Peter Sterling backs push for more NRL at regional grounds

The premiership-winning duo weighed in on the topic after the Wests Tigers trip to Scully Park garnered a bumper crowd of 9,799 people, the bush footy venue the scene for the Tigers' 30-14 victory over the Gold Coast Titans.

A record 10,973 streamed through the gates at Carrington Park for the Panthers' annual NRL game at Bathurst at the end of March and Sterling, touching on the topic during the Sunday Footy Show, expected similar support from country areas when NRL games are staged at both Wagga and Mudgee in the coming weeks.

"I'd much rather have 10,000 look like that [at a packed Scully Park] than have 6000 in an 80,000 seat stadium," Sterling said during the segment, comparing the atmosphere at the full Tamworth venue to an almost-empty ANZ Stadium at Homebush.

The panel also lauded the quality of venues at country centres now, with Mudgee's Glen Willow Regional Sporting Complex at the top of the tree.

The $14 million Mudgee complex will host the St George Illawarra Dragons' round 10 clash with the Newcastle Knights on May 19 and is widely regarded as the premier sporting stadium in regional NSW.

"But most country areas now have that," Sterling added.

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Sterling played a lot of his junior footy in Wagga and knows the importance of rugby league in country areas.

He said games in regional centres are "a boost for everyone" with many spectators staying, eating and shopping in those towns.

Slater believes it's important the NRL supports regional footy in Queensland and NSW so players can re-connect with the grassroots rugby league.

"You can get lost in week-to-week rugby league and lose track of how important it is to the people," the former Melbourne Storm fullback said.

Daily Liberal