The Knock-On Effect' to support road safety

The NSW Government has teamed up with State of Origin legends and the NSW Rugby League to encourage fans to make safer decisions on our roads.

Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said from the 2021 season, the men’s open-age competition which feeds directly into the NRL would be known as ‘The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup’ for the next three years.

“It’s devastating to think every 46 minutes

someone is killed or seriously injured on NSW roads – about half the time it takes to watch an NRL game,” Mr Constance said.

“On the field, a single mistake like a knock-on can cost you a game. On the road, a single decision can have a knock-on effect that changes lives across the whole community.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said 297 people died on NSW roads last year with about 62 per cent of those deaths on country roads.

“Every single death on our roads has a knock-on effect to the person’s family, friends and colleagues – it changes them forever,” Mr Toole said.

“Through this campaign, some of rugby league’s biggest names are sharing their own stories and encouraging fans to make safer decisions on our roads.”

Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler said the change, revealed today at Sydney Olympic Park alongside Assistant Coach Greg Alexander, will open up important road safety conversations at a grassroots level.

“Everyone can make a difference with the decisions they make on the road every day – stay under the speed limit, plan ahead and avoid driving tired, and make sure you have a Plan B when you’re drinking,” Mr Fittler said.

The announcement builds on a partnership that kicked off in 2017. For more information about the NSW Government’s commitment to reducing road deaths and serious injuries, visit www.towardszero.nsw.gov.au