The Newcastle Rugby League is set to bring a slice of American sporting culture to the local scene, with plans to launch a dedicated Friday night lights competition for the men's open, or third grade, division in 2026.
Club Coaches Back the Concept
The innovative proposal has received strong support from key figures within the local rugby league community. Lakes co-coach and former premiership winner Brad Murray believes the concept has real potential.
"It's got legs," Murray told the Newcastle Herald. He emphasised the importance of a third-grade side for club culture and highlighted the logistical challenge of fitting all teams into a single game day, which already includes women's tackle, under-19s, reserve grade, and first grade.
Murray explained that the Friday night slot could attract players who are unavailable on weekends and provide a development pathway for younger talents not yet ready for reserve grade. "They will be the type of blokes who might still come down on game day and help run the canteen for a bit or be on the gate, all those little things that are so important," he said.
Maitland mentor Matt Lantry echoed this enthusiasm, simply stating, "It's a great idea."
Logistics and League Approval
The concept was first floated publicly on November 3 via social media and has since been given the official green light to proceed. While third grade has existed in the past within the Newcastle Rugby League, it was traditionally part of the main Saturday schedule.
Newcastle RL general manager Adam Devcich confirmed that the new Friday night competition would not be compulsory for clubs. The final structure will depend on how many teams commit.
"How we structure it and how long it goes for depends on how many clubs put their hand for it," Devcich said. The proposed model involves double-headers, where clubs would host a match every four weeks if eight teams participate.
This approach aims to address past criticisms of a five-game Saturday being too long for volunteers and players alike. Devcich also noted the league is mindful of not encroaching on the Newcastle and Hunter competitions, with the unified administration expected to make moving between grades easier for players.
A Proven Model for the Region
The Friday night timeslot is not a new concept for senior sport in the Hunter region. Other codes have successfully implemented similar schedules.
- Hunter Rugby Union uses Friday nights for its lower grades.
- Various Northern NSW Football all-age competitions also play on Fridays.
- Some junior sporting associations, including hockey and cricket, utilise the timeslot.
This move by the Newcastle Rugby League represents a significant step in adapting to the needs of its clubs and players, potentially revitalising community involvement and strengthening the local rugby league pathway for the future.
