Girls shine at Raiders Tag Gala in Canberra

Raiders Community Manager Jessica Crisp and NRL Game Development Officer Taylor Giggins with Year 6 students Hannah, Jess and Ivy.

Primary school girls took the playing fields by storm this week as the annual Raiders Tag Gala Days kicked off in Canberra.

Raiders Community Manager and league tag player Jessica Crisp said there had been a dramatic increase in interest from local girls since the launch of the Raiders NRL women’s team two years ago.

“Seeing is believing,” she said.

“It is starting to get out there that women can play the game, which is exciting and with girls seeing our female players, it is starting to filter down to younger levels. It is great to see young girls getting out there, playing league and loving our game. Tag is a great way to introduce it.”

With more girls than boys attending the Southside day today, NRL game development officer Taylor Giggins said it was a significant turnaround in what has traditionally been a male-dominated sport.

“It is great to see them interested in a sport they may not have been able to access before,” she said.

“The pathways are there now, and a lot of girls have progressed through the local competition and been picked up by the Raiders.”

St Jude’s Year 6 students Ivy and Jess said they had decided to come to meet new people, spend time with their friends and try a new sport.

“I thought it would be fun, and I love seeing all the girls here,” Ivy said.

“I like that you don’t have to tackle people – you can just pull the tags off,” Jess said.

“I’ve played Oztag before, and I love sports, so I really wanted to try league tag as well.”

St Thomas the Apostle team defending

Teacher Megan Rice said the atmosphere, enthusiasm and team spirit had been spectacular.

“It is so good for them to watch how the other kids play and hear the compliments they are throwing at each other,” she said.

“They are learning leadership skills, positive mindset, dealing with winning and not winning with grace, mentoring the younger kids and building a sense of community.”

St Thomas the Apostle Assistant Principal Susan Chant said it was a wonderful chance for students to get out of their usual routine.

“It is great we can give opportunities to kids that are really talented in the sport and those who have never played before as well,” she said.

“It is so good to see so many girls here. It is something I never got to experience when I was at school.”

St Gregory’s Year 6 student Hannah said she liked the competition aspect.

“I like playing with my friends, and I love running fast and being able to dodge other players.”