EXCITING UPDATES FOR THE LIONS FEMALE RUGBY LEAGUE PROGRAM

EXCITING UPDATES FOR THE LIONS FEMALE RUGBY LEAGUE PROGRAM

As the start of the footy season approaches, we are excited to share some significant updates regarding our female program.

We are thrilled to announce that Richmond Saliba will be leading our female program as the Pathways Development Coach. In addition to his role as Pathways Development Coach, Richmond will serve as the Head Coach for our U16s team.

Richmond brings over seven years of experience in professional rugby league, having worked extensively in Pathways, NRL, and NRLW. For the past three years, he has focused exclusively on the female program at the Bulldogs, where he contributed to the success of the Lisa Fiaola, Tarsha Gale, and Harvey Norman competitions. Richmond was also instrumental in securing the Bulldogs’ NRLW license for the upcoming 2025 season.

Key Highlights of the Female Development Program:

Professional Training Environment:
Players will benefit from a professional and safe training environment, led by experienced coaching staff.

Skill Development:
Our program focuses on building essential rugby league skills such as passing, tackling, catching, and running mechanics.

Rugby League Education:
Players will gain a deeper understanding of the game, including its rules, positions, and strategies.

Pathways to NRLW:
For players aiming to progress to representative levels, the Lions offer a unique opportunity to enter NRLW systems.

Free ACL Risk Screening:
As ACL injuries are six times more common in female athletes, we offer screening to assess injury risk.

Free Athletic Screening:
Comprehensive assessments will help enhance key athletic traits and overall performance.

Female Program Structure

  • February – March
    The U12s, U14s, and U16s teams will train together, with all three coaches present. These sessions will focus on developing key skills required for the game, including injury prevention and conditioning, all while keeping the atmosphere fun and engaging.
  • March – Season
    • U12s will train independently.
    • U14s and U16s will train together to allow for advanced skill and gameplay development. This structure, requiring 30+ players at training, mirrors the representative structure to help bridge the gap between club and representative football. This approach ensures players are well-prepared and not overwhelmed by higher levels of competition.

 

Maroubra Lions Female Program Goals

  • To make rugby league accessible and enjoyable for players of all skill levels.
  • To provide a structured environment that supports the development of key rugby league skills.
  • To create a system that fast-tracks player development, bridging the gap between club and representative levels.

We are excited for the upcoming season and the opportunities that lie ahead for all of our players. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.