NSWRL today launched its inaugural Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) which strives to strengthen the relationships with First Nations communities and organisations by building understanding and respect for First Nations cultures, histories and contributions to Rugby League across the state.
(Pictured l to r: Westpac NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley, Reconciliation Australia Program Manager – Partner Success, Savannha Roberts and NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden)
The RAP was launched at the NSWRL Centre of Excellence with 40 guests attending including NSWRL Chair Carolyn Campbell, NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden, NSWRL Deputy Chair John Anderson OAM, NSWRL Directors Tarsha Gale and Bob Walsh, Westpac NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley, Westpac NSW Blues Women's coach John Strange, Reconciliation Australia Program Manager – Partner Success, Savannha Roberts and NSWRL Community Football Referees Development Officer Gavin Badger.
First Nations players were also well represented with True Blues Shaylee Bent, Cliff Lyons, Ricky Walford and Timana Tahu, and NRL Indigenous Pathway and Partnership Manager Dean Widders all in attendance while renowned actor Luke Carroll hosted the event.
The launch also coincided with National Close the Gap Day, an annual Australian day of action advocating for health equality between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. It also aims to bridge disparities in life expectancy, health, education, and employment, ensuring First Nations people have equal life outcomes.
“Rugby League has always been deeply connected to First Nations people and communities, and this Reconciliation Action Plan is an important step in recognising that history while committing to meaningful action for the future,” Campbell said.
“As the governing body for Rugby League in NSW and the ACT, we have a responsibility to lead with integrity, respect and purpose. This RAP reflects our commitment to ensuring First Nations people feel genuinely valued, respected and included across every level of our game.
“Reconciliation is not a one off moment, it is an ongoing journey, and this plan provides a clear framework to guide how we listen, learn and act together as a Rugby League community.”
NSWRL’s RAP, which runs from 2026-28, forms part of the NSWRL’s Strategic Plan and has been endorsed by Reconciliation Australia. A NSWRL First Nations Sub-Committee was formed to develop the RAP alongside a NSWRL Working Group.
Over the next two years, the RAP will address issues including relationships, opportunities, respect and governance in the game as it looks to create a unified, inclusive and diverse Rugby League family that embraces culture, histories and perspectives.
NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said: “The launch of our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan reinforces that reconciliation is central to who we are as an organisation and to our vision of Rugby League being the ‘Game for All’.
“With almost one in five registered players in NSW identifying as First Nations, this is about creating culturally safe, inclusive environments where everyone involved in our game feels a sense of belonging and opportunity.
“This RAP builds on the strong work already underway across NSWRL and provides a clear direction to strengthen relationships, deepen understanding and create meaningful opportunities for First Nations people, both on and off the field.”
The NSWRL is already involved extensively in several programs or initiatives involving First Nations communities including:
- Talented Aboriginal Athlete Program (TAAP) camp for Under 16s Boys which brings together a squad of First Nations athletes from around NSW before a team is chosen for a representative match
- Harmony Nines tournament for heritage teams, including First Nations, for Under 18s and Under 16s Boys and Girls
- Deadly Choices partnership in conjunction with the Institute of Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH), which encourages First Nations people to receive health checks
- First Nations Round for NSWRL Major Competitions coinciding with NAIDOC week, which has seen match officials don specially designed jerseys
- First Nations Referees Development Camp, an invitational camp designed to help First Nations officials upskill in physical and technical aspects
- PCYC Nations of Origin, the brainchild of respected NSWRL official the late Steve ‘Bear’ Hall, brings together Under 15s schoolboys and girls to compete in a range of sports tournaments, including Rugby League
- Clontarf Academy partnership, which focuses on using Rugby League to support the education, wellbeing and life outcomes of young First Nations men
- KARI Foundation partnership, a not-for-profit organisation that aims to strengthen First Nations communities through cultural programs, education and community engagement
- NSWRL specially commissioned Acknowledgement of Country video featuring Stan Grant that has been distributed for use to clubs across NSW, and a piece of artwork by First Nations artist Daren Dunn that illustrates the NSWRL’s First Nations connections
