NRL considers adopting NFL-style Rooney Rule to fast-track rise of Indigenous coaches

The NRL may be ready to examine their own version of the NFL’s “Rooney Rule” as they look to fast-track the development of Indigenous coaches.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo has heralded the launch of Indigenous Round by revealing that the time may have come for the game to consider its own version of the Rooney Rule — the NFL law that deems minority candidates must be interviewed for head coaching positions.

Abdo, speaking at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence alongside some of the game’s biggest Indigenous stars, was asked whether he was aware of the Rooney Rule in American football, which was introduced in 2003 and initially dictated that diverse candidates must be interviewed for head coaching positions.

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It was expanded earlier this year to mandate that at least one member of each team’s offensive coaching staff must be either an ethnic minority or a woman.

Asked whether the NRL would ever go down a similar path, Abdo conceded it was worthy of consideration given the strong representation of Indigenous athletes in rugby league.

The NRL launched its Indigenous Round in Sydney on Tuesday. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

“To be honest it is not something we have looked at or discussed but it is definitely a consideration that may warrant us looking at and having a discussion with the commission on,” he said.

“It is a way of fast-tracking development and I think it is worthy of some analysis.”

Arthur Beetson — one of the greatest players in the game’s history — was the last Indigenous coach to take charge of a top-level rugby league side nearly 30 years ago when he was at the helm of Eastern Suburbs.

The absence of Indigenous coaches since has been glaring given their representation in the playing ranks — more than 10 per cent of the NRL identify as Indigenous or Torres Strait Islanders.

The NRL is aware of the anomaly and are doing their best to create pathways for coaches — Dragons coach Jamie Soward and Eels coach Dean Widders were in charge of NRLW sides this year.

The Rooney Rule would potentially hasten that process by ruling that NRL clubs must actively consider Indigenous coaches as part of their hiring process.

Dan Rooney (right), with his wife Patricia and Muhammad Ali in 2009. The NFL’s Rooney Rule is named after him. Picture: AP Photo

“So roughly 4 per cent of the Australian population is Indigenous,” Abdo said.

“We have always had a strong and proud history of uniting all communities in Australia — 12 per cent of our playing base, 40 per cent of NRLW playing base and about 20 per cent of our grass roots participants identify as Indigenous or Torres Strait islands, and about 11 per cent of our staff.

“But having said that there is more we need to do as a game to create opportunities for leadership and management positions and pathways, for coaches, for referees and for administrators, not just players.

“This week and this round means a lot to the players. It is not just about the football. It’s about an opportunity for them to come together and learn about their culture … and make sure we are focused on some of the challenges that exist in or society.”

Indigenous Round will begin on Thursday night in Melbourne as the Storm host Manly at AAMI Park. The Storm have made it known that they would like to kick-off Indigenous Round every year and the club will mark the occasion by welcoming back the greatest Indigenous player in their history — Greg Inglis.

“The return of GI will be very emotional given the place he holds with our club and the role he has played in the NRL and the community more broadly,” Storm chief executive Justin Rodski said.

“We hope to launch Indigenous Round each year. We will be requesting this fixture with the NRL, and believe we can play an important role in celebrating indigenous round as a club.”

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Meanwhile, Abdo revealed the NRL would need to make a final call on plans for a season opener in America by September.

The NRL is weighing up whether to reignite Round Zero, most likely with Manly playing South Sydney in Los Angeles.

“We’re very keen on growing the game,” Abdo said. “We’re keen on growing the game in markets we think are important for our long-term growth and opportunities.

“The commission is heavily focused on Australia, we have a lot to do here, we think the Pacific and NZ is a great opportunity for us, and America presents an opportunity.

“We’re looking at it, no decisions are imminent because we need to do the date. We have a bit of time because we will have needed to have done the work by September when draw starts to get formulated.

“The next couple of months are critical.”

Originally published as NRL considers adopting NFL-style Rooney Rule to fast-track rise of Indigenous coaches