Junior rugby changes: Are they a good idea?
With rugby league bosses to introduce one of the most radical shake-ups in the history of the sport, we turned to sporting greats and commentators for their views. While some question changes, one has suggested the sport go even further.
Opinion
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WITH rugby league bosses to introduce one of the most radical shake-ups in the history of the sport, we turned to a panel of sporting greats and commentators for their opinions.
KEVIN WALTERS
Queensland Origin coach
“Junior rugby league should always be about fun and development and I’ve got so many fond memories from my time playing junior footy. As a sport, we need to keep evolving and looking at ways to provide positive experiences … this project is a step in the right direction.”
ROBERT CRADDOCK
The Courier-Mail Chief Sports Writer
“Having seen how the Big Bash has drawn kids back to cricket, I can understand this experiment. At least they are trying things. The no-tackle is worth a try. I’m less keen on the no-premierships because I’m worried that our world does not give kids resilience and learning how to cope with coming up short is part of life.”
GARY BELCHER
Maroons and Kangaroos legend
“I am OK with no tackling for under-6s (no older) if coaches spend the season teaching kids correct technique for future years. No grand finals until under-13s, why? Kids need to learn resilience and it comes from winning, losing and dealing with it.”
LAURA GEITZ
Firebirds, Diamonds legend
“I just think that, at the end of the day, sport is about celebrating the wins and learning from the losses. It’s a huge life lesson to learn to deal with disappointment and I don’t think you can ever be too young to do that.”
MIKE COLMAN
The Courier-Mail Senior Writer
“I’m all for a year of non-competitive tackling practice and I understand the no points table, no grand final trials is to make adults — not children — behave, but I would add another change. Australia’s ethnic footprint is changing: bring in weight, rather than age, divisions for juniors and remove the fear factor.”
Originally published as Junior rugby changes: Are they a good idea?
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