Joeys celebrate back-to-back titles in the Power Waste Management Gold Cup in the 2024 decider when they shut out a brave Como-Jannali 18-10.
Adam Wrightson)
(Photo:
Welcome to another season of CJRL Rugby League.
There have been some challenges in recent weeks, but I want to thank all clubs and their executive for their dedication to their clubs and their efforts to get teams ready for competitions this weekend. My thanks also to the CJRL board who have been called upon to convene many times over recent weeks to consider a number of matters.
Our total registrations are tracking slightly ahead of this time in 2024, which resulted in a record 6108 participants. To get close to that mark again will be a great achievement by our clubs and keeps us within the top five districts in NSWRL for participation.
I would like to thank our returning partners Shire Steel, ISC and Power Waste Management, and welcome new premium league partner Remara, and IMB Bank.
In 2025 we again have the Luke Lewis Cup open age representative fixture to look forward to on Sat 7 June against Panthers juniors, and this will also incorporate challenge matches between competition leaders after seven rounds in both districts in u13, u14 and u15 gold competitions.
Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the weather gods are better to us all in 2025.
Enjoy the 2025 season and lets respect all others at our CJR venues on match days.
John Mannah
Chairman – Cronulla Junior Rugby League
NRL Code of Conduct
# Remember – all participants at CJRL fixtures are subject to the NRL Code of Conduct
CODE OF CONDUCT – SPECTATOR/PARENT
✓ Condemn all violent or illegal acts, whether they are by players, coaches, officials, parents or spectators.
✓ Respect the referee’s decisions – don’t complain or argue about calls or decisions during or after a game.
✓ Behave! Unsportsman like language, harassment or aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated.
✓ Encourage players to play by the rules and to respect opposition players and officials.
✓ Never ridicule or scorn a player for making a mistake – respect their efforts.
✓ Understand that sport is part of a total life experience, and the benefits of involvement go far beyond the final score of a game.
✓ Participate in positive cheering that encourages the players in the team you are supporting; do not engage in any cheering that taunts or intimidate opponents, their fans or officials.
✓ Remember that children participate in Rugby League for their own enjoyment, not yours!
✓ At all times, follow the directions of the Ground Manager and/or other match day staff.
✓ Never arrive at a CJRL game under the influence of alcohol, never bring alcohol to a CJRL game and only drink alcohol, if it is available at senior fixtures, in a responsible manner in the designated licensed area.
Next Weeks Games
Important Notice
Players need to be aware that offensive language may incur a penalty by the match official in any fixture.
Cronulla Junior Rugby League wishes to acknowledge our partners who are supporting the delivery of senior and junior Rugby League in 2025
Senior Competition Naming Rights Partner
Sharks News
Cronulla Sharks School Holidays Junior Jaws Clinic at Sharks Stadium – proudly sponsored by Westfield Miranda.
This event is for boys and girls aged 5 - 12 years old.
Accredited tackle ready coaches will teach safe landing and tackle ready exercises throughout the clinic.
Cost: $75 per participant - including a 2025 Junior Jaws T-shirt.
Key Timings: The registration check-in desk will open from 9am to collect your t-shirt and to sign-in.
Clinic: 9:30am - 11:30am
Registrations will close Monday 21st April (11pm) unless sold prior.
Please Note: This event and location is subject to change and or cancellation by the Sharks Group. Player appearances are not guaranteed.
Sharks News
Cronulla Sharks School Holidays Mini Mermaids Clinic at Sharks Stadium – proudly sponsored by Westfield Miranda.
This event is for girls and boys aged 4 - 12 years old. Learn dance routines on-field from our 2025 Mermaids in collaboration with Prodigy Performing Arts.
Cost: $75 per participant - including a 2025 Mini Mermaids T-shirt.
Key Timings: The registration check-in desk will open from 9am to collect your t-shirt and to sign-in.
Clinic: 9:30am - 11:30am
Registrations will close Monday 21st April (11pm) unless sold prior.
Please Note: This event and location is subject to change and or cancellation by the Sharks Group. Player appearances are not guaranteed.
Club News
Engadine Dragons Spreading Rugby League Spirit in Fiji
With the rugby league season kicking off, we’re starting things on a high note with a feel-good story from one of our CJRL clubs. Over the past week, a group of community members from the Engadine Dragons have been in Fiji, helping introduce a Mini Mod rugby league programme for local kids. The programme is tailored for under-10 players and includes the use of first receiver and dummy half bibs. A representative from the Dragons said that 80% of participants in the clinic had never previously engaged in a game of rugby league, which shows that this initiative not only spreads the love for the greatest game of all but also ensures young players can get involved in a safe and inclusive way.
Inclusion is a core value in rugby league, and the Mini Mod programme embodies that spirit. No matter where you’re from or who you are, rugby league is a game for all! The clinic saw participation from 7 different teams representing various regions along the west coast of Fiji, with both boys and girls involved. The vision for Mini Mod is to make rugby league accessible for all junior players, as before this, rugby league programmes in Fiji begin at the under-14 level.
Former Sharks front rower and Fijian International Junior Roqica said that the Dragons' participation in Fiji is very beneficial for the development and well-being of both boys and girls in Fiji. He said that the development of this year's Fiji Bulikula women's team is particularly encouraging.
The individuals involved in running these sorts of programs are crucial for places like Fiji, where access to sporting resources can be limited. Alongside their hands-on involvement, the team led by Tamarra Marshall and Dean Sharman also worked with the Dragons to organise the donation of a huge collection of equipment and training gear, giving local kids a taste of what it’s like to be part of a strong and supportive club. I spoke with club representative Tamarra, who said that “in preparation for the clinic, we sent a shipment of essential training equipment, which included tackling pads, agility poles, cones, playing balls, and bibs.” Alongside this, the Dragons provided jerseys, shorts, training gear, socks, hats, and boots.
Not only does this programme encourage young athletes to pursue the game of rugby league, but it also goes beyond the game. We reached out to a representative at Fiji Rugby who talked about the idea that this programme is also about building compassionate leaders. The programme integrates mentorship and life skills, which allows young players to develop resilience, empathy, and a deep connection to their community.
There’s something very special about belonging to a sporting community, and thanks to the organiser’s Tamarra and Dean, these young players have experienced firsthand the passion and camaraderie that make rugby league such a great game. The Dragons will be heading back over to Fiji in September for their under-10s team tour, which marks not only another great step in their developing partnership, but also for the strengthening of rugby league in Fiji.
A special mention should be extended to Co-Founder/Team Manager Tamarra Marshall, CoFounder/Head Coach Dean Sharman, Social Media Manager Sophie Sharman, Coaches Todd Marshall, Paul Gibbs, Josefa Naika, and assistant Jo Naika and to all those who made this event possible. These kinds of programs would not be possible without the support and initiative of these devoted community members.
Photos supplied by Engadine Dragons
BarTV Coverage
Get your 2025 BarTV Sports Rugby League subscription now...with added access to CJRL subscribers who can now view 900+ NSWRL matches across junior representative competitions, NSW Cup, Jersey Flegg and other major competitions.
Subscribe now and select your favourite CJRL club, and your account will provide access to more games then ever before, including every CJRL game covered by BarTV in 2025. Download the BarTV app today to get access.
Southern Corridor Competitions
NSWRL Southern Corridor Competitions in u18, u18 girls, and open age womens competitions will commence on 26/27 April.
Also, u17 competitions in the Sthn Sydney Conference will commence on this same weekend to avoid the impact of junior representative players not be available whilst competitions are still underway.
The Bosco Bulldogs took the u18 2024 minor premiership with a final round 2616 win over Thirroul at Helensburgh
(Photo: Bulldogs JRLFC Facebook Page)
Under 12 Girls Tackle Competition
With the under 12 girls tackle competition commencing on 26 April, there is still time to get involved.
Any girls interested should contact generalmanager@cronullajrl.com.au to register their interest.
Volunteer Expression of Interest
CJRL are looking for any interested people to help us out at major events in 2025.
If you are interested please click on the link below and complete the EOI form.
REGISTRATION LINK FOR VOLUNTEERS
Match Officials
In season 2025 and beyond, referees in the Cronulla-Sutherland Junior Rugby League competition who are under the age of 18 will be wearing yellow socks to help curb match official abuse in the Sutherland Shire.
The Yellow Socks campaign, driven by the tagline – “Yellow and Bright, Treat them Right” - aims to drive awareness of the age and experience level of community referees. Our officials are someone’s son or daughter, trying their best for the game they are appointed to. They should be protected and encouraged otherwise we run the risk of losing them to the game.
Newly elected Chair of the Cronulla-Sutherland Rugby League Referees Association Brendan Lucas said “The Yellow Socks Campaign is a powerful step in protecting and supporting our youngest match officials. 74% of our referees are under the age of 18 and ensuring their safety and enjoyment is not just a priority – it’s essential for the future of our game. No referee, regardless of age, should be subjected to abuse, but it’s particularly important that we stand up for our kids”.
“To ensure every local Rugby League game is officiated by accredited referees, we must continue to attract and retain young match officials. The Cronulla JRL have already made great strides in reducing referee abuse, and we believe this initiative will build on that progress creating an environment where young people feel valued, respected, and inspired to stay involved in Rugby League for years to come”.
If you see a referee wearing yellow socks this year, consider how they might feel if someone is making comments toward them. We all have a role to play in protecting our match officials, especially those who are still learning their craft
We welcome Power Waste Management back on board for 2025 as our senior competitions naming rights partner.
Need help with your waste management? Let us them care of the dirty work so you can focus on the rest!
Power Waste Management are family-owned Shire based business who give back to the local community.
Thanks to Noel and his team for their continued support of Cronulla JRL
Partner Spotlight
BarTV Coverage
Sign up to subscribe to view live streamed fixtures from Power Waste Management Cup, Plate and Emerging Cup competitions.
(refer to link below)
Give Back With a BarTV Sports Subscription
The Power Waste Management Cup Match of the Round will be called by Jeff Killick.
This weeks Match of the Round is De La Salle v Joeys from Captain Cook Oval.
All open age gold competition matches on Saturday will be live streamed, along with other senior games at that venue.
Head to https://www.cronullajrl.com.au/game-day to view live streamed games
Partner Spotlight
To celebrate the start of the 2025 season and our new partnership, IMB Bank are offering a Bonus $50* for Cronulla Junior Rugby League players and their families.
Special offer for students
Simply open a new IMB Reward Saver Kick Start Account by 24th April 2025 and hold a minimum balance of $200 by the end of April to get a Bonus $50* – it’s a good way to kick off your savings, whatever you’re saving for.
The IMB Bank Reward Saver Kick Start Account
Our award-winning account^ is tailor made for students, trainees and apprentices aged 13-301 years old and comes with:
• Bonus interest by saving as little as $20 a month with no withdrawals2
• No monthly account keeping fees3
• Access to real time payments through Osko®
Find out more or open an account by visiting imb.com.au/kickstartbonus
IMB Bank are proud sponsors of Cronulla Junior Rugby League. Best of luck for the 2025 Season!
*$50 promotion is valid for new and existing IMB members who have not held a Reward Saver Kick Start Account before and open a new Reward Saver Kick Start Account between 28/01/2025 to 24/04/2025. Account eligibility requirements apply. Can not be used in conjunction with any other IMB account offer. Bonus $50 will be paid within 30 days of promotion end date. To be eligible for the $50 bonus, members must hold a minimum account balance of $200 at the end of the promotional period (11:59pm on 30/04/2025). Offer limited to one bonus per account and not available with any other offer. IMB reserves the right to change or withdraw this offer at any time.
^ IMB Reward Saver Kick Start recognised in Mozo Experts Choice Awards 2025 - more information on the awards research methodology at mozo.com.au
1. The Reward Saver Kick Start account is available to individuals aged 13-17 and students, trainees and apprentices aged 18-30, studying or training with an organisation recognised by IMB in its absolute discretion. Once a Reward Saver Kick Start account no longer meets the eligibility criteria or fails to provide proof of eligible status, it converts to the standard terms and conditions applicable to the Reward Saver account. Please refer to the PDS for full details.
2. To earn both the Standard Variable Bonus Rate and the Kick Start Bonus Interest Rate the account holder must make a minimum $20 deposit and no withdrawals per month (Bonus Interest Criteria). If Bonus Interest Criteria is not met for the calendar month, both the Standard Variable Bonus Rate and Kick Start Bonus Interest Rate are forfeited.
3. Transaction fees and other charges apply.
® Osko is a registered trademark of BPAY Pty Ltd ABN 69 079 137 518.
This advice is general advice only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision about IMB products and facilities, please refer to IMB’s PDS available from our website or by calling IMB Direct on 133 462. Target Market Determination available at imb.com.au/tmd. IMB Ltd trading as IMB Bank. ABN 92 087 651 974. AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 237 391.
Team Liaison Officer
Each team must provide a “Team Liaison Officer” (TLO) who will act as a contact point for the Ground Manager during fixtures at CJRL venues. Should supporters /spectators from either club behave in a manner that would previously been dealt with by the Ground Manager, from this point the Ground Manager will engage the relevant Team Liaison Officer to address this issue with the spectators involved.
The Ground Manager at each venue will hold two Hi-Vis Pink vests that each Team Liaison Officer will be required to wear during the course of the match so they can be easily identified. The TLO is to make themselves known to the Ground Manager prior to the start of the match, and names of each TLO recorded on match sheets.
The Team Liaison Officer will be required to remain near the bench area for his or her team during the match, but remain outside the roped/fenced playing area.
Ground Managers and Team Liaison Officers shall not be permitted to drink alcohol prior to or whilst acting in these roles.
The Team Liaison Officer will be required to assist in resolving any situation that may occur relating to their teams’ spectators/supporters. ie: trying to calm the situation down before it escalates.
The Team Liaison Officer will work with and assist the Ground Manager. The Ground Manager still has the responsibility of maintaining control of spectators, interchange bench areas, and liaising with match officials, this is not the role of the Team Liaison Officer.
At the end of the match the Hi-Vis Pink vest is to be handed back to the Ground Manager (not left on the interchange bench or on the ground).
The Team Liaison Officer (as per the Ground Manager) should be a person capable of maintaining a calm demeanour and be a minimum of 18 years of age. Ideally the TLO would be someone closely aligned with the team but cannot be carrying out an accredited match day role (coach, trainer etc).
WITHOUT EACH TEAM LIAISON OFFICER BEING IN PLACE ALONG WITH THE GROUND MANAGER, THE MATCH OFFICIAL MAY REQUEST THE GROUND MANAGER ADDRESS THIS IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE MATCH COMMENCES
