Rugby league players make it to the top

As New South Wales celebrates Origin victory it's likely some parents have hopes for their own children's sporting careers. So what does it take to make it to the top tier of rugby league? A University of Sydney study examining the career trajectories of 224 professional National Rugby League (NRL) players suggests early specialisation, early selection in representative teams and intensive training load is not the only way to make it the top. The study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences also identified a group of professional players who showed a delayed trajectory. This was characterised by involvement in other sports up to 12 years of age, lower levels of training in junior years, and lower levels of rugby league competition before ages 17 to 20. Lead author Balin Cupples said contrary to popular belief there are likely multiple distinct pathways that can lead to senior elite sporting success. "This study shows that achievement at junior and youth tiers and representative levels is not a necessity for long term success," said Mr Cupples, a PhD candidate at the University of Sydney. "Nearly 40 percent of the professional players in our study reported a less intensive and delayed investment path." "Their more intense training and game involvement occurred later in age and developmental terms compared to the early investment group.