The Scenic Rim NRL junior 9's gala event attracted a record breaking turnout of about 300 kids at the Jimboomba Thunder club on Friday last week.
South-east Queensland NRL game development officer Rushdi Dai said 25 teams of under 12 and 10 kids from Scenic Rim and Logan schools played friendly rugby league games to encourage interest in the sport.
"There are new schools this year, we have Saint Francis College (Crestmead) and Parklands Christian College," he said.
"We also have a lot of schools who have previously done this from Beaudesert, Jimboomba and Canungra.
"There are mixed teams of boys and girls with an emphasis on getting more kids to play the game in time for sign ons at Jimboomba Thunder or Beaudesert Kingfishers.
"It is good to have new schools on board this year, it gives the event a new flavour and keeps schools in this region engaged."
Interest in the program has surged since last year's event where about 100 players from six schools participated.
Two NRL gala events are held each year with the Kingfisher Cup to be held at the Beaudesert Kingfisher grounds in September.
Flagstone State Community College students refereed junior NRL games due to their involvement in the Beyond the Goal Post program.
The program offers a pathway for students to receive a formal referee certificate, qualifying them to referee future rugby league games.
Mr Dai said there was no competitive element to the gala event.
"We have got a framework across all NRL events to increase participation and remove the emphasis of winning and losing, which can have a negative spin on events at times," he said.
All 25 teams took part in a rotational series of NRL matches from 9.40am to 1.55pm before a presentation ceremony at 2pm.
The juniors received NRL packs including posters, water bottles, footballs and NRL club sign on information.
Mr Dai said NRL gala events had a proven track record of boosting club membership for the Jimboomba Thunder and Beaudesert Kingfishers in previous years.
"Last year both clubs in the region saw growth," he said.
"Jimboomba has especially recorded a boost to junior membership after we moved the first gala day event here last year and share the love with Beaudesert."
Logan and Scenic Rim juniors also had an opportunity to engage with Gold Coast Titans interns.
Anyone interested in joining Jimboomba Thunder can call 0425 467 295.
To express interest in the Beaudesert Kingfisher club call 0417 723 285.
