Zenadth Kes Rugby League in the Torres Strait (Thursday Island) is set for increased registrations in 2018, with new participation options within competitions for men, women and children.
Terry Abednego (president of ZKRL and NRL Volunteer of the Year in 2016) said they had close to 150 senior men’s players registered in 2017 and with two more men’s teams a possibility in 2018, it could be the biggest year yet.
In saying that, Northern Division are putting a strong emphasis on compliance once again across the three grades with accreditation within all team staff required.
Zenadth Kes Junior Rugby League only had 25 players registered in 2016 – but that was until George Nona became president in 2017. There were more than 160 players playing in a regular competition last year alone.
George brings with him pride and passion and holds enormous amount of respect within the community. He also has the backing of community volunteers with his vision of getting little champions playing the Greatest Game of All.
This season is also the start of some major girls and women’s participation, with a Women’s NRL League Tag competition tapping onto the men’s regular season.
Marita Sagigi was excited about women being given the opportunity to regularly play in a new version of the game.
Encouraging women to take part in NRL League Tag and then offering them the opportunity to take part in tackle representative pathways and carnivals is a massive step forward for more women to get involved and get active.
These Easter holidays saw the NRL and QRL conducting Outer Island visits promoting NRL League Tag for women and girls, along with education courses being held on Thursday Island. This all adds to the strength of rugby league in the Torres Strait.
Robbie Moore QRL Northern Division Assistant Manager is excited for the year ahead and it only reinforces that rugby league is the number one sport of choice for the people and communities of the region.
The love for the sport they have is enormous and it’s just going from strength to strength.
With the inclusion of the NRL League Tag, numbers will continue to grow once again and provide inclusion for all to participate in the game they love.
Further information, call QRL Assistant Division Manager Robbie Moore on 0437662950 or email rj.moore@qrl.com.au.
(Main image: Terry Abednego, Athima Nona, Cassie McGuire, Kendall Jones and Marita Sagigi)
