Tamworth, a vibrant city with a population of over 65,000, is now extending its hospitality to any NRL club interested in bringing rugby league action to the bush next year. This comes after the Wests Tigers announced they will no longer be playing games in the region starting from 2025.
As the Tigers prepare to host the Knights in their final game at Scully Park as part of the Telstra Country Series, the end of their five-year stint signals a shift in their stadium strategy towards bolstering their supporter base in Sydney.
Last year’s clash between the Tigers and the Rabbitohs drew a record crowd of over 10,000 spectators, prompting the owner and operator of Scully Park, Wests Entertainment Group, to encourage other clubs to consider hosting games in Tamworth.
Paddy Donnelly, spokesperson for Wests Entertainment Group, expressed enthusiasm for bringing NRL action back to Tamworth and confirmed efforts to engage other clubs in discussions about potential partnerships.
Despite the challenges of securing these contracts annually, the community’s strong support for NRL games underscores the significance of maintaining an elite presence in regional areas like Tamworth. Local Member of Parliament Kevin Anderson emphasized the positive impact of NRL games on the community, citing the economic benefits and the inspiration it provides to aspiring rugby league players in the region.
With over 10,000 fans expected to pack Scully Park for the final Tigers game, the NRL’s commitment to regional areas like Tamworth remains steadfast. As discussions for the 2025 season unfold, the focus remains on promoting grassroots rugby league and celebrating the deep bonds between country communities and the elite game.
