Mark Gasnier is understood to have taken a senior position at the NRL, with responsibility for increasing participation.
Executive chairman Peter V'landys brought in the 45-year-old, a former Test centre and premiership winner.
Gasnier ended his playing career in 2011, one year after St George Illawarra claimed a title that ended its premiership drought.
After retiring, he created Tri Tag Rugby, a non-contact form of rugby union, and licensed it to Rugby Australia.
An NRL spokesman said the organisation would not comment on internal appointments.