NSWRL in conjunction with the NSW Government and Albury Thunder Juniors Rugby League Football Club have delivered a lighting upgrade to Sarvass Park that will increase training and playing opportunities for Rugby League players in the 2027 season.
The upgrade was made possible thanks to $147,180 from NSWRL's Infrastructure Investment Fund, alongside $220,000 from the NSW Government and $75,000 from Albury Thunder Juniors Rugby League Football Club.
The funding was used to deliver eight new light poles and LED sports lighting across the sports precinct, providing full lighting across both fields in accordance with lighting standards for training and low-level local competition.
It will give the club greater flexibility to schedule training sessions later into the evening, helping accommodate growing junior participation numbers, particularly among female players.
The improved lighting will also give the club the option to adjust game times and days, including the potential to hold evening games during the winter season.
NSW Rugby League Chief Executive Officer David Trodden said the lighting upgrade would help accommodate the club’s growing participation and create more opportunities for young players.
NSW enjoyed a fourth consecutive season for record participation in 2026 with the state surpassing 125,000 participants for the first time in the game’s history, including more than 35,000 female players.
“NSW Rugby League is proud to have invested $147,180 through our Infrastructure Investment Fund to deliver the Sarvaas Park lighting upgrade. Albury Thunder Junior Rugby League has been operating at capacity, and the new LED lighting will give the club the space to grow,” Trodden said.
“That means more training sessions, weeknight competitions, and more opportunities for local kids to play the game.
“This project shows what's possible when Rugby League, local and state governments work together. We thank AlburyCity for its partnership and commitment, and we look forward to seeing the Rugby League community enjoy this facility for years to come.”
Albury Mayor Kylie King said the Sarvaas Park lighting upgrade was a great example of what can be achieved when Council, sporting clubs and funding partners come together with a shared goal.
“Albury Thunder Juniors has seen strong growth in participation, including more females taking up rugby league, and these new lights will give the club more opportunities to train and play,” King said.
“We can’t wait to see our emerging sportsmen and women make use of the improved lighting when the season starts up again in 2027.”
Albury Thunder Juniors Rugby League Football Club President Mick Wilson said the club had experienced significant growth over the past decade, particularly in female participation.
“We’re excited about what this means for the future of junior Rugby League on the border and the opportunities it will create for our young players,” Wilson said. “We thank all the stakeholders who have helped make this project possible.”
NSWRL’s Infrastructure Investment Fund was announced in 2024 and aims to give back to the grassroots by investing in community Rugby League.
The first stage of the fund delivered 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.
