Reports to: Event Coordinator
Engagement: Honorarium-based, roster-flexible
Positions available: Multiple across the district
About Panthers Juniors
The Penrith and Districts Junior Rugby League (PDJRL) is one of the largest and most successful junior rugby league districts in Australia, celebrating 60 seasons of developing players, officials, and volunteers across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. We run competitions from Under 5s through to Open Age, Men's and Women's, across more than 20 clubs.
As we head into the 2026 season, we're looking for experienced, level-headed people to join our Ground Manager roster across the district.
About the Role
Ground Managers are the face of game day. You'll be in control of all off-field within the bunker areas at a venue while games are in progress visible, alert, and aware doing everything possible to ensure the wellbeing and safety of players, officials, and spectators.
This is a critical role in how our game is run. If you've got a good working knowledge of rugby league, a calm head, and the kind of presence that keeps a sideline respectful, we'd like to hear from you.
What You'll Do
Before games
- Check the playing area, timers, siren/bell, and that fields are properly roped/fenced
- Ensure ambulance access
- Introduce yourself to visiting teams, referees, and touch judges
- Ensure sports trainers are appropriately accredited per the NRL On-Field Policy
- Confirm player and team-staff identification, sign-on completion, and that games start on time
During play
- Make sure coaches, trainers, and spectators are behaving in line with the NRL National Code of Conduct
- Ensure correct interchange, replacement sign-on, and HIA protocols are followed
- Take any reports from referees regarding rule breaches
- Manage sin-binned or sent-off players
- Ensure any player removed with a suspected head injury is marked HIA and does not retake the field
After games
- Collect all equipment supplied by the Junior League
Reporting
- Submit reports for unsportsmanlike behaviour or Code of Conduct breaches
- Follow the NSWRL Critical Incident flowchart in the event of any incident at the ground
What You'll Bring
- 18 years or over (non-negotiable)
- Maturity, good judgement, and the ability to stay calm under pressure
- A working knowledge of rugby league rules at League and State level
- Confidence dealing with coaches, parents, and officials - firmly and respectfully
- Availability across weekends on a flexible, roster-based arrangement
- A valid Working With Children Check (or willingness to obtain one)
- Willingness to complete our official Ground Manager training, the NRL Ground Manager online induction, and conflict resolution training provided by the PDJRL
Prior experience as a ground manager, team manager, committee member, or long-time rugby league volunteer is highly regarded but not essential if you've got the right temperament and are willing to learn.
What We Offer
- Honorarium per match-day shift
- Full induction including official Ground Manager training, the NRL online induction, and conflict resolution training
- PDJRL uniform and ongoing support from the League office
- The chance to be part of a 60-year legacy club and give back to the game
- Flexible rostering across venues in the Penrith District
- A direct line to the PDJRL General Manager and a supportive volunteer network
