The Parramatta Eels NRLW team and women’s rugby league programs will be based out of Eric Tweedale Stadium (ETS) for at least the next two seasons, in a new partnership with Cumberland Council.
ETS is a new $11.3m sporting facility which opened in November 2021 and is part of the extensive Granville Park sports precinct in the heart of Western Sydney. As part of the agreement with Cumberland Council, ETS will be the training base for our NRLW program in 2023 and 2024 while the Eels’ new Centre of Excellence is being constructed at Kellyville Park.
Cumberland Mayor Lisa Lake said, “We’re thrilled to make Eric Tweedale Stadium in Granville home to the Parramatta Eels National Rugby League Women’s team and excited to be able to host some rugby league matches for our community and visitors.
“This partnership demonstrates Council’s commitment to promoting gender equality in sports and showcases the importance of supporting women’s sport in our region by providing equal opportunities and resources for both male and female athletes, so that they can hone their skills and compete at their highest level,” she added.
The facility has new dressing and locker rooms, medical facilities, a fully equipped gym and multi-million dollar playing surface that is one of the best in Western Sydney.
The Eels have the largest NRLW junior development program in Western Sydney with a 52% growth in female participation across the Parramatta Junior League catchment in 2023.
The partnership with Cumberland Council will also see the Eels women’s rugby league development programs based out of ETS to enable greater integration with the Eels wider Western Sydney catchment.
The Parramatta Eels will also apply to NSW Rugby League to field a Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership team in 2024.
If the Club is successful, the team will also be based out of ETS for training and game days in 2024.
The Granville Park agreement is an important partnership in growing junior rugby league in the Eels’ catchment and building participation even further.
Parramatta Eels CEO, Jim Sarantinos said, “Our partnership with Cumberland Council and our move to Eric Tweedale Stadium is an important milestone for our Women’s rugby league program. This multi-million dollar facility will be a fantastic base for our NRL and Women’s Rugby League programs.
“I want to thank Mayor Lisa Lake and Cumberland Council for their commitment to women’s rugby league and providing such a great facility to build and develop our programs. We look forward to our partnership growing with Cumberland Council in the years ahead,” Sarantinos said.
The Eels’ NRLW team will play their trial match against the Dragons at Eric TweedaleStadium next Friday, 7th July at 7pm.
