Channel 9 legend Ken Sutcliffe says the NRL should encourage clubs to adopt country towns after local councils heavily invest in sporting facilities.

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Sutliffe joined the Continuous Call Team LIVE from Mudgee’s sold-out Glen Willow Oval. He highlighted the massive financial and community benefits that rugby league brings to regional Australia.

Sutcliffe also praised local leaders for building state-of-the-art facilities, pointing to Mudgee’s training complex and stadium as proof that country towns are ready to host elite footy.

“If we invest that sort of money, I would hope the NRL would acknowledge that and encourage a team to either adopt a town, but at least go there once a year for an NRL match,” Sutcliffe said.

He noted that bringing major games to the bush delivers a significant boost to the local economy and tourism while giving regional fans direct access to their sporting heroes.

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