The National Rugby League (NRL) have announced a new partnership with Westpac, beginning 1 November.

The partnership will affect all levels of rugby league, including the NRL and NRLW, Australian national teams and development pathways for young players.

Westpac will be the official match ball sponsor for the NRL and NRLW as well as the official bank and payment platform of the NRL.

As part of the partnership, Westpac will provide funding for equal opportunities, community engagement and support beyond the field at the grassroots level.

These initiatives will occur through the RISE development program and rookie academy.

The RISE academy acts as a scouting network for the NRLW, which is expanding from six to ten teams in 2023.

Westpac’s input will give the academy access to kit, training and gym equipment and coaching courses.

The Road to Regions program, in which the NRL supports rural communities, will also be backed by Westpac.

Discussing the partnership, and the opportunities it will create, Westpac CEO, Peter King, stated: “Together with the NRL, we look forward to growing the game and helping more Australians take part.”

“This partnership is about levelling the playing field, through an equal investment in the men’s and women’s programs,” he said.

NRL CEO, Andrew Abdo, added: “We are delighted to welcome Westpac as the NRL’s official banking and payment platform partner.”

“Westpac has ambitious growth plans and proudly invests in a number of meaningful community initiatives.”

“We continue to see unprecedented growth at all levels of women’s Rugby League, with female grassroots participation our fastest growing area – so this new partnership will enable continued growth through Westpac’s investment in the female RISE Rookie Academy program,” he said.

The partnership will aim to reinvigorate the league after the 2022 grand final recorded the lowest TV viewership ever.