The changes in the sport will affect the whole of Australia with the governing body undergoing reviews to make the game better for young up-and-comers.

Under six to under eight age groups will enjoy a more fun, friendly and free flowing game. 

Country Rugby League Operations Manager, Robert Lowrie said girls and boys in the game will get more game time, more opportunities with the ball to make playing in lower levels a more positive learning experience. 

"It is a national program and kids around the Northern Tablelands will be playing the same rules and regulations as kids across Australia,” he said.

"We have had a modified game for 25-30 years which is different to the game where seniors play on a big field. 

"The game decided four or five years ago that we needed to have a review because we have had this modified game for 30 years but we had never actually reviewed or looked at it. 

"We had extensive studies and trials of different rules and different areas and game up with the product we have got now. We have now the kids playing on smaller fields that are more suited to their size and their age groups.” 

The changes were trialed in big rugby league areas including Parramatta and Illawarra. Lowrie said there was plenty of positive feedback from the trials and they took that on board when making the decision. 

"The product we have on show now, is not the NRL game,” he said.

"We want mum and dad to understand the game their kid is playing is not what they see on television.

“Already we’ve seen a strong interest in junior rugby league registrations in regional New South Wales.

“It’s great to see these changes, which compliments the feedback from our communities, coming into effect and changing the game for these young players for the better.”

NRL Head of Football Brian Canavan believes parents will see changes with their children having more fun in the sport than ever before. 

He said the NRL will continue its policy of positive and appropriate off-field behaviour amongst parents, spectators and fellow participants.

Local junior rugby league president Peter Holley doesn’t consider the changes too major, but said they will allow more youngsters to be involved in the play and run the ball a bit better.

The club’s season gets underway at the end of April, and Holley said there have already been a few signup days but registrations are still being taken. To register go online at www.nrl.com/play and follow the prompts for the Tenterfield club.

Club officials meet this week to determine coaches for the various age groups, with training to get underway shortly after that.