QRL opens applications for development program

Author: Michael Hillier QRL Media
Timestamp: Thu 11 Feb 2021, 10:59 AM

Queensland Rugby League is encouraging aspirational junior players to register for the RISE player development program with the application process formally open today.

The exciting initiative will provide successful applicants with exposure to quality coaching over the course of five training sessions and competitive matches.

The program is open to male and female players who are 13 to 15 years of age, and are currently registered to a junior rugby league club.

Nineteen centres – from the Gold Coast in the southeast to Cairns in the north – are now preparing to welcome participants as part of the changes announced to statewide pathways for participants in October.

Training sessions, which commence in April, will be spread throughout the duration of the rugby league season to support development.

Program content will focus on the following three key areas of player development:

Technical and tactical skill development – aimed at developing players’ core skills and decision-making ability
Physical development – players will learn about safe and effective techniques to enhance their physical capability including strength, speed, and endurance
Socio-emotional development – Under the guidance of professionals from Griffith University and the Menzies Institute, players will develop tools to help them with challenges

Additional online resources and accreditations are available to all players as well.

After a successful coach and support staff application period, the calibre of coaching personnel involved in the program is growing by the day.

Former Intrust Super Cup coach Aaron Zimmerle and English Super League coach Shane McNally have committed to the program, along with ex-National Rugby League player Jack Reed and Jillaroos assistant coach Jamie Feeney.

Along with providing new openings for coaches, the program also provides opportunities for key support staff, including physical development coaches, sports trainers and program managers, to upskill and hone their craft.

QRL senior pathways and performance manager Brett Jones said more than 2000 aspirational players across the state were expected to participate.

“We’re extremely excited about the potential of this program, and what it can achieve for rugby league in Queensland,” Jones said.

“It’s about providing more players with access to a new level of mentoring and positively challenging players to develop their game and themselves to take the next step.

“As this program evolves, we’re confident that we’ll be able to help more and more players achieve their goal of playing in statewide and national competitions, which in turn increases the number of players eligible for Queensland Maroons selection.”

RISE has been developed in partnership with the NRL, Kangaroos and Jillaroos head coaches, as well as leading experts in skill acquisition and player development.

Coaches from around the state will gather on March 6-7 to finalise local training plans and learn from the likes of Mal Meninga and Neil Henry.

The program offers exceptional value for money with a one-off registration fee of $150 per player.