Sports development models designed by organizations are created to try to effectively identify the necessary structures and strategies implemented to achieve all-round success at all levels. Athlete participation is the main focus of all sport development models and concerns the activities experienced, the paths followed, the obstacles overcome and how sport can monitor its structures to achieve a sustainable future for sport . In recent years there has been an increased focus on creating and improving pathways and systems to maximize the development of the sport. This essay will discuss and critically analyze the different types of development structures and nature between Rugby League and Ice Hockey as recognized sports in Australia. Australia, with its old and intrinsic football culture of Rugby League/Union and Aussie Rules, has predominantly focused on national development and international competition, aiming for the recognition of these sports. The AIS, along with most Australian communities, has recognized ice hockey as a major-minor sport, which has made the chances of developing high-level practices, mass participation and national success a struggle for individuals involved with the football codes. This essay will therefore discuss the differences in how Australia chooses to approach development between a major sport such as the Ruby League and a minor sport such as ice hockey, and set out development recommendations for the future of both sports. The governance structure of rugby league in Australia is very complicated, in which the Australian Rugby League (ARL), the National Rugby League (NFL) and state organizations such as the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) and the Queensland Rugby League (Q...... middle of paper ...... the benefits available from having successful elite athletes. Pathways are evident in the ARL using an NRL elite pathway model. Players they are identified through talent identification processes and are selected by sports academies across states. This allows the youth elite exposure and provides the opportunity to compete in the national Under 18 and 20 youth competition. The first phase is for the U15s. -U18 to promote junior elite exposure; these athletes are then chosen to compete in the U18-U20 national youth competition. They can then select and interact with players from this competition to play professional rugby league. Through this elite pathway, the league has structured programs to allow players to develop careers outside of the sport. These programs include “CareerWise,” “Characterwise,” and “Healthwise.” Career helps players get more opportunities