26/01/2026
🚨U6-U12 Competition Structure and Talent Equalisation Information
Competition Structure
Here’s how our 2026 season will run for U6–U12:
U6–U7: Zoned comps (North/South), no divisions. Teams are balanced using simple player ratings (1–6).
U8–U9: No divisions. Teams are balanced the same way.
U10–U11: Two levels of play. Players rated 1–3 play the higher level; 4–6 play the lower level. Clubs field teams in each level as numbers allow—squads are still balanced.
U12: Up to three divisions. We use U11 backend results to form the comp. Within each club, squads are balanced.
Why we do this: Talent equalisation keeps games close, gives every child more meaningful touches, builds confidence and skills, and makes footy fair, fun, and safe for everyone, this approach aligns with the NRL Player Development Framework.
https://www.playrugbyleague.com/framework/
Talent Equalisation
Please see below a link for the “Talent Equalisation Tiers by Age Group” for a simple age‑by‑age overview.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v5rPzXcVw4ShMOe9qEQiu0AOObQwC52c/view?usp=sharing
Each club will assess every child using the tier descriptions in this document, looking at key fundamentals such as confidence, game awareness, and basic skill ex*****on for their age group.
These ratings are not a judgement of ability, but a tool to help clubs create balanced, fair, and development‑focused teams.
Once all players have been assessed, they will be placed into talent‑equalised teams, ensuring each side has a healthy mix so every child can learn, grow, and enjoy their footy.
An example of how Teams will be talent equalised can be seen at the link below:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yTGPmKk2IxZGpMfZfHzhrOADxpnzVk0t/view?usp=sharing
If you’ve got any questions, simply message the PJRL through Messenger and our Team will respond.
If you have any questions for your Club concerning their process, please contact your Club Secretary:
https://www.parraeels.com.au/junior-league/our-clubs/
For a detailed video with respect to the updates to the Local Transfer and Permit Policy and Talent Equalisation click the link below:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xvCDDL8fAz51AB8q2jHvG4qQyHqgtSzN/view?usp=sharing
Thanks for your support and we hope you have an awesome year of footy.
🏉💙💛