Tamworth Regional Council has voted to throw $20,000 at the upcoming NRL home game between New Zealand's Warriors and the Newcastle Knights.
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All councillors bar Jim Maxwell voted in favour of the sponsorship, money previously allocated for the now cancelled NRL games which were meant to take place later this year.
I thought we've given other businesses support during COVID-19 so why should West League's be any different?
- Cr Mark Rodda
Cr Mark Rodda had previously voted not to give this money to an NRL game, however had "a change of heart".
"I thought we've given other businesses support during COVID-19 so why should West Leagues be any different?" he said.
"It will give our businesses a boost too."
While concerned the game had potential to make the town a COVID hotspot if people came from outside the region, he said he "had faith" in the government and the NRL that they would make sure that wouldn't happen.
As we are not attracting people from outside I personally thought it was not warranted to spend that sort of money.
- Cr Jim Maxwell
Standing alone in his vote against the sponsorship, Cr Maxwell said he didn't see any advantage to the council or the town.
"I think regardless of what contribution TRC made, it was going to happen anyhow," Cr Maxwell said.
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"As we are not attracting people from outside I personally thought it was not warranted to spend that sort of money."
The August 29 game will be hosted by Wests Entertainment Group, with strict crowd numbers.
The sale of tickets will be restricted to fans with New England and North West home addresses.
