Author: Family of League

This week, as part of the NRL’s Harvey Norman Women in League Round, we proudly recognise and celebrate the women who help make rugby league stronger — both on and off the field.

Since its launch in 2007, Women in League Round has become a powerful platform to highlight the vital role women play across every level of the game — from elite athletes and coaches to grassroots volunteers, wellbeing officers, administrators, and operational staff. Their impact is seen in every corner of the rugby league community.

At Family of League, we are fortunate to work alongside passionate, dedicated women who bring compassion, leadership, and energy to everything they do. This year, we especially honour Chloe and Grace, whose behind-the-scenes work helps ensure our wellbeing programs, community outreach, and fundraising efforts reach those who need it most. Their contribution is a true reflection of the spirit and values of our organisation.

To every woman involved in rugby league — thank you. Your presence, passion and persistence continue to shape the future of the game and the communities around it.

We invite you to watch our short tribute video below — a heartfelt celebration of the women in our Family of League.

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Family of League proudly supports and uplifts the women of rugby league — on the field, behind the scenes, and in every part of the game we love.

Knock your (normal) socks off!

Rugby league clubs and players of all ages — juniors, women and men — are invited to pull on their Crazy Socks for Family of League’s national crazy sock round on June 14–15, 2025.

Every pair sold supports our Wellbeing Program, providing financial and emotional assistance to those in the grassroots rugby league community doing it tough.

This year’s socks are a limited-edition release — bold, fun, and designed to bring our community together for one big weekend of colour, spirit, and support.

 

Pre-order Details

• Pre-Order Period: Friday, April 4 – May 31, 2025
• Shipping Begins: May 21, 2025
• These socks are available for pre-order only and may sell out quickly due to limited quantity. Please make sure to check the estimated shipping date and place your order early.

How to Order

1. Visit: tinyurl.com/crazysocks2025
2. Choose your size(s) 
3. Enter your quantity
4. Click “Add to cart”
5. Proceed to checkout
6. Fill out your shipping and payment details
7. Review and complete your purchase
8. Check your email for order confirmation

Product Information

• Price: $19.95 per pair (plus shipping)
• Available Sizes:​
  • (S) Small (9-2)
  • (M) Medium (2-7)
  • (L) Large (7-11)
  • (XL) Extra Large (11-14)

Important Notes

• Product details, including size and packaging, may change depending on the manufacturer.
• Exchanges may be allowed depending on available stock; however, any additional shipping fees for exchanges must be covered by the buyer.
• Orders cannot be cancelled once they are marked as ‘Shipping Soon’.

Shipping Address Information

• Please enter complete and accurate shipping and recipient information.
• Inaccurate addresses may result in delayed or failed delivery. Family of League is not responsible for lost products due to incorrect information. No additional shipments will be made to replace lost items for limited edition products.                                      

If you have further questions, please contact Family of League via our website or social media channels.

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We’re excited to introduce Braxton Tozer, the 12-year-old winner of the 2025 Crazy Socks design competition. A rising star from Schofields Crusaders JRLFC, Braxton’s passion for goal kicking and scoring tries inspired this year’s Crazy Socks design.

Watch the video to hear Braxton’s story, his journey in rugby league, and the inspiration behind his winning design.

We’re excited to announce that Crazy Socks will be available for pre-order starting Friday, April 4, 2025! Don’t miss your chance to grab a pair of this year’s limited-edition design, created by 12-year-old Braxton Tozer, and support the rugby league community through the Family of League Wellbeing Program.

Pre-order Details

• Pre-Order Period: Friday, April 4 – May 31, 2025
• Shipping Begins: May 21, 2025
• These socks are available for pre-order only and may sell out quickly due to limited quantity. Please make sure to check the estimated shipping date and place your order early.

How to Order

• Visit our website at www.familyofleague.org.au 
• Follow us on social media platforms for step-by-step purchase instructions.
• Contact us (NSW) 02 8756 7180 (QLD) 07 3367 6080 or reach us at admin@familyofleague.org.au

Product Information

• Price: $19.95 per pair (plus shipping)
• Available Sizes:​
  • (S) Small (9-2)
  • (M) Medium (2-7)
  • (L) Large (7-11)
  • (XL) Extra Large (11-14)

Important Notes

• Product details, including size and packaging, may change depending on the manufacturer.
• Exchanges may be allowed depending on available stock; however, any additional shipping fees for exchanges must be covered by the buyer.
• Orders cannot be cancelled once they are marked as ‘Shipping Soon’.

Shipping Address Information

• Please enter complete and accurate shipping and recipient information.
• Inaccurate addresses may result in delayed or failed delivery. Family of League is not responsible for lost products due to incorrect information. No additional shipments will be made to replace lost items for limited edition products.                                      

If you have further questions, please contact Family of League via our website or social media channels.en life takes an unexpected turn.

We’re excited to introduce Braxton Tozer, the 12-year-old winner of the 2025 Crazy Socks design competition. A rising star from Schofields Crusaders JRLFC, Braxton’s passion for goal kicking and scoring tries inspired this year’s Crazy Socks design.

Watch the video to hear Braxton’s story, his journey in rugby league, and the inspiration behind his winning design.

Save the Date: National Crazy Socks Round 2025 is happening on June 14-15.

Stay tuned for pre-order details coming soon.

Helping a Rugby League Carer Through Tough Times

This month, Family of League extended support to a dedicated member of the rugby league community from Queensland. As a passionate contributor to the women’s program and first-grade side at a local club in Ipswich, her commitment to the game has left a lasting impact on those around her.

An unfortunate injury, sustained away from the field, left her unable to work since mid-2024. As the sole carer for two young children, the injury led to mounting financial pressure while she waited for surgery.

Although our policy doesn’t typically cover medical costs for on-field injuries, we understand that circumstances like this can cause significant financial hardship. In this case, Family of League provided three months of bridging support to cover essential living expenses, including rent, utilities, food, and fuel.

We’re proud to stand by those who give so much to the game, offering support and stability in their time of need.

Standing By a Rugby League Official in Tough Times

For those who have given years of dedication to the rugby league community, the challenges off the field can be just as demanding as the ones on it. That’s why support networks are vital when life takes an unexpected turn.

This month, assistance was extended to a former rugby league official who recently relocated to Sydney, NSW, with his teenage son after moving from a regional area in country NSW in late 2023. With more than 15 years of experience as a referee in the Brisbane Rugby League (BRL). Beyond officiating, his commitment to the sport was evident in his mentorship of junior referees, guiding young talent for more than a decade.

Since late 2022, illness has prevented him from returning to work. Unfortunately, his son’s diagnosis with a serious health condition in late 2024 forced the family to move to Sydney, where specialized treatment was available. The financial pressures of relocating, coupled with ongoing medical expenses, left the family struggling to keep up with basic living costs.

In response, a one-off goodwill payment was provided to help cover immediate essentials, including rent, food, fuel, medical appointments, care services, and furniture. This support offers a foundation for the family as they adjust to a new chapter in Sydney, allowing them to focus on health and healing without the weight of financial stress.

The rugby league community is built on care, connection, and support—and in moments like these, it’s vital to show that those who’ve contributed so much to the game are not alone.

As the NRL Vegas Opener kicks off the 2025 season in spectacular fashion, here’s your chance to grab an exclusive souvenir and make a difference! Introducing the NRL Vegas 2025 T-Shirts – the ultimate keepsake for this once-in-a-lifetime rugby league event.

SPECIAL NEW YEAR OFFER
Price slashed from $40 to just $25! Plus, take advantage of our 2 for $40 deal for even more value.

These high-quality, Aussie-made and designed t-shirts are proudly endorsed by rugby league legend Mark Geyer, making them the perfect way to show your team spirit and commemorate the historic event in Las Vegas on March 1, 2025.

But there’s more to this purchase than just a great t-shirt. $1 from every sale goes directly to the Family of League, helping to support individuals and families within the rugby league community who are doing it tough.

By purchasing these t-shirts, you’re not just gearing up for the biggest season opener ever—you’re making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Why Get Yours Now?

• Commemorate History: Celebrate this iconic moment in rugby league history with a shirt designed for fans who live and breathe the game.
• Support a Worthy Cause: Your purchase helps sustain Family of League’s crucial work in providing assistance to players, coaches, referees, and volunteers.
• Unbeatable Value: Take advantage of our limited-time New Year pricing.

Whether you’re heading to Vegas to witness the action firsthand or supporting from home, this is the perfect way to mark the occasion while giving back to the rugby league community.

Don’t miss out! Stock is limited, and this special offer won’t last long.

Get yours today and wear your love for the game with purpose.

Disclaimer:

Family of League acts solely as a beneficiary of the proceeds from portion of the sale of this merchandise and is not involved in the selling process. Responsibility for product quality and order fulfillment lies with the merchandise seller.

For inquiries regarding the products or your order, you may visit www.nj00pn-md.myshopify.com or please contact: tcdadams@yahoo.com

11th November 2024.

The Chair of the Family of League Foundation, Helen Wood Grant, today announced the appointment of Darren Gocher to the position of CEO of the organisation, commencing 25 November 2024.

Chair Helen Wood Grant said, “On behalf of the Board, we could not be more delighted to appoint Darren as our new executive leader to take us into an even more successful future. He is an experienced CEO having worked across the sport, not-for-profit, media and finance sectors.

Our unique 22-year-old charity, exclusively serving the rugby league family, deserves the very highest standards of leadership and we have no doubt that Darren will provide that. His close ties to rugby league, his corporate and financial acumen, his experience in major events, digital strategy, volunteers and member-based organisations, stakeholder relationships and participation growth all offer Family of League opportunities for further growth. Darren will also be fulfilling the role of Company Secretary.”

Most recently CEO of Equestrian Australia, Darren was previously CEO of Athletics Australia and has held senior executive roles with News Corp, Penn Health and Yahoo!. Darren is a Chartered Accountant and began his career at KPMG. He has had a lifelong involvement with rugby league, including refereeing for 20 years, commencing in Junior League, Junior representative, NSW Rugby League and Super League competitions, before progressing to the NRL. He officiated as a Touch Judge in over 100 NRL games, State of Origins and test matches.

Darren currently sits on the Board of Wheelchair Rugby League Australia and was Team Manager at their recent successful Trans-Tasman test series in New Zealand.

“I am incredibly honoured to have the opportunity to lead such a wonderful organisation. The work that Family of League does in our community is inspirational and provides incredible support for those who need it. I am looking forward to working with the Board, executive team, dedicated committees, members and the broader community to continue their outstanding work. I have a long involvement with the game and as such have a passion for, and connection with, the purpose. The potential to grow and expand is enormous and I am excited to be able to contribute to the next phase of the journey” Mr Gocher said.

END.

Two players, in two different states, in two different stages of life, reach out to Family of League…

Having played both junior and senior footy in Southern NSW district teams, this young man had a commitment so strong he travelled two and a half hours each way to games. Dedicated to our sport, he was even preparing to coach his club’s women’s team.

However, recently he was involved in high-impact tackle. In great pain, he was taken off the field with scans later revealing seven separate injuries within his right knee. He had torn all the ligaments in his knee apart from his ACL, plus a series of broken bones in that same knee were also detected.

Originally a labourer, this gentleman had progressed into the ranks of a qualified business owner. However, this injury has greatly impacted that business and his ability to earn an income.

Due to the extent of his injuries, the fellow is unable to return to work until medically cleared to do so, placing him and his young family in significant financial distress. The Foundation will be assisting the family to help meet their rental and utility payments, and their immediate living expenses until he recovers and resumes work.

When times are tough.

A Queenslander who had previously played junior league in the South-East area, as well as senior teams in two other states, also spent time playing/coaching for our military. More recently, he was coaching junior and senior teams back in his home state.

In between that busy lifestyle, he has served on the board of his local team and even helps out in the canteen on footy days.

Similar to a lot of folk in today’s financial times, he and his wife are facing tough financial hardships. They have contacted Family of League in the hope we may be able to provide financial support for their family while they try and get back on their feet.

Their one and only car, which they use to transport their grandchildren to and from school, is unfortunately starting to breakdown as they have not had the funds to service it for four years.

Our foundation has provided support payments of good will to relieve some of their financial pressure, while they are navigating themselves through this financial hardship. Our support also includes funding to service their car and vouchers to cover daily expenses of food and fuel.

These two stories are only a few of the many we have assisted in our footy community this month.

Written by Lance Henry

Treasurer, FOL Central Coast Committee.

On a crisp Sunday morning, the same day of the 2024 Rugby League Grand Final, 128 keen golfers teed off at Shelly Beach Golf Club… an outstanding location on NSW’s Central Coast. While full of spirited ambience for their fellow course mates, it was obvious to everyone that all steely eyes were focused on capturing the prize of the day: winning the Allan Foskett Memorial Trophy.

In recognition of the NRL events that were destined to be played out later in the evening, all players were requested to proudly wear the colours of the rugby league team throughout the day.

The Allan Foskett Memorial trophy is in memory of Allan, who passed away in late 2022. ‘Alby’ was a well-known rugby league identify on the Central Coast, who progressed from a local coach to a NSW Country selector in 1982, as well as a selector for the NSW State of Origin squad in that same year.

Established over 60 years ago. the ‘Early Morning Moaners’ is a social club within the Shelly Beach Golf Club. By way of supporting those rugby league people in need of a helping hand, the Moaners agreed that all funds raised on the day were donated to the Family of League Foundation.

In many ways the Early Morning Moaners Grand Final event epitomises the Family of League’s core values, as their focus is to assist those in need within our footy community.

The Family of League appreciates the Moaners continued support and their generous donation from monies raised on the day.

Photo (L-R) Early Morning Moaners: Carlo Chiofalo, Paul McPhail and Jock Morris.

Aside from mountains of paperwork to fill out, hours of wellbeing interviews and, basically, making good things happen in our footy community, we asked National Wellbeing Lead, Chloe Minehan, to share some of the things she has been doing lately. Here are some brief points:

Tyler Crossley Wellbeing Visit

• Friday July 5^th, we attended the Children’s Hospital at Westmead to visit 7-year-old Tyler, who has just been diagnosed with leukemia, and were joined by his mum, Bianca, and grandfather, David
• Tyler plays rugby league for Picton Magpies in their under-8s teams
• We presented Tyler with two Parramatta Eels Jerseys. One signed by the whole team, a parramatta hat and a parramatta scarf. We could not wipe the smile of Tyler’s face
• Tyler’s grandfather, David, reached out to us to see if there was anything we could do to lift his spirits, as David used to be very involved with Men of League in the past
• The day was a very rewarding and heartfelt experience which proved what we do helps those in many ways.

Matty Johns Footy Show

• Sunday 7^th July – Joined some of our Family of League team in the show’s audience.
• Our CEO, Stephen, and National Events Manager, Doug, had the opportunity to go on camera and thank everyone for coming and also shared information about our Foundation as well as the Crazy Sock fundraising campaign
• All up, an amazing experience – just being in the same room as the MJFS crew was amazing and the atmosphere was incredible.

Illawarra Junior and Senior Clubs Meetings

• On Monday July 22 and Monday 19^th August, myself and Ray Beacroft (Illawarra Wellbeing Officer) were invited by Head of Illawarra Football, Brent Pigram, to present a talk to the junior/senior clubs of the Illawarra region
• We were given 15 minutes, in which Ray and myself spoke in front of all the clubs
• We handed out flyers which contained information about who we are and what we do, in regard to our wellbeing programs and support we provide
• We explained in detail, discussing grants and how an individual may be able to contact us who may need support
• Ray spoke about the upcoming Family of League events and how the majority of our funding comes through fundraising. Ray spoke about how he is here to help and the importance of reaching out to him
• There were many positive outcomes from these meetings – with referrals from clubs for potential wellbeing cases.

Illawarra Bowls Day

• Friday 26^th July – attended the Illawarra Bowls Day at Warrilla Bowls and Recreation Club
• Over 120 individuals in attendance, which was a breakfast and bowls event followed by lunch upstairs – 140 filled the room to enjoy a wonderful meal
• I assisted the committee with selling raffle tickets and was amazed by the amount of support and tickets sold
• I was also given the opportunity to make a speech on behalf of the Foundation, and spoke about who we are and what we have been doing in the wellbeing space… including the support we have provided to the Illawarra Region through the help of the committee.

Minchinbury Jets ‘Back to Jets’ Day – 30 Year Celebration

• Saturday 27^th July – Family of League were invited to setup a tent at one of our Corporate Members 30-year Celebration: The Minchinbury Jets Rugby League Club
• That morning, myself, Luke Bellamy, Doug and Jack attended the tent at their local club ground where we signed up new members, sold raffle tickets and made ourselves known to the local community
• Members of the community came up and asked us questions and asked how we may be able to offer assistance
• This weekend was also our Crazy Sock round, so we observed teams wearing Crazy Socks from a variety of clubs.

Central Coast KOC

• Tuesday 30^th July – Myself and Grace attended the Central Coast KOC (Kick Off Club) at the Grand Hotel, Wyong. This was the Central Coast committee’s first KOC… and what a turnout!
• Before the KOC started, the annual AGM was held where I had the chance to present a short speech explaining how the wellbeing activities have been going and the annual wellbeing spend so far this year
• A new president was elected, and it was good to meet all the new committee members  face to face
• Following this, we enjoyed dinner/drinks and Greg Florimo (Ex North’s player) was then introduced as the guest speaker. He spoke about his past playing days/coaching career, and his current activities with the North Sydney Bears as their wellbeing manager.

Penrith Committee Sponsor Meeting

• Friday 16^th August – Myself, Doug and Col Barton (President of Penrith Committee) met with Zenn Ability CEO and Founder, Laurie and Daniel Slade, to discuss their potential onboarding as corporate members
• Laurie and Daniel run Zenn Ability, which is a disability support company, and are heavily involved with the Penrith Panthers. The work this company does is amazing and I walked away from this meeting feeling overjoyed with the support they want to provide to us… and what they do for members within the community
• We concluded the meeting by also inviting them to join us at our upcoming National Lunch at Canterbury Leagues Club.