Female rugby league in the Far North enters a new era in 2016 with a proposed club competition for girls aged between 12–18 years old.
Rugby league is the sport of choice for an ever-growing number of girls, with almost 300 girls in the Cairns District participating in Train & Play school-based programs and exhibition games in 2015.
Girls have the opportunity to play club rugby league in mixed teams from 5-12 years, with participation from 13–17 years (until now) limited to all-female programs, carnivals and events pre-dominantly school based, before girls are eligible to play Open Women’s Rugby League.
QRL Cairns District Operations Manager Sheron McDougall said the interest for a club-based competition in the Cairns District was high.
“Girls are looking to play rugby league on a regular basis and club competition is an obvious transition, following on from the strong participation growth in our district,” McDougall said.
“This development is the culmination of the programs put in place by the FNQ NRL Game Development team and supported by schools, clubs and families.
"The NRL Development and QRL staff will continue to work with the game stakeholders to provide experiences, opportunities and support to enable players of all ages, gender and ability to play rugby league."
The Cairns District Women’s Rugby League will administer the female club competition working closely with the local junior leagues, and recently held their AGM with the committee excited by the opportunities a regular season competition will present.
“We are hopeful of a competition format with Under 12, Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18 (teams) in 2016,” CDWRL President Leisha Kennedy said.
“A number of clubs have indicated they will welcome girls registering for the 2016 season, and we look forward to this step forward for rugby league in our region.
“Girls wishing to register for 2016 can contact their local junior rugby league club for details.”
The league is also inviting girls aged between 13-18 years to trial for teams to travel to Mackay in early March for the All-Female Club Carnival.
The trials will be held each Tuesday afternoon during February with the first trial at Jones Park, Mann St Westcourt from 5.30pm.
For further information contact Cairns District Women’s Rugby League President Leisha Kennedy - Mob 0417 171 931
