Next crop of league lovers ready to take field

A new era is upon rugby league in the Far North, with an added focus on female and junior participation generating interest across the board.

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A new era is upon rugby league in the Far North, with a fresh focus on increasing junior and female participation.

Despite the weekend’s dreary weather, girls and women of all ages turned out to Jones Park on Saturday for a female rugby league information day.

The QRL’s Sheron McDougall said the event, which was hosted by the NRL and QRL in conjunction with the Cairns and District senior and junior leagues, was aimed at new players wanting to find out more about the sport.

GIRL’S GOT SKILLS: Jayrahni Nicholls playing for the Gordonvale U16s in the Pat Bailey Plate girls' rugby league tournament. Picture: BRENDAN RADKE

“We had new girls coming in from a number of different age groups,” she said.

“We had some little girls who were just starting out in the under-6s.

“We had other girls who had older brothers that played rugby league and now they are wanting to play as well.

“There is a very keen interest across the board.”

This season, girls will have more options than ever before when it comes to playing rugby league in the region.

From the under-6s to under-12s, girls play tackle with the boys in all age groups.

After turning 13, girls wishing to play tackle rugby league can register to one of the four clubs fielding teams in the CDJRL’s girls-only tackle competitions.

This year, Ivanhoes, Kangaroos, Edmonton and Southern Cyclones, a combined Innisfail and Tully club, will enter teams into the two girls-only age groups of under-14s and under-17s.

For more information about playing rugby league in 2019, contact your local club or local league.

Originally published as Next crop of league lovers ready to take field