ABOUT THE CLUB
“🏆NSWRL COMMUNITY CLUB OF THE YEAR 2025🏆“
CMRL was honoured with winning the 2025 NSWRL COMMUNITY CLUB of the YEAR!!
CMRL has been deeply embedded in the community since its inception in 1988. The Club hosts a Charity Shield event to strengthen community ties, raise awareness and financial support for a different charity every year. The Club has been involved in broader community sport, donating footballs, boots and jerseys, also for charity. The Club also embraces the community through other initiatives including holding annual volunteer nights to celebrate the contributions volunteers make every season, actively promoting female leadership to ensure greater participation through coaching, refereeing and education, and embracing mental health programs and education including the NRL State of Mind.
CMRL celebrated 28% growth in 2025 with nearly 600 players this year. A key initiative contributing to the growth is their mentoring program, driven by teenage players. The Club paired experienced players with new and inexperienced players, aimed at building skillsets and confidence.
CMRL are not just about making players, they are devoted to helping kids become strong and ready for life’s challenges. The Club welcomes sportsmanship, and the sheer joy of playing rugby league takes precedence. Ther players, coaches and referees are all from our community, and pride themselves on showing respect and maintaining a positive attitude, whilst upholding the integrity of the Club’s reputation.
Watch our Club Executive – Damian Bultitude’s Q&A session at the recent NSWRL Community Football Conference 2025 by following the below link⬇️
https://drive.google.com/file/u/0/d/1FBdRehCENzcExWEpbiT_EnFPGaIapeUs/view?pli=1
The Cessnock Minor Rugby League Club (CMRL) is a successful member of Hunter Junior Rugby League and NSW Rugby League. Formed in 1988 the Club is one of the largest in the Hunter District and has enjoyed great success over the years with numerous Junior Premierships and past players achieving international recognition. Our Club has built a strong reputation for developing talent, fostering inclusivity, and providing a positive, family-friendly environment for players of all ages and abilities.
OUR GOAL
Playing community Rugby League teaches crucial life lessons, at CMRL our goal is to ensure an environment where kids can feel safe, whilst becoming strong and ready for life’s challenges. CMRL has over 40 teams competing, more than 240 volunteers, 900+ families and a passionate community backing us!
TEAMWORK
Teamwork is at the core of everything we do – off and on the field – when we work together, we grow stronger as a club and as a community.
RESPECT
The foundation of our club – we demonstrate it to our teammates, opponents, officials, and supporters, creating a positive and inclusive environment for everyone.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
Community spirit is the heart of our club – we support, include, and uplift one another, building strong connections that go far beyond the game.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Beanies for Brain Cancer
We’re raising awareness and vital funds for brain cancer research - Show your support during our next season (2026) by purchasing a beanie, and help bring hope to those affected.
Junior League Raffle
Don’t miss your chance to win great prizes while supporting the local footy community and helping us continue to grow the game for our young players!
CMRL Committee Meeting
Our next meeting is just around the corner so come along to have your say, stay informed, and help shape the future of our club, on and off the field.