But Newcastle RL CEO Matt Harris has warned the venue could become a “white elephant” if Maitland Council does not make it financially viable for local sporting organisations to play there on a regular basis.

The Council and the Maitland Pickers club are currently in negotiations over the lease of the facility and canteen rights with the cost threatening to force the Pickers to find an alternative home ground this season.

At the same time, the Newcastle RL had hoped to play their All Stars game on March 3 at the venue but baulked at the cost with the game to now be played at St John Oval in Charlestown

“There was a difference of around $1300 between the two venues which is a significant amount for us,” he said.

“We are disappointed because we saw it as a good opportunity to promote that event at a really good, new venue and at the same time, assist the Maitland club.

“But it was a dollar decision for us. The fees that they wanted were simply beyond us and we couldn’t justify the extra spend.”

Harris said he hopes common sense prevails in on-going negotiations between the Council and the Pickers.

“I’ve been up there and had a look and it looks like a fantastic facility and both us [Newcastle RL] and the Maitland club were looking forward to playing there every second week,”he said.

“Everyone was excited but now everyone’s a bit deflated and nervous about what’s going to happen and if the Pickers will be able to afford to play there at all.

“We haven’t been able to hold this event there and unless things change, it’s unlikely we will hold other events there. If Maitland aren’t there, I’m not sure who is going to be.

“Potentially, it could just sit there. It’s got white elephant written all over it so hopefully, common sense prevails and it can be resolved amicably.” 

All Stars teams:

Newcastle Indigenous All Stars:

Simon Allen, Isaac Briggs, Randal Briggs, Scott Briggs,Brad Russell, Matt Simon, Andy Sumner, Adam Swadling [Macquarie], Josh Charles,Jacob Gagai, Jamie Ghoulmieh, Cody Robbins [Lakes], Steve Gordon [Central], Jordy Mitchell, Jade Porter, Mark Walker [Kurri], Warren Schillings, Brad Tighe, Ryan Walker [Wests], Lincoln Smith [Maitland]. Development players: Aaron McGrady [Lakes], Ngangarra Barker [Maitland]. Coach: Ashley Gordon.

Newcastle All Stars:

Brad Murray, Cal Richardson, Shane Gray, Terence Seu Seu [Central Newcastle], Alex Mammone, Chanel Mata'utia, Paul Carter [Cessnock], Michael Steele, Tyme Dow Nikau [Kurri], Dylan Hartin, Mathew Craig [Lakes United], Kyle Eather, Nathan Cantor [Macquarie], Adam Clydesdale, Dane Tilse [Maitland], Ben Roose, Brendon Simpson, Jake Lawrence [South Newcastle], Mao Uta, Sam Keenan [West Newcastle]. Coach: Phil Williams.