Oldfield And Crichton Named In 2016 NRL-RLPA Academic Team of the Year

Congratulations to Michael Oldfield and Angus Crichton for their selection in the 2016 NRL-RLPA Academic Team of the Year.

Michael Oldfield graduated in July from Macquarie University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce majoring in Finance.

Angus Crichton is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts, Media/Communications at the University of Sydney and recently completed a Certificate IV in Small Business Management.

Both players have shown solid commitment in juggling their studies and their playing schedules and lead as a great example to other players looking to further advance their qualifications.

"They are great ambassadors for the South Sydney Football Club who encourage development of all players off the field as well as on the field," said Rabbitohs Club Career Coach Dianne Mills.

Senior NRL Wellbeing and Education Manager Paul Heptonstall expressed his delight at seeing so many players now enrolled in University or Certificate programs and making the selection of players in this Academic team much more competitive.

“The most pleasing aspect of this increased educational engagement is that the very best player’s in the game are showing that it is very possible to combine a professional athletic career with other vocational pursuits,” Mr Heptonstall said.

“It’s a wonderful achievement really and testament to the players continued commitment to balancing their life off the field.

“They are the ideal example for the next generation of professional athletes to follow; that there is much more to life than football.”

NRL-RLPA Program Highlights

- 800 of the 1000 NRL and NYC players are currently engaged in further education or workplace training.

- 21% of NRL and NYC players enrolled in a university degree at the start of the 2016 season.

- 40% of NRL and NYC attempted a Certificate to Diploma program with approx. 15% of these doing a formal trade apprenticeship.

- Currently 18 academic institutions deliver the NRL's Graduates of League program. The completion rate of all players attempting university courses has continued to increase with 85% of all subjects attempted being passed.

- There have been $600k in education grants provided by the RLPA to over 400 different player’s education.

- NRL Clubs have provided their players with an additional $2.4 million in educational incentives to engage in vocational pursuits away from football.

- 16 of the 36 players to play in this year’s U/20’s Qld or NSW State of Origin teams were studying at University with the balance doing apprenticeships, trades or vocational experience.

NRL-RLPA Academic Team of the Year

NYC Academic Team of the Year

Pasifika Leadership and Excellence Award

Sam Tagataese       Cronulla Sharks

Ben Henry               New Zealand Warriors

Indigenous Leadership and Excellence Award

Dane Gagai             Newcastle Knights

Ray Thompson        North Queensland Cowboys