Greats of sport descend on RLPA’s 2026 Leaders In League conference
Nathan Lyon and Kieran Read, two greats of their own games, joined the fifth edition of the RLPA’s Leaders In League on Friday, sharing incredible insights into their journeys as player leaders.
The Rugby League Players Association hosts Leaders In League every year, and the event provides a platform for players to learn from influential figures, share experiences, and develop leadership skills in a unique environment.
Held at Westpac headquarters in Barangaroo, 2026 Leaders In League was opened with a Welcome to Country by Raymond Weatherall, the cultural representative from the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, followed by a Māori karakia from NRLW players Harata Butler and Mya Hill-Moana.
The morning highlight was a Q&A with Nathan Lyon hosted by Hannah Darlington, a WBBL player and Delegate for the Australian Cricketers’ Association. Following that, League Ahead hosted a session to gather more feedback from players on their wellbeing and education program.
The afternoon included a presentation from All Blacks legend Kieran Read, who shared his story and lessons on leadership. Both Nathan Lyon and Kieran Read answered questions from players in attendance, showcasing the cross-code collaboration of Leaders In League in a relaxed and trusted environment.
“It was pretty cool, my roommate, Mat Croker, that we travelled up together, was pumped that Gaz [Nathan Lyon] was here. It was cool to hear him talk and speak about the way they grew their game,” said Dylan Lucas, an RLPA Delegate.
A total of 60 players from Australia and New Zealand attended the conference from clubs in both the NRL and NRLW competitions.
“The RLPA always gets speakers in here for us,” said Tamika Upton.
“Personally myself, I jotted down a fair few notes and I’m sure most people in the room did. I think the best part is socialising with players from different teams, both men and women, and getting everyone in the same room talking about the game.”
Moeaki Fotuaika, an RLPA Delegate who attended Leaders In League alongside young teammate Keano Kini, praised the event.
“I think Leaders In League is really good. When you look at the players in the room, you only come across them on the field where it’s quite hostile,” said Moeaki Fotuaika.
“It’s good to come in a different environment where you come to connect. It’s been good and I’ve definitely enjoyed the day. Nathan and Kieran were both really good.
“From Kieran Read’s point of view with leadership, that’s something I really enjoyed. I’m in that role now and I think with his communication – being really clear, having a tone of voice in the environment that you’re in – that stuck out to me and is something I can take away and implement at the Titans.”
With players from both the NRL and NRLW attending, the 2026 Leaders In League conference provided a platform for open discussions, personal development, and leadership growth. The RLPA continues to refine the event each year, ensuring players are empowered both on and off the field.
