More than 100 children have participated in a pre-season M8s program in Canberra, which provides players of all ages and abilities a socially-oriented format.
The program, run by the Canberra Region Rugby League, includes under-10s, under-11s and under-12s age groups. Held on Tuesday afternoons at Raiders Belconnen Field, Week One began with a basic skills session to assist players who are new to the game of Rugby League.
The Canberra installment of M8s continues on from the NSWRL's trial of the concept in September and October 2016, which ran alongside the game-changing W8s and Friday Night 9s competitions. It has proved to be an ideal opportunity for players picking up the game for the first time, with rugby union strongholds even taking a liking to the concept.
With the concept currently under review by the NSWRL, based on the trial results, it appears clear through the Canberra program that M8s Rugby League is a popular concept with children of all backgrounds.