Junior rugby league grants to celebrate 20-year milestone

The National Rugby League’s naming rights partner, Telstra, will commit more than $100,000 to junior rugby league clubs as part of the 2021 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final.

To mark their 20th consecutive year as naming rights partner, Telstra will award a grant of $5,000 to the junior Club of each player in the Grand Final winning team.

An additional grant of $20,000 will be awarded to the junior club association of the runner up.

The junior rugby league club grants will be awarded during the special post-match presentation on Sunday night, following the NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final between Penrith Panthers and South Sydney Rabbitohs.

NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said the value of Telstra’s partnership to the game was highlighted by their contribution to all parts of Rugby League.

“This is another example of Telstra’s deep commitment to Rugby League – not just the NRL and NRLW but the heart and soul of the game, our volunteers and club communities,” Mr Abdo said.

“Every player in tomorrow night’s Grand Final started at a junior rugby league club. Participation is so important to us, whether it be touch, tag or tackle and the Commission is committed to creating the largest sports community in Australia.”

“At the start of this season, we launched the Telstra Premiership with a substantial commitment to junior Rugby League by Telstra.

“Now Telstra will complete our epic season with another investment into our Rugby League community. On behalf of the game, I thank Telstra for their comprehensive and authentic investment to Rugby League as we celebrate 20 years together.”

Genelle Sharples, Principal – Media, Sponsorship and Awards of Telstra, said: “2021 has been a special milestone for our long partnership with NRL. Nothing has the power to connect Australians like sport. It’s why Telstra is helping to ensure the game continues to thrive now and in the future.

“Congratulations to both the Panthers and the Rabbitohs for making it to the ultimate moment of the season. We look forward to celebrating your success with the next generation of players.”

Grand Final Week in Brisbane has featured a strong focus on grassroots rugby league, with a referees workshop attended by senior match officials to coincide with the Grand Final Referees announcement at Suncorp Stadium and kids clinics held across Thursday and Friday.

/NRL Public Release. View in full here.