Creative agency R/GA Sydney is behind the NRL’s pre-season brand campaign, which takes inspiration from the culture of the modern game and what it means to fans.

The campaign, titled ‘This is How We League’, includes a 90-second film that follows the journey of player James Tedesco as he’s driven through the game’s heartland to his new club, the Sydney Roosters.

Visual references to every team are included throughout, from symbolic portrayals of emblems to examples of club culture.

Moments with meaning for fans are also represented in the campaign, from player transfers, to the anticipated return of South Sydney Rabbitohs star Greg Inglis, captured in a mural in Redfern celebrating his comeback.

Further murals are being commissioned across Sydney to engage fans at a club level. The approach extends online, with a mobile site allowing them to create and share customised club memes to show their allegiance via Facebook.

Bob Mackintosh, VP executive creative director at R/GA Sydney, said the integrated strategy behind the work had been specifically designed to re-engage fans.

“Our approach was to unlock their pride in league, to remind them what they love about it, and help them claim it back.”

“The idea had to be one fans could run with, supported by tools letting them make it their own.”

Peter Jarmain, general manager of marketing and brand at the NRL, said the work was about reconnecting hearts and minds to the game.

“This Is How We League is about confidently saying we’re proud of who we are, and what we stand for. It’s all about celebrating a truly diverse fan community and the unique relationship they have with their team, and the game.”

CREDITS

Creative: R/GA Sydney

Production: Collider Films

Music supervision: Anton @ Trailer Media

Online and grade: White Chocolate

Sound: Song Zu

Media: Blue 449

PR: TLA