The nib Newcastle Knights and Hunter Junior Rugby League (HJRL) have extended their Memorandum of Understanding, ensuring the largest junior rugby league nursery in the game, will continue to develop and prosper both on and off the field.
With more than 8,200 participants across 33 clubs, the Hunter is one of the largest junior nurseries in the world, sitting right in the backyard and working hand in hand with the Knights.
This partnership extends well beyond just rugby league participation, holistically encompassing rugby league pathways programs and delivering broad community engagements.
nib Newcastle Knights Director of Football Chris James, said the partnership includes mutually beneficial objectives for all parties involved.
“The Newcastle Knights are delighted to extend and expand the MOU with the HJRL," James said.
“We share a combined vision of connecting our local rugby league communities to our elite Knights pathways programs, with one of the many benefits being locally developed NRL and NRLW talent.
“The Knights understand the significance of creating sustainable systems across all parts of the game, our significant investment in coaches, trainers, and administrators will continue to increase under the new agreement.
“The introduction of our junior club ambassador program will see Dylan Brown working directly with the Dudley Magpies and by 2028, our Newcastle Knights logo will be on every Hunter junior jersey.
Hunter Junior Rugby League Chairman Shane Burley said this new agreement is a major step forward for rugby league our region.
“This partnership strengthens the two areas that matter the most to us - our rugby league community and our pathways, ensuring our young players are supported by clear, connected and professionally aligned development systems,” Burley said.
“For our juniors and volunteers the benefits are significant, including access to the Knights Centre of Excellence, enhanced coaching and trainer development and age-specific high-performance programs.
“Every club will have a Knights player linked to them, giving our kids regular contact with their hometown heroes, inspiring belief and strengthening their connection to the game.
“This partnership will develop a deeper engagement with the grassroots system and a united pathway, delivering wins for our clubs, our families and the future of rugby league in the region.”
