The NSWRL's plan to run weight-restricted competitions for smaller-built players has gained momentum with almost 200 boys and girls taking part in a Gala Day at Sydney's Riverwood Park recently.
Eight teams in Under 11s (boys and girls) and six teams from Under 13s (boys) Junior Rugby League Clubs from across Sydney took part as NSWRL works towards opportunities for a more equal playing field when it comes to player sizes.
NSWRL League and Club Co-Ordinator Luke Wright said the concept evolved following the analysis of weights data over the past two years, initially from Penrith District Junior Rugby League across the U11 and U13 age groups.
“We weighed all the kids and in the Under 13s, there were some players as light as 30kg and other players who were well over 100kg,” Wright said.
The same weights data was gathered across the Cronulla-Sutherland District Junior Rugby League this year and in the Under 13s there was again evidence of weight disparity.
From this came the Weight Restricted Gala Day at Riverwood Park last month with 194 players taking part in the event allowing them the chance to better test their skills.
NSWRL Weight Restricted Gala Day | Video
“Every player was weighed in at the start of the day with 45kg being the limit for Under 11s and 55kg for Under 13s,” Wright said.
“It’s about providing a more comfortable experience for those smaller players who are a little delayed in their physical development.
“We’ve had great feedback from parents and players alike that it gave their children more confidence. They got to try different positions and they were more involved in matches.
“With the equalisation of weight, we see more passes utilised and more attacking football as there are less line breaks naturally due to size advantages.”
Wright said almost every participant (98 per cent) said they would take part in another Weight Restricted Gala Day and most agreed the weight limits were suitable.
“Other positives from the day included feedback that they enjoyed the Gala Day atmosphere with music, playing against teams they normally wouldn’t meet and making new friends,” he said.
Each participant received a NSWRL football and each team received a gift pack containing NSW Blues Merchandise.
The plan is to hold a second Gala Day in the 2025 pre-season with a view to starting a weight-and-age competition in the not too distant future.
“We’ll need to get more momentum but we think that is building,” Wright said.
