The NSWRL recently staged successful gala days for Outback Rugby League communities, with a total of more than 150 children from remote areas turning up to participate and have fun after undertaking six-week ‘Prepare to Play’ programs to learn the skills of the game.
The gala days were held at Menindee on 12 October, Wilcannia on 25 October and Broken Hill on 1 November. True Blue Andrew Ryan, former NRL player Ashton Sims and former Rugby League player Ron Gibbs also took part to support the events.
The ‘Prepare to Play’ program teaches children Rugby league skills, including catching the ball, passing, safely tackling opponents, running and offloading, sidestepping and finding the try line.
There were 54 children who turned up for the gala day at Menindee on 12 October, with the community rallying to ensure the event was well supported at Burke and Wills Oval. Participants received lunch, uniforms with prizes being handed out at the end of the day.
There were 44 children who took part in the Wilcannia gala day with the age groups including Under 11s, Under 13s, and Under 16s. Some families travelled more than 200km on the day to take part in the event which included a BBQ and a raffle.
There were 66 children aged 5-7 who took part in the gala day at Broken Hill with the focus being on the ‘Prepare to Play’ program to get them ready for Rugby League. The event was supported by the local Police Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYC) who provided a BBQ, drinks and lollies.
