Hon. Troy Grant

Sport n Racing 🏇Nut|Chair IRL|Knights ⚔️ Dolphins🐬NSW🏉|YNWA⚽️ |F1 Piastri 🏎️ |Phil 🦅🏈|🏀🐂|PBR|AFLHawks|RedSox⚾️|PenriteRacing|

[The Big Sports Breakfast @BigSportsBrekky]

These words from @joshreynolds9 to Laurie Daley after NSW’s Origin win are everything 💙

'I just knew I could go out there and do a job, but because of YOU.'

They had Loz on the verge of tears.

[NSWBlues @NSWBlues]

NEVER WRITE US OFF.

[NSWBlues @NSWBlues]

Your 2026 series winners 💙

[International Rugby League @IntlRugbyLeague]

Vale Emil Grindheim

International Rugby League sends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and team-mates of young Norwegian player Emil Grindheim, who passed away in tragic circumstances last weekend.

The 19-year-old succumbed to the current while he was swimming with friends in a rockpool at Netland, north of Kvinesdal, on Saturday.

Emil was a promising player with a great passion for rugby league, who had represented his country at both senior and under-19s level.

He played for Norway in last October’s European Championship D matches against Germany and Czechia, kicking 11 goals in Norway’s 86-6 defeat of Czechia.

Norway players will pay tribute to Grindheim in Thursday’s Senior International Match against Canada in Lillestrom.

The teenager had been rested from the match as he was due to represent Norway in the upcoming Under-19s European Championship, starting on July 12 in France.

IRL Secretary-General Danny Kazandjian said: “While I did not know Emil or his family, I am aware of how devoted Emil and they all were to our sport, sitting at the very centre of the tightknit, courageous Norwegian rugby league community, with whom we grieve at this moment of unimaginable tragedy.

“Those who knew Emil said that he lived for rugby league, and his memory will live on in every hard-fought step of progress the sport continues to make in Norway.

“On behalf of everyone in the IRL and the global rugby league family, we pay our deepest respects and condolences to Emil’s family and friends. May he rest in peace.”

📰https://t.co/PaImzCYteA

[International Rugby League @IntlRugbyLeague]

International Rugby League Chair Troy Grant has expressed gratitude to Jason Taumalolo on behalf of the game ahead of the inspirational Tonga star's 300th NRL appearance for North Queensland Cowboys.

Taumalolo is the first player of Tongan heritage to reach the milestone and tributes have poured in from around the Pacific and across the game, with Tonga Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua leading a Tongan delegation attending the match against Penrith Panthers.

The superstar forward’s decision to turn his back on New Zealand at the 2017 World Cup to play for Tonga changed international rugby league for the better and inspired the likes of Isaiya Katoa, Payne Haas and Val Holmes to represent their Pacific heritage.

“As the game celebrates Jason’s achievement of playing 300 NRL matches for North Queensland, I would like to take the opportunity to thank him for what he has done for international rugby league,” Grant said.

"Jason’s selfless decision to play for Tonga in 2017 has elevated the international game to another level and inspired players from all nations to represent their heritage.

“He commands enormous respect throughout the game for the impact he has had and on behalf of International Rugby League I congratulate Jason for his 300th game milestone and look forward to watching him play at the World Cup.”

Taumalolo, whose on-field performances have earned comparisons to Sonny Bill Williams and Sam Burgess, has been a key figure for the Cowboys since their 2015 premiership win and 2017 grand final appearance.

However, his influence on the game extends far beyond North Queensland and Katoa, Addin Fonua-Blake and Kulikefu Finefeiuaki are among the Tongan team-mates who chose to play for their heritage because of Taumalolo.

Just nine years later, the ARLC is preparing to host the most competitive World Cup since the concept was established in 1954, with Tonga and Samoa considered genuine contenders and Fiji, PNG and Cook Islands also on the rise.

"Jason Taumalolo's 300-game milestone is more than a personal achievement - it’s a proud moment for the Kingdom of Tonga,” said Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua, who is also Chairman of Tonga Rugby League.

“It reflects the exceptional talent our nation continues to produce and marks a new chapter in rugby league history as the first Tongan to reach this extraordinary feat in a game that holds a special place in the hearts of our people.

"Jason's impact extends far beyond the football field. His decision to represent Tonga at the peak of his career was a defining moment for rugby league in the Pacific.

“By choosing country over personal gain, he inspired a generation of young athletes to wear their heritage with pride and helped transform Tonga into a force on the international stage.

“On behalf of Tonga Rugby League and the people of the Kingdom of Tonga, we not only congratulate Jason on this remarkable achievement, but also thank him for the dedication, sportsmanship, and excellence he has demonstrated throughout his distinguished career."

📰Read more: https://t.co/PaImzCZ148

[NRL @NRL]

Tonga Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua has led tributes to Jason Taumalolo from around the Pacific and across the game ahead of the inspirational Cowboys star’s 300th NRL appearance in Saturday’s match against Penrith. https://t.co/ecvw9xaHLb

[Brad Walter @BradWalterSport]

Teen star Tupou Francis to play for Lebanon Cedars
“Michael Cheika called me over the phone and he said he is looking out for me to play for Lebanon. I don't know if it's confirmed yet, but I'll put my hand up if that does happen.” https://t.co/3B0QyXdZbn

[Rugby League World Cup 2026 @rugbyleaguewcup]

"It's going to be... WILD" 👊🇼🇸

#RLWC2026

[Hon. Troy Grant @troygrant]

I had the immense privilege of meeting Sir Kevin in England in 2022. An inspiring man without question not sure an honour of this magnitude has been more deserving for an individual.

[International Rugby League @IntlRugbyLeague]

'About time': IRL Chair Troy Grant congratulates Kevin Sinfield on Knighthood

International Rugby League Chair Troy Grant has paid tribute to 2012 IRL Golden Boot winner and former England captain Kevin Sinfield after he became just the second rugby league player to receive a Knighthood.

Sinfield was awarded a Knighthood in the Kings Birthday Honours, joining Sir Billy Boston, who was knighted last year.

The Leeds Rhinos great was recognised for his glittering rugby league career, which included 40 international appearances for England and Great Britain, as well as his remarkable efforts to raise funds and awareness for motor neurone disease charities in honour of his close friend and team-mate Rob Burrow.

"On behalf of the IRL Board, I extend our warmest and most sincere congratulations to Kevin Sinfield for the recognition he so thoroughly deserves," Grant said.

"It is hard to think of anyone more worthy of this honour. Many would say, 'about time'.

"Kevin was a great rugby league player who achieved almost everything in the game - winning seven Super League grand finals with his beloved Leeds Rhinos, as well as Challenge Cup finals and World Club Challenge victories.

"He was an inspirational leader who captained his country and club, a skilful and versatile player who was acknowledged as the best in the world in 2012 when he won the Golden Boot award.

"Most of Kevin's on field feats for Leeds, England and Great Britain were achieved alongside his great mate Rob Burrow, and they again stood side by side as Rob faced his greatest challenge after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

"Inspired by Rob, Kevin has raised awareness of MND and more than GBP£11 million to help combat this debilitating disease that Jai Arrow is now battling with the support of the rugby league community.

"To quote Rob's wife Lindsey, 'everyone should have a friend like Kevin', and we are all very fortunate for Kevin's lifelong involvement in our game. Congratulations to Sir Kevin for such a well-earned honour."

Sinfield received confirmation of his Knighthood just days after announcing details of his seventh annual 7-in-7 challenge, in which he will run seven ultra-marathons in seven days.

Seven was the jersey number worn by Burrow during his illustrious playing career and Sinfield has undertaken a running challenge to promote the campaign against MND each year since Burrow's diagnosis in 2019 - beginning with seven marathons in seven days in 2020.

He completed his 7-in-7 challenge in 2022 by entering Old Trafford at halftime during the World Cup final between Australia and Samoa.

📰Full article: https://t.co/PaImzCZ148

[International Rugby League @IntlRugbyLeague]

International Rugby League is deeply saddened by the passing of iconic long serving former Wales coach John Kear.

John was a passionate and devoted servant to the game who devoted much of his life to playing, coaching and commentating.

He was a member of the BBC commentary team at last weekend's Challenge Cup final between Wigan and Hull KR at Wembley and his death has shocked members of the rugby league community in Britain and around the world.

After a decade of playing for Castleford, John took up coaching with Bramley in 1992 and most recently coached Batley for 11 games last year.

He had one game in charge of France in 1997 and coached England at the 2000 World Cup.

John returned to coaching at international level with Wales in 2014 and the following year he took the Dragons to a European Championship win, beating Scotland, Ireland and France.

He coached Wales at the 2017 World Cup in Australia and RLWC2021 in England, as well as in the World Cup Nines in Australia in 2019.

His last match with Wales was in October 2024 against Jamaica. He was also an assistant with Great Britain, and coached Great Britain Academy on a tour of New Zealand in 1996 when he was employed by the RFL as player performance manager.

International Rugby League passes on its condolences to John's wife Dawn, other family members and his many, many friends in the rugby league community.

📷Photo: SWPix

[International Rugby League @IntlRugbyLeague]

International Rugby League’s implementation of an international calendar for elite nations has proven a resounding success with levy revenues from 2025 fixtures more than tripling the previous highest sum, which was set just two years earlier.

The return of the Ashes after a 22-year hiatus was one of several key decisions taken by the IRL Board in July 2023, with a focus on restoring the game's historic rivalries.

At the same time, it was decided to introduce new tournaments such as the Pacific Championships, which has captured the imagination of fans across the rugby league world and proven increasingly popular since its inception in 2023.

IRL Chair Troy Grant said: "The battle for the Ashes is the oldest and arguably the greatest rivalry in Rugby League and the crowds at Wembley Stadium in London, Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool and Headingley Stadium at Leeds, as well as broadcast viewing figures, showed how much it means to fans.

"Australia won the series 3-0 but England were extremely competitive and all three matches were hard fought, adding to the anticipation for the World Cup later this year.

"I'd like to congratulate the Australian Rugby League Commission, led by Chair Peter V'landys, and the Rugby Football League, with the support of Simon Moran, for the staging of such a successful event that was played in some iconic venues."

📰Full article https://t.co/HSXEZz2lsW

[NSWBlues @NSWBlues]

BIGGEST COMEBACK IN ORIGIN HISTORY ✅ 💙

See you in Melbourne, BLUES FANS!

[Hon. Troy Grant @troygrant]

@NSWBlues @BM_Howard Ethan Strange absolute Superstar ⭐️ absolutely made for Origin @NSWBlues #bleedblue

[Hon. Troy Grant @troygrant]

@BradWalterSport @NoHelmetsReq @England_RL @Irelandrl So do Wales & Scotland

[Hon. Troy Grant @troygrant]

Its ORIGIN season - Bleed @NSWBlues 🔵

[Hon. Troy Grant @troygrant]

@IntlRugbyLeague joins all those who have expressed their support by offering ours wherever we can to take the fight up to MND and support Jai and his beautiful family in anyway we can.

Hon. Troy Grant
Chairman
International Rugby League
7/7

[Hon. Troy Grant @troygrant]

The news of @SSFCRABBITOHS & @QLDmaroons player Jai Arrows MND diagnosis has rightly rocked the rugby league world. A cruel and insidious disease that has claimed too many lives without a known cure in reach. 1/7

[Hon. Troy Grant @troygrant]

I met Rob and his family back in 2022 and with his best mate Kevin Sinfield saw how inspiring a united and dedicated effort can be to bring some hope and comfort.

Rugby League is infamous for getting around & supporting our own and I know as a sport we will rise once again. 6/7