Tamworth Wests Tigers and Cronulla Sharks clash: Wests Entertainment Group requests $20,000 game sponsorship from Tamworth Regional Council

Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) has been asked to sponsor the August 21 game at Scully Park on the proviso it thrusts the city into the national spotlight.

The contract between the Wests Tigers and Wests Entertainment Group wraps up this year, chief executive Rod Laing said.

"There's never a guarantee you will get a full house regardless, if Tamworth becomes apathetic about it that means the benefits for us scheduling these games may not be there," he said.

"We are in our last year of the contract with Wests Tigers and whether or not that continues is up to the management of Wests Entertainment Group and Wests Tigers.

"We are in a unique position to be in for a registered club, which is that our business is underwriting the game; whereas if you look at Bathurst, Mudgee, Wagga, Coffs Harbour and Dubbo the councils themselves underwrite those games because of the economic benefit."

TRC has copped some criticism in the past for its sponsorship of the games and last year the council's vote tied on the Wests Tigers and Canberra Raiders clash.

Councillors were hamstrung between the then $2.14 million economic benefit and whether a cash splash was appropriate while communities faced infrastructure backlogs. Eventually it was approved.

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A report to councillors from TRC growth and prosperity director Jacqueline O'Neill argues the total economic impact is more than $1.8 million.

"The Wests Entertainment Group has been the pivotal connection to secure the games, contributing financially to make the events viable for the host club," she said.

"Due to the significance of the game and the exposure it provides for the Tamworth brand, $20,000 sponsorship is considered a worthwhile investment as advertising buy-in to the metropolitan market for a standalone campaign would be cost prohibitive.

"Other regional councils across NSW are spending considerably more to host NRL fixtures."

Councillors decide on Tuesday, meanwhile Mr Laing will apply for a full-capacity exemption.

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