The rugby league season began early for a host of Glen Innes youngsters with the Oak nines tournament held in Uralla on Saturday.
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The Magpies minor league teamed up with Guyra to field teams in the nine-a-side under 14 and 16 competition.
Country Rugby League’s community engagement sports officer Craig MacLeod said the focus of the carnival was participation and all the kids kept the jerseys they played in.
“The weekend was great for encouraging and promoting junior league the support of Oak and Paladin sportswear that provided the jerseys for the kids to keep on the day was outstanding. It was about participation, kick-starting the clubs and giving them an opportunity to play some footy in a fun environment. It also gave some kids who may not have played footy before an opportunity,” he said.
Adam Hillier coached the Glen Innes side and said it was a successful event and a good way to get kids into league.
“There were a lot of kids there that participated,” he said.
“I reckon it was a really good concept to get kids started because it was only nines and if they didn't have a team to play in they were just put into a team so they could play footy.
“You didn't have to be registered or anything so anyone who wanted to come along could just fit into a team.
“It was really well done and I was amazed at the amount of kids there.”