RLPA Thanks Dr Deidre Anderson AM and appoints new Chair

The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) extends its deepest thanks to Dr Deidre Anderson AM, who stepped down as Chair of the RLPA Board of Directors at their most recent meeting.

Dr Anderson AM will, however, remain as a Director on the Board and Steven Harker AM has been appointed Chair. Hannah Southwell has also stepped down as a Director on the RLPA Board.

First elected in 2019 as the first female Chair of the RLPA, Dr Anderson AM has been at the forefront of one of the most tumultuous and difficult periods in the history of our game. Dr Anderson is also one of the longest-serving Chairs of the RLPA.

During the Covid pandemic, Dr Anderson AM was crucial to the RLPA’s success in working collaboratively with the National Rugby League (NRL) and ARL Commission (ARLC) to restart the 2020 NRL competition.

Dr Anderson AM was also instrumental in the RLPA securing the first genuine revenue-share arrangement as part of the renegotiated CBA during the pandemic. In securing this, Dr Anderson AM ensured NRL players were reimbursed much of the significant wages they sacrificed to continue the NRL competition during the global pandemic.

She also played a critical role in securing the first joint NRL and NRLW collective bargaining agreement (CBA) during the most recent negotiations from 2022 to 2023.

Newton, Cherry-Evans and V’Landys Thank Dr Anderson AM

“On behalf of the RLPA I would like to extend my deepest thanks and gratitude to Deidre for all her work and success as Chair of the RLPA,” says Clint Newton, the CEO of the RLPA.

“There is much left to achieve for Deidre for the remainder of her term as Director. Her history as Chair was nothing short of momentous and consequential for players and demonstrated her relentless determination to secure the best rights, terms, and conditions for elite rugby league players. I know she will continue with that commitment in her role as Director.”

“Deidre not only made history as the first female Chair, but she also arguably had the most impact by guiding the RLPA through the pandemic and our CBA negotiations where players took action to help secure the first long form CBA for male and female players.”

Daly Cherry-Evans, the General President of the RLPA, thanked Dr Anderson for her impressive tenure as Chair.

“On behalf of all players past and present, I would like to thank Deidre for the fantastic and selfless role she played as our Chair.

“As players, it was inspiring and comforting to see someone so determined, intelligent, and relentless lead the way for the collective. The RLPA is strong today because of Deidre, and we can never thank her enough for her success as our Chair over many years.

“We are fortunate and proud to have her continue as a Director and look forward to seeing Deidre achieve more success on behalf of all players – current, past and future.”

Peter V’landys, Chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission, expressed his gratitude to Dr Anderson AM.

“I’d like to express my sincere appreciation for Dr Deidre Anderson AM’s contribution as Chair of the RLPA Board. Dr Anderson AM always played the ball, not the player. Her calmness, professionalism and positive spirit were truly inspiring.

“I wish her every success and good fortune for the future.”

Steven Harker AM Elected as Chair of RLPA Board

The Rugby League Players Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Steven Harker AM as Chair of the RLPA Board.

Mr Harker AM was unanimously appointed by the Board to replace Dr Deidre Anderson AM. Mr Harker AM has been an RLPA Director since 2021 and played an essential role in the CBA negotiations for the 2023-2027 term.

Regarding his appointment, Mr Harker says:

“I am grateful to have served on the RLPA Board under the leadership of Dr. Deidre Anderson AM as Chair. Her courage and commitment to the players is second to none.

“It is a privilege to be appointed as Chair of the RLPA, and I am committed to continuing to fulfil our responsibility as an independent body that is dedicated to extending and protecting the interests of all rugby league players.

“Our Board of Directors brings a diversity of experience and opinion, and it is particularly pleasing that Dee has agreed to stay on the board as a member. We will continue to be able to draw on her skills and experience in the coming years.”

For more information about Mr. Harker AM please visit the RLPA website here.

Hannah Southwell steps down as Director

After serving four years on the RLPA Board, Hannah Southwell has chosen to step down as a Director.

Hannah’s elevation to the RLPA Board in 2021 was historic as she became the first ever NRLW player Director of the players’ association.

Like Dr Anderson AM, Hannah in her duties as Director professionally navigated the upheaval on the NRLW competition created by the pandemic. She also played a leading role in the RLPA securing the first ever CBA for female players.

The RLPA thanks Hannah for her contributions as Director on the RLPA Board. On her tenure as Director, Hannah says:

“Serving on the RLPA Board was one of the most incredible privileges of my playing career. Having joined at a young age, it was an honour to work closely with my fellow Directors, including the new Chair Steve Harker AM, Clint Newton OAM, Daly Cherry-Evans, and Dr Deidre Anderson AM.

“I am very proud of what we have achieved as a Board through the pandemic and CBA negotiations, and the ongoing work the RLPA does on behalf of players. After serving four years on the RLPA Board and joining my new club, the St George Illawarra Dragons, I felt it was the time to focus purely on my elite rugby league career.

“Although I’ve stepped back from a senior player leadership role with the players’ association, I remain dedicated to the RLPA and look forward to continuing to improve the rights of the collective playing group over the coming years.

“Thank you to the RLPA Board for allowing me to proudly serve the players as a Director and I wish Steven all the best in his new role as Chair.”

RLPA Board of Directors

Steven Harker AM (Chair)
Daly Cherry-Evans (General President)
Clint Newton OAM (Managing Director)
Dr Deidre Anderson AM
Tim Gordon
Chad Townsend
Chelsea Lenarduzzi
Dale Finucane
Felise Kaufusi
Madison Bartlett
Shaun Lane