As part of the relationship, UNE will build a sports science teaching and research laboratory within the upcoming NSW Rugby League Centre of Excellence at Sydney Olympic Park – “providing a hub for learning and discovery” in the heart of the state’s premier sports precinct. 

On Wednesday, UNE chancellor James Harris joined NSWRL chairman Dr George Peponis and Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres to announce the partnership during a ceremony to lay the foundation stone for the Centre of Excellence. 

The centre is slated to open late next year, with UNE’s laboratory due to begin classes in the first trimester in 2019.

Ayres said: “This Centre of Excellence will provide a massive boost for rugby league in New South Wales.

“Sport hubs of this calibre will help drive growth and development of players of all abilities – from grassroots to the elite level.”

Harris said the partnership “presents an innovative way to expand the footprint of UNE across Western Sydney” and to provide “unique and inspiring opportunities” for the university’s sport and exercise science programme.

“Importantly, the profile of NSW Rugby League provides a significant platform to promote the offerings of UNE to a large audience,” he said. 

“Our education is available to everyone, wherever they are, and this partnership will allow us to connect with people involved in grassroots rugby league in every town in NSW as well as the millions of people who follow the progress of the State of Origin series.

“The expertise of our sports scientists will also be used to support the growth and development of players across all levels of the game. We believe this is as an exciting prospect for both the athletes and scientists involved.”

Peponis said the ability to have cutting-edge sport science research on-site at the Centre of Excellence would provide a huge boost to the elite and developing athletes.