Recognition for Over 60 Years of Support for Rugby League

It’s fair to say that from the 1950s onwards, the game of rugby league has had no better friend than the NSW club industry.

Today, licensed clubs from across the state contribute more than $50 million annually to grassroots footy, helping to defray the costs of participation in junior league, providing an elite level pathway for talented young men and women, and helping to develop the ever-growing women’s game.

Beyond the grassroots, licensed clubs are the major backers of multiple NRL clubs. Aside from the broadcast rights deals, NSW clubs are the biggest supporters of rugby league in Australia. And to celebrate all of that, Leagues Clubs Australia and the NSWRL celebrated Licensed Club Round at St Marys Stadium over the weekend.

In many respects it’s the perfect venue — a modern community sports facility built and maintained by a licensed club: St Marys Leagues Club.

Across Saturday and Sunday, nine games were played at the venue — five Sydney Shield matches on Saturday and four matches of the (appropriately named) Leagues Clubs Australia Ron Massey Cup on Sunday.

The architect of the Magic Round-type event, LCA CEO Don Hammond, said it was due recognition for the role the industry has played in the propagation of the greatest game of all.

“Licensed clubs’ support of junior rugby league is vital because it not only enhances the development of young players, male and female, but also fosters a sense of belonging and community engagement,” said Hammond.

“The investment underscores the significance of nurturing grassroots talent and promoting the values of teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship from an early age.”

Seven of the eight teams who featured in Sunday’s LCA Ron Massey Cup are supported by registered clubs. Club York has been the major sponsor of foundation club the Glebe Dirty Reds since their revival eight seasons ago, Penrith Brothers are supported by the Henry Sports Club, while St Marys, Wentworthville Magpies, Mounties, Ryde-Eastwood and Canterbury Bulldogs are supported by their own leagues clubs. Even the Hills Bulls, not formally backed by a licensed club, are a partner club of the North Sydney Bears who are backed by their own club group, Norths Collective.

It’s a similar story in Sydney Shield where the Moorebank Rams, Cabramatta Two Blues and Manly Leagues all participate thanks to the generous support of their affiliated licensed club.

It was a successful weekend at St Marys — so much so it is likely to be repeated in future years at other venues. And with the industry’s support for the game growing each and every year, long may it continue.