ONE councillor got offside with his colleagues at a recent meeting over a $20,000 sponsorship deal.
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Tamworth Regional Councillors were almost in unison trumpeting the return on investment the city would see from putting a "very small" amount of cash towards next month's National Rugby League (NRL) game in town.
The council sponsored the corresponding clash last year and it was met with some criticism.
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This year, a number of councillors said the game came at a crucial time for the city with the drought slugging the local economy.
"It's a no-brainer," Russell Webb said.
"It's a very small investment for a wonderful injection of funds into the business community.
He said the council should consider sponsoring any future matches, as well.
Last year, Juanita Wilson said she'd only support a one year sponsorship, but changed her tune because of "what it will contribute to the town".
Charles Impey said the Tamworth game had already generated some buzz and was being discussed on ABC's Grandstand program.
However, Mark Rodda labelled the sponsorship "unnecessary" and voted against the motion.
"When that match occurs, we know where it's being held," Cr Rodda said.
He said it would be broadcast on pay TV and advertised as a match in Tamworth regardless of the council's sponsorship.
"It's unnecessary, we know it's here," he said.
"The NRL get a lot of money from the sport, they've got the capacity to do it."
According to the council's report, the Destination Tamworth sponsorship of the NRL game harboured a "perceived media coverage of over $100,000."
The estimated economic benefit of the 2018 game was valued at over $2.1 million on top of the time players and clubs spent in the community.
The Wests Tigers will play the Gold Coast Titans at Scully Park on April 27.