Parents and junior rugby league players will be part of a different league experience from 2017 onwards, with the code moving to ensure a more fun, friendly and free-flowing game for all to be a part of and Junior Registrations in the Parramatta Junior Rugby League are now open!
Parramatta Eels legend Nathan Cayless and Blue and Gold forward Tim Mannah recalled how they grew up playing rugby league, and have made some life long friends along the way!
“I started playing when I was 12, made some life long friends and now today, I have a really good mate and his son is playing Under 6’s just behind us,” Cayless said.
“You make some great friends, I am still really good mates with the boys I played with. Our kids are growing up together and they are all playing footy together as well.”
“We see so many kids out here, smiling and having fun, their parents are on the sideline with their kids having fun and everyone is having a great time,” Cayless added.
“I used to wake up Saturday mornings, look at the weather outside, and get really excited to get down to the park and play some footy,” Mannah said.
“Some of my best memories are getting down to the footy field and playing with your friends.”
“It’s not about winning or losing, or how many tries you score, it’s all about going out there, having fun with your friends in a safe environment,” Mannah added.
Visit www.nrl.com/play to register and get involved!
And whilst there are plenty of positive memories about making friends, Cayless and Mannah said the greatest positive to come out of playing rugby league in the Parramatta Junior Rugby League was how safe it had become for everybody involved.
“The best thing about playing junior footy, especially in the Parramatta Junior Rugby League, is we have the safe play code. It involves rules where you can’t tackle above the shoulders or swing kids around,” Mannah said.
It allows the kids to learn the game in a safe environment. What parents don’t realise is that it’s nothing like what they see on TV in the NRL, it’s a lot more modified and safer for kids to go out there and really enjoy themselves.”
And Cayless and Mannah were taken back by some of the talent on show, excited about what the future may hold for some of the young participants in the Parramatta Junior Rugby League.
“I think the biggest initiative that the NRL and all the clubs have come up with is increasing the amount of women and girls playing rugby league. We see a lot of Under 6’s here today, mixing it up with the boys, in a safe environment. It is all about them having fun and developing the basic skills,” Cayless said.
“In 10-15 years time, we will see these kids playing in the NRL and that is what the progression is for kids that playing junior league in Parramatta."
“It’s a crazy thought to think that there are kids here that will one day go out and play in the NRL. In 10-15 years time, these kids could be out there entertaining others,” Mannah said.
“I think that is why so many kids play. There is that dream and that chance and opportunity so I really encourage every kid out there to get involved, play for fun and you never know what may happen.”
Visit www.nrl.com/play to register and in the Parramatta Junior Rugby League and get involved today!
A different league, play junior league.
