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RUGBY LEAGUE IN AUSTRALIA

Dating back to its inception in 1908, rugby league in Australia has grown to be one of the nations most participated and watched sports.

The NRL Telstra Premiership is the closest elite sporting competition in Australia featuring the best players from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. The Holden State of Origin inter-state series is also hosted annually on the NRL calendar. Watched by millions across the region the fixture showcases  the states of New South Wales and Queensland in what is now known as Australian sport’s greatest rivalry.

At its heart, rugby league in Australia is a community-based sport played and supported by hundreds of thousands right across Australia.. In addition, there are countless people who give their time volunteering to ensure boys and girls, teenagers and adults can play the sport they love each weekend.

GOVERNANCE

Formed in 2012, the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) is the governing body for Rugby League in Australia. It sets the overall strategic direction for the game and works to ensure that the administration across all levels of rugby league can meet the demands of being a modern, professional and well governed sport. It has responsibility for funding the game at all levels and helping the game to grow and foster both in Australia and internationally.

NATIONAL COMPETITION

The National Rugby League Telstra Premiership is contested between 16 Clubs from March to October annually. The Holden Women’s Championship (NRLW) is contested by 4 teams and was first played in 2018.

The NRL also runs an annual three-match State of Origin series between New South Wales and Queensland, NRL Indigenous All Stars match, NRL Nines tournament, Women’s State of Origin fixture, and the Harvey Norman NRL Touch Football affiliation.

The NRL proudly supports the largest and most comprehensive community relations program in Australian sport, known as NRL Community. It provides a platform for rugby league to drive powerful social change with a particular focus on children and young people.

Through current and former NRL players, it uses the reach and scope of the NRL to deliver community programs, health and education messages and promote inclusiveness and diversity.

NATIONAL TEAMS

Australian Kangaroos (Men)
Australian Jillaroos (Women)
Australian Wheelaroos (Wheelchair)

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