THE NRL Telstra Footy Country Tour concluded it’s four-week journey around Australia’s footy heartland, arriving in Penrith for its final stop last week ahead of the 2023 NRL Telstra Grand Final. 

Having clocked just over 9,500 kilometres as it ventured throughout footy country across regional Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, the tour descended on the territory of the reigning Premiers as the Penrith Panthers prepared to face off against the Brisbane Broncos at Accor Stadium this Sunday night. 

Penrith Waratahs Junior Rugby League Club played host for the final stop of the tour as Dolphins NRL star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow hosted a holiday clinic for Penrith’s aspiring league participants under the watchful eye of the greatest prizes in football: the Provan-Summons trophy and NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership trophy. 

The club will also received a special rugby league gift pack consisting of new gear to develop and encourage the future footy stars of tomorrow, thanks to Telstra. 

“At Telstra, we love footy, and we know it plays such a profound role in Australia’s culture and sense of identity,” Telstra Executive, Michael Ackland said.. “It defines our competitive nature, our sense of mateship and the importance of community. It’s in our country towns where this relationship with community runs deepest and it’s in desperate need of support.” 

“The health benefits of team sport are well documented, including positive impacts on kids’ mental health and cognitive development. The sense of community built by team sport is particularly apparent in the bush where sport like footy drives connection and creates a meeting place for people who live across larger distances. That’s why Telstra is committed to investing in country footy and we hope to see continued growth for years to come.”