“Play NRL” added to NRL theme rounds
The Play NRL round will kick-off the National Rugby League themed rounds in 2015.
To be held in round three, the Play NRL round will encourage children and families to participate in rugby league. This is a new initiative from the governing body. Children participating at a young age are protected by special designed rules involving safe play. This means rugby league can be played by any child at a young age.
In round ten the Women In League round will continue to raise awareness to the role women play in the game whether it’s at an official level or by supporting their team. Brisbane’s clash with North Queensland at 1300 Smiles Stadium and Canterbury’s home game with Sydney Roosters will headline the weekend’s fixtures.
Round nineteen will be the Heritage Round in conjunction with the Men of League foundation. The National Rugby League have stated this will include a charity element for injured players. This was highlighted after career ending injuries to Wests Tigers Simon Dwyer and Newcastle Knights Alex McKinnon over recent years. The Dragons and Rabbitohs will play out of the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday night.
The final themed round is the Indigenous Round to be played in round twenty-two. This is to support the contribution Indigenous communities have to rugby league.
ANZAC Day will be something special in 2015 with the one-hundred year celebrations. On Saturday April 25, five games will be played back to back starting at noon (Australia time) with New Zealand Warriors hosting the Gold Coast Titans and ending with an 8pm kick-off for Brisbane’s home game with Parramatta.
The National Rugby League launched the 2015 season in Auckland last night with Greg Inglis and Shaun Johnson taking a major part in proceedings. The premiership kicks off on Thursday March 5.
