Titans lock Jai Arrow this morning helped launch the NRL's new national introductory rugby league program – League Stars – in front of more than 100 primary school kids in Brisbane.
“It’s good to see the smiles on their faces and good to see them out and being active, not stuck behind a computer screen which there seems to be more of these days,” Arrow said.
“It’s good to see them running around and spending time with their friends.”
League Stars introduces boys and girls aged 5-12 to the basic skills of rugby league through non-contact skills sessions held after school and in the holidays.
“League Stars is the fun new rugby league program that lets every kid find and then play to their strength,” NRL Head of Participation, Pathways and Game Development Luke Ellis said.
“It’s about getting new participants and families involved with rugby league through fun, high-energy games that are all play, no contact.
“By introducing League Stars as our new national non-contact skill development program, we’re not only increasing the versions of rugby league we offer, but also the times and places we are offering them.”
The program is already proving successful, with more than 76 per cent of the 5817 boys and girls who took part in early sessions being new to rugby league.
In developing League Stars, the NRL undertook extensive research, stakeholder feedback and market analysis to best understand the diverse needs of parents and players who are living increasingly busy lives.
Sessions are scheduled after school and in the holidays, and have been designed to get kids smiling, sweating and having fun with a footy in their hands.
Mr Ellis said League Stars was designed to be both flexible and affordable.
The program costs $49 for four weekly after-school sessions, and up to $99 for eight sessions, and are accessible at schools, grassroots clubs, community centres and public spaces.
Participants also receive a League Stars backpack, along with a ball, pump, t-shirt and stickers upon sign-up.
Arrow joins other NRL and NRLW stars James Tedesco, Isabelle Kelly, Meg Ward, Damien Cook and Corbyn McGregor and NRL legends Johnathan Thurston and Sam Thaiday as League Stars ambassadors.
