Local support for Canberra rugby league funding

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga, Councillor Greg Conkey OAM, has welcomed today’s joint announcement by the ACT and NSW Governments to build the Raiders centre of excellence in Braddon, Canberra. (https://www.raiders.com.au/news/2018/06/04/raiders-announce-cross-border-funding-for-centre-of-excellence/)

The announcement comes as Wagga Wagga continues negotiations to attract a Canberra Raiders premiership game for the city in 2019 or 2020.

“Today’s announcement will resonate throughout regional NSW, including Wagga Wagga as the City of Good Sports” Mayor Conkey said.

“Being only two and half hours from Canberra, this facility will provide greater opportunity for the youth of our city to progress their junior rugby league career and potentially help them become the next superstar. The contribution of $4M made by the NSW Government is aimed at directly supporting the opportunities of junior rugby league players in this region.

“Moreover an NRL premiership game in Wagga would showcase the city’s fantastic facilities and draw a large crowd from all over the Riverina, as was the case for the Country v City match held at McDonald’s Park in 2015 which attracted nearly 10,000 people.”

Along with a Country v City game, Wagga Wagga has recently played host to Women’s Big Bash League, Sheffield Shield, AFL preseason matches and Super Rugby trial games.

Wagga Wagga City Council will continue to work with NRL management and the Raiders to provide future opportunities for our youth who wish to pursue the sport at the highest levels.