In 2018, the University of New England and NSW Rugby League forged a partnership to develop high performance sporting programs and educational opportunities for players of all levels.
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The partnership saw the construction of a Centre of Excellence facility at Sydney Olympic Park to house a sports science teaching and research laboratory run by the university and will cooperate with the Armidale campus.
On Tuesday, the new facility was launched by NSW Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres, UNE Vice-Chancellor Professor Annabelle Duncan and NSWRL chief executive David Trodden.
Duncan said the university is excited to link their programs with rugby league’s state body.
“UNE will support NSWRL with research into player performance and development, and the partnership will also support regional communities with outreach and development programs,” she said.
“This facility continues that tradition by providing a presence in Western Sydney for use by all students who want to undertake intensives and short courses in our Exercise and Sports Science programs.
“The new facility will be open for teaching in April.”
The university has a long history in bringing elite sport to Armidale, and UNE and NSWRL are collaborating to build opportunities for talented young players in regional Australia.
The Centre also includes a full size playing field, tunnel to ANZ Stadium, hydrotherapy pool, a lecture theatre, gymnasium with free weights, machines, aerobic areas and cardio equipment, an event space and administrative offices.
The Centre of Excellence was completed on budget and before schedule in December 2018 and will be the new home of the NSWRL for the next 40 years, and will also house Country Rugby League, Men of League Foundation, KARI Foundation and the University of New England.
