Mitch Kent /

Mitch Kent’s heart bleeds maroon. A Rugby League die-hard from a young age, he decided early on that he wanted to make a career out of the sport he loves. And he’s done exactly that. Mitch sees a bright future for our game, and is committed to its growth. His goal? To ensure Rugby League is an inclusive community for all.

Supporting communities, kids, and future stars

As a League and Club Coordinator in Brisbane, Mitch provides community Rugby League clubs with governance and operational support. This involves coordinating and managing competitions, creating draws, and delivering training to improve the experience for everyone involved in the league community. For Mitch, Rugby League is so much more than a game. It’s a way to connect with the community.

“It’s amazing. The sense of community and camaraderie that Rugby League provides extends beyond the bounds of the game. One of our clubs in Redlands has players from one family spanning four generations, who have all been involved in the club over the years. We often see families and communities connecting through the game, and I’m proud of my role in facilitating that.”

From the littlest juniors to the high-performing elites, there’s a place for everyone in community Rugby League. Seeing the journey that our players go through over their years in the game is something that Mitch finds incredibly rewarding.

“Part of our work means we create pathways for people to achieve their dreams. There are kids that entered our community ten or twenty years ago who are now playing for the Maroons. It feels good to know we’re providing opportunities to nurture the next generation of stars. Any kid on the field on a weekend might be the next player to represent their club, state or country.”

Growing the game in the right direction

Mitch has always been a Rugby League die hard. He grew up playing the game, and in his later school years decided to turn his passion into a career by studying a Bachelor of Sports Management at Bond University.

“I got my foot in the door with the NRL in Victoria, then went to Touch Football Australia in Melbourne and Canberra. I had so many great experiences there, but my passion was always for Queensland Rugby League. Whatever colours I was wearing, my heart was always maroon.”

With his passion for the game, it’s no wonder Mitch is committed to growing the QRL in the right direction. A large part of his role in community rugby league revolves around building connected spaces which are inclusive to all.

“At the QRL, we celebrate diversity and want to evolve in the right way. We’re working on some campaigns to ensure we provide a safe and welcoming environment at our clubs. It’s been challenging, but extremely rewarding, and we’re already seeing massive benefits. One example is the growth in the women’s game - there are more Under 12s girls playing now than ever before.”

Mitch is also excited about the opportunity to use Rugby League as a vehicle to address wider issues in our communities. As well as coordinating games, he provides club support in different areas: from governance and risk management, to facility upgrades and education.

“People go through tough times. The QRL opens doors to help them. We have an opportunity to reach out and make a positive impact on someone who might be struggling. And individuals have the chance to create positive relationships and find a community to lean on.”

Challenges and Rewards

Mitch has found a fulfilling career at the QRL, but he tells us that supporting the community is a demanding role. To help make things easier, he and his colleagues are provided with special leave, funding for learning and development, and discounts on Maroons merch. But these benefits only make up part of the puzzle that creates an incredibly rewarding experience.

“Some people might be attracted by the glitz and glamour of Origin night, but that’s not why they stay with the QRL. It’s about the impact we have on people, every day. I very openly and honestly recommend the QRL to any friends in the industry - you can’t beat the professional experience and personal growth you’ll gain here.”

Are you excited to grow you career, in the unexpected ways? Find out more about working at Queensland Rugby League.