Schools rugby league could be lifeline to cancelled competitions

The lack of a structured club competition for some of rugby league’s most important age groups may be saved by secondary schools.

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The lack of a structured club competition for some of rugby league’s most important age groups may be saved by secondary schools.

Cairns District Rugby League is the only QRL Northern Division competition to have cancelled its senior season to date, with as many as five other junior and senior competitions between Mackay and Cairns to make a final decision in the next 48 hours.

Presidents from the Cairns Junior District Rugby League clubs will meet tonight, as they search for a way past key issues like the lack of spectators, the cost to clubs, and the heavy workload asked of volunteers.

The Queensland Rugby League last week announced a rescue package which would provide $500,000 to clubs across the state to help them get through 2020 and potentially be in a stronger financial position into next year.

It covers up to the under-18s, a critical age group but, at least in Cairns, now lacking a competition.

Other regions, like Bundaberg, will run the under-18s under their junior association to provide an arena for clubs who still have the players.

In Cairns, the solution could be in the school system.

The Cairns Inter School Sports Association’s competitions for Years 10-12 students will not run, though the JSS for Years 7-9 will run in Terms 3 and 4.

QRL Northern Division manager Scott Nosworthy said discussions between the sport’s governing body and schools were ongoing, but it was likely a school-based format would provide a playing field for under-15 and under-18 age groups regardless of the CDJRL’s ultimate decision.

“The U15s and U18s are important age groups, and if there’s no senior competition we will work with schools to see what can be done,” he said.

“The QRL is willing to assist but we’ll be in a better position (this week).”

Northern Pride Colts coach Dave Scott has previously spoken of his concern about the lack of rugby league for those in critical age groups.

At the height of the coronavirus-forced shutdown, Scott said it was vital for young players to be involved with the sport and their club to ensure they were kept in the game.

“We don’t want to miss out on a contingent of players missing an entire year of their development,” he said.

“Getting them playing a game in any format possible is a key criteria for the club.”

Originally published as Schools rugby league could be lifeline to cancelled competitions