HISTORY
Our history in a timeline
Development of Rugby League on the Gold Coast
It marked an important date in the development of the Rugby League on the Gold Coast. The inaugural meeting of the Gold Coast District Rugby League Junior Division held on this day marked the beginning of one of the most competitive junior divisions in Queensland.
Rugby League delegates and members of the community were present from a number of clubs including Tigers, Burleigh, Runaway Bay, Nerang, Beaudesert, Brothers, Currumbin and the Referees Association. The meeting concluded with the Gold Coast District Rugby League Junior Division being affiliated with Brisbane Rugby League.
The first Gold Coast Junior Rugby League (GCJRL)
The first Gold Coast Junior Rugby League (GCJRL) season kicked off on April 16. This included teams in ages U7 – U15 from Burleigh, Brothers, Currumbin, Nerang, Runaway Bay and Tigers. Tigers also fielded “Special A” teams in the Brisbane Rugby League in U10, U12 and U14.
On April 13 1977, the proposal for the Gold Coasts’ own Minor Leagues referees association was approved.
The GCJRL comprised of 49 teams
The GCJRL comprised of 49 teams and extended with the Burleigh and Brothers U14 teams to compete on a home and away basis with Seagulls, Cudgen and Murwillumbah (from Group 18).
Affiliation with the Brisbane Rugby League
The GCJRL had been operating in affiliation with the Brisbane Rugby League for five years and had considerably grown and included over 50 teams from U7 – U16, competing both locally and in the Brisbane League.
The GCJRL further expanded in this year with the additions of clubs from Beenleigh and Beaudesert.
Implementation of an U17’s age group to the GCJRL
Between 1982 and 1984 the GCJRL was proud to announce the implementation of an U17’s age group to the GCJRL.
In September 1984, the GCJRL relinquished its affiliation with the Brisbane Rugby League Junior division and became affiliated with the Gold Coast Rugby League (Seniors).
The Waterford JRL and the Beenleigh JRL disaffiliation
The Waterford JRL and the Beenleigh JRL become disaffiliated with the GCJRL and joined the Brisbane JRL competition. By 1990, the GCJRL became an incorporated body i.e. Gold Coast District Junior Rugby League Inc.
1990 also marked the beginning of a joint competition with the Group 18 Junior teams in U13 -U17.
GCJRL expansion
Between 1990 and 1999 the GCJRL saw expansion as the Helenvale Hornets JRL, Mudgeeraba Redbacks JRL, Tamborine Mountain Bushrats, South Tweed JRL and Ormeau JRL join the GCJRL competition. In 1992 a motion was proposed and approved to appoint a salaried administrator to complete registrations, the draw and other tasks as required. Carol Willett was appointed as the first salaried Administrator
Introduction of the Amateur Competition
The introduction of the Amateur Competition for players 18 and over commenced. The Australian Rugby League (ARL) introduced Rugby League Development Officers within the league who played a huge role in developing interest and participation for Rugby League at grass roots level.
A lot of changes
Various changes occurred during 2002 and 2005 as the Group 18 JRL clubs leave the GCJRL competition, Bilambil U17 join GCJRL and Jimboomba JRL, the Reedy Creek Raptors and Canungra Junior Loggers become affiliated with GCJRL.
The Gold Coast Amateur League became affiliated with the Gold Coast Rugby League (GCRL) and disaffiliated with the GCJRL in 2003.
5000 players
The numbers grew to 5,000 players with the U17 competition including over border clubs the Bilambil Jets and Tugun Seahawks. As the junior league expands, the GCJRL decide to employ a full-time “Operations Manager” to service the increased needs of the clubs and the competition.
Gary Phillips was deemed the perfect candidate by the GCJRL for the position with his extensive experience in Rugby League and a step in the right direction.
More clubs from over border
The U/17 competition grew again to include more clubs from over border, South Tweed, South Tweed Seagulls, Bilambil, and Tugun Seahawks. The season also saw the introduction of an U6 competition, which was the first of its kind in Queensland.
2010 more inclusions in the Kevvie Gordon Sprint to find the fastest player in GCJRL and the Mike Vievers Cup to find the fastest Club. The first winners were Brad Smith (Runaway Bay) and Burleigh JRL.
The Queensland Rugby League (QRL) appointed an “Education Development Officer” Jamie McCormack to provide education pathways for both players and volunteers delivering courses in coaching, league safe and first aid.
Progressive growth of Rugby League on the Gold Coast
This year saw the progressive growth of Rugby League on the Gold Coast with another club addition in the Coomera Cutters, expanding the reach of Rugby League in the northern parts of the Gold Coast. The introduction of a girls open Rugby League competition also commenced in 2012.
The competition catered to girls aged 14 through to 17 and showcased a base structure for the future of female participation on the Gold Coast.
Formation of Rugby league Gold Coast Board
Juniors voted unanimously to the formation of the Board; the Seniors took a little more convincing. Existing chairs of Juniors and Seniors were automatically elected on to the new Board, along with a new member.
Two Independent Members were appointed by the SEQ Board. The Board now had five members.
Relationship with Titans
Relationship with Titans was formalised this year building on previous relationships.
RLGC Pilots The NRL Player Development Framework
One of the two regions in the country to adopt the framework and introduce League Tag in U6’s in conjunction with the Tackle Ready program to attract and retain participation, foster personal development and transition and nurture performance.
Off the back of its success, the framework begins expansion to leagues across the nation.
Tackle Ready Program introduced to another age group
Tackle Ready Program introduced to another age group and now played in U6’s and U7’s. Female Participation chair created with a vision of having a Gold Coast based female comp.
Mudgeeraba entered Senior A Grade competition. The year of COVIDseason was drastically reduced in both the juniors and seniors, completing a 12 round competition. This was the first year our Senior grand final was hosted at CBUS Super Stadium. Junior finals were reduced to recognise all teams in Gala Days.
Juniour Grand Finals Debut at CBUS & Expand Girl’s Game on the Coast
Junior grand finals join the Senior grand finals on CBUS Super Stadium for the first time ever.
Under 12s all girls competition brought back to the Gold Coast as part of the Karina Brown Challenge.
Female only competitions now offered in the U6/7/8/10/12 age groups on the Gold Coast.
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