Wests Entertainment Group CEO Rod Laing doesn't expect a state government-led push to take more NRL games to the bush next season to lead to additional games for Tamworth with the city already looking at hosting potentially two games.
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Last week it was reported in the national media that Deputy Premier John Barilaro was prepared to provide financial assistance to make it easier for regional venues to host games, and had reached out to ARLC chairman Peter V'landys about taking more games to the country in 2021.
The proposal has the backing of V'Landys with the league boss establishing a task force to look into it.
Laing backs the push, knowing first hand the benefits bringing games to the bush can have, but believes they are probably looking more at places that aren't already in line for a game or have missed out in recent years.
He is ambitiously hopeful Tamworth can secure two games next season with discussions underway with both the Wests Tigers and New Zealand Warriors.
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After their clash with the Canberra Raiders was cancelled, Laing is of the understanding that the Tigers will fulfill their commitment and bring a game to the city.
The Warriors are also keen to repay Tamworth for their hospitality during their mandatory isolation.
"I know the Warriors want to spend a week in Tamworth, connecting with the community and running a camp and all of that sort of stuff," he said.
"But I think in an ideal world it would be great if there was two separate games here."
The Raiders game was to be the last under the Tigers' current deal, which has seen them play the Newcastle Knights in 2018 and the Gold Coast Titans in 2019, but Laing said CEO Justin Pascoe was "pretty keen" to renegotiate another contract.
As Scully Park's reputation as a first-class facility continues to grow, he said they have also been approached by another two NRL clubs.
"To have another two football clubs saying hey when your Tigers contract is up we'd like to talk to you is pretty good," Laing said.
"It's a good position to be in."
He conceded they probably couldn't have asked for a better advertisement than the Warriors highly-publicised stay, and confirmed that they have received enquiries from at least two other sporting bodies about using the facilities for a pre-season camp.
Also in the pipeline is a Waratahs game after their Super Rugby clash with the Bulls also became a COVID casualty.
"I believe that's still on the drawing board for next year as well," Laing said.
