DARWIN RISE 2026 – REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN
Building strong foundations before specialization and preparing athletes
The NRL Northern Territory is pleased to announce that, following the success of the 2025 Darwin RISE Program, the RISE Development Program will again be delivered in 2026 for aspirational junior male and female rugby league players turning 13 or 14 in 2026.
As a key pillar of the NRLNT Pathway system, RISE is designed to support talented young athletes with the skills, education and mindset required to progress through the rugby league pathway from grassroots participation through to representative and high-performance opportunities.
What is RISE?
The RISE Rugby League Development Program provides aspirational junior players and coaches with access to specialised training and education through a holistic rugby league development experience.
Delivered as an open, application-based program for players aged 13–16, RISE is aligned with best-practice athlete development research.
Research by Hancock & Côté (2014) highlights that around the age of 16, athletes benefit most from increasing deliberate practice in one sport. Prior to this, young athletes should focus on developing key physical, cognitive, emotional and social skills.
RISE has been specifically designed to support players through this crucial transition period, building strong foundations before specialization and preparing athletes for future high-performance environments.
A Holistic Approach to Development
RISE focuses on more than just on-field performance. The program incorporates:
✔ Rugby League fundamental skill development
✔ Strength & Conditioning fundamentals
✔ Mental wellbeing and resilience education
✔ Long-term athlete development principles
✔ High-performance behaviours and mindset
The program plays an important role in identifying and preparing players for:
- Representative team selection
- NT Pathway squads
- Future Territory Junior Championships opportunities
- Higher-level NRL-aligned programs
Who is RISE for?
RISE is for aspirational junior rugby league players who are:
- Highly motivated to improve
- Looking to progress toward representative football
- Willing to commit to learning, development and high-performance behaviours
Both male and female players are strongly encouraged to apply.
Registration Information
Players must register in the correct age group and complete payment of the $150.00 program fee, which covers:
- Official RISE training apparel (shirt & shorts)
- High-level coaching in Rugby League skill development
- Strength & Conditioning basics
- Mental health education modules
🔗 Register Below:
- 13’s Female RISE
- Under 14’s Female RISE
- Under 13’s Male RISE
- Under 14’s Male RISE
A detailed training schedule will be released once all participants have completed the registration process. This will also include access to the Lifefit education modules, ensuring players are supported both on and off the field.
The 2026 Darwin RISE Program represents another important step in strengthening rugby league pathways across the Northern Territory supporting our next generation of players to rise, develop and reach their full potential.
Duncan MacGillivray
Pathways & Education Coordinator ‑ NT
mobile +61 479 130 415 or
email dmacgillivray@nrl.com.au.
