The NSWRL and Wests Group Macarthur have today announced the continuation of a funding deal secured via the ClubGRANTS scheme will benefit more than 7000 participants, 500 teams and 23 clubs in the Macarthur Conference Competition for the 2023 season.
Now into its second season, the $330,000 deal is still the largest financial commitment made to a sporting code by Wests Group Macarthur with the Macarthur Conference Competition covering clubs from Wests Tigers Macarthur Junior Rugby League and Group 6 Juniors, and Group 6 Rugby League.
NSWRL chief executive David Trodden, Wests Group Macarthur Chairman Alan Buxton and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Perkiss, Westpac NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler, and Wests Tigers players including captain Apisai Koroisau were today all present for the announcement at Campbelltown Stadium which included a Junior Rugby League clinic, jersey presentation and photos.
Trodden said he was grateful for the continued support from Wests Group Macarthur for one of the fastest-growing areas of Rugby League.
“Macarthur and Group 6 has always been an important catchment area for the NSWRL and has provided many wonderful stars of our game,” Trodden said.
“This partnership is a significant investment in the grassroots of Rugby League and I thank Wests Group Macarthur Chairman Alan Buxton and his board, and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Perkiss, for their ongoing support.”
Buxton said: “Rugby League has been the beating heart of Wests Group Macarthur since inception in 1974.
“Being able to support the past, present, and future of the game within Macarthur is a privilege we take seriously, and we are pleased to see the local conference continue to grow in 2023.”
The funding package is estimated to save families $30 per participant and will benefit the Macarthur region through initiatives including:
• insurance subsidies for every participant
• rebates for shorts and socks
• referees’ fees covered
• player development and volunteer training programs
• marketing and promotion initiatives
• special events including gala days and finals series
Wests Tigers Junior Rugby League Chairman Daniel Draper said: “The renewal of the Wests Group Macarthur funding is a huge win for Rugby League in the region.
“Last season had many positives and 2023 is certainly looking bigger and better once again thanks to Wests Group Macarthur.
“On behalf of all clubs and participants I can’t thank Wests Group Macarthur enough for their continued support of Rugby League.”
Group 6 Junior Rugby League Chairman Mark Dooner said: “The support Wests Group Macarthur is giving Rugby League is evident in the continued rise of playing numbers across the region leading into the 2023 season.
“The partnership with Wests Group Macarthur plays a huge role in providing support for all competitions from our youngest players all the way through to our successful conference competitions.”
The Liverpool, Macarthur and Southern Highland regions are one of the largest Rugby League nurseries in NSW and has produced star players including Westpac NSW Blues captain James Tedesco (Camden Rams), David Nofoaluma (Campbelltown Warriors), and True Blues Anthony Minichiello (East Valley United) and Ryan Hoffman (Campbelltown Collegians).
The Macarthur Conference Competition, which had its inaugural season in 2022 in line with the NSWRL’s ‘One State’ Strategic Plan to improve competition opportunities and create better pathways for development for participants, will kick off on Saturday 15 April.
