As part of the 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the NRL and RLPA, it was agreed that a new stand-alone entity, League Ahead, would be established to oversee and deliver wellbeing and education support for all contracted NRL and NRLW players.

League Ahead exists to promote and support the physical, cultural, intellectual, and mental wellbeing of contracted elite rugby league players. This is achieved through leadership, expertise, and the coordinated delivery of programs and services via dedicated Wellbeing and Education Managers embedded at each NRL club.

The Wellbeing and Education Manager (NRLW) role plays a critical part in empowering players to thrive both on and off the field by addressing their unique needs across semi-professional and professional phases. The Manager will provide leadership and connection across the 12 Club-based Wellbeing and Education Managers (WEMs), contributing to a high-performance, player-centred culture throughout the league.

Key Area 1: Player Wellbeing and Education Programs

• Develop wellbeing and development programs in line with key priorities of the League Ahead strategic plan designed specifically for NRLW players at various career stages. These may include, but not limited to;
  • managing the unique demands of semi-professional status
  • career juggling
  • financial education
  • facilitate culturally safe and gender-specific support pathways
  • empower players to develop life, leadership, and professional skills alongside their sporting careers.
• Working with the NRL and RLPA, provide leadership to the WEM’s on integrating wellbeing approaches that respect family planning, pregnancy considerations, and return-to-play pathways.
• Tailor engagement methods to fit NRLW player realities (shorter seasons, dispersed living locations, outside employment).
• Establish and maintain partnerships that support the wellbeing, education, and career development of NRLW players

Key Area 2: WEM Support

• Support WEMs in their case management of individual player support during critical points in their career (e.g. first contract, long-term injury, maternity, relocation).
• Drive communication and alignment with NRLW WEMs on strategic initiatives, fostering collaboration and shared best-practice across clubs.
• Ensure League Ahead initiatives reflect the unique demands of NRLW players’ semi-professional schedules.
• Lead the design and delivery of NRLW Rookie Camp, coordinating agenda and execution with ‘Head of Operations and Events’.
• Work closely with the ‘General Manager – Mental Health and Wellbeing’ to identify the women’s game research priorities and develop response strategies.

Key focus 3: Club and Environment Integration

• Work with key stakeholders within Clubs to position NRLW player wellbeing as an important contributor to the Club’s high-performance environment, reinforcing that wellbeing enhances both performance and long-term player success.
• Support the development of culturally safe, gender-aware, and family-supportive environments by working collaboratively with Club WEM’s.
• Build trusted relationships across football, medical, high-performance and operational teams to ensure NRLW player wellbeing needs are considered in decision-making processes.

Key focus 4: Data, Privacy and Reporting

• Maintain confidential, secure wellbeing records aligned with League Ahead data governance standards.
• Track player engagement and outcomes in wellbeing and development programs.
• Contribute to internal and League Ahead reporting and impact measurement.