NRL Victoria Storm Junior League

Dates: from 01 Apr 2024 to 07 Sep 2024

The Storm Junior League is the partnership between Melbourne Storm and NRL Victoria, that sees all junior rugby league competitions from Under 6’s to Under 18’s across the state of Victoria, 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.