Stevens joins CRL with a wealth of experience, that includes over ten years as a rugby league development officer; Stevens has also been involved with the Greater Northern Tigers Academy since 2007.

Country Rugby League CEO Terry Quinn believes Steven's appointment is a positive step forward for the future.

"Peter's lengthy experience in the game and local knowledge will be an invaluable asset to the Greater Northern Region.

"Peter's role will focus on managing high performance and pathways programs and teams, growing participation at all levels, supporting leagues, clubs and referee's associations, meaning all these participants and stakeholders will benefit from his appointment."

Stevens will be based at the Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School in Tamworth and is eager to work closely with Groups, Leagues and with the Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cups, Men's Under-23's and Women's Country Championship and League Tag representative teams.

"This new position marks an exciting time," Stevens said.

"Especially because it allows me to become more involved with the representative program, even though I have been coaching there for a long time.

"We will be using programs provided by the Bulldogs, the same programs they use throughout their NRL systems.

"We will be driving the same standards, values and behaviours used throughout the Bulldogs club.

"When the Greater Northern Tigers teams come in we will do most of our training at Farrer, which is fantastic because they have state-of-the-art facilities.

"I'm pleased with the role because it keeps me involved with junior leagues and high schools.

"I will still deliver in Group 21, Group 4 and Group 19 with our representative programs and travel to different areas and help out where I can."