Macarthur Juniors defy NRL changes, continue with U7s tackling and grand finals

Clubs within the Macarthur District Junior Rugby League have voted unanimously against the NRL’s new rules and will continue with tackle and finals formats in 2023. Here’s why.

Macarthur has voted against implementing changes for the upcoming junior season. Picture: File

A suburban junior rugby league competition is refusing to comply with “silly” new NRL tackle-free and non-competitive formats, saying kids who don’t want to tackle can play Oztag.

The Wests Tigers Macarthur District Junior League has declared it won't be making any changes to its playing rules in 2023.

Each of the league’s 12 clubs have united in opposition to the NRL’s wishes and will continue tackling in junior grades, including at under 7 level.

Campbelltown City Kangaroos JRLFC president Drew McQuarrie said players at his club signed up to play rugby league.

“It’s a bit silly, if kids don’t want to tackle, they would have signed to play Oztag,” said McQuarrie, who has coached juniors for 13 years.

“We're trying to grow the sport, and these new rules aren’t conducive to rugby league. We need to continue to teach tackling techniques from an early age.”

Asked if the new rules could drive down participation, McQuarrie was direct with his response.

“One hundred per cent, it's important to teach the correct techniques early,” he said.

“If we wait until they’re eight, that’s when injuries can happen and kids leave the game.

“We're getting shown all these coaching courses, so coaches learn how to teach tackling and how to do it safely.”

Macarthur aren’t the only ones holding their ground, South Sydney Juniors announced their intentions last November.

“The Macarthur Board reached out to the clubs, and we all took a stand,” said McQuarrie.

“We voted, and the board agreed to fight for our position. I spoke to a lot of the parents at training, and they were all really happy that we are continuing with tackling.

“The problem is, the NRL brings in these ideas without any feedback. It would be better if they actually spoke to the parents, the ones who spend their weekends understanding what sports their kids like and don’t like.”

With a long held tradition of hosting grand finals on Campbelltown Stadium, the idea of non-competitive footy doesn’t rub with McQuarrie.

“Rugby league’s about fun, but children learn how to win and lose too – it happens in junior athletics, there’s first, second and third.”

“It’s a massive day for the kids at the stadium, and the build up during the week is equally as exciting.

“Grand final week is just another bonus, for the players and families it’s another chance to develop bonds and build connections.

“Sometimes the West Tigers players hand out the awards after the game, and the kids get the experience of going into the change rooms and running down the tunnel.”

The changes are part of the framework developed by the ARL Commission, and are designed to increase participation.