THE Canberra Raiders will make their second trip to the Central West in the space of two months when they meet the Penrith Panthers at Carrington Park next April.
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The National Rugby League finally released its 2016 draw late yesterday after last-minute scheduling issues saw it delayed by several days.
The draw confirmed Penrith and Canberra would play a Round 9 match in Bathurst at 3pm on Saturday, April 30 in the third instalment of Bathurst Regional Council’s five-year deal with the Panthers to bring NRL action to town.
The Raiders confirmed a fortnight ago that they would also travel to the Central West for their only pre-season trial when they take on the Newcastle Knights at Orange’s Wade Park on Saturday, February 20.
Panthers executive general manager Phil Gould said the squad would arrive in Bathurst several days before the April clash for players to take part in school visits and community clinics.
Such visits were a highlight of the Panthers’ first match in Bathurst last year, but disappeared from the schedule for their 2015 match when the squad only arrived in town on the Friday afternoon before the match.
The decision frustrated league fans across the region, particularly after the match against the Gold Coast Titans drew a crowd of just 6240, which was 2600 fewer than were in attendance when the Panthers played the Sharks in 2014.
Mr Gould said the club was proud to continue its association with Bathurst.
“Our match against the Raiders in Bathurst represents a continuation of Panthers’ commitment to the development of rugby league in Western NSW through our relationship with Bathurst Panthers and Bathurst Regional Council,” he said.
“Panthers’ involvement in Bathurst goes well beyond the playing field, with players and staff to participate in community events including a mayoral reception, sportsman’s dinner, junior league coaching clinics and school visits.”
Mayor Gary Rush said he was looking forward to welcoming back the Panthers in 2016, saying Bathurst was now the club’s home away from home.
“It is a great opportunity for our community and rugby league fans from across the region to share in the excitement of an NRL round,” he said.
“The Panthers’ involvement in a range of community engagement activities is also a highlight, with players and officials giving their time and expertise to coaching clinics for young players, school visits and a number of official functions.”
Meanwhile, council remains in talks with Panthers about continuing their relationship beyond the current five-year deal.
General manager David Sherley said he hoped they would extend the deal beyond 2018.
