This week, it's PlayNRL Round, when the NRL celebrates grassroots rugby league across every game of Round 3 of the Telstra Premiership.
With most junior competitions set to kick off in the next weeks, Junior Rugby League is anticipating its biggest year yet with close to 100,000 players, across 8,800 teams and 1,300 clubs from the Under 6s to Under 18s, already registered for the 2015 season in Australia.
In the Parramatta District, we are hoping for another huge year in Junior Rugby League: last year, 6700 players took part across our 32 clubs, with even more expected in 2015.
We're also proud to boast a host of local juniors in our NRL side, led by our Captain - and Guildford Owls junior - Tim Mannah.
NRL Head of Football Todd Greenberg said rugby league at all levels was all about having fun, making friends and staying healthy and the NRL was using this round to help promote Junior Rugby League and thank those who help make it all possible.
"It's important that we continue to recognise the role Junior Rugby League plays in making the game of Rugby League a success on and off the field," he said.
"Playing sport and rugby league offers children numerous health, physical, social and academic benefits and the NRL is working continuously to improve the level of accessibility to our game and participants enjoyment," Greenberg said.
"This year we will see the introduction of a series of changes to the Modified Games in 2015 – this includes the Mini Footy and Mod League competitions and a new PlayNRL program that aims to offer participants a non-competitive and fun environment - through touch, tag and tackle options."
"It's also a time for current NRL players to give a shout out to their junior clubs and thank them for getting them to where they are."
Hit play to hear from Tim Mannah ahead of PlayNRL Round, when the Eels will travel to New Zealand to take on the Warriors. You'll also hear from our Holden Cup halfback, and proud Bell Block Marist Dragons (New Zealand) junior, Zach Dockar-Clay!
Join the conversation at #PlayNRL, get your tickets at nrl.com/tickets and get to a game this weekend. Celebrate the important roles every coach, player, referee, trainer and volunteer, at every level, plays in making rugby league the greatest game of all.
Those interested in joining the thousands of volunteers and players who love their League locally can sign up today at playnrl.com
