Starting operations in 2024, the Past Player & Transition Program provides best practice support to NRL and NRLW players during periods of transition and in retirement from professional rugby league.
The Program ensures players are respected and rewarded for their contribution to rugby league, and provided every opportunity to remain actively connected to the game and other players.
Program Scope
The Program delivers certain support to players who have previously held an NRL Top 30, NRLW Top 24, Supplementary List, or Development List Contract, or contract of equivalent status. This includes those players who are subsequently playing in other leagues or competitions (e.g. State Cup and Super League) or in other sporting codes.
The Program primarily focuses on providing transition-specific support for up to three years post-retirement from professional rugby league. There is also engagement, services, and benefits for up to 10 years post a player’s last NRL or NRLW playing contract.
General Details
The Program provides support, benefits, services, and initiatives that are categorised under the five key pillars of the program: Transition, Medical, Financial, Connection, and Mental Fitness.
The existing Injury Hardship Fund and Retirement Account fall under the operations of the Program. The newly established Player Hardship Fund and Past Player Medical Support Fund also fall under the operations of the Program.
Current initiatives of the Program include:
Dedicated Transition Plans with a Player Transition Manager
Career Coaching
Education Grants
Player Employment Network
Referrals for the Brain Health Study and Assessment
Financial Education and Advice
Keep Fit, Keep Connected
Counselling
Mental Health Referral Network
Connection Events
Annual Health Grants
Medical Referral Network
Lumus Imaging Partnership
Westfund Private Health Insurance Partnership
“The RLPA Past Player & Transition Program has been great in the ease of my transition.
“Meetings with Joe Galuvao and the team ensured I had the support for not only my wellbeing but everything involved in life post footy.”
The Program Team
Jamie Buhrer
General Manager, Past Players and Transition
Joe Galuvao
Player Transition Manager
Morgan Te Oka
Player Transition Manager
Chris McQueen
Player Transition Manager
Anthony Gelling
Player Transition Manager
Chris Houston
Player Transition Manager
Dale Finucane
Player Transition Manager
Get in Touch
If you are a player that would like to know more about the Program, please fill in the form below to get in contact with a member of the team.
