The Parramatta Eels today officially opened the $70m Parramatta Eels Centre of Excellence (COE) and Kellyville Memorial Park Community Centre, the largest rugby league training precinct in the world, marking a transformative milestone for the Club and the broader Western Sydney community.
Funded by the NSW and Australian Government, The Hills Shire Council and Parramatta Leagues Club, the precinct features five full-sized rugby league fields and is the first gender-equal elite facility in Australia with all training facilities replicated for men and women across NRL, NRLW and Elite Pathways programs.
The Community Centre, which stands beside the COE will be part of an international standard match venue with a 1,500-seat grandstand and multi-purpose function and community education rooms to enable the Club to expand its community programs and initiatives
Parramatta Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos said:
“This marks a transformative moment for the Club and our community. The Centre of Excellence will provide Eels men’s, women’s and pathways programs with world-class resources and the environment they need to thrive, while increasing participation across all forms of rugby league in one of the fastest-growing regions in Australia.
“Most importantly, it will be a home for the entire Parramatta Eels family, including past players, members, fans, partners and the wider Eels and Western Sydney community. We sincerely thank the NSW State and Australian Government, the Hills Shire Council and Parramatta Leagues Club for their investment and continued support.”
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Federal Member for Parramatta Andrew Charlton said:
“Nothing brings people together like sport, and we’re proud to have backed the delivery of a space where connection, opportunity and community spirit can thrive. It’s inclusive, it’s local, it’s Eels—and it’s everything we’re proud of in Parramatta.”
NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
"The opening of the Eels’ Centre of Excellence and Kellyville Memorial Park Community Centre is a game-changing facility for the community.
“The dreams of junior boys and girls at the Wentworthville Magpies or Rouse Hill Rhinos of wearing the Eels jersey have become more attainable with the completion of this facility.
“The Eels now boast one of the leading rugby league facilities in NSW, improving male and female pathways and player development for the community of Western Sydney.”
Mayor of the Hills Shire Dr Michelle Byrne said:
“The new Centre of Excellence and Community Centre is a landmark facility for our region—providing young footballers with a world-class facility to train, compete, and chase their dreams. The next Mitchell Moses could very well begin their journey right here,” Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said.
“This project is a great example of all three levels of government working together with a leading sporting organisation to deliver outstanding outcomes for our growing community and the ever-popular—and rapidly growing—rugby league.
“Council has played a key role in this development, delivering new playing fields, a 250-space car park, and a new access road from Stone Mason Drive.
“This is part of Council’s broader commitment to creating Centres of Excellence across a range of popular sports—ensuring our community has access to premier facilities, inspiring participation, and supporting grassroots sports. It is an investment in the future of sport and about providing clear pathways for our local talents to reach the pinnacle of their sporting endeavours.”
Parramatta Leagues Club Chairman Greg Monaghan said:
“Congratulations to the Eels on the incredible achievement of launching this world-class Centre of Excellence. As the cornerstone of our Parra Group—now proudly representing 100,000 members—our shared commitment to Rugby League, sport, and community has never been stronger.
“Together, we contribute over $1 million annually to support local initiatives, and the Centre of Excellence is a significant extension of that commitment. We are extremely proud of the positive and lasting impact this facility will have on our community.
“We also extend our sincere thanks to the Federal and State Governments and The Hills Shire Council for their vision and foresight in backing a project that will benefit generations to come.”
Parramatta Eels major sponsor James Hardie will invest in the Centre of Excellence and Community Centre with initiatives aimed at connecting the broader Western Sydney community.
James Hardie APAC President John Arneil said:
‘As a company with deep roots in the local area, we believe in building a better future for all, not just through our products, but by investing in the communities where we live, work, and play."
Image gallery: https://www.parraeels.com.au/news/2025/05/22/gallery--parramatta-eels-centre-of-excellence/
Replies
At least the ones driving a hybrid will keep the families live longer Pops. I don't think you want to go down that path mate.. The world is changing. ( There are about 1000 billionaire s running the show how many more would you like?) cheers
LOL Tad, I am pulling your leg you know.
Realistically though I think a lot of those billionaires are former socialists diggin in their ill gotten gains with the climate wars.
Even you must admit that its a battle they won't win, reneables i.e. windmills are not lasting very long these days Tad at 2 miilion a pop and they are breaking down everywhere!.
This country and many others have been raped by the "green energy sector" any country that has an energy minister the equivalent of Chris Bowen sums it up.
Unfortunately Tad you or me will not live long enough to ever understand how much damage has been done by this sector.
Handy little Brain's trust there, Gibson, Edge, Stirling......Fongy will be disappointed to see Sharpe that close to the brainy ones! Must have been very early in the "piece" looks like Stirlo's balls haven't dropped yet.
If you zoom in on the photo Sharp looks like the dumbest dope on the bus .
They've named the theatre "Jack's Bus".
I hope Jack can contribute spiritually Super and get the juice running again
Being one of the biggest clubs in the NRL, top 3 memberships, we should set the standard for COE.
Is it just me or does 70 million seem quite cheap in 2025 ?
The club is coming good. Pathways are working, unbeliebavle talentt coming through in both girls and guys. Facilities excellent and tthe best thing for me is every part of the building is embracing our past and our brand. Gym equipment branded with eels stamps. I think it wont be too long before we get that core group of 4-5 juniors hitting NRL at teh same time, same trajectory and making an impact our chances of winning competitions.
NIce one.....Looks the goods now to translate to runs on the board
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