Just days after the Koori Knockout takes over Tamworth and the NRL Grand Final is decided, rugby league will take over UNE with the first-ever rugby league conference.
This October, the brightest minds in rugby league will come together for a first-of-its-kind event aimed at providing game-changing strategies to improve performance, reduce injury risk, and optimise training methods.
Hosted by the University of New England (UNE) at the NSW Rugby League Centre of Excellence in Sydney, the Beyond The Game: Developing the Rugby League Athlete, Footballer, and Individual conference will feature world-renowned keynote speakers, cutting-edge research presentations, and a practical gym-based demonstration from UNE’s Dr Bradley Morris.
Dr Morris said it is a unique opportunity for attendees to expand their expertise in exercise and sports science, network with industry leaders, and hear from some of the top voices in the game.
“This is the first conference of its kind to be purely centred around rugby league, and will provide attendees with practical, applicable strategies that can be immediately implemented in their training programs,” he said.
“Here at UNE, we are passionate about continually finding ways to better the game, and provide athletes and coaches with the knowledge needed to continually improve and evolve.”
The program will showcase three keynote sessions from leaders in the sport. Dr Tim Gabbett, one of the world’s most influential sports scientists, will open the conference. With more than 30 years’ experience, two PhDs, and over 300 publications, Dr Gabbett is globally recognised for his work in injury prevention, physical demands, and skill acquisition.
Brice Johnson, an ASCA-accredited strength and conditioning coach with more than two decades in elite sport, will present on athlete development and team success across rugby league, netball, and football. Matt Parish, a former NRL player and respected coach, will share his expertise in high performance and pathways after transforming Samoa’s national team and mentoring athletes at the highest levels of the game.
The full-day schedule also includes morning tea, lunch, and research presentations, with attendees eligible for six continuing professional development points through Exercise and Sports Science Australia.
All content will be available on-demand after the event, ensuring participants can revisit key learnings and share insights with their teams.
The conference will be held on Saturday, 11 October 2025, running from 8.45am to 3pm at the NSWRL Centre of Excellence, 12 Dawn Fraser Avenue, Sydney Olympic Park. Registration is $120, with UNE students eligible for a half-price rate using the code UNE1. Registrations close on 4 October.
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