Rugby League Townsville and District (RLTD) has launched a pre-season Nines competition for Under 18 girls, to encourage young athletes to participate in the greatest game of all.
The four-week challenge will be hosted at the Rugby League Townsville and District grounds at Kern Brothers Drive in Kirwan on Saturdays, kicking off with the first round this weekend on 27 April, through to 18 May.
Interested players are encouraged to attend the RLTD grounds 30 minutes prior to kick-off, with teams being constructed on the day. Along with the RLTD, all local clubs will be supporting the competition by providing playing jerseys.
For North Queensland Toyota Cowboys NRLW Head Coach Ricky Henry, the competition provides an important step in the pathway to the elite level, and a means to unearth the next generation of local talent.
“Creating strong pathways is a key factor for us to build the long term success of the NRLW,” he said.
“With women’s rugby league continuing to grow from strength to strength in the region it’s become as important as ever to ensure a strong field of young talent continues to flourish at a local level.
“As a club entering our second season in the NRLW competition it’s vital for us to continue to foster local talent, and the Under 18’s age group is such a crucial stage in the development pathway.
“Since joining the club, it’s been clear how much rugby league means to the area and how important it is for us to continue our commitment to growing the game in our region, encouraging participation wherever we can.”
The pre-season competition will allow young athletes to get an early taste for rugby league, getting a feel for the basics before committing to an U18, 13-a-side game.
With enough interest, a full 10 week, female 13-a-side club competition will be established for the 2024 season.
RLTD Chair, Roger Whyte highlighted the need to encourage more female U18 participants.
“The RLTD champions female participation in Rugby League, we believe the U18 Girls age group is critical to the overall success of the Blackhawks and NRLW Cowboys pathways along with maintaining a strong competitive RLTD Open Women’s Competition,” he said.
“We are calling for more U18 Girl registrations.”
The formation of a successful RLTD U18 girls competition could also provide an opportunity for higher honours for local talent, with the chance to be selected to represent RLTD in matches against the Far North and Mackay.
Any queries regarding participation in the U18 girls Nines competition, or anyone interested in registering to play this season can be directed to admin@rltd.com.au.
RLTD U18 Girls Nines
Dates & Location:
Rugby League Townsville & District Grounds
Kern Brothers Drive, Kirwan
- 27 April, 1.10pm Field 3
- 4 May, 2.00pm Field 1
- 11 May, 5.00pm Field 1
- 18 May, 4.15pm Field 1
How to participate:
Attend the RLTD Grounds, in Club apparel and rugby league playing attire, on the above dates. Please arrive a minimum of 30 minutes prior to kick off.
Participants that have not registered with a club but wish to participate in the Nines, will need to email admin@rltd.com.au with their name, date of birth, address and contact particulars (email and mobile number) so that insurance can be arranged.
Competition Rules:
The laws of the game are the same as standard rugby league with the following exceptions:
- Each team is allowed no more than nine players on the field at any time;
Unlimited substitutions are allowed from the bench; - Games last for 18 minutes, divided into two 9-minute halves. There will be a 2-minute interval;
- Scrums consist of no more than 5 forwards, with 3 in the front row and 2 in the second row;
- After a try, a conversion is attempted by way of a drop kick;
- When points have been scored the non-scoring team will restart the game with a tap restart from the centre of the half-way line; and
- When a team is awarded a penalty then they restart with a tap, 10-metres in advance of where the infringement took place.
