On Friday 9 October, athletes, coaches and high-performance specialists across soccer, rugby league, AFL and rugby union are invited to gather online for the Beyond the Game Conference to learn how the latest research can be translated into field-ready results.
Organised by the University of New England (UNE), the free, virtual event will explore what works, what transfers across codes and how research can make a tangible difference to gameplay.
Featuring experts from UNE, National Rugby League, NSW Rugby League and La Trobe University, attendees will gain valuable insights from some of sport’s brightest minds.
By breaking down the silos between football codes and sharing what works, we can turn evidence into practical strategies that improve performance, reduce injury risk and make a genuine difference for athletes at every level.
Highlights of the day will include a keynote address from NRL High-Performance Manager, David Boyle, an expert panel session, presentations designed to bridge the gap between the lab and the coaching box, and a deep-dive into UNE’s latest research with NSWRL and what the findings mean for all football codes.
“For this year’s conference, we are taking the conversation beyond rugby league by bringing together experts from across the AFL and rugby union,” says UNE sports scientist, Dr Samantha Birse.
“By breaking down the silos between football codes and sharing what works, we can turn evidence into practical strategies that improve performance, reduce injury risk and make a genuine difference for athletes at every level.
“It will be an opportunity for coaches, sports scientists, clinicians, researchers and students to learn the latest research and gain the skills needed to actually start applying it.”
The event is open to anyone interested and a recording will be made available at a later date.
Key details:
- WHEN: 9 October 2026, 9am – 1pm
- REGISTRATION: Register here (free)
- SPEAKERS:
- Mr David Boyle (Keynote Speaker) isan NRL High Performance Manager, coach and researcher. Drawing on a career spanning athlete preparation, coaching and research, he will explore how evidence, experience and human connection shape decisions in elite sport.
- Dr Bradley Morris and Dr Ayden McCarthy will share UNE’s latest research with NSWRL and what the findings mean for rugby league practice.
- Melinda Dennis is a NSW Women’s State of Origin and Jillaroos physiotherapist, and will bring an inside perspective on supporting athletes in elite women’s rugby league.
- EXPERT PANEL: Bridging the Lab - Coaching Gap
David Boyle will be joined by:- Dr Nathan Gibbs – current NSW State of Origin Head Doctor, with medical experience across rugby league, rugby union and AFL.
- Dr Brooke Patterson – ARC ECIR Fellow at the La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre and the driving force behind the AFL’s Prep to Play injury-prevention program.
