Juniors get chance to play league

Children can now play rugby league without having to consistently travel to Perth with the South West Warriors Rugby League Club announcing the setup of its own junior competition.

The South West Junior Rugby League will begin in April, with nine teams from the region due to compete in its inaugural year.

The teams for the competition are the Harvey Broncos, Australind Tigers, Australind Cowboys, Dalyellup Rhinos, Donnybrook Raiders, Eaton Panthers, Bunbury Titans, Busselton Bears and the Collie Knights.

Expansion has also been touted in the future, with sides planned for Dunsborough and Margaret River.

Each side will train in their respective areas, but will play games at the new Hay Park facilities on Friday evenings.

The divisions will go from under-6s to under-12s, with more than 500 children expected to compete in the competition’s first year.

South West Warriors vice- president Terry Evans said the club set up the league to help develop young players in the region.

“It was now time to make rugby league local and bring the sport here, ” he said.

“It is about giving kids opportunities in the sport.”

The South West Warriors club will continue to run representative teams which will play in the various NRL WA league competitions.

“All the players from the local clubs will still be able to have their players compete in the regional representative teams, ” Evans said.

Evans said each club would target about 60 children for the 2016 season.

“The beauty of rugby league is it is a sport for kids of all shapes and sizes, ” he said.

“Team sports are proven to teach important values in life.”