Wednesday, 05th August 2009
Rugby League completed an emphatic show of strength in its heartland of western Sydney today as the NSW Rugby League recorded its largest participation for an All Schools Knockout in the tournament’s 65-year history.
The three-day junior Rugby League extravaganza at five western Sydney venues drew just under 4000 players from around the state and hundreds more volunteers, teachers, referees, officials and supporters.
NSWRL General Manager Geoff Carr said the Knockout’s success reflected the growing participation rate at a junior level in the code’s most important nursery.
“We have a substantial junior playing base in western Sydney that is still growing and the size and scope of the All Schools Knockout is a perfect example of that,” Carr said today.
“Our participation figures for 2009 which are soon to be announced will further reinforce the outstanding job our development staff and Academies are doing in western Sydney.”
Today’s ‘elite secondary schools’ draw attracted NRL player agents and recruitment staff eager to unearth the game’s next batch of stars.
League powerhouse schools such as Westfield and Endeavour Sports High took on the likes of Patrician Brothers Blacktown and Newcastle’s Hunter Sports High.
Watching on today at Whalan Reserve was Penrith Panthers and NSW Origin star Michael Jennings, who made a visit to see his younger brother Robert star for the Patrician Brothers Blacktown Under-13 team.
“I played in this tournament back when I went to St Dominic’s College growing up so it was good to see him out there,” Jennings said of his younger brother.
“He’s a real quiet sort of kid but has been playing really well.
“So many of these kids will end up playing NRL footy... tournaments like this show how strong the game is out here in the west.”
In all, a total of 189 schools attended this year’s NSWRL All Schools Knockout while referees, trainers and first aid staff travelled from across the state to take part.
Day 1 of the Knockout featured more than 1900 primary school players before Day 2 saw around 1200 secondary school players compete. Today’s action featured around 700 ‘elite’ secondary school players.
At the end of each day the team’s that made their respective age group grand finals earned the right to play at the outstanding St Mary’s Leagues Stadium.
NSWRL Coaching and Development Manager Martin Meredith paid tribute to the outstanding support shown from both catholic and departmental schools throughout the duration of the Knockout.
“It is very pleasing to see such terrific support from the schools at what is our most prestigious junior event,” Meredith said.
“Their support has been ongoing and we truly appreciate the time and effort that principals and teachers put in to promoting our game.
“A strong relationship with both school systems allows us to give more children a chance to play the game and importantly provide an elite pathway to those who want to take their football to the next level.”
Meredith also praised the volunteers and officials involved in staging matches at five simultaneous venues in western Sydney.
“This is what makes grass roots Rugby League so special – the passion and dedication from volunteers who give up their time so that our young players can enjoy big tournaments like the All Schools,” Meredith said.
“Likewise the NSWRL, ARL Development and Country Rugby League staff involved have been fantastic and are a big reason this year was so successful.”
“To have had five venues running at the same time and everything to have gone as smoothly as it has is a credit to them.”
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