The Karratha Junior Rugby League had a standout 2024 season, marked by growth, increased community engagement and recognition.
Key achievements for our 2024 season included:
Community Events: KJRL successfully hosted three family-friendly State of Origin viewing events, drawing rugby league enthusiasts and families together.
Expanded Division: KJRL expanded from an U6, U8 and U11 competition in 2023, to an U6, U8, U10, U12 and Girl’s League Tag competition in 2024. This showed in an increase growth in female participation, as well as promoted inclusivity to rugby league.
Gala Day Success: KJRL hosted a vibrant Gala Day at the Karratha Leisureplex against South Hedland Cougars, as well as participating in South Hedland’s Gala Day. This has strengthened our ties with our neighbouring regional club.
Perth Under 12 Gala Day: Our Under 12 Squad travelled to Perth to participate in the Perth U12 Gala Day. Our players were able to have the opportunity to play against Perth clubs and give them valuable experience playing against other clubs. The Karratha Junior Rugby League U12’s were also given the opportunity to attend the NRL match Roosters vs Dolphins at HBF park, broadening their exposure to rugby league. Playing on field at HBF park pre NRL game was a memorable experience for all players, being able to showcase their skills on a larger stage. We aim to make this an annual event.
Game Night BBQ: Karratha Junior Rugby League introduced a weekly game night BBQ, creating a community centered atmosphere and providing a fun gathering for families.
Sponsorships and Grants: We have had an amazing response from local businesses who have supported our club in 2024. We have also been successful in a number of grants, including The City of Karratha grant for a new club BBQ; Rio Tinto Community Grant for new tackle bags, Square Point of Sale system and contribution towards our end of year trophies. Horizon Power have recently announced Karratha Junior Rugby League as being successful in their annual grant for $10,000 for the purchase of new on-field jerseys.
Award Recognition: Karratha Junior Rugby League was honoured with the prestigious “Association of the Year” award and the “Inclusion Award” from the City of Karratha at the Annual City of Karratha Sports Awards. We were also winner of the 2024 Pilbara Regional Sports Awards “Sporting Group of the Year” from DLGSC, underscoring our commitment to inclusivity, growth and community.
These accomplishments reflect Karratha Junior Rugby League’s dedication to fostering a positive, inclusive and community orientated environment for our young rugby league players.
Looking forward to our 2025 season: Our goals as a club are to continue growth in all age divisions, continue to organise events for our rugby league community and increase players skill and development. We are interested in reaching out to neighbouring rugby league clubs to gauge an interest in Gala Days throughout the Pilbara or neighbouring regions.
We are excited for the season ahead and are dedicated to the continual growth of rugby league in the Pilbara.
Kind Regards,
Josh Cruice
Club President
Karratha Junior Rugby League
