The NRL has named 46 Ambassadors for 2017, including the likes of Alan Tongue, Darren Lockyer, Ruan Sims, Georgia Hale, Clinton Toopi and Matt Bowen.
The Ambassadors will join NRL Clubs and the wider NRL community in supporting numerous community initiatives throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, all aimed at improving lives and educating communities on positive wellbeing.
Amongst the record 46 Ambassadors are 10 female Ambassadors and 10 Pasifika Ambassadors, with 15 of the 46 Ambassadors taking on official Ambassador duties for the first time in 2017.
NRL General Manager of Community, Ellen Beale was delighted to welcome many of the Ambassadors to an induction at Rugby League Central this week.
"Rugby League is fortunate to have many within our playing groups and our communities who go above and beyond to help improve the lives of others," Ms Beale said.
"Our Ambassadors are an invaluable extension of our many community programs, including supporting positive mental wellbeing, eradicating domestic violence and ensuring safe and supportive learning environments for students.
"I look forward to working alongside all of our Ambassadors as we continue to use Rugby League's voice to actively contribute to making our communities more inclusive."
The NRL's Community programs are aligned to three key pillars: Health, Respect and Learn.
Programs are supported by expert partners, who enable and guide decisions aimed at providing positive experiences and outcomes.
Newly appointed Ambassador and former Broncos captain, Corey Parker said it was an easy decision to put his hand up to play a role in continuing to give back to a sport that has been such an important part of his life.
"I'm excited to be given this opportunity to continue being a positive role model within the game I love," Parker said.
"A lot of people see the brilliance of many players on the field, but I can tell you that just as many players and people connected with rugby league do a lot of good things off the field to help out those who need a bit of support or just someone to talk to."
2017 NRL Ambassadors
Roy Asotasi
Matthew Bowen
Sam Bremner
Danny Buderus
Terry Campese
Petero Civoniceva
Ben Creagh
Jamie Feeney
Mario Fenech
Nathan Friend
Joe Galuvao
Tazmin Gray
Dene Halatau
Georgia Hale
Steph Hancock
Bronson Harrison
Nathan Hindmarsh
Justin Hodges
Jenni-Sue Hoepper
Dan Hunt
Dallas Johnson
Brett Kimmorley
Matt King
Jason King
Renae Kunst
Darren Lockyer
Alex McKinnon
Steven Menzies
Anthony Minichiello
Karyn Murphy
Corey Parker
Frank Puletua
Jerome Ropati
George Rose
Ben Ross
Andrew Ryan
Ruan Sims
John Skandalis
David Solomona
Maddie Studdon
Brent Tate
Alan Tongue
Clinton Toopi
Dean Widders
Craig Wing
Rebecca Young
Further information on NRL Community programs can be found at nrl.com/community