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

Kristie Laird
Chair & Regional Director
Secretary - Kiama Junior Knights Rugby League

Ian Robinson
Deputy Chair & Independent Director
Life Member NSWCRLA, various executive positions – Panthers Juniors

Richard Kelly
Executive Officer & Independent Director
Former Chair - Balmain District Junior League

Blake South
Metropolitan Director
General Manager - Panthers Junior Rugby League

Adam Fairley
Metropolitan Director
General Manager - Parramatta Junior Rugby League
Mark Harrison
Regional Director
Independent Director - Northern Rivers Rugby League, Life Member of Tweed Byron Group 18 Junior Rugby League

Andrew Pull
Regional Director
President - Woodbridge Cup

Gary Green
Regional Director
Chair - Canberra Region Rugby League

Vacant Position
Metropolitan Director

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







