Everything you need to know to Play Something Unreal

Young Queenslanders across the state will have the chance to get a fun introduction to rugby league in a series of Play Something Unreal Festival events during the coming weeks.

The NRL, in conjunction with Queensland Rugby League, is once again delivering the entry-level program in 2023 so children can "come and try” rugby league and families learn more about how the game prioritises safety.

NRL game development manager for Queensland, Matt Palin, said it was exciting to be reconnecting with the community in so many parts of the state and introducing people of all abilities to the game.

Play Something Unreal Festival events will take place in Cairns, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Redcliffe, Emerald and Mackay in February, followed by more in Logan, Hervey Bay, Broadbeach and two on the Sunshine Coast.

Festivals in Townsville and Gladstone took place in January.

“Play Something Unreal Festival clinics are for people of all abilities to come down and have a taste of rugby league, no matter where you come from, and hopefully there’s a festival near everyone so they can participate,” Palin said.

“Play Something Unreal Festival clinics are for people of all abilities to come down and have a taste of rugby league, no matter where you come from.

"Find a festival near you and come and learn more about junior rugby league.

“There will be a clinic where children can come down and try rugby league with the support of our development staff, but it’s also about providing families with all they need to know.

"Mums, dads, grandparents and all family members can attend the parent information session to learn about rugby league for their child in their particular age group.

“It’s not just a clinic where children can come down and try rugby league with the support of our development staff... it’s also about families, so mum, dad, grandparents and all family members can attend to learn about rugby league for their child in their particular age group.

“A lot of the local junior rugby league clubs will have tents there as well, so during the clinic or at the end of the clinic once families have found out more information, they’ll be able to talk to the volunteers from the local clubs and hopefully sign on for their junior rugby league club for this year.”

Palin said the education on offer at the festivals was focused on informing families of the development process young players went through to ensure they could play the game safely, starting with Rugby League Tag in under 6s and the Tackle Ready program in under 7s.

“Tackle Ready allows kids aged six and seven to find their way in the sport," Pallin said.

"Delivered by accredited game development officers, the six-session program is designed to develop a child’s confidence and competence in tackle situations, teaching them safe and effective techniques in a controlled environment.

“It’s both about learning how to tackle, and just as importantly how to be tackled and will provide comfort to mums and dads to show we’re committed to helping their children develop the tools that will help them have the most enjoyable experience possible.

"Each child finds their own unique way of doing things and the program focuses on providing some fundamental guidance on how to negotiate tackle situations safely and effectively.”

The Play Something Unreal Festival events are the start of a number of initiatives to engage rugby league fans alongside Roads to Regions, League Stars and school blitzes planned across 2023.

To register to any of the upcoming Play Something Unreal Festival events near you, visit www.playrugbyleague.com/play and enter your postcode.

Play Something Unreal Festivals