Rugby League in general, but particularly Country Rugby League, has experienced renewed participation in recent years with ladies league-tag emerging as the fastest growing demographic in recent years.

The sport isn’t all about the hard-hitting traditional nature of the male tackle game, but takes on two forms appealing to a broad range of ladies interested in team sports and participating in a healthy club environment.

The two options are women’s tackle competitions and Ladies League Tag. Merimbula-Pambula Rugby League Club fields a Ladies League Tag side as does every registered club in the Group 16 competition.

Country Rugby League Media Manager Adam Kidd said that “There’s never been a better time for females to be involved in Rugby League”.

“Female participation continues to grow with over 7000 women playing in touch or tag competitions across regional NSW – a number that accounts for almost 50% of all nationally registered female players.”

This year the Merimbula Pambula Rugby League Ladies League Tag team has been fortunate to retain the services of last year’s Coach Simon Scott.

During last year’s season Simon fine tuned key skills of the game. This in line with the ladies increase in fitness provided a much more exciting and professional game which led to growth in crowd support. A key indicator however to the appeal and support of the sport is the way in which local businesses have got behind the Bulldogs’ endeavours with support from 20 retailers directly sponsoring the Ladies players alone.

The club also has a magnificent Junior League which provides a friendly club environment offering an ideal opportunity for young boys and girls and their parents to play a fun team sport.

The senior club provides the next level for those developed through the younger grades that wish to continue their passion and stay in the local area. The senior competition spans clubs from Batemans Bay to Eden and across to Bombala and Cooma.

The game is extremely fortunate to have the NRL provide support through Development officer Damian Kennedy. Damian and his team are constantly providing mentoring and skill development programs across schools and Clubs year round.

If you are interested in getting involved in Ladies League Tag, the club is holding an information session at the Pambula Sports Complex on Thursday between 6 and 7pm. Come along  and meet the committee and coaches or visit www.playnrl.com.