RISE and rebel: Paving the pathway

All players and coaches complete the RISE player and coach development program over five sessions in preparation for the QRL rebel State Development Series. 

As QRL RISE coordinator Tammy Quirke puts it, the combination of increased access to playing opportunities and structured training programs is designed to support ongoing participation in community rugby league while preparing male and female players for future pathway opportunities at Hostplus Cup and BMD Premiership clubs.

“Critically, RISE and the rebel State Development Series are addressing the challenge of talent identification in a physical contact sport,” Quirke said.

“Our carnival fixtures last year were like a reward. This year there’s more of a focus on using the rebel State Development Series as an overarching banner to recognise that competition is a healthy part of development and the coaching process, but we need to do it well. 

“We recognise the under 17 boys and girls through the City v Country program, and the under 16 boys with the Cyril Connell Challenge. The rebel State Development Series is building the foundation with RISE to prepare players and coaches for Cyril Connell Challenge and Harvey Norman Under 19 environments."

Quirke said the aim was to have 3500 children across the state take part, “hopefully achieving 180 teams entering the series”.

“Last year around 1700 took part across the state… so big jump from 1700 to 3500 target,” Quirke said.

“In some circumstances we had children who were unable to take part due to timing within other sports, school holiday timing, senior grand finals, the Hostplus grand final. This year we have split carnival days. Younger age groups in July school holidays. Then our under 15 boys rolling out in the September school holidays after a full year of club football.”

Quirke said the RISE programs were run by RISE committees in each of the  program areas, with the committees – each including representatives from the statewide competitions clubs, league boards, local clubs and QRL - taking on a role for decision making, planning and logistics for RISE and rebel.

"Our aim is to connect and unite all levels of the game to establish a development model that supports participation, while supporting players who aspire with access to age appropriate opportunities," Quirke said.

“Players will upskill on the field, but also develop their characters through life fit and adopting life skills that will help that face challenges off the field."

rebel State Development Series carnival fixtures

The Under 13 and Under 14 male and Under 14 and Under 16 female carnivals

To see how many teams are registered for each region and to register, click here.