New Details Emerge as Canberra Raiders Celebrate Axel Wellings: NRL School to Work Young Leader of the Year Shows How to Lead by Example, Seize Opportunities, and Wear His Heritage Like a Badge of Honor.Raiders Celebrate Axel Wellings’ NRL School to Work Award Win
In an inspiring moment of recognition, the Canberra Raiders have congratulated Axel Wellings on being named the NRL School to Work Young Leader of the Year for 2025, a prestigious honor celebrating Indigenous youth leadership, community impact, and academic or career potential.
The announcement was made at the NRL School to Work Awards Night on November 28, a celebration of the extraordinary achievements of young leaders in the Indigenous community. Wellings, a proud Wiradjuri man from Goulburn, received the award for his remarkable contributions to both his school and wider community.
A former captain of Mulwaree High School, Wellings has always been a natural leader. During his final year, he spearheaded initiatives to support Indigenous students, creating a legacy of empowerment and unity. His leadership didn’t end with his graduation in 2024; in fact, it only just began. Since then, Wellings has taken on several key roles, including serving as an NRL Youth Ambassador and being selected for the prestigious NSW Parliament Young Aboriginal Leaders Program.
Wellings’ passion for education and cultural pride led him to co-establish the Little Yarns reading program, a powerful initiative aimed at promoting literacy while encouraging young Indigenous Australians to take pride in their heritage. Through these actions, Wellings has become a role model, showing that positive change starts with a single person willing to step up and lead.
In his acceptance speech, Wellings shared his hope that his journey would inspire future generations. “I want to show young people that they can create their own opportunities, regardless of the obstacles in their way, and that they should be proud of who they are and where they come from,” he said.
The Raiders, a club known for its deep ties to the community, expressed immense pride in Wellings’ accomplishments. His leadership mirrors the values upheld by the club, and the team remains committed to supporting programs like the NRL School to Work initiative, which helps young Indigenous Australians achieve their full potential in both education and employment.
The NRL School to Work program, which aims to provide pathways for young Indigenous Australians to develop skills and find meaningful careers, continues to empower future leaders. Local program lead Damon Knight is the point of contact for anyone interested in becoming involved in 2026, helping to foster new opportunities for Indigenous youth across the nation.
Axel Wellings’ recognition is a testament to the power of determination, education, and cultural pride. It serves as a reminder that no matter the starting point, each person has the ability to shape their future and inspire others along the way. The Raiders and the entire rugby league community are proud to stand behind young leaders like Axel as they pave the way for future success.