NRL and Westpac Launch 7,500km HOGS National Tour

The NRL has officially commenced the 2026 HOGS National Tour, presented by Westpac, marking the start of a massive 7,500-kilometre community engagement initiative led by league legend Brad Fittler.

The tour will traverse over 20 heartland towns across New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, strategically timed to coincide with the opening of the winter junior rugby league registration window.

By deploying high-profile icons such as Greg Inglis, Yasmin Meakes, and Dale Finucane into regional areas, the NRL aims to convert peak interest into active club registrations.

This regional blitz is critical for the organisation, as 2025 saw record-breaking participation levels exceeding one million participants nationwide; maintaining this momentum requires deep, physical connection with “grassroots” families who form the sport’s commercial and social foundation.

Commenting on the Naitonal Tour, Westpac general manager of retail banking, Damian MacRae, noted that the tour celebrates regional towns and contributes to their growth and wellbeing, noting the bank’s 200-year history of backing regional businesses.

Expressing his enthusiasm on the tour, Fittler, said: “The NRL HOGS National Tour has grown into something really special over the years.”

“Kids turn up in huge numbers, families get involved, and whole towns rally around the game. That’s why we couldn’t wait to get back out there again this year and connect with the people who keep our game strong,” Fittler said.

This broader social impact strategy ensures that the “HOGS” brand remains a recognisable symbol of community support, not just sport.

As the crew heads north toward Bundaberg before looping back through regional Victoria, the NRL is strategising on this high-touch engagement to secure its next generation of players and fans.

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