Member for Orange Phil Donato hasn’t even sat in parliament yet, owing to the fact that parliament rose for the year before he was declared.

But he’s already picking his causes – first it was Lifeline and ensuring all three offices in the central west arm continue to run.

The latest has been to secure an arrangement for Orange similar to the one Bathurst has with the Penrith Panthers.

Aside from Orange’s sizeable appetite for NRL, it’s a reasonably cost-effective way of growing tourism and sustaining jobs to cater for the influx of people attending the event.

In a transitioning economy becoming increasingly reliant on tourism, this is a big tick, in addition to the demand it would create on the rectangular sporting field project once it comes to fruition.

The NRL will also no doubt be keen amid criticism of the code’s performance in Sydney during 2016 against the momentum of the twin Sydney AFL teams, the Sydney Swans and Greater Western Sydney Giants, which attracted 30,000 spectators a game.

It’s no secret Mr Donato will have to work hard to defend his seat in two years’ time, owing to the double obstacle of being part of a minor party and having the smallest margin in the state.

He himself has pointed out that he would have to meet people quickly and represent their needs and interests, whether they voted for him or not.

Picking two causes that resonate with people is one way of doing this – Nationals candidate Scott Barrett recognised it when he focused a lot of his rhetoric during the byelection campaign on supporting community groups and sporting clubs.

However, people commenting on the story on Wednesday were quick to point out there are still problems to be solved between roads, parking at Orange Health Service, drug use and domestic violence.

These are all sizeable issues and only one of them was addressed in the byelection campaign.

Mr Donato will have to ensure the work at the hospital goes ahead, in line with the Coalition’s commitment it would not hinge on the result.

But he will also have to find a way to get action where there has been little to date.

All we can say at this stage is that he seems to be off to a quick start.