2024 saw a year of growth and success for Rugby League in the Newcastle and Hunter Region.
The partnership between the NRL Game Development team and the nib Newcastle Knights saw over 10,000 students across the region participate in over 50 game development events.
Participation numbers continue to grow across both male and female formats across the Hunter region.
For some students, school gala days can be their first taste of Rugby League.
In recent years, there has been a number of restructures to school participation events and we now cater for all students from Stage 1 who start with our alternate offering of League-tag, right through to Year 12.
Our primary school offerings now align with the NRL Player Development Framework and are non-competitive with an emphasis on fun and participation.
In the secondary ages, the NRL Newcastle Knights Hunter Premiership covers the state-wide competitions for both males & females, with the NRL Knights 9's taking place at the back end of the year as a local offering for the students to engage and give the game a go.
The secondary gala days will also see a Beach Touch offering moving into the future which is an exciting initiative.
A key event on the calendar included the largest ever league tag carnival, which saw participation of over 800 students on the one day.
"The Newcastle Knights are proud to partner with the NRL Game Development team to create opportunities for young players to experience rugby league, while strengthening our connection with the community," Knights Director of Football Peter Parr said.
“The alignment between the Newcastle Knights and the NRL Game Development Team is crucial for the growth of rugby league in the Hunter region, particularly within our local schools," Regional Game Development Manager – Northern Corridor Matt Sharman said.
"This partnership helps provide a number of quality offerings and promotes our sport across the community to both girls and boys from an early age."
Local players such as Tom Cant, Jesse Southwell, Kayla Romaniuk, Lilly-Ann White, have progressed through from participating in local events and we are excited to see the likes of Cody Hopwood who has just completed school at All Saints’ College, Maitland have all participated in events since their primary school days.
"Exposure to local Gala days can inspire students to join local community clubs and inspire students to keep playing outside of school, fostering a lifelong passion for the sport," Mr J. Rowe said. (Thornton PS Teacher)
"These programs and events are integral to the development of Rugby League within our region. Following our gala days, students can participate in our League Stars programs or are encouraged to sign up for their local Hunter Junior Rugby League club,” NRL Game Development Officer Luke Lawrence said.
