In a significant stride for Rugby League in Northern New South Wales, the Gold Coast Titans and Rugby League Northern Rivers (RLNR) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand development pathways and deepen community engagement across the region.
Signed by Titans Manager of Club Engagement, Critical Stakeholders, and Pathways, Paul Stephenson, and RLNR President Robin Harley, this agreement brings Groups 1, 18, and the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League (NRRRL) together under one banner.
The agreement underscoring both organisations’ dedication to supporting players, coaches, volunteers, and referees throughout Northern Rivers and marks a renewed commitment from the Titans to strengthen Rugby League at every level in Northern Rivers.
“The Northern Rivers Titans program has expanded significantly in recent years; we’re now up to seven teams,” said Stephenson.
“It’s exciting for us at the Titans to be so deeply connected with the Northern Rivers - this region is part of our our heartland.
Today’s signing, which unites Group 1, Group 18, and NRRRL, is a major step forward in expanding the work we’re doing in the community.”
The partnership includes an annual financial contribution by the Titans, directed at Rugby League initiatives across the region.
This funding, combined with the club’s commitment to host regular coaching and development sessions, aims to equip Northern Rivers players, coaches, volunteers, and referees with the resources needed to progress through local pathways and reach elite levels.
Harley shared his enthusiasm for the strengthened alliance, emphasizing its grassroots impact.
“We’re thrilled to formalize this partnership with the Titans, as it enables us to support and nurture our players and coaches from the grassroots up to the elite level,” Harley said.
“This MOU is a unified commitment to the Northern Rivers community, creating more opportunities for young players to develop their skills and embody the values that define Titans players - effort, attitude, and desire.”
Key Components of the MOU
- Ongoing Financial and Developmental Support: The Titans will make annual contributions to support Rugby League programs in Northern Rivers, ensuring resources for player and coach development.
- Joint Training and Coaching Programs: Titans staff will conduct training and coaching sessions both at the Titans’ Parkwood High Performance Centre and in Northern Rivers, raising the bar for skill-building in the region.
- Community Engagement: The Titans and RLNR will coordinate a joint events calendar, maximising Titans’ presence at local Rugby League events.
- NRL and NRLW players will regularly visit to inspire young athletes and support Rugby League growth in Northern Rivers.
Sunday’s signing also marked the launch of the Northern Rivers Titans Academies, where local players gathered at Crozier and Oaks Oval in Lismore for an introduction to the Titans’ development program.
Led by Titans and Tweed Seagulls staff, including Matt Keating and Shaun Davison, coaches conducted on-field testing sessions, giving young athletes firsthand exposure to the Titans’ pathway program.
This partnership reflects the Titans’ longstanding dedication to grassroots Rugby League, reaffirming the club’s commitment to nurturing talent.
The MOU is expected to have a lasting impact, providing players, coaches, volunteers, and referees with the skills, resources, and support they need to thrive in Rugby League.
