This year’s changes have been implemented by the National Rugby League and are based around safety and equal playing time.

“Previously our minis played three 10 minute thirds, but this year they play four eight minute quarters,” Witherspoon said.

“This way they actually get more playing time than they did previously.”

Witherspoon said the club especially had a focus on their six and seven-year-old age groups.

“In these age groups they only have six on the field and most teams have 12 players, so what we have done is the first six play the first quarter, then the other six play the second quarter and so on,” he said.

“They all pay the same rego fee so they all deserve an equal play time.”

Another element which is based on improving the safety of junior players is focused around concussion.

“If a player stands up and is uneasy on his feet he’ll have to pass a concussion test on the field, otherwise he’ll come straight off,” Witherspoon said.

“Then they need a clearance from a doctor to take the field the following week.”

Junior players can now take conversion attempts after scoring a try – something they previously haven’t been able to do.

“It’s been great to see the kids mimicking Johnathan Thurston after they’ve scored a try and point to the posts,” Witherspoon said.

“You should have seen their faces when we told them they could take a shot at goal.”

Witherspoon also wanted to see headgear become a mandatory part of a junior player’s attire.

“Whenever kids sign up to play with us and their parents ask about headgear, we say it’s not compulsory, but is recommended,” he said.

“Mouth guards are necessary.”