Sydney Roosters & Iona College Announce Three-Year Partnership

The Sydney Roosters have announced a three-year partnership with Brisbane’s Iona College, aimed at developing a structured pathway for Queensland-based student-athletes and deepening the NRL club’s talent development pipeline in the state.

Announced alongside Iona’s opening-round AIC Rugby League Premiership match, the agreement gives the Roosters scheduled access to the school’s high-performance facilities while embedding Roosters development staff into Iona’s rugby league and sports programs.

In return, Iona players and coaches will gain access to elite-level coaching, player mentorship, and professional development aligned with the Roosters’ Queensland Academy framework.

Commenting on the partnership, Sydney Roosters Director of Football, Mitchell Aubusson, said: “This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to strengthen our presence in Queensland while providing exceptional development opportunities for young rugby league players.” 

He highlighted Iona’s reputation for producing NRL talent, including the Roosters’ most-capped player, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, an Iona alumnus.

The partnership provides enhanced access to elite sporting resources without compromising its educational values. Principal Trevor Goodwin emphasised the alignment of values between the institutions, noting that this partnership is a genuine collaboration designed to support students pursuing both academic and sporting excellence.

The partnership reflects a broader trend among NRL clubs investing in long-term grassroots relationships to bolster local recruitment strategies and enhance player development outside traditional heartland areas.

The agreement with Iona complements existing talent pathways through its Queensland Academy and offers a direct feeder channel from a school with a strong rugby league milestone. It also enhances the club’s visibility and engagement in a key strategic market amid intensifying competition from other Queensland-based NRL franchises and rival sporting codes.

The program will be subject to ongoing review to assess its performance and ensure mutual benefit based partnerships as part of their long-term recruitment and brand strategies.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.