Rugby league to receive a boost in Camden with the first ever NRL trial in February

CAMDEN will host its first NRL trial when the Tigers and Panthers take to Kirkham Oval in February.

Big cats to do battle in Camden

KIRKHAM Oval will host its first ever NRL trial match in February when Wests Tigers take on western Sydney rivals the Penrith Panthers.

Camden Rams Rugby League Football Club is finalising discussions with the Wests Tigers and Camden Council to stage a National Youth Competition, NSW Cup and NRL triple-header on Saturday, February 8.

Macarthur region rugby league fans were ecstatic when Penrith Panthers general manager Phil Gould tweeted a confirmation of the trial. "Panthers Trial 1 FEB 8th Vs Tigers Camden NYC, NSW Cup and NRL," he wrote.

Camden Rams first-grade coach and former Canterbury Bulldogs player Mitch Newton said the trial would give rugby league a boost in Camden.

"We have got a big junior base and an NRL trial wouldn't just boost them, but the entire Country Rugby League Group 6 association in general," Newton said. "We have some incredibly talented juniors and having NRL players play on their home ground may just be the inspiration they need to keep at it and try to crack first grade."

Camden Rams junior secretary Kylie Willis said she hoped fans would see "plenty" of NRL stars, as the Tigers also have a trial with Parramatta Eels in Alice Springs on the same day.

"This is going to be a great family day at Camden ," she said.