IN 2017 the National Rugby League (NRL), in collaboration with the game’s major stakeholders, set about conducting extensive research and analysis into game delivery and player development models.
This led to the creation of the Player Development Framework.
The framework is aimed at attracting and retaining participation, fostering personal development, and transitioning talented players into high performance settings.
One early element of the framework is TackleReady, a six-session program which teaches young players safe and correct tackling techniques as they transition from non-contact versions of the sport.
On Sunday, 18 May the final stage of this program was delivered to 19 Under 7 teams across the Group 3 Rugby League catchment.
Participants in this program included Grace from the Wauchope Blues Junior Rugby League Football Club (JRLFC) and Jax from the Port Macquarie Blues JRLFC.
“Today they taught us how to tackle safely,” said Grace.
“They told us to go around the hips.”
The session was the first time young Jax had played tackle rugby league.
“It was great,” he said, “especially all the running.”
By Kim AMBROSE
