Catching Them Young at Rugby League

By Lawrence Machado

Several young local players will be showing off their fledgling rugby league skills this Saturday (February 12) at the U-6s gala day at the Panther’s BlueBet Stadium.

Players belonging to Quakers Hills Destroyers, North West Magpies (Vineyard), Riverstone Razorbacks, St Patricks (The Ponds), Hawkesbury Hawks, Windsor Wolves, and Londonderry Greys will be among the thousands of young ‘uns having a ball at the Panthers Juniors and South Sydney District Junior Rugby League U-6s inaugural Gala Day.

The event, worked off from 4-8pm, is hosted by the 2021 NRL premiers the Panthers.

All participants will receive a free Junior Panthers jersey, with organisers promising plenty of entertainment and a grand final like atmosphere. It will allow parents to get a close look from a grassroots point of view of rugby league for their children.

The fun fest is organised by Panthers Juniors, Penrith Panthers, South Sydney Rabbitohs, South Cares, and the South Sydney Junior League who recognise the great value of their junior league communities.

Who knows which future stars could emerge from this afternoon of thrills and skills? All registered U-6 players will have the once in a lifetime chance to run out through the NRL tunnel to the Panthers NRL ‘Hells Bells’ track and the famous ‘Glory Glory’ for all Souths Juniors. Every kid will feel what it’s like to be an NRL player.

“If parents and carers are looking to choose a community sport for their child, it must meet the values, enjoyment and integrity of the family home,” Panthers Juniors General Manager Nathan Mairleitner said. “This opportunity gives families the chance to explore our sport, our community and how fun and safe our sport is. We want any new family to feel that Panthers Juniors is the ‘Place to Play’ and hope they join our current 8800 members for the 2022 season with many other exciting age group experiences ahead.”

The organisers are encouraging family members from any sport to join them for free entry, free rides, entertainment, showbag stands and food trucks. The event will close off with a spectacular fireworks show at 8.15pm.Details: U6’S GALA (panthersjuniors.com)