Kennedy Cherrington joins RLPA Board

The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) is pleased to welcome Kennedy Cherrington as a player Director after she formally joined the Board during their June meeting.

Kennedy’s elevation to the RLPA Board of Directors further strengthens its female representation, adding another important and diverse voice to governance.

An Australian Jillaroos player and State of Origin representative for New South Wales, Kennedy was a key Delegate at her Parramatta Eels club during the negotiations for the women’s first-ever collective bargaining agreement in 2023.

Since then, Kennedy’s advocacy for improving player rights has only grown as she joined the Women’s Player Advisory Group and won the RLPA’s Dennis Tutty Award in 2024.

“I am really proud to be joining the RLPA Board as a player Director,” says Kennedy.

“For many years now, I have witnessed firsthand what the RLPA has achieved for players — how quickly they’ve been able to advance rights for female and male players, and how they’ve unified all players and relentlessly defended us.

“The RLPA is the players, and they give us a voice. To be able to serve on the RLPA Board is a huge privilege and a responsibility I do not take lightly.

“I would like to thank the RLPA Chair, Steven Harker AM, for welcoming me alongside all my fellow Directors. I am committed to representing all players with passion, integrity, and respect — and to making sure player voices are heard when it matters most.”

Verran and Cogger join the Player Advisory Groups 

The RLPA also welcomes Emma Verran to the Women’s Player Advisory Group and Jack Cogger to the Men’s Player Advisory Group, both having been strong Delegates for their respective clubs.

“I am excited to join and help shape decision-making for the RLPA,” says Emma Verran.

“This is a chance for me to give back to the wider playing group and learn from the experienced and valued female leaders on the Women’s PAG.”

NRL Premiership-winner Jack Cogger says: “Being part of the Men’s Player Advisory Group is about making sure every player has a voice in the RLPA. I look forward to becoming an even better leader for players, listening to the opinions of the other players on the Men’s PAG, and helping represent the RLPA as a united and strong player group.”

The RLPA is also pleased to announce Sam McIntyre has become a Delegate for the North Queensland Cowboys, having previously been a Delegate at the Gold Coast Titans. Tom Hazelton and Moeaki Fotuaika have joined the RLPA’s Player Leadership Structure for the first time, becoming Delegates for their respective clubs.

RLPA Board of Directors

Women’s Player Advisory Group

Men’s Player Advisory Group