USARL appoints Morris, Stocks; coaching roles thrown open

The United States Association of Rugby League (USARL) has announced the appointment of Shane Morris and Kurt Stocks to a new strategic football leadership team and thrown open all national coaching roles in preparation for qualifying campaigns for the 2028 Women’s World Cup and the 2030 Men’s World Cup.

Morris brings more than 20 years experience across elite rugby league environments, including leadership with the Brisbane Broncos, Melbourne Storm, Dolphins NRL, and as CEO of the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League. He has overseen national programs, governance reforms, and grassroots-to-elite pathways in Australia, PNG, and Fiji.

Stocks is a former senior player with the Newcastle Knights, North Sydney Bears, and Hunter Mariners, adds both Rugby League and corporate leadership credentials. Now based in California, he serves as president of LEGOLAND California Resort, where he has led major operational turnarounds and stakeholder engagement, while maintaining close ties to Rugby League in both the U.S. and Australia.

The appointments follow the completion of a comprehensive six-month review of the national program, conducted by the USARL national prrogram sub-committee that evaluated more than 40 candidates and established a new national program structure.

“This is another positive step forward for rugby league in America,” said USARL Chair Matt Goschnick. “The synergy and combined experience of Shane and Kurt will help us better resource and establish sustainable structures and support systems for our pathways and national programs.

"We are excited to have them driving the top-level strategy and look forward to the flow-on effects of strengthening the domestic game and creating more opportunities for players, coaches, and referees to upskill.”

With the new leadership team in place, the USARL is now inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for critical national team positions across the Men’s, Women’s, and U19 programs.

Applications are being overseen by the USARL Head of Football, Assistant Head of Football with assistance of the USARL Nation Program Subcommittee.  Current staff are encouraged to reapply, and candidates from both the U.S. and abroad are welcome.

Role descriptions and application links are available at www.usarl.org.
EOIs close September 14, 2025

This role recruitment drive and leadership reset comes as the USARL prepares for the next international benchmarks: the 2028 Women’s World Cup and the 2030 Men’s World Cup.

Recent progress has seen the US Men climb into the Top 20 and the Women rank just outside the Top 10 in the latest IRL World Rabkings, providing a strong foundation for the future.