Established in 1962
Shellharbour sharks jrlFc
Forging Future Stars
thank you to our sponsors
2026 Season Schedule
Key Dates:
- Competition Starts – Saturday 18TH April both boy’s and girl’s tackle.
- No Games – April 25th (Anzac Day), June 6th (Kings Birthday weekend), July 11th (School holidays).
- Grand Finals –
- Girls Tackle: Sunday August 30th, WIN Stadium.
- Boys Tackle: Weekend of 12-13 September, WIN Stadium. (Day to be confirmed).
Operations and Philosophy:
The Shellharbour Sharks JRLFC operates from Ron Costello Oval. Its primary focus is on grassroots development, teaching fundamental skills, sportsmanship, and fostering a love for the game in a community-oriented and family-friendly environment. Success at this level is measured by player participation, skill progression, and enjoyment as much as by on-field results.
MATCH CONDUCT REMINDERS
The following serves as a reminder for players, spectators, Coaches, Sports Trainers, Team Managers and Ground Managers for match conduct. It is imperative all of this information is read, understood and enacted every game day in Junior Rugby League. This information was supplied by Group 7 on 30 July 2026
On Field Melees
Disappointingly, multiple teams across both the Group 7 and Illawarra competitions have already been stood down this season due to on field melees. Even if no punches are thrown, Teams can be subjected to Matches being considered ABANDONED with no competition points being awarded and offending Teams being stood down.
Foul Language
The vast majority of our games are recorded by VEO Camera with some referee’s using Electronic Communications. Can we make a concerted effort for Players to minimise foul language on the field & Ground Managers to help mitigate any foul language by spectators in the crowd. We do not and will not condone foul language at our Junior Community Rugby League Fields.
Coach & Sports Trainers Behaviours
- Coaches & Sports Trainers Under no circumstances (or people in the dug out) are to yell out at any Match Official whether it be the Centre Referee or Touch Judges.
- Coaches & Sports Trainers Under no circumstances are to engage in any “verbal battles” with Opposition Players.
- Coaches & Sports Trainers Under no circumstances are to touch or physically engage with any Players on the field. Especially if there are any on field melees.
- Coaches & Sports Trainers Must access the field from an onside position when in possession of the ball and return immediately to their Teams bench area as soon as possible after fulfilling their duties.
- Coaches & Sports Trainers Must have the appropriate accreditation to be undertaking their Sports Trainer Duties. If they cannot be added to the Team Sheet, they don’t have the correct accreditation.
Ground Managers
Can all Clubs please ensure that your Ground Managers are visible by wearing the appropriate High Vis Vest, circulating the field & ensuring the safety of Players, referee’s, staff & spectators. 1 x Ground Manager per Ground should be present at all times. Ground Manager : NSWRL Club Hub
Interchange Players Etiquette
Can Clubs pass on that all interchange players MUST remain seated when in the dug outs unless they are warming up to go on. Only dressed replacements & a maximum of 3 x Sports Trainers per International Team are allowed in the Interchange Bench/Dug Out area. No other people (including children and/or injured players) at any time are allowed in the players dug out and must remain behind the rope / fence.
Mod League Rules of the Game
- Attached are the prescribed Laws of the Game for Mini and Mod League with a big focus on the Defence and when they can move up, please see simple paraphrase below:
U8s – U12s
• The defence must wait until the first receiver catches the ball before the defensive line to can move, unless the dummy half elects to run.
• There must be 2 passes before a player without a vest can be tackled (unless the player in the vest runs in their designated role).
• If a player without a vest is tackled before 2 passes, it is a handover.
• Please note: if a player without a vest scores before 2 passes, the try still stands.
NSWRL Club Hub
Building More than just players
At the Shellharbour Sharks Junior Rugby League Football Club (JRLFC), we believe in developing well-rounded individuals. Our inclusive programs cater to all skill levels and ages, starting with our “Little League Stars” (3-5 years) for the youngest enthusiasts, right through to our competitive junior teams (U6s – U16s). We also proudly champion the growth of women’s rugby league, offering both girls’ league tag and tackle teams. Beyond the scoreboard, we teach invaluable life skills: teamwork, discipline, respect, and resilience, all within a safe and supportive family environment.
Little League Stars (Ages 3-5)
A program designed to introduce the basics of ball skills, teamwork, and fun in a safe, non-contact environment.
Junior Teams (U6 to U16)
The club fields teams across all age groups in the South Coast Group 7 Junior Rugby League Competition. This forms the core of the Shellharbour Sharks JRLFC operations.
Girls' Teams
A key focus for the club is the growth of female participation. They offer dedicated girls’ teams in both non-contact League Tag and full-contact Tackle formats.
A Nursery of Elite Talent
The club’s legacy is defined by its ability to identify and nurture players from the moment they enter the system, continuously refining their skills and development throughout their time at the Shellharbour Sharks.
The famous “Notable Sharks” all began their rugby league journeys and learned the fundamentals of the game through the club’s coaching structure. Their later success is a direct reflection of the high standards, environment, and foundation they received at the Shellharbour Sharks Junior & Senior Rugby League Football Club.
From Sharks to the Nrl
