The NRL's commitment to inclusion and social cohesion has been celebrated with an award at the recent NSW Premier's Harmony Dinner.
The game's In League In Harmony program was awarded the Sports Medal at the recent event, recognising its ability to bring diverse communities together through sport.
The initiative was first launched in 2014 and has grown into one of the NRL's biggest community programs.
In League In Harmony Gala Day 2026
The NRL was the only sporting organisation to receive an award at the Harmony Dinner. Executive General Manager of Participation and Social Impact John Wilson said it was a fitting reward for the passionate staff who drive positive social change in communities across the NSW, Australia and beyond.
"Receiving the Sports Medal is a powerful acknowledgement of the role rugby league plays in bringing people together," Wilson said.
"At the NRL, we see participation as more than sport — it’s about belonging, connection and opportunity.
"We remain deeply committed to using our game to strengthen communities and create positive social change across New South Wales."
The program has used the power of rugby league to connect with thousands of students and provide the participants with the chance to learn about diversity, challenge stereotypes and develop respect for others both on and off the field.
Since its inception in 2014, the In League In Harmony program has seen:
- More than 13,000 thousand participants
- Hosted 61 Gala Days
- Developed 1,200 Peace Advocates
In League In Harmony combines classroom-based learning with on-field rugby league activities to create an engaging experience for students.
Throughout the sessions participants explore identity, inclusion, leadership and resilience. The key themes are then reinforced with team-based activities, allowing students to apply the lessons in a practical environment.
Students from multiple schools also come together for a gala day that celebrates culture, diversity and sport. Selected participants then have the chance to complete a Peace Advocate Workshop, where they learn leadership skills to drive positive change within their schools.
Students also have the chance to develop their own Peace Projects to promote inclusion, respect and harmony. The projects provide a lasting legacy of the program to ensure its impact continues well beyond its completion.
In League In Harmony is delivered in partnership with the NSW COMPACT Alliance, and the NRL’s partner organisations The Institute for Economics and Peace and Moving Forward Together.
The partnerships ensure the program provides evidence-based frameworks, community engagement and aligns with broader initiatives for social cohesion and community resilience.
