This season the Canberra Raiders in conjunction with NRL Touch Football will be hosting skill development squads for ages U13 to U15 for boys and U13, 14/15 & 16/17 girls.
The collaboration will see pathways in both codes open up and more scope for talent identification. This program has been built with a Canberra Regional focus and to work with the best emerging talent regardless of which specific game they play.
This is a skill enhancement program that will run from June 1st to July 29th. The coaching staff will be a blend of Canberra Raiders Junior Representative and Development coaches and ACT Touch Football Representative Coaches.
These people are the most experienced coaches for these development spaces available.
Talent identification and selection process:
The process for selection into these squads will be threefold this season.
1. An invitation to athletes already on the radar of selectors in Rugby League Development pathways will be forwarded to parents/players on behalf of Canberra Raiders.
2. Likewise, if you are part of an ACT Touch Football pathway you will be identified by them and invited to join the program.
3. The CRRL will be forwarding selection forms to club coaches inviting them to nominate players they think are ready for an opportunity to play next level. From these nominations, we will fill the remaining places, where required we will have discussions with club coaches to make decisions around final placements or if needs be host an invitational trial game. Club coaches will be asked to nominate suitable players in order of merit. Nominations need to be sent in by COB on Wednesday 22nd May.
If parents or players have any inquiries regarding the Development program they are invited to contact Dean Souter at the Canberra Raiders on 6253 3515 or via dsouter@raiders.com.au.
