TDML’s Stave Lasscock said the surge had occurred in the Under 6 to the Under 12 age groups. 

“Rugby league is a rough sport but the Country Rugby League and National Rugby League have some excellent strategies in place to improve player safety,” Lasscock said.

“This year we have over 1400 hundred people (regionally) registered as either players, coaches or other official staff, with the competition running for 12 rounds and the finals series taking place before the October school holidays.

“The sport promotes fitness, sportsmanship, team- work and mateship.”

“There are various career pathways in rugby league, with players able to progress through the Group 4 junior ranks from Under 13 to Under 16 and then onto the senior teams,” Lasscock said. 

“This ensures the players know the rules and their bodies are ready for the rigours of adult sport.”

The sport is not solely for boys. There are a number of girls who play with pathways available into League Tag once they have progressed through the Under 12 age group.

Rugby League in New England is run solely by volunteers, including the Tamworth and District Minor league committee and the committees from the eight supporting clubs. 

“Our volunteers raise funds for their clubs, set up the fields, register players, act as coaches, League Safe and Ground Manager officials. Our sport would not be what it is without this valuable assistance,” Lasscock said.