NRL Try July Campaign Cancelled After Six Years Due to Club Conflicts

The NRL's 'Try July' fundraising campaign has been cancelled after 6 years. This is a change from previous years where it raised significant funds.
By Newsroom | Sports, Rugby League |

The National Rugby League's (NRL) annual fundraising initiative, ‘Try July’, has been discontinued this year. This abrupt cessation follows reported hesitations from several clubs, leading to its cancellation after six years of operation. The NRL, its betting partner Sportsbet, and the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) have declined to comment on the development.

The demise of ‘Try July’ removes a direct, visible connection between the sport's on-field actions and gambling sponsorships. Sources indicate the decision is not linked to the recent unveiling of the Albanese government's new restrictions on gambling advertising. Instead, the pushback appears to stem from internal conflicts, with some clubs forging partnerships with anti-gambling organizations or rival betting providers, creating a perceived clash with the Sportsbet-backed campaign.

Disappointment has been voiced by the RLPA, for whom the ‘Try July’ fund provided significant support to a player hardship program. Last year, the initiative was instrumental in raising funds for former players facing serious health and financial challenges. The RLPA CEO, Clint Newton, is reportedly exploring alternative fundraising avenues to address the financial gap left by ‘Try July’s’ discontinuation.

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The 'Try July' campaign, initiated in 2020, initially raised $85,000 for the Men of League Foundation and saw substantial growth, including $265,000 for the Family of League's Mose Masoe appeal in 2021. More recently, funds have been directed towards the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation (ASCF), supporting the rollout of mobile skin check trucks. Australia reports some of the highest rates of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer globally, with melanoma being a prevalent cancer among young Australians.

The NRL's partnership with Sportsbet is reportedly valued at $15 million annually, with the betting company generating upwards of $50 million in revenue from gambling on the competition within Australia. Several clubs, including Canterbury and South Sydney, have recently aligned themselves with ‘Reclaim the Game’, a NSW government initiative focused on reducing betting sponsorships and advertising in sport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was the NRL's 'Try July' campaign cancelled?
The 'Try July' campaign was cancelled this year after six years because several rugby league clubs hesitated to participate. This created internal conflicts within the sport.
Q: What was the 'Try July' campaign?
'Try July' was an annual fundraising initiative by the National Rugby League (NRL) that connected on-field tries with gambling sponsorships to raise money for charities.
Q: How much money did 'Try July' raise in the past?
The campaign raised $85,000 in 2020 for the Men of League Foundation and $265,000 in 2021 for the Family of League's Mose Masoe appeal. More recently, it supported the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation.
Q: Who is affected by the cancellation of 'Try July'?
The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) is disappointed as the fund supported a player hardship program. Charities that relied on the funds will also be affected, and the RLPA is looking for new ways to raise money.
Q: Is the cancellation related to new government gambling laws?
No, sources indicate the decision is not linked to the government's new restrictions on gambling advertising. The issue stems from internal club disagreements and partnerships.