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The National Rugby League (NRL) and Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) kicked off the largest gathering of wellbeing and education professionals in the game's history on Monday.

The NRL RLPA Wellbeing and Education conference on the Gold Coast is the first time that more than 80 wellbeing, education and pastoral care staff from NRL Clubs, States and International Organisations have come together to learn and discuss best-practice initiatives from Australia, New Zealand and around the globe.

International wellbeing experts from the National Football League (NFL), University of Abertay in Scotland, Professional Association of Athlete Development Specialists (PAADS) based in North America and Pacific Mental Health in New Zealand have been flown out by the NRL RLPA Wellbeing and Education Committee for the three-day conference.

NRL Senior Manager of Wellbeing and Education Paul Heptonstall said providing an educational opportunity for the professionals working direct with players on a daily basis is just as important as providing education and programs to the players themselves.

“There are more than 4000 players supported by these professionals at every stage of the elite rugby league pathway,” Mr Heptonstall said.

“It’s vitally important they come together in a setting such as this to find ways to evolve our practices, programs and services that continue to contribute to making our players better individuals on and off the field.”

RLPA CEO Ian Prendergast said rugby league has come a long way in the space in a short time but there is always more that can be done.

“We are extremely fortunate to have some of the best wellbeing professionals in Australia and New Zealand working for our players across all levels of the elite pathway,” Mr Prendergast said.

“These people are incredibly important in ensuring players are provided the best possible opportunities to lead a balanced and positive life, from junior representative pathways right through to our elite level and the recently retired.”

For more information on NRL RLPA Wellbeing and Education program, please visit nrl.com/wellbeing-and-education/

Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

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