New Centre of Excellence for NSWRL

New Centre of Excellence for NSWRL
http://www.nswrl.com.au/

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NSW Rugby League is very pleased to confirm it will have a new home at Sydney Olympic Park by the end of 2017, reaffirming its position as the world’s home of rugby league.

The Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres today announced plans for a new $20-million NSW Rugby League (NSWRL) Centre of Excellence, which he believes will be a “game-changer” for rugby league in the State.

“For over a century, NSW has been the spiritual home of Rugby League. This complex will provide a pathway for emerging talent from junior representative sides through to the NSW Blues State of Origin team,” Mr Ayres said.

“The NSW Government is committed to providing the highest quality facilities to ensure the longevity and future success of Rugby League in this State.”

The Centre of Excellence will include a full-size training field between the Athletic Centre and ANZ Stadium, and a new building for specialised support facilities and the offices of the NSW Rugby League.

This facility will also adjoin a tunnel providing direct access to ANZ Stadium – originally built to transfer track and field athletes during the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

NSWRL Chairman Dr George Peponis said: “The Centre of Excellence places NSWRL at the forefront of sporting organisations in Australia.

“Most importantly, it is the obvious home for NSWRL, just across from ANZ Stadium, the home of the NSW Blues.”

NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said: “The fantastic support which the New South Wales government and Sydney Olympic Park Authority have given to us sets our game up for long-term success at all levels.

“The benefits will extend to everyone in the NSW rugby league family. Our junior players, refs and women’s teams will all have use of the facility and, at times, the other specialist sports grounds in the precinct.”

NSW State of Origin coach Laurie Daley said: “We finally have a place that we can call home.

“And there is no doubt this will improve our preparation. The access to state-of-the-art facilities at the Centre of Excellence, as well as the other facilities in the precinct, creates a wonderful opportunity.

“Having the Centre of Excellence here will add to the home ground advantage of ANZ Stadium.”

The NSWRL Centre of Excellence is expected to be completed in late 2017.

State of Origin: Maroons unfazed by Blues new $20 million facility
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/

QUEENSLAND Rugby League chairman Peter Betros says the Maroons are unfazed by NSW's latest ploy to win a State of Origin series.

The NSWRL has announced plans to build a $20 million Centre of Excellence at Olympic Park for its administration which will also include a field and training facilities.

The Blues are planning to warm-up on the training field before Origin matches from 2017 and walk through a tunnel to the stadium.

While warming up on fields is normal in NRL matches, Origin teams warm-up in the dressing rooms due to the pre-game entertainment on the field. Warming up on a field will give the Blues a distinct advantage with the kickers and catchers to get valuable time to practice under lights. Betros said the Blues had to do something different after losing nine of the past 10 series.

“They’re looking for an edge. They need something to find a way to win,” he said.

“We’ve got a pretty good record in Sydney. I don’t think we’d change too much.

“They’re the ones who need to be looking for changes all the time. They’re the ones who keep getting beaten.”

NSW won 15 games at ANZ Stadium compared to Queensland's seven (one draw) but the majority of those were before the Maroons kickstarted this decade of dominance.

The Blues have used a resort at Coffs Harbour as their base before Origin games but will now spend their preparation at the new facility.

Maroons coach Mal Meninga said he was happy to see the NSWRL secure a long-term base with training facilities for its future.

“It’s fantastic news for them and the game of rugby league,” he said. “It’s something we can aspire to in the future.”

In September, the QRL announced it would be moving its administration into a new building near Suncorp Stadium, which will also house ARL Commission staff.

“It’s a great innovation on NSW’s part to be able to have a centre like that based at Homebush but they’re leaving Rugby League Central which is disappointing," Betros said.

“We’re in the middle of setting up a home for rugby league in Brisbane that will include the ARLC and NSW are doing the exact opposite.

“I find that a bit odd but that’s their decision and nothing to do with me.”