The peak body for NSW clubs has continued its proud sponsorship of the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Rugby League, supporting the group’s 21st City v Country Touch Football Match at Allianz Stadium.
ClubsNSW has continued its proud sponsorship of the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Rugby League, supporting the group’s 21st City v Country Touch Football Match at Allianz Stadium.
The annual event, last Monday, 21 September, brought together Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum and some of rugby league’s biggest names to celebrate the game and its important connection with communities across NSW.
Minister for Sport, Lands and Property Steve Kamper and Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson were among the many MPs in attendance, with representatives from across the Parliament coming together for the occasion.
On the field, rugby league great Brad Fittler led the Country side to a narrow one-try victory over the City team, captained by former Sydney Roosters star Anthony Minichiello.
As a sponsor of the Parliamentary Friends of Rugby League, ClubsNSW supports opportunities that bring parliamentarians together and showcase the significant contribution registered clubs make to rugby league, from the grassroots through to the professional game.
ClubsNSW CEO Rebecca Riant told those gathered on the night that the relationship between clubs and rugby league was built on a shared objective to bring communities together.
“Clubs and rugby league have always shared a special relationship, and I think the reason for that is pretty simple – we are both in the business of bringing people together,” Ms Riant said.
“For our clubs, supporting rugby league is about much more than putting a logo on a jersey or writing a sponsorship cheque.
“It’s about helping local clubs keep kids on the field. It’s about maintaining grounds, supporting volunteers, helping with uniforms and registration costs, and providing a place for players, families and supporters to come together.”
That support is significant. Outside of broadcast deals, registered clubs are the biggest financial contributor to rugby league, donating more than $53 million annually and helping more than 100,000 children participate in the game.
Events like the Parliamentary Friends of Rugby League match provide an important opportunity to highlight that contribution directly to decision-makers while strengthening relationships between the club sector, the game and representatives from across the Parliament.
Ms Riant said the value of supporting sport extended well beyond its financial contribution.
“Whether it’s kids playing footy on a Saturday morning, parents catching up on the sideline, volunteers working the barbecue or everyone heading back to the local club for a meal afterwards, rugby league creates connection,” she said.
“When we invest in sport, we are also investing in stronger, more connected communities.”
ClubsNSW was proud to support another successful Parliamentary Friends of Rugby League event and to continue a partnership that reflects the important role both clubs and rugby league play in bringing communities together across NSW.
