Gadens acted for New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) and Queensland Rugby League (QRL), the state governing bodies responsible for rugby league participation, development and pathways in Australia's two largest rugby league markets, in proceedings against Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC), the governing body of the National Rugby League competition.

The proceedings, heard in the Equity Division of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, concerned ARLC's obligations to provide agreed funding to the state bodies under long-term governance and funding arrangements.

Working alongside both clients, the Gadens team developed and executed a coordinated strategy across two independent organisations with shared interests in the future funding framework. While the claim related to a single funding year, the dispute had broader implications for the parties' ongoing rights and obligations under multiple long-term agreements underpinning the national game.

Lead partner Lionel Hogg said:

“This outcome demonstrates the importance of clearly defined obligations in long-term governance arrangements. By keeping the focus on the practical operation of those arrangements, we helped our clients secure certainty and funding that will support rugby league across both states for years to come."

The matter resulted in NSWRL and QRL securing  nine figure  funding. Beyond the immediate financial outcome, the resolution provides certainty around the parties' ongoing arrangements and strengthens the foundations that support the growth and administration of rugby league at both grassroots and elite levels.