Photos: Fun and laughs, award winners at Positive Rugby Foundation U10, U11 state gala

They are Waratahs, Wallaroos and Wallabies in the making but right now fun is the name of the game for these youngsters at the Positive Rugby Foundation state gala. PHOTO SPECIAL.

Great photos from the U10 and U11 rugby gala.

It was more about smiles than scores, laughter than mauls at this extraordinary state championships - the Positive Rugby Foundation NSW junior rugby state gala for U10 and U11 players on the weekend.

Hundreds of young rugby enthusiasts - and a crowd of around 5000 - converged on Tuggerah sports complex on the weekend for the under 10s and under 11s event.

Central Coast v West Harbour playing at the event.

Even the weather played ball after Covid stopped the event and other state championships going ahead last year and in 2020.

The event is the first taste of rep competition for most youngsters and they were making the most of the opportunity on the weekend.

Southern Districts v Penrith playing at the event.

“There’s no aggro, everyone’s happy to be playing and just enjoying the experience,“ said New South Wales Junior Rugby‘s Ben Gregory.

“It’s an introduction to kids into rugby, their first ever experience in what rep football is about.

“They have been selected to compete with each district allowed to teams per age group if they want.’’

Gordon celebrates a try against Randwick.

Warringah Green v Eastwood.

More than 50 teams from Sydney and surrounds are competing at the event, representing districts from across the state, including Illawarra, Hunter and Central north.

The ‘Spirit of Rugby’ Awards - the teams epitomising the best rugby values over the weekend - were also handed out on Sunday.The Dr John George Shield U10s was won by Central Coast Junior Rugby Union and the G.R Paton Shield U11s was awarded to Central North Junior Rugby Union

Northern Suburbs v Gordon at the gala on Saturday. Pic: Sue Graham

Randwick v Manly at the tournament on the Central Coast.

A quick chill out in the Warringah Green v Eastwood game.

Players and spectators at the Central North v Hunter match.

At the event showing kids just how far rugby can take them were Waratahs guns Jack Grant and Charlie Gamble.

And in an additional bonus for parents, the Rugby Club foundation paid the entry fee of the kids and contributed funding for the first aid on the day and the referees.

We had photographer Sue Graham on the ground catching all the action.

Action in a match between West Harbour and Central Coast U10s.

Parramatta v West Harbour at the gala.

Randwick v Manly competing.

There were big crowds at the games.

Central Coast v West Harbour.

Southern Districts v Penrith.

Gordon with possession v Randwick at Rugby State Gala at Tuggerah Saturday 16th July 2022.pic Sue Graham

Northern Suburbs played Gordon in one of the early matches.

Southern Districts v Penrith.

Parramatta v West Harbour play at the gala.

Players watching on nervously at the gala.

Central North v Hunter at the gala day

Watching the Warringah Green v Eastwood match.

Northern Suburbs and Gordon on the Central Coast.

All focus from a West Harbour player at half time.

There were lots of smiles and laughter.

Randwick v Manly at Tuggerah.

The Gordon bench.

Action in the Parramatta v West Harbour game.

Central North v Hunter at the event.

Northern Suburbs played Gordon on the opening day.

West Harbour preparing to take on the Central Coast.

Randwick U10 player Louie Vereker on the burst.

Central North v Hunter.

Northern Suburbs on the attack against Gordon.

Randwick u10 player Mitchell Byrt.

A Hunter youngster scoring.

Randwick U10 player Will Thompson up against Gordon.

Warringah Green v Eastwood.

Parramatta v West Harbour.

Northern Suburbs get the ball over.

Central North v Hunter.

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