Geoff Connor

GEOFF CONNOR
HASTINGS LEAGUE RUGBY CEO

Hi Geoff, as CEO of the Hastings League Rugby competition, you’ve clearly got a strong connection to the game. Can you share a bit about your rugby league journey and what led you to take on the role of president?

My rugby league journey began in 1978 when I played my first season of footy with the Beechwood Shamrocks at the age of sixteen. I went on to play for another twenty-five seasons with various clubs, including West Wauchope, Long Flat, Camden Haven, and Byabarra, before finishing up in 2002 with Wauchope reserve grade.

I was elected President of the Byabarra Club in 1993 and became a delegate to the Hastings League, holding various positions on the committee, including Vice President and appointments board. In 2002, I was appointed President of the League, a role I held until 2018. I then stepped down as President to take on the position of CEO, which I still proudly hold today.

This year, the competition has expanded to 11 teams. Which new clubs have joined, and what impact will their inclusion have on the competition?

We’re excited to welcome three new clubs to the competition this year. The Lower Macleay RLFC is reforming after a few years off, while Bellingen Valley/Dorrigo RLFC and the Orara Valley Axemen RLFC, both former Group Two clubs, are joining as well.

Anytime a new club - or one that’s reformed - enters the competition, it creates a real buzz. With three new teams coming in, spectators get even more variety, and it helps maintain a strong standard of footy, particularly when we reach the finals.

What makes the Hastings League such an important part of our community?

All our teams come from smaller communities, where each town typically has just one club. That creates a real sense of local pride and connection. On home game days, it’s not just about the footy – it’s a true family event, with everyone involved and enjoying the day together.

How has the competition evolved over the years, and where do you see it heading in the future?

The competition first kicked off in 1920 and, since then, has had its ups and downs over the years. But with new teams joining, I think we’ll see even more small towns looking at our competition and giving it a crack.

The Hastings League offers a more accessible entry point than the larger group competitions, and our governing body, the NSWRL, has been very supportive of new teams. That makes it easier for clubs to come on board, which is great for the future of the game.

What role do local businesses and sponsors play in keeping the competition strong?

Sponsorship from local businesses and the wider community is absolutely essential to our competition and to every club involved. Simply put, we wouldn’t survive without their support.

Hopefully, our sponsors get something out of it too – whether it’s exposure, community goodwill, or just knowing they’re helping to keep footy alive in our region. Their backing means everything to us.

The Hastings League round one kicks off Saturday April 12.

~ Article and images courtesy Focus Magazine