Licensed clubs have helped thousands of Junior Rugby League participants take the field across some of the largest Rugby League nurseries in the state in 2024 through a range of initiatives including registration and insurance subsidies, shorts and socks rebates, and referees fees.
The NSWRL is celebrating the valuable contribution Licensed Clubs make to the game every season this weekend (20-21 April) with Licensed Clubs Round, brought to you by CABE, which features a ‘Magic Round’ of nine games of Rugby League across two days at St Marys Leagues Stadium.
Leagues Clubs Australia Chief Executive Don Hammond said Rugby League provided a perfect forum for Licensed Clubs to assist the community.
“Rugby League teaches important values such as teamwork, respect, and perseverance,” Hammond said.
“Supporting community and junior programs ensures that these values are instilled in young athletes, benefiting both the sport and society as a whole.”
Licensed clubs provided $100 million in funding to the community and $60 million to Junior Rugby League clubs in 2023, which has become even more important following the NSW Government’s decision to means-test the Active Kids voucher in 2024.
A snapshot of Licensed Clubs that have provided significant assistance to the game includes:
- South Sydney Juniors providing $2.2 million in funding to assist approximately 3100 participants with free registrations, gear including jerseys, shorts and socks, a whole of game insurance program, referees fees, ground hire, volunteers accreditation courses, game day medics and male and female junior development programs;
- Wyong Leagues Group providing $2 million in funding for all Rugby League administration, operations, and facilities; as well as $250,000 in funding through subsidies including $100 off registration (or $100 reimbursement for players already registered) for all Central Coast players aged 5-13;
- Wests Group Macarthur donating $350,000 to the Macarthur Conference Competition which benefits 23 clubs, more than 500 teams and more than 5100 players to assist families with registrations, game day costs, insurance subsidies, shorts and socks rebates and referees fees. This equates to a savings of $60 per Junior Rugby League participant.
The ‘Magic Round’ matches included five games of Sydney Shield yesterday (Saturday 20 April) while there will be four games today (Sunday 21 April) of the Leagues Clubs Australia Ron Massey Cup – including the Grand Final rematch between St Marys Saints and Wentworthville Magpies.
The matches today will also include a presentation to St Marys Rugby League Club president Warren Smith, who announced his retirement last month after 38 years of service.
“CABE is proud to assume the naming rights for the NSWRL’s Licensed Clubs Round which recognises the vital assistance they provide to the game every season,” CABE founder Lou Zivanovic said.
“It is fitting we recognise their support with an inaugural ‘Magic Round’ at one of the game’s great nurseries, St Marys Leagues Stadium, with fans being treated to first-class Rugby League action.
“I encourage everyone to show their support for both their local team and their local club this weekend.”
In a further boost, fans will be able to watch the action from the matches today on NSWRL TV with a ‘Magic Round’ pass at the low price of $9.99. NSWRL TV is now a dedicated app which can be downloaded from the Apple and Android stores.
NSWRL’S LICENSED CLUBS ROUND SCHEDULE
LEAGUES CLUBS AUSTRALIA RON MASSEY CUP
Sunday 21 April
10am: Glebe Dirty Reds v Penrith Brothers
12pm: Mounties v Canterbury-Bulldogs
2pm: Ryde-Eastwood Hawks v Hills Bulls
4pm: St Marys Saints v Wentworthville Magpies
