Age Group Goals, Progression, and Rules /

This page outlines the objectives, key skills, and rules for each junior age group in rugby league. It provides a roadmap for player development, from basic skill introduction to advanced game understanding, while emphasising fun, inclusivity, and teamwork. Coaches will find guidance on how to progress fundamental skills, introduce new concepts, and instill important values as players grow within the sport.

NRL - Your Age What Stage

Under 6-7

Objective: Ensure players develop a fundamental understanding of the rules while being introduced to games that promote:

• Catching & passing
• Grip & carry
• Play-the-ball
• Tackle technique (U7’s)

Key Coaching Focus:

• Prioritise fun, inclusivity, and enjoyment.

Key Rules:

Under 8-9 

Objective: Develop a strong understanding of Mini League rules while progressing fundamental skills, including:

• Catching & passing
• 2 v 1 Draw and Pass
• Grip & carry
• Play-the-ball
• Tackle technique

Key Coaching Focus:

• Fun, inclusiveness, and enjoyment
• Progression of basic skills and understanding of Rugby League
• Introduce core values such as Respect, Teamwork, and Resilience

Key Rules: 

Under 10-11

Objective: To have a good understanding of Mod league rules and a progression of fundamental skills such as: 

• Catching & passing
• 2 v 1 draw and pass
• Grip & carry
• Play-the-ball
• Tackle technique
• Kicking technique
• Introduction of push support
• Introduction to basic defensive structure and roles
• Introduction to basic attacking structure and roles
• Introduction to positions outside of DH and FR bibs

Key Coaching Focus:

• Fun, inclusiveness, and enjoyment
• Progression of Fundamentals and understanding of Rugby League
• Progression of other values such as Respect, Teamwork and Resilience

Key Rules:

Under 12

Objective: To have a complete understanding of Mod League rules and prepared for the transition to U13 international rules. Continue refining fundamental skills, including:

• Catching & passing
• 2v1 draw and pass
• Grip & carry
• Play-the-ball 
• Tackle technique
• Advancing push support
• Enhancing basic defensive structure and roles
• Developing basic attacking structure and roles
• Expanding positional understanding beyond DH and FR bibs

Key Coaching Focus:

• Fun, inclusiveness, and enjoyment
• Progression of Fundamentals and understanding of Rugby League
• Instilling core values such as respect and teamwork

Key Rules: 

Under 13+

Objective: Introduce international rules and the importance of playing as a team rather than as individuals. Help players understand the balance between structure and individual play - young players often try to score on every play, whereas effective teams follow processes to create scoring opportunities. Keep coaching simple and effective.

• Catching & passing
• 2v1 draw and pass
• 3v2 draw and pass
• Grip & carry
• Play-the-ball technique
• 1v1 tackle technique
• 2v1 tackle technique
• Defending the ruck
• Advancing push support
• Progressing basic defensive structure and markers
• Progressing basic attacking structure and markers
• Kick chase

Key Coaching Focus:

• Fun, inclusiveness, and enjoyment
• Progression of fundamentals and Rugby League understanding
• Educating players on process, positional play, and team strategies
• Ensuring every player understands their role within the team structure
• Instilling core values such as respect and teamwork

Key Rules: