Women’s league driving interest from juniors
EACHAM Junior Rugby League president Anthony Ball says the Atherton Tableland could boast its own girls competition next season with participation rates skyrocketing since the inception of the NRLW competition.
More than 50 girls attended a development clinic in Atherton at the weekend hosted by NRLW stars Kate Haren, Heather Ballinger and Tahlulah Tillett.
With some girls travelling from as far away as Tully to participate, Ball said much of the credit belonged to Eacham’s strong core of volunteers who had driven the spike in girls playing.
“It really said. is brilliant,” he
“Five years ago if you had told me we’d have a junior girls competition I would have thought you were crazy.
“It’s a big possibility. Not in every age group but a few age groups could possibly have their own competition.”
“Once upon a time girls would play until they were 12 and then finish up but not anymore.”
Innisfail’s Haren represented the Dragons last season while former Cairns star Ballinger won a premiership in the national competition last September.
Ball said having an Australian representative in Ballinger mentor young girls sent a strong message to those girls.
“To have a premiership winner and an international come to the Tablelands is outstanding and they were all excellent,” he said. “We’re making good strides and providing pathways which really is exciting.”
Following the positive response from girls keen to be involved, more clinics will be run in the future, Ball said.
Tablelands girls interested in playing next season are urged to contact their nearest junior club for more information.