The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have formalised their support of Country Rugby League and the Greater Northern Region after signing an historic Memorandum of Understanding for a new representative development pathway for participants in Groups 4, 19 and 21.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The exciting new partnership will feature a clear visual link to the club with Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs NRL coaching and development staff providing support to players, coaches and trainers in the Greater Northern CRL representative pathway through the creation of satellite training programs and hosting of coaching updates throughout the season.
In a nod to their rich history, the region will continue to compete as the 'Greater Northern Tigers' in their traditional black and gold colours in CRL's Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cup junior representative and men's under-23's and women's Country Championship competitions.
Greater Northern regional area manager Scott Bone believes the partnership announcement is a watershed moment for the game.
"This is a significant announcement and it's great to see the Bulldogs making a strong commitment to our game in the Greater Northern Region," Bone said.
"To have the opportunity to be part of an NRL club pathway without having to leave home is extremely beneficial to a players development and is a great opportunity for not only players, but also coaches and trainers throughout Group 4, 19 and 21."
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs CEO Andrew Hill said the announcement was the beginning of what he hopes will be a long-term relationship with the region.
"Whilst today's announcement is an exciting one for Country Rugby League participants in the Greater Northern Region and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs club; it is just the first step in what we hope will become a productive relationship for all stakeholders, junior and senior clubs, councils and schools throughout the region," he said.
"As an NRL Club, we have a responsibility to provide opportunities for players, coaches and trainers in regional areas and we appreciate the efforts of Country Rugby League in creating a structure that allows us to create a program that is mutually beneficial for everyone involved and further develops the game in the Greater Northern Region."