Darren Lockyer, the record-breaking Australia captain, who is retiring from playing, is set to be appointed an ambassador to promote the rugby league Test programme.
The veteran Brisbane Broncos playmaker, who appeared in a record 54 Tests and 36 State of Origin matches for Queensland, is bowing out of the game at the end of this season.
David Gallop, the NRL chief executive, was confident Wednesday that Lockyer, 34, would remain involved in the sport.
"He has worn the Kangaroos jersey with great pride over a long period, and that is certainly one area we have talked to him about, an ongoing role helping us promote international football," Gallop said. "His profile can help us promote Test footy and remind everyone from the players to our commercial partners that the Kangaroo jersey is the epitome of this game ... I think there will be a range of other things open to Darren once he finally hangs the boots up."
Lockyer will equal the NRL record of 349 first-grade games played by both Terry Lamb and Steve Menzies on Saturday when he turns out against the New Zealand Warriors.