https://www.macarthuradvertiser.com.au/story/7608040/wests-contributes-300k-to-local-rugby-league/?src=rss
FEBRUARY 4 2022 - 4:42PM
Wests contributes $300k to local rugby league
Local News
Local rugby league has received a big boost with Wests Group Macarthur committing more than $300,000 to support 23 clubs in the region.
The partnership agreement supports a newly formed 'powerhouse' competition under NSW Rugby League which includes Wests Tigers Macarthur Junior Rugby League and Group 6 Rugby League in 2022.
The $330,000 comes via the ClubGRANTS scheme, and supports 7115 players in 447 teams across the 23 clubs from Campbelltown to Wingecarribee. It marks the biggest single financial sponsorship by sporting code in the history of Wests Group Macarthur.
Funding will be used toward encouraging local sport and positive rugby league pathways including player development programs, insurances, gala days, fees, uniforms, marketing and promotion, and volunteer development.
Following recent constitutional and organisational changes, New South Wales Rugby League will govern and act as operational body for Group 6 and Wests Tigers Macarthur JRL in the Macarthur region. It is intended this structure will lead to growth and development of rugby league through Macarthur Clubs in the coming years.
Wests chairman Alan Buxton said the partnership was extra special given the club's historical association with the Campbelltown City Kangaroos..
"Wests is thrilled to partner with NSW Rugby League in a deal that strongly reconnects and reignites Wests Group's long-running and historical association to the rugby league community in Macarthur," he said.
Wests Tigers JRL board chairman Daniel Draper said locals could expect big things from the coming season.
"The new competition structure we are offering in 2022 is the most exciting and positive thing to happen in rugby league in our area in a long time," he said.
"Wests Group Macarthur have been on the journey with us for many years with their gracious support to our community and I believe the new combined Macarthur conference is the best step for all stakeholders".
Group 6 JRL chairman Mark Dooner said there would be "exciting times ahead".
"The Macarthur Conference competition will allow more efficient competitions for players of varying ability which will provide better opportunity for recruitment and retention of current players," he said.
"The partnership with Wests Group Macarhur plays a huge role in providing a successful conference competition in the Macarthur region."
NSW Rugby League chief executive David Trodden said it was an "exciting partnership" for rugby league in the south-west and would "help cement our commitment to past, present and future players of the game".
"The Macarthur and Group 6 region is one of the fastest-growing areas for participation in NSW and this deal will solidify the pathways for players looking to pursue a professional Rugby League career," he said.
Local players who have gone on to NRL success include James Tedesco (Camden Rams) in the Group 6 competition, and David Nofoaluma (Campbelltown Warriors), Ryan Hoffman (Campbelltown Collegians) and Anthony Minichiello (East Valley United) from Macarthur.
