NRL chief executive David Smith has labelled Wagga a primary target for crucial rugby league development over the next five years during a series of meetings in the city yesterday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Smith, who took up rugby league’s top job at the start of the year, revealed he was impressed with the facilities in Wagga but admits changes need to be made to reach its full potential.
Adjustments to the capacity at Equex Centre, clearer pathways to the NRL for juniors and greater support for volunteers at the grassroots level were identified as areas in need of improvement.
An obvious ambassador for improving rugby league in the bush, Smith told The Daily Advertiser he intended to make himself known to the area.
“Wagga is a heartland for rugby league and we recognise that,” he said yesterday.
“So many great players have come from this region and we want to give back to the people who support the game, because this is where it all happens.
“I’ve been travelling around the country to places like this, Dubbo, Western Australia – places that provide the grassroots for our game to grow.
“Wagga is very important to us, it’s about identifying areas that councils can improve upon, with our support, but it has to come from the councils.
“Whether its about hosting City-Country next year, or a first grade game ... we recognise that areas like this are crying out for our support and we want to help.”
Covering all avenues, Smith took a tour of all facilities in Wagga, and also attended meetings with Member for Riverina Michael McCormack, Group Nine and Group 20 officials and mayor Rod Kendall.
Country Rugby League boss Terry Quinn was also in attendance, and the pair will attend junior rugby league games at Parramore Park today as well as the Group Nine clash between Southcity and Brothers at Equex Centre.
Smith gave an impressive outlook for the game in Wagga, but refused to acknowledge AFL as a major threat the growth of rugby league in the area.
“Grassroots areas like this are the most important part of our game and if these areas are growing then so is our game,” Smith said.
“I don’t like to compare ourselves with any other competition, but we know Wagga is a rugby league heartland and the people in this area are so important to our game.”
When asked the top three things that attract people to rugby league, Smith rattled off the skill of the players, the close competition under a salary cap and the dedication of the game’s volunteers.
However, he said pathways to the NRL for both men and women needed to be more clearly defined in regional areas.
