Public school students in Sydney’s east are benefiting from upgraded sports facilities as part of a NSW Government collaboration with the National Rugby League that is delivering upgraded ovals and world-class sports facilities into public schools.

Acting Education Minister Courtney Houssos joined Sydney Roosters great Brad Fittler during Public Education Week to cut the ribbon on a $480,000 upgrade to the school’s sportsground and field lighting.

Under the partnership arrangement, Matraville Sports High School and nearby Chifley Public School students will access the first-grade facilities during school hours, while the Roosters use the ground after hours as part of a five-year licence agreement.

As part of last week’s Public Education Week celebrations the NRL has also been showcasing public school alumni in the league’s first-grade men’s and women’s teams - including NSW Origin stars such as Liam Martin, Brian To’o, the Trbojevic brothers, Zac Lomax, Jaime Chapman, Jayme Fressard, Tiana Penitani Gray, Kezie Apps and Simaima Taufa.

The 2025 theme of Public Education Week, ‘Ignite Your Potential’, reflects the NSW Government’s commitment to lifting outcomes and expanding high potential and gifted education opportunities in every public school.

Matraville Sports High School is also receiving further upgrades as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to expand high potential and gifted education opportunities to every public school in the state, with $100 million in the 2025-26 Budget to upgrade facilities like science labs, creative and performing arts spaces, workshops and sports facilities in 33 public high schools across the state.

As part of this investment, the NSW Government is investing $6 million in an upgrade now underway which will deliver a new Aboriginal Centre of Excellence and HPGE area, a new STEM classroom, music and fitness labs, VET hospitality and construction rooms, a refurbished gymnasium and refurbished classrooms for Matraville Sports High School.

This is part of the NSW Government’s work to deliver world-class facilities at our schools, ensuring all NSW students have access to high potential and gifted education opportunities while sharing public schools’ world class facilities with the wider community.

Courtney Houssos, Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning said:

“We welcome this game-changing collaboration with the NRL, and with increasing demand for high-level sporting facilities at our schools, this is a big win for current and future students.

“For Matraville, maximising the use of a fantastic facility like this makes so much sense; the Roosters have the know-how in the space and our students reap the benefit from it.

“The Minns Labor Government will continue to innovate to ensure students can access the best facilities while forging stronger relationships in the community.

“By sharing our space, we help create opportunities for informal sport and recreation, a sense of stewardship and responsibility for our schools and their role in building relationships, connections and resilience for all.”

Member for Maroubra Michael Daley said:

"Matraville Sports High School is a marquee sporting school in our community and I'm grateful for the Minister and the Sydney Roosters for providing funding for these important upgrades to nurture the next generation of rugby league talent."

Nerida Walker, Principal of Matraville Sports High School said:

“Matraville Sports High School has a rich tradition of sporting success, no better exemplified than by former student and Roosters and Australian rugby league captain Boyd Cordner.

“While not everyone can represent Australia in their chosen sport, all students here and at nearby Chifley Public School can take advantage of upgraded facilities like this one.

“We continue to work closely with the Roosters and have recently appointed their NRLW championship-winning player Keeley Davis as a coach at the school.”

Andrew Abdo, NRL CEO said:

“This high-quality facility at Matraville Sports High School is a terrific example of sharing resources and expertise and we acknowledge the investment of the NSW Government and our Clubs to make it happen.

“The NRL is proud to partner with schools across New South Wales to increase opportunities for students to be active, healthy, and engaged through our programs.

“Through the NRL Schools Strategy, we are working alongside educators across NSW to integrate our programs into broader curriculum areas—enhancing academic engagement and supporting the development of vital social and emotional skills such as teamwork, resilience, and respect.”

Joe Kelly, Roosters CEO said:

“We’re incredibly proud of our long-term relationship with Matraville Sports High School and Chifley Public School.

“Supporting the school and partnering with the NSW Government to deliver the upgrades of the playing surface and new energy-efficient LED lighting is a huge win for all.

“These upgrades will benefit all students and coaches from the schools, our male and female pathways, and the broader community.

“We’re grateful to the NSW Government for their partnership to deliver this project.”