The NSWRL will deliver almost $1.4 million in funding to assist 12 community Rugby League clubs and local councils across the state with crucial infrastructure projects valued at almost $8.7 million to improve and upgrade facilities and ensure a better experience for all Rugby League participants.
The announcement of the successful applicants and projects was made on Saturday at the NSWRL’s annual Community Rugby League Conference in Sydney.
The funding is the first stage of the NSWRL’s Infrastructure Investment Fund that was announced last year. The historic move is part of the broader NSWRL New State Strategic Plan, which runs from 2024-26, and aims to give back to the grassroots by investing in community Rugby League.
“The response to the NSWRL’s Infrastructure Investment Fund has been overwhelming and there were plenty of worthy applications to consider,” NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said.
“The projects that have been selected for this first stage will result in high-quality infrastructure and facilities to help cater for the increasing number of Rugby League participants that are signing up to play our great game every year.
“With the central philosophy of the Infrastructure Investment Fund being co-contribution, our funding will facilitate projects worth a total value of $8,683,209, which is the largest single investment which has ever been made into community Rugby League infrastructure.
“It is important to note this is only the first stage of the NSWRL’s Infrastructure Investment Fund with more funding to be distributed in the coming years.
“The NSWRL looks forward to continuing to make a positive contribution to grassroots football and I welcome all further submissions when the next round officially opens in 2026.”
The 12 projects that were selected totalled $1,387,180 in funding and will assist with areas including new playing fields, new or upgrading amenity buildings, lighting, drainage, returfing, storage and irrigation. The approvals include:
- $147,180 for lighting at Sarvass Park (Albury City Council/Albury Thunder JRL)
- $30,000 for lighting at Bruce HQ – Shark Park (Belconnen United Sharks)
- $150,000 for a new amenity building at Greta Central Oval (Cessnock City Council/Greta Branxton Colts)
- $150,000 for returf, draining and irrigation at John Curtin Reserve (City of Parramatta/Winston Hills Hawks)
- $150,000 for drainage at Spooners Oval (Forbes Shire Council/Forbes Magpies Seniors and Juniors)
- $50,000 for two new playing fields at Kerry Mead Park (Glen Innes Council/Glen Innes Magpies Seniors and Juniors)
- $200,000 for an amenity rebuild at Crestwood Reserve (Hills Bulls Sports Club)
- $20,000 for storage at Keith Barry Oval (Macquarie United Sub JRLFC)
- $40,000 for lighting at Lionel Watts Reserve (Northern Beaches Council/ Belrose Eagles JRLC)
- $150,000 for drainage at Old Bar Park (Old Bar Beach Pirates)
- $150,000 for lighting at Corea Street Oval (Sutherland Shire Council/ Gymea JRL)
- $150,000 for an amenity rebuild at Harris Park (Wagga Rugby League)
The NSWRL received 43 applications for a total of $5.2 million in funding which included 28 from Rugby League clubs, 14 from local councils and one from a school. A key component of the selection process was the capacity for co-contributions with the final approvals determined by an Infrastructure Investment Fund Committee comprising NSWRL representatives.
Clubs that missed out on funding for the first stage are encouraged to reapply for the second stage that is expected to open in May/June in 2026.
The NSWRL enjoyed another record season for participation in 2025 with 122,430 participants playing Rugby League, including a new benchmark of 33,306 participants for female players. It was the third consecutive season the NSWRL had enjoyed broken participation records.
The NSWRL Infrastructure Investment Fund will support growth in club engagement and participation through elevating facility playing standards, creating more inclusive facilities, unlocking additional capacity and creating a more connected network for stakeholders.
Eligible projects include new and upgraded natural turf fields including, drainage and irrigation, amenity buildings upgrades, including knock down rebuilds and internal refurbishments, lighting and scoreboards.
