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

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 positions outside of DH and FR bibs

Key Coaching Focus:

• Fun, inclusiveness, and enjoyment
• Progression of Fundamentals and understanding of Rugby League
• Introduce 1 value for team to focus on (Include players)

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
• Introduce 1 value for team to focus (include players) 

Key Rules: 

Under 13+

Objective: Introduce international rules and transition from playing as kids into teenage years. Introduce and educate how to play as a team. Mini-Mod age players often try to score on every play, whereas effective teams follow processes to create scoring opportunities. Continue to coach the basics and introduce a simple yet effective gameplan: 

• All ball skills including catch & pass, 2 v 1 & 3 v 2 draw & pass, playing the ball, grip & carry.
• 1 v 1, 2 v 1 and 3 v 1 tackle technique
• Defending the ruck and how markers operate
• Advancing push support and kick chase
• Progressing basic attacking and defensive structures 

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
• Set 1-3 team values (include players) & teach life skills 

Key Rules: