Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island players currently represent around 15 per cent of all NRL and NRLW players.
That could be as high as 25 per cent, says Brook Tennant - coach and footy clinic operator - with the right support and opportunity for young mob.
Tennant is a Wiradjuri man, former distance runner and long-time coach who founded Rugby League Roo over a decade ago.
Initially focused on identifying untapped talent overseas where the code has little profile, he's committed to further turning his attention towards Indigenous kids in remote communities.
His coaching pedigree in footy stretches back decades from local juniors to the top level, all grades in between, and all over the globe.
Overseas players have made the jump with his backing to come across and play top country comps, while he's helped local talent enter the NRL/NRLW pathways.
"I'm a former distance runner, ran for Australia, and I raced a guy by the name of (the late Kenyan world record-setter, All-Africa and Commonwealth Games gold medallist) Henry Rono," Tennant told National Indigenous Times.
"He and I became close friends...he said to me about 15-18 years ago 'can you train some Kenyan athletes?'"
Around five years later the question about other sports to take these athletes talents was raised. Rugby League was the answer.
"We used to be called Kenya-Roo...other countries started to hear about it...We're now in 17 countries."
For the last couple of years Tennant has committed his personal work into Indigenous players and kids.
Rugby League Roo delivers coaching clinics focused on the 13 to 18-year-old age bracket, though they welcome young people years either side, from all sporting backgrounds and abilities.
First Nations clinics have already been held in Victoria, New South Wales, the ACT and Queensland - including far north communities.
Based on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, it's now time to put everything into the bush - where access, resources and eyes on them the pales in comparison to other areas, he said.
Footy isn't the only objective.
Rugby League Roo delivers health education, encourages camaraderie and puts the building blocks in place for overall fitness in addition to skills sessions, Tennant explained.
Before heading anywhere, Tennant added, communities are engaged with through Elders or councils for approval to bring their work.
They start with theory, going over their safe play code, skill sessions, provide footy wearing kits, and ongoing regular online mentoring later on.
"It's just not a one off," Tennant said, heading back whenever they can.
They're looking to establish yearly clinics with long-term relationships for sustainable impact and more opportunity for the talent there.
Tennant and his wife have self-produced the bulk of funding to support their efforts, but more cash in the kitty would come more than welcome.
He explained the federal Ministry have been supportive sending target requirements for funding, while former Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt and local MP Andrew Wallace have also endorsed Rugby League Roo.
Sponsors have been a big help, Tennant added, including Caloundra RSL Club.
With that backing clinics of 200 kids and up to 600 students at a local high school took place.
Funding dependent, they'll stretch as far and wide as possible, Tennant promised.
He said it's the only thing holding them back.
Rugby League Roos's focus is to improve physical and mental health, support positive routine and disipline, create more confident kids, and put the systems in place for teamwork, leadership and creating more and more elite players.
"I firmly believe...if we can could hit these remote areas within five years it'd be 25 (per cent of the NRL and NRLW made up of Indigenous players," Tennant said.
"We are naturally gifted. They way we play is different, you see the Inglis', Rory Sloans, Jonathan Thurston...it's great football.
Tennant said you only have to look at the Koori Knockout to see the talent out there.
Most importantly, he added, the kids just love their footy.
