GROUP 18 Junior Rugby League is pushing for a new age group in 2016 to introduce more five and six year olds to the sport.

The push is aimed at preventing juniors starting off their sporting career at other codes, and to avoid playing kids two years and more above their age as occurs under the current under-7s format.

Group 18 JRL publicity officer Anna Bourne said the league was currently trialling the idea with clubs and the community.

“We didn’t have many five and six year olds last season, so we thought we’d bring it up to see what we can do,” Bourne said.

“We’re hoping to get at least one team in that new age group for each club.

“If we can get 20 under-7s that are five to six (at various clubs), then we would put them into the new competition for their ages.”

Bourne said the junior league was a great place for kids to learn and develop, with the added incentive of limited travel compared to other sports.

“Our (clubs) are close together so travel is limited, so you’re not travelling two hours for a game,” she said.

“We have a really nice community within our group. Everyone gets on and it teaches the kids good skills. It’s safe and they make friends in a great sport.”

Bourne said the league’s nine clubs had embraced the idea and tentative interest had been great.

The season begins in April and nominations need to be received by the end of February, prior to final cut-off’s on March 7.

Kids need to be six and under prior to the end of 2016. Go to www.playnrl.com to find your nearest club.