Weight-for-age levels playing field for rugby league juniors

Penrith Panthers have launched NSW’s first weight-for-age rugby league comp, making junior footy more safe and accessible for youngsters and bringing back players thought lost to the game.

They’ve already smashed NRL barriers, now Penrith are rewriting the rule book, proudly launching NSW’s first-ever weight-for-age competition – a bold move set to redefine junior pathways and open doors for those thought lost to the game.

Spearheaded by Panthers Juniors general manager Blake South, the initiative features players aged 11-12 weighing 50kg or less competing in fully-fledged 13-a-side tackle footy.

Long mooted in league circles to promote participation and avoid unhealthy match-ups, the initiative has rapidly evolved in the space of a month, transitioning from concept to last weekend’s kick-off.

“The feedback we received was way higher than what we thought we would actually get,” said South.

“There were around 110 replies of interest in the first 15 minutes. It was crazy.

“In the space of four weeks we’d gone from nothing to playing a NSWRL approved opening round of a 10-team competition with 200 registered players.”

Declan Stone, 11, Kurt Burton,11, and Cooper Daniels, 11, pictured at the Panthers Rugby League Academy. Declan’s mother says she was scared to let her son play rugby league until the weight-for-age comp came along. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Games are centrally located at one venue each Sunday over an eight-week period, culminating in finals. As an added incentive, participants benefit from free registration and a coveted Panthers heritage jersey.

“The main goal is to get kids to focus on skills and development without the added pressure and fear of heavier contact,” South said.

Penrith’s immediate success is a beacon, especially when stacked against similar trials elsewhere.

“They ran a trial in Queensland six weeks ago with six teams from the Tweed to the Gold Coast, so we’re pretty wrapped to be fielding 10 teams within our district alone,” South noted, highlighting the unprecedented impact.

“A lady approached me at the opening round and said, ‘thanks for organising this, my son hasn’t played since he was seven.’”

It was an experience shared by Kirsty Steel, whose son Declan Stone was still beaming days after starring on the wing like his favourite Panther Brian To’o.

“It was really good for us because he’s only 34kg,” said Kirsty of Declan, who gives away more than 60kg to his Origin hero.

Action from Penrith’s new weight-for-age competition for 11- to 12-year-olds. Picture: Scott Morris Photography

“He’s always wanted to play, but I wouldn’t allow him to because I was scared he’d get hurt. He played soccer until this came up, and he asked to do it.

“He was very scared beforehand, because he didn’t know what to expect. But once he was out on the field, I saw his face light up, then afterwards he couldn’t stop talking about it.”

As for a favourite moment, Declan couldn’t go past the joy accompanying his team’s first try.

“It was one of my schoolmates who scored - it was the best, and I chased him down to join in,” Declan said.

It’s a powerful message underscoring the competition’s immediate ability to lure forgotten players back to the game, and looking ahead, South can already visualise expansion on the horizon.

“The long term goal is to establish a competition all year round in line with existing Saturday competitions. And also expand to include additional age groups from under-8s to 14s,” South revealed.