NSW Rugby League Macarthur Conference: making up for lost ground

It’s the southwest rugby league stronghold that has had to reinvent itself. Now with the pieces back together, Macarthur rugby league is finals bound.

It's the back to basics rugby league revival story the Macarthur region has yearned for. Now, just 12 months after its formation was announced by the NSWRL, the Macarthur Conference Competition is one round shy of its inaugural finals series.

For many, the coming together of the Wests Macarthur Rugby League and Group 6 Rugby League was a no-brainer.

Faced by dwindling participation and uncertain pathways, a combined Southern Highlands, Camden, Wollondilly and Campbelltown structure was designed to improve and simplify future growth.

For Wests Tigers Junior Rugby League chairman Daniel Draper, the signs are already there.

“It has helped us to build participation numbers, and now they’re all in one expanded district. It‘s a simpler pathway for the Wests Tigers to follow and keep junior talent,” Draper said.

East Campbelltown Eagles rugby league life member Daniel Draper.

Closer to home, the change has allowed Draper back into direct contact with his local community. As president of East Campbelltown Eagles, he’s been at the forefront of the club’s return to the local ranks.

Now, just one round before the finals, a win this week against the Picton Magpies would secure the Eagles the first grade minor premiership. Lose, and it will leave the door ajar for the Camden Rams.

Group 6 Rugby League president Grahame Andrews. Picture: Supplied

“And with Camden coming from Group 6 and East Campbelltown from Macarthur, it only adds to the spice,” Draper said.

But in a testament to the depth of the competition, Draper isn’t about to write Picton off.

“It’s a great competition, all the sides are competitive. Picton locked up fifth place last weekend against a strong Camden outfit - they are a damn good side.”

Now in a footprint which covers more local government areas, the expansion hasn’t been plain sailing.

Back in March the competition kicked off with ten teams, but only nine will finish after the demise of the Narellan Jets.

Although for long-serving Group 6 president Grahame Andrews, the most difficult aspect to manage has been beyond their control.

“The bad weather hasn’t helped, with respect to the amount of postponed games it’s the worst I’ve ever seen,” he said.

Draper sees the side effects of the unprecedented rainfall every week. East Campbelltown might be tipped to finish first, but they are yet to play a game at home.

“Washouts have been the toughest aspect - working with five councils makes it tough. If one council closes a field it can disrupt the entire draw.

“East Campbelltown has been on the road all year. Hopefully with some warmer weather the Eagles get a home final at Waminda Oval,” Draper said.

Weather might be one thing, but for Andrews, as the big games approach, he’s adamant the fans will bring a unique atmosphere of their own.

“The support among the local communities is still strong, I’d argue it’s the best of the regional competitions in NSW.”