Group 10 junior rugby league makes a return

Last Saturday St Pat's Jack Arrow Oval hosted under 6, under 7, under 8 and under 9 teams from clubs across the region for a mini cluster carnival.

There were 54 games played in massive program of close to seven hours.

"It was brilliant, we had a full house. There were lots of games, lots of kids smiling, it was a great day," Tony England, St Pat's Junior Rugby League president, said.

"Those mini age groups, it's all about getting those kids to play, bring your family and friends, get everybody along and have all those kids enjoy it."

This Saturday the Eglinton Eels will host another mini cluster carnival with strong numbers anticipated once more. England, who is also chairman of Group 10 Junior Rugby League, said it is a big positive for the sport in the region.

"Across all clubs, our mini clusters are very strong in the Bathurst, Orange, Mudgee, Cowra areas, it bodes well moving through into under 10s through to our 16s age groups, it looks good for the future," he said.

"We're really lucky out here, we've got that really good skill-base for our juniors, which starts at that cluster level.

"You get the right coaches teaching the right things to the right age groups, so when you get to those older age groups, the 13s through to the 16s, you see some fantastic developments with skill and the ability that comes out."

This weekend also sees the Group 10 JRL competitive age groups in both tackle (Saturday) and league tag (Sunday) play their season openers.

It was August 14 when the last games of the 2021 season - the elimination and qualifying semi-finals - were played at Lithgow, so the young talents are eager to lace up their boots once more.

"The kids, the parents, the coaches, everybody, they're all just keen to get this season under way," England said.

"The last two seasons have been tough with COVID, so we're hoping this season will go of without a hitch, everyone is just really keen to get out and play."

Orange's junior clubs - Bloomfield Tigers and Orange CYMS - will be split up throughout the Central West.

The under 10s Tigers are at Brendon Sturgeon Oval while CYMS have the bye. In 11s, Bloomfield Wildcats, Tigers and Orange CYMS White are at the same ground. CYMS Green play at Norton Park.