The RISE Program aims to provide aspirational Junior Rugby League players with the opportunity to participate in a holistic development program curated by NSWRL and delivered by the North Sydney Bears. Our first U13s RISE program got underway last month with the boys playing in a development squad gala on Wednesday 16th July at Heffron Park. The team played against South Sydney, Manly and Newcastle RISE teams throughout the gala.

The North Sydney District U13s RISE Program is run by the North Sydney Bears with coaches and support staff appointed by the club. Players are invited to join the program from within the North Sydney junior rugby league district and aims to provide access to high performance and enhanced coaching for all players interested in developing their game further.

We recently caught up with U13s RISE Program Head Coach, Anthony Sherman to find out how the program has been received. Read further now:

I am writing to share a few reflections on the Under 13’s RISE Program for 2025, which I had the privilege of coaching over a rewarding seven-week period.

Throughout the program, the boys were given the opportunity to develop new skills and enhance the ones they already possessed. The structured training sessions allowed them to grow in confidence and capability across all areas of the game. In particular, the strength and conditioning component provided a solid physical foundation that complemented their on-field efforts, while the Life Fit program delivered valuable insights into health, wellbeing, and personal development.

One of the most impactful aspects of the RISE Program was the mentoring offered by the coaching and training staff. The guidance, encouragement, and expertise shared played a major role in shaping not just better players, but better young men.

Over the course of the program, the boys built strong friendships and a deep sense of camaraderie. They learned the importance of teamwork and supporting one another, developing a team-first mentality that will serve them well in rugby league and beyond. Importantly, they also gained valuable experience in understanding how to structure and manage their routines like developing players, which will no doubt prepare them for any future endeavors in their rugby league journeys.

It was an absolute pleasure to coach this group of dedicated and enthusiastic young athletes. I thoroughly enjoyed working with them and look forward to watching their continued growth both on and off the field in the years to come.

Kind regards,

Anthony Sherman