NSWCRLA holds 2025 Annual General Meeting

The NSW Community Rugby Leagues Association held its 2025 Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 4 February, bringing together representatives from Community Rugby League Groups and Districts across New South Wales.

The AGM provided an opportunity to reflect on a strong year for the grassroots game, acknowledge leadership contributions, and outline key priorities for the year ahead.

Chair Kristie Laird paid tribute to outgoing Chair Nathan Waugh, thanking him for his leadership and advocacy over more than three years, during which he guided the Association through a period of significant change and challenge for Community Rugby League.

The meeting highlighted the continued strength of Community Rugby League across NSW, with more than 117,000 registrations recorded in 2025, including over 30,000 female participants, across more than 20 metropolitan and regional community competitions. Continued growth in female participation and alternative formats of the game was also noted as a positive trend.

A key focus for the Association moving forward is strengthening communication and engagement with members, including regular updates, direct engagement with Groups, and broader collaboration across the state. Members were also advised that work is underway on a new Strategic Plan to guide the Association’s advocacy, engagement and sustainable growth into the future.

The AGM also confirmed the appointment of the following Directors to Group B, in accordance with the Constitution:

• Blake South (Penrith)

• Jarrad Whitby (Penrith)

• Gary Green (Canberra)

• Kristie Laird (Group 7)

Looking ahead, members were advised of upcoming engagement opportunities, including a General Members Meeting, and the imminent launch of the Community Rugby League Growth Fund, a $150,000 initiative funded by the Australian Rugby League Commission through NSW Rugby League to support volunteer capability, participation growth and long-term sustainability across Community Rugby League.

The Association thanked its Directors, Groups and volunteers for their continued leadership and commitment, and reaffirmed its role as a strong and trusted voice for Community Rugby League across New South Wales.