LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
The NSWRL will continue to build on its proud tradition of providing players with the platform to pursue their dream of playing the game at the highest level when the 2025 season for Major Competitions kicks off this weekend (8-9 March).
The NSWRL officially launched its season at the NSWRL Centre of Excellence today with more than 120 guests in attendance, including Westpac NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley, Westpac NSW Blues Women's coach John Strange, NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden, NSWRL Chair Carolyn Campbell, NSWRL Directors and player and club representatives from NSWRL Major Competitions and Junior Representatives Competitions.
In 2024, a record number of players (60) graduated to play in the NRL including 59 from the state's premier competition for men, The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, while boom Wests Tigers five-eighth Lachlan Galvin progressed straight from UNE SG Ball Cup (Under 19s).
Other success stories included Western Suburbs Magpies forward Tim Johannssen, who last year progressed from playing Sydney Shield, Leagues Clubs Australia Ron Massey Cup and The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup to make his NRL debut for Wests Tigers.
The success of players making their NRL debuts last year was also a significant increase from the 44 players who graduated from The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup in 2023, and 46 in 2022.