News & Events

Player Development Framework Adopted Statewide for 2023

 

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK IMPLEMENTATION

 

The game-wide initiative has been developed by the Australian Rugby League Commission for implementation nationally, with NSWRL, QRL and affiliated states introducing the framework in different phases to be completed by 2026. They include:

• League Tag instead of tackle for Under 6s;
• transitioning from League Tag to tackle mid-season for Under 7s (players to start with League Tag as they undergo the Rugby League Ready program with tackle to commence by the June long weekend pending approval of zone managers);
• the phasing in of development competitions only (no grand finals) for age groups below and including Under 12s (in 2023 in NSW, this will be for age groups up to and including Under 9s);
• development competitions to still maintain scores and play for wins and losses to encourage children to compete and try their best, learning valuable lessons about winning and losing week in week out.

Bristow Named 2022 Weissel Medallist

Tumut’s Lachlan Bristow has taken out the 2022 Weasel Medal after a stellar season at hooker for the Blues. 

Group 9 hosted the Eric Weissel Medal Awards Ceremony on Wednesday night to celebrate another successful season. 

Bristow claimed the title after accumulating 17 points throughout the season. Temora’s Zachary Starr was runner up with 14 points, followed by Young’s Mitch Cornish and Joshua Ayers on on 13 and 11 points respectively. 

Bristow described the achievement as a “big honor”.

“Some great players before me have received it,” he said.

“It’s something I’ll no doubt look back on one day and feel proud.

“My teammates deserve a lot of credit though; they make my job so much easier and without them it wouldn’t be possible,” Bristow said.

In reserve grade, Cherrypickers’ Matthew Murray topped the pile on 16 points, followed by Junee’s Simin Wise on 13. 

The Diesels’ James Strickland came third on 12 points, ahead of Gundagai’s Kayden Bell and Albury’s Curtly Jenkinson who came in joint forth on 10 points. 

Temora’s Emily Perrot reaped the rewards of another fantastic season, comfortably claiming the league tag title on 25 points. Brothers’ Brooke Wiggett was next best on 19, followed by Thunder’s Jaxan Blackhall on 17 points. 

Albury’s Natasha Clemson, Bree Madden of Temora and Young’s Jamila Piercy were tied on 12 points in forth spot. 

Dragons captain coach Courtney McCrone said the team and club are proud of Perrot and her achievements.

“She’s a big part of our team’s success. Her kicking game is second to none and she’s so good in all areas of the game. Her ability to read a defensive lie and put people in holes,” McCrone said.

“She scores and sets up a lot of tries and is consistently one of our best players.

“She’s also very dedicated; we see her at Nixon park at 8am kicking goals on a winters morning before we play. I hope she builds even more confidence winning the medal count.”

McCrone explained what it was like to play alongside Perrot.

“She’s extremely competitive and pushes you to be better,” she said.

“At training, the goal will be for someone to beat Pez, but it doesn’t happen very often. 

“When you play alongside her you know she’s giving it 110% and if you miss a tag she’ll probably get it for you. I’m grateful she’s on our team.” 

In a tightly contested under 18s, South City’s Clarrie Harris topped the table on 14, followed by Young’s Brock Sing on 13. 

Junee’s Will McDermott and Temora’s Jed Reardon were tied for third on 12 points, whilst Tigers’ Cody Bell came forth on 11 points. 

Cohen Benson of Brothers took out the under 16s crown on 18 points ahead of Kangaroos’ Malakai Charles on 16 and Lachlan Cole on 12. 

Brothers’ Dylan Bendall and Junee’s Cooper Wright were tied in forth on 11 points. 

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Entry Form: https://group9rl.com.au/images/pdf/thunder-9-entry.pdf

 

 

Group 9 is delighted to announce Carlton as the competition's new major sponsor, with the competition set for a name change to the 'Great Northern Group 9 Competition' from 2022.

The deal will see Carlton sponsor the competition for the next four years.

Group 9 President Andrew Hinchcliffe said the board is extremely pleased to have sealed the partnership.

"We are ecstatic to have their (Carlton's) support," Hinchcliffe said.

"Carlton products are really popular and our clubs, volunteers, supporters and players often enjoy a beer.

"It's great to secure a major sponsor to a long term agreement; it creates stability and allows the board to concentrate on other meaningful areas."

Group 9 was partnered with it's previous major sponsor for over a decade and Hinchcliffe would like the new partnership to be just as longstanding.

"We are hopeful that the partnership with Carlton will be a strong one and fingers crossed a long one," he said.

"It's really important that big companies such as Carlton continue to support competitions like Group 9. Without the support of bigger corporate companies, it would be really difficult to survive as we currently operate.

"We wouldn't be able to support clubs, players and representative teams as we have and it would make it difficult to celebrate success and reward players and volunteers."

As a result of the new partnership, the competition will be renamed the 'Great Northern Group 9 Competition' and Carlton products will be sold through all game venues and club events.

"The Group 9 board are very grateful for the support from Carlton and we are looking forward to the season kicking off next weekend," Hinchcliffe concluded.