Penrith hosts next gen at NRL Rookie Camp

For the first time in three years, the next generation of rugby league stars from across 17 NRL clubs came together to learn about life as a professional rugby league player.

About 80 young players on varying levels of contracts attended the NRL's Rookie Camp in Penrith for a two-day course discussing respectful relationships, financial literacy, drugs, alcohol and the perils of social media.

The NRL’s General Manager of Wellbeing, Diversity and Performance Tiffany Slater said the success of this year’s camp reiterated the importance of the game's rookies uniting before they enter the next chapter of their rugby league journey.

“The rookie camp is a really important entry into the professional, full-time environment for the players,” Slater said.

“It was the first one we’ve had back in person for three years since COVID. So it was excellent to have everyone back face-to-face and enjoy the experience together.

“There’s a range of cultural activities we do as well as broader education and being back in person made a huge difference.”

The 2022 NRL Rookie Camp hosted several former NRL players including Alan Tongue, David Solomona, Clinton Toopi and Jason King who delivered presentations, videos and workshops designed to educate the rookies on off-field decision-making, behaviour and performance.

“We had a range of internal people from within the game speak as well as external subject matter experts come and present on their areas,” Slater said.

“That way of communicating, storytelling and learning are quite unique. So we really try to get that balance of people who have walked the walk or can empathise with the experience and mix it in with the subject expertise as well.

“I think the players come in as 17 different clubs but we really look to unite them as a group of NRL rookies so they feel a connection with each other as they enter this really exciting chapter.”