Roads to Regions back in 2022

Anyone and everyone belongs in the great game of rugby league.

And that will be the key message as the NRL, with support from Queensland Rugby League, hit the state’s central and northern regions in March and April to connect with the community and exhibit why our game is the best of all.

Delayed because of COVID, the Roads to Regions tour will now kick-off on Monday, March 21 and take in a number of towns, including Gayndah, Longreach, Blackall and Cooktown.

NRL game development officer Sarah Walker said the program was rescheduled to fall just after the Hostplus Cup’s Harmony Round, with the intent of continuing to push the themes of diversity and inclusion.

“Inclusion and diversity is the key theme we’ll be delivering in the school space and at the junior rugby league clubs, where we’ll be doing some come and try days,” Walker said.

“We want to spread that message while also welcoming community members who are yet to sign on.

“We want to give them a taste test of what they can expect if they were to sign on and play rugby league.”

Walker said Roads to Regions was not just important for spreading awareness of rugby league and its core values – such as inclusion and diversity – but to also connect with the community and let them engage with current or former players.

“It’s not very often our regional or remote communities have the opportunity to run around and kick the footy with those players,” Walker said.

“It’s also for our coaches who are just as much rugby league fans as what our kids are.

“We can give them the opportunity to be coached by our top level players on what is important for players to learn from their coaches and the most beneficial things the NRL players got out of their coaches.

“A lot of what you’ll hear from them is that their coach cared and was fun and engaging and these events are about taking the time to send those key messages.

“It’s not just about seeing players but sending those messages around inclusion and diversity.

“No matter gender, age, race, ability, we want everyone apart of our game.”

To register to play rugby league or to join a come and try clinic, visit www.playrugbyleague.com/play.