COMMUNITY

Wests Group Macarthur has confirmed an investment of almost $620,000 into grassroots Rugby League across the Macarthur region for the 2026 season, reinforcing its long‑standing commitment to supporting the operational strength, sustainability and growth of the local game.

The investment is anchored by a $400,000 funding commitment delivered via the ClubGRANTS scheme to the combined Wests Tigers Macarthur Junior Rugby League and Group 6 Junior Rugby League Conferences. The funding supports 23 clubs across Campbelltown, Liverpool, Camden, Wollondilly and Wingecarribee, representing close to 500 teams and approximately 9,000 players.

Funding is directed toward the core operational costs that most impact clubs and families, including insurance subsidies, apparel rebates and referee fees. This support reduces registration and game‑day costs, provides financial certainty for clubs, and allows volunteers and administrators to focus on delivering a well‑run and accessible competition.

In addition to the ClubGRANTS funding, Wests Group Macarthur further supported local clubs through the hosting of the official season launch and fundraising dinner in March, where around $120,000 was raised, including a $40,000 contribution from Wests Group Macarthur with all funds returned directly to clubs to boost their finances ahead of the season.

New in 2026 was additional operational support delivered through the Kick Start junior ball program, with Steeden training balls provided with each player registration from Under 6’s to Under 16’s. Valued at almost $100,000, the program encourages early participation, ensures kids have their own balls for training, supports skill development and removes another cost burden for families.

Together, the funding, fundraising and in‑kind support form a coordinated investment strategy focused on strengthening the foundations of Rugby League across Macarthur. 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.

New South Wales Rugby League continues to govern and operate both Group 6 and Wests Tigers Macarthur Junior Rugby League, now the second‑largest grassroots Rugby League network in New South Wales.

Chairman of Wests Tigers Macarthur Junior Rugby League Daniel Draper said the “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 says “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.”

NSW Rugby League Chief Executive Officer David Trodden said “Wests Group Macarthur chairperson 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.”

Chairman of Wests Group Macarthur 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 grassroots rugby league season officially opened on Saturday 11 April and coincided with the Junior League Appreciation Round, on Sunday 12^th April at the Wests Tigers versus Newcastle Knights home game at Campbelltown Stadium. Junior players will took to the field for relays and mini games, and Wests Group Macarthur presented a ceremonial cheque acknowledging the collective investment into local junior competitions.

Wests Group Macarthur acknowledges the key stakeholders in this partnership, including Chairman Alan Buxton, Chief Executive Officer Daniel Perkiss, Group 6 Presidents Grahame Andrews and Mark Dooner, Chairman of Wests Tigers Macarthur Junior Rugby League Daniel Draper, and NSW Rugby League Chief Executive Officer David Trodden.

For more information on the Wests Sports Council and Wests Group Macarthur’s commitment to community sport, visit www.westslc.com.au/Sport

For more on the Wests Sports Council and Wests Group commitment to being the Home of Sport visit www.westslc.com.au/Sport