The National Rugby League (NRL) is pleased to announce the 2023 Academic Team of the Year, which recognises the off-field educational achievements of NRL and NRLW players throughout the year.
The annual Academic Team of the Year – which incorporates current players from both the senior men's and women's competitions – helps to inspire and empower all rugby league players to further their education.
Research shows that engaging in career planning, further education and work experience helps players have longer and more successful playing careers, as well as a smoother transition to their post football career.
"The NRL and NRLW Academic Team of the Year was created to not only celebrate those players that have been able to juggle the demands of being a professional athlete, while also developing post football career options, but also to inspire the next generation of young players to have lifelong career and personal aspirations well beyond being a sportsperson," Paul Heptonstall, NRLW Senior Manager Wellbeing & Education said.
These awards are not always for the smartest players doing the hardest programs but more for those that have maximised their educational opportunities.
Paul Heptonstall NRLW Senior Manager Wellbeing & Education
"These awards are not always for the smartest players doing the hardest programs but more for those that have maximised their educational opportunities."
"To be selected in the NRL and NRLW Academic Team of the Year the players must showcase dedication and commitment to managing the on-field demands of professional rugby league, with the off-field demands of post career development," Jamie Buhrer, RLPA Player Operations & Wellbeing Lead said.
"We are incredibly proud of this year's group, as each are role models for current and future players to pursue education across a wide variety of industries, while excelling on the football field."
2023 NRL & NRLW Academic Team of the Year
| Ethan Bullemor Sea Eagles |
Bachelor of Advanced Economics (University of Queensland) |
| Nat Butcher Roosters |
Bachelor of Commerce - Data Analytics (Australian Catholic University) |
| Shenae Ciesiolka Broncos |
Bachelor of Education - PDHPE (University of Southern Queensland) |
| Yasmin Clydesdale Knights |
Graduate Certificate in Career Development (Australian Catholic University) Bachelor of Education (University of Newcastle) |
| Moeaki Fotuaika Titans |
Certificate IV in Youth Work (DaV'ange Training) Certificate IV in Family Intervention (DaV'ange Training) |
| Reuben Garrick Sea Eagles |
Carpentry Apprenticeship (TAFE NSW) Bachelor of Property & Real Estate (Deakin University) |
| Luke Keary Roosters |
Master of Business Administration (University of New South Wales) Bachelor of Business (Australian Catholic University) Certificate IV in Fitness (Mission Australia) Certificate IV in Small Business (Elite Athlete Business School) |
| Blake Lawrie Dragons |
Building Surveying Certificate (College of Professional Development) |
| Mark Nicholls Dolphins |
Graduate Certificate of Program Management (Queensland University of Technology) Diploma of Business (Australian Vocational Training Company) Bachelor Of sport Management & Coaching Science (University of Canberra) |
| Cory Paix Broncos |
Carpentry Apprenticeship (Housing Industry Australia and Reebuild Constructions) |
| Kaitlyn Phillips Titans |
Bachelor of Echocardiography & Cardiac Physiology (Central Queensland University) Bachelor of Paramedicine (Charles Sturt University) |
| Tayla Predebon Knights |
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (University of Newcastle) |
| Tyran Wishart Storm |
Bachelor of Construction Management & Property (University of New South Wales) Carpentry Apprenticeship (Trades Institute Victoria) |
Post-secondary education engagement numbers continue to rise in 2023 with over 1,000 completed qualifications among the NRL and NRLW playing cohort, including 345 further qualifications in process as well as 102 university degrees.
More than 500 Certificate I to IV courses are either ongoing or completed – headlined by a high number of fitness and business courses – while over 100 accreditations, short courses and diplomas have also been achieved.
"Success in these academic and vocational activities requires a supportive NRL club, an inspiring club career coach, a flexible and understanding educational institution and most importantly a very organised and motivated player," Heptonstall said.
“Our club career coaches do a phenomenal job of encouraging every player to have two career plan A’s and to be continuously taking steps to develop the knowledge, skills, confidence and self-belief to be in the best position possible to tackle their post football career," added Nicola Skinner, NRL Career, Education & Transition Manager.
In addition to the 2023 NRL & NRLW Academic Team of the Year, the NRL and RLPA will also recognise two Academic Achievement Awards – one male and one female player – during this year's Telstra Premiership finals series to acknowledge the highest off-field wellbeing and educational achievements.