LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The NRL and NRLW are known for their diversity, with players representing 65 different nations in the 2025 playing squads.
This includes players like Wests Tigers' Alex Seyfarth, who has a mix of English, Spanish, Sri Lankan, and Slovenian heritage.
Bulldogs winger Marcelo Montoya was born in Fiji and has roots in Chile and Cuba, while Broncos prop Payne Haas and his brother Klese have grandparents from Samoa, Switzerland, and the Philippines.
Sea Eagles player Jason Saab has a blend of Indigenous, Lebanese, and Nigerian backgrounds, while Broncos NRLW star Annetta-Claudia Nu'uausala hails from New Zealand with Samoan and Chinese ancestry.
The NRL and NRLW's diversity showcases the pride players have in their heritage and culture.
It highlights the multicultural nature of Australia's most diverse sporting code, with a significant number of players having connections to different parts of the world.
This diversity extends beyond just the players' backgrounds, as many also have family ties to various countries.
Nearly a third of NRL players were born overseas, and almost half of the playing group have at least one parent who was born overseas.
This diversity in the NRL and NRLW reflects the changing demographics of Australia and the growing multiculturalism within the country.
It also demonstrates the inclusivity of the sport and the opportunities it provides for athletes from all walks of life.
The presence of players from 65 different nations adds richness and depth to the game, showcasing the unique stories and backgrounds that each player brings to the field.
As the most multi-cultural sporting code in Australia, the NRL and NRLW are a true reflection of the nation's diverse and proud heritage.