Sydney Roosters and NSW Blues captain James Tedesco and NSW Sky Blues centre Jessica Sergis have both spoken about the lifelong friendships they have made from the game as they urge all participants to sign up for the 2022 Rugby League season.
The NSWRL offers a variety of options for both male and female players including traditional (tackle), Monarch Blues Tag (non-tackle), Try League for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities, Wheelchair Rugby League and Physical Disability Rugby League.
Tedesco, who started his Rugby League journey with the Camden Rams before going on to captain NSW to an Origin series win this year as well as winning premierships with the Sydney Roosters, said Rugby League truly was “the Game for All”.
“I started playing Rugby League to have fun with my friends really,” Tedesco said.
“All my mates were playing footy, so I thought I’d give it a crack. Once I started, it was the most fun I had, and I continued it on.
“I went to primary school with a lot of mates who I played footy with together on the weekends, and they’re mates I’m still very close with today. I’ve got mates from the Tigers I’m still very close with, and now the Roosters, and rep footy as well through Origin and Australia.
Growing up it’s been a massive part of my family, my Dad and my brothers were playing, so I just wanted to get amongst it and give it a go.
Jess Sergis Sydney Roosters Centre
“It provides endless friendships.”
Sergis, who was the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership Player of the Year award winner at the Brad Fittler Medal, said she started playing Rugby League because she was obsessed with the sport.
“Growing up it’s been a massive part of my family, my Dad and my brothers were playing, so I just wanted to get amongst it and give it a go,” Sergis said.
“I’ve built so many friendships along the way, even obviously I was playing with the boys. To have those boys that I grew up with, to still be friends with, is quite cool.
“You get to see your friends at training and on the weekend so it’s a fun thing to do.”
Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler and Harvey Norman Sky Blues coach Kylie Hilder are also promoting registrations for the 2022 Rugby League season during a seven-day tour around regional NSW.
The pair have been supported on the trip by True Blues Boyd Cordner and Nathan Hindmarsh, and NSWRL Officiating Development Co-ordinator and former NRL referee Gavin Badger, as they take in seven football clinics.
