairfield 64 – 0 Farrer MAHS

Wednesday, June 1

11am: Holy Cross College 38 – 24 All Saints Maitland

11.30am: Erindale College 64 – 0 Illawarra Sports High

12pm: Endeavour Sports High 20 – 14 Patrician Brothers Blacktown (Action Photo’s Monday 13 June)

Wednesday, June 8

12pm: St Dominic’s v Bass High

1.30pm: Hunter Sports High v St Gregory’s College

11am: The Grange P-12 College v Hallam College

Thursday, June 9

Westfields Sports High v Hills Sports High

Queensland Results

Langer Cup

Ipswich SHS 24 – 16 Keebra Park SHS

Aaron Payne Cup

Mackay State High School 0 – 32 St Patrick’s College

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Author : NSWRL Media Release 

Hunter Junior Rugby League formed after unanimous vote

Hunter Junior Rugby League formed after unanimous vote

The NSWRL is pleased to announce the formation of the Hunter Junior Rugby League Association (JRLA) for the 2022 season.

Following a unanimous vote by the Newcastle JRLA and Maitland and District JRLA to form one governing body for the region.

The move will make the Hunter JRLA the state’s second-largest catchment area behind Penrith.

Record participants

With a combined 6,656 participants (Newcastle JRLA 4,340 and Maitland and District JRLA 2,316) which could assist with resources, funding and sponsorship for the region.

It will only include Under 6s to Under 18s competitions with senior competitions to remain the same. The Hunter JRLA was officially passed unanimously at the Annual General Meetings of both associations on Wednesday night following an electronic voting process.

“The Hunter Junior Rugby League Association will unify the region and have a positive impact on the way competitions are administered here,” NSWRL Head of Football Robert Lowrie said.

“I want to thank the Newcastle JRLA, Maitland and District JRLA and all clubs for their overwhelming support as this is the best result for all participants in the region.

“It will assist them with their Rugby League journey and give them every opportunity they deserve, whether that’s just playing for fun or pursuing a professional career.”

The Hunter JRLA falls in line with the NSWRL’s One State Strategic Plan, which created six new zones across the state to streamline governance and administration.

Further improve participation

Further improve participation and competition opportunities, and local rules consistency and competition structures, and lower costs.

The Hunter Junior Rugby League Association, which will comprise 22 clubs from Newcastle JRLA and 10 clubs from Maitland and District JRLA, has also been backed by the NRL’s Newcastle Knights as it creates a clearer alignment between local competitions and elite pathways.

Both the Newcastle JRLA and Maitland and District JRLA will retain their identities through local junior development programs and squads with clubs remaining in the voting college of their current association.

All life members of the current associations will become life members of the Hunter JRLA with the committee structure to consist of two members each from the Newcastle JRLA and Maitland and District JRLA, two independent members and an independent chairman.

The initial members from Newcastle JRLA and Maitland and District JRLA will be made up from current committee members to ensure a smooth transition.

The Hunter Region has produced some of the greatest Rugby League talent the game has ever seen.

Including Rugby League Immortals and True Blues Andrew Johns and Clive Churchill, and True Blues Eddie Lumsden, Les Johns and John Sattler.

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The post Hunter Junior Rugby League formed appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Author : crrl.com.au 

CRRL participation numbers surge to record high

CRRL is thrilled with the latest participation numbers, which have our region sitting fourth overall in the NSW rugby league family.

The Canberra region numbers currently sit at 5,798, which puts us ahead of the traditional rugby league stronghold areas of Parramatta, Canterbury and Illawarra.

The Central Coast is only slightly ahead on 5,989, with Penrith and Newcastle the only other regions ahead of Canberra.

CRRL General Manager Mark Vergano says that he is thrilled that the numbers continue to grow in our region.

“The region has shown growth across all age groups and especially pleasing is the growth in boys rugby league.

Whilst we are very pleased to be advancing the game in female participation, the boys continue to play the game in increasing numbers,” Vergano said.

“Young players, male and female, identify with their Raiders heroes and can see themselves playing on GIO Stadium emulating their favourite Raider.

Our strong pathways and new formats are providing more options for everyone to participate.”

CRRL participation numbers surge to record high

“Rugby League continues to innovate and take its duty of care seriously. Our clubs have accredited coaches and trainers attached to every team and the new concussion protocols ensures a level of safety unmatched by other sports.”

Overall participation in the Canberra region has increased by 13.5% from 5,105 (2019) to 5,798.

Junior numbers rose 14% from 2019, while senior numbers increased by 12%.

Female participation now represents approximately 20% of the overall participation, and next season there will be many opportunities for more females to get involved.

CRRL participation numbers surge to record high

Vergano says that the impressive numbers are because of the hard work of the clubs and volunteers.

“They have faced so many challenges over the last two years and have not only been able to rebuild our game but also progress it to the greatest participation numbers in our history,” Vergano said.

“The CRRL is challenging itself to keep growing the game with an emphasis on participation and involvement at all levels and highlighting the social aspects of playing with friends and enjoying themselves.

2022 Canberra Raiders membership on sale now

Registrations are open now! To be part of next year’s season, visit https://www.playrugbyleague.com/play/

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Author : NSWRL Media Release

A Junior Rugby League club on the far north coast of NSW that has used True Blues Cody Walker and Matt King, and NRL legend Preston Campbell, to teach participants the importance of inclusion has taken out the NSWRL Grassroots Club of the Year.

The Casino Cougars, who Walker and King both played for as juniors, were nominated for their work in bringing the Indigenous and non-Indigenous community together and for building a sense of unity and inclusivity for their players, families and supporters.

Casino Cougars President Adam Hickey said the players had taken a lot out of the visits of the NRL stars, both past and present.

“Cody took the Under 16s and Under 18s on training runs and spoke to the boys about the pressures and how he got to where he was and his achievements,” Hickey said.

“When Matt gets a chance, he comes up and we do the Matty King Shield where all the Casino kids get together at school carnivals.

“Preston sat down and spoke to the boys about the same thing as what Cody was talking about. Mindset, always being healthy, looking out for each other, just be a family at the end of the day.”

Hickey said he was humbled by the award and was quick to heap praise on all stakeholders who have contributed to the club’s success.

The club has seen an increase in their participation numbers this season, which is a great result considering the disruptions that have been caused due to COVID-19.

“Our numbers grew and have been growing for the last 10 years,” Hickey said.

“I think back in 2012 we only had 130 odd kids and now we’re at 340 so everything’s just exploded. Last year during COVID-19 we still had 250 kids registered and then we had another increase of 90 kids this year so we must be doing something right.

“Thank you to our community, and to all the coaches and trainers.

“Thank you to our local sponsors and especially the RSM Club for sticking with us for the last 45 years. That’s a big deal, without those guys we wouldn’t be where we’re at.”

The Grassroots Club of the Year Award is one of 18 Volunteer of the Year Awards the NSWRL issues every year to acknowledge the tireless work volunteers contribute to community football every season.

The NSWRL has already announced other Volunteer of the Year Award winners including the Inclusive Volunteer of the Year Award, the Indigenous Volunteer of the Year Award, Community Coach of the Year (Male), Community Coach of the Year (Female) and Regional Volunteers of the Year.

The Gordon Lowrie Memorial Award for the overall 2021 Volunteer of the Year will be announced next week.

NSWRL Volunteer of the Year Awards

NSWRL Gordon Lowrie Volunteer of the Year Award (to be announced)

NSWRL Dennis Braybrook Referees Association Award (to be announced)

NSWRL Grassroots Club of the Year (Casino Cougars)

NSWRL Indigenous Volunteer of the Year – Rhonda Hynch (Wilcannia Parntu Warriors)

NSWRL Inclusive Volunteer of the Year – Ethan Shultz (Albury Thunder)

NSWRL Coach of the Year Male – Alan Brookman (Valley Dragons)

NSWRL Coach of the Year Female – Pauline Wagner (Kyogle SRFLC)

Regional Volunteer of the Year winners (Gordon Lowrie Volunteer of the Year Award chosen from this list)

Volunteer of the Year Bidgee Region – Katie Howard (Wagga Brothers)

Volunteer of the Year Western Region – Tammy Greenhalgh (Bloomfield JRL)

Volunteer of the Year Northern Region – Jack Woolaston (North Tamworth)

Volunteer of the Year East Coast Region – Rebecca Austin (Forster Tuncurry)

Volunteer of the Year Southern Sydney Region – Theresa Tasaico (Riverwood Legion)

Volunteer of the Year South Coast Region – Chris Shea (Southern Highlands)

Volunteer of the Year Broken Bay Region – David Zimmer (Willoughby Roos)

Volunteer of the Year Newcastle and Maitland Region – Sharon Jones (Windale JRLFC)

Volunteer of the Year Central Sydney Region – John Critchley (Five Dock RSL)

Volunteer of the Year Macarthur Region – Robert Dreis (Appin Dogs)

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