Carrington was the Central West’s premier rugby league venue in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but it is starting to look seriously tired now.

It now ranks behind Mudgee’s spectacular Glen Willows and Dubbo’s Apex Oval as a quality rugby league ground, and Orange City Council is looking to upgrade Wade Park as well.

So, Bathurst Regional Council risks being left behind if it does not look at pouring some money into upgrading Carrington, and a five-year deal with Penrith Panthers to bring top-line rugby league to town should provide the ideal opportunity.

It would be nice to think that the Carrington Park that hosts the Panthers in 2018 is a much improved ground – with more modern change rooms, seating and media facilities – than the one they will play on this afternoon.

And, if council wants to extend its association with the Panthers past five years, then that might just be the sweetener that seals the deal.

It’s an exciting time to be a sports fan in Bathurst, as the region’s new harness racing track and bike park near completion, while proposals to build go-kart and speedway circuits are also going ahead.

Then there’s the local cricket association’s dreams for an indoor cricket academy at Brooke Moore Oval.

Throw in an upgraded Carrington Park and a modern aquatic centre on Elizabeth Street – not to mention the Mount – and the Bathurst region suddenly has sporting facilities to rival any regional city.

And, our proximity to Sydney gives the region a head start in any negotiations with big-city clubs.

With all that going for us, how long will it be before we claim Wagga Wagga’s title as the “city of good sports”?