Trent Robinson appeals for more regional NRL games after Mackay visit

The first of two NRL games in Mackay was a massive success, with the Roosters coach impressed with the facilities and spectators.

It was good to be back.

Mackay’s rugby league fanatics were not alone in this sentiment following the NRL’s return to the sugar city.

Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson said he enjoyed the trip to Mackay, and hoped it wasn’t the only opportunity to reward the NRL’s diehard fans in regional areas.

“There’s no doubt the regional areas are so important, that’s where the lifeblood of our game is,” he said.

“There’s a lot of negatives about what’s happened this year but the positives are to get some footy in some regional areas.

“They deserve their footy and they love it up here.”

James Tedesco of the Roosters looks to pass the ball during the round 20 NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Parramatta Eels at BB Print Stadium, on July 29, 2021, in Mackay, Australia. Picture: Albert Perez – Getty Images

The Roosters triumphed over a tired Eels side, with Sydney holding a team scoreless for the first time this season.

Robinson said he enjoyed the opportunity to leave the NRL’s bubble for a trip north.

“It was really good to get out of the Sunshine Coast and come straight here,” Robinson said.

“We were lucky enough to come here in 2017 for a trial, the surface is first rate, it’s really good to see the fans out here.”

BB Print Stadium hosted 4926 patrons at the match, with a similar capacity expected for the second NRL game headed for Mackay.

Sitili Tupouniua of the Roosters celebrates with teammates after scoring a try during the round 20 NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Parramatta Eels at BB Print Stadium, on July 29, 2021, in Mackay, Australia. Picture: Albert Perez – Getty Images)

Robinson said the government needed to help regional communities secure more matches in the future.

“Big stadiums bring lots of sponsorships and selling of rooms and all that, that keeps the game going as well,” he said.

“It’s getting the balance between the two (metro and regional games), and that’s where government funding to go to those regional areas does come in.”