NRL and Queensland schools initiative to provide pathway for elite female athletes

A new partnership between the NRL and the Queensland Government is aimed at encouraging participating athletes to pursue long-term careers in the Queensland state school system, with the program providing mentoring and encouragement to those who want to become teachers.

Up to 10 National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW) players will be recruited for part time permanent teacher aide positions across nominated state high schools, with those high schools then working with at least four primary schools each.

Following the league’s recent Collective Bargaining Agreement that secured record funding for NRLW players, this initiative will support aspiring teachers and inspire young female students to continue in sport through high school and beyond.

The initiative forms part of the support given to all NRL and NRLW players to take up education and employment opportunities alongside their playing commitments, setting them up for a great future beyond their career on the field. 

QLD Education Minister Grace Grace and NRL General Manager - School Participation Andrew Peach also announced the launch of Queensland’s participation in the NRL School Ambassador Program.

The program will allow teachers from all Queensland schools, both state and non-state, to engage with the NRL via a school’s portal on PlayRugbyLeague.com.

Set to provide opportunities throughout the year for school staff to learn and undertake training with the NRL, the partnership will provide resources for classroom activities and to assist teachers to get involved with touch, tag, or tackle rugby league.

It will also include opportunities for schools to be involved in high profile NRL events, such as playing before State of Origin matches or being involved in other NRL games.

Minister Grace notes “Queenslanders love our rugby league and now our teachers and students have the chance to engage with the sport in a whole new way.

“The teacher aide initiative will help provide positive role models for our high school rugby league players and support aspiring teachers, while the schools ambassador program will bring staff and students closer to the action.

“Rugby league is a community-building sport that provides students with pathways to lifelong learning, teamwork, and leadership. The presence of elite women players in our schools will not only boost engagement in sport, but carve out opportunities for athletes to enrol in further study and long-term employment in the education sector once their career on the field is over.

“The joint initiative is an innovative approach that underscores our commitment to realising the potential of every student while promoting teaching as an exciting career for our state’s best.”

NRL General Manager – School Participation Andrew Peach added “The NRL is excited to be able to support schools and teachers across Queensland, while also providing an outstanding career pathway for our elite female athletes.

“We are also proud to introduce the NRL School Ambassador Program in 2023.

“Any school staff member with an interest in Rugby League can sign up to the program via our new Schools Portal on the Play Rugby League website, with some great resources, prizes, rewards, and competitions available throughout the year.

“We understand the important role our schools play in leading our communities and the even more important role that teachers and school staff play in helping young kids be fit, healthy and active through rugby league.

“The NRL wants to recognise the outstanding role teachers play in our communities and the positive impact they make in kids’ lives.

“The School Ambassador Program helps to support our hard-working teachers and school staff who are fans, coaches and convenors of rugby league, while also recognising the significant contribution they make to supporting our whole community.”

Destiny Brill, Brisbane Broncos and Queensland Maroons player shared “I’ve loved the opportunity to work at Marsden SHS as a Teacher Aide.

“I’m really keen to make sure that I have options after football, and teaching has always been an area I was interested in.

“This program will help me stay involved in schools and education while also being able to continue playing.”

For more information on the NRL School Ambassador program