The Canberra Raiders are excited to announce the establishment of three new junior development squads that will be selected over the coming month.
One squad will be formed from each of the Under 13’s, Under 14’s and Under 15’s age divisions that compete in the Canberra Region Junior Rugby League (CRRL) competitions.
The squads will then compete in a gala event against Sydney teams in Sydney during the July School Holidays.
Selections will commence in Round 3 for U13’s, Round 4 for U14’s and Round 5 for U15’s. The selectors for the squads will be from the Raiders High Performance Staff, including coaches from the Raiders under 16’s Harold Matthews and under 18’s SG Ball squads.
The Raiders NRL Recruitment and High Performance Manager, Peter Mulholland, will also be part of the selection process and said he is excited for the future potential of the new squads.
“We need to make sure we have the best possible talent in our junior league being developed. I think that starts at age 13,” Mulholland said. “It’s been a little bit disjointed in the past not having those junior development squads. This new initiative will ensure that will have the best possible players coming through the system selected in these sides.
“Having a competent group of high performance selectors, 4-5 of us, will make sure we have a broad base to identify those with potential.”
Mulholland has an enviable resume in recruitment and development, with over 35 years’ experience in coaching and recruitment including stints recently at the Penrith Panthers, Newcastle Knights and St George Illawarra.
All games for those age groups in their selected round will be held at Northbourne Oval, Braddon.
Junior Development Squads selection dates:
- U13’s 15 May
- U14’s 22 May
- U 15’s 29 May
