18/09/2026
MEDIA STATEMENT
FIVE-YEAR TOOHEYS DEAL LOCKS IN MAJOR BOOST FOR GRASSROOTS RUGBY LEAGUE
Newcastle Hunter Rugby League (NHRL) has secured a five-year partnership extension with Tooheys, delivering a major boost for grassroots rugby league across the Newcastle and Hunter region.
The new agreement strengthens one of NHRL’s most significant commercial partnerships and will provide continued investment and resources for the competition and its clubs over the next five years.
The deal comes at an exciting time for NHRL, with the competition continuing to experience significant growth.
In 2026, NHRL has 37 clubs and 70 teams competing across its competitions, with thousands of players, coaches, volunteers, officials, families and supporters involved throughout the season.
The continued growth highlights the strength of community rugby league in the region and the increasing demand for opportunities for players to participate in the game.
NHRL Chairman Kevin King said securing Tooheys for another five years was a major milestone for the organisation.
“This is a great day for community rugby league and for NHRL.
“To have Tooheys commit to another five years, is a fantastic endorsement of what our clubs are achieving and the direction NHRL is heading.
“Our competition continues to grow, and we now have 37 clubs and 70 teams involved. We want that growth to continue, but growth also means we need to keep investing in our clubs and providing them with the resources they need.
“This partnership will help us do exactly that and continue building a stronger future for grassroots rugby league.
“Tooheys has been a tremendous supporter of NHRL and community football, and we are very proud to continue this partnership for the next five years.”
Tooheys Regional Sales Manager Richard Matthews said the company was proud to continue its Partnership with NHRL.
“We love what the NHRL are doing with the division and the continued growth of the competition has been amazing to see.
“There is something special about grassroots rugby league. It brings clubs, players, families, volunteers and entire communities together every weekend.
“NHRL has continued to grow, and that is why we wanted to make a long-term commitment and partner with them for another five years.
“We are looking forward to seeing where the competition goes over the next five years and continuing to support grassroots rugby league across the Newcastle and Hunter region.”
INVESTING BACK INTO CLUBS
The renewed partnership will allow NHRL to continue providing greater support and resources to its member clubs as the competition expands.
NHRL has placed a strong focus on building the depth and sustainability of its competitions, creating more opportunities for players while supporting the volunteers and club officials who make community rugby league possible.
The five-year commitment also provides NHRL with greater certainty to plan ahead and continue developing the competition rather than focusing only on one season at a time.
With 37 clubs and 70 teams already competing in 2026, NHRL believes there is significant opportunity for further growth across the Newcastle and Hunter region.
NHRL and Tooheys will now enter the next chapter of their partnership with a shared focus on supporting grassroots rugby league and ensuring local clubs have the resources and opportunities to continue growing.
NHRL Chairman Kevin King said:
“Our clubs are the foundation of NHRL.
“When our clubs are strong, our competition is strong, and this partnership helps us continue putting resources back into the grassroots game.
“We are excited about what the next five years will bring.”
