Seven NSW NRL clubs to receive a collective $50m to build or revamp centres of excellence
SEVEN NSW NRL clubs have received an early Christmas present collective $50 million shot in the arm to build or revamp state-of-the-art centres of excellence.
NRL
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SEVEN NSW clubs have received a collective $50 million shot in the arm to build or revamp state-of-the-art centres of excellence.
The State Government’s early Christmas presents range from $2 million to $10 million and represent a desperately needed injection of cash for rugby league in the state.
South Sydney chief executive Blake Solly said the funding would “revolutionise” the way the club operated.
However, the funding comes with a catch: Sports Minister Stuart Ayres said every dollar handed over must be matched either through local government funding, a Federal Government grant or private investors.
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Five clubs received approval on Tuesday, and two — Manly and Wests Tigers — were given “funding reservations” while they further develop their proposals.
It is understood Parramatta, St George Illawarra and Penrith did not submit any plans.
The beneficiaries of the funding are:
● THE Bulldogs ($2 million for Belmore Sports Ground);
● THE Knights ($10 million for McDonald Jones Stadium);
● THE Rabbitohs ($8.696 million for Heffron Park, Maroubra);
● THE Roosters ($5.765 million for Allianz Stadium);
● AND the Sharks ($8 million for Southern Cross Group Stadium).
The Sea Eagles could receive up to $10 million for a Centre of Excellence at Brookvale Oval, which might finally lead to the renovation of their broken-down ground.
Wests Tigers are hoping for $5.5 million to help with stage one of their Centre of Excellence at Concord.
“We want people playing sport and the best way to do that is to provide world-class facilities where people can seek to improve their skills, and that is exactly what this funding will deliver,” NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg said.
Solly said his club had a $17 million slush fund through Randwick Council ($3 million), the Federal Government ($10 million) and $4 million of their own money.
When added to their grant, Souths will have $25.7 million to spend on the club’s proposed Centre of Excellence at the southwest corner of Heffron Park in Maroubra, which they hope to have completed by 2020.
The 5500sq/m project will become the club’s football department, Souths Cares’ offices, training facilities, administration offices, merchandise outlet and café.
But it will result in Souths leaving their spiritual home in Redfern.
“This will revolutionise the way our club operates and will give us the impetus to move to the next level, both on and off the field,” Solly said.
Wests Tigers plan to build their Centre of Excellence at Concord.
“Wests Tigers, in partnership with PCYC NSW and Canada Bay Council, are developing a multipurpose high-performance training and community facility,” Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe said.
“The project will revitalise Concord Oval to create a hub of activity in the region and a destination for elite sport pathway and community.”
Canterbury’s $2 million will be used in stage two of the club’s Centre of Excellence upgrade at Belmore.
“The Bulldogs are looking to create a world-class training facility for our players, and this will assist us greatly in doing that,” Bulldogs CEO Andrew Hill said.
In regard to clubs matching every cent they are given, a State Government press release said: “Funding from the NSW Government must be matched dollar for dollar from NRL clubs and/or third parties.
“Government investment cannot exceed more than 50 per cent of the project costs and each club has been informed of individual conditions required to obtain a funding agreement.”