Young players from across the state have gathered in Kiama for the NSW PSSA 12 years Rugby League Championships, which started on Tuesday at Kiama Showground and Chittick Oval and will finish tomorrow.

“We’ve got 13 regional teams competing from as far north as the Tweed Heads border all the way down to the South Coast and as far out as Bourke in the western region,” says Les Daley, NSW PSSA Rugby League Convener

“Altogether, there’s about 230 kids here at the carnival.”

After the play offs and final tomorrow, the best under 11s and 12s players will then be chosen to represent NSW in the National Championships in Wollongong from 31 July.  

“We will select 34 players from this carnival and add them to those selected at the 11s carnival held in Parkes two weeks ago,” says Mr Daley.

“We’ll take them as a development squad to Narrabeen Sports Academy, where they will be immersed in skills, drills and trial games.

“They will then be narrowed down to 17 players and become the representatives of the NSW PSSA side.”

Ari Smith, of Gerringong Primary School, is the only local player in the South Coast regional team.

While the Championships are about playing rugby league, Mr Daley says there is a lot of emphasis on participation and creating a good experience for all of the players.

“It’s about them taking away really fond memories and experiences from these championships that will stay with them for the rest of their lives,” he says.

“It’s not about winning, it’s about spending the week in Kiama, playing at these terrific facilities and taking away the experience of playing against the best 12 year olds in the state.

“It will be a pathway as well as for referees who are here from around the state, with some being selected to referee at the National Championships.”

The games will start tomorrow from 8.30am.