Want to see a group of clubs demonstrating some of the best of NSWRL’s values of being united, courageous, innovative, and leaving a legacy?
Look no further than Group 7 on the NSW south coast.
Here four clubs accepted an invitation by NSWRL to be part of a Development Competition for the rest of the 2024 season.
Why? Because among the 28 teams in the Under 13s First and Second Division there were six teams suffering heavy defeats every week.
Group 7 officials headed by President Kevin Whitford then set up a Merged Competition Committee to find a solution or risk losing young players from Rugby League.
“It was a matter of going back to the clubs and saying there’s a need still here, so do you want to try this?” Whitford told nswrl.com.au
“We put it out to six clubs to have a Development Competition and four of them took it up, which has been really good.”
Players from the Kiama Knights, Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs (both pictured above), Berkeley-Port Kembla, and Shellharbour Stingrays can now look forward to strapping on their boots each weekend.
“There’s nothing more soul-destroying for young players to be beaten by such big margins. We decided to give them a competition which was more fair for their level of play.
“After the first weekend, the comments that flowed back were very encouraging. Kids that were being comprehensively beaten all year were all of a sudden competitive, enjoying tight contests, scoring tries and even getting a win.”
Teams in the Development Competition do not play in a finals series or for competition points.
“They are playing for the pure enjoyment of a good game of footy,” Whitford said.
Kiama Knights secretary Kristie Laird said the 13-years age group always had some boys physically maturing more quickly than others.
“For us our team was struggling and some of the players were losing interest and becoming disengaged with the game,” she told nswrl.com.au
“We were approached by the NSWRL and decided to join the merged competition.
"For us it’s not about winning a premiership but developing our players and having an environment, where they can continue to build their skills and confidence.
“We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from our parents and coaches because a few had earlier told us their kids were reconsidering playing next year," she said.
“Now there’s a real vibe and passion back at training. These boys are once again loving their football.”
