More than 4000 children from 200 schools will converge on Western Sydney for Australia’s biggest junior rugby league carnival, the 71st NSWRL All Schools Carnival, to be held across three days, starting Monday (27 July).
Teams and players will travel from all parts of the state – from Kingscliff and Kyogle, to Tamworth, Gerringong and Port Macquarie – and participants will be accompanied by more than 200 volunteers, referees, first-aid officers and ground managers.
NSWRL will make use of five separate Western Sydney playing fields, with St Marys’ eight-field Whalan Reserve being the main hub of activity, and St Marys League Stadium hosting the finals for the four competitions – Primary (Monday), Secondary (Tuesday) and Elite and Girls (Wednesday).
The biggest day of the carnival (Monday), will see 100 primary schools and more than 1500 children represent their districts.
NSWRL Chief Executive, David Trodden, said the NSWRL All Schools Carnival is an outstanding tournament that helps develop rugby league talent as well as foster qualities like teamwork and sportsmanship in young boys and girls.
“The All Schools Carnival is a wonderful event that promotes a healthy and active lifestyle to young people and also one that highlights how important rugby league is to so many people across the Australian landscape,” Trodden said.
“Our future begins with these children and, with such good numbers once again getting involved in the Carnival, it shows what a great future that will be.
“We place a high value on the long-standing relationship, which we have with school football in general, and the All Schools Carnival in particular.
“I’m excited about what will be three great days of high-quality, good-spirited junior rugby league.”
Among the next generation of rugby league talent who will take part in the All Schools Carnival are Matt Arthur, the son of Parramatta Eels coach Brad Arthur, and Wendell Sailor’s sons, Tristan Sailor and Jackson Watson; while former Origin stars including the True Blues will be in attendance. Jillaroo Ruan Sims will present awards following competition on Wednesday.
A summary of daily results will be made available each evening on the NSWRL website – www.nswrl.com.au.
WHO: NSW Rugby League’s next generation
WHAT: NSWRL All Schools Carnival
WHERE: Whalan Reserve, Peter Van Hasselt Park, Hickeys Park, Kingsway and St Marys (finals only)
WHEN: Monday 27 July (Primary), Tuesday 28 July (Secondary) and Wednesday 29 July (Elite/Girls)
