Australian skipper Cameron Smith has confirmed he has joined the Rugby League Players Association board.
It marks the first time a reigning national captain has linked with the rugby league body.
Smith, also the Melbourne and Queensland captain, said he hoped to make a difference in his new role.
"I am passionate about our game and want to see it grow and prosper," said Smith in a statement.
"To help that happen I believe the playing group must be engaged in decisions that affect rugby league at all levels."
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The RLPA are currently involved in talks with the NRL over a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), expected to completed by the end of next season.
"As a current NRL player, I'm well aware of and understand the challenges facing players and the concerns they have about issues within the game," Smith said.
"The current CBA negotiations are our first priority and we want to build and maintain a strong relationship with the NRL and clubs to make sure we continue to grow our game together."
Other current players on the board are George Burgess (South Sydney), Tim Mannah (Parramatta), James Maloney (Cronulla) and Jeremy Latimore (Cronulla).
Smith said he had also joined the board of the Australian Athletes' Alliance, the peak body for the country's elite professional athletes.
