A record 40 current and former Rugby League stars have accepted positions to be part of NRL community programs, with 15 new additions to the team, including six female ambassadors.

Ambassadors include Darren Lockyer, Alex McKinnon, Stephanie Hancock, Petero Civoniceva, Tallisha Harden and Justin Hodges. Our school was fortunate to secure one of our favorites, Mario Fenech.

In 2015, NRL Community Ambassadors reached more than 130,000 school students across 400 regions.  

Additionally, ambassadors spent more than 2,000 hours working amongst communities right across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, helping to improve lives.

NRL Chief Operating Officer, Suzanne Young, said the NRL's community programs were integral to the game and ultimate future success.

"Rugby League is much more than just a game.  We have a big voice and a big responsibility within our communities, to live up to our mission to bring people together and enrich their lives," Ms Young said.

"Whether our ambassadors are supporting townships to break down the stigma of mental health, mentoring young Indigenous students to make an easier transition from school to work, or standing up and speaking out about violence against women…we all have a responsibility to help build inclusiveness and positive social impact amongst communities."