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I read two excellent articles on the weekend about rugby in Western Sydney.
The first was about plans by Michael Doyle for changes to the Shute Shield in Western Sydney.
The gist of the plan was to merge Parramatta and Penrith into one side and relocate them to Blacktown. This would go with establishing a team at Campbelltown, and further relocating Eastwood to Castle Hill.
Whatever the rights and wrongs of these ideas are I am not qualified to comment, aside from the fact I often took my son to play teams at Blacktown.
The second article by Wallabies Dave Dennis and Wycliff Palu who want to build a better future for rugby, and for kids, in Western Sydney.
The gist of what they want to do is the construction of a youth development facility at Penrith.
The theme from both articles was rugby in Western Sydney needs help and planning.
Further, what Western Sydney offers rugby in terms of players, fans and overall support is a largely untapped resource to date, almost given to Rugby League on a plate.
Again, I am not in a position to comment on the rights and wrong of a youth development facility at Penrith, however the potential there is massive.
What I and many on this site have bemoaned is the appearance that rugby is not willing to invest in Western Sydney.
These articles, while not from the ARU come from very senior rugby people, with both their hearts and local knowledge indicating how important Western Sydney is. For me the massive potential of the area, with such a large Pacific Island demographic in the population base, is the kicker.
The moving of Eastwood because of the trust issues with TG Milner could be difficult. My understanding was when Eastwood moved from Eastwood Oval to TG Milner it was because TG Milner gave land and fields.
If Eastwood ever left then the grounds would revert back to the Milner family, and given the price of land in Eastwood that would be a pretty penny. Also as mentioned in the Doyle article is the clubhouse at TG Milner is managed by the Ryde RSL and there could be some contractual issues.
But why not move Gordon to Castle Hill if Eastwood can’t be moved?
I have an issue and again confess not to be close enough to make a reasonable contribution, but will simply put my position forward. I follow Eastwood and get to between three, maybe four home games a year. I have not, other than talking to Brett McKay, attended the NRC. Could this assist or undermine the NRC.
Overall I hope the direction purposed in these articles is followed. Western Sydney as illustrated in these articles is screaming for greater input from the ARU and NSWRU, so let’s hope something comes of it.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.