Rugby League fans throughout Sydney can look forward to an even better game day experience at their local ground in 2009 following the release of the NSW Cup and Bundaberg Red Cup draws.

The state's premier open-aged competition, the NSW Cup, this year features 11 teams including newcomers the Shellharbour Dragons.

Fans can expect to see their first-grade heroes regularly competing for NSW Cup sides when not named in their respective NRL sides.

Shellharbour have made the transition from the Bundaberg Red Cup (formerly Jim Beam Cup).

The Bundaberg Red Cup features 10 teams including the WA Reds, who are set to build on a highly successful inaugural year of competition in 2008 and strengthen the game’s link with the west.

Other changes to the competitions include a joint venture between the Sydney Bulls and Bulldogs NRL club competing in both competitions as the Bankstown City Bulls, while the Bundaberg Red Cup welcomes Penrith Brothers to its ranks.

Plans for a heritage match at Birchgrove Oval are in place following the success of Balmain and Western Suburbs' Centenary clash in April last year.

NSW Rugby League General Manager Geoff Carr said the NSW Cup and Bundaberg Red Cup's appeal in 2009 would lie in its game-day experience for fans.

"Our competitions offer families an affordable way to see some of the best Rugby League players and teams the state has to offer," Carr said.

"We remain one of the only competitions in the country featuring several foundation Rugby League clubs that have been competing for 100 years.

"On any weekend fans can enjoy top level Rugby League at nostalgic suburban locations such as Henson Park or picturesque North Sydney Oval."

Plans to introduce a consistent pricing and match kick-off policy across all venues would make going to the footy even more affordable and convenient, Carr said.

NSW Cup Teams

Auckland Vulcans
Balmain-Ryde Eastwood Tigers
Bankstown City Bulls
Central Coast Storm
Cronulla Sharks
Newtown Jets
North Sydney Bears
Shellharbour Dragons
Wentworthville Magpies
Western Suburbs Magpies
Windsor Wolves



Bundy Red Teams

Cabramatta Blues
Bankstown City Bulls
Campbelltown Eagles
Chester Hill Rhinos
Mounties
Penrith Brothers
Southern Districts Rebels
WA Reds
Wentworthville Magpies
Windsor Wolves

NSW Cup Draw = http://www.nswrl.com.au/files/2009NSWCUP.xls


Bundy Red Draw = http://www.nswrl.com.au/files/BundabergREDCup.xls

A tremendous selling point and must be marketed at every possible chance and opportunity.

Great initiative and foresight by the NSWRL. However, the popularity and exposure it receives is below where it should be and personally, I solemnly believe this is a direct consequence of not being able to play before the NRL fixtures. There may be niche for the NSW and Bundy Red Cup competitions.

Both levels of the game serve their purpose well for on going learning and development of aspiring professional Rugby League players, but the support is not great for a 2nd Tier competition, especially when the average punter, junior and family is focused on the NRL competition. The NYC may be a great concept, but it is not helping the progress of NSW Cup.

And sadly, I can not see a reverse or the possibility of seeing the NSW Cup returning as a fixture before NRL Game days especially when many Venues have now latched on to what the large commercial venues have been successful in enforcing which is the 2 Game minimum on the playing surface as well as the Broadcast partners have a large say in what they want and who they want playing on their respective network.

Are Cronulla playing as the Sharks or Cobras like last year?

Sharks