St Marys Leagues Stadium will host nine games of rugby league in just two days this weekend.
The NSWRL will celebrate Licensed Clubs Round with a Magic Round weekend that will feature games from the Sydney Shield and Ron Massey Cup at St Marys Leagues Stadium.
Now into its third year, the NSWRL’s Licensed Clubs Round, sponsored by CABE, pays homage to the valuable contribution Licensed Clubs across NSW make to the game every season with more than $100 million provided to the community and $60 million to Junior Rugby League clubs in 2023.
“The support that Licensed Clubs make to Rugby League every season is reflected in many ways and clubs would struggle to survive without them,” NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said.
“The move by the NSWRL to hold a Magic Round for the Leagues Clubs Australia Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield over two days at St Marys Leagues Stadium is a fitting way to acknowledge the vital role that Licensed Clubs play in our sport.
“I encourage all fans to come along for what promises to be a great two days of action, and then head back to their local club afterwards to continue to show their support.”
The contribution made to the community and Junior Rugby League clubs by Licensed Clubs has also been captured in a video by True Blue Anthony Minichiello and Westpac NSW Sky Blues prop Millie Elliott, who detail how the money helps grassroots football every season.
The funding is used to help with grandstands, clubhouses and facilities, ground maintenance and referees, trophies and awards, playing kits, development programs, and programs for pathways and women’s Rugby League.
“Licensed clubs support of junior rugby league is vital because it not only enhances the development of young players, male and female, but also fosters a sense of belonging and community engagement,” Leagues Clubs Australia Chief Executive Officer Don Hammond said.
“The $60 million investment underscores the significance of nurturing grassroots talent and promoting the values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship from an early age.
“Leagues Clubs Australia thanks the NSWRL and QRL for their ongoing support of our member clubs across NSW and Queensland. We also thank both organisations for their commitment to Licensed Clubs Round over the weekend of 20-21 April.”
The opening day of Magic Round on April 20 will feature the Sydney Shield matches between Cabramatta Two Blues and Penrith Brothers (10am), Mounties and Moorebank Rams (12pm), Manly Leagues and Glebe Dirty Reds (2pm), St Marys Saints and Wentworthville Magpies (4pm), and Ryde-Eastwood Hawks and Hills Bulls (6pm).
The second day on April 21 will feature the Leagues Clubs Australia Ron Massey Cup matches between Glebe Dirty Reds and Penrith Brothers (10am), Mounties and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (12pm), Ryde-Eastwood Hawks and Hills Bulls (2pm), with the event to conclude with the Grand Final rematch between St Marys Saints and Wentworthville Magpies (4pm).
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
