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HISTORY OF CRLA

The NSW Community Rugby Leagues Association (NSWCRLA) is an organisation that governs and supports the grassroots level of rugby league in New South Wales, Australia. Its primary focus is on community engagement, development, and the promotion of rugby league among local clubs, schools, and junior leagues.

The origins of organised rugby league in New South Wales can be traced back to the early 20th century when the sport was first introduced to Australia. Over the decades, rugby league grew in popularity, leading to the establishment of numerous local clubs and competitions. The need for a governing body to oversee these grassroots activities became evident, and various local associations were formed to manage the sport at a community level.

The NSW Community Rugby Leagues Association was officially established to unify these local entities under a single umbrella, providing structure and support for community-level rugby league. The association aimed to ensure that the sport was accessible to everyone, promoting inclusivity and encouraging participation from all age groups and backgrounds.

CRLA DIRECTORS

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Kristie Laird
Chair & Regional Director

Secretary - Kiama Junior Knights Rugby League

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Ian Robinson
Deputy Chair & Independent Director

Life Member NSWCRLA, various executive positions – Panthers Juniors

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Richard Kelly
Executive Officer & Independent Director

Former Chair - Balmain District Junior League

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Blake South
Metropolitan Director

General Manager - Panthers Junior Rugby League

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Adam Fairley
Metropolitan Director 

General Manager - Parramatta Junior Rugby League

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Mark Harrison
Regional Director 

Independent Director - Northern Rivers Rugby League, Life Member of Tweed Byron Group 18 Junior Rugby League

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Andrew Pull

Regional Director

President - Woodbridge Cup

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Gary Green

Regional Director

Chair - Canberra Region Rugby League

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Vacant Position

Metropolitan Director

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Vacant Position
Metropolitan Director

LIFE MEMBERS

Col Mills* - Manly

John Quinn* - North Sydney

Gordon Lowrie* - St George

Bob Carroll* - Balmain

Bob Gorick* - Cronulla

Don Feltis - Penrith

Rod Gorman* - South Sydney

Warner Young - Parramatta

Len Manuel - Penrith

Ron Dean - Manly

Barry Harris* - Canterbury

Bill Delauney* - Canterbury

Martin Meredith - NSWRL

Ian Laycock - Illawarra

Ron Ellison - South Sydney

Julie Luke - Western Suburbs, 2007

Paul Tychurst - Canterbury, 2007

John Riordan* - NSWRL, 2008

Peter O'Dwyer* - Manly, 2008

Kevin Nicholls - North Sydney, 2009

Robert Henderson - Balmain, 2009

Tom Larkin - South Sydney, 2010

Cathy Crowe - St George, 2011

Yvonne Purtell - Penrith, 2012

John Critchley - Balmain, 2014

Chris Books - St George, 2016

Mick Manning - Balmain, 2016

David Patullo - Penrith, 2019

Ian Robinson - Penrith, 2021

© 2025 NSW Community Rugby League Association. All rights reserved.

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