New partnership for RDJRL Charity Shield

The Rockhampton and District Junior Rugby League have announced a new and exciting partnership for their annual Under 14 Charity Shield, spearheaded by local former-NRL player Jamie Simpson.

Simpson's Tackle6 program, run in partnership with the Darumbal Community Youth Service, aims to use rugby league as a vehicle to address six major issues that hinder a student's ability to learn in a primary or high school setting.

The carnival had partnered with youth mental health service provider headspace for the past three years and the RDJRL's Michael Fletcher thanked them for their participation and contribution.

"I'd really like to thank headspace for their contribution and partnership over the last three years and as a League, we look forward to continuing our support with the organisation," Fletcher said.

"We believe that it is a good time to change the focus of the carnival, which we have done a few times in its eight-year history, to meet the needs of our local and travelling young men and women taking part in the carnival.

"We are working on having Jamie joined again by local former-NRL players Justin Loomans, PJ Marsh and David Faiumu, to assist in delivering a positive and powerful message to the players and staff."

The carnival is also set to continue raising funds for the Queensland Cancer Council and Camp Quality with more than $5000 raised in the previous seven years.

Simpson said he was looking forward to giving back to the community that has provided him with support throughout his journey.

"As the Tackle6 facilitator, I am really looking forward to giving back to the community as they have done so much to help me in my career as an NRL player, coach and mentor to all program participants," Simpson said.

"After delivering the program into schools around Central Queensland for the past five years, I feel that being involved in the carnival is a natural progression for Tackle6, as teaching these young footballers will in turn, empower them to teach others what they learn from the carnival."

Further information will be available in the new year.

RDJRL Charity Shield - 2019
Friday April 12 - Saturday April 13, 2019
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FLYER

MORE ABOUT THE TACKLE6 PROGRAM

The Tackle6 program aims to use rugby league as a vehicle to address six major issues that hinder a student's ability to learn in a primary or high school setting. Over the course of six sessions (six tackles), students will learn the following:

Tackle 1 - Communication
Tackle 2 - Leadership
Tackle 3 - Literacy
Tackle 4 - Self-Awareness
Tackle 5 - Teamwork
Tackle 6 - Anti-Bullying

The key points of the Tackle6 program are:

• Focussing on six potential problem areas that may hinder student learning abilities
• Student progress is analysed, and reports are developed to highlight problem areas
• Tackle6 actively engages students and encourages interaction between all students
• The program runs over a six-week period in which student skills are developed
• It provides a comfortable environment for students to understand one another