Lake Macquarie will become a major home base for rugby league development in northern NSW following the announcement of a new partnership between the National Rugby League and Hunter Sports Centre (HSC), kaiyu nungkiliko.
The Australian Rugby League Commission NRL base will support the game's rapid regional growth and strengthen pathways for players, coaches, officials and volunteers.
The NRL will establish a dedicated presence within the HSC's newly redeveloped Sport and Community Building for their local and state office staff, providing a professional environment for seminars, training, coaching and officiating courses, workshops, community engagement programs and administration operations.
Hunter Sports Centre Acting General Manager Michelle Preston‑Poole said the agreement, which comes on the one year-anniversary of the HSC's multimillion dollar upgrade, reinforced the centre's role as one of NSW's leading multi‑sport destinations.
"We are incredibly proud to welcome the National Rugby League into the Hunter Sports Centre community," she said.
"This partnership showcases the world‑class facilities we have built for the region and provides a professional, centralised base for the NRL to deliver programs that develop players, referees, coaches and the broader rugby league community."
Rugby league participation continues to grow rapidly across the Hunter region, with rising numbers in junior pathways, female participation and school-based programs contributing to increased demand for local development opportunities.
The NRL's expanded presence in Lake Macquarie will boost this growth, providing consistency in service delivery and improved access to high quality spaces.
NRL spokesperson John Wilson said the establishment of a dedicated hub inside the HSC aligned directly with the organisation's commitment to strengthen rugby league's footprint across key regional communities.
"The Hunter region is one of rugby league's most important heartlands, with participation continuing to grow strongly across club rugby league and schools," he said.
"Hunter Sports Centre offers everything we need — from indoor and outdoor training spaces to modern education rooms, and a central location that connects us to the entire Hunter region corridor. This partnership strengthens our long-term investment in the region and enhances our ability to support the game at every level."
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the agreement reflected the momentum generated by the city's $52 million investment in the redevelopment of HSC.
"The growth we're seeing is transforming Lake Macquarie into a true regional hub for elite and community sport," he said.
"Welcoming the NRL into the Hunter Sports Centre shows the strength of the precinct and its importance for the sporting future of the Hunter.
"As someone who grew up playing rugby league in Lake Macquarie, I know how passionate our community is about the game, and this will provide greater opportunity for local kids to follow their sporting dreams."
Hunter Sports Centre also acknowledged the important role played by Dantia, the Lake Macquarie Economic Development Company Limited, and its CEO Tim Browne in fostering strategic partnerships to strengthen the region's sporting and economic landscape.
"This collaboration would not have been possible without the support of Dantia. Their commitment to driving regional growth and creating impactful connections has directly contributed to bringing this partnership to life," Ms Preston-Poole said.
With thousands of local families and an expanding membership community engaging with NRL every week, the new partnership is expected to significantly benefit regional participation, accessibility and development pathways.
