The Sydney Roosters and Brisbane’s Iona College have today announced the formation of a strategic three-year partnership that will create enhanced pathways for student-athletes and strengthen rugby league development in Queensland.
This agreement is the next stage in a relationship that began in 2024, which aims to promote sporting excellence, strengthen community and professional engagement between the two respected organisations, and create a new direct pathway for Iona College students into the Sydney Roosters Queensland Academy.
Iona College is a leading Catholic boys' school run by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, renowned for its academic excellence and strong sporting programs. The school has a distinguished rugby league tradition and state-of-the-art facilities at its Lindum campus.
Roosters & Iona College announce three-year Partnership
Under the partnership agreement, Iona College will provide the Sydney Roosters with scheduled access to its sporting facilities. In return, the Sydney Roosters will provide qualified academy and development staff to support Iona College's rugby league and High-Performance Sport programs, and the Roosters Queensland Academy initiatives.
The collaboration will include comprehensive upskilling and professional development opportunities for Iona coaches, along with special coaching sessions delivered by Roosters coaches for Iona rugby league squads. This direct mentorship approach will ensure students receive elite-level guidance while developing their skills and understanding of the game.
The Sydney Roosters will also facilitate unique experiences for Iona College students and staff, including access to mentoring opportunities through current and former players.
The partnership holds special significance given the existing connection between the organisations, with the Roosters' most-capped player, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, a former student of Iona College.
“This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to strengthen our presence in Queensland while providing exceptional development opportunities for young rugby league players,” said Roosters Director of Football, Mitchell Aubusson.
“Iona College has a proven track record of developing talented athletes, as evidenced by players like Jared Waerea-Hargreaves among others currently in the NRL. We're committed to working closely with their coaching staff and students to create pathways that can benefit both organisations and Queensland rugby league as a whole,” he added.
Iona College Principal Trevor Goodwin said the partnership with the Roosters was built on shared cultures and values, and a dedication to providing opportunity to those pursuing excellence.
“Iona is based in a rugby league heartland, so we are thrilled to formalise this partnership with the Sydney Roosters, one of the most successful clubs in NRL history,” he said.
“This partnership is a genuine collaboration to provide our students and coaches with unparalleled access to elite coaching, facilities, and mentorship opportunities for those aspiring to career pathways in the NRL.
“The partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to excellence in both education and sport, and we look forward to seeing our students benefit from this direct pathway into professional rugby league,” he added.
The partnership commences immediately and was officially celebrated at Iona’s opening-round Associated Independent Colleges (AIC) Rugby League Premiership match. Both organisations are committed to regularly reviewing and enhancing the program to maximise benefits for all participants.
