This post has been on my 'to write list' all week and I am delighted to finally have some time to put pen to paper about one of the biggest stories in Rugby League this year. What I'm talking about is the new partnership between the NRL and Touch Football Australia which was announced and launched on Tuesday 13 August 2013.
This is a positive move for the NRL for so many reasons - but the most important is that this means that another 2 million people across Australia are considered rugby league players. With such huge numbers and the potential for increased growth, this merger means the creation of an extremely powerful sporting community.
What is particularly exciting for @LadiesWhoLeague is that this now means that more women are considered to be playing Rugby League. We are also positive about this merger because it creates a link between families and the NRL which needs to be promoted if the NRL is going to continue to be the dominant sport in Sydney.
Over the years, there have been questions from parents about the safety of their kids when they play rugby league. Children develop differently and at different ages meaning often, quick children who are smaller can often be completely dominated by bigger kids making it unlikely that they continue to play rugby league and see an increasing number of parents move their kids to soccer or AFL. The NRL cannot afford to be losing youngsters as it is their participation, interest and love of the game which will determine whether NRL continues to be strong and well supported amongst the next generation. This merger gives parents an option when considering what kids their sport will play and will allow kids to develop many of the fundamental skills needed for rugby league in a sport with far less contact.
Many NRL stars also seem delighted by this merger. The announcement saw Sonny Bill Williams, Anthony Minichello and Josh Morris celebrating the launch at Allianz Stadium.
Together, the NRL and TFA now represent one of the strongest sporting communities in the country. It brings another 1.03 million participants together and adds further to the 844,000 girls and boys who currently participate in the NRL Development programs each year. With such huge participation, it is a venture the government cannot ignore - this will become increasingly relevant when the government considers its sports funding.
This move by the NRL should be applauded - it will see our game continue to grow. It will also foster a link between the NRL and families, which has been lacking for so long.
Love,
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