NRL CEO Todd Greenberg and ClubsNSW CEO Anthony Ball today signed an agreement, cementing the long and deep relationship between the two organisations and committing to work even more closely together.
The agreement recognises the integral role registered clubs play in the provision of rugby league facilities and infrastructure, as well as the promotion of the sport.
The agreement commits the parties to working together on initiatives including improving grassroots infrastructure for local rugby league clubs; supporting common community programs; and providing access to ClubsNSW training courses to improve club governance.
Mr Greenberg said registered clubs played a vital role in supporting rugby league, from the grassroots right up to the elite level.
"This agreement will further strengthen the relationship the game has with registered clubs," Mr Greenberg said.
"We want to ensure there is ongoing recognition of the incredible investment ClubsNSW members make in rugby league.
"Registered clubs provide a social hub for rugby league fans to come together in support of their favourite team, provide financial assistance to local junior rugby league clubs, and provide non-cash assistance such as team uniforms, spaces to run junior coaching clinics and office space for our Game Development Officers."
ClubsNSW CEO Anthony Ball said the agreement provided formal recognition of the strong support registered clubs have given to rugby league for more than 60 years.
"Registered clubs contributed more than $56 million to the game in 2016, ensuring the ongoing financial stability of NRL clubs," said ClubsNSW CEO Anthony Ball.
"But our member clubs also provide generous support to grassroots footy, helping to create an elite pathway for promising young rugby league players and making it affordable for kids to play the game.
"Players like Jarryd Hayne and Mitchell Pearce wouldn't be the players they are today without the support of Cabramatta Rugby League Club and Magpies Waitara respectively," Ball said.
Mr Greenberg said the agreement would allow both organizations to take their community messages to a broader audience.
"There are also a number of community priorities that the NRL and ClubsNSW have in common, such as the prevention of domestic violence and improving mental wellbeing. It makes sense that we work together to maximize our reach and ensure positive outcomes for the community," Mr Greenberg said.
"A strong club industry which supports rugby league is of mutual benefit to the NRL and ClubsNSW and this agreement is intended to guarantee that continues into the future."
