The NSWRL and Wests Group Macarthur is pleased to announce today that a funding deal has been secured via the ClubGRANTS scheme that will enable the Macarthur Conference Competition to hit the ground running when its inaugural season kicks off on 26 March.
The deal is the largest, single financial sponsorship by a sporting code in the history of Wests Group Macarthur with $330,000 to be used to support 23 clubs, 447 teams and 7,115 players from Campbelltown to Wingecarribee.
It falls in line with Wests Tigers Macarthur Junior Rugby League and Group 6 Rugby League coming together as part of the NSWRL’s One State Strategic Plan, which created six new zones to increase competition opportunities.
NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden, Wests Group Macarthur Chairman Alan Buxton and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Perkiss, and Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler were all present for the announcement at Campbelltown today.
“This is an exciting partnership for Rugby League in the southwest and it will help cement our commitment to past, present and future players of the game in the region,” Trodden said.
“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.
“Wests Group Macarthur have always been such wonderful supporters of our game and their community and I want to thank Chairman Alan Buxton and his board and Chief Executive Daniel Perkiss for having the confidence to back our game in such a fantastic way.
“I also want to acknowledge Drew Dalton and everyone in the team he leads for the good work they do in the area.”
Fittler said: “The Macarthur and Southern Highlands area has always produced plenty of wonderful Rugby League players, including Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues captain James Tedesco.
“I look forward to watching the next generation of NSW Blues stars develop even further with the support of the ClubGRANTS program.”
The ClubGRANTS funding will be used towards encouraging local sport and positive Rugby League development (including player development programs), insurances, gala days, fees, uniforms, marketing and promotion, and volunteer development.
The move by Group 6 and Wests Tigers Macarthur JRL to combine competitions from Under 13s and above in the Macarthur region will promote growth and development of Rugby League through the Macarthur Clubs in the coming years and lead to more opportunities for local players.
“Wests is thrilled to partner with New South Wales Rugby League in a deal that strongly re-connects and reignites Wests Group long running and historical association to the Rugby League community in Macarthur,” Buxton said.
Chairman of the Wests Tigers JRL Board Daniel Draper said: “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. 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 Junior Rugby League Chair Mark Dooner said: “It’s exciting times ahead for Rugby League in the Macarthur Region starting in 2022.
“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.
“The partnership with Wests Group Macarthur plays a huge role providing a successful Conference competition in the Macarthur Region.”
The Macarthur Conference Competition will see Wests Tigers Macarthur Junior Rugby League, Group 6 Junior Rugby League and Group 6 Senior Rugby League play in combined competitions from Under 13s through to First Grade next season.
The move will not affect Under 6s to Under 12s, who will remain in their respective Group 6 and Wests Tigers Macarthur competitions.
The Macarthur and Southern Highlands Region boasted 7,034 participants in 2021 and the move towards a combined competition structure next season will ensure a more competitive balance for participants and create a better pathway for development.
Both areas have produced plenty of Rugby League talent, including Tedesco (Camden Rams) from Group 6, and David Nofoaluma (Campbelltown Warriors), and True Blues Ryan Hoffman (Campbelltown Collegians) and Anthony Minichiello (East Valley United) from Macarthur.
