Mr GREG WARREN (Campbelltown) (14:48): I am delighted to make a short contribution to debate on the motion. I thank my good friend, the great member for Penrith, who fixed the debacle that was Penrith Stadium. I note the presence in the Chamber of the sports Minister. They took a concept that was unworkable, unachievable and unaffordable and have turned it into something that the people of Penrith deserve. Next stop: Campbelltown.

Mr GREG WARREN: I acknowledge the Minister's interjection. That is right. We are not mucking around with this. I begin with the women's team because I am impressed—not just as a rugby league supporter but also as the co-chair of the parliamentary friends of the NRL. This year marks the seventh official Women's State of Origin Rugby League series between New South Wales and the "cane toads". It was the first time in the Women's State of Origin history that it was a three-game series. That represents the growing support for women's sport and, indeed, for women's rugby league. Do we have more to go? Yes, we absolutely do. We have come so far, but we still have a way to go. The first game was played at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on 16 May. The second game was on 6 June at Newcastle, and the third game was in Townsville. New South Wales did not come away with the crown but we are equally proud of our girls—how hard they fought, how well they played and, most of all, for representing New South Wales with pride.

I touch on the importance of rugby league more broadly in and around our community. I am a passionate believer in suburban rugby league. I congratulate our men's team; it was a great effort by them. It was fabulous to see them stride out and then bring it home at the end when we were in all sorts of trouble at the beginning. Let's get fair dinkum. We thought we were going to get trampled on this, but the lads pulled themselves together and brought it home. I congratulate them, NSW Rugby League, and the National Rugby League. I do think that is the representation, because there have been 43 full series of the State of Origin. Queensland has won 24; New South Wales has won 17. So we have a bit of catching up to do. Three one-off games were played in 1980.

Those in Campbelltown who have obviously tuned in to listen to my contribution live would know that the great Tommy Raudonikis captained the first team. We did not bring it home, but word has it that old Tommy was punching a couple of Winnie Reds into him as he marched out of the hall to go and play, in true Campbelltown‑ian style. We have moved on from that. We are a lot healthier these days, but we love our Tommy Raudonikis, who started off playing for the Wagga Kangaroos. I must also mention former Western Sydney Magpies players Bob Cooper and Jimmy Leis. Again, we did not bring it home that year—but them's the breaks. What do you do? We got better from there but we still have more to go.

I conclude with the importance of junior rugby league and rugby league in our suburbs. I especially note the Appin Dogs, Macarthur Saints, East Campbelltown Eagles, Campbelltown City Kangaroos and a raft of others, including the Collies—what a great team. I am honoured and privileged to represent the people of Campbelltown. One of our greatest attributes is our sporting community. We have produced some greats and that has only happened because of the community's commitment and our volunteers. While we are not Penrith—we are on the other side—we are all westies, and I close by congratulating the mighty Penny Panthers.