Kellyville Home to the World’s Biggest RL Training Precinct
Kellyville is officially home to the largest rugby league training facility in the world, making The Hills District a magnet for emerging talent across the NRL.
And if the Eastwood Rugby planned move to Castle Hill’s Fred Caterson Reserve takes off soon, it will mean massive growth potential for both rugby union and rugby league in The Hills and Hawkesbury regions.
Parramatta Eels unveiled its futuristic $70 million Centre of Excellence and Kellyville Memorial Park Community Centre on May 22.
The COE houses a 1,500-seat grandstand at the international-standard venue. It has five fullsized rugby league fields and is the first genderequal elite facility in Australia with training facilities replicated for men and women across NRL, NRLW and Elite Pathways programs.
Sports Minister Steve Kamper said the precinct will fire the dreams of boys and girls at the Wentworthville Magpies or Rouse Hill Rhinos of one day wearing the famous Eels jersey.
The Hills is home to some of the most inclusive and sporting popular clubs in Sydney, and constantly expanding facilities to cope with the increasing numbers. The Hills Shire Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne said it is a world class facility allowing young footballers to chase their dreams.
“The next (Eels star) Mitchell Moses could very well begin their journey right here,” she said. “This project is a great example of all three levels of government working together with a leading sporting organisation to deliver outstanding outcomes for our growing community and the ever-popular and rapidly growing rugby league.”
Federal Member for Parramatta Andrew Charlton said nothing brings people together like sport. “It’s inclusive, it’s local, it’s Eels, and it’s everything we’re proud of in Parramatta,” he said.
The COE is funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, The Hills Shire Council, and Parramatta Leagues Club.
According to Parramatta Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos, the venue provides a thriving environment for the Eels players. He said it will “increase participation across all forms of rugby league in one of the fastest-growing regions in Australia.”
“Most importantly, it will be a home for the entire Parramatta Eels family, including past players, members, fans, partners and the wider Eels and Western Sydney community.”
Parramatta Leagues Club chairman Greg Monaghan said: “Congratulations to the Eels on the incredible achievement of launching this world-class Centre of Excellence.
As the cornerstone of our Parra Group, now proudly representing 100,000 members, our shared commitment to rugby league, sport, and community has never been stronger.”
