School rugby league returns in Queensland

School rugby league has made a triumphant return across Queensland after having a majority of competitions cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 95 local district rugby league competitions and 130 rugby league gala days and events will provide opportunities for every primary and secondary school in Queensland to play touch, tag or tackle rugby league; headlined by the flagship NRL Schoolboy Cup (Aaron Payne Cup and Allan Langer Trophy), NRL Schoolboy Trophy and Karyn Murphy Cup competitions which attract plenty of interest across the state.

These popular competitions kicked off this term with more than 340 school teams already registered across the three competitions, culminating in a state final for the open's divisions in September.

Queensland Secondary Schools Rugby League chair and Marsden State High School executive principal Andrew Peach said it was great for school rugby league to return with the immense support from the game's governing body.

"It’s great to have our school rugby league back in action in 2021 with competitions across the state for all levels of participation," Peach said.

"The support from the NRL to successfully run the range of competitions is of great assistance to all our schools and we look forward to another exciting year across Queensland. 

"School rugby league plays an important role in helping male and female students engage in healthy activities in a safe and supported environment and we look forward to another successful year in partnership with the NRL.”

NRL Queensland state development manager Matt Palin was proud to continue the partnership with schools to help the greatest game of all grow.

“It is fantastic to continue our partnership with both Queensland School Sport Rugby League committees in 2021," Palin said.

"After limited school rugby league in 2020 due to COVID, it was important we worked together to recommence all school rugby league in both secondary and primary schools in Queensland.

"The NRL game development and participation team have made it a priority in 2021 to continue to provide opportunities for every school throughout Queensland - no matter how big, small or remote - to play a version of our game whether that be touch, tackle or tag.

"We understand the important role sport has to play in schools and look forward to continually growing our offerings and engaging new schools to participate.”

The QRL and NRL, together with Queensland School Sport Rugby League committees, are committed to continue providing opportunities for all schools and students to be involved in the game, offering a range of participation offerings throughout the year.

These opportunities are in extension to the current involvement in club rugby league that is booming across the state; maximising participation of rugby league at all levels of the game.