Grassroots rugby league is set to thrive in 2026 and beyond thanks to a $620,000 investment from Wests Group Macarthur.
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.
This will support 23 clubs across Campbelltown, Liverpool, Camden, Wollondilly and Wingecarribee, representing close to 500 teams and about 9000 players.
Funding is be used to cover core operational costs that most impact clubs and families, including insurance subsidies, apparel rebates and referee fees.
This support helps to reduce registration and game‑day costs, provide 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 also 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 6s to Under 16s.
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.
NSW 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 the state.
“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,” said chairman of Wests Tigers Macarthur Junior Rugby League Daniel Draper.
Mark Dooner, the Group 6 Junior Rugby League chairman said the Wests Group 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,” he said.
NSW Rugby League chief executive officer David Trodden praised the Wests Group Macarthur chairperson Alan Buxton, the board of directors and chief executive officer Daniel Perkiss.
“They 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,” Mr Trodden said.
The grassroots rugby league season officially opened on April 11 and coincided with the NRL junior league appreciation round at the Wests Tigers versus Newcastle Knights home game at Campbelltown Stadium.
Junior players 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.