Building Future Stars With Northern Suburbs Junior Rugby League

Northern Suburbs Junior Rugby League is a non-profit, volunteer-managed sporting organisation in North Mackay and the Northern Beaches. Founded in 1966, the club has become a passionate, family-oriented organisation with a strong local presence.

Initially known as Centrals, the club became the Centrons Demons in 1976, then Carltons Junior Rugby League Club in 1983, following an alliance with the Carltons Seniors. In 1987, the name was changed to Northern Suburbs Junior Rugby League Club – a name that proudly endures today.

Throughout its history, the club has always been a welcoming, family-focused community, that embodies the values of Respect, Courage, and Resilience.

“We pride ourselves on providing a safe and friendly environment where participants can learn and develop their skills in Rugby League, no matter their chosen path,” said volunteer coach of 15 years, Darryl Barker.

Offering teams from Under 6’s to Under 18’s, with both male and female participation, the club currently has 260 players and 70 volunteers.

“Our number of registered players and volunteers has steadily increased, and we are putting strategies in place to grow our numbers and maintain a positive community influence,” said Barker.

Northern Suburbs Junior Rugby League relies on generous sponsorships and fundraising activities like raffles, car washes, and sausage sizzles. These efforts help the club’s teams travel to various Rugby League Carnivals and Clinics around the state, including the Paul Bowman Shield Under 9’s in Proserpine and the Jason Hetherington Cup Under 12’s in Gladstone.

“Our teams benefit from traveling to these carnivals to enhance their skills,” says Barker.

“We currently have Norths players in the local QRL RISE program, which is a pathway to QRL and NRL representative teams.”

The club takes great pride in its history of producing QRL and NRL professional players, including State of Origin, National, and international representatives.

“The talent in Mackay is phenomenal,” noted Barker.

“Kids who once played at the junior level are now playing for top teams like the North Devils.”

Players currently representing in 2025 include Jasmine Peters and Libby Surha (NRLW North Queensland Cowboys), Isaiah Tass (NRL South Sydney Rabbitohs), and Jaxon Purdue (NRL North Queensland Cowboys).

The club’s home ground, Wanderers Sports Park in Beaconsfield, is shared with the Wanderers Soccer Club and Norths Cricket Club. The facilities include two rugby league fields, with plans to add an international field and two mini fields.

“Wanderers Sports Park will be the place for you and your family, with very exciting times ahead,” Barker enthused.

Additionally, he highlighted the importance of regional players getting involved in sports like rugby league, while also noting the numerous opportunities in coaching, administration, and refereeing available to all.

“Sport keeps kids active, helps them make friends, stay healthy, and fosters a sense of belonging,” he says.

“Rugby league is a very family-oriented environment, and we cater for all levels – whether you're new to the game or have been playing for years.

“Even if you’re new to the sport and would like to join, we have great coaches who will help you develop.”

Want to get involved? Reach out to the club for more information.

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