Bathurst Regional Council still refuses to say how much it will pay to bring five National Rugby League matches to Bathurst over the next five years, after allowing a confidentiality clause to be written into the contract with Penrith Panthers.

It’s fair enough that council refuses to breach the terms of that contract, but the question remains: Should they have allowed the clause in the first place?

The Western Advocate has been assured council has negotiated a good deal for ratepayers, and there is no question hosting five NRL matches will bring great benefits to the region.

Apart from the economic boost of fans, players and officials travelling to the city to watch the match – and many staying overnight in local hotels and eating at local restaurants – we will also benefit from having our region promoted through the live television coverage of the match.

And proving Bathurst can host top-class rugby league fixtures – having previously hosted A-League soccer matches – will add to the city’s reputation as a regional centre of sporting excellence. But all this has come at a cost – but what cost, we don’t know.

It’s fine for council to say ratepayers are getting a good deal but we cannot judge the truth – or otherwise – of that claim without knowing how much ratepayers are forking out.

If we’re paying $10,000 a year then, yes, Bathurst will certainly end up well ahead. If we’re paying $500,000 a year, then probably not.

As it stands, the Western Advocate’s best guess is that council will pay at least $200,000 a year for the next five years – a large outlay but probably reasonable given the benefits we can expect.

Bathurst should be proud to host the NRL and residents should be excited about seeing top-class sport in the region again.

We’re sure thousands will pack Carrington Park to enjoy the matches, and will go away with memories to last a lifetime.

It’s just a shame that the secrecy surrounding the deal will also cast a shadow – and a question – over the event’s success.