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STORM JUNIOR LEAGUE SET TO LAUNCH FOR 2024
The Storm Junior League competition is set for an incredible launch this coming Saturday when the Junior Preseason Challenge gets underway at Comely Banks Recreation Reserve, home of the Pakenham Eels Rugby League Club.
Among the exciting schedule of matches for the day, the Storm Junior League Preseason Challenge sees the Pakenham Eels Under 14’s, Pakenham Eels Under 16’s and Pakenham Eels Under 18’s all set to take on local South Eastern rivals Casey Warriors. The day will culminate in the First Round of the Storm premiership league for the Pakenham Eels second grade men’s as part of the ‘Magic Round’ competition opener.
We hope that by working with NRL Victoria, we can see more people connected to their local clubs whether playing, coaching, refereeing or running the canteen and then, of course, finding the time to watch Storm at AAMI Park!
Justin Rodski Storm CEO
STORM JUNIOR LEAGUE REGISTRATIONS ARE OPEN
The Storm Junior League is the partnership between Melbourne Storm and NRL Victoria, that sees all junior rugby league competitions in Victoria from Under 6’s to Under 18’s, branded as the Storm Junior League.
Within that competition structure sits various modified forms of Rugby League. Grades Under 6’s to Under 12’s are mixed gender competitions, however from Under 12’s and above, the competition is split into specific male and female competitions.
Under 6’s League Tag (ages 4 to 6): A heavily modified non-contact form of Rugby League on a 40m x 20m size field, this grade designed to allow male and female participants the opportunity to learn basic ball skill and coordination, as well as being an entry point for team sport. The game features tags on the players waists, removing the contact aspect for maximum running and opportunity to get their hands on the ball.
Under 7’s League Tag: Played under the same conditions as Under 6’s League Tag, players are introduced to tackling during the season under the NRL’s ‘tackle ready’ program. During the season, under 7’s will transition to tackle after undertaking multiple tackling clinics and gala days to ensure safe tackling and landing.
Under 8’s and Under 9’s: Played on a 68m x 30m size field, participants begin to experience dedicated on field roles such a dummy half and first receiver and see the introduction of kicks in play. Still a very modified form of the game, this structure is designed to expand the capacity of players ball skills and defensive techniques in a safe and fun environment.
Under 10’s to Under 12’s: Participants transition to a field size of 80m x 48m and then to full size international field (100m x 68m) through their time in these grades and start to explore positional play and core game fundamentals. Game times move from quarters to halves, numbers on the field with conversion kicks for goal added. These grades are our critical grades in building player skill mechanics, fundamental attacking and defensive skills, fitness, and the ability to start to understand simple structure and strategy in a non-competition environment.
Under 13’s to Under 18’s: These grades start the full transition for full international rules Rugby League, with ages 13 to 15 remaining under the Safe Play Code, where rules are in place to maintain full player safety. Players will develop positional based skills, understand strategies relating to attack and defence, and play within a true competition fixture.
The Pakenham Eels Rugby League Club season for all these age groups typically starts the week after Easter every year and continues through to August for non-competition (Under 6 to Under 12), and September for competition grades (Under 13 to Under 18) depending on finals progression.
Registrations for Storm Junior League Rugby League in South east Melbourne are typically open from early December the year prior to the playing season. Preseason commencement is age group specific, however, typically preseason commences for competition age groups in late October the year prior to the season start, and from mid-February/early March for non-competition grades in the same competition year.
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