Mudgee and Bathurst have seen success in bringing NRL games to their fields, and now Lithgow City Councillor Wayne McAndrew hopes that Lithgow can follow in their footsteps.
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Cr McAndrew has put in a notice of motion for the Monday, October 28 council meeting with the recommendation that the council engage with the National Rugby League regarding what is required by them to stage NRL games here in Lithgow.
"I'm asking for a report to be provided in the new year outlining the requirements, staging costs and funding options including any grant funding opportunities," Cr McAndrew said.
"I know that the Mudgee facility was built with assistance from the government so that is something we could look into.
Seeing the games at Mudgee and Bathurst and I just think why not Lithgow? We have one of the best grand stands.
- Lithgow City Councillor Wayne McAndrew
"I just want to know whether it is do-able."
Cr McAndrew said he believed Tony Luchetti Oval housed one of the best grand stands in the Central West.
"Seeing the games at Mudgee and Bathurst and I just think why not Lithgow? We have one of the best grand stands," he said.
"We are closer to the city then Bathurst and Mudgee, we are just on the doorstep really."
Cr McAndrew was informed that when the Melbourne Storm players travelled to Bathurst for their match earlier this year, they stopped in at Wallerawang's Black Gold Cabins.
"That was another reason that triggered me with wanting to look into the prospect because if players were visiting our hotels and restaurants, imagine if they actually got to play a game here," he said.
"It also isn't just the event that could bring something to the town but I've heard that when the football teams go to country events they visit schools and help the kids, so that would be an added bonus.
"If it's good enough for Bathurst and Mudgee, then it should be for Lithgow as well."
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