Telstra Footy Country Round celebrates young talent, local clubs and grassroots rugby league across Australia.
Telstra and the NRL are going back to where it all began - local footy fields, muddy boots and junior club pride. It’s the Telstra Footy Country Round and it’s all about celebrating the next generation of footy legends.
Now in its 25th year as a proud naming-rights partner of the NRL and NRLW, Telstra continues to support grassroots rugby league and the communities that love it.
During Round 25, players from every NRL and NRLW club will wear the socks of junior teams across select games, training sessions and captain’s calls. This colourful tribute honours the grassroots clubs and communities that shaped them, while inspiring the next generation of footy stars.
On game day, fans will see those socks pictured on the field and the words, Supporting Footy Together written across the turf, reminding us all that big dreams start small. At key matches, junior players will take the field at half time, giving them the chance to meet their heroes and experience the excitement of the big league.
We believe ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’, and by seeing footy heroes in action - and knowing these players were once juniors themselves - kids can feel inspired to chase their own dreams.
Since 2023, we have supported over 150 junior rugby league clubs - including over 50 clubs and 10,000 kids through the Footy Country initiative. The program brings coaching clinics, elite players and trophies to towns across Australia, helping clubs nurture the next generation of talent.
As part of the 2026 round, over 50 junior clubs nationally will receive a Telstra Footy Pack, including tackle pads, balls, cones and other essentials to help clubs stay game-ready and nurture future talent.
Junior rugby league isn’t just about skills - it builds confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging. Team sports like rugby league help support youth mental health by:
By supporting grassroots footy, we're helping clubs provide structured, inclusive environments where young people can grow both on and off the field.
In 2024, Canterbury-Bankstown District Junior Rugby League was a standout example of community sport in action. At Smith Park in East Hills participation is on the rise:
The district has produced an impressive line-up of NRL and NRLW stars, including Marcel Montoya, Daniel Tupou and Ryan Matterson to name a few. Alongside, Latisha Smythe, the first-ever female player from the Canterbury-Bankstown District JRL to progress to the NRLW, along with Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa.
To support this growth, we're funding infrastructure upgrades, including a new grandstand, club gazebos and upgraded goalposts - ensuring Smith Park remains a vibrant home for the next generation of rugby league talent.
The Footy Country Round is about more than sport - it celebrates community pride, connection and the next generation of champions. By supporting junior players and their clubs, we're helping to build stronger, healthier and more connected communities across Australia - one sock, one pack, one field at a time.
As naming rights partner of the NRL and NRLW Telstra Premierships for over 20 years, we've helped make the game better for everyone.
