NSWRL has applauded the decision by Wests Group Macarthur to commit almost $620,000 in funding for the 2026 season, which will assist 23 junior Rugby League clubs, almost 500 teams and approximately 9,000 players across the Macarthur Region.
The 2026 funding, which builds on the financial commitment that started in 2022 and is the largest made to a sporting code by Wests Group Macarthur, was announced yesterday (Sunday 12 April) at half-time of the NRL match between Wests Tigers and Newcastle Knights at Campbelltown Stadium.
NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden, Wests Group Macarthur Chief Executive Daniel Perkiss, Chair Alan Buxton and Deputy Chair Paul Lake, Wests Tigers Macarthur District Junior Rugby League Deputy Chair Daniel Castles, Group 6 Chair Grahame Andrews and Group 6 Junior Rugby League Chair Mark Dooner, all attended the cheque presentation.
“Community Rugby League plays an important role in keeping local communities connected and I applaud the continued financial support being shown by Wests Group Macarthur which assists families with costs in a challenging financial climate,” Trodden said.
“Wests Group Macarthur Chair Alan Buxton, the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Perkiss continue to demonstrate a deep belief in the role our sport plays in building healthier communities, and in the critical importance of junior participation to the future development and success of Rugby League.”
Wests Group Macarthur Chair Alan Buxton said: “Supporting the operational strength of local clubs and conferences was part of the organisation’s wider commitment to healthy, connected communities and ensuring Rugby League continues to thrive in Macarthur.”
The funding includes a $400,000 commitment from Wests Group Macarthur via the ClubGRANTS scheme to the combined Wests Tigers Macarthur Junior Rugby League and Group 6 Junior Rugby League Conferences, a dinner in March which raised $120,000 including a $40,000 contribution from Wests Group Macarthur, and a new $100,000 Kick Start junior ball program.
The combined commitment reflects Wests Group Macarthur’s role as a long-term partner of the local conferences, supporting both participation growth and the behind-the-scenes operations that keep the game running each week.
Wests Tigers Macarthur Junior Rugby League Chairman Daniel Draper said: “The investment provided to the Macarthur conference offers critical stability for clubs, allowing them to manage rising costs while continuing to deliver an affordable competition for families.”
Group 6 Junior Rugby League Chairman Mark Dooner said: “The commitment demonstrated genuine community partnership and strong support for the volunteers and administrators who deliver the game each week and for that we are grateful.”
NSWRL administers the Group 6 and Wests Tigers Macarthur JRL competitions, with the Macarthur Region remaining one of the state’s largest growth areas for participation. There has already been a 3 per cent increase on a year-to-date junior participation figures up to the age of Under 16s in 2026, with males up 4 per cent and females 1.5 per cent.
The area has produced Rugby League talent including True Blues James Tedesco (Camden Rams), Ryan Hoffman (Campbelltown Collegians) and Anthony Minichiello (East Valley United).
