The Australian and National Rugby Leagues have unveiled plans for a league headquarters to bring the sport under one roof and provide development and education programs.

The plans were unveiled at ANZ Stadium on Saturday, just over 24 hours before the NRL grand final.

The project, Rugby League Central: One Home One Community, will involve the construction of a game-wide facility that will house an education centre and bring together the sport's administrative arms.

The federal and NSW government are contributing $10.4 million and $1 million respectively to the $17.4 million project.

NRL chief executive David Gallop thanked the governments for their contribution, saying it would enable the sport to better coordinate its community projects.

"We take very seriously our role in the community to use our profile to make a positive difference," Mr Gallop told reporters.

He acknowledged the game has faced challenges this season and the sport needed to focus on education and development.

"Of course something like today's announcement is recognition that the game is trying to demonstrate its resolve.

"And I think even issues like player behaviour, there can be improvements where the leagues are in a more coordinated headquarters."

Federal Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese said the project would create about 60 jobs during construction and was in line with the government's response to the global financial crisis.

"What we've been looking for is projects that create jobs in the immediate sense but create a long-term legacy," Mr Albanese said.

He said the project would allow rugby league to reach out to the community.

"We know that rugby league is a lot more than just a sport.

"We've seen evidence of that on the streets of Parramatta district in particular."

The Sydney site for the headquarters is yet to be confirmed but construction is expected to get under way by the end of the year.

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