Felise Kaufusi appointed General President of the RLPA
The Rugby League Players Association is proud to welcome Felise Kaufusi as the new General President, assuming the role effective immediately.
The General President is the most senior player leader in the association, working closely with the executive to represent the interests of NRL and NRLW players.
Felise progressed through the RLPA’s leadership structure as a club Delegate, to Men’s Player Advisory Group member and Board Director, and now General President.
He replaces Daly Cherry-Evans, who stepped away from the role in November to allow a new General President to take the reins heading into the negotiations for the next collective bargaining agreement, which expires at the end of 2027.
Felise remains on the RLPA Board as player Director, and General President, alongside Chair Steven Harker AM.
Felise Kaufusi To Be A Strong Voice As General President
“It feels great to be the General President of the RLPA,” says Felise Kaufusi.
“It’s a huge honour and responsibility and the role of General President carries a lot of weight. My goal is to leave the RLPA in a better place than when I started, like those before me. If I can play my part in that I will be very proud.
“There is a CBA negotiation coming up and I want to be a strong voice for the players and stand up for what is right and fair in our terms and conditions. I will always be there on behalf of our players.
“I’m confident in the team that we have, including the Board of Directors and Clint Newton as our CEO, that I will also be able to grow in the role as best I can.”
Felise has represented the Queensland Maroons 17 times in State of Origin and is also a proud Tongan who has played for his country of heritage 15 times. He is now the first Tongan to serve as General President of the RLPA.
“To be the first Tongan General President speaks volumes for where our game is headed. I hope that other Tongans growing up in Australia, New Zealand or Tonga can aspire to one day be in this role as well.”
Clint Newton Praises Appointed of Felise Kaufusi as General President
Clint Newton, CEO of the RLPA and General President from 2013 to 2017, praised Felise as the new General President.
“On behalf of the RLPA, I want to congratulate Felise on his ascension to the role of General President,” says Clint Newton, CEO of the RLPA.
“Felise is someone I admire enormously, not just for the player he is, but for the person he is. He has firmly established himself as a genuine leader on and off the field, and we are incredibly proud to have him step into this role on behalf of all players.
“He brings strength, humility and a deep understanding of the challenges players face. Felise has the rare ability to unite people, influence positive outcomes and elevate the conversation around what’s best for the game. I know he’ll hit the ground running, continue to grow, and lead in a way that players trust and respect.”
