NSWRL has been recognised for a successful year on and off the field securing three nominations in the finalists for the 2021 Sports NSW Awards.

The finalists include Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues for Team of the Year, NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler for Coach of the Year and NSWRL for Organisation of the Year.

The 2021 NSW Sports Awards will be presented at the NSW Champions of Sport Ceremony in January at CommBank Stadium, Parramatta.

Despite the many challenges faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 was a successful year for NSWRL, winning the Ampol State of Origin series for the third time in four years.

It was particularly significant given that all three games were played in Queensland, and despite the many disruptions and constant and rapid changes required to planning by team management, the series was wrapped up successfully.

Led by coach Fittler, the Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues also made history with the largest ever points differential in an Origin series.

The NSWRL also reintroduced the Country-City concept, with the return of Country v City fixtures to the representative calendar after a four-year absence.

The NSWRL also unveiled a new structure for the 2022 Western Premiership. This includes a conference system, crossover games and a top eight finals system involving teams from each conference. The Premiers will then face off to determine the State Champion.

In addition, the NSWRL became a member of Pride in Sport and begun an awareness campaign to support days of significance, audit current policies and procedures and begin awareness training for staff members.