Former NRL player and Queensland Rugby League pathways manager Paul Stevenson shares why character, community and connection matter just as much as talent when developing the next generation of rugby league players.
At the 2026 Queensland Murri Carnival, former Manly and Cronulla Sharks player Paul Stevenson joined IN SPORT to reflect on his involvement with the Future Immortals tours, his work developing emerging rugby league talent and the importance of staying connected to the game.
Having travelled to communities including Kowanyama, Cooktown and Hope Vale through the Future Immortals initiative, Stevenson has seen firsthand how rugby league can bring people together and create opportunities beyond the sporting field.
For former players, the tours also provide an opportunity to reconnect with teammates, former rivals and the game that has shaped much of their lives.
"It's an opportunity to reconnect, tell a few war stories and really be around some like-minded people that understand the challenges of being a professional footballer and then coming into the workforce," Stevenson said.
The tours bring former rugby league players into regional and remote communities, with activities shaped around local priorities, from school engagement to community events and sporting opportunities.
Stevenson said the experience was rewarding for both the communities and the former players involved, providing a renewed sense of connection and belonging.
Finding the next generation of talent
Now working as a pathways manager with Queensland Rugby League, Stevenson oversees representative programs including the City Country Under 17s, emerging Under 18s and Under 19s State of Origin pathways.
While attending the Murri Carnival in a commentary capacity, he admitted his eye for emerging talent never switches off.
Stevenson praised the standard of rugby league on display, particularly the freedom and confidence shown by young players.
"What we see in these carnivals is players with the shackles off," he said.
"Players that might not get the opportunities to shine in club footy ... we see those shackles come off in this environment, and we see some really good footy played."
For Stevenson, however, identifying talent is only one part of developing a successful player.
Once a young athlete demonstrates potential, Queensland Rugby League looks beyond their on-field performance to understand their attitude, effort, education, family support and character.
"We speak to families, we see how they go at school. We continue to watch that player to see what his effort is like, what his attitude, his character. We try and get to know those players," he explained.
Stevenson also highlighted the importance of character within Queensland's representative programs, where developing good people remains a key consideration alongside sporting ability.
Representing more than a team
Throughout the Murri Carnival, the connection between players, families and their communities has been a defining feature.
Stevenson reflected on the pride that comes with representing not only a team, but also the people and places that have supported a player's journey.
He pointed to the Queensland State of Origin environment, where players are encouraged to understand that they represent an entire state and the communities that helped shape them.
That same sense of pride is evident at the Murri Carnival, where players take the field representing their families, communities and culture.
Creating opportunities beyond the field
Stevenson also shared a memorable experience from a Future Immortals community visit, where he met a talented young player at a local school.
Around 12 to 18 months later, he encountered the same youngster in Townsville, where the player had been given an opportunity to stay at Cowboys House, continue his education and pursue rugby league.
For Stevenson, seeing those opportunities emerge is one of the most rewarding aspects of his involvement in community rugby league.
As the 2026 Queensland Murri Carnival moved towards its junior finals, Stevenson was looking forward to calling the Under 16 boys' decider and watching more of the emerging talent on display.
His message throughout the conversation was clear: rugby league is about far more than individual ability.
From the friendships that last beyond a playing career to the opportunities created for young athletes, the game's greatest impact is often found in the connections it builds.
Watch the full interview with Paul Stevenson on the IN SPORT App.