23 Aug: Junior League Semis
30 Aug: Junior League Finals
6 Sep: Junior League Grand Finals

The first weekend in Autumn saw the return to summer where the Thirroul Butchers travelled to Thirlmere for a day long battle in glorious but hot conditions. Thirlmere rewarded their 250th club registration and hosted the Butchers on up to three fields at a time.
 
Many youngsters enjoyed their first game, which were played with excellent spirit, and high quality refereeing was a highlight throughout the day.
 
This year the Thirroul club is concentrating on up-skilling and player development with the assistance of experienced senior coaching staff and Friday night saw its first coaching and management clinic which helped build a positive atmosphere in the club.
 
The club nurtures its mini players from 6 years to 8 years old ensuring development and enjoyment is experienced by all, these teams had a great hitout against the roosters. The butchers boast eight mod league teams (players from 9 to 12 years old) who go through a developmental stage, learning the rules and the skills and this was seen on the field with fine performances at Thirlmere.
 
But it was our international players (13 years to 16 years) that really stood up. The huge Thirlmere club boasted some 20 plus players in each of these age divisions, but it was the Butchers who illustrated the skills and commitment necessary to play the game in the right esteem. Perhaps the most pleasing results were from our Under 14’s and 15’s teams, who played short of players but outclassed and outplayed a larger pack.
 
Thirroul JRLC welcomes all players and would especially like to see more Under 14’s and 15’s join our club. Check out the photos.

International - U13 to U16
a) Stripping Law - This change only relates to the ball being stripped in the act of scoring a try.  If the ball is stripped in the Field of Play, the rule remains the same. 

Stripping rule: - 
  
“ Where two or more player are effecting the same tackle – irrespective of whether all but one “drops off” the tackle, and the ball is subsequently taken from the tackled player, a penalty will be awarded against the player or players effecting the tackle unless the tackled player is attempting to ground the ball for a try.” 

All junior grades including Under 18's
b) Shoulder Charge - The CRL has now approved the new rule outlawing shoulder charges in all junior grades up to and including Under 18’s.

February 21, 2008
Northern Leader
Section: Community, Sport

THIRROUL Rugby League Club is spearheading a new initiative in the Northern Illawarra by taking over the coaching and training roles in under 15s and under 16s.
The initiative aims to develop the Butchers’ juniors into skilled grade players. It will provide the senior club with a high standard of player coming into under 18s and boost junior coaching staff to a new level. Thirroul’s seniors hope to maintain this relationship with the juniors to make the transition into grade easier.

The Butchers are the only Carlton League side from Helensburgh to Corrimal and have a strong junior base.
“The idea has been initiated by us and is part of an overall strategy to build a successful club supported by the local community and sponsors,” Butchers first grade coach Phil Ostwald said.
“Another way of building our relationship with the juniors will be that senior players will attend junior coaching sessions and games.”

The Thirroul Butchers’ under 15 and under 16 sides launched their 2008 season with a barbeque at Ruby’s on Bulli Beach recently. Thirroul junior and former Dragons and Wests player Ryan Powell will coach the under 15s. He will be assisted by another former Dragon and Magpie, Aaron Beath and ex-Helensburgh Tiger Derek Short. Former Steeler and Thirroul junior, Brett Jones, will also join the coaching staff when his Illawarra representative coaching duties are complete. These grade players will be leading the boys into the next phase of their games and the response has been overwhelming. The skills they bring to the team will definitely make them a force to be reckoned with on the footy field. Aaron and Ryan extend an invitation to all prospective under 15's players to come along and join the team.  Training is held at Gibson Park, Thirroul, every Tuesday and Thursday from 5pm-6pm.

For more information email secretary@thirroulbutchers.com.au or phone the registrar on 0411 157112.