RISE development program registrations open for 2024

Author: Jacob Grams QRL community content producer
Timestamp: Mon 4 Mar 2024, 10:05 AM

Registrations are now open for 2024 RISE programs throughout Queensland, providing players all the skills and knowledge they need to go to the next level in rugby league.

Emerging players will have the opportunity to participate in a series of five face-to-face sessions in 12 locations across the state, designed to improve technical skills and knowledge and support personal growth.

In addition, a number of RISE camps held over multiple consecutive days will operate in select regional and remote areas to ensure as many players and coaches as possible can access this development opportunity.

Learn more about RISE and register for your nearest program here.

These programs are available to boys in under 13, under 14, under 15 and girls in under 14 and under 16 age groups.

QRL general manager pathways and performance Glenn Ottaway said RISE was an important development opportunity for both players and coaches.

"The RISE program is a talent development program aimed at 13-15 year-old boys and 13-16 year-old girls who have a true aspiration in the game and are committed to learning and developing their technical, physical and socioemotional skills," Ottaway said.

"The RISE program is the start of the QRL performance pathway and incorporates an industry leading coach development program that provides a platform for coaches who wish to progress through the pathways programs or improve their coaching knowledge to assist them in their roles at their community rugby league club."

These programs will culminate in participants having the opportunity to participate in the QRL rebel State Development Series, being hosted in multiple locations across the state to allow players to apply the skills learnt through RISE.

The QRL and NRL will welcome key staff involved in each program at a statewide conference at Griffith University's South Bank campus on April 6-7, where they will receive knowledge from world leading coaches and researchers on world class talent development.

Former Brisbane Broncos star and England representative Jack Reed, who is now a development officer with his former NRL club, will be head coach of the Sunshine Coast program again in 2024 and said RISE presented a huge opportunity to teach skills and unite people from different community clubs towards a common goal.

"At the end of the day, kids are always looking to better themselves and love the game of rugby league and what it offers, but this is a great chance to develop yourself individually as a player and a person, which I think is a huge thing for these kids," Reed said.

"You learn new skills, you make new friendships, you build a rapport, which I think is really exciting for these kids.

Jack Reed will coach the Sunshine Coast program in 2024. Photo: Jacob Grams/QRL

"I get really excited the fact that I can work in my region where I grew up as a junior. I remember being part of the Caboolture Snakes and Bribie Island Warrigals and to think back if we had a former NRL player that was really excited to help grassroots rugby league, that would've been a huge thrill.

"So being able to do that every year to throw my hand up and be a part of a huge program on the Sunshine Coast is exciting for me and I hope the kids get a kick out of it and learn a bit more about their rugby league and their pathway and their rugby league journey."

More details on coaches in each location will be announced closer to the start of each program.

Online registrations for each of the programs close three weeks prior to the first session.

See the full list of program locations and start dates below. Find out more about RISE and register for your local program here.