QRL’s bold decision to change way league is played leads to growth

In 2021 the Queensland Rugby League shook up the foundations of the game by banning tackling in under-six competitions. Three years later, QRL CEO Ben Ikin reveals if they made the right call.

Queensland Rugby League CEO Ben Ikin watches on as TJRL players finish a race during the announcement of a Queensland Maroons Fan Day in Toowoomba ahead of State of Origin Game 2. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Five years ago Queensland Rugby League was at a crossroads.

The growth of the junior game was a concern and officials decided action was needed.

Brought into play in 2021, changes to the Player Development Framework were criticised by the sections of the rugby league community.

Those changes however are responsible for the growth of the game and its increased safety according to current QRL CEO Ben Ikin.

“There were some concerns (about the game) about four or five years ago,” Ikin said.

“The QRL board was brave enough to roll out the player development framework which made some changes to how the game was played – made it a bit safer.

“It didn’t land easily but QRL courageously pushed it through and we came out the other side and those policy changes have now been seen to positively impact participation.

“You couple that with how good the elite game is going and all of sudden you have more people interested in the game and a safer way to play the game.

“With the growth of the female side of rugby league there has been an explosion of interest and engagement that has put the game in a really good spot.”

TJRL players (from left) Haimish-Lee Kennett (Highfields U10), Archer Densley (Southern Suburbs U11) and Eli Karaka (Newtown U9) at the announcement that the Queensland Maroons will visit Toowoomba for a fan day and training ahead of Game 2. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Western Clydesdales player Ali Brigginshaw runs through some skill drills with Toowoomba Junior Rugby League players. Picture: Kevin Farmer

With growing concerns about concussion at every level of the game the primary focus of the redevelopment was player safety.

In 2021 under-6 competitions were run exclusively as TAG football and the Tackle Ready Program was introduced to U7 players.

“With the rising issue of concussion at the elite level that also exists in the community game the QRL had to look at ways to safely introduce players to what is a fairly heavy contact sport,” Ikin said.

“Part of that was non-contact for under-6s to get them to understand to move on the field without the fear of heavy contact, the Tackle Ready program that teaches how to tackle and how to be tackled.

“For some people that may have been seen as tearing at the fabric of the game but the game had to find as safe as possible and it will continue to evolve to become safer at the community level.

“Because rugby league and the QRL specifically stuck solid at this we’ve come out the other side reaping the benefits.

“Change is never easy in life, it is particularly hard in rugby league.

“But we know even with the introduction of Mini and Mod (rugby league) more than 40 years ago that if you think in your mind by now if had not changed we would’ve had 13 six-year-old playing 13 six-year-olds on a full field and how ridiculous that would seem.

“Sometimes while change is hard is definitely necessary.”