THE Lake Cathie Bonny Hills JRLFC held a “Come and Try Rugby League” afternoon on Friday, 21 February at the Lake Cathie Sporting Complex.

This session attracted over 30 participants including existing players and those new to the sport.

Activities commenced with children being grouped according to their age, facilitating interactions amongst potential future teammates.

Throughout the session attendees participated in a range of age appropriate activities including games, drills and safe tackling practices, concluding with a sausage sizzle.

“The main objective of our ‘Come and Try Rugby League’ afternoon is to generate interest in the game and our club,” said Benny Smith, Raiders Club President.

“Hopefully, there will be few kids during today’s session who have never played rugby league before and this event encourages them to give it a go.

“This event also provides an opportunity for the community to come across to our home ground and to meet our coaches, managers and committee members.”

At present, the club is looking to field 12 teams from U6s to U16s.

“We also have an U18 side we are slowly building up and a Women’s League Tag Team in the open division, a first for the Raiders,” Smith said.

Jo Everson is a proud parent of three young Raiders.

“This season is the fifth year that my three boys have played for the Raiders and they absolutely love it,” said Jo.

“My oldest son will also start refereeing this year which the Raiders have encouraged.

“It is a great little community club.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming season, the U18 Raiders side is gearing up for three trial games scheduled for 1, 15, and 22 March.

While the games are free to attend, representatives from Self Seen – a local charity supporting men’s mental health – will be collecting donations on 15 March 15 if attendees would like to contribute.

By Kim AMBROSE